June 2020 June

Issue No. 56 No. Issue

www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 1

Not being able to hold the anticipated street party and despite social distancing it didn’t stop villagers entering into the sprit of the day! With costumes, flags, afternoon tea and tipples not forgetting the vintage vehicles! Massive thanks go out to DJ Dave Peters for bringing us all such uplifting music and enabling our 3pm toast. A fitting tribute to our lost heroes.

More photos on pages 14 & 15

2 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

Dear reader Next deadline for July/Aug 2020 issue Many of us are still in a lock-down or semi-lockdown situation, Advertisements and Articles– June 15th depending on various factors and we hope you are all managing Next delivery date – 4th/5st July and if necessary with the help of our band of volunteers. We wish them all a huge Thank You for everything they are doing. The AbbTalk Association Committee: When we clap for our NHS heroes on Thursday evenings we also Ann Allen Editor ([email protected]) do so for all the other unsung heroes in our community. Zoe Truman Secretary ([email protected] ) As our wonderful photos show, despite not being able to Lynn Howard Treasurer ([email protected]) attend our village 75th VE Day anniversary street party certainly Andrew Rose Abbotskerswell Cricket Club Representative didn’t stop us from celebrating the day and honouring those who ([email protected]) gave their lives for us back then. Thanks to John Whitehead for John Whitehead Picture Editor ([email protected]) these lovely pics and a special Thank You to our own DJ Dave Peters who enabled us all to hear appropriate music for the occasion as Richard Whiffin Church Representative ([email protected]) we raised a toast and a cheer on the day! We also thank Dave for the music at the Thursday clap for the NHS. Sadly, as you’ll see on page 26, our Annual Garden Show has WHERE IS IT? had to be cancelled. Just as we go to print it has been decided Did you find April’s photo at Prospect Cottage Slade Lane? that to keep spirits up and give us something to focus on there will be a Scarecrow Competition with the theme of SUPER HEROES. Particularly relevant in these times. Watch out for posters. Entry

forms will be available from Model Stores so get busy! We hope that by the next issue of AbbTalk we might be able to start planning ahead for when we can all start returning to what will be our new normal and once again meeting with our friends and families. Stay safe. Ann Allen, AbbTalk Editor

[email protected] / 01626 330965 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk Thank you to the following people for our lovely cover photos: Top row Left Ness O’Hara 24.04; Right Vernon Stunt 26.04; Any ideas on this one? Taken by our photographer, 2nd Row Left Vernon Stunt 24.04; Middle Alan Reddish; Right Ness O’Hara 24.04; Bottom Left Vernon Stunt 28.04; Wild John Whitehead. If you think you know of a hidden gem Orchid and Stile Vernon Stunt 26.04; Early Morning Mandie please send your photo to John and we’ll try and include it. Redfern 29.04; Magnolia at Rose Bank John Whitehead 25.03 [email protected] Answer in July/Aug AbbTalk Huge thank you to everyone who has sent photos and articles. It’s been a tight squeeze this month with so much lovely Monthly Rainfall Totals content but please keep them coming and I’ll always do my mm ins best to include them. January 136 5.35 February 270 10.63 March 78 3.08 April has stopped the procession of wet months and if it hadn’t

been for the last 3 days of the month, it would have been one CORONOVIRUS (COVID19) — REMEMBER of the driest months I have ever recorded. Even without those 3 THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP days April only reached a total of 42mm or 1.65ins which is just

We should all follow the national advice about what to do over half the average for the month. In fact the last day and not do and the village emergency planning team is on produced half of that figure. Good for farmers and gardens standby to help in any way it can. If you have any worries though as watering was becoming a chore even though we have plenty of time to do it! please contact: Gillie Byrom (Priory) 01626 335359 07894 831441 Annual Rainfall Statistics kindly supplied by David Munden Simon Crawshaw 01626 333214 07516 500183 Kevin Farrelly 01626 354956 07917 354340 Julie Kniveton 01626 337623 07958 637641 Dave McNee 01626 352601 07931 215435 Keep up to date with the latest Covid19 advice at: David Munden 01626 356080 07980 253363 https://www.devon.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-in-devon/ Sue Collingsworth 01626 361982 07720 116187 https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus A reminder that Abbotskerswell Volunteer Phone Buddies Devon County Council news: are regularly calling those who are on their own or https://www.devonnewscentre.info/ vulnerable just to check that they are OK and all their needs are catered for, as well as to chat and natter. This is a vital For walkers the latest info on Dartmoor access: service in the community to keep us all sane in these hard https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/about-us/how-we-work/ times. Please call Liz Clowes on 01626 332092 coronavirus-update

or email [email protected] with names, Also why not join the Spotted Abbotskerswell addresses and telephone numbers of those Facebook group needing help once you have permission to do so. Check out the parish website: ww.abbotskerswell.org.uk www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 3

St Mary’s Church Priest: Rev Michael Wilkie Parish Office: The Parish Office Church End Road Kingskerswell TQ12 5LD Tel: 01803 873006 Office Hours: M-F 10:00am – 2:30pm E-mail: [email protected] Church Wardens Pam Wakeham Tel: 07526 470080 Richard Whiffin Tel: 01626 365626 Please note our website: www.abbotskerswellchurch.org.uk Pastoral letter June 2020 Christians ask God to bless the crops and give a good harvest. It is worth keeping in mind this important religious It is now June which means that we are now approaching the observance at this time of year when we are planting and half-way point of the year. Well at least we can say that this planning ahead. But this idea doesn’t have to be limited to first half of 2020 was memorable. If we look out of our gardens and fields. A good spiritual exercise would be to windows it is interesting to reflect that whatever troubles also use this moment to think over how we can plant seeds and traumas we might be going through in the human world, and plan ahead in our lives as well. Crops don’t just happen nature carries on regardless. Many of us will have read the on their own, there always has be preparatory work. news stories showing how the natural world has benefited from us humans being in lock-down. There are a number of It could be that as we are thinking over what plants are conclusions we could draw from that, but what is certain is growing in the spiritual gardens of our lives, we might begin that each day is getting us closer to high summer. On the to suspect that maybe there are a few too many weeds or daily walks with my dogs in the lanes near the vicarage, it is even thistles! Well now is the time to do something about a real joy to see how everything is growing and flowering. it. This is the season to plan ahead. It’s time to work out People are planting and tending to their gardens, both for what preparatory work needs to be done and how we are flowers and food. And many farms have already cut their going to work and grow towards producing some sort of first grass for hay making. It has been a particularly good harvest that God might approve of.

Spring and it bodes well for the summer. So just as people plant seeds and feed the young plants that We are very blessed to live where we do and it is important emerge, we need to think about what seeds we are going to to look up at the world around us sometimes, especially at plant in ourselves. My advice would be that the most this difficult time. This can sometimes help us not to get so important things that feed our spiritual growth are acts of mired down in the worries and stresses of dealing with the compassion and caring for others. To grow closer to God, pandemic we forget that nothing lasts forever. We still need and to bring in a good harvest, our roots have to be deeply to plan ahead for the future and make plans. This is after all embedded in God’s compassion and love – and by what farming and gardening are all about. At the time of definition love and compassion have to involve other writing we are at the point before Ascension when we people. It’s all about how we treat others. observe Rogation– the traditional time of the year when

Vincent-van-Gogh – The Harvest – 1888 detail 4 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

What practical steps do we need to take then? Well the first Sunday Lunch one would be to decide what it is you want to grow. There Please note this is cancelled until further notice. could be a huge variety of answers to this. Maybe it is something good for a loved one or maybe an aspect of your Supporting Others character you would like to work on and grow. The possibilities are limitless but the starting point is always the A significant number of people are being visited regularly by same – it’s our relationships. church members. We will continue to do all we can in these

What is it you would like to achieve in the next 6 months? difficult times. Those who visit in people’s homes do so with What do you need to do to achieve that? the authority and support of the parish church and will pass So that by the end of the year, you will be able to look back to the clergy any need for additional spiritual support. at 2020 and feel good about something. What is the harvest If you know of anyone who would welcome a visit at home you would like to see by the year’s end? please contact Pam Wakeham, Church Warden, (07526 470080) May God bless the seeds we plant and the harvests they or Pat Heath (01626 369416). produce. Facebook 2 Corinthians 9:10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will Please visit our Facebook page for latest news and supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the information – “The Three Wells Mission Community” harvest of your righteousness. Rev Michael Wilkie VIDEO SERVICE at 10:30am on Sundays Baptism, Weddings and Funerals A video service is available every Sunday at 10:30am To make arrangements please contact the Parish Office. via the “The Three Wells Mission Community” Contact details above. Facebook page.

An Order of Service sheet is available each week from Coffee Mornings on Tuesdays in Church House the Parish Office– [email protected]

Please note this is cancelled until further notice. Abbotskerswell Primary School PTFA School Summer Fair But not as we know it…

At the time of writing, we are still trying to work out the legalities and logistical details… The idea is to have a ‘stall crawl’ around the village with the stalls on various front drives.

