FOCUS ON THORVERTON

February 2020 Vol. 51 No. 1 50p

FOCUS MAGAZINE INFORMATION Chairman Michael Ayre, Ratcliffe Farm, Raddon. Secretary Geoff Bulley, 17 Broadlands, Thorverton. Advertisements Secretary Maggie Dunlop, Kibby Yew, School Lane, Thorverton. Tel.(01392) 861185 Treasurer Bob Swaffield, Schiehallion, School Lane, Thorverton. Tel. (01392) 860309 Editor Neville Lane, Stable House, 2 The Glebe, Thorverton. Tel. (01392) 861062 Email: [email protected] Back issues (courtesy of Rob Purvis): thorvertonfocus.wordpress.com Assistant editors Eileen Mason, Fiona Harrison and Jules Jeffreys

Printed by Sarum Graphics

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

The Editor welcomes interesting news items, reports etc. for publication. Items for inclusion in Focus should be accompanied by the name of the originator, which may be withheld from print if requested. The aims of Focus are:

 To produce a non-political monthly magazine serving the people of the parish of Thorverton, providing them with information on activities in the parish;  For the magazine to be one that villagers are proud of;  To provide a window for those outside Thorverton to see what the village has to offer;  To promote local businesses through advertising; and  To run at a small annual profit, but with surplus funds put to support village organisations for the benefit of Thorverton residents.

Items for publication, adverts, changes to adverts, Diary entries, changes to Thorverton Information lists should be sent to the Editor, preferably as plain text in an email, or as a Word doc file or a pdf file email attachment (to [email protected]) by the 20th of the month prior to publication please. All items received are acknowledged, so if you don’t receive an acknowledgment within a few days, please assume not received.

Advertisements and Notices Poster Type Advertisements. Text for advertisements should be prepared as near as possible to how it is intended to appear. Pictures must be supplied as required on the advertisement. Focus reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or notice at its sole discretion for any reason whatsoever. COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS The following advertising charges apply:

Maximum dimensions COST per ENTRY FULL YEAR (11 entries) Full page 24.4 cm x 18.2 cm £14.00 £140 Half page 18.2 cm x 12.2 cm £7.00 £70 Quarter page 8.5 cm x 12.2 cm £4.00 £40 One-eighth page 8.5 cm x 5.8 cm £2.00 £20

LOCAL ORGANISATION and CHARITIES ADVERTISEMENTS COST per ENTRY Half page £3.00 Cheques made payable to Quarter or one-eighth page free of charge (for up to 3 months) “Focus”

Front Cover: Daffodils at Berrysbridge The opinions and views expressed by contributors within the magazine are not necessarily those of Focus producers or of the Focus Committee. Focus on Thorverton 2 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Editorial marked for us with a poem), but also locally, with change at the Exeter Inn. As I write this, I do not Welcome to the first edition of Focus in 2020, after have details of what the exact arrangements will be in our month of hibernation – something we should February, so you will have to do a bit of discovery probably have started years ago. As so often, I am work of your own, but I do understand that Dickie pleased to be able to present for you a magazine and Stella Barron will no longer be running things. I packed with interesting bits and pieces, which I hope am sure that I speak for many villagers in thanking will keep you entertained and perhaps also inspired Dickie and Stella for their hard work in keeping the to take up some new activity this year. The strength Exeter Inn such a welcoming pub to visit. of our village businesses, organisations and societies is only as strong as its customers and members of Those of you who use the advertisement pages of course. In this context I should particularly mention Focus to find businesses and services – and I trust our post office which is supported by the that this is most of you – will notice, perhaps to your newsagent/stationery side run by Thorverton Co- initial frustration, that I have carried out some operative Trust Ltd, for which the AGM on Monday th reordering of the adverts this month. In fairness to 10 February at 7.45pm in the WI Hut. A chance to advertisers, I intend to do this a little more often than get involved in helping keep this going perhaps? I have in the past, so please no longer assume that a particular advertiser will have their advert in the I will say more about the opportunity to get involved same place that it has been for the past ten years! with producing or distributing Focus in the next th edition, closer to the AGM on 4 March. I have not I should mention that those of you who have an publicised the availability of Focus funds very much annual subscription for Focus, which is then recently, but we do still have some money available delivered to you each month at no extra charge by to “support village organisations for the benefit of one of our kind distributors, should ensure that you Thorverton residents” (as our aims statement on the are paid up for 2020. Although we had no January inside of the front cover states each month). So, if edition, there will still be 11 editions in the year as you are in a village organisation which could do with we will be printing an August edition this year. a bit of financial help for a particular project, please give it some thought. Neville Lane Focus Editor The end of January is the watershed of a big change nationally of course (which Lorraine Colebrook has

In this Focus Thorverton Art Group ...... 23 Editorial ...... 2 The Garden in February ...... 23 Thorverton Parish Council ...... 3 Health Walks ...... 24 Thorverton Memorial Hall ...... 4 Newton St Cyres Tennis Club ...... 24 Letter ...... 4 Where in Thorverton? ...... 24 Notice Board ...... 5 Legal Eagle ...... 25 Church Services and News ...... 11 Nature Notes ...... 26 Parish Letter ...... 12 Recipes ...... 27 Baptist Church ...... 13 Defibrillator Move ...... 27 Women’s Institute...... 14 TARTS News ...... 28 Report from our County Councillor ...... 14 Who Reads This Stuff Anyway? ...... 29 Thorverton Co-operative Trust Ltd ...... 15 Puzzles ...... 30 Silverton Well-Being News ...... 15 Rainfall Record ...... 31 What about a Nightcapsule? ...... 16 Churches in the Netherexe Parishes ...... 32 Cadbury – a Parish and its People ...... 16 Adverts ...... 33 Thorverton Parish Council Satisfaction Survey ...... 17 Thorverton Parish Information ...... 53 Free training to become digitally confident ...... 17 Thorverton Organisations ...... 54 A Year on our Farm - January ...... 18 Doctors’ Surgeries ...... 55 Spider Story ...... 18 Waste Collection Dates for 2020 ...... 57 The Joys of the Saturday Morning Bath ...... 19 Mobile Library ...... 57 Hello, Jura here ...... 19 Union Flag Flying days in February ...... 57 Poetry ...... 20 Road works ...... 57 Thorverton History Society ...... 21 Bus Services ...... 57 Le Jog 25th Anniversary 2019 ...... 22 Diary 2020 ...... 58 TMH Cinema ...... 59

Focus on Thorverton 3 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Thorverton Parish Council Listed below are some points raised at the Parish Council meetings held in December and January. Meeting Minutes can be viewed on the notice board in School Lane and on the website. The next meeting will take place on 11th February 2020, 7.30pm, Thorverton Memorial Hall. [email protected] www.thorvertonparishcouncil.org.uk

Planning Applications and Decisions: 1) 19/01886/FULL erection of 2 dwellings following demolition of 2 existing agricultural buildings at Lodge Farm, Brampford Speke. 2) 19/01527/MARM revised reserved matters for the erection of 16 dwellings south of Broadlands, Thorverton. 3) 19/01917/FULL erection of a dwelling with associated works and demolition of existing buildings between 13 and 17 Silver Street, Thorverton. 4) 19/02103/FULL erection of an agricultural grain store (972sqm) at Middle Chitterley, Silverton. 5) 19/02137/FULL change of use of land from agricultural to residential at Thatchers Barn, Thorverton. 6) 19/01987/CAT notification of intention to fell 1 Fir tree within the Conservation Area at Ivy Cottage, Lynch Road, Thorverton. No objection. 7) 19/01936/HOUSE erection of first floor side extension (revised) at Victoria Orchard, Dinneford Street, Thorverton. Granted. 8) 19/01701/FULL retention of a storage container – land west of the Millennium Green, Thorverton. Granted.

Recreation Ground: The rope swing has been repaired and is, once again, in full working order. The wildlife garden is in need of attention – if you are interested in volunteering to be part of a team tasked with keeping this garden neat and tidy please contact the Clerk.

New Cemetery: The working group is putting together a business plan, feasibility report and planning application for full Council consideration, in order to move this project forward.

Precept for 2020/2021: Following a full review of the draft Budget and Precept documentation at the January meeting, it was resolved to set the Precept figure at £15,739. Whilst this figure has increased slightly on the previous year, the overall result will be a decrease in Council tax paid to the Parish Council on Council Tax bills. This is due to the increased number of households at ‘Band D’ within the parish.

Dark Lane wall repairs: The repairs have been agreed and the Contractor is expected to start work in early April. It is anticipated that 50% of the cost of the repairs will be claimed back through grant funding from Devon County Council Highways. A plan showing what the new wall will look like can be found on the website and noticeboard.

Sheep Dip purchase: The Church Commissioners have accepted the Parish Councils offer of £1 to purchase the site. Contamination testing is now taking place prior to taking the purchase forward.

Village leats and waterways: You may have noticed a lack of water in the leats along Dinneford Street and Bullen Street. This is due to extensive repairs needing to be made to the dam supplying the water and, as heavy machinery is needed to do this, the repairs will not take place until the summer when the ground should be drier.

Parish Council projects: Current projects under consideration are the purchase of the allotment field from the Church Commissioners, a possible footpath along Silver Street to the Cricket Club, a secure store in the Quarry Car Park for Handyman tools and equipment, a new mower for the Recreation Ground and a new Defibrillator for the top end of the village. If you have any thoughts or comments on any of these ideas, or any not listed, please let the Clerk or a Parish Councillor know. All feedback is very welcome.

Your Parish Council members: Neville Lane (Chairman), Bob Deed (Vice Chairman), Stuart Crang, Andrew Foster, Rob Flatt, John Hodge, Graham Sims, David Waldron and Keely Wells. Clerk - Alison Marshall. Handyman - Neville Matthews.

There is currently a vacancy for a councillor, so if you, or someone you know, are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor please contact the Clerk for more information.

Focus on Thorverton 4 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Thorverton Memorial Friday 20 March MRS LOWRY & SON, starring Vanessa Hall Redgrave and Timothy Spall. Certificate PG. A portrait of the artist and the relationship with his February already! Hopefully it’s not mother who tries to persuade him from pursuing his too late to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2020. passion. Doors & bar open at 6.45, programme starts at Last year was a busy time for the TMH with weekly 7.30pm. events including Pilates, Yoga, Kids Club, Dance, Baby & Toddler Group, Thorverton Art Group and, Friday 10 April of course, the monthly Big Breakfast & Saturday THE GOOD LIAR, starring Ian McKellen and Markets, plus lovely weddings and private parties. Helen Mirren. Career con artist can hardly believe his luck when he We would like to thank everyone who continues to meets well-to-do widow Betty McLeish on-line…but support the Hall by coming along to enjoy the events things aren’t as simple as he hoped. on offer. The Film Nights, new for 2019, have been a Doors & bar open at 6.45pm, programme starts at great success and it’s good to see how much people 7.30. are enjoying getting together for a drink – and watching a good film. There will be more to come – OTHER EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR see below for details. Easter Bingo on Wednesday 8 April, Our thanks also go to those who join us in helping Quiz Night on Saturday 23 May, with the Big Breakfast & Saturday Market, putting Mid-Summer Family Party Fun Day. Please check the tables and chairs out and stacking them up after future editions of Focus, Nextdoor or Facebook for various events and all the other things that make the more details on these nearer the time. Hall work for our local community - we couldn’t do Thorvertonmemorialhall.co.uk it without you. Thorvertonfilms.co.uk

This year will be more of the same with added The Memorial Hall Committee works hard to excitements including the TMH Cinema (see below maintain the Hall and if you would like to join we for future films). would welcome your support. There are a couple of vacancies on the Committee, but if you’d just like to UPCOMING EVENTS help as much or as little as you wished it would be good to hear from you. The next TMH Cinema events are:

The Hall is a lovely venue for weddings and other celebrations so if you are interested in hiring it please Friday 21 February call Dave Reygate on 01392 860332. OFFICIAL SECRETS, starring Keira Knightly, Matt Smith, Matthew Goode and Ralph Fiennes. Members of the Thorverton Memorial Hall Certificate R. Management Committee: A morality tale for the 21st century, the film tells the Russ Clarke (chairman); Jenny Reygate; Sue Hyde; true story of British Intelligence whistle-blower Dave Reygate; Jan Wills; Mike Baldwin; Roger Katherine Gun who leaked a top-secret NSA memo Fieldhouse, Claire Heaven-Roberts; Sarah Addicott, exposing a US-UK illegal spying operation against Colin Marshall; Clare O’Connor. members of the UN Security Council. Doors & bar open at 6.45, programme starts at 7.30pm.

Half Term Family Special Letter Saturday 22 February THE LION KING, a Disney feel-good classic. From Ray Mason Certificate PG. Recently, on Dinneford Street, someone has been Doors open at 3pm, programme starts at 3.30. putting their dog poo bags in my dustbin, and my

neighbours have had some left in their driveway. Please can I ask dog walkers to take their poo bags home to dispose of them properly?

