WEDDINGS, EVENTS, Complementary Therapy CORPORATE, BARN DRESSING, PARTIES Squirrel Lodge, Colebrooke
Indian Head Massage: £12.50
Reflexology: £20
WE’VE GOT IT
COVERED
Also Reiki and Aromatherapy Massage Tai Chi and Yoga (individual or classes)
Contact: Diane Shepherd For more information or to arrange your FREE site (VTCT qualified) visit, call William & Julia on 01363 84846 or visit 01363 85051 / 07565 350457 claremontmarquees.co.uk
HODDER’S FODDER
Alan Brimacombe Grass fed lamb and hogget grown
Devon Master Thatcher on Penstone pastures It couldn’t be more local
5 Cross Meadow, Spreyton Normally sold in half-lamb packs, but happy to discuss your requirements. Crediton, Devon, EX16 5DX Mutton and Red Ruby beef occasionally Tel: 01647 231033 available.
Mobile: 07980 620603 Tel: Steve or Rachel [email protected] [email protected]
www.brimacombethatching.co.uk
Flavour not air miles
ear Readers,
April feels like such an uplifting time of year, with the weather improving and spring flowers appearing in our gardens, hedgerows and even on the front cover of the Bell. D If you would like to contribute to This month we certainly have some the magazine, please contact uplifting news from the Bells Restoration any member of Project, which has already raised more than £5,000 towards refurbishing our The Editorial Team church bells. There is another Deadlines for copy: fascinating article from Neville Enderson about little known local celebrities, June edition – 01/05/2017 Florence and Bertha Salter, aka ‘the Devon Nightingales’, who were born in Colebrooke and went on to become international singing stars. Sue Haynes continues her intriguing tour of St Andrews’ precious artefacts, this time If you would like to support this focussing on the beautiful 15th century font. magazine further by either: It’s lambing time at Higher Penstone and Joining our 200 Club or Rachel Hodder gives us an honest account Placing an advertisement of the ups and downs of being a sheep Please contact the Editorial Team. farmer. Meanwhile in our regular column from Granny’s Meadow nursery, we learn Thank you for your support. about the trials and tribulations of growing carrots.
There are plenty of things to keep you The Colebrooke Bell Editorial Team busy in the parish this month. If you [email protected] fancy getting active, why not come along to the Ceroc dance workshop on Editorial: the 22 nd April ? Or if you prefer Mary Stephenson 01363 84543 something more relaxing, Diane Rosemary Stephenson 01363 84094 Shepherd is offering evening taster Sue Haynes [email protected] sessions of her popular Yoga and Tai Chi Advertising: classes on Tuesday 25th. Irene Butt 01363 84646 Diane Shepherd 01363 84051 200 Club: Elizabeth Jones 01363 84339
Happy Easter to all our readers APRIL COMMUNITY DIARY Saturday 1st Spring Coffee & Craft event with Ram Roast Church 11.00 am - 2.00 pm
Sunday 2nd Morning Prayer led by Worship Group Church 9.30 am Penstone Glade working party Glade 10.30 am – 12 noon Monday 3rd Yoga Village Hall 10.00 – 11.00 am Badminton Club Village Hall 7.30 pm Wednesday 5th Mother’s Union Meeting – all welcome Horwell Barton 10.30 am Tai Chi Village Hall 10.00 – 11.00 am Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls – Club session Village Hall 7.00 -9.00 pm Thursday 6th Mobile Library – Colebrooke Bus shelter 11.40 - 12.00 am Mobile Library - Penstone Penstone 12.05 – 12.35 pm Bell Ringing Practise Church 7.30 – 9.00 pm Friday 7th Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls – Taster sessions Village Hall 2.00 – 4.00 pm Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls – Club session Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm Sunday 9th Family Service led by Worship Group Church 9.30 am
Monday 10th Badminton Club Village Hall 7.30 pm
Tuesday 11th Women’s Institute Meeting – all welcome Horwell Barton 7.30 pm
Wednesday 12th BCP Communion Service Church 10.30 am Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club – Club session Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm Thursday 13th Coffee Morning - all welcome Village Hall 10.00 – 12.00 am Bell Ringing Practise Church 7.30 – 9.00 pm Talk about Palestine – Liz Brookes Hocking Village Hall 7.30 pm Friday 14th Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club-Taster sessions Village Hall 2.00 – 4.00 pm Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club – Club session Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm Sunday 16th Family Service with Eucharist EASTER SUNDAY Church 9.15 am
Monday 17th Badminton Club Village Hall 7.30 pm
Weds. 19th Annual Meeting of the PCC – open to all Church 7.00 – 7.15 pm Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club – Club session Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm Thursday 20th Bell Ringing Practise Church 7.30 – 9.00 pm
Friday 21st Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club-Taster sessions Village Hall 2.00 – 4.00 pm Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club – Club session Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm Saturday 22nd Ceroc dance workshop Village Hall 7.30 pm Sunday 23rd Common Worship Eucharist Service Church 10.45 am Sole Mates Village Hall 1.00 & 2.00 pm Monday 24th Yoga Village Hall 10.00 – 11.00 am Badminton Club Village Hall 7.30 pm Tuesday 25th NEW Tai Chi taster session Village Hall 7.00 – 8.00 pm Yoga taster session Village Hall 8.15 – 9.15 pm Weds. 26th Tai Chi Village Hall 10.00 – 11.00 am Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club – Club session Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm Thursday 27th Bell Ringing Practise Church 7.30 – 9.00 pm Friday 28th Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club-Taster sessions Village Hall 2.00 – 4.00 pm Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club – Club session Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm Sunday 30th Mission Community Eucharist (MCE) Bow Church Colebrooke Church Bells