There will hopefully be plants, cakes and tea towels of ‘Abbotkserswell in Lock down’ to buy and we have other ideas too! We are working hard to ensure we comply with all regulations, so hopefully you can squeeze the 4th July in to your social calendar!

Also congratulations to Lydia Denyer for winning May’s lottery draw with the lucky bottle top being chosen by the Baird boys.

We look forward to seeing you on the 4th!

PTFA

United, devoted, for our children www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 5

I was sat comfortably on my bed in my pjs, sipping or maybe swigging a glass of fruit cider enjoying a Zoom catch up with my friends ‘Ladies who Lunch in Lockdown’. I heard a ping on my phone and that was a message from Yvonne, a director from our local residential home Mallands with an urgent request for sets of scrubs and there the story begins. Funnily enough I had been having a conversation with an ex villager Viv Bell (I prefer to call her an honorary villager as she is always on call if I need her help with Village Garden Show/Street party etc etc). She had been making scrubs for Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and so once again I got on the phone to her and asked how I could get a similar pattern. I also contacted Wendy Grierson who is Chairman of the Parish Council, chaired the meeting of the Covid-19 Emergency Group and knows her way round a sewing pattern. The next person to get hold of was Jane Kendall who has endless contacts and again had the sewing knowledge needed. I have very little, but am good at washing and ironing and running around!! I also phoned Annie Richards who taught textiles and knew she would have the skills to enlarge the pattern and then make up the larger size scrubs. Saturday 18th – Wendy had made contact with Viv and collected a pattern which we could copy for people to cut the material. Jane had come up with a list of machinists and started to make contact with them and I put a message out on Spotted Abbotskerswell rather nervously as I had been persuaded to join this thing called Facebook to keep up to date during the pandemic. My message was requesting bedding and material we could use for the scrubs….well it worked and we had a fab response so there were bags turning up on my doorstep all day. My home turned into a laundry as each piece of material needed to be washed at 60 degrees on a cotton wash and then ironed ready to be cut. Fortunately, I had help with this from Jen Hersey, Mandy Henwood, Amy Hedger and Claire Mitchell. Wendy, Jane and I had decided to form a production line. Wendy was cutting paper patterns from unwanted wallpaper rolls and making cotton drawstrings for the scrub bottoms, Jane together with Val Barber were cutting the material and putting into packs for our machinists who were incredible and need a mention by name:- Jane Taylor, Ali Peters, Jen Hersey, Emma Grice, Gill Bradford, Jenni Eyles, Jane Ackers, Jan Ray, Christine Buckley, Mary Austen, Celia Rose, Rosemary Whiffin and Jan Pappas. Jan has also headed a team of ladies who have made 250 plus scrubs for the Covid and Louisa Cary wards. Finally, we must mention Wendy Preston who has made an astounding fifty sets of scrubs with Val her sister cutting like mad to keep up with her. Wednesday 21st April – Mallands Residential Home had their first 12 sets of scrubs. Thursday 23rd April – I had a message from one of my Sunday paper girls from when I had the shop and who happened to be an ex neighbour as well. Esther Crompton is in her final year at Newcastle University training to be a doctor and she had been called onto the front line at the city’s hospital. She was starting her work on the following Monday and had been desperately trying to buy her own scrubs as the hospital were short. The only size she could get was 3XL – she is a small 5’ 3” lass! Jane once again used her contacts and managed to get material from Percy’s Haberdashery and cut out the material. Friday 24th April – I delivered the material for two sets of scrubs to Jane Taylor who contacted me at 4.15pm to say she had made both sets – WOW. I ran into the shop and asked the girls to delay the postman and then hot footed it to meet Jane at the bottom of Forde Road, then ran back home to parcel up the scrubs for posting. The parcel reached Esther by special delivery at 10.30am the next morning and she could not thank everybody enough. Real team effort! That week was pretty manic along with the next couple of weeks. We started making face masks with off cuts of the materials we had been using. More sewers came on board for this, some using machines and some hand sewing. These lovely ladies were Ann Allen, Ann Down, Annie Watts, Jenny Bellotti, Loveday Ferguson, Paula Simmons, Sue Brown. Thanks to an extremely kind donation from Andy and Val and Wendy’s handiwork Christine Farley, Jane has been able to purchase elastic for only another 48 sets to go! the masks again from Percy’s. The masks are available in the village shop for a donation to the ROWCROFT COVID-19 APPEAL. Along with the masks, we made up packs of bunting for the village to put together for VE75 DAY Celebrations. It was unfortunate that we were unable to have the organised Val trying out the unicorn scrubs Street Party, but nevertheless the day was enjoyed by many. We asked for donations for to be sent to Louisa Cary ward this as well to Rowcroft and the village were very generous in their support. Wendy Grierson had a request from Heart Radio via Alison at Rowcroft to record our story which was played on the day. Rowcroft also sent a lovely message to the village on Facebook which is also printed opposite.

6 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

Here is a list of where the Abbotskerswell Scrubs Team efforts have been distributed. By team we mean everyone from providing material, washing, making and donating. MALLANDS RESIDENTIAL HOME – 19 sets of scrubs and scrub bags + 55 masks + 5 headbands SOUTH DEVON CARE SERVICES – 20 sets of scrubs and scrub bags (donation has kindly been made to Rowcroft COVID-19 Appeal for these) CHILDRENS WARD AT TORBAY – 9 sets of scrubs and scrub bags A & E TORBAY HOSPITAL – 26 sets of scrubs, some with bags KINGSKERSWELL AND IPPLEPEN PRACTICE – 12 sets of scrubs + 2 scrub bags + 1 headband MAPLETON RESIDENTIAL HOME – 4 sets of scrubs + 2 bags PRIVATE REQUESTS – 5 sets scrubs + 30 masks

ROWCROFT COVID-19 APPEAL – The group has so far made 50 sets of bunting packs and 180 masks. We thought if we made these available for a donation then the whole village have contributed in some way to the team and a good and relevant cause. Thank you to Chris and her staff from CENTRAL@MODELSTORES for allowing us to stock them at the shop. Although we have slowed down somewhat we are, at the time of writing this, still making masks which can be obtained from the shop for a donation to ROWCROFT. Two of the NHS’s fantastic nurses modelling their 'hotdog' scrubs before Finally, we would like to say that it has all been a truly wonderful effort from the starting work on Louisa Cary at Torbay village in whatever capacity and we should all be very proud of ourselves! Lynn Howard, Wendy Grierson and Jane Kendall

Two of the wonderful staff at South Devon Care Services that have been provided with scrubs from our village Here are some of Mallands caring staff where the story began The following thank you note was received from Rowcroft Hospice on 8th May Today, as we mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, we’d like to shine a light on the amazing community spirit that we’re seeing day-in-day-out throughout this COVID-19 pandemic – reminiscent of the community spirit shown in the Second World War. We’re so inspired to see so many people joining together across South Devon, rallying behind our nurses, doctors and careworkers – who are bravely continuing to care for their patients, despite the unbelievable challenges. It is this sense of community spirit that keeps them going – just as it kept the country and troops going in the war.

We're so, so grateful to everyone who is giving so much of themselves in so many different ways. For example, the fabulous team of volunteer sewers in Abbotskerswell, who have been endlessly sewing scrubs for local carers and Torbay hospital. They have also been making and selling union jack bunting and masks to raise money for Rowcroft.

We’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone across all corners of Devon and beyond for helping us to get through this crisis, and for your unwavering, incredible community spirit.

Enjoy your celebrations today, whatever you’re up to. And stay safe

www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 7

AbbPast : The History Group of Abbotskerswell AbbPast Extras – Village Post Boxes

With social distancing still being adhered to we once again offer a double dose of AbbPast Extra, with a varied mix of history being covered. We have a new topic, that of ‘Village People’, and something more solid. In 1. Industry and Commerce we covered the story of the village’s three (since then four) Post Office sites with reference being made to the post boxes, so here we look at them on their own. We know that there was a wall box in 1857 but in 1872 the opening of a Post Office at 1 Well Cottage meant a box was installed there, shown left. The box had been covered over but renovation work revealed it again in 2010 and incredibly the word LETTERS was still visible on its wood, and on an enamel plate it noted that “LETTERS WHICH CONTAIN COIN. WILL, IF POSTED AS ORDINARY LETTERS, BE CHARGED ON DELIVERY WITH A SPECIAL REGISTRATION FEE OF EIGHT PENCE.” When the PO moved into Ellen Prowse’s shop a wall box was eventually added there, as shown right; it was eventually replaced with the red metal style, as shown in the 1980s. When the PO moved down to the old Co-op a pillar box replaced the wall box; the picture below shows the pillar box and the plastered up hole of the old wall box.

