WIDECOMBE HISTORY GROUP Registered Charity 114684

English Bluebells

Newsletter Volume 34 – June 2016

Contents

Committee Members Page 2 Note from Kirsty Page 2 Bluebells Pages 2 and 3 Britannia Royal Naval College Pages 3 to 5 Tribute to Arch Mortimore Page 6 Tribute to Freda Wilkinson Page 7 Tribute to Anthony Beard Pages 8 and 9 Tribute to Joanna Radford Pages 10 and 11 Another Side to Lady Sylvia Sayer Pages 12 and 13 Moor Medieval & North Hall Project Pages 14 to 16 Project time at the Monthly Meeting Page 16 Diary of Events Page 17

www.widecombe-in-the-moor.com email: [email protected] Hon Sec.: Margaret Phipps Tel: 01626 834737 email: [email protected] 1

Committee for 2016/17

*Terry French Chairman Peter Carrett Vice Chairman *Margaret Phipps Secretary *Roger Claxton Treasurer *John Walling Committee Member *Sue Boustead - ditto – David Ashman - ditto – Tim Whitten - ditto – Marcia Babbington Programme Organiser *Trustees of the Charity ------

Note from Me! It has been a long time since I was involved in producing a Newsletter. I am sure that nothing has changed. Any Newsletter is only as good as the contributions and I will be relying on all of you to keep me informed of what is going on, especially when Alan and I are in the USA. My email address is [email protected] and I look forward to hearing from you. This newsletter is a first attempt so bear with me please. It seems strange taking this on from Joanna as it was Joanna who took over from me with the last Newsletter we were involved with. Kirsty

Bluebells The picture on the front is of an English Bluebell. These are, apparently, under threat from the Spanish variety. Thanks to Geoffrey Fenton for sending a report on Bluebells For Britain. This is a joint initiative with Plantlife International and the Botanical Society of the British Isles. Here is the summary:

Britain has three different species of bluebells but only one is indigenous. The distinctiveness of our native bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta could be at risk because it readily cross-breeds with both 2 its Spanish cousin Hyacinthoides hispanica, often planted in gardens, and with the resulting fertile hybrid Hyacinthoides hispanica x non- scripta.

More than two thousand people took part in the Bluebells for Britain survey in March 2003 recording the different species of bluebell across both urban and rural landscapes. The survey set out to raise awareness of the threat posed to our native bluebell particularly by its Spanish counterpart.

Encouragingly, the majority of records received were of pure native bluebell populations in its stronghold habitat, broadleaved woodland. However, fears about the potential threat to the native bluebell through hybridisation were confirmed by the alarming finding that one in six broadleaved woodlands recorded had a mixture of bluebells present. This draws attention to the problem facing the genetic integrity of the native bluebell as the Spanish and hybrid bluebells encroach into its favoured habitat.

Visit to Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth

On the 23rd April many of us travelled to Dartmouth. Marcia had organised a wonderful day and the weather behaved itself. We had 3 time to wander around Dartmouth and visit the market, the narrow streets and the quirky shops. We were left to our own devices for lunch and some of us choose the Dolphin Pub. The mussels were wonderful! We were collected up again on our coach, almost gaining some other visitors as well, and headed up to the College. Here we had to wait for security and we were given a talk by our Guide as to what to expect during the visit.

Once we were through the gate our driver was directed to the front of the college and we were deposited there so that we could admire the façade of the building and the size of the parade ground. We were told to keep a picture of the length of the building in our minds. Two cannons were pointing out over Dartmouth towards the river and Kingsweir. We walked along in front of the college and entered at the College near the Church. As we entered we could see the battle flags hanging from the walls. Once in the Church we were told to look up and suspended from the ceiling was a model of Nelson’s Victory. It looked quite small way up there but apparently when it is on the ground it is very impressive. The history of the college was explained to us. From here we visited a private chapel and then the museum. We were heading up the main corridor which is a furlong in length.

Beautifully polished parquet floor. At one end was the chapel and the other end the mess hall. Pictures of famous Admirals and of battle scenes adorned the walls. Some of the men looking extremely serious indeed.

As we moved along we went up to the Quarter Deck where originally all parades took place. It was a wonderful large and airy hall with a gallery all the way around it. This was from where officers and families would watch the parades.

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We were shown a model of the Dreadnought submarine and asked to remember the length of the college – the submarine was longer.

The finale was the mess hall. A recent donation has meant that they have been able to embellish the ceiling decorations and they look truly magnificent with their gold leaf.

On our way home we had a welcome stop for a cup of tea. A great day out indeed. Kirsty Peake

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Arch Mortimore

Arch was one of the nicest persons you could have ever met. He was a very respected farmer who would be only too glad to spend a while talking to you, always passing on good advice with many a humourous tale to it.