Restoration Project New Inn Aids Bell Fund George and Carol at the New Inn, Coleford, hold a monthly quiz with the proceeds going to various local charities. This year they kindly donated some of the money toward the Bell Fund. Pictured is George handing a cheque for £210 to Elizabeth, Church Warden, and Margaret a member of the PCC. We would like to say a sincere thanks to George and Carol. The quizzes are great fun and anyone who wants to can join in, so why not come along. Photo by Peter Budd
Bell Project Launch Event Thank you very much to everyone who supported the Bell Project launch event in February. The wine and cheese party was a great success and raised £401.32 plus over £1000 in donations. We are making good progress with our fundraising and greatly appreciate everyone’s support. Val Pennington
We need to raise a total of £45,000 to refurbish our church bells. So far we have raised £5,561. If you feel able to help by making a donation please contact PCC Treasurer Val Pennington on 01363 84250 or visit: www.colebrookebells.org.uk to donate online.
Cheques should be made payable to ‘P.C.C. Colebrooke Parish’
The Bell Ringers practise each Thursday at 7.30 pm and welcome newcomers. For details please contact Bell Captain Fred Oliver on 01363 84419 Village Hall News Improve Your Life with Meditation – Thursdays 7.45pm to 9.00pm a new group led by Jake Cole. For details ring 079 713 26 712 or [email protected] Yoga and Tai Chi evening taster sessions 25 th April - A chance to try one of these popular classes. Yoga from 7.00pm to 8.00pm and Tai Chi from 8.15pm to 9.15pm. For details ring Diane on 01363 85051 Pop Up Restaurant 13th May - For one night only the Village Hall will be transformed into a restaurant, offering a delicious 3 course meal for just £15. Bar open from 7.00pm and meal served at 8.00pm. Book tables of 6 to 10 with friends and neighbours. Or book a place on the locals table if you are coming alone. Places limited so please book early via Irene or Paul Butt on 01363 84646 or [email protected] Menus will be distributed later. Village Hall Forthcoming Events Management Team th Paul Butt 13 April: Coffee Morning 10.00 – 12.00 am. Everyone is (Chairman) welcome to drop in for coffee, cake and a chat! Cost £2.00 If Tel: 01363 84646 you need a lift to get there, or know of someone who does, [email protected] contact Paul Butt to make arrangements.
Steve Graham 13th April: Talk about Palestine by Liz Brookes-Hocking 7.30 (Bookings) pm. Free entry. Bar. See article later in magazine Tel: 01363 84309
nd 22 April: Ceroc dance workshop 7.30 pm £10 pp, couples
Find us on & singles welcome www.cerocdevon.com
25th April: Tai Chi and Yoga taster sessions 7.00 pm and
8.15pm
Colebrooke Village 13th May: Pop up Restaurant 7.00 pm
Hall 4th June: Big Sunday Lunch Village Hall hire charges Session Per Day Regular am/pm user Event eve Use of main Hall, tables, chairs, tea & coffee making £20 £50 £8* facilities Meeting room, tables, chairs, tea & coffee making facilities £15 £25 £6* Use of ALL Hall facilities and equipment N/A £100 N/A Weddings – use of ALL Hall facilities & equipment for 3 days N/A £300 for N/A to include set up and clear out days 3 days Children’s parties – Hall, tables, chairs, tea & coffee £25 N/A N/A making facilities, toys, climbing frame, mats
*reduced rates may mean whole day events take precedence. Non-profit making community & Church events will be looked at on a case by case basis
THE DEVONSHIRE NIGHTINGALES
Many people will be unaware of the fact that in Colebrooke cemetery lie two Colebrooke celebrities of international repute. The sisters Florence and Bertha Salter were farmers’ daughters born at Broomhill Farm in 1870 and 1872. Florence and Bertha first performed in public in 1890, when they gave a concert at Crediton Town Hall which was a great success. Then, at the suggestion of Mr Jekyll of Exeter, who had given them singing lessons, they went to Brussels to study. They performed in Brussels in 1893 before Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium and her daughter Princess Clementine. The sisters also performed at Biarritz, in front of, amongst many other celebrities, King Oscar of Sweden. This concert resulted in glowing reports in the French press. One report said: “This concert surpassed anything we have had the chance of listening to before in Biarritz. The Misses Florence and Bertha Salter possess vocal organs of exceptional merit. The high and sweet soprano of Miss Florence Salter stood out in delightful contrast to her sister's perfect deep contralto notes, the two voices harmonising most charmingly. They sang with unceasing verve throughout and the audience were enchanted, and enthusiastic applause greeted them at the finish. These talented ladies sing with equal facility in several languages and their pronunciation is faultless. It was indeed a treat to hear this perfect style of singing, instead of the objectionable tremolo so much cultivated by the French school”
During the next 20 years they travelled widely throughout Britain and became known as “The Devonshire Nightingales”. Occasionally they would visit the continent where they still retained their popularity. Neither sister married and in the 1901 census they were living at Lower Porchester St, Hyde Park Square, Paddington. They were described as “classical vocalists”. By the 1911 census they had moved to Elm Park Mansions, Park Walk, Chelsea. and were described as “professional vocalists”.