Focus on Thorverton 5 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Notice Board

Focus on Thorverton AGM We are still looking at the Gospel of Luke! Come and join the group in the Wed. 4th March, 7.30pm Thorverton Arms Fridays 14th & 28th February at the Baptist Church Fridays 13th & 27th March 2.15 - 3.15 pm

All welcome! A joint Anglican & Baptist venture

The Parish Council has an Allotment in the Could you help to make this village for rent at a cost of £10 per year magazine better still? (plus a £25 refundable deposit) so if you are interested in extending your garden or having a go at growing your own fruit, veg

and flowers, please contact the Clerk, Alison Thorverton Baptist Church Marshall, on Thorverton 861228 or [email protected] for more We shall be holding our monthly information. Coffee Mornings

in the back room THORVERTON POST OFFICE from 10.30 to 12 noon & TCT LTD Friday 7th February Friday 6th March NEWSAGENT/STATIONERS

A warm welcome to all YOUR BANK

Quarry Car Park, Lynch Road Welcome Café Thorverton EX5 5NG 01392 860455

We are in the WI Hut every Monday afternoon, excepting Bank Holidays, from 2.30pm. We offer a very wide range of post office and banking services, easy CASH withdrawal, If you would like to join us for tea, coffee, cake newspapers, magazines, stationery, greetings and a chat you are most welcome. cards for many occasions, local postcards, posting and packing materials, health lottery tickets, We share village news and events and just enjoy phone top-ups, photocopying the company of others. You do not have to come every week, just as it suits you. REALLY EASY PARKING + ACCESS

Anyone is welcome: - Mums with little ones, TCT Shop workers having time out, and any other ladies Mon – Fri 8.00 – 5.30 (closed 1.00 - 2.00) and gentlemen whatever age who would like to Sat 8.00 – 12.00 join us. Sun & BHs 9.00 – 10.30 Post Office If you would like to come but the walk up is too Mon – Fri 9.00 – 5.30 (closed 1.00 - 2.00) much for you, give us a ring on 860356 and we can arrange transport. Sat 9.00 – 12.00

Focus on Thorverton 6 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

Focus on Thorverton 7 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

PART-TIME TEA ROOM MANAGER

Fursdon Estate, Cadbury, is looking for a part- time tea room manager to run its lovely tea-room at The Coach Hall on house and garden open days.

The Fursdon tea-room is open on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 2-5pm between Easter and the end of September plus Bank Holidays and some additional days in and out of high season.

Are you a brilliant baker, home cook and friendly front of house?

Please contact [email protected] or call 01392 860 860 for more information.

Focus on Thorverton 8 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

Sunday March 15th 2020 6.00pm

TAG CHORAL EVENSONG Thorverton Parish Church THORVERTON ARTS & CRAFTS GROUP FRIDAY MORNINGS This will be a reflective, traditional-style Book of Common Prayer service, with FROM readings, prayers, choral music and hymns 10:00 sung by @ The Memorial Hall Thorverton Church Choir and the congregation NEW MEMBERS WELCOME You are all very welcome to join us Sample session free – no commitment DRAWING, PAINTING, MIXED MEDIA, SCULPTURE, COLLAGE, GREETING THORVERTON CHURCH: CARDS, JEWELERY, WOOL CRAFTS, MODEL MAKING, ETC. – FOR A MUSIC ♫ ♫

PLEASANT COUPLE OF HOURS New members are always welcome in our church Further information: www.pinpointdevon.co.uk choir.

We meet fortnightly and usually sing music in 4 parts. We manage to achieve a high standard singing Thorverton Ladies Group sacred music of many different styles and have a lot of fun along the way.

Do contact me for more information or come to hear us one Sunday morning or on one of our Thursday practice evenings.

We also have a church band which plays at most

Our next meeting is on monthly Family Services. Instrumentalists of all ages Thursday 20th February at 7:30 pm and standards are always welcome.

(PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE) http://www.netherexe.org/index.php?option=com_co

Phil Oram of the Pure Stock Company will be ntent&view=article&id=391&catid=35&Itemid=39 coming along to give us a demo which will show how versatile the stocks are. Choir Practices at Thorverton Church 7.45 – 9.00pm usually Thursdays Venue: by kind invitation of Beryl Grace, Moss Bank th th th th th th New members welcome: Jan 30 Feb 13 27 Mar 5 12 19

contact Sue Batty on 860140 Sunday Services with Choir at Thorverton Church Feb 2nd Communion 9.30 start th Feb 16 Family Service - 9.30 for 10.00 service Silverton Memory Café Mar 1st Communion - 9.30 start Mar 15th Choral Evensong 6.00pm This is held at St Mary Church Hall every Mar 22nd Family Service : Mothering Sunday Thursday afternoon between 2 and 4pm. 9.30 for 10.00 service All welcome. Contact Annette Emmerson on CONTACT : 01392 860983 or [email protected] for Choir Director and Accompanist Heather further details. Kershaw 01392 860419

[email protected]

Focus on Thorverton 9 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

SILVERTON LINK UP

CHARITY CONCERT in (Incorporated with The Friends of Wyndham House. Charity No. 1048253 ) aid of IMPACT Voluntary Drivers Scheme for Wyndham House providing voluntary medical care Surgery Patients in Africa & Asia VOLUNTEER DRIVERS Doreen Beer 860731 Jean Hawkins 860849 Stephen Roach 861042 Roger Higman 860571 MaryClare Smith 861916 Mary Hall 860532 Dave Cole 860030 Lorraine Yarnell 861240 Frances Beadle 861413 Martin Holt 861125 John Owen-Jones 841085***

This driver only does surgery appointments*** th SATURDAY 28 March LINK UP service takes patients with medical appointments from home to surgery, hospitals and clinics in the area. 7:30 PM Silverton IF YOU REQUIRE TRANSPORT CONTACT Community Hall ONE OF THE DRIVERS MENTIONED ABOVE, GIVING THEM AS MUCH NOTICE AS POSSIBLE. An enjoyable evening of musical If you use Link Up, a voluntary donation towards the entertainment for everyone with Fund for the expenses of the drivers would be

appreciated. Donations should be given direct to the TIVERTON TOWN BAND driver, who issues a receipt.

SILVERTON All our drivers are volunteers, willingly giving up their time to help others in the community. Although COMMUNITY CHOIR they will do their best, they cannot always be available, so it may not always be possible to arrange COPPLESTONE CHOIR a lift.

Tickets £8 at the door (Children Link Up are looking for additional drivers, if you free) include refreshments wish to join our team helping Wyndham House surgery patients in the local community please contact as below.

Roger Higman (Link Up co-ordinator) 860571 [email protected]

The TCT Ltd AGM  there will be a question and discussion time will take place on th Mon Feb 10 7.45pm Do contact Heather Kershaw 01392 860419 at Thorverton WI Hut in advance please if you wish to be proposed for membership of the TCT Council  hear about the past business year of our All are welcome at the meeting but only paid-up Post Office and the TCT Ltd community- TCT members can vote run newsagent/stationers shop  TCT Ltd’s accounts will be presented Please come along and show support for  the TCT Council for 2020 (committee) your local post office. will be elected

Focus on Thorverton 10 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

Sat February 1st at 10.00am

PLANNING FOR: Welcomes you to their Winter talks

50th East Devon Arts Wednesday mornings in the Mint Methodist Festival at Church, Fore Street, Exeter Thorverton Parish Church 12th MAY to 16th MAY 2020 Tea & coffee 10:00. Talks 10:45 – 12:00 th The 2020 festival will be the 50 one supporting Thorverton Church so we’d like to make it a bit February 5th David Pugsley Was Jane Austen's special. Aunt a Shoplifter?

We’re going to have an informal idea sharing February 12th Dan Eatherley Invasive Aliens: session in Thorverton Church kitchen on Sat The Plants and Animals From Over There That Are February 1st at 10.00am so do come and join us Over Here for a cuppa and a chat. th February 19 Brian Banks Meet the If you can’t make the meeting but would like to Antecessors - the story of human evolution contribute then please contact: Heather + Royston Kershaw 860419 or Jean Brown 861176 February 26th Professor Tim Lenton Climate or e-mail: [email protected] Tipping Points

March 4th Keith Badman Narrow gauge rails in North Wales

March 11th Major Nigel Bovey The war between the Skeleton Army and the Salvation Army

March 18th Marilyn Bishop Fighting the Black Dog - Sir Winston Churchill

March 25th Harry Barton The Devon Wildlife Trust

Admission £3. Members free. Membership £13 from January to March.

The Exeter Forum is a friendly social group for retired people which has been presenting interesting and entertaining weekly talks by leading local figures, experts and enthusiasts for nearly 50 years. We also have walks, outings and book and music groups.

Website: ww w.exeterforum.org Email: [email protected]

Focus on Thorverton 11 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

Church Services and News

FEBRUARY 2020 SERVICES & INFORMATION The Netherexe Parishes - A Mission Community in the Diocese of Exeter

Sunday 2 February Epiphany 4

09:30 am Holy Communion [C] Thorverton KC 10:00 am Family Service Brampford Speke Lay Led 10:00 am Open Door Newton St Cyres Lay Led 10:00 am Service of The Word Stoke Canon Lay Led 11:15 am Coffee, Cake & Company Rewe 06:00 pm Informal Evening Service Cadbury LF

Sunday 9 February 3rd Sunday before Lent

09:30 am Open Thorverton 09:30 am Family Service Newton St Cyres KC 10:00 am Informal Gathering Stoke Canon 11:15 am Morning Worship Rewe LF 11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Upton Pyne Jane Lucas

Sunday 16 February 2nd Sunday before Lent

08:30 am Holy Communion Said [C] Brampford Speke SS 09:30 am Holy Communion [C] Cadbury SS 09:30 am Open Thorverton 10:00 am Family Service Thorverton Lay Led 11:15 am Coffee, Cake & Company Rewe 05:00 pm Holy Communion [C] Stoke Canon JD

Sunday 23 February Sunday before Lent

09:30 am Holy Communion [C] Newton St Cyres KC 10:00 am Informal Service Cadbury Lay Led 10:00 am Messy Church Stoke Canon Lay Led 11:00 am Joint Service Thorverton Baptist Church BOF Joint with Parish Church 11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Rewe KC 04:00 pm Tea & Hymns Upton Pyne Village Hall KC

Wednesday 26 February Ash Wednesday

11:00 am Holy Communion [C] Rewe KC

Sunday 1 March Lent 1

09:30 am Holy Communion [C] Thorverton KC 10:00 am Family Service Brampford Speke Lay Led 10:00 am Open Door Newton St Cyres Lay Led 10:00 am Service of The Word Stoke Canon Lay Led 11:15 am Coffee, Cake & Company Rewe 06:00 pm Informal Evening Service Cadbury Lay Led

Services in the Netherexe Parishes Your parish churches aim to provide a variety of service types to meet the needs of the whole community. Most Sunday services except those early in the morning include hymns and music. Everyone is welcome at all services.

Focus on Thorverton 12 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

Service With A Smile ☺ These services are designed for all ages and with the needs of young children especially in mind. They are informal and contemporary in style often including a children’s activity at the beginning; without communion and are led by lay teams. Services usually last about 35 minutes and are followed by refreshments. Family Service Family services are suitable for all ages, may be with or without Holy Communion, are contemporary in style and are often followed by refreshments. Holy Communion [C] Traditional service in contemporary language [one hour] Holy Communion [BCP] Traditional service in traditional language [one hour] Morning Prayer [BCP] Traditional Morning Service [Mattins] from the Book of Common Prayer [about an hour] Evening Prayer [BCP] Traditional Evening Service from the Book of Common Prayer [about an hour] Common Worship [CW] Common Worship Service

Who’s Who …..? Abbreviations Key

KC Revd Katie Cross Rector 01392 759612 [email protected] SS Revd Preb Sue Sheppard Associate Minister 01392 861022 [email protected] JD Revd Julia Dallen Associate Minister 07484 773636 [email protected] LF Mrs Laura Ford Reader 07741 491946 [email protected] JH Mrs Julia Hocking Curate 07928 813333 [email protected] TBC To be confirmed

Associate Ministers MSS Revds Michael & Sharon Simpson BOF Baptist Officiant

For more information about the Netherexe Parishes please see www.netherexe.org or contact:

Mrs Margaret Lowe [Administrator] Tel: 07594 714590 - Tuesday & Thursday [09:30 – 15:30] Email: [email protected]

Mr Peter Shepherd [Administrator] Tel:07551 844321 – Tuesday & Thursday [09:00 – 13:00] Email: [email protected]

Correspondence: The Netherexe Parishes, Church Office, St Mary Magdalene Church, Stoke Canon, Exeter, EX5 4AS.