A visit to Arch and Audrey’s home was always a much looked forward to occasion. Arch would always ask you to share a generous draft of whisky with him and the conversation would flow. He would love to talk about farming and his younger days working with horses, a delight to listen to.

Arch was a driving force on the Widecombe Fair Committee, with his many farming connections and the support of his family, he spent untold hours organising and helping on all aspects of the Fair. He was a popular Chairman for many years then President.

He and Audrey were among the founder members of Widecombe History Group. Arch also served as Widecombe Fair Representative on the Church Hall Committee.

Arch died in August 2015 after a very short illness aged 89. He is sadly missed in our community. Rodney Cruze

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Freda Wilkinson

Freda original came from London. One of her first jobs down here was looking after ponies at Princetown. She joined the Land Army and moved to Lizwell Farm to work for Mr. Mann.

Freda met and married Mr. Clarence (Clary) Wilkinson of Babeny. They lived at the beginning of their married life at Laughter Hole and here their son Jeremy (Jez) was born in 1946. In the late 50’s they moved to Babeny (Duchy Farm) after Clary’s father retired and moved to Lake Farm in Poundsgate.

They had their house at Higher Aish, Zellions, built in the mid 1970’s and they retired there soon after.

In her last years she was in St. Andrews House, Ashburton and Brambledown, Denbury until her death in December 2015 at the age of 92.

Her interests were her ponies, Dartmoors and mainly greys. They also had a stallion called Rustam Bay who sired many children’s ponies.

She was elected to the Dartmoor National Park Committee and served on it for many years. She wrote many articles on Dartmoor and it’s way of life and folklore. She loved her garden at Zellons and spent hours in it.

She loved all her grandchildren and great grandchildren and taught them all about Dartmoor.

Freda was a founder member of the Widecombe History Group. Terry French

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Anthony Ernest Beard – The Widecombe Wag 06.04.1936 – 30.01.2106

Anthony was first and foremost a family man. He and Wendy were married for 56 years. They had two sons, Stephen and Trevor, daughters in law and 6 grandchildren.

Anthony was the only son of Mr & Mrs Sidney Beard of Bittleford Parks. He was always ‘Anthony’ to his mother and nothing else, if you called him Tony she would soon put your right, ‘no, it’s Anthony’.

Born in Widecombe he went to Widecombe Primary School and won a scholarship to Plymouth College as he was one of the brightest pupils of the year. He did not like boarding and looked to get back to Widecombe when he could, but he made several friends and gained much from his time there.

When he left school he came home and helped his father on the farm. They were milking and selling the milk by the churn to Daws Creamery of Totnes. At that time he was doing a milk retail round around Widecombe. In the 70’s he had a brainwave to sell milk in plastic sachets and a blue jug (provided). All very funny, but a revolution in bottled milk.

Anthony retired from farming in 2001 during the foot and mouth outbreak.

Anthony and his cousin, David, used to do cabaret and stand up acts all over the South West. Their first outing was at Manaton. One night 8

Anthony was compering a show at the Royal Seven Stars Hotel in Totnes and in a few weeks he was on Radio Devon. A career which lasted for 34 years. The highlight of his radio career was his being awarded the BBC Gillard Award in 2012 for Outstanding Contribution to local radio. Anthony used ‘Tony’ for his Radio Devon listeners to his Dartmoor Diary programmes and was known as the ‘Wag from Widecombe’ for all his entertainment side of his life..

Anthony and Wendy were founder members of the Moorland Merry Makers at Leusdon.

Anthony had an inner strength to do his best at everything, never too busy to help others, even in his last few days and weeks.

Anthony loved his Widecombe and anything to do with it. He had a great knowledge of the village and it surrounds. He loved to give walks and talks on Widecombe and showing his collection of flints found on his farm.

In May 1997 he had his greatest brainwave – Widecombe History Group. He asked Margaret Steemson what she thought. She said ‘you organise a meeting and I will chair it’. That was how the WHG was formed. 22 people attended the first meeting and now as many as 55. All thanks to Anthony.

He loved shows, compering several. He compered Widecombe Fair for many years from 08.30 until the close. He was on Widecombe Fair Committee for 60 years, Agricultural Secretary for several years. He compered Dartmoor Folk Festival, opened Fetes, Ram Roasts. He did After Dinner Speaking and gave many talks to groups.

Anthony Beard – a friend to everyone. Terry French

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Joanna Radford

I asked if people could send me their memories of Joanna. The overwhelming threads through the comments were ‘so helpful, nothing too much trouble, always trying something new, always smiling’.