The last record of a concert by the sisters appears to have been one given in aid of the military hospital at Colchester in September 1917.
They continued to live in Chelsea until the 1930s when they moved back to Devon to live in Dawlish. Florence died there in 1942 and was brought back to be buried at Colebrooke with a request to be buried as near as possible to her parents, who were buried just to the northwest of the church in the old churchyard, on the site of the Old Bell Inn. Florence was buried in the cemetery by the hedge adjoining the church path. Bertha later moved away from Dawlish and at the time of her death in 1959 was living at East Wyke, South Zeal, near Okehampton. She was also brought back to Colebrooke and, in line with her wishes, her grave lies as near as possible to her beloved sister. Both graves have identical granite kerbing surrounds with lead lettering as follows:
FLORENCE SALTER “Singer” born February 2nd 1870 died October 6th 1942 And on the foot “Glory be to God on High”
BERTHA SALTER “Singer” born May 24th 1872 died March 13th 1959 And on the foot “And one clear call for me”
The inscription on the foot of Bertha’s grave is the second line from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s famous poem “Crossing the Bar”. This poem had been set to music by various composers including Sir Hubert Parry (of Jerusalem fame) who was a great admirer of the sisters. Programmes of the time reveal it was a favourite in Bertha's repertoire.
Neville Enderson
Inside St Andrew’s
Babies have been baptised in the font of St Andrew’s since the fifteenth century. It is of carved Beerstone, decorated in the predominantly vertical lines of the early Perpendicular style. Beerstone, quarried near Beer in Devon, is a creamy-grey fine textured form of limestone. When first mined, it is relatively soft and easily cut, but hardens upon exposure to the air.
The font is typically octagonal in shape, due to the belief that eight sides recall the eighth day – the first day of resurrection. St Augustine wrote of “the Day of the Lord, an everlasting eighth day” while St Ambrose suggested a font be octagonal “because on the eighth day, by rising, Christ loosens the bondage of death and receives the dead from their graves”. This symbolism fits with the belief that baptism is the beginning of a new life for an infant, becoming part of God’s family. The eight sides consist of carved square panels, alternating with depictions of shields and quartrefoils or four lobed shapes. The bowl of the font sits above a tapering stem with panelled sides on a moulded base, decorated with floral designs.
The remains of the staple and hinge fastening of a former cover are still visible on the font. The existing font cover, however, is thought to date from the early 17th century Jacobean period, although some believe the cover pre-dates the font and is a particularly fine example, being ribbed with an ogee, or curved, profile. The cover is topped by a carved wooden double-faced figure - initially thought to be a minor cleric - dressed in an amice or linen cloth worn over the neck and shoulders, under an alb or linen robe, tied at the waist with a rope girdle. During later renovation work by Harry Hems of Exeter, decorative wings were added in the mistaken belief the figure represented an angel. The font covering is operated by a late Victorian chain and counterweight in the form of a gilt brass crown.
The font was moved to its present position at the west end of the nave in 1895 when renovations of the church were carried out. Although it is likely it began its life here - the west end being the accepted location for a font within a church - it previously occupied a position near the North Aisle. The year 1832 can be found carved into the font, this being the year a gallery was erected over the west end of the nave, which may indicate the time the font was relocated to the North Aisle.
The font at St Andrew’s has a long history of serving the parish through baptism and continues to do so today. I am delighted to know that the names of my two grandchildren are also permanently recorded in the baptismal register for people to read for the next 500 years. Sue Haynes Views from Higher Penstone
THE START OF IT ALL – LAMBING
“It’s just a car trailer with a roof.” Was Steve’s tongue firmly in his cheek? Probably. He said he was going to buy a small trailer to help us move on Army postings but he came back with what, even I knew, was a livestock trailer. That was the start of it all. Next came sheep and then all the paraphernalia that goes with them, and then a tractor. How many other Army families had to consider where to keep their sheep when they were posted?
So here I am, pulling on my waterproofs for the fourth time today (and yes, I do know that they make me look like a 1960s astronaut walking on the moon in a Michelin man outfit!) so I can see if either of my long-overdue ewes is lambing.