Interestingly the pillar box is a Type B George VI (1936–1952) box, so obviously we were given a recycled box rather than a nice new Elizabeth II box. However, when the new development of Wilton Way was built in the 1960s we

did get an EIIR pedestal version, the ER2, similar to the one at the top of the village. The Priory has the newest box, an ER pedestal with an aluminium plate on it, shown far right. At the top of Ford Road, right, and at Stoneyhill there are lamp boxes, where the box is fitted to a lamp or a post with a side

bracket, both are from the EIIR period. Our oldest box is at Two Mill Oak, shown left, where the wall box features the GR cipher on it, meaning it is from the reign of King George V (1910–1936), and is built into the wall buttress of the pub.

8 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

AbbPast Extras Again – Village People 1. Colin MacLean

This is a picture of two village lads with lives ahead of them, Billy Mortimer on the left and Colin MacLean. In 1957 Colin joined the RAF and would be part of a remarkable story shown in these photographs that he sent to me recently.

He trained as a signaller and here he is seen at work setting up the morse code links from Christmas Island to Fiji in the early 1960s. What Colin would witness in his time there was indeed historic and dangerous. In 1957 Britain detonated its first Hydrogen Bomb just off the island followed by two more over the island. In 1962 Britain supported the USA’s atomic bomb programme by allowing the base to be used for 22 nuclear explosions, for which British servicemen were used as witnesses. This was known as Operation Dominic and the photographs that follow show the explosions and were taken by Colin.

The distinctive mushroom cloud can be seen here and below he shows the troops who watched them.

At first the troops stood but were blown over so were then allowed to sit down. Fortunately Colin survived the after effects of these tests, many were less fortunate.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE CANCELLED OUR JUNE & JULY ABBPAST MEETINGS

www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 9

EXPIRES Jun 2020 Jun EXPIRES

10 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 11

HAIR Cair The Salon in the Village TO ADVERTISE HERE email: [email protected] for a price list Tree surgery Hedge Trimming ROB EWERS When contacting advertisers Ladies, Gents & Children’s Hairdressing Felling~Pruning 4 Arch Cottages please mention AbbTalk Stump Grinding Kingsteignton

Log Delivery Free Estimates Fully Insured Tel: 07878 265631 for an appointment call Abbotskerswell 361600 Woodchip Supplied email: [email protected]

TOLCHARDS ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS

ALL ELECTRICAL WORK UNDERTAKEN SAM TOLCHARD FULLY QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

DOMESTIC | INDUSTRIAL | COMMERCIAL [email protected] 07368508127

12

Cleaner Ovens Established in 2003 Office: 01626 363748 Let us put the sparkle back into your Oven Prices from £50.00 Telephone Chris Hallwood

Freephone: 0800 5838463 Mobile: 07966 613160

1313

Thanks also go to our primary school headmaster Kevin Martin for allowing the music to be played from the school grounds, to Marie Farrelly for opening the gates and Kevin Farrelly for his assistance on the day along with Amy Hedger, Lynn Howard, Central@Model Stores for selling bunting in aid of Rowcroft Hospice and Orchard Café and Deli for supplying delicious cream teas.

Well done to everyone who had a hand in this lovely event.

14 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

LANES AND FOOTPATHS OF ABBOTSKERSWELL

A big thank you to the AbbPast Committee and especially Pete Wade for the publication of “Lanes and Footpaths of Abbotskerswell”. The timing could not have been more apt with the lockdown we have been experiencing. I duly picked up a copy at the beginning of the outbreak and was interested to read of the 12 paths around the village and something of their history. Having lived in the village for over 20 years I was familiar with most of them, but surprisingly not all. So, I set myself the challenge of walking all 12 paths during my daily walking exercise. Several I had not walked for a few years and springtime was a good time to reacquaint myself with what they have to offer. Though I had walked along Vicarage Lane a few times it must be 15 years since I made it to the very end. It was fascinating to gain a totally different perspective on the village and there were some clear views of the Priory in all its glory, which added to the previous booklet on the building Lanes and Footpaths of and its inhabitants. Walks 10–12 were totally new to me, though Abbotskerswell I have passed the ends of the lanes many times without investigating, and they too added to my appreciation of the Congratulations village and its surroundings. Gotem was particularly rewarding as the bluebells were in full flower under the arch of trees. To There was a real sense of satisfaction in having completed the challenge I set myself and, therefore, I offer this suggestion to fill those hours when you are wondering what to do. You can ______even print yourself off this certificate of achievement as a point of discussion when we start meeting up again within our homes. on completing all the 12 walks as set out in the 2020 Abbpast publication “The Lanes and Footpaths of Abbotskerswell” during Andy Rose coronavirus social distancing.

www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 15

01626 333387 For anyone who is shielding and cannot get out Chris and her staff will be taking orders by telephone for home delivery. Please ring after 3pm. Deliveries will be made on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday only.

The shop will be processing home delivery orders between 11am and 3.30am each day so if you can refrain from visiting the shop during that time it will make it much safer for all.

Payment can be accepted over the phone or cash in an envelope on delivery.

All meals only £6.00 including delivery Payment taken by card over the phone

* Please note the menu below is subject to change. Monday: Curry with Rice Tuesday: Sausage, mash and vegetables Wednesday: Lasagne and salad Thursday: Pie and vegetables Friday: Cod, chips and Peas Saturday: Homemade quiche and salad Sunday: Cottage pie and vegetables * Please note any orders for Sunday will be delivered on Saturday. Add pudding of the day for £3.50 * For any dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, gluten free etc.) please contact us to discuss. There will be an additional charge of £1.50 Please phone 01626 335561 by 2pm day before. Orders placed after this time cannot be guaranteed. New take away menu coming soon. Please keep an eye on our facebook page and café window for updates. We are working hard to make sure we adhere to government guidelines to keep our customers and team safe so please bear with us during this adjustment period. We can't thank you enough for your ongoing support. We are so lucky to be part of this amazing village.

16 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

HOMEMADE FISH PIE

creamed potatoes & vegetables

BREADED WHOLETAIL SCAMPI deep fried until golden, fries, garden peas & mixed salad

SMOKED HADDOCK FISHCAKES

mozzarella, potato & spring onion in a crispy crumb, fries & mixed salad DELIVERY & TAKEAWAY MENU BATTERED FISH DELIVERY TIMES fillet of white seasonal fish, fries, homemade Monday to Friday 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 8pm mushy peas & homemade tartare sauce Saturday & Sunday ALL DAY 12pm – 8pm SPICY VEGETABLE BURRITOS

courgettes, sweetcorn, kidney beans & peppers in VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.courtfarminn.com a tangy salsa; topped with melted cheese; sour to see our full menu and place your order or call cream dip & mixed salad 01626 361866 BUTTERNUT SQUASH WELLINGTON £10 Main Course spinach & goat’s cheese, caramelised onion & £15 Two Courses walnuts, port & berry jus, new potatoes & seasonal vegetables STARTERS SALADS MARINAED OLIVES & WARM RUSTIC BREADS HOMEMADE SCOTCH EGG SALAD NACHOS FRESH PRAWN & MARIE ROSE SALAD

tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapeño PIZZA & FRIES DEAL peppers, guacamole, sour cream & salsa Pan Artisan Focaccia Romana Flatbread BREADED WHITEBAIT TWO PIZZAS WITH FRIES & DIP £15 lemon mayonnaise & mixed leaves MARGARITA HAM & PINEAPPLE CORNISH BRIE PEPPERONI coated in golden breadcrumbs, cranberry dip & BBQ CHICKEN & BACON mixed leaves SPICY MEATBALL

HOISIN DUCK, SPINACH, PEPPERS & SPRING ONION THAI CHICKEN SPRING ROLLS MEDITERRANEAN PIZZA – Vegan option available – sweet chilli dip contains pine nuts

£3 supplement MAINS DESSERTS ROAST OF THE DAY roast potatoes, fresh vegetables, homemade gravy HOT CHOCOLATE FONDANT & trimmings chocolate fondant centre, custard or cream

CURRY OF THE DAY APPLE & MIXED FRUIT CRUMBLE basmati rice & prawn crackers custard or double cream

TREACLE SPONGE PUDDING STEAK & KIDNEY PIE rich butterscotch sauce, custard or cream buttered new potatoes & vegetables CRÈME BRÛLÉE TART LASAGNE traditional homemade beef lasagne, fries & mixed salad CHOCOLATE PROFITEROLES choux pastry filled with cream & topped with HOMEMADE STEAK BURGER chocolate sauce fries, coleslaw, onion rings & mixed leaves Debbie & The Court Farm Team would like to 8oz SIRLOIN STEAK – AVAILABLE WITH 24 HOURS NOTICE thank you for supporting local businesses £5 supplement during this difficult time.

www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 17

TIMBER

OAK FRAMING TRADITIONAL JOINERY GARDEN ROOMS TIMBER GARAGES

Office: 01803 414360 Mob: 07966 467508

[email protected]

www.devontimberdesigns.co.uk

WILDWOODS LANE, MARLDON , DEVON TQ3 1RS

18 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

We must save Dingley Dell Castle by Bryony Maunder with illustrations by Moira Devlin