Joanna and her brother had a unique upbringing as their father was in the diplomatic service. An Italian father and English mother equalled a very stimulating early life. This she brought with her to her life on Dartmoor. She and George moved to Hannaford Old House and there raised their two children, Tamsin and Nicholas. Joanna always immersed herself completely in any project that came her way. We first met as fence judges at a Pony Club cross country day. Soon we were both on the Pony Club Committee. During this time Joanna decided to set up a hand knitting business. Every year she would open the house up for a sale and the dining room table would be piled high with beautifully hand knitted garments. She had a team of home knitters that she employed. Many of you will remember that Joanna always had some knitting on the go at WHG meetings.

She was Parish Council Secretary for several villages in this area and some further away.

She did the WHG Newsletter and emails were regularly sent out to people requesting photographs and information. There was always an observation included in the email, here is one from an email she sent me: ‘I had a great time in Bruges, walked miles and painted....and watched in amazement as an entire school, it looked like, cycled through the main square, two by two, police motorbike leading, but not a cycle helmet in sight!’

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She was a regular follower of the South Devon Hunt. She was a Committee Member for several years. She took on their newsletter after I decided to move on. Joanna did the commentary for many years at the Hunt Show.

She moved on to doing lithographs, wood cuts and found her passion here and in book binding. A visit to Hannaford Old House on the open arts and crafts days was fascinating. Last year Alan’s brother and his wife visited us from Australia. My sister in law makes paper and it was the obvious thing to do, to phone Joanna and ask if we could visit. David and I wandered away to look at the view as Joanna and Josephine were deep in conversation about paper making and book binding!

Joanna was very philosophical about her diagnosis and carried on as if it was just an ‘inconvenience’. Losing her ability to drive had her thinking of other ways to get around.

Her energetic presence will be sadly missed by all of us. Kirsty Peake

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Another Side of Lady Sylvia Sayer

This depiction of the Great Thunderstorm of Widecombe in the Moor was given to the History Group in 2015. Drawn by Sylvia Sayer in 1949, this horrific scene shows the aftermath of when lightning struck the Church of St Pancras on 21st October 1638. This was during the Sunday service and several people died and many more were injured.

Sylvia Olive Pleadwell Sayer – there must be a story in those names – was born on the 6 March 1904 and died 4 January 2000. She was a great advocate for the preservation of Dartmoor. She had strong views on all aspects of conservation of Dartmoor and joined in debates about the Military on Dartmoor, reservoirs, china clay workings, TV masts, Princetown Prison, in fact anything about change on Dartmoor would see Sylvia Sayer involved. She lived in Middle Cator in the parish of Widecombe from 1928. She was a Widecombe Parish Councillor, a Rural District Councillor, a member of the Dartmoor Sub-Committee of Devon County Council and became Chairman of the Dartmoor Preservation Association between 1951 and 1973, continuing as its patron & attending most meetings until a year before her death.

But she contributed in other ways to our lives and it is as an artist that we see a different side of her. After attending school in Ealing, she trained at the Central School of Art in London and as we can see from her drawing of the Great Storm, became a proficient artist whose illustrations both amuse and depict happenings on Dartmoor. A lovely 12 little book of hers first privately published in 1951 - The Outline of Dartmoor’s Story from earliest times to the Present Day – is full of such drawings and illustrates her ability.

One can also see the work of Sylvia Sayer whenever you look at the sign on Widecombe Green. This was taken from a design drawing by Sylvia Sayer in 1948 and carved by Carl Taylor who worked for A R Knight of Newton Abbot. On completion of the carving, Syvia Sayer gave her drawing to Carl and his grandson has allowed us to have a digital copy of this superb drawing. Unfortunately we cannot reproduce the drawing here because of copyright, but it can be seen on request to WHG. When you look at the sign, you can appreciate the skill not only of the carver but of Sylvia Sayer. You can see the design on this image from our archive of the sign before it was erected. Sitting in front of the plinth we believe is Carl Taylor the carver and at his feet his carving of Uncle Tom Cobley and All, designed by Sylvia Sayer.

Now known as Lady Sayer after her husband was knighted in1959, we have much to thank her for. Dartmoor would not be how it is today if it wasn’t for Lady Sayer Ann Claxton

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Moor Medieval & the North Hall Project

On Saturday June 4th 2016 we enjoyed a ‘Moor Medieval’ afternoon, courtesy of the ‘Moor than meets the eye’ project, which included talks on a variety of medieval subjects, displays and a memorable tea and cake interval. The aim of the ‘Moor Medieval’ project is, in the words of Keith McKay, the project leader, ‘To find out what Dartmoor was like in the Medieval Period’.