Despite the early morning and late night checks, lambing is my favourite event on our small farm. Steve is the farmer of the two of us – usually I just follow in his wake, try to stop too much mud coming into the house and, as his best friend, tell him when he smells particularly “farmy”. However, despite not really being a farmer I have picked up some lambing experience over the years. It is a cliché but witnessing a ewe give birth and seeing the lamb have its first feed is a humbling experience. It really does make the hard work worthwhile.
Having said that, I do have some experience although I know only too well that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. I have the “lambing box” ready: lots of lubricant and plastic gloves (don’t ask!), iodine, thermometer, lambing ropes, old towels, a stomach tube and colostrum just in case. I have emergency phone numbers to hand and I have re-read the Manual of Lambing Techniques, some of which make my eyes water.
Our flock is small – Steve has 33 ewes to lamb and I only have 6. Mine are Portlands, a rare breed, prettier and more polite than his. It is much easier to know which of mine is which, as their horns are conveniently all different. I do prefer not to let my Portlands mix with his sheep if at all possible. Despite the small numbers, over the years, our sheep have presented us with a variety of challenges at lambing so our fingers are crossed for lots of healthy twins popping out with two front feet first. You would be surprised at how many variations to that textbook arrival even I, with my limited experience, have seen.
Time to pull on the waterproofs again. I hope the ewes have decided to get on with it at last!
Rachel Hodder, Higher Penstone Farm
COLEBROOKE PHONE CASCADE
To be kept informed of local bad weather warnings, flood risks, blocked roads, crime risks or other emergencies why not join the Colebrooke Parish Phone Cascade system? To join the cascade just give your name, address, landline no & email address to Tracey Bragg using any of the following means: Email: [email protected] Text: 07783 268315
or drop details in at Colebrooke Mill
------Margaret and Terry Armstrong
Margaret and Terry Armstrong lived in Penstone for forty years. They met when they were 14 on the bus to school and were married in 1955. Terry dreamed of building his own house and in 1976 they bought a large plot of land in Penstone and, with the help of their son Michael, built their own bungalow, Penstone Ridge. As keen gardeners the two of them could be seen, wearing matching overalls, working together on their beloved garden; Terry doing the vegetables, Margaret dealing with the flowers. Terry was trained in plasterwork and taught it in Exeter. Margaret was a gifted seamstress and embroiderer. In the top right hand corner of the Penstone Patchwork in the church, on the small square representing summer you can see the lace butterflies she made by hand. In 2013 Terry was diagnosed with Alzheimers and Margaret cared for him with great patience and love until he needed specialist care and moved into a residential home at the beginning of 2016 where he died in July. Despite the loss of the love of her life, Margaret continued with her gardening and joining in with village events. She attended yoga and tai chi sessions at the village hall and always had a ready smile and laugh. Tragically, she fell ill in early December and went rapidly downhill until her death on 19th January, 2017. They were a devoted couple, cheerful and kind neighbours and part of the fabric of Penstone. Mary Stephenson
------
Cover photo by Charlotte Turner
.
A Message from Colebrooke Church
Dear Friends,
When you read this we will be coming into the last weeks of Lent, culminating in Holy Week. What a contrast of emotions Holy Week invokes. It begins with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through to the horrors of the crucifixion on Good Friday and ends with the most joyous day in the Christian calendar, Easter Day, when Jesus rose from the dead, thus promising us eternal life with Him. Christians in the Early Church were accused of turning the world upside down, by insisting that Jesus rose from the dead, even though they had seen him die. Their own lives were transformed by this and they took every opportunity to declare that Jesus was their Saviour and Lord. From this tiniest of beginnings the apostles took their beliefs throughout the Roman Empire and far beyond and it is still happening today. Last century the African Church grew from 9 CONFIRMATION million to 541million members and some say that China AT ST will soon have more Christians than any other country, ANDREW’S despite religion being officially repressed. If you are an adult or a young person aged at This Easter Day the vicar will begin our service with the least 11 years, attend cry, ‘CHRIST IS RISEN’ and we shall reply ‘HE IS RISEN services and would like INDEED’. We, too, can turn the world upside down by to explore and develop taking our faith out into the world and sharing the most your faith, have you wonderful of truths, that Christ is always there for us considered taking a whenever we need him. Try it and see! May God draw confirmation course? Please contact Lindsey you to Himself this Eastertide and give you his blessing. Starrs for further May I wish all of you in our wonderful parish a very details: 01363 877221 Happy Easter. Elizabeth Jones St Andrew’s Church Spring Coffee & Craft event PLUS RAM ROAST Saturday 1st April 11.00am – 2.00pm, Ram Roast served from noon
Spring themed crafts, plants, refreshments and more!