Would you like a lift to church? May we offer you a lift to the parish church or to a joint service elsewhere? For transport to Sunday services from locations in Thorverton parish, please ring Steve Rendell on 01392 860780. For transport from Rewe parish please contact Guy Sheppard on 01392 861022

Parish Letter training program. This is also attended by those wishing to become Readers and those seeking

ordination, so I am in exalted company. FOUNDATIONS IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

Over the past year, several people suggested to me We have already had two training days covering such that I should seriously think about training in pastoral subjects as an introduction to the Bible, pastoral care, care. This was as much of a surprise to me as it was exploring Christian spirituality and theology. One to the people who suggested it, but it seems that God really great thing is being able to learn with a group does indeed guide in mysterious ways. So, I now find of wonderful Christians and form a bond of mutual that God has made it possible for me to have enrolled support through study and prayer. This got me in the Foundations in Christian Ministry course, thinking and asking “Why do we pray?” There are which is the first year of the South West Ministry hundreds of books on prayer and the topic is so vast

Focus on Thorverton 13 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 that I can only scratch the surface here with a short the story of the Early Church. But his work could personal perspective. not be produced in a historical and cultural vacuum; on the contrary, as he pursued the grand sweep of his Prayer for me is not just coming to God with a narrative in both his Gospel and the Acts, setting the shopping list of problems. It is an opportunity to scene in which he brought to life his principal start, end and sometimes continue through the day characters of Jesus of Nazareth and Paul of Tarsus, it seeking and coming into the presence of God, stilling was inevitable that embedded in his presentation the mind and listening. Silencing the chattering there should feature allusions to various personalities monkey in the brain is something that I find difficult, of the day. Sometimes these are passing references; but having a place of peace to go to can help. Mark at other times they are integral to the main theme. 1:35 tells us that Jesus went off to a solitary place where he prayed. Our solitary place can be the We begin with the ruler of the known world at that garden, a favourite armchair or the end of the bed, time. The Emperor Augustus is mentioned early on but that helps delineate prayer time from the in Luke’s first volume: ‘In those days Caesar busyness of the day. Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.’ We know from his I sometimes become very aware of what a privilege own account of his achievements (which can be seen God as Creator extends to us in allowing us to talk, today inscribed in bronze on a temple in Ankara) that share our fears and joys and even laugh with Him. I Augustus organised several such censuses during his have no doubt that God has a sense of humour, you lifetime. One of them brought Mary and Joseph to only have to look at an aardvark to see that. Prayer Joseph’s ancestral home in Bethlehem of Judaea, then affords the opportunity to praise and worship where he was required by the term of the census to God for His love and for creation, to develop a register, no doubt for tax purposes. relationship and some small understanding of who

God is and why we were created. In his book “How Augustus was the archetypal young man of violence, to Pray”, Pete Greig summarises prayer with the later transformed into (relatively) benevolent elder P>R>A>Y mnemonic: Pause in stillness to become statesman. The great-nephew and adopted son of aware of God, Rejoice in creation and that we have a Julius Caesar, he made his bid for power following living God with us, Ask what Gods wants of us and Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC. It took several for his help in those things where we cannot help years of strife against enemies such as Caesar’s ourselves, Yield to what God is saying to us. assassins Brutus and Cassius, and then Antony, to What should we say? How does one talk to the consolidate his position as First Citizen of Rome. He Creator of all that we can see? In many ways it was careful never to adopt a title such as Emperor doesn’t matter. We can talk to God as we would talk (our use of the term is an anachronism). In fact, he to a friend or a parent. The idea is just to maintained the fiction of an ongoing republic, and the communicate and sometimes we don’t even need members of the Senate were happy to go along with words. A groan, a sigh or a smile can be enough, but him because for all its faults his regime brought talking is good. There is a poem “Just Talk to Me” peace after almost a hundred years of civil strife. that was written at Lee Abbey which starts: Indeed, the accession of Augustus is highly relevant Don't be afraid if you don't understand. to the state of the world which is the background for Don't fear you won't do it right. Luke’s story because of this new era of peace and Don't worry about performing. stability following generations of vicious conflict. Just talk to me. Many citizens of that Mediterranean world expressed their gratitude to the new ruler. He was in fact hailed That’s as good a summary of prayer as any. as ‘Saviour of the World,’ a title which became

Douglas Ford widespread in inscriptions of the time. Poets sang the Saviour’s praises and celebrated the dawn of a new age. One wrote: ‘It is a god who has provided Baptist Church us with these settled times.’ Little-known facts about well-known people

...in the New Testament, that is. The fact that the main character in Luke’s first volume was able to travel throughout the length and It was not the intention of Luke the Historian to write breadth of the province of Judaea as an itinerant rabbi an account of the Ancient World. As we have for some three years without let or hindrance, while demonstrated in previous articles, the aim of his first the main character of the second volume could pass volume was to set out the story of ‘all that Jesus with such ease from one part of the Empire to another began to do and to teach’ and, of his second, to relate was due in no small part to the Pax Romana

Focus on Thorverton 14 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

instituted and maintained by Augustus. The whole of 7th April, 2020 at 7.30pm, Alex Fice will be telling Luke’s work is in fact a striking illustration of the us about Thorverton in War Time. success of that policy. New Members are always welcome. Ruthless in the pursuit and maintenance of power, Augustus led an equally chequered private life. The Judy Bright presence of his wife Lydia at his side for some fifty years was arguably not always to his advantage. As Report from our County for his children, he referred to them as ‘his three sores or three cancers’ and banished his notoriously Councillor promiscuous daughter Julia to a remote island for A belated Happy New Year to you all! being tainted with every form of vice. Lydia was almost certainly not the scheming poisoner portrayed Both Councils [County and District] are going by Robert Graves in his ‘I, Claudius’ but it remains through the budget process. A lot of work is done in undeniable that several mysterious deaths over many preparation looking at what the costs have been in the years in the Emperor’s entourage eliminated one by past year and looking for trends and pressures to one the various candidates to succeed Augustus. In work out requirements for the coming year. All the end, Augustus was reluctantly obliged to name through the process there is an aim to improve the gloomy Tiberius, the son of Livia by a previous existing services to provide for the customers marriage, as his heir. whether it be in Adults and Children’s Services or refuse collection. Tiberius too figures in Luke’s narrative, as we shall see next time... At the last full council meeting at Mid Devon, Maurice Harrison Democracy and Governance were again on the agenda. It was decided to put a politically balanced group in place to look at the options over the year to Women’s Institute see if a more acceptable form of governance can be December was a busy month for members. On the found to take MDDC forward. Until 2007 MDDC 3rd of December in the afternoon, six members had a Committee system of governance, since when represented Thorverton WI at the Devon Federation we have had an Executive/Cabinet system. Decisions Carol Service in the Cathedral. This was a splendid are taken more readily now - are they democratic and occasion attended by over a thousand members, a full can they be improved upon?

Cathedral. The service began with the Cathedral and As I look out the window it is a lovely bright crisp Civic processions followed by a hearty rendering of frosty morning – a welcome change from the wet Jerusalem. Singing was led by a choir made up of windy weather we have been having of late. We will WI Members from across the county who had been need to be extra careful as we travel around on the rehearsing for some time. The service took the form already wet roads. There were a number of accidents of a number of Carols, Anthems and Readings with a around the county over the weekend on Devon Welcome, Bidding Prayer, Address and Blessing by highways. Reverend Alison Hardy who is Chaplain to the Mothers Union. Please continue to report potholes and defects by

On the evening of the same day, it was Thorverton going online at www.devon.gov.uk/report a pothole WI’s Christmas Party. Sylv Gregory guided or calling 0345 155 1004. members through creating their own wrapping paper Ash die-back is a real cause for concern and using ink stamps and making gift tags. This was highways will soon be doing some more felling with followed with a delicious supper provided by road closures in the Bickleigh area. Hedges along the members. highway are the responsibility of the adjacent The first meeting of 2020, 7th January, was the landowner and if a tree needs felling Devon County Annual Dinner, this year held at the Beer Engine. Council are advising to replace on a 3-2-1 basis - 3 Eleven members enjoyed a delicious meal. for a large tree and 1 for a small. Planting away from

Next month, 4th February, 2020 at 7.30pm, our the highway takes away a fear of trees falling into the speaker will be Rachel McKee. Rachel will speak to carriage way. us about collecting china. Councillor Margaret Squires [email protected] Members are reminded that annual subscriptions will be due now.

3rd March, 2020 at 7.30pm, a representative from the Crime Commissioner will be joining us.

Focus on Thorverton 15 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Thorverton Co-operative Trust Silverton Well-Being News Ltd The SCENE NEWSLETTER 2020 (Senior Supporting Thorverton Post Office Citizens of the Exe Valley News and Events) is now available. You may pick up a free copy at Thank you for supporting Thorverton Post Office and Wyndham House Surgery, The "Bertie" Prescription our TCT shop so well over the Christmas period. We Delivery, New Valley Practice and many other sold a great number of charity Christmas cards. outlets. Hospiscare in particular were very pleased again with our efforts and support. Balance Classes Balance Classes will be starting again in February. There are many services available at the post office They are designed for people who are unsteady on as you know and lots of you use it regularly as a their feet and at risk of falling. The aim of these bank, to pay bills, top up phones and much more, not sessions is to improve balance, coordination, leg just during the Christmas period. strength and help to prevent falls. This is a venture sponsored by The Friends of Wyndham House TCT Ltd continues to support the post office here Surgery and is fully supervised by Margaret financially and relies heavily on membership Clough, a trained instructor who is helped by some subscriptions and donations to keep the business very experienced volunteer assistants. It is hoped that afloat, so if you are not one of our 183 TCT members the participants will find the activities sociable, yet, then please contact me or ask for a form at the enjoyable and they should notice an improvement in post office ASAP. We also rely on our newspaper their balance, co-ordination and confidence as a and stationery customers of course to keep the result. If you would like to join a class or have more business going and help us make enough to support information, please get in touch. the post office’s needs. Silverton Film Club The TCT AGM will take place on February 10th The Film Club is held on the 3rd Wednesday of the 2020. This will be the TCT Council’s opportunity to month except February when it is on the 2nd give YOU its members, reports about the PO’s and Wednesday, in the Millennium Hall, Silverton. Doors TCT’s business and finances, TCT membership and open at 2.15 pm and the film starts at 2.30 pm. how to support our post office and newsagent shop Admission is free and the films are dementia friendly even more. We (re-)elect the council/committee and have subtitles. There is a half hour interval with members as well as welcoming questions and delicious refreshments for the cost of £2.00. Under feedback from members present. the terms of the license, we cannot advertise the films outside the venue but a poster with the next film is We are always looking for more helpers at the TCT always displayed on the outer door of the hall and shop so if you are able to be a paper unpacker and next door, in Flixx Hair and Beauty. We try to have seller or help us in other ways with stock family friendly films in the school holidays and management, cleaning, building maintenance and anyone is welcome. other needs from time to time, then please contact me Silverton Carer Support Group (Heather Kershaw) or other members of our TCT There is a Carer Support Group which meets in The Council (committee): Sarah Acock, Jan Hamilton, Ruffwell Inn, Thorverton, on the fourth Tuesday of Royston Kershaw, Steve Rendell, Allison Toogood every month for lunch. It is an informal group and or ask at the post office. gives Carers an opportunity to have a break from

their caring role and talk with people who are in a Thank you to our hard-working adult volunteers, our similar situation, over a tasty meal and perhaps a younger TCT staff and to the excellent post office drink or two. We meet at 12.30 and there is a varied staff who so often ‘go the extra mile’ for our menu including a carvery. customers. We are very lucky to have you all. If you are a Carer and would like to join us, you Please make a habit of coming to us first before would be most welcome. Please let me know by mid- shopping elsewhere and tell your friends both ‘far day on the Monday, so that I can book a table. I look and wide’ about what we do and our very convenient forward to hearing from you. parking! Silverton Shower Facility for Disabled People in Heather Kershaw 01392 860419 The Dorothy Granger part of the Silverton TCT Ltd Chair and Company Secretary Community Hall Jan Hamilton 07764 461575 A purpose built wheel chair accessible wet room with TCT Ltd Business Manager a secure seat, safety rails, non-slip flooring and an adjustable shower is available for people who have

Focus on Thorverton 16 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 no suitable facilities at home. There is a heated change can make a big difference. We will be changing room with a portable commode and plenty encouraging everyone to start taking their blood of space for manoeuvring your wheelchair or for pressure pills at bedtime and will be changing the carers to assist you. You will need to bring you own instructions on patients’ medications over the next towels and toiletries and leave the facility clean and few months. If you are not sure which tablets are for tidy after use. We advise you to have someone with blood pressure, please ask us when picking up your you. next prescription.