Peter Rennells spoke on his research into the North Hall Manor House site and Andy Crabb from Dartmoor National Park described the results of the archaeological digs at the site. In the main field close to the existing farm buildings they have identified;

· That the moat was dug after an earlier, pre C13th ditch and bank · They have unearthed the foundation courses of three walls – are these the remains of the Manor house, stable or stores etc? · There is evidence of timber structures from the two parallel beam slots and post holes – were these contemporary with the stone walling or do they represent an earlier phase? What was the purpose of these structures? · The pottery assemblage contains sherds of medieval, high status pottery imported from France, Spain and the Low Countries. They also have examples of locally made medieval pottery from Totnes and North Devon again dating from the C13th – C17th. We also recovered handmade ceramic ridge tiles (normally associated with

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high status medieval dwellings), stained glass fragments and fragments of lead window bars. · A medieval French coin, a jetton, was discovered dating to the late C14th.

So despite EXTENSIVE robbing of the site after it was abandoned (which was perhaps a piecemeal process), they have collected evidence for a high status medieval site in the field. The “Great North Hall Moor” field investigations have proved disappointing with nothing being identified…so far. This year (June 27th-July 2nd) they hope to open up “areas” rather than trenches in order to ascertain the dimensions and functions of the structures. (Thanks to Andy Crabb of DNPA for supplying this detailed information.)

Earlier in the session, Dr David Stone had set the medieval context for the afternoon by talking about the climatic, economic and social conditions of the time. In this context, ‘medieval’ is the period 1000AD- 1500AD, a period that was relatively warm in the first half and then getting cooler in the second half and also a period in which the population of Britain rose from two million in 1086 to six million by 1300 and back to two million by about 1500. These social changes were caused largely by the Black Death and by livestock diseases and, together with the climatic changes, probably explain why settlements such as those at Houndtor and Hutholes were abandoned.

To try to answer questions such as: ‘How did the settlements develop?’, ’How did the population make a living?’, ’What was the impact of the Black Death?’, a variety of methods are employed. Landscape remains can be studied, ‘under the ground’ remains (the

15 detritus that gets left behind) can be investigated, documentary evidence can be studied, extant buildings such as longhouses can be subject to detailed examination etc.

Richard Sandover then spoke on the Tithe Maps and the information contained within them regarding boundaries, trackways, land use, ownership etc. All this information provides input into landscape investigations for the medieval period as, although there will have been some changes in between these are unlikely to have been major, particularly in an area such as Dartmoor that even today is still open land for the most part.

Altogether a very interesting afternoon and our thanks go to MTMTE and DNPA for putting it on. Roger Claxton

Project time at the monthly meeting

Some of you will have noticed that we have started a short session after the tea break at each monthly meeting to give WHG project members a chance to show other members what they have been doing. It is of course open to any member who has something of a local historical nature that they would like to pass on to fellow members. It can involve visuals (via the projector) or just words. As you prefer. If you would like to present something or give us something you would like to show, please email Ann or Roger in the first instance and they can arrange to get any visual material from you that you would like to show (if any) and also schedule you in. Recently we have been showing some old Widecombe photographs that David Ashman obtained and some others that have been sent in to the Group by email correspondents (holidays at Southcombe House in the 1930s and the design and carving of the Widecombe sign c. 1948). Sometimes we only know so much about the images and group members can often add valuable new information, so it can be a two- way process. Roger & Ann Claxton 16

Diary Dates:

Saturday, 11th June for the week. Flower Festival at Widecombe Church to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday. Sunday, 12th June. Songs of Praise in Widecombe Church at 6.00pm. Monday, 20th June. Japanese Ladies’ Choir at Leusdon Church. 7.00pm. Wednesday, 22nd June. Dunstone Chapel, Soup Lunch and Cakes, 12.00-3.00pm. In aid of charity. Monday, 27th June for the week. Dig at the North Hall site with an Open Day on Saturday, 3rd July. Tuesday, 5th July. Princetown History Group. Stone Rows in the Meavy Valley by Dr Sandy Gerrard. Meet at 7.00pm at Sharpitor car park. Wednesday, 6th July. Coffee Morning at Leusdon Memorial Hall. 10.00-12.00. Wednesday, 6th July. Widecombe History Group. Simon Dell. The Bicentenary of Dartmoor Prison. Saturday, 9th July. Widecombe History Group Barbecue at Leusdon Hall. 4.00pm to 8.00pm. Wednesday, 13th July. Walk round Princetown with Simon Dell. Meet at 10.00am. Wednesday, 27th July. Dunstone Chapel, Soup Lunch and Cakes, 12.00-3.00pm. In aid of the Devon Air Ambulance. Tuesday, 2nd August. Princetown History Group. 666 by Gordon Paton. Wednesday, 3rd August. Coffee Morning at Leusdon Memorial Hall. 10.00-12.00. Wednesday, 3rd August. Widecombe History Group. Lost Devon by Felicity Goodall. Monday, 29th August. Peter Hirst Memorial Walk. Wednesday, 26th October. The second Widecombe History Group Lunch. 12.30pm.

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