Colebrooke Church Diary, April 2017 Sunday 2nd 9.30 am Morning Prayer Service (MP) led by our Worship Group (WG), followed by refreshments Sunday 9th 9.30 am Family Service (FS) led by Worship Group (WG), Palm Sunday with our Junior Choir, followed by refreshments Wednesday 12th 10.30 am Book of Common Prayer (BCP) Service led by Rev. Lindsey Starrs – a short spoken Communion Service Sunday 16th 9.15 am Family Service (FS) led by WG with our Junior Choir, Easter Sunday followed by a short Eucharist led by Rev. Lindsey Starrs Sunday 23rd 10.45 am Common Worship Eucharist Service (CWE) led by Rev. Anthony Gearing Sunday 30th Mission Community Eucharist (MCE) to be held Bow Church. For details please refer to ‘Cross Country’
Mission Community Services, April 2017 * Church 2nd 9th 15th 16th 23rd Bow 10.45 CWE 10.30 FS WG 17.00 CWE 10.30 MP WG Clannaborough 9.30 Matins 9.30 BCP 9.30 BCP Coldridge 10.30 MP WG 10.45 MP WG 10.45 CWE 10.45 CWE Down St Mary 16.30 EP WG 9.00 CWE 11.00 CWE 10.30 MP WG Knowle 9.00 CWE 10.45 CWE Lapford 9.30 MP WG 9.30 MP WG 9.00 CWE 9.00 CWE Morchard Bishop 10.30 MP WG 10.45 CWE 17.00 CWE 10.30 FS WG Nymet Rowland 8.15 BCP Zeal Monachorum 10.00 MP WG 18.30 CWE 17.30 CWE 18.30 EP WG
*These times may be subject to change. For a definitive list of services, please refer to the ‘Cross Country’, copies of which are available through the church wardens
Contact details for St Andrew’s Church, Colebrooke Team Vicar Rev. Lindsey Starrs 01363 877221 Church Wardens David Pennington 01363 84250 Elizabeth Jones 01363 84339 Flowers Val Pennington 01363 84250 Mothers Union Val Pennington 01363 84250 Bell Captain Fred Oliver 01363 84419 PCC Lay Chair Sue Haynes [email protected]
Palestinian Life Under Military Occupation – a talk by Liz Brookes-Hocking
On Thursday 13th April 7.30pm at the Village Hall
Last year Liz Brookes-Hocking spent 3 months in the West Bank (also known as occupied Palestine) as a human rights monitor. Liz first visited Israel as a student, just a couple of years after the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, where she worked on a kibbutz north of Galilee and travelled around for two months. While in Jerusalem she met young Palestinian refugees, living on the occupied West Bank, who told her their families had been refugees since the 1948 Arab – Israeli war. She promised then to talk about their plight on her return home. But she never did because she didn’t know how. Last year she got the opportunity to go back to witness and report on the effects of the Israeli military occupation on daily life in the West Bank. Now her task is to tell that story, nearly fifty years after she knew there was a story that needed telling. Entry to the talk is free and everyone is welcome.
Easter Brainteasers “SOLE MATES” 1. Who wrote the poem ‘Daffodils’? 2. Why are there traditionally 11 balls of COLEBROOKE marzipan on a Simnel cake? WALKING GROUP 3. Easter Island is a dependency of which country? Meet on the last Sunday of each 4. Which country introduced Easter Eggs? month. 5. What is the flower associated with We offer a choice of short walks, 2-3 Easter? miles, as well as longer routes of 6-8 6. What is the alternate name for Palm miles, so there is something to suit all Sunday? 7. Which famous playwright was born and ages and fitness levels. Walks start died in April? and end at the Village Hall – with a 8. Which Saint’s Day is on April 23rd? welcome cup of tea and cakes! 9. What is April Fool’s Day called in France? 10. Which ship sank in April 1912? Our next walk will be held on Sunday 30th April 2017, meeting at the Hall at 2.00 pm for the short walk and 1.00 pm for the longer route For more details please contact Diane Shepherd 01363 85051 Answers are elsewhere in the magazine
APRIL FOOL’S DAY
The origins of April Fools’ Day are uncertain, but one theory is that it began in 1582, when France adopted the Gregorian calendar. Before this time, New Year’s Day fell on 25th March rather than 1st January. Those who continued to celebrate the old New Year at the beginning of April were called “fools” by their early adopting contemporaries. Even before this transition, the New Year had long been associated with the term “fool.” In medieval France, the Feast of Fools fell on 1st January. At this popular festival hijinks abounded: Christian ritual was burlesquely imitated, a fake pope was elected, and high and low officials swapped jobs for a day. Feast of Fools was likely modeled after the similarly themed pagan festival Saturnalia.