Chapter 2

Mr Baines, a bachelor in his forties had lived on the Estate for more years than he cared to remember, his duties included managing the surrounding woodland, game keeper and general handyman but his main duty and love was his role of looking after the small herd of Red Devon cattle, a stockman at heart he loved the cattle and took great pride in their care, in the spring he helped new calves into the world, watched them grow, and was always sad when he had to send off the steers to market in the autumn. The Estate could no longer keep a bull in the herd but often brought one in 'on loan' this kept the bloodline strong and the herd had thrived and won a lot of rosettes at the county shows, at last year's show his prize heifer had been awarded best overall champion and several bull calves had been sold to other farmers to continue the prize bloodline on neighbouring farms. Today though was the day of the local village show and he would accompany Mrs Drummond and her miniature ponies Pippin and Merry as she entered the horse and trap races later that day. The trap had been polished as were the leather bridles and reigns, the ponies were washed and shampooed for the event and even their tiny hooves had been polished to perfection, manes and tails were platted and ribbons threaded through each, now all safely loaded the horse box was about to pull out of the yard when Gem sped down the lane and leapt up into the cab, resting with back feet on Mr Baines lap and front paws on the dashboard panting expectantly eyes focussed ahead. 'Oh you're coming are you Gem? Well better be on best behaviour today, no disappearing in the crowd this time you scamp'. Fly curled up at Mr Baines feet as they bumped down the lane towards the main road. Mrs Drummond was a kindly lady, she loved the miniature ponies, Merry and Pippin were twins, chestnut coloured with huge chestnut manes which fell forward over their foreheads, their little pricked up ears gave them a comical appearance. Her greatest joy was attending the local shows and the stable walls were covered in rosettes from previous events. In no time, the horse box arrived at the show ground and joined the queue of cars, traders vans and animal trailers, all eager to get onto the show ground and set up for the day, in amongst these was an old yellow camper van with brightly coloured flowers painted on both front doors. Tom and Sally were also looking forward to the day and had been up since dawn packing their information boards, leaflets and tables plus a large picnic basket and a flask of tea for the journey. Mrs Drummond swung the large horse box into position in the pony field and she and Mr Baines carefully opened the large back doors of the horse lorry, gently pulled down the ramp and offloaded the trap and the two excited ponies. Merry and Pippin were then tied to the side of the lorry whilst they set up the trap and made ready for the day. In the background noise you could hear the tannoy as marks were handed out for the first events of the day, some of the show jumping competitions had already taken place, Mrs Drummond felt very glad not to have been competing at such an early hour, her competition wouldn't begin for at least another two hours, plenty of time to look around and find some much needed breakfast. The show ground was already filled with trade stands and marquees, the WI tent was still closed for judging and the atmosphere inside was intense as Vera Doubleday sampled the line of Victoria sponges and Mrs Vickers examined the craft entrants, occasionally tut tutting at standards below par or nodding with appreciation at some of the excellent work one or two of her branch had submitted again this year. The atmosphere had built to a climax of anticipation until finally the awards were given, a gold card here, a highly commended there. At last nerves were soothed and everyone could relax and have a jolly good time for the rest of the day whilst secretly already planning for next year. Mr Henley, the local Bank manager was today fulfilling his role as the bowler hatted steward of the pony and trap driving competition, his secretary Miss Fielding 's job was to hand out the numbers which were to be displayed prominently on the back of each trap ticking off each name as they went along, “Come on woman get a move on!” he shouted at Miss Fielding as she dropped all the numbers nervously. “I'm so sorry sir, I'm all fingers and thumbs, I will try and hurry up” “Stupid woman” he muttered as he moved on pulling his exasperated hands from his pockets and dropping some litter as he strode on moodily, she bent down picking up the scattered numbers and his litter and hurried after him quite in a flap! Poor Miss Fielding. Mr Henley was a stickler for discipline and had a gruff unpleasant manner and Miss Fielding was eager to please but always at the mercy of his temper, she was a single lady, no longer in her prime and more than a little nervous of men at the best of times.

www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 19

Mrs Drummond tied number 369 on the back of her trap and then she and Mr Baines set off to look around with Fly and Gem. As they walked through the pony field Mrs Drummond groaned “oh no! It's that awful Simmons woman, she must be competing again this year! We beat her last year! It's her husband who is trying to buy our land for his development of luxury housing!” As they walked past they could easily hear Mrs Simmons boasting loudly that it wouldn't be long before she would be moving into one of the luxury houses soon to be built on the Drummond estate, “Over my dead body” thought poor Mrs Drummond, “what a horrible woman!” Mrs Simmons tied her competitors number onto the back of her trap, “Good “she thought “555 my favourite number I'm bound to win this year!” As she left the field to find some tea she sneakily slipped Bob one of the stewards a crisp £20 note with instructions to undo the main bolts connecting the trap to the ponies on number 369 just before the competition. “That will be fun to watch” she sniggered as she headed for the tea tent! Already the show ground was getting very busy with shoppers and crowds filling the various aisles. Trade was brisk in the shopping marquee and it wasn't long before Gem slipped her lead and vanished into the crowd. Gem wandered around through a forest a legs, sniffing here and there until she came across the yellow camper, Sally had just fried up some bacon in the back and was filling the rolls from the picnic basket when Gem appeared and jumped up hoping for a snack “Hello” she called to the little dog “And who are you? I expect you want a bacon roll too!” Tom checked Gem's collar, “There is a number on the collar but it is a landline, we had better take her over to the Show ground office after breakfast, but we are getting busy now, I don't want to miss handing out any leaflets”. Gem sat in the back of the camper enjoying her bacon roll listening to Sally and Tom talking very passionately to the passing visitors, “Yes it is just SO exciting” Tom was telling people “We now have one pair of beavers living in the river, we really hope that they will breed, it will make such a difference to the flood defence program in the area and the beavers will provide such a lot of new habitat for other wildlife” He continued“ My wife Sally and I are working for the Nature Trust, we live on site in the camper and our job is to monitor the beavers, they are even fitted with microchips so we can follow them and record their movements, one day we hope most rivers will support beavers but of course funding is a problem so please take a leaflet and any donation for our work would be fantastic” At last Sally was able to carry Gem over to the stewards office and she was re united with Mr Baines who was not at all amused, Gem was confined to the cab of the horse box for the rest of the morning in disgrace whilst he assembled the ponies and trap ready for the competition. Suddenly a very flustered and red faced Miss Fielding appeared “I'm so sorry” she cried “I've got it all wrong! I gave you the wrong number!', I've made a terrible mess of things! Mr Henley gets so cross with me! She gave them a new number and was about to hurry away when Mr Baines plucked up all his courage and asked Miss Fielding if he could possibly have her phone number and maybe he could take her out to tea one afternoon? There was an excellent cafe on the Estate, she blushed and fumbled amongst her papers finding an envelope to quickly write her phone number on and handed it to Mr Baines, “so kind” she answered and hurried away. Little did she know that the envelope had been dropped in amongst other the rubbish by Mr Henley and it contained something very important! Mrs Drummond climbed onto the trap and they set off towards the main ring just in time to see Mrs Simmons also climb aboard her trap, trying to get in front she cracked her whip, the two ponies took off at great speed with Mrs Simmons firmly gripping the reigns, she shot off the trap flying through the air before landing face down in a fresh cow pat leaving the stationary trap behind her. The ponies dragged her face down through several other cow pats before coming to rest in the stream! On the back of her trap the number 369 fell down into the water and floated away unseen. Mrs Simmons had to withdraw from the competition and cursing she marched back to her horse box in a temper wiping her face to remove the cow dung and straw, her tweed skirts soaked and muddy. Mrs Drummond, Merry and Pippin won yet another red rosette for the stable

20 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk door whilst Mr Baines spent most of the afternoon sampling the various brews in the beer tent, (luckily he was not the driver). Gem won the Terrier race in the afternoon and Fly won a string of doggie sausages in the one man and his duck competition, which showed off her Collie expertise of being able to drive a flock of ducks through several gates, round a pond and into a “ducky corral” in under five minutes! Tom and Sally packed away the camper happy that they had spread the word about the beavers, they had had several excellent donations and had run out of leaflets by 4.30! It seems people were fascinated by beavers and eager to learn more about them. So an excellent day was had by all. Mr Baines kept the envelope safely stowed in his back pocket looking forward to his phone call to Miss Fielding next week.

Chapter 3 coming next month!

Copyright © Bryony Maunder (2019)

The rights of Bryony Maunder to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publishers

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claim for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library ISBN 9781999377120

First published (2019) Maundevlin Publishers A selection of photos taken by Alan Reddish.

This beautiful fox visited 10, St Marys Close back garden at 09.15 on April 7th, it seemed quite relaxed and after 15 minutes curled up and was preparing for a snooze, when Roses unfortunately it was disturbed and 9th May disappeared as fast as it came.