The disability equipment has been recommended and Of course, more important than when you take the checked by the NHS Occupational Therapy medication is that you actually take it. If you are Department at Cullompton and supplied by the likely to forget taking tablets at night then it is much Friends of Wyndham House Surgery. Silverton better to stick to a regular morning regime as taking Community Hall has generously donated and adapted them is better than not taking them at all! part of the Football teams Shower unit. I am really excited to announce that we have just Booking is required through the Reception at Flixx appointed our new Digital Social Prescriber whose Hair and Beauty 01392 861558 which is next door, role will be to offer teaching to anyone who wishes where you will be able to book your date and time, about everyday use of computers and ’phones. There collect the key and possibly make a donation. will be no assumption of prior knowledge and All the events are open to anyone living in Silverton participants will be able to set their own pace and and the surrounding villages and not only the patients style. We will run groups of varying sizes and of Wyndham House Surgery. Please contact me if abilities to help as many patients who would like to you would like any more information. learn how to use and explore the Internet with all the benefits it brings. Room4U has some equipment that Well Being Co- ordinator Trish Jones the classes will use and I would encourage anyone Mobile phone:- 0748 437 7298 who would like to find out more to sign up at the email:- [email protected] surgery reception. We are hoping that those who take part will learn new ways of finding out about social activities and community events or simply What about a Nightcapsule? enhance their communication with friends, family or anyone in the wider world! For over thirty years Wyndham House has been involved in medical research work. In the 1990s we Anthony O’Brien were part of the Devon Primary Care Research Group Wyndham House Surgery and were involved in several important studies that went on to win national recognition. Colin Greaves Cadbury – a Parish and its who worked with us then is now Professor of Psychology Applied to Health at Birmingham People University and advises the Government on how to promote healthy lifestyles. We are now mostly I have just been lent a copy of this book by Graham involved in larger South West research projects and Albyn Bolt which reflects some incredibly detailed one of these hit the national press at the end of last research about Cadbury. As Graham says in the year. This was a relatively simple study that asked introduction: "...there is nothing unique about the question ‘When is the best time to take your Cadbury. It has an Iron Age Hill Fort, but so do many blood pressure medication?’ Many of our patients others in the county. No-one famous has been born were enrolled in this massive study of almost 20,000 here and nothing out of the ordinary has happened. In people. fact you don't have to travel far from Cadbury to discover people who have never heard of the parish. The study design was not complicated: those Nonetheless, Cadbury is very special to its involved were divided into two groups, one to take inhabitants and has its own history, made by the their blood pressure tablets at bedtime, the other to people who have lived here over the centuries." take their blood pressure tablets on waking. The study ran for 6 years and the results were surprising. This is a monumental work, running to more than There was a significant difference between the two 300 A4 pages and covering the history of each house groups. There were a lot less cardiovascular events and of each family who have lived in the parish. It is (heart attacks and strokes) in the bedtime dosing very well illustrated with photos and maps. If you group. Those taking their tablets at bedtime had want to buy a copy (£25) of this truly admirable piece better blood pressure control, mostly due to a lower of work, please contact Graham Bolt on 01363 blood pressure when sleeping. So a simple small 866773 or 07792 541898.

Focus on Thorverton 17 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Thorverton Parish Council Satisfaction Survey

In November 2019 the Parish Council ran the first of what are intended to be annual satisfaction surveys. Rather disappointingly, only 22 people completed and returned survey forms. The results are summarised below (percentages do not always quite total 100 because of rounding):

Knowing Us Yes Maybe No 1. Do you know the names of three or more parish councillors? 18 (82%) 1 (5%) 3 (14%) 2. Do you know what the parish council is responsible for? 10 (45%) 10 (45%) 2 (9%) 3. Do you know what any of the council’s priorities are? 4 (18%) 10 (45%) 8 (36%) Approaching Us Yes Maybe/OK No 4. If you wanted to ask the parish council about something would 18 (82%) 1 (5%) 3 (14%) you know who to approach? 5. Have you had any contact with the parish council over the last 7 (32%) 15 (68%) year? 6. If you did have contact with the parish council, were you happy 4 (57%) 2 (29%) 1 (14%) that the matter was dealt with well? Assessing Us Very Good Acceptable Poor Don’t good know 7. How would you describe the service that the 8 (36%) 6 (27%) 3 (14%) 1 (5%) 4 (19%) parish council has provided over the past year? 8. How would you describe the quality and quantity 7 (32%) 8 (36%) 4 (18%) 1 (5%) 2 (9%) of information from the parish council?

At its January 2020 meeting, the Parish Council agreed to publish the results and to give further consideration to the feedback, including some individual comments, at a future council meeting.

Free training to become digitally confident help people in their communities gain essential

digital skills. An exciting new project to help people become confident with their computers and devices is As a parish, we’re really excited to be hosting Devon launching at Thorverton Primary School on Digital Lives at our digital drop-in. If you would like Wednesday 18th March from 6.30pm-8.30pm. support with your device – such as your smartphone or your iPad, or with your laptop Local volunteers will lead the drop-in training computer, please bring it along. Volunteers can session. also help you with basic digital tasks you may like support with. They will be on hand to show people how to get the best out of their digital device. That might include Could you help people in Thorverton and local how to set a password; or how to put contacts in their communities get the digital skills they need? mobile telephone; or how to set up online banking; or how to set up a social media account and transfer If you can use a computer or a mobile device, then photographs. you can help - and become a Devon Digital Lives volunteer! As a Digital Lives volunteer you can Local resident, and Parish Councillor Keeley Wells, improve others’ lives by providing basic digital shared the new project idea at a parish council support. Are you interested? Contact Keeley on meeting. 07894118953 or [email protected].

‘Devon Digital Lives’ is a new Devon County Keeley Wells Council initiative to empower volunteers and staff to

Focus on Thorverton 18 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 A Year on our Farm - January We have about 160 acres of arable land. The wet winter meant we had to change our normal plan and

Embarrassed by the state of our fields and our delay sowing nearly half of our arable crops till the bedraggled looking sheep, we started bringing all the spring. The seed we had bought will be used next sheep home in late December. Weeks of wet weather autumn /winter; and we have now purchased a had taken its toll. We walked the last lot home on a different variety that can be sown in the spring. The very wet Boxing Day. Everything came in on the 6th plus side of wet weather is that you do all those of January to be scanned. We now have 465 in-lamb maintenance jobs you’d put off for “a rainy day”. So sheep in sheds, grouped in blocks of 50 according to gates are hung, and swinging nicely, and being kept shut without the use of string!! how many lambs they are carrying and 53 singles still outside eating a field of sheep kale. We make All our livestock is kept for meat for human sure all the grassland is free from sheep from now consumption; and meat production has taken a until March when ewes and baby lambs will have bashing from the media just recently. The agricultural clean grass to go on. industry isn’t very good at standing up for itself. Ill-

Scanning the ewes is an excellent management tool, informed statements grounded on half facts are it enables us to feed the pregnant ewe to her making the head-lines; and unfortunately the “high requirements and sell those that are not in lamb. welfare, low environmental impact”, grazing systems Considering the wet autumn, the sheep were in good of this country, are being tarred with the same brush condition and the lambing percentage was good. We as mass production from huge set-ups elsewhere in keep mainly Exmoor Mules, they suit our farm and the world. You can make a difference by buying system. Michael buys replacements in the autumn local. Look out for the Union Jack on the food sales at Blackmoor Gate. The rams we use are Texels packaging you buy. and Hampshires, and all these lambs go for meat. Tina Ayre About 50 ewes went to a Blue-Face Leicester and we keep those ewe lambs to breed from. Spider Story If you want to live and thrive, let a spider stay alive! I love seeing all the sheep in the sheds, you soon Now read on:- remember their faces from last year with all their My daughter is petrified of spiders (I know there are individualities, ranging from funny to darned a lot of other people who don’t like them either) annoying. At the moment they are being fed our own probably because they are creepy and scarper around silage (ad-lib) we won’t start feeding a protein so quickly, and you never know where you are going concentrate for a few weeks. We also have some to find one hiding ready to emerge. cattle that were bought in the late autumn and put straight into sheds, these are on our own silage (ad- So I bought her a spider repellent “plug in” which lib) and our own barley mix, and of course does work because I’ve got one and never see a everything is lying on our own straw. spider indoors, thank goodness – I don’t like them either. We are what is known as a mixed family farm; using what we grow on the farm to feed our animals, and Anyway, a couple of weeks later she rang me and managing 95% of all farm tasks with our own labour said, “Mum, I don’t think the “plug in” repellent and machinery. We are so fortunate to have most of works. I’ve just seen a spider ‘sat’ on it.” I had to our family living in the parish, and they do willingly smile trying to imagine a spider sat down on the lend a hand. We rotate our arable crops with grass “plug in”. leys and keeping animals on straw through the winter means there is always plenty of farmyard manure to I thought that’s odd because it wasn’t cheap and I’d put back on the fields. It’s neither an intensive or bought it from a well-known place. So she brought it organic system. back to me and I took it back to the place where I had bought it. They were very understanding and said it Michael’s parents bought the farm in 1963 and now it must have been a faulty one, so they gave me another is about 3 times the size (over 300 acres). We live in which I gave to my daughter and it does work very an old - old house, typically Devon, built of cob on well – no more spiders indoors for her now. But I’m stone and under a thatched roof. We still have a fair still baffled to know how a spider ‘sits’. number of, equally old, farm buildings, and use them as such. We have not been tempted to go down the So you see, we don’t kill spiders, but just try to converting barns route; but the most used sheds are prevent them from coming indoors. all relatively new, less than 50 years old. Loreen Large

Focus on Thorverton 19 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 The Joys of the Saturday The Radio 3 presenter has now reached a conclusion on the best recording of Schuman (recorded in 1983! Morning Bath We, in 2020, are so lucky to have such a legacy of top quality recorded music). So, time to ease myself Saturday morning; no need to hurry. First of all, set out of the water into the path of the infra-red the hot and cold taps at the correct angle and hope radiation from the old heater. Bathroom temperature that there is enough hot water in the tank. Switch on has now reached 23C and the small room feels more Radio 3. On Saturday, this is broadcasting “Building like a sauna. Get dressed in T-shirt and lined trousers a Record Library”. Today, it's Schuman's Piano which have now reached a happy warmth from the Concerto. Switch on the radiant heater, a glowing heated towel rail. I decide not to pull the plug, to silica rod in front of a concave reflector, a relic from allow the hot water to give heat to the house, rather the 1970s (or even the 60s). This is probably against than into the drainage pipe. Building Regs, or Health & Safety, or even common sense, but it is a delightful way of feeling warm in a Now, turn off the heater, the radio and the light, and cool bathroom (the thermometer indicates 14C). Go out into the house, with the coffee and now empty to the kitchen to add granola and milk to a wooden cereal bowl, to decide what to do with the rest of my bowl and brew coffee in the cafetiere. Saturday.

Once more in the bathroom, after judging the time John Spivey, [email protected] accurately, turn off the taps as the water has reached 2 cm below the overflow. Temp today … just right. Step in and immersion water level rises to the bottom Hello, Jura here of the overflow ... blissful warmth. I can see a I hope that you all had a dogtastic Christmas. I had blackbird on the honeysuckle outside the steamy lots of presents and my most favourite one was a windows, but the double glazing prevents the song rainbow-coloured giraffe from my boyfriend, Ty. reaching me. I have to be content with Radio 3. You can see me snuggled up to it, sound asleep, in Water up to my chin and knees out in the cold, or the photo. knees warm below the water and shoulders cold above the water. This bath is not quite long enough. My next In 1936 my parents were given a bathroom suite as a favourite wedding present by my grandfather (he was manager present was a of a sanitary ware factory in Halifax, Yorkshire). big bag of This included an extra long bath; long enough for piggy ears from complete immersion of my full 6 feet. Modern baths my human are mostly far too short to enable the joy of having all sister, Naomi. your body warm at the same time. It was great fun watching Mum Time for the delight of eating breakfast cereal in the slowly put her bath ... with no worries about spilling milk on the hand in the bag front of my T-shirt. I wonder, do many people do to get an ear this? A sip of hot coffee poured into a china mug on out as she the edge of the bath. Schuman's relaxing tones doesn’t like echoing around the bathroom. Hairwash and subside piggy ears for below the water, now cooled somewhat. Time to some reason – that seems a bit mad to me. One day show off my aquadexterity (aquadextrous: the ability she put her hand in the bag and screamed so loud that to turn on the tap with both feet), and run some more Dad came running in from the garden to see who had hot water to restore the temperature. Is there a bath been murdered! He laughed when Mum showed him which keeps the temperature constant (with a built-in the huge piggy ear, compete with loads of hair, she thermostatically controlled electric heater?)? had pulled out of the bag! That was the yummiest Probably not, but needs inventing if not. Check the one of all. Anyway, I also had lots of other treats too water from the hot tap with my toes; strangely, it which Mum is rationing, for some reason, even feels either very hot or very cold; decision ... yes, too though I could easily eat them all in one go which hot ... that's good. The hotter water hangs around my would save a lot of space in the cupboard. I had a feet, so I create waves to mix the water and warm my squeaky slipper from my human Aunties, Deb and chest as well. Time for more coffee and rinse the Helen, which I chewed so much that it disappeared - shampoo off my hair. Use a plastic jug to pour the Mum says it’s gone to doggy toy heaven. water over my head. I am very excited about having two new doggy friends, Lottie Parkinson and Roy Stokes. Lottie is a