As this French tradition died out during the 16th century, a new one sprung up in the form of April Fools’ Day, or All Fools’ Day. In France, the fooled party is called the poisson d’avril, which literally means “April fish.” The customary prank involves pinning a paper fish, also called the poisson d’avril, to a friend’s back. This is not the only April Fools’ custom involving paper and backs. In Scotland, April Fools’ Day is called Gowkie Day—gowk is another name for the cuckoo, which is a common symbol of the fool. The pranks continue into 2nd April, Taily Day, when friends traditionally attach a “kick me” sign to their friends’ backs. Other countries have their own customs: Brazil celebrates 1st April as Dia da Mentira, or “Lie Day,” in which people try to fool their loved ones for comedic effect. Though not directly related to April Fools’ celebrations, in northern India people throw coloured water and powder on others as part of the Hindu festival of Holi, which generally falls in Perhaps the best known April Fool’s Day February or March. One Holi prank is the story broadcast by BBC tradition is strikingly similar to Panorama in 1957, when a very young the now defunct Feast of Richard Dimbleby revealed the wonderful Fools; for one day people playfully trade caste, status, world of Swiss spaghetti trees to millions of gender, and age roles. deprived and hungry post-war Brits.
Rosemary Stephenson
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EAT, DRINK, SLEEP Thoughts from the Meadow April and it’s full steam ahead. It sometimes feels like everything in the garden is trying to grow, both the good and the bad. Perennials that are in growth can be split and divided, potted up to make new plants or just split up, replanting the vigorous growth from the outside of a clump, composting the rest.
If I can I like to start most of my veg and ornamental plants in the glass house under protection and then move them to their final growing place, but some need to be direct sown (sown in the place where they are to grow to maturity) and object to any kind of root disturbance, and so my yearly battle of the carrot begins. Last year my veg patch was invaded by rabbits which destroyed everything planted out. My raised bed in the glass house produced our only carrots and I had to spend most of my spare time fencing and building a path around the outside patch to keep the enemy at bay. But even without the bunny threat I can struggle with carrots, they just taste too good to too many beasties. I talk to other growers who also find carrots a struggle and often the comment is that they don’t germinate, I think they do germinate, and quite readily, but often they are nibbled off before the emerging seedlings are noticed. Good pest control is important. Then, if you can keep slugs and snails at bay, along comes the carrot root fly and reduces your hard-won carrots to a mass of gooey tunnels. So, I do grow my outside carrots under what the trade calls a ‘floating cloche’ basically a sheet of horticultural fleece over the crop. This not only protects from the dreaded fly but helps with germination by raising the soil temperature. My father in-law, a very traditional and accomplished veg man, who I am sure cringes at my carrot growing attempts, always says you should walk over your emerging carrot seedlings to keep the fly away. Not sure how that works, but as I struggle to get them to seedling size it would cause me pain to then walk on them.
My favourite annual, which I sow a lot at this time, is Cosmos bipinnatus, a large daisy like flower which comes in a whole host of colours and once it starts to flower will keep going until the first frosts, if it is dead headed. It fills those spaces in the boarder and helps to feed the bees and butterflies.
Any hints on raising carrots would be gratefully received, the quirkier the better. Please send them to me at [email protected]
Simon O’ Sullivan, Granny’s Meadow Cosmos bipinnatus
COLEBROOKE PARISH COUNCIL
The deadline for the April edition of the Colebrooke Bell was the 1st March and so the information about what happened at both of the March meetings will be in the May edition of the Bell. The information about what happens at the May Council meeting will be in the July edition of the Bell. The draft minutes of the meetings will however be available on the Council website the week following the meeting.
Dog Fouling
The Council has continued to receive complaints about dog fouling at the back of Bellingate. MDDC sent out their Dog Warden to investigate in February and he placed three additional signs around the area to encourage dog owners to behave responsibly. He also talked to one of the residents. The signs read ‘CLEAN IT UP – MID DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL – FINE £1000’. Unfortunately the sign attached to the footpath sign at the entrance to the footpath was found soon afterwards trodden in to the footpath itself. MDDC take dog fouling very seriously and, if the dog owner can be identified, will visit the person and impose the £1000 fine. The Council needs residents to identify the person or persons concerned. You can report dog fouling here: http://www.middevon.gov.uk/eworks/dogfouling/dogfouling.asp. The Council is aware that there are other areas in the parish where dog fouling is a problem. Please report it to the Parish Council and to MDDC. It is an offence, where a dog defecates, for anyone in charge of a dog to fail to remove dog faeces immediately anywhere within Mid Devon in any public place or on any land where the order applies.
Free Fire Checks
Devon and Somerset Fire Authority offer free home fire safety checks, and after that you may be offered a visit. They will provide advice and a free smoke detector if required. If you would like a free check ring 0800 05 02 999.
Colebrooke Bus Shelter
The Council’s Asset Management Committee has arranged for the old bus shelter to be taken down. Once the base has been levelled, a new one will arrive. So, by this April edition it will hopefully have arrived!
