April 2019 Vol. 50 No.4 50p
FOCUS MAGAZINE INFORMATION Chairman Michael Ayre, Ratcliffe Farm, Raddon. Secretary Geoff Bulley, 17 Broadlands, Thorverton. Advertisements Secretary Maggie Dunlop, Kibby Yew, School Lane, Thorverton. Tel.(01392) 861185 Treasurer Bob Swaffield, Schiehallion, School Lane, Thorverton. Tel. (01392) 860309 Editor Neville Lane, Stable House, 2 The Glebe, Thorverton. Tel. (01392) 861062 Email: [email protected] Back issues (courtesy of Rob Purvis): thorvertonfocus.wordpress.com Assistant editors Eileen Mason, 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: maximum size is half an A4 page. Text for advertisements should be prepared as near as possible to how it is intended to appear. Pictures must be supplied as required on the advertisement. Focus reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or notice at its sole discretion for any reason whatsoever. COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS The following advertising charges apply:
Maximum dimensions COST per ENTRY FULL YEAR (11 entries) 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: Thorverton in the Spring by John Spivey The opinions and views expressed by contributors within the magazine are not necessarily those of Focus producers or of the Focus Committee. Focus on Thorverton 1 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Editorial Looking at events in April, the Annual Parish Spring is here. After a lovely spell of weather in Meeting will be held on at 7.30pm on Wednesday February, which felt like spring had arrived early, we 17th April at the Memorial Hall. This is when the had what was probably a more usual March weather- Parish Council Chairman reports on activities over wise. However, over the past couple of days I have the past year and invites villagers to give feedback sensed the change and have excitedly been planting and ideas on the direction for the coming year. With vegetables on the allotment and tidying up the Parish Council elections on 2nd May, the meeting will garden. I am sorry to report that the Lane pond has be timely for potential incoming councillors to not had any frogspawn this year. I don’t know understand villagers’ views on what the priorities whether it was the long dry spell last year (which should be. I should take the opportunity to add that if almost dried up my small pond completely) or other you are interested in becoming a parish councillor factors. I would be interested to hear whether others you will need to act fast to get your nomination in have frogspawn. because these cannot be accepted at Mid Devon Council’s offices after 3rd April; do speak to Alison The Focus AGM has come and gone –with no Marshall if you are interested but want more postponement, unlike Brexit, despite it clashing with information. lambing time for the Chairman. The office holders remain unchanged, which explains why you are One village organisation which could really do with getting another editorial from me. There is some some help at the moment is the PTFA – Parents change though, and I hope that the changes will meet Teachers and Friends Association for Thorverton with your approval: firstly, I am introducing a puzzle School. If you feel that you might be able to get page (see page 22), for which I have composed a involved with the PTFA – you don’t have to have a Thorverton-based crossword (incidentally, I would be child at the school - do contact one of the office very happy to receive crosswords composed by holders listed on page 53. others because I doubt my ability to make up too many of these!); secondly, I am doing a tour of the I do love the spring in this part of Devon. It is a time churches of the Netherexe Parishes, with notes on when the village really does spring into life. I hope each (see page 27 for the first of these), as I feel that that you will enjoy it, but that you will also find time our local churches deserve to be better known. to read through Focus and give me some feedback from time to time so that I can tailor the content Change doesn’t only have to come about at or accordingly. following an AGM of course. If you would like to get involved in writing articles for Focus or in Neville Lane pulling things together, do make yourself known to Focus Editor me. In this Focus Rainfall Record ...... 23 Football Club ...... 23 Editorial ...... 1 Recipe ...... 23 Letters ...... 2 Nature Notes ...... 24 Thorverton Parish Council ...... 3 It’s a dog’s life! ...... 25 Thorverton Memorial Hall ...... 4 The Garden in April ...... 26 Notice Board ...... 5 From the Archives ...... 27 Church Services and News ...... 12 Churches in the Netherexe Parishes ...... 27 Parish Letter ...... 13 Exeter College Adult Learning ...... 29 Baptist Church ...... 14 Adverts ...... 30 Thorverton Co-operative Trust Ltd ...... 16 Thorverton Parish Information ...... 52 Newton St Cyres Tennis Club ...... 16 Thorverton Organisations ...... 53 The Exeter Forum ...... 16 Doctors’ Surgeries ...... 54 History Society ...... 17 Waste Collection Dates for 2019 ...... 56 Legal Eagle ...... 18 Mobile Library ...... 56 Crediton Flower Festival ...... 19 Union Flag Flying days in April ...... 56 TARTS News ...... 20 Road works ...... 56 Speedwatch Volunteers ...... 21 Bus Services ...... 56 Poetry ...... 21 Diary 2019 ...... 57 Puzzles ...... 22 Netherexe Church ...... 58 School Report ...... 23 Jubilee Green ...... 58
Focus on Thorverton 2 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Letters
From Megan and Andy Cleave of Springfield We would like to thank everyone for their support, especially Jan and the choir on the night we switched on the Xmas Lights to support the cancer charity Force in Exeter.