Focus on Thorverton 20 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 tiny shiny black cocker spaniel, who has a very smart red collar and lead, and we have been having fun at the Millenners running around chasing each other. Poetry Roy is a fox red Labrador and is going to be very big. Violet I look forward to chasing around with him soon too. One of my old friends, Bertie the Labrador Shelton, Pierced by the arctic winds of your eyes has been at it again. Bertie has a liking for human the ice cold blast of emotion freezes over new shoots food (yuk) and has eaten cakes, currys and all sorts and breaks their spirit. when his Mum and Dad have not been looking. The other day, when his Dad was taking the rubbish out, Poor little violet solitary and lonely Bertie spied some cooked chicken on the worktop. in this blasted landscape. Being quite a fast ‘go get it’ kind of dog, Bertie did How have you managed to grow at all? just that – went and got it! His Dad was only gone for Roared over by such cold air, a couple of minutes but that was all he needed to beaten back when your heart climb up onto the worktop – how does he do that? – yearns for some kind word. eat all the chicken then jump into his bed, pretending to be asleep, before his Dad came back in. Head bowed, collecting courage,

His Dad looked for the chicken everywhere, before the option, to exist. guessing what had happened, but with no evidence Deep anchored roots unseen by viscous thoughts what could he do? I am told that his Mum and Dad can be your comfort and your inner knowledge. did not enjoy the beans on toast very much that night! Bertie also has a sweet tooth and one day, But oh, how much more you appreciate the sun. when he was younger, Bertie was found on top of the To smile and flirt with friendly spirits dining room table finishing off a huge, straight out who chastise you not for stubborn insignificance. the oven, hot cross bun bread and butter pudding. This time the evidence was there and he suffered the Your dreams will keep you warm consequences. He still can’t resist though! when winter’s freeze shuts down around new blooms. Mum and Dad have been doing something called How could you know that ‘decorating’ which is really boring as it means that I summer’s sun would scorch and burn them? don’t get their full attention all of the time. When I go anywhere near the painting – which I try to do a You need the cold clime to bring out inner strength. lot - I get ‘Jura, get out of the way’ or ‘Jura, get in Build up reserves, surprise us all – not least yourself, your bed’ which I hate. I have, so far, managed to get survive the winter’s fury. green paint on my tail and white paint on my head and, as this makes people laugh, I continue my search for wet paint at every opportunity. Anyway, due to being abandoned, I have been exploring around the house, all alone, and have found lots of beds upstairs which are very cosy and warm and just right for sleepies. My most favourite bed is Mum and Dad’s as I can lay on the end of it and look out the window into the orchard – my most favourite place in the world. I can watch the squirrels and the birds and when I fall asleep I have dreams about being in the orchard running around and swimming in the stream. Mum says my legs move about in my sleep and I make some very funny noises – just like Dad!

Luckily, even though decorating takes a long time, I have still been going for walkies twice a day so that is something at least. I am looking forward to the Lorraine Colebrook decorating being finished and to having Mum and Dad’s full attention back as soon as possible. In the meantime, I will keep heading for that wet paint!

Until next time, woof woof, Jura.

Focus on Thorverton 21 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

Will you play upon this pipe? DCC have lots of information available on their web site. Hamlet asks this of Guildenstern, The pipe happens to be at hand. Many new sites have been found over the last 50 The spoken words could well be ours, years. The late Lady Aileen Fox had identified the Hamlet speaks them as he'd planned. few that were known about but at that time even the Exeter fortress was suspected but unknown. There The Prince sees the twins as spies was a perception that the Romans did not venture Kow-towing meekly to the King; west of Exeter. Now, using different techniques, He finds them easy to despise: many sites have been found including roads, fortlets, Friendship doesn’t mean a thing. villas and military sites. Hamlet has made up his mind, The Roman conquest started in 43 AD under the Relationships are hard to mend. Emperor Claudius. The invasion spread westwards He might have chosen to be kind, and then northwards and into Wales. A military base But wanted neither as a friend. was set up in Exeter with up to 5000 troops. A bath So he drives right to the point house was discovered under the Cathedral Close in With wit and mastery and ease; the 1970 excavations. For him the world is out of joint, The Roman legion left Exeter in 75 AD and moved The twins he has no need to please. northwards, and the former fortress was turned over Is this the prerogative of power, to the Romanised Britons to accustom them to see the To speak the truth and not to care? benefits of the Roman civilization. The former army No, each of us can choose our hour base becomes a town known as Isca Dumnoniorium , If falsehood grows too much to bear.' town houses are built but there is still plenty of open space within the city walls. Andrew Hoellering The Romans brought a new building style - A Brexit Sonnet rectangular buildings with tile or slate roofs. Villas were the homes of the elite. Ruralised farmsteads Oh sadness, oh with deep regret we part. became more common but built in a Roman style. Our families drift, our bonds are now untied. Native British round houses continued to be built The distance grows, I fear ‘twill break my heart. with an enclosed farmyard to keep stock in and We’re here by truths and some whose mouths have others out. lied. Near Okehampton was a fort accommodating 500 We feared four horsemen of the verbal tricks. auxiliary troops with a settlement alongside. There is Misinformation, Rumour and False Tips a road leading to Crediton and then Exeter. The worst Denial with his fatal kick Rectangular timber buildings were constructed along Rode out, a smile upon his chastened lips. the road in the fort. The villagers in the settlement were under military control and had to service the We cannot put together what has broke. military needs. Finds have included imported fine Nor bend back time, pretend it was not said. table ware, flagons for olive oil from Spain, glass and A new agreement is our only hope beads. There were bakers and taverns and street food To make a path we both would like to tread. was available.

As friends we must atone and make repair At Topsham there was a first century fort near the Or else we miss the chance and then despair. harbour and many structures were built along the roadway into Exeter. These were a mixture of Lorraine Colebrook military and civilian. Under Topsham rugby club, cobbles were found that had been used as foundations Thorverton History Society for timber walls. Finds here included Samian ware, glass and jewellery.

Friday, 22nd November 2019 At Pomeroy Wood near Honiton a lot of Roman Rural Settlements in Roman Devon – Bill Horner pottery was found along with a small fort. This Bill is an archaeologist with Devon County Council turned into a civilian development although some whose job is to maintain sites of archaeological value round houses continued to be built with foundation in the county and give planning advice to councils. gullies and drainage ditches. Aerial photography has identified sites from crop marks.

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At Stoke Gabriel there is a double ditch rectangular farmstead. At nearby Rewe there is a single ditch They continued across the Severn Bridge for a long Romano British farmstead enclosure. This was night drive through Wales to Chester. Following a excavated by the late John Uglow, a Thorvertonian short nap they were off over the moors and fells of and keen historian and archaeologist. Other Exe England for an overnight stop at the Border. After Valley sites are at Overlands and Netherexe. challenging the elements for a fourth day 64 cars finally arrived at John O’Groats to the sound of At Kingskerswell Roman pottery was found in a test bagpipes and the chequered flag. Four of those pit and when the new road was built a whole earning Gold Medals and pictured here were: - No 7 sequence of ditches were found. At least 6 stages of Bentley Derby, No 18 Volvo Amazon, No 41 MGB development were uncovered from the Iron Age into GT and No 52 BMW - 2002 Tii. the Roman period. Along with pottery they found brooches, beads, coins, glass from bottles, roof tiles and a hypocaust system. At Yettington near Bicton a complicated series of crop marks showed much development with finds from the Iron Age and Roman period. A geophysical survey at Mount Folly near Bigbury showed tracks and enclosures. A large excavation by Exeter University at Ipplepen over the last few years has uncovered a number of farmstead enclosures from the Iron Age to the Romano British. Roads showed signs of rebuilding and repairs and our society enjoyed a talk on this in 2018.

Evidence of iron smelting and forging has been found, along with open cast mining in the east of the county, and at Holcombe Villa at Uplyme a fine bronze mirror was found. At Seaton Down a hoard of over 3000 coins was found. They were possibly in leather bags topped by 3 iron bars about 7 inches long. Robert Turner

Le Jog 25th Anniversary 2019 th On Saturday 7 December Thorverton played host to competitors in the Land’s End to John O’Groats Reliability Trial. Known in the “sport” as Le Jog it is considered the most challenging European endurance rally for pre-1986 classic cars, their drivers and navigators. The first group, from an international entry list of over 80, set off from Land’s End in darkness at 07:30. With check points at Mitchell, Jamaica Inn and Betty Cottles, the first cars arrived at The Thorverton Arms around 2 pm. They included a splendid fleet of early Bentley’s, the oldest a 1924 Le Mans Tourer with a 4500 cc engine came from The Netherlands.

Barrie Phillips

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Thorverton Art Group protection if frost is forecast, and a layer of fleece will do the trick. They do however need mice CHRISTMAS LUNCH protection. Turn a large pot upside down and put tray Members and guests ended another enjoyable year of of broad bean plants on the top. The higher the better. painting, drawing, carving, talking, etc. with an Not much watering needed, just keep moist. excellent Christmas Lunch at The Thorverton Arms th on Friday 6 December. We were greeted in the bar Sweet peas are similar but I put 4 seeds spread out in with a goblet of Kir Royal. a pot. Again they need protecting from hungry mice once outside. Both these seeds are very tolerant to With elections in vogue, the Award sub-committee cool weather so don’t feel you are being cruel disbanded for this year and a secret ballot was held moving them outside. It toughens them up and they over lunch for the John Allen Cup. With a decisive will be ready for planting when the roots start to majority Jennifer Grogan was awarded the trophy for appear at the bottom of the pot. 2019 for her Still Life Watercolour. Planting readiness is sometimes a mystery so be brave enough to check the root system when you think they are ready. When you see several roots appearing out of the bottom of the pot, hold the plant upside down in one hand and support the top of the soil and gently lift the pot away with your other hand. The roots will hold the plant together. You want plenty of roots firmly held together but not squashed in the base of the pot. In this case they have been in the pot too long and will need planting out quickly or repotting. The aim is to catch the plant at the point of needing to be repotted so that it will continue to grow vigorously. A pot-bound plant will have slowed down and might never recover that vigour.

Leeks can be started in a large pot. Compost halfway up the pot and gently flattened out, sprinkle leek seeds onto this and sieve some compost over the top and water. All seeds sown should be well watered with a rose on a watering can. After that most of We were delighted that Paddy Milford was able to them will only need watering occasionally when join us. drying out. Keep pots moist but not wet!! They will not always dry out at the same speed so check daily. The Group meets on Friday mornings during term time at Thorverton Memorial Hall from 10:00 till Lettuce can be sprinkled onto compost on much 12:00. New members are very welcome. smaller pots and should be kept inside until Barrie Phillips transplanted and developed into small plants. They will definitely need frost protection once outside in the greenhouse. The Garden in February Pruning of fruit trees, apples and pears, and soft fruit Wet and more wet so far. Little one can do when the bushes can all be done now. Remember the three D’s ground is saturated. So, unless you can tidy up dead, diseased and damaged, also crossing branches. without damaging soil or grass, it is best to leave I always like to refresh on pruning before starting as things alone. Therefore, look for other jobs. it is easy to forget after a year and think very carefully before starting, what you want it to look Broad beans and sweet peas can be started off as can like. Always keep moving around whilst pruning to leeks and possibly an early variety of lettuce. Broad see from all sides. Try for a balanced look all round. bean seeds plant 2cms. below surface of the compost. If in doubt, ask a friendly gardener. We always like I use a 9cm. pot. One seed per pot. These I start to pass on our experience and somebody will know! inside in a propagator but a warm window sill will do. The trick is to get them started but not to let them Results of the Xmas veggie quiz were as follows. grow too quickly as they become lanky and weak. As 1 parsnips, 2 brussels sprouts, 3 potatoes, 4 swede soon as they have germinated, move to a cooler place 5 curly kale, 6 onions, 7 beetroot, 8 peas, and, as soon as possible, remove to a green house or 9 cabbage, 10 carrots, 11 cauliflower, 12 turnips. polytunnel etc. They only need temperature

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Congratulations to Reg Ayre for submitting a fully refreshing to be out correct set of answers – a bottle of wine for you. Lin in the fresh air Balkwill also deserves a mention for submitting a running around for near-perfect set of answers. [I couldn’t get “onions” two hours, and I – Ed]. can heartily recommend tennis Hopefully it will dry up a bit this next month, so until as part of any New then. Happy Gardening! Year’s resolutions Lorraine Colebrook to keep fit.

We have all Health Walks enjoyed our new extended clubhouse Westbank organise a series of free health walks in the this year, and are area. There is a fortnightly walk from Crediton on due to start work on Wednesdays at 9.50 and on Thursdays also at 9.50, the new toilet and a fortnightly walk from Silverton on Wednesdays facilities, which at 9.50 and on Tuesdays at 10.00. Details are will be much available in the leaflets in our Post Office/TCT appreciated by all portakabin, from www.westbank.org.uk or by of us when finished. contacting Claire Ridge on 01392 824752.