Life Line
MDDC provide a lifeline alarm service to enable you to get access to help and support 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. It is available to all residents of any age. It works via a special alarm connected to the telephone line. Help can be summoned by pressing a button or pendant. MDDC will send someone to show
you how it works. There is an installation fee and a quarterly charge which they say are competitive. If you want to know more ring 01884 234383
Crediton Community Transport Association
The Council supports this Association with a grant each year. It runs a Crediton Voluntary Car Scheme that was set up in 1989 to provide lifts in cars for frail, elderly and people with disabilities. Transport is provided by volunteers using their own cars. Passengers may bring an escort free of charge. Fares are charged at 55p or 90p a mile. The Association also provides a wheelchair accessible car, minibus hire, long term wheelchair hire, accessible transport to health, and Crediton Ring and Ride. To access this service ring 01363 773303 Monday to Friday 9.00 – 4.00 pm.
Parish Council E Mail Alert Data Base
The Council receives information on a regular basis about services and developments that affect the parish. This can be road closures, local consultations, local problems/complaints and urgent notices eg. Avian flu notice. The Clerk would like to hear from anyone in the parish who would like to be kept up to date with this news. Please email the Clerk and she will put you on the email database.
Reporting a Problem
The DCC’s ‘report a problem’ web page https://new.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem/ allows you to report all kinds of problems with the roads, hedges, lights, vegetation, drains, flooding etc etc. It is very easy to use and if you go on to the site and the problem has already been reported it is important that you add your name to it. The more people report the same problem the more attention it will get. In the near future the system will also alert you to what is being done about the problem. It is in everyone’s interest that we all use this site!
The Parish Clerk is Diane Shepherd, Squirrel Lodge, Colebrooke, Tel 01363 85051 [email protected]. If you have a comment about the parish please contact the Clerk, the Cllrs or use the contact form on the website. The Council wants to hear from you!
The Clerk is also available on the first Tuesday of the month from 10.00 – 12.00 am on 01363 85051/07565 350457.
The next meeting of the Parish Council is on 16th May at 7.30 pm at Colebrooke Village Hall. All welcome!
Club News around Colebrooke
Colebrooke Mother’s Union
This month’s meeting is on Wednesday 5th April at Horwell Barton at 10.30 am, followed by coffee and cakes. Our talk will be on: Faith in Action Everyone is welcome to come along!
Contact Val Pennington 01363 84250 for further information
COLEBROOKE SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB
Club Sessions: Wednesdays & Fridays 7.00-9.00 pm
Free Taster Sessions: Fridays 2.00 - 4.00 pm New Members at the Village Hall Welcome! For more information contact Fred Oliver 01363 84419 or visit: colebrookeshortmatbowls.co.uk
Colebrooke Women’s Institute
Not just jam & Jerusalem! Meetings held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month NEW MEMBERS April is our AGM & Resolutions Meeting WELCOME at Horwell Barton For more details please contact Bobby Murphy 01363 84895
Colebrooke Children’s Choir No experience necessary No need to read music The choir is open to ALL Tuesdays, 5.30 pm The Old Vicarage, [email protected] Colebrooke Tel: 01363 84094
Come along and try it out!
PENSTONE GLADE NEWS
Here are some dates for your diaries about events taking place this year in Penstone Glade. Please remember that although it is known as the Penstone Glade, it is there for the whole parish to enjoy so everyone is welcome at all or any of the events.
Sun 2 April Glade Working Party 10.30 am -12.00noon Sat 24 June Mid-summer picnic 5.00 pm Bring food and drink to share, barbecue will be lit Sat 7 Oct Apple pressing - picking at 10.30am pressing at 12.00 - 2.30pm Sun 15 Oct Glade Working Party 10.30am-12.00noon Thurs 21 Dec Winter Solstice 3.30pm
The Glade working parties, although intended to carry out general maintenance on the Glade, are always sociable affairs with copious quantities of coffee, tea, biscuits and chat - so do put on your wellies and gardening gloves and join us.