Below is a sunset over Abbotskerswell taken on 4th May.

Our garden Fox - 7th April

DJ Dave Peters VE day 75th celebration 8th May 2020 Union Flag over Abbotskerswell - 9th May

www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 21

6) Main Agenda a) Report from County Cllr A Dewhirst – copy of report attached to the minutes. b) Report from District Cllr M Colclough & District Cllr R Daws – Cllr Mrs M Colclough reported “I have joined in Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held th one practice virtual meeting. Three virtual meetings are Monday 27 April 2020 being arranged. Executive 19 May, Planning Committee 9 Meeting held by e-mail due to current meeting restrictions June, Strata executive 16 June. 200 staff are being Agenda Circulated – Cllr Mrs W Grierson (Chairman), Cllr Mrs M furloughed with the majority being in the leisure team. Colclough, Cllr Mrs A Allen, C Cllr A Dewhirst, Cllr C Ward, Cllr Despite everything I think TDC are doing a good job, Mrs A Walkden, Cllr P Richards, Cllr P Marino, Cllr Mrs L Clowes, especially with refuse collecting.” D Cllr R Daws, Mr V Stunt (Allotments). c) Natural Environment

Declarations of interest a. Tree Warden Report – Cllr Mrs A Walkden reported 1) Minutes of the Parish Council meeting – Monday – work has continued down at the orchard to keep Monday 30th March 2020. nettles on the path clear, trees are looking in good condition and are in blossom. Currently we are The minutes have been distributed and read – Proposed making some enquiries about applying for further by Cllr P Marino & seconded by Cllr P Richards. community funding to add some cider apple trees 2) Public Time (Limited to 15 Minutes) – No points raised. to the orchard in the future. 3) Planning Applications & Decisions b. Allotments Report. a) Application no 20/00433/FUL – 1 Manor Gardens – Two c. Sustainable Abbotskerswell – Community meetings storey extension with balcony forming annexe. The currently on hold until further notice. The Parish Council object to this application – the principle adoption of the Climate and Environment of the application is acceptable but it cannot be Emergency Declaration which has been circulated supported in its current form because of the inadequate will be adopted at July’s AGM. heritage/conservation statement and out-of-date d) Transport and Accessibility ecology report from 2015 and the fact that the proposal a. Emergency Planning Committee report – Cllr Mrs W is not really an annexe subservient to the main dwelling. Grierson reported – We were approached by

4) Matters Arising Mallands Care Home in the village just over a week a) NA3 update – Cllr Mrs W Grierson reported – APC, WRA ago now and asked if we might be able to help them and CPRE sent a joint letter to Phil Shears re Teignbridge by making some scrubs, as they were District Council – Local Plan 2013–2033 – Five-year Review struggling. Lynn Howard, Jane Kendall and myself & Teignbridge Local Plan Part 1 (2020–2040) Consultation put a request out on Spotted Abbotskerswell for on April 22nd. To date APC has not received a response or donations of sheets and bedding. We had a reply but in the meantime there has been some activity on tremendous response and got to work washing and the Newton Says No Facebook page. Andrew MacGregor, ironing all the donations. Viv Bell who is now in Lib Dem Councillor for Bishopsteignton and Portfolio Teignmouth was able to give us a pattern for scrubs Holder for Sport, Recreation & Culture posted a long letter as they have a team of people putting them together from Gordon Hook. I have attached it so read it for over there. I cut out additional paper patterns and yourselves and make up your own minds. I do not think we got a team of village sewers cutting out and then that this is the right place to deal with these matters and G sewing together. We were able to give Mallands the Hook seems to be lumping WRA, APC, CPRE in with Newton 12 sets that they asked for within 5 days. A Says No. Although we agree with much of NSN, we are not marvelous effort. Since then we have made 4 more the same organization and we have a very different sets for Mallands, 2 sets for a young new medic who approach. Paul Evemy has written to GH asking for a used to live in the village and who was having retraction. Anyway I think that this is a disappointing way trouble sourcing scrubs for her new position, 2 sets for the Leader of the Council to react to a Parish for Belinda from the shop’s husband and then an Council. You can see the whole thread on the NSN additional 20 sets for The Grange in Ipplepen and Facebook page under their post of 22nd April. Ridgecourt in Totnes! Efforts have now turned to We are still waiting for the outcome of the Appeal to the making masks, these will be for the care homes in Wolborough Application from the Secretary of State. TDC the first place but we are mindful that there may be have not yet issued the approval document for the a need in the community in the coming weeks and Langford Bridge Application which was approved by the so we may be able to make them up for residents. Planning Committee in 2019. We are hoping for donations for some of these b) New Village Signs – currently on hold. scrubs and masks and propose to donate any money c) Noticeboard Repairs– currently on hold. raised to Rowcroft Hospice. There have been about d) Parish Council Vacancy – not filled so far, any 25 people in the production of these scrubs and suggestions welcome. One person has been approached masks. Ranging from washing, ironing, cutting, but has not come back with any reply so far. sewing and and distributing. The standard of sewing has been fantastic and very professional. We have a 5) Correspondence Matters not requiring discussion placed in the folder to be lot of talented sewers in the village. Not forgetting circulated. everyone who donated. Thank you to everyone. A tremendous effort.

22 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

b. P3 Report Cheque no 1850 = £72.00 (vat £12.00) – Maker Coating Systems c. DCC, Highways, Potholes, Roads & Hedges. Ltd (Pavillion Paint). e) Economy and Employment Cheque no 1851 = £362.86 (vat £42.86) – DALC (Annual Sub). f) Community, Facilities and Assets Cheque no 1852 = £42.00 (vat £7.00) – Geoxphere Ltd (Parish a. Abbotskerswell Recreation Association report – online sub). Cllr P Marino reported as follows – Kevin Farrelly Cheque no 1853 = £48.00 (vat £8.00) – Clystnet Ltd (Web Support). has completed the repainting of the Pavillion to Cheque no 1854 = £7.46 (vat £1.24) – Sharon Raggett (Envelopes). cover up the graffiti previously reported at the Cheque no 1855 = £2000.00 – Abbotskerswell Recreation recreation ground. Quotes are still being sought Association (Annual Grant). for the repair of the skateboard ramps in order to Bank Balances address the findings of the latest ROSPA report. ARA Account Balance April 2020 = £1,314.11 b. Village Hall Report – Cllr P Marino reported – Village Events Account - £551.28 (held within ARA Account). although the Village Hall Trust has not met since Parish Council Bank Balance April 2020 = £30,343.85 February updated quotes are still being sought P3 = £700.00 (held within Parish Council Account). from Building Contractors in connection with the 8) Any Items to go onto next Parish Council Meeting’s Agenda. new Kitchen/Chair store extension to enable a grant application to be submitted to Viridor at the Next Parish Council Meeting Abbotskerswell Parish Rooms – next possible opportunity. Monday 18th May 2020 @ 7.30pm.

c. Consultations. ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAS SPECIAL NEEDS AND d. Communications Committee Report – Cllr Mrs A REQUIRES A COPY OF THESE MINUTES SENT TO THEM – Allen reported – The call out in AbbTalk for villagers PLEASE CONTACT THE CLERK – 01364 654607 to send in material and photos for the May issue proved very successful and the issue will provide 2019 PARISH COUNCILLORS AND CONTACT POINTS some interesting articles. We have also included updated information from Model Stores, Court Farm (Vice Chairman) Cllr P Marino and Orchard Cafe regarding their services during this 31 Wilton Way, Abbotskerswell, TQ12 5PG 01626 353889 or [email protected] time along with further suggested website links to District Cllr Mrs M Colclough various coronavirus help. There is also a note 1 Borthay Orchard, Abbotskerswell regarding our delivery system in case anyone is 01626 367176 or [email protected] concerned about handling paper items coming Cllr P Marino (Chair—Planning) through their letterboxes. This will also go on social [email protected] media and the website. (Chairperson) Mrs W Grierson Cllr Mrs L Clowes has offered to host future Parish Abbotsford, Slade Lane, Abbotskerswell Council meetings during Lockdown by Zoom. The 01626 353701 or [email protected] Parish website is being regularly updated. Cllr Mrs Liz Clowes Mote Cottage, Slade Lane, Abbotskerswell e. May 8th VE Day Street Party which we had to cancel 01626 332092 or [email protected] is now going to be a “Front Garden Party”. At about Cllr Mrs Ann Allen 2.45 till 3.15 we hope that Dave Peters will be Tree Tops, 1 Forde Close, Abbotskerswell, TQ12 5NN able to play some music and we can all have a sing 01626 330965 or [email protected] along and at 3pm a toast from our front gardens. Vacancy There is some red, white and blue fabric leftover Cllr Mrs Amy Walkden from the scrubs and we are planning on putting 2 Berry Close, Abbotskerswell TQ12 5PH together kits to make your own bunting. These 07787 135409 or [email protected] kits will be available from the shop. Keep an eye Cllr Mr Paul Richards on Spotted Abbotskerswell for details. Any money 18b Odlehill Grove, Abbotskerswell TQ12 5NJ raised from this will also go to Rowcroft Hospice. 07870123391 or [email protected] g) Reports from Parish Councillors of any external meetings County Cllr Alistair Dewhirst or Committees. Waterside, Dornafield Road, Ipplepen, TQ12 5SG a. TALC – nothing to report. Clerk: Sharon Raggett 34 Balland Park, Ashburton TQ13 7BE b. Stoneycombe Liasion – nothing to report. 01364 654607 or [email protected] 7) Cheques for Signature/Finances Parish Council Cheque no 1847 = £553.41 – Sharon Raggett (Wages April). Cheque no 1848 = £32.86 (vat £5.48) – Maker Coating Systems Ltd (Graffitti Cleaner). Cheque no 1849 = £165.00 – Chris Yates (Village Cleaning).