Junior coaching starts again on Wednesday pm, so do Newton St Cyres Tennis Club contact Alice Dowle on 07596 704458 if you are interested, or Laura Leigh on 01647 24259 for any other questions about the club. New members are always welcome at any level of skill.

Sally Baldwin

Where in Thorverton? On the back cover of the December/January edition of Focus I gave 16 photos taken in different streets in Thorverton. I am sorry that lack of space prevents me from reproducing the photos here, so you will need to look out your December edition. I hope that some of you enjoyed Club members enjoyed an American Doubles match the search even if you couldn’t find all of the with a Christmas theme between Christmas and New features. Year. Twelve hardy players worked off the excesses of Christmas in fancy dresses ranging from The correct answers were: Christmas presents to snowmen. Prizes were awarded 1. Raddon Road, 2. Lynch Close, 3. Cleaves Close, 4. not only for play but for best fancy dress costume Bullen Street, 5. Dinneford Street, 6. Broadlands, 7. too. Bullen’s Close, 8. The Glebe, 9. School Lane, 10.

Milford Lane, 11. Court Barton, 12. Silver Street, 13. In the winter people often think I am playing indoors Jericho Street, 14. The Bury, 15. Dark Lane, 16. when I say I am off to play tennis, and look taken Lynch Road. aback when I say no, we play outdoors all year round. However, on occasions this winter it has Congratulations to Sandra Keyte who submitted a definitely been a question of ‘Mad dogs and fully correct set of answers. Englishmen’ as we battle the elements of rain and wind. Even sunshine, much appreciated as it is, can make winter play difficult as it is so low and blinding at one end of the court. However, it is always

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Legal Eagle During the race the Satanita ran into and sank the In recent years, in Rugby Union, the two major teams Valkyrie11. The master and crew of the Valkyrie11 have, domestically at least, been the Exeter Chiefs sought to recover damages. It was alleged that by the and Saracens. In 1999 Premiership Rugby introduced terms of the entry and in consideration that Lord the salary cap, which has four stated aims: Dunraven would race with Clarke under these rules,

 To ensure the financial viability of all clubs Clarke had agreed to be liable for all damage arising from the breach of the rules. Clarke argued that, in and of the Premiership competition; the absence of a contract between himself and Lord  To control inflationary pressures on clubs’ Dunraven, his liability was limited under s54(1) costs; Merchant Shipping Amendment Act 1862 to £8 per  To provide a level playing field for clubs; ton on the registered tonnage of the Santanita. and Bruce J held that even if there was a contract it was  To ensure a competitive Premiership. not so express as to override the statutory limitation. The Court of Appeal reversed this decision, holding The Regulations provide for sanctions to be imposed that there was a contract under which Clarke was in the event of breach. In 2015 Saracens were found liable for all damage. Clarke’s appeal to the House of to have breached the cap but came to an agreement Lords was unsuccessful. Lord Herschell said, “I with Premiership Rugby and the clubs making up the cannot entertain any doubt that there was contractual Premiership at that time with the result that no relation between the parties to this litigation. The sanction was imposed. More recently, however, effect of their entering for the race, and an Saracens have again been found to be in breach of the undertaking to be bound by these rules to the cap and in consequence have suffered a 35 point knowledge of each other, is sufficient, I think where deduction and a fine of £5.4m. those rules indicate a liability on the part of one to

Tony Rowe, the Chairman of Exeter Chiefs, has the other, to create an obligation to discharge that liability…” indicated that he is taking legal advice with a view to bringing a claim against Saracens with the aim of So, the effect of entering the regatta under the rules recovering revenue lost as a consequence of the of the Yacht Club Association was to create a breach by Saracens. In order to bring a successful contractual relationship not only with the Mudhook legal action, one has to find the legal wrong which Yacht Club but with all other entrants. If we apply resulted in the loss or harm. So, what legal wrong are this reasoning to any claim brought by the Exeter Exeter Chiefs able to identify as having been Chiefs, the effect of Saracens agreeing with committed by Saracens and which resulted in the Premiership Rugby to observe the salary cap loss? amounted to a contractual obligation to do so not

I feel sure that those advising Exeter Chiefs would only with Premiership Rugby but with all the other have considered a number of options, one of which teams in the Premiership. Failure on the part of may well have been an action for breach of contract. Saracens to observe the salary cap meant that they At first sight this does not seem an obvious choice as were in breach of their contractual obligation, which there does not appear to be a contractual relationship would allow any club able to establish that they had between the Exeter Chiefs and Saracens regarding suffered a financial loss as a result of the breach by Saracens to maintain a legal action. the observance of the salary cap.

We need to return to the 1800s in order to discover a The point might be taken that the agreement between precedent which would support such a claim, and in Premiership Rugby and the clubs making up the particular, the case of Clarke -v- Dunraven [1897]. Premiership is not intended to be legally binding. I The Mudhook Yacht Club advertised a regatta to be am not aware that any club has raised this argument, held on the Clyde in July 1894. Lord Dunraven, the and, given the commercial nature of the agreement, owner of the Valkyrie11, and Clark, owner of the the presumption would be in favour of there being an Satanita entered their yachts, each owner signing a intention to be legally bound. If the intention were letter to the secretary of the club undertaking that otherwise, then this would have needed to have been made clear at the time of the agreement. while sailing under the entry he would obey and be bound by the sailing rules of the Yacht Club Clive Hamblin Association. One of the rules provided, “… If a yacht, in consequence of her neglect of any of these rules, shall foul another yacht, or compel other yachts to foul, she shall forfeit all claim to the prize and shall pay all damages.”

Focus on Thorverton 26 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Nature Notes road towards Cox’s Hill Farm at Upton Pyne. The second sighting was around 11.30am on 13th Here are observations from November and December December when it was stood on the road outside and by the time you read this it will be February, the Snows Farm here at Raddon. last month of winter and already there are hints of springtime reported such as primroses in flower. On 28th December, after leaving a very muddy Ashclyst forest, Lin Balkwill and I came across a In November my sister found a group of dog group of magpies numbering around 15, an unusual stinkhorns Mutinus caninus in her plantation, her sight. There are various names given for a group of picture is here. The fungus is similar to but smaller magpies but I’m taking a tiding meaning news or than stinkhorn Phallus impudicus which is information as in ‘tidings of comfort and joy’, which commonly found in gardens and woodland and fits in nicely with this sighting at Christmas time. detected by its distinctive smell. I have never seen a dog stinkhorn and it is the only native species of the A to Z Polecat and Pine Marten genus Mutinus in Europe. Some Mutinus species may These two mammals are members of the mustelid be found growing (introduced) inside hothouses. family as is for example badger and stoat. The

polecat is generally dark brown in colour but in winter its lighter underfur shows through the brown. Sometimes polecats can be confused with ferrets but a polecat will always have a brown mask across its eyes like a bandit extending to its nose. Polecats also have a characteristic dark throat patch and dark fur on both paws. The polecat is a ground dweller and a good swimmer. The picture of the polecat was featured in Focus October 2016, found dead on the road at Shute.

On several occasions this winter I have been driving during the night and coming through Upton Pyne to get home to Thorverton. If no car is following me The pine marten has a chestnut brown coat and its then I drive slowly in the hope of nocturnal wildlife throat and chest are creamy yellow. This is the only spotting and I have been rewarded with a few owl mustelid to have semi retractable claws and used for sightings. The first sighting was of a barn owl climbing - the pine marten is a specialist tree climber. perched in a tree not far from the turning to The diet of polecat and pine marten are very similar, Stevenstone Barton on 29th November. The following they will take small mammals, amphibians, birds, night a raptor flew out from a hedge but I was unable worms, slugs, insects and in autumn fruits and to identify it, and likewise 13th December gave me berries. Both will raid chicken coops to steal eggs another unidentified sighting. I saw a barn owl again and poultry and take eggs of wild birds. The on 20th December followed by a tawny owl on 27th difference in diet is of their main prey, for a polecat it is rabbit and pine marten it is squirrel. December both perched in a tree between Upton Pyne and Stevenstone Barton. The main stronghold of the polecat is Scotland,

In 2018 I wrote about a small falcon, the merlin, and Wales and northern England but it has spread south that one bird has a winter territory hereabouts. But as in recent years. Since 2016 I have received local is often the case when one writes about these things, I reports (including two in 2019) of polecat around didn’t see it at all that winter. That has changed this Shobrooke, Shute, Cadbury and Thorverton. In 2017 winter as I have seen this delightful little bird twice. a polecat-ferret was found locally, polecats will mate with ferrets. The first sighting was as my daughter and I were driving to work in Exeter in the early morning gloom th The pine marten lives in Scotland, Wales, Ireland and of 5 December. It emerged from a hedge, hugging the Lake District but there have been odd sightings in the road surface for quite a distance, briefly landing Somerset, Devon and Cornwall within the last ten low in a hedge before taking off again to turn into the years.

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Polecats and pine martens were once persecuted due to their fondness for attacking poultry and game. Silverton & Exe Valley Seniors Many polecats were caught in gin traps. Pine martens FEBRUARY 2020 Newsletter were also trapped for their fur. Polecat population has now increased possibly due to the increase in forestry Events & activities for the plantations and the ban on the use of gin traps. Both plus! mammals have been a protected species since 1981 and both are priority species within the Biodiversity WELCOME! list post 2010. Membership is open to anyone 50 or over living in Jenny Garne Silverton and surrounding towns and villages in the 01392 860875 Exe & Culm Valley area. The Club which organizes [email protected] outings to places of interest and other social activities such as theatre trips, coffee mornings and whist, has been in existence for 25 years & is a not Recipes for profit organisation. Annual membership is £6.

Vegetable Pie MONDAY WHIST – Mondays 03 & 17 FEB St Mary’s Church Hall Silverton is the venue for this 1kg (2lb) prepared mixed vegetables – carrots, leeks, fortnightly activity starting at 2:00 PM prompt. onions, parsnips and celery, cut into bite size chunks, Entrance fee £2.50 includes refreshment and raffle and steamed until just tender. Prepare a white sauce ticket. It’s fun, easy to learn and helps keep the from 500ml (1 pint) milk, 25g (1oz) cornflour, salt brain cells active! and pepper. Mix the cornflour to a paste with 3 tablespoons of the milk, bring the remainder to the AGM – Wednesday 26th FEB boil and pour onto the cornflour paste. Return to a Because of capacity considerations the AGM will clean saucepan and bring to the boil stirring well. again be held in the Millennium Hall Silverton Season with salt and pepper and add plenty of commencing at 1430 but please note the change of chopped parsley. Add the steamed vegetables and day due to Hall availability. Come along and find out pour into a pie dish. Cover with mashed potatoes or what has been planned for 2019. Refreshments in shortcrust pastry and bake in a hot oven until golden the form of tea and cake will be available brown. Serve with a green vegetable and potatoes. afterwards. The AGM replaces the usual monthly Coffee Morning. [The introduction of food rationing in January 1940 encouraged the nation to grow more fruit and FORTHCOMING Spring Outings (inclusive of coach & vegetables and not to waste food. This pie is based on venue entry cost) a wartime recipe and is a good way of using home Coach pick-ups at Tiverton, Bickleigh, Silverton, Ruffwell, Rewe & Stoke Canon grown produce] 08th FEB Spirit of the Dance Queens Theatre Paul Cleave, Sustainable Crediton Barnstaple £35 17th MAR American Museum & Gardens and Defibrillator Move Bath £22 22nd APR Shepton Mallet Prison & Wells £25 Thorverton’s defibrillator, which had been on the 13th MAY Dartington Crystal and Hartland door of Parkers’ in Dinneford Street, has been moved Abbey & Gardens £25 across the road to be on the wall of the New Valley Practice surgery. We are most grateful to Parkers for Full details of the 2020 programme will be available at allowing the defibrillator to be housed there while the AGM to take away. they were operating as an office, and to the New If you are interested in any of the above events or Valley Practice for allowing it to be repositioned on would like to join the Club please contact Martin their north-facing wall (ie facing away from The Clough Club Secretary 38 Hederman Close Silverton Bury). Thanks are also due to D&D – Dan and EX5 4HW Devon Tel: 01392 860971 or e-mail: Darren – the electricians who moved the defibrillator [email protected] and ask for a for us without charge as a gesture of goodwill. Membership Application form Our website www.sevs.info will be updated with the full 2020 It might also be worth a reminder that should you programme in February following the AGM. need to use the defibrillator, please inform the clerk, Alison Marshall, afterwards because it will need to be reset after use.

Focus on Thorverton 28 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 TARTS News way on her recce, and I was somewhat hoping to see the cheeky ewe again, but we passed unimpeded! The Thorverton Amblers Ramblers and Trampers climb back up to the car park took in two lovely fairly newly planted memorial arboretums with a lovely peaceful atmosphere.