Answers to Easter Brainteasers 1. William Wordsworth 2. To represent the 11 apostles at the Last Supper 3. Chile 4. Germany 5. Lily 6. Passion Sunday 7. Shakespeare 8. St George 9. Poisson d’Avril (April Fish) 10. Titanic
COLEBROOKE BELL 200 CLUB
If you have enjoyed your new parish magazine, please support us by joining our 200 Club. For just £10 per year you could have the chance to win £10, £20 or £30 each month, with an additional prize of £70 each quarter. Your contribution will help fund our magazine, as well as giving you the chance of a monthly ‘windfall’. And remember – you can buy as many chances to win as you wish! To join, please contact: Elizabeth Jones: Tel: 01363 84339 [email protected] Cheques payable to ‘Colebrooke Bell’ or a/c 30337562 s/c 30 80 37 MARCH’S WINNERS Quarterly draw: Fred and Agnes Cook £70 Number 58: Mark Flawn £30 Number 39: Marjorie Hockridge £20 Number 83: Bobby Murphy £10 The next quarterly draw, with an additional prize of £70, will be held in June. Don’t forget to buy a ticket! SERVICES DIRECTORY Doctors Chiddenbrook Surgery, Threshers, Crediton, EX17 3JJ Tel: 01363 772227 Bow Medical Practice, Iter Cross, Bow, EX17 6FB Tel: 01363 82333 Newcombes Surgery, Newcombes, Crediton, EX17 2AR Tel: 01363 772263 Dentists Wisteria Dental Practice, Western Road, Crediton, EX17 3LT Tel: 01363 773377 Crediton Dental Care, 110 High Street, Crediton, EX17 3LF Tel: 01363 772020 Park House Dental Practice, 3 Union Terrace, Crediton, EX17 3DY Tel: 01363 777202 Pharmacists Crediton Pharmacy, 19A High Street, Crediton, EX17 3AH Tel: 01363 773030 Lloyds Pharmacy, Threshers, Crediton, EX17 3JJ Tel: 01363 772841 Boots, 126 High Street, Crediton, EX17 3LQ Tel: 01363 772062 Vets Jonathan Wood, Barnstaple Cross, Crediton, EX17 2EP Tel: 01363 772319 St Boniface Veterinary Clinic, Exeter Road, Crediton, EX17 3BN Tel: 01363 772860 Police Tel: 101 (for all non-emergencies) Email: [email protected] Parish Council Clerk: Diane Shepherd Tel: 01363 85051 [email protected] Mid Devon DC Tel: 01884 255255 Email: [email protected] www.middevon.gov.uk Devon CC Tel: 0345 1551015 Email: [email protected] new.devon.gov.uk Local MP Mel Stride Tel: 01392 823306 / 0207 2197037 email: [email protected] Emergencies Environment Agency Floodline: 0845 9881188 Water leaks/burst mains: 0800 1691144 Gas Emergency: 0800 111999 Electricity failure: 0800 6783105 www.westernpower.co.uk Highways: roads/lights/potholes: 0845 1551004 new.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem Safeguarding concerns & Social Services: 0845 6000388 RSPCA: 0310 1234999
BUS TIMETABLES
669 (Tuesdays only) South Zeal - Crediton 677 (Fridays only) Zeal Monachorum - Exeter South Zeal Oxenham Arms 09.15 Zeal Monachorum 09.12 Whiddon Down 09.22 COLEFORD 09.27 Hittisleigh Cross 09.30 COLEBROOKE CHURCH 09.32 Crockernwell Shelter 09.45 Yeoford Mare & Foal 09.40 Cheriton Bishop School 09.47 Raddon Down Cross 09.45 Yeoford Mare & Foal 10.02 Crediton High Street 09.55 COLEBROOKE CHURCH 10.10 Exeter Bus Station 10.20 COLEFORD 10.13 677 (Fridays only) Exeter - Zeal Monachorum Crediton St Saviour’s Way 10.22 Exeter Bus Station 13.20 Crediton Morrisons 10.27 Crediton High Street 13.45 669 (Tuesdays only) Crediton – South Zeal Raddon Down Cross 13.50 Crediton Morrisons 12.15 Yeoford Mare & Foal 13.55 Crediton St Saviour’s Way 12.35 COLEBROOKE CHURCH 14.03 COLEFORD 12.44 COLEFORD 14.08 COLEBROOKE CHURCH 12.47 Zeal Monachorum 14.23 Yeoford Mare & Foal 12.55 Cheriton Bishop School 13.10 Contact details for bus operator: Crockernwell Shelter 13.13 www.carmelcoaches.co.uk Hittisleigh Cross 13.26 [email protected] Whiddon Down 13.33 South Zeal Oxenham Arms 13.40
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Tel: 01363 84121 Mobile: 07970 823617
PLANT HIRE CONTRACTORS ESTABLISHED OVER 40 YEARS.
All types of excavations undertaken, landscaping, ponds and conservation works, drainage, site works etc. No job too big or small Free consultation Competitive rates Experienced in all aspects of domestic and industrial site works
Excavators 3 to 23 tons wheel digger, tractors and dump trailers, dumpers, compactors HIGHER LIVING ANTIQUES www.higherlivingantiques
Period furniture restored to its former glory Even after 15 years in this job, it is still difficult to answer the question ‘What are the most popular pieces of antique furniture we sell?’. Tables, chairs, bookcases, desks and chests of drawers are always asked for, but with so many different sizes, styles, colours and woods, it’s a bit of an educated guess when we are out buying. All we can do is follow current trends and what customers are asking for at the time. At present, lighter coloured furniture with natural finishes are in demand. Age is not as important as the use and practicality of the piece.
One of the first lessons I learned when starting out was that furniture in need of restoration sold considerably cheaper at auction – the more work needed, the cheaper it was! So I quickly learned as much as I could about the restoration business, building up experience the more pieces I worked on (burning all the mistakes!). One of the pleasures of the job is that it takes you up and down the country when delivering and we get to meet all sorts of people. We have sold to Mariella Frostrup and Ronnie Woods as well as local people. We are always pleased to show customers the furniture we have for sale at our warehouse in Coleford.
Philip Burrow, Higher Living Antiques, Bolts Farm, Coleford, Devon, EX17 5DD Tel: 01363 84330 [email protected]