ABBTALK – VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTION SCHEME

Thank you once again to those who have subscribed to AbbTalk. This is helping us over a difficult time when advertising is proving hard to come by in the present climate. We are still accepting subscriptions and if you would like to be part of the scheme please contact our treasurer Lynn Howard on 07702 092278 or email [email protected] THANK YOU

www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 23

Abbotskerswell Cricket Club Where are they now?

Thanks for the interest shown in last month’s article on the history of the club’s cricket grounds. I know it has enhanced some of your walks around the village trying to spot and imagine the locations. Following on from this I was recently looking at the photo of the club members taken for the club’s centenary brochure in 1998 and wondering what has happened to everyone It is good to see several faces are still connected with the club.

Back Row left to right: Keith Green: Still lives in Abbotskerswell. Served on the committee for many years and helped with numerous practical jobs around the ground. Also, a loyal supporter with wife Sue on match days supporting his sons who played for the club. Fred Allen: Played for the club for several seasons, then played for Stokeinteignhead. Now works for Southern Timber, Ipplepen. Clive Allen: A regular wicket taker for the Seconds and often referred to as “8 for 8” because of an outstanding performance against Plymouth Civil Service. Known too for his asparagus production at Compton Farm where then wife Sarah ran the pre-school nursery. Graham Huddison: Played for the club over many, many years (did you spot him in the 1973 Haig Competition photo in last month’s issue?) before retiring from cricket and Torbay Hospital as an electrician. Still supports the club on car boot days and part of the ex-players walking group. Dave Palmer: Joined the club as a shy 14-year-old and has played on and off over the years. He keeps being drawn back and has recently been a valued member of the Seconds and a great encourager of other players. Haydn Crocker: A stalwart of the club for many years before injuries and family commitments led to retirement. Worked in the ENT department in Torbay Hospital as an audiologist. Gary Day: Grew up in the club and became Second XI captain, where he was often the leading wicket-taker and a hard- hitting batsman. Went into his own bat-making business (still a few “Red Back” bats around) and became a sports photographer. Emigrated to Australia after a couple of seasons with Shaldon Optimists. Matthew Haw: “Milky” left the club soon after the centenary season without developing his anticipated talents. Whereabouts unknown. Terry Maloney: An Australian who was definitely more of a social than playing member. Left after the season. Sean Green: Sean played as many matches as he could for the club having come to the game later than some. He scored many runs and took many wickets with his own unique action. A great servant of the club over a long period who probably retired from playing too early to concentrate on cycling. Jethro Allen: Clive’s younger son who played a few games before moving away. Bill Mortimore: Ran the bar for a long time and a fantastic servant of the club, being awarded Life Membership. Villagers celebrated his contribution to village life at his funeral in 2019.

Middle Row left to right: Stan Dryland: Second Team umpire for over 25 years before retiring and now a Life Member. With wife Chris, who helped organise teas, they regularly attended matches in their camper van providing welcome cuppas. They still live in Ogwell. Jane Ogden: Stan’s granddaughter was second team scorer before leaving. Now married and a mother herself, occasionally seen at Abbots when visiting her grandparents. James Brooks: As a teenager played 2-3 seasons before moving on from cricket.

24 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

Ed Atter:Moved to the area after living in South Africa, played a couple of seasons and moved on. Tom Banks: A former resident of the village played a few friendly games in the Centenary year before moving away. Rick Cleary: Led the bowling attack for many seasons mainly in the Seconds taking a stack of wickets before his knees gave out. Then umpired for a while. Now a member of the walking group. Ran a gardening business which is now run by his son Chris (who also played in 1998) and his van is often seen around the village. Neal Williams: Only came to league cricket in his thirties but got better and better. A prolific scorer for the Seconds before batting and wicket-keeping for the Firsts. Now lives in Pembrokeshire and not only plays for Cresselly but also Wales Seniors Over 50s Second XI, still scoring lots of runs. Phil Blackmore: A talented all-round cricketer who after sterling service at Abbots went on to captain South Devon CC before his tragic early death. Graham Broad: A combative Australian all-rounder who represented the club for two seasons as our overseas player. Marcus Green: After success at Abbots he went on to greater things in Torquay’s First team before returning to Abbots. His spin bowling was a great asset, but his mighty hitting put road users in peril. Now plays for Ipplepen CC and does some coaching with youngsters including his son. Len Blackmore: A former Second team captain turned umpire before moving to South Devon. Len contributed a lot to the club but sadly is no longer with us.

Front row from left to right: Barry Hedger: Barry is still very much at the heart of village life and to be seen serving in many capacities. Served on the committee for many years and is a trustee and life member. Has worked tirelessly hands-on to maintain and improve the grounds and facilities. Member of ex-players walking group. Dennis Smith: Long serving committee man and umpire – also a senior Devon League umpire. Still lives in Ipplepen and perhaps known to many for his spells as a Councillor in local government. Joe Clowes: Another long-term villager who gave up playing the day the ball followed him around at Alphington and he could get nowhere near it. However, served as both Club Chairman and Devon League Chairman before accepting life membership. Still enjoys working at the ground especially when he can drive the tractor. Jim Peck: Still lives in Denbury. After “retiring” having played cricket for six decades of his life he belatedly was invited by Stokeinteignhead to keep wicket for them at the age of 70! A great servant of Abbots over the years as player and coach, and a pair of his old keeper’s gloves were on display in the clubhouse for many years. Matthew Blackmore: captained Abbots Firsts before transferring to South Devon where he played for many seasons. Postman in Newton Abbot. Alistair Rooth: Former president, trustee and now life member. Always a loyal supporter of the club. Now elderly and resides at Mallands. Tony Bowhay: Mr Abbotskerswell himself is now President of Abbots and life member. His grandfather was a founder member so there is the strongest of links to the club. Played for the club in its village cricket days, looked after the ground fordec ades and follows the progress of the teams closely. Still occasionally to be seen checking on the ground and doing odd jobs. Andy Rose: First played for the club in 1990. Captained the Seconds and Thirds when it began, totalling 14 years in the roles. Recently made a life member. Plays occasional club friendlies but has represented Devon Seniors Over 60s Seconds regularly for the last five years. Member of the ex-players walking group. Eric Cole: Joined the club the same year as Rick Cleary and Andy Rose so no surprise he is also a member of the walking group. Retired shortly after receiving a blow to the head when batting after being promoted to the First XI for a rare outing. Lightening quick hands behind the stumps kept the opposition on its toes. Used to organise car boot sales. Lives in Newton. Graham Henwood: Known by all as “Crunchie” after his playing days helped behind the bar on a regular basis. Used to live in the village but now in the old alms houses in Newton. Often seen working as a gardener in the village and riding his bike. A life member. Betty Pugh: First team scorer for many years keeping the tidiest of books. Awarded life membership for her services. Still lives in Ogwell.

Others not in photo for whom details are known: Jon Aggett:As a policeman he became a sergeant of the Kingsteignton Neighbourhood Team but whereabouts now unknown. Frank Burley: Still seen at the club on Colt’s nights with his grandson. After retiring from cricket helped with sports coaching at Bradley Barton School. Gary Caunter: After several years representing the club he concentrated more on running and triathlons. Parents Esmond and Kath before they passed away were regulars on match days and fondly remembered. Alan Lewis: Played as a colt and then contributed significantly to the First team before studying in London and making a career in finance in the City. Parents Bill and Di were loyal match day supporters. David Llewellyn: Baptist minister in Teignmouth with a passion for cricket. Wholehearted all-rounder who was a loss to the club (with teenage son Jonathan too who was a promising batsman) when he moved to take charge of a church in Cardiff. www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 25

Andy Lock: Longest serving player. Still plays the occasional friendly after almost 35 years at the club. Son Jamie also played First team cricket as a teenager before work commitments took priority. Has played occasionally since, most recently in friendlies. Family including wife Helen are great supporters of the club especially at car boot sales. Carl Mitchell: A prolific batsman for the First team before a long-standing knee injury caused his retirement. Now works for the Post Office and seen driving around the lanes in Ipplepen. Damian Scarr: Son of Derek and Sue he became an accomplished Second team batsman for several seasons before work took him away to Exeter. Steve Scarr: A talented teenager and First team bowler who became more of an all-rounder. After university cricket took a back seat sadly but Steve is still seen working around the village. Keith Shakesheave: Been with the club for over 30 years as player and committee man. Still works hard as Treasurer, though now retired from work and helps oversee that car boot sales run smoothly. His long service has been recognised with life membership. Lives in Ogwell. Win Wickens: A faithful servant of the club who provided match day teas for years. Her dedicated service was rewarded with life membership. She and Doreen are still seen regularly around the village.