Saturday 21st December was the TARTS annual Christmas meal. We started the day with our customary amble around Killerton, with warm mince pies supplied by Jane and mulled wine by Caroline. It Happy New Year to you all. After a very soggy end was very very muddy after all the rain, and so we to 2019, let's hope we have better weather for took advantage of a set of upright logs to use as walking in 2020! tables to lay our feast on. We hadn’t bargained, however, on the greediness and determination of the Recent walks: Exmoor ponies currently grazing the park. Jerry was Saturday 14th December 2019 Jenny led a walk of 5 called upon to act as the TARTS security and keep miles around Clatworthy Reservoir in Somerset. This them from having our food away! They did manage walk had been scheduled twice before but on both to get their noses in our rucksacks on one or two occasions postponed because of bad weather, so it occasions even then! was so nice to finally be out. We did have a few weather related problems at the beginning though, having to take a detour to the start point due to flooding, and waiting in the cars in the car park for a rain storm to pass before donning our boots.

The rest of the day turned out to be great weather for a December walk - cold, but dry and with a good helping of sun.

December is not the ideal month for lots of wildlife, but soon after we started we were treated to the sound of a Nuthatch. Later on various eagle-eyed tarts spotted a buzzard, and also Mallards.

Early on our otherwise pretty flat route took us up a In the evening we thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas climb to an Iron Aged hill fort. Sadly there is no meal at the Thorverton Arms. There were 25 of us access to the fort but there is an information board this year – I think that might be a record. The food telling us that the fort is 14 acres and triangular in was excellent, and the service friendly. We were glad shape, and its main defence is a single earth and to be able to be back in the village this year. stone bank with a ditch below. It’s now designated as a scheduled monument but sadly little is known of its th Saturday 4 January history. Leaving the fort, we passed through Caroline led a 6 mile walk on the eastern fringes of Clatworthy and Northern woods before rounding the Dartmoor. Starting at Cold East Cross car park the northern end of the reservoir. route took in Rippon Tor, Top Tor, Pil Tor, Tunhill Rocks and Buckland Beacon.

The walk along the western side stayed very close to the water, giving wonderful views across. We crossed over several little bridges over tributary streams. Jenny had come across a sheep blocking the

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As we waited for everyone to assemble in the car park the mist was still quite low over Rippon Tor. However, as we started out towards it the mist cleared a little and by the time we reached the top we had a predominantly clear and dry day. The going was a little wet underfoot still, and areas around farm gates were very waterlogged, but the going underfoot was generally very good considering all the rain we’ve had.

Future Walks:

Saturday 8th February – led by Jenny Saturday 29th February – led by Nick and Judy Saturday 14th March – led by Neville Saturday 28th March – led by Mike Saturday 4th April – led by Brigid th Saturday 18 April – led by Graeme The climb up to Buckland Beacon was rewarded with outstanding views of the moors in all directions, and All walks meet opposite the church at 0930, and are a chance to look at the Ten Commandments carved suitable for dogs unless otherwise stated. Shorter into the granite at the top. walks are usually 4 – 6 miles in length and longer walks 6 – 9 miles, however precise details of each walk (length, gradient, lunch information etc) will be displayed approximately a week before the walk in the Old Post Office Window and on the village notice board. If you would like to be included on the email list contact Caroline (07749775304) or Graeme (860203). Caroline Prince

Who Reads This Stuff Anyway? I hope that you will be aware that Focus is available to view online at thorvertonfocus.wordpress.com. We are very fortunate to have Rob Purvis keep this site going for us. It contains past copies of Focus back to 2006.

I asked Rob if he could produce any data on the number of viewers of our pages. He found that there had been 419 visitors to the site in 2019, down from previous years (we had 686 at our peak in 2016, 589 in 2017 and 485 in 2018).

Rob was able to produce a world map for me which shows the geographic location of views of Focus on the Wordpress site from the time that the site was started in 2013. I should emphasise that these figures There were 13 of us in total, a great opportunity to show “pages” viewed (I think that this will mean the blow some of the cobwebs away for the start of the number of editions looked at rather than the number year. of pages within each edition), whereas the figures I mentioned above are the number of visitors (one visitor may well view several pages), nevertheless, they do paint an interesting picture. I hope that you find the following map interesting:

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Puzzles Su Doku Crossword Solution (from December/January You know the rules: edition) Across: 1 and 4 [sorry, not 1 and 2, my mistake – Ed] Stoke Canon, 7. Christmas, 8. Dish, 10. Clergy, 12. 7 6 1 5 3

Market, 13. Play, 16. Dinneford, 18. Clerk, 19. Night. Down: 1. Speed, 2. Orc, 3. Euro, 4. Castle, 5. 5 Numeral, 6. Nasty, 9. Strange, 11. Bedeck, 12. Medic, 14. Yeast, 15. Corn, 17. Dig 6 4 1 7 Congratulations to Tian Ayre for submitting a very nearly complete grid (just one missing) and not being 2 3 thrown by my mistake. 5 6 4 3 2 Hill Climbing No answers yet to my hill climbing question. One 5 9 morte chance – come on Thorverton! 9 5 7 3 On a TARTS walk, Mike went up a hill at the rate of 1½ miles per hour and came down it at the rate of 4½ 6 miles per hour, so that it took him six hours to make the journey to the top and back. How far was it to the 1 5 6 8 2 top of the hill?

Focus on Thorverton 31 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Rainfall Record I am very sorry indeed to report that Gus Christianson died recently. Over the past 12 years Gus had most conscientiously supplied me with Thorverton rainfall data. Even at times when his health was not good, Gus made sure that he took readings. I am giving this last set of readings, including some brief analysis of 2019 as a whole and a comparison with earlier years, largely as a tribute to a man of patience and quiet determination.

November and December 2019 were by some margin the wettest months of the year, with 155mm and 156mm of rainfall respectively being recorded. Indeed, with the exception of March 2018 (when 180mm was recorded) we have not seen any month as wet since November 2014. The total rainfall for 2019 was 937mm, a little below the 12-year recent average. This was largely due to the relatively dry first nine months of the year – more rain was recorded in the last four months of the year than in the first eight months. The chart below shows the monthly 2019 data (as bars) compared with the ten-year recent average (as a line)

A comparison with rainfall data collected between 1946 and 1966 may be of interest to some readers. The data were collected by Col. H Northcote Vinen, DSO, and published in Thorverton Past and Present in 1969. In the chart I have set out the data for each year from 1946 to 1966 and then left a gap (not to scale) until 2008, from which year onwards I have used Gus Christianson’s records. Obviously comparison of records in this way must be

Focus on Thorverton 32 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 treated with some caution because the two men may have used slightly different recording methods and taken recordings from slightly different locations, nevertheless, they do give a good picture of rainfall in Thorverton over a long period.

I had mentioned to Gus that I would share the data with him and am only sorry that I failed to do so before he died because I am sure that he would have found the comparison interesting, although Gus used to tell me almost every month that there was little point in me trying to find any pattern because there simply wasn’t any!

Churches in the Netherexe Parishes Stoke Canon Church

I had not visited Stoke Canon Church for maybe fifteen years, so was quite surprised at what I found when I visited recently. The interior is unlike other churches in the area. However, be advised that, as with many other churches in the area - indeed in the country more widely - the church is usually locked, although I understand that it can be accessed when events are taking place in the adjoining Bridge Centre. Once more I have drawn from the Visitors’ Guide produced by Brian Please (available from the website for the Netherexe Churches) and from a rather good leaflet by Maureen Owen-Jones which was written in 2012 as part of the Bell Restoration Project (available to purchase in the church). I can also recommend an older leaflet – “Stoke Canon, a Short History” – produced by Gillian and John Piper, which contains some interesting information about both church and village.

The known history of Stoke Canon goes back to the 10th Century when King Athelstan founded a monastery in Exeter and gave land to provide an income for the monks. The 1086 Domesday Book refers to the manor of Stoke Canon belonging to Exeter Cathedral. The village name appears (as Stoke Canonicorum) in 1281 because the canons from the cathedral were housed in the village when not in residence in Exeter.

The Church of St Mary Magdalene was built from local volcanic stone used because it was easily cut into neat blocks. Locally quarried Culm stone was used for much of the inside of the building and some lower outside walls, with limestone from the quarry in Beer used for the window tracery because it was easier to carve. The oldest items in the church are the font; the pews and bench ends – one of which is pictured on the left - which date back to the 16th Century; and the pulpit which dates to between 1605 and 1625. There are also two marble memorials on the south wall, from the 17th Century. The church was substantially rebuilt in 1835 after being struck by lightning, so most of its structure apart from the tower dates from that time.

Apparently, a fire caused by a cinder from a passing train destroyed a large part of the village, including 32 houses, in 1847. The church was used as a refuge by the villagers and a baby was born in the church during this time. The semi- octagonal pulpit has scorch marks on it which were made by people lighting fires for warmth and cooking when the church was used for refuge.

The Norman font is one of the oldest in Devon. It is made from one piece of local volcanic stone, possibly from Thorverton or Killerton. The conservators, Sue and Lawrence Kelland, described the font in 2007 as having bearded figures at each of the four lower corners, each with their hands upraised to hold a rope which runs around horizontally; above them are beasts and with a

Focus on Thorverton 33 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 geometric design based on a circle with fleur de lys and knotwork around the bowl. Interestingly, the geometric design on the font is repeated on the bench end I have shown above. It seems that the medieval designers copied the design on the font.

I mentioned in my introduction that the interior of the church is quite different from most others. The work in 2008-9 set the church out with the pews around an open central area. It is believed that this would have been more similar to how things were in Georgian times when the priest and people were not separated. Apparently this arrangement with the central space is proving popular.

The other point worthy of mention about the church is the connection with Daniel Boone. Daniel Boone was a great American pioneer, particularly noted for his exploration and settlement of Kentucky. His great-grandparents lived and were buried in Stoke Canon in the 17th Century. In 2005, when the church was under threat of permanent closure due to its unsafe roof, members of the Daniel Boone Society of America gave generously to support the repairs and so save the church. This is all recorded in a plaque in the porch of the church. Members of the society subsequently visited the reopened church in 2007 while on a tour of England. Douglas Dettmer conducted a service during their visit at which words were used which would have been familiar to Daniel Boone’s great-grandparents. Neville Lane

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Focus on Thorverton 47 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

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Local reliable, honest, trustworthy, DBS checked, Insured and Canine first Aid trained Dog walker covering Stoke Canon, Rewe, Huxham, Thorverton, Upexe and Silverton. Offering Daily, weekly or one off dog walks. Puppy, Cat and small animal visits. House sitting, Pet sitting and pet taxi service. For further information 0754 651 4854 Email [email protected] or Facebook.

Logs For Sale

£80 for a load Also can supply bags of kindling £3 per net Contact Robert or Dawn on 01363 866319

Focus on Thorverton 48 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

Focus on Thorverton 49 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

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Focus on Thorverton 51 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

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Focus on Thorverton 53 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Thorverton Parish Information AIR AMBULANCE EMERGENCY - QUOTE NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE RECREATION GROUND - Sheet 192 SS 923019 MEMORIAL HALL FIELD - Sheet 192 SS 926019

Carers' Support Group Anne Higman, Wyndham House Surgery, Silverton. 860034. Meetings - 3rd Wednesday of month, Wyndham House, 2.30-4.30 pm Church (C of E) Mrs Margaret Lowe, Administration Manager, 07594 714590. [email protected]

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

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

Church Choir Heather Kershaw 25 The Glebe, Thorverton 860419.

P.C.C. Treasurer Jean Brown, Rydal Cottage, Bullen Street. 861176.

Friends of Thorverton Parish Church Trust Royston Kershaw 25 The Glebe 860419.

Church (Baptist) Minister: Revd Maurice Harrison, 966861. Secretary: Fiona Harrison, 966861.

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

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

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

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

Gas Emergency 0800 111999.

Leonard Trust Supporting local people’s needs with small grants. Sec: Elspeth Holmes, Drill House, Lynch Road, Thorverton, 01392 860535

Library (Exeter Mobile) Every 4 weeks 3.35 – 4.20 Thursdays Quarry Car Park.

Member of Parliament Mel Stride. By writing: Mel Stride MP House of Commons London SW1A 0AA By phone: 02072197037. By email: [email protected]

Parish Council Chairman Cllr. Neville Lane Parish Clerk Mrs Alison Marshall, Dinneford House, Dinneford Street, Thorverton, EX5 5NU. 861228.

Parish Council Meetings 2nd Tuesday of month, 7.30 pm.

Parish Allotments Contact the Parish Clerk – 861228.

Parish Council Notice Board Situated in School Lane, opposite the Thorverton Arms.

Planning notification applications at http://data.gov.uk/apps/planningalerts alert via email when a planning application is published in one’s street, neighbourhood or wider area.

Pension Service PO Box 93, Plymouth PL6 5WJ. 0845 60 60 265.

Police Non-emergency number: 101.

Post Office Portacabin (TCT Ltd) Quarry Car Park, Thorverton EX5 5NG Tel: 860455 Mon. to Fri: 9 am-1.00 pm, 2 - 5.30 pm. Sat: 9 am -12 noon, Sun: 9 - 10.30 am for newspapers only. Business Manager: Jan Hamilton 07764461575. Chair and Company Secretary: Heather Kershaw, 25 The Glebe, 860419.

Public Telephone Kiosk Opposite the Church, outside the former Bell Inn, Dinneford St.

Thorverton C of E Primary School (Part of the Exe Valley Federation) Executive Headteacher (Exe Valley Federation): Mr John Jolliffe. Head of School (Thorverton): Mrs Sarah Parkes 01392 860374. School Office (Thorverton): 01392 860374. Chair of Governors (Exe Valley Federation): Jackie Enright 01392 851859. Clerk to the Governors: Ms Jessica Benger: 07795 515048.

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

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

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

Focus on Thorverton 54 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Thorverton Organisations Amateur Dramatic Society (TADS) Chair: Sheena Hunter-Hedges 01392 860843, Treasurer: Simon Hedges, Minutes Secretary: Mary Ette. Meetings: For details of meetings please contact [email protected] or by phone.

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

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

Association Football Club Chairman - James Vanstone, 07794 676117 Secretary and Treasurer - Paul Webb - 07944 533372 -

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

Clarinet/Saxophone Group Contact Peter Mason 860727 Meets every Thursday morning.

Cricket Club Chair: Charles Kislingbury, Secretary: M C. Denford, 14 Moorlands, Tiverton EX16 6UF. 01884 255076. Fixture Sec: J Meredith, Grayley, Dinneford Street.

Focus Magazine Chair: Michael Ayre, Ratcliffe Farm, Thorverton. Editor: Neville Lane, 2 The Glebe, Thorverton. 861062. Secretary: Geoff Bulley, Broadlands, Thorverton. Treasurer: Bob Swaffield, Schiehallion, School Lane, Thorverton. 860309.

Golf Society Players of Thorverton C/o Exeter Inn, 01392 860206.

History Society Chair: Richard Pocock, 01884 855450. Programme Secretary: Graham Wills 860895.

Ladies Group Meet 2nd Thursday of month, (Venue and time - see Focus Notices).

Memorial Hall Committee Chair: Roger Fieldhouse, tel. 860768. email: [email protected] Secretary: Mike Baldwin, tel. 860853. [email protected] Bookings: [email protected] Website: www.thorvertonmemorialhall.co.uk

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

Thorverton Pre-School 01392 861707 / [email protected] Mondays to Fridays during term-time at Thorverton Primary School site. 8.45 - 11.45 am, & 12.45 - 3.30 pm, & Lunch Club 11.45 am - 12.45 pm.

Thorverton Ambling, Rambling and Tramping Society (TARTS) Caroline Prince 07749 775304 or Graeme Culshaw 860203 See notices of walks in Old Post Office Window, Bullen Street.

Toddler Group Nina Hamilton ([email protected] or 07787 225989) Thursdays during term time at the Memorial Hall, 9.30-11.30am. £2 per family, healthy snacks for the children and tea/coffee for the adults included.

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

Women's Institute Bookings: Sue Maguire, 860631 W.I. Meeting: 1st Tuesday of the month at the W.I. Hut, 7.30 pm. Whist: 4th Tuesday of the month, at the W.I. Hut, 7.30 pm. W.I. Market & Coffee: 4th Saturday of the month, W.I. Hut. 10.00 to 11.00 am.

Focus on Thorverton 55 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Doctors’ Surgeries

New Valley Practice

Drs. A. Hall, J. Harris, E. Saunders, E. Ziegler, C. Nicholls, G. Davies and L. Spriggs

Newcombes The Surgery, The Bury Crediton EX17 2AR Thorverton EX5 5NT

Main telephone: 03333 442 988 www.newvalleypractice.co.uk

Crediton GPs available Thorverton GPs available Monday 08.30 – 18.00 Drs. Harris, Saunders, 08.30 – 18.00 Dr. Spriggs Ziegler Tuesday 08.30 – 18.00 Drs. Saunders, Harris, 08.30 – 18.00 Dr. Davies Hall, Spriggs Wednesday 08.30 – 18.00 Drs, Hall, Ziegler, 08.30 – 18.00 TBC Davies Thursday 08.30 – 18.00 Drs., Harris, Saunders, 08.30 – 18.00 Dr. Ziegler (closed 1-2pm) Nicholls, Spriggs Friday 08.30 – 18.00 Drs. Hall, Saunders, 08.30 – 18.00 TBC Nicholls, Spriggs

Extended surgeries are offered on weekday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays in Crediton (pre-bookable appointments only). GP and nurse (blood tests only) can be booked through SystmOnline. Please ask at reception for details. Our doctors can also be consulted online through eConsult. This service lets patients request advice and treatment from our practice online and get self-help advice for hundreds of common conditions. Please see our website for information and the eConsult link.

Please note we do NOT take prescription requests over the telephone or by email.

Repeat prescriptions (Monday-Friday) – You can request your repeat prescriptions by using our online repeat prescription request at www.newvalleypractice.co.uk

Please note that 48 hours’ notice is required for all repeat prescriptions.

We accept credit/debit card payments for NHS and private prescriptions.

Don’t forget to book your flu injection!!! Contact the surgery for more details.

Focus on Thorverton 56 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020

Focus on Thorverton 57 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Waste Collection Dates for 2020 Collections on Mondays, unless stated otherwise. (These collection dates apply to the majority of the village, but outlying parts may have different collection days)

General refuse, recycling boxes and food caddy Chargeable garden waste and food caddy February 3rd and 17th February 10th and 24th March 2nd, 16th and 30th March 9th and 23rd April 15th (Wed.) and 27th April 6th and 21st (Tues.)

Mobile Library Thursdays every 4 weeks in the Quarry Car Park from 15.45 to 16.20. (Note later arrival time.) Feb 6th , March 5th, April 2nd & 30th, May 28th, June 25th, July 23rd, Aug 20th, Sept 17th, Oct 15th, Nov 12th, Dec 10th.

Union Flag Flying days in February 6th Her Majesty’s Accession

Road works If you want to see up to date information on road works, visit: http://roadworks.org/.

Bus Services Turner's Tours / Carmel Coaches No 678 Cheriton Fitzpaine – Thorverton section served on Tuesday (renumbered Service 675) 10.09 from Bullens Close and The Berry, 10.10 from Latchmore Green. Scheduled to arrive Exeter (via Ellerhayes and Poltimore) at 10.48. Wednesday and Friday 10.09 from Bullens Close and The Berry. Scheduled to arrive Exeter (via Upton Pyne) at 10.48 Return on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 13.35 from Exeter bus station.

MONDAY-SATURDAY (except Bank Holidays) Stagecoach service 55B:

To Tiverton from Thorverton The Berry & Broadlands: 07.55, 09.16, 11.31, 13.46, 16.06, 17.11 (Saturdays only), 17.29 (Mon-Fri. This is the 155 service), 18.21.

Return to Thorverton from Tiverton Bus Station: 07.30, 08.35, 09.55, 12.10, 14.25, 15.55 (Mondays to Fridays term-time only), 16.45, 17.45.

To Exeter Bus Station (and St David’s train station) from Thorverton The Berry & Broadlands: 08.00, 09.06, 10.27, 12.42, 14.57, 16.28 (Mondays to Fridays term-time only), 17.17, 18.10.

Return to Thorverton from Exeter, outside Next (via St David’s train station): 07.30, 08.50, 11.05, 13.20, 15.40, 16.45 (Sats only), 17.05 (Mon-Fri. This is the 155 service and does not stop at St David’s station),17.55.

Stagecoach 55 service runs pretty much every half-hour in each direction along the Exeter-Tiverton road, stopping at the Thorverton turn (the Ruffwell). Please consult Stagecoach 55 Group timetable for details of this service.

SUNDAY and BANK HOLIDAYS (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day) Stagecoach service 55A: To Tiverton from the Ruffwell: 10.42, 12.42, 14.42, 16.42, 18.42, 20.42, 22.42.

To Exeter from the Ruffwell: 09.57, 11.57, 13.57, 15.57, 17.57, 19.57, 21.57.

Stagecoach offers a variety of concessions for regular commuters, shoppers, children, students and jobseekers as well as one-day unlimited-use Explorer tickets. Further details from Stagecoach: 01392 427711 or 01803 664500 or www.stagecoachbus.com or www.devon.gov.uk/devonbus. Devonbus Timetable Information: call Traveline 0871 200 2233 Timetables available at the Post Office

Focus on Thorverton 58 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 Diary 2020 Please notify the Editor of additions or changes. (Email: [email protected] or Neville Lane on 861062) Details of most events are in the Notices Section of this Focus magazine.

FEBRUARY Sat 1st Planning meeting for the 50th Arts Festival, Parish Church, 10.00am Mon 3rd Welcome Cafe, WI Hut, 2.30pm (and all other Mondays apart from Bank Holidays) Tues 4th WI meeting: Rachel McKee – Collecting China, WI Hut, 7.30pm Fri 7th Coffee Morning, Baptist Church, 10.30-12.00 Sat 8th Saturday Market and Big Breakfast, Memorial Hall, 9.30-11.00am Sat 8th TARTS walk. Barnstaple area and Tarka line. Meet outside the Parish Church at 9.30am Mon 10th Thorverton Cooperative Society (TCT Ltd) AGM, WI Hut, 7.45pm Tues 11th Parish Council meeting, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm Fri 14th Christianity Explored - going through the Gospel of Luke. Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15-3.15pm Mon 17th Garden Club, Tom Sharpe – “New Seeds”, Upton Pyne Village Hall, 7.30pm Thurs 20th Ladies’ Group, Phil Oram of the Pure Stock Company. Moss Bank, School Lane, 7.30pm. Fri 21st TMH Cinema, “Official Secrets” Certificate R. Memorial Hall, 7.30pm Sat 22nd TMH Cinema Family Special, “The Lion King”. Certificate PG. Memorial Hall. 3.30pm. Sat 22nd WI Coffee Morning and Market, WI Hut, 10.00-11.00am Fri 28th Christianity Explored - going through the Gospel of Luke. Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15-3.15pm Fri 28th History Society, John Salvatore – Exeter’s Roman Bath House, WI Hut, 7.30pm Sat 29th TARTS walk. Meet outside the Parish Church at 9.30am

MARCH Mon 2nd Welcome Cafe, WI Hut, 2.30pm (and all other Mondays apart from Bank Holidays) Tues 3rd WI meeting, with a rep from the Crime Commissioner. 7.30pm, WI hut. Wed 4th Focus on Thorverton AGM, at the Baptist Church, 7.30pm Fri 6th Coffee Morning, Baptist Church, 10.30-12.00 Sat 7th Saturday Market and Big Breakfast, Memorial Hall, 9.30-11.00am Tues 10th Parish Council meeting, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm Fri 13th Christianity Explored - going through the Gospel of Luke. Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15-3.15pm Sat 14th TARTS walk in Dunsford/Bridford area. Meet outside the Parish Church at 9.30am Sun 15th Choral Evensong, Parish Church, 6.00pm Wed 18th Devon Digital Lives: Digital Drop-in, Thorverton School, 6.30-8.30pm Fri 20th TMH Cinema, “Mrs Lowry & Son.” Memorial Hall, 7.30pm. Sat 21st Coffee Morning and Bring and Buy (for the Greyhound Trust), Memorial Hall, 10.00am- 12.00. Fri 27th Christianity Explored - going through the Gospel of Luke. Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15-3.15pm Fri 27th History Society, Bill Harvey – Exe bridges around Thorverton, WI Hut, 7.30pm Sat 28th WI Coffee Morning and Market, WI Hut, 10.00-11.00am Sat 28th TARTS walk. Meet outside the Parish Church at 9.30am Sat 28th Charity Concert, Silverton Community Hall. Tiverton Town Band, Community Choirs. 7.30pm

APRIL Fri 3rd Coffee Morning, Baptist Church, 10.30-12.00 Sat 4th TARTS walk. Meet outside the Parish Church at 9.30am Mon 6th Welcome Cafe, WI Hut, 2.30pm (and all other Mondays apart from Bank Holidays) Tues 7th WI meeting, with Alex Fice speaking about Thorverton in war time. 7.30pm, WI hut. Wed. 8th Easter Bingo, Memorial Hall. Fri 10th TMH Cinema, “The Good Liar”, Certificate PG. Memorial Hall, 7.30pm. Sat 11th Saturday Market and Big Breakfast, Memorial Hall, 9.30-11.00am Tues 14th Parish Council meeting, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm Fri 24th Christianity Explored - going through the Gospel of Luke. Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15-3.15pm Fri 24th History Society, Robin Blythe-Lord – The History of Mount Batten, WI Hut, 7.30pm Sat 28th WI Coffee Morning and Market, WI Hut, 10.00-11.00am

Focus on Thorverton 59 Vol 51 No 1 – February 2020 TMH Cinema