For further information

Just prior to going to press the club has been told by the ECB that it can operate one net at the ground involving two people only (unless from the same household), provided they follow all social distancing and hygiene rules. So you may see activity when passing the ground. Use will only be authorised through a booking system: details on the website or through the club. However, there are still no signs of any competitive cricket being played at Two Mile Oak this season, though ground staff have been able to work hard to make the pitch playable in case there is a change. For any updates on club matters you can follow us on the club website (www.abbotskerswellcc.com) or contact Chairman Paul Mitchell ([email protected]), Secretary Steve Cooper ([email protected]), or for Colts matters Geordie Catley ([email protected]).

Andy Rose 01626-351886

VILLAGE HALL VOICE

It is with a sad and heavy heart that the Village Hall Garden Show Committee have decided to cancel this year’s show. We delayed making this decision as long as possible with the hope that the COVID-19 situation would improve. Although to a degree it has there is no certainty it will remain this way. Our main concern was everyone’s safety, but after careful consideration we could not see how this would be achieved without any risk. Thank you for your ongoing support and let’s make next year’s Garden Show the best ever!

Lynn Howard 07702 092278 or email [email protected]

ABBOTSKERSWELL VILLAGE HALL TRUST – HIRE RATES

ALL BOOKINGS ARE SET AT £8.00 PER HOUR PER ROOM INC LIGHTING & HEATING One room all day ...... £100.00 One room 6pm–midnight ...... £45.00 Two rooms all day ...... £160.00 Two rooms 6pm–midnight ...... £90.00 Use of bar ...... £10.00 Weddings ...... £320.00 (includes preparations the day before and clearing up the day after) Tel: 01626 351564 Registered Charity No. 264508

26 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 27

FAGS AND OXYGEN by Valerie Roberts with illustrations by Michael Roberts

Apart from members of my family, I had never actually cared for an elderly person before. I had always liked older people. Even as a child I used to call on elderly neighbours for a chat. Their hearts must have sunk when they saw this seven-year old child heading for their back door. They were always kind though, and I loved listening to their ‘tales of long ago’. With this vast experience under my belt, I thought that a job as a Domiciliary Care Assistant would be a cinch – WRONG! The Company to which I applied, required a live-in Carer-cum Housekeeper on a two-weekly basis. My initial interview went smoothly. I could cook, I had no prejudices, cleaning wasn’t a problem and most important I could….breathe! I was assigned to look after an elderly lady for two weeks from the 28th December 1995. My destination was Bath. ‘Nervous’ doesn’t accurately described my feelings that Saturday morning. ‘Terror’ is probably a truer description. As soon as I stepped onto the train at Newton Abbot the nightmare began. Shortly after the start of the journey, passengers were informed over the Tannoy that, due to a cracked rail at Taunton, there would be a delay. There was. I arrived at Bath station so late that the lady’s son, who was due to meet me, had gone home. I decided to get a taxi. The address, together with all the other information, was in my suitcase. Whilst opening the suitcase I nicked my finger which began to bleed profusely as only a tiny nick can. Wrapping a handkerchief around my finger, I began to search through my clothing for the lady’s address. At this moment her son turned up to meet the late train. What his first impression must have been I can’t imagine. Some harassed woman, ferreting through her luggage, blood running down her finger can’t have filled him with an enormous amount of confidence. The journey to the house didn’t do much for my confidence either. He felt it might be a good idea to call on his sister before actually taking me to meet his Mother. There were things I needed to be told; it was only fair. Both his sister and he stared at me fearfully, as if I were a Christian about to be thrown to the lions. It wasn’t far from the truth. I was told that she was rather difficult, liked to have her own way, was a tad demanding and that no other Carer had remained much longer than a couple of days. Right. I think I had a pretty clear picture of what to expect. Perhaps now might be a good time to ask to be returned to the station for a train back to Newton Abbot! However… Mrs X was quite elegant in a tweedy sort of way. She seemed fairly pleasant. I tried not to notice the oxygen cylinder to which she was attached. A half-glass of gin stood on a table close to hand, and a cigarette dangled from her mouth, the smoke spiralling upwards causing her to screw up one eye. After introductions she asked me if I would care for a gin and something. Things were looking up. She seemed to be delighted when I agreed. We spent a pleasant evening chatting, and when the time came for her to go to bed the son assisted me. I suppose I was in bed by 11.00pm. Fifteen minutes later a bell rang followed by her shouting my name. Her room was downstairs, so I donned my dressing gown and hurried to see what she required. Would I place her handbag on the chair? Half an hour later she required her pillow straightened. This continued through the night. Every half-hour I was summoned for idiotic reasons, so that by the morning I was exhausted. Nevertheless – I was determined to do well. I had even brought a menu with me for the entire fortnight, and asked the daughter if she would buy the ingredients. What a greenhorn. I prepared chicken dishes, light egg dishes, cheese, beef, the choice was endless. Mrs X…would take one bite, leave the rest – and ask for some more gin. She chain-smoked and drank when she wasn’t dozing. I had been shown how to check the oxygen cylinder to see if it needed to be changed. With the combination of oxygen and cigarettes it’s a miracle that she didn’t blow us both to Kingdom Come. I tried to snatch a quick sleep when she was napping, but she seemed to have a genius for knowing when I was nodding off, and would begin to talk. I now know what sleep deprivation must be like. By the third night I had reached the end of my tether. I couldn’t sleep. I lay awake waiting for that dratted bell to ring – which it did, every half-hour. The daughter took pity on me and brought in a young neighbour (who was training to be a nurse) to sit up with ‘Annie’ on New Year’s Eve, enabling me to get a good night’s sleep. It was bliss, although I did keep on thinking that I could hear the bell. In the morning, I was awoken by the young girl. “Annie died in the night”, she announced. Perhaps “Annie” knew that her days were numbered and she was afraid to be left alone. That’s the charitable conclusion for her odd behaviour. But I must say that I am very relieved that I was not on duty the night she died – I might well have been number one suspect! I cared for the elderly for twenty-two years and never, ever did I encounter anybody or any situation like my first job. Of course there was another time when the train journey took so long that by the time I arrived at my client’s home, she had died!

28 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

Amity Veterinary Care

We understand that when your pet is poorly it is worrying and stressful, and during the current pandemic, it can feel even harder to know what to do and where to go.

Amity remains open to provide emergency services for you and your pet. If you are struggling financially, we may be able to help in this unprecedented time with our greatly discounted services below.

Helping You and Your Pet through COVID 19 pandemic…

Home Visits – Don’t come to us, WE’LL COME TO YOU! (Available to 8 mile radius of practice. Other locations may incur a surcharge) • Home visit with consultation only: £70 • Home visit with consultation and ALL oral/topical treatment (up to 7 days): £120 ALL INCLUSIVE • Free transport of small pets (in carriers) to Amity as needed • Complimentary visits to elderly and at risk pet owners. (Please ring for more details) • Not to be used with any other offers • Interest free credit available • Subject to availability

Consultations – DOING IT SAFELY • Consultation up to 30 min (Online available): £40 • Consultation up to 30 min (Online available) with oral/topical treatment up to 1 week: £90 ALL INCLUSIVE • Delivery charge £10 for medications to be sent for Online Consultations • Not to be used with any other offers • Interest free credit available • Subject to availability

To book now – call 01626 247888

Amity Veterinary Care - Family Matters

www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 29

Feature Written 18/05/2020 The Importance of Pension Provision

During the current climate, pensions and retirement planning may not be on many people’s minds; however, with many workers furloughed and the majority of activities off limits, it provides the perfect time to sit down and review what you currently have in place.

Saving for retirement has never been more important As life expectancy increases, so too does the number of years that people are likely to spend in retirement, making pension saving more important than ever. Children born in the Western world today have a better than 50% chance of living over the age of 105.

There are over 12.3 million people in the UK of pensionable age and over, accounting for 18.5% of the population (here in the South West that figure is 22.3%). That is an increase from 9.1 million people – 15.8% of the population – in 1991. It is predicted there will be an additional 8.6 million people aged 65 and over in 50 years’ time.

Ed Monk, associate director for personal investing at Fidelity International, comments: "Longer living will be very much the norm, and it is up to both government and individuals to respond. The Office for National Statistics lays out the areas – including the state pension, health and social care services and local transport – that will come under increasing strain as more older people come to rely on them. Meanwhile, there will be relatively fewer working age people to pay taxes to fund those services."

Research carried out by Fidelity with the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, showed that those people who are 45 now and go on to reach 65 will have an average life expectancy almost three years longer than today’s 65-year-olds. That is three years longer in retirement to plan and to pay for.

While auto-enrolment has got millions of people saving for retirement, many individuals are still not saving enough to ensure a comfortable future. The Pension Policy Institute has estimated as many as one in four retirees could outlive their pension pots.

Saving just a little more each month could significantly boost retirement savings

Fidelity’s research found that contributing an extra £6 a week could enhance your pension pot by as much as £60,000 by the time you retire.

Nathan Long, senior pension analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, says: "The government’s workplace pensions programme sent the number of people saving for retirement ballooning, but the amount being saved isn’t enough. To really gain control of when you leave work, consider upping the amount you pay in. Anyone retiring today needs to ensure their pension will last as long as they do."

Living longer is great news if you have the resources and good health, to enjoy it. Individuals need to have a clear understanding of what the government will provide and what they will be expected to pay if they need social care in the future.

If you have any concerns about your pension, telephone us to arrange an assessment. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and past performance is not a guide to future performance.

Adapted from Moneywise www.moneywise.co.uk/news/retirement-saving-crucial-life-expectancy-continues-rise 14/08/18

Registered in England and Wales at 32 Monk Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. Registered number: 12307130. Active Financial Advisers Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Network Direct Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 30 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk

Abbotskerswell Treasure Hunt Answers to last month’s Hunt kindly devised by Claire Mitchell

If you didn’t get chance to do the hunt then don’t look at the answers but go to www.abbotskerswell.org.uk where you’ll find last month's AbbTalk and have a go!

1. e top ups 12. Lady is well 2. A badger 13. 12 3. A robin 14. 03457740740 4. Cod chips & peas 15. The Court Farm 5. £1.50 16. 1 and 2 Church Cottages 6. Gifted the Public Baths 17. 1791 Richard Henley 7. Mote Cottage 18. Mrs Hare 8. 1450 19. Mary Leonora Pethybridge 9. At rear 20. Town Orchard. Because there used to be 10. Butchers Arms orchards there. 11. A rabbit A Poem by Dot O’Neill

We Love Abbotskerswell Now two years since we moved to Devon Settled and happy in our little bit of Heaven.

As I look through the window here in the lounge Views of the countryside are all around Flowers in the garden, trees in bloom Birds busy nesting, Spring here soon.

There is a drawback, with a Worldwide worry Our health has been challenged, Doctors now in a hurry To find a cure to this Virus so bad.

Many lives lost but we shall all be glad When the time comes and all in the clear Come on everybody, let’s give a big cheer!

ABBOTSKERSWELL OPEN GARDENS

The fine weather means that Abbotskerswell’s gardens are looking good but sadly Open Gardens weekend will not happen in June as planned. However, the National Gardens Scheme is having discussions with the Government and similar bodies like the National Trust about what might be possible if restrictions are gradually eased. We hope to have a programme of openings, which would include Abbotskerswell, later in the summer to help raise funds for the health and nursing charities the scheme supports. Watch this space!

www.abbotskerswell.org.uk 31

ORGANISATIONS IN ABBOTSKERSWELL USEFUL TIMES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS Abbotskerswell Twinning Association Hospital Visiting and Opening Times: Twinned with Le Pre d' Auge & Les Monceaux in Normandy. Visit and TORBAY: 01803 614567 / Visiting usually 14:00–16:30 & 18:30–20:00 host twinning friends' alternate years. Members meet for a Social evening and supper. Middle of each month usually in Church House. Some wards may vary. Please check here: Contact: 01626 356877 or 332092 http://www.sdhct.nhs.uk/patientcare/wards/visitingtimes or phone: 0300 456 8000 (local rate) or 01803 614567 Ladies Badminton Session NEWTON ABBOT: Phone 01626 324500 Tuesday evenings 8.00–9.30pm Village Hall. Contact Marilyn Whitefoot 01626 361275 Minor Injuries Unit: 08:00 am–08:00 pm, every day AbbPast CHIP VAN Outside Central@Model Stores – Mon 4.30pm–6pm Church House at 7.30pm on the second Monday of every month. Speakers on historical topics both local and further afield. Contact: Central @ MODEL STORES—SHOP & POST OFFICE Pete Wade 01626 366032 Tel: 01626 333387 Church House Open 7 days a week 7am–8pm Hall and full kitchen facilities with central heating and flexible lighting Mobile Library Van 2020 (Monday unless stated) available to book. Also see under www.abbotskerswellchurch.org.uk The Priory: 10.10–10.30 Contact: Mik Wordsworth 01626 352279 AK Village Centre: 10.35–11.15 Abbotskerswell Bellringers Abbotshill car park: 11.25–11.45 We are a small friendly group meeting on Thursday evenings from 7pm– Feb 24 / Mar 23 / Apr 20 / May 28 / Jun 18 / Jul 13 / Aug 10 / 8pm. We would love to welcome some new members. You do not have to be Sep 7 / Oct 4 / Nov 2 (Note new times for 2020) musical – just be able to count to six! Contact Liz Smyth-Osbourne on 368400 or Bins – 7.00am Wednesdays just come along to the church on Thursday evening. (recycling boxes will be collected by different vehicles) Abbotskerswell Singers Any queries ring Teignbridge Services 01626 361101 or The choir meets for rehearsals at Church House every Wednesday from www.teignbridge.gov.uk 7:30–9:00pm. Anyone over the age of 16yrs who is interested in the possibility of joining is welcome to come along preferably after contacting To save confusion on Bin Day mark your bins and boxes with your house the Chairman or Musical Director. Main concerts are at Christmas and name/number to ensure they are returned to you late May/early June. Contact: Nicola Smith 01626 332258 British Telecom Faults 151 Abbotskerswell Netball Club Electricity Western Power 08456 012989 Training every Monday 7.15–8.45pm Abbotskerswell Recreation Area Gas 0800 317960 court – £1 a session. Contact: Jen Henwood 01626 364080 Water 0800 378937 Abbotskerswell Cricket Club Street Lighting 0800 1976763 Players of all ages and abilities welcome. We run 2 Devon League Teignbridge Council 01626 361101 sides on Saturdays and also play friendly sides on Sundays and Clerk to Parish Council 01364 644109 some midweeks from mid-summer. Training is on Tuesday nights Parish Tree Warden 07787 135409 from April. Colts coaching for boys and girls from 6 upwards takes Dog Warden 01626 215881 place on Friday nights from 6:00pm. Colts teams from Under 10 to Crimestoppers 0800 555111 Under 17 play in local leagues. Contact Paul Mitchell 07778 017326 Samaritans 116 123 or Steven Cooper 07967 108742 for details. Torbay Hospital 01803 614567 South Devon Model Railway Society Newton Abbot Hospital 01626 324500 Meet every Thursday from 7:30pm upstairs at Church House. We RSPCA 0300 1234 999 have working layouts in OO and N scale where members can run Devon Bus Enquiry Line 01392 382800 their own models. Refreshments available. Contact Dave Peters on 07952 662705 Country Bus Enquiry Line 01626 833664 National Express Coach 08705 808080 Emergency Planning Group Rail Information 08457 484950 Flood Warden for the village – to be appointed. Should you require any Northcott Theatre, Exeter 01392 493493 help in the meantime, or sandbags to protect your property, then please Theatre Royal, Plymouth 01752 267222 contact Craig Ward: 07813 030661 or [email protected] English Riviera Centre 01803 299992 Abbotskerswell Allotment Association Alexandra Cinema 08712 303200 Contact: Margaret Crompton on: 01626 367964 NA Leisure Centre 01626 215640 Brownies, Maggie Lambourn 01803 812717 Abbotskerswell Short Mat Bowls Club Locksmith 01626 211153 Monday and Thursday 7.15–9.30pm Abbotskerswell Village Hall Kevin Farrelly 01626 354956 Contact: Ray Vyse 01803 875496 (Chairman of Emergency Planning Committee) Abbotskerswell Ladies Group Citizens Advice Line 03444 111 444 1st Monday of the month 8.00pm in the Parish Rooms. Contact (Open – Mon Tues Weds Fri 9.30am–3.00pm) Sylvia Hallett on 01626 365411 SCHOOLS Abbotskerswell Knit & Natter Group Primary School, Abbotskerswell 01626 353605 Meet alternate Mondays in the Parish Rooms. Contact: Ann Allen on: Coombeshead College 01626 201800 01626 330965 Newton Abbot College 01626 367335 Torquay Boys’ Grammar School 01803 615501 Parish Rooms—Free WiFi available Torquay Girls’ Grammar School 01803 613215 To book the rooms please contact Lynn Howard on 351564. St Cuthbert Mayne School 01803 328725

32 www.abbotskerswell.org.uk