We were also amazed that BBC Spotlight came and we ended up on TV (photo right), and the support again showed by the people who braved that cold night.
We raised an incredible amount of money - a grand total of £360.40 - far exceeding the previous year. The running total for the last four years is £907.46.
We are looking forward to December 2019.
I do apologise to Megan and Andy for failing to put this into March's Focus. They gave me the letter in early-February, but somehow I allowed it to get buried in my Focus in-tray. Ed.
From Sylv Gregory – a message from the police
Trading Standards Alert Exercise caution when receiving leaflets through the door or from cold callers offering to carry out work to homes/gardens, rogue traders are thought to be operating in the Exeter area.
Do not agree to work offered by unsolicited doorstep callers, take time to get three quotes from reputable businesses you trust and make your decision on who to use in your own time. Get recommendations from friends or via www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk. From Sarah Mageean of Back2backproductions
If you are concerned someone is at risk, always call Have you had any ghostly goings on in your home? the police. Would you like a top team of paranormal
investigators to help? If you are concerned rogue traders are operating in your area, always report it. Back2back are making a paranormal TV series for If someone cold calls at your door and you are not UKTV. We are looking for people to take part. If sure, do not open the door, keep it firmly closed and you would like to share your story and take part in locked, call a friend or call the police. the series then please email the team –
[email protected] http://www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk/c onsumers/rogue-traders-doorstep-crime/ Please do feel free to email me on [email protected] or call me on 01273 499812, with any questions you may have.
Focus on Thorverton 3 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Thorverton Parish Council Listed below are some points raised at the Parish Council (PC) meeting held in March 2019. The latest meeting Minutes can be viewed on the notice board in School Lane and on the website. The next meeting will take place on 9th April 2019, 7.30pm, Thorverton Memorial Hall. [email protected] www.thorvertonparishcouncil.org.uk-
______Annual Parish Meeting: This year’s Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Wednesday 17th April, 7.30pm, at the Thorverton Memorial Hall and everyone is welcome to attend. Why not come along to ‘have your say’ on what is happening in the parish and/or to hear about what is planned for the next year or two. Refreshments will be provided.
Hulk Lane Bridleway: The Parish Council is to continue to try to secure a meeting with Devon County Council to find out why the Public Bridleway has not yet been confirmed. It is hoped that more news on this matter will be available in the next edition of Focus.
New Cemetery: The result of the Heritage Lottery Fund application is now awaited and, if successful, will allow plans to move forward. It is hoped that, funds permitting, the required Geophysical Survey of the site, off Dark Lane, will take place in June/July and that the community based Archaeological Dig will follow in September. Over 60 volunteers have now shown an interest in helping with the Dig. Watch this space for more news!
Helicopter Night Landing Site (DAAT): The 2nd March fund raising event was such a success that sufficient funds are now in place to see the project through to the end. Thanks go to the Memorial Hall Committee for helping to organise the event, for not charging for the venue, and for donating profits made. Thanks also go to local band ‘Stay Lucky’ who performed for no fee and who kept everyone dancing all night! Thank you also to any other volunteers who gave up their time to help out and to those who have given so generously towards the required funding. The overall project cost is £6,223.00 with the Parish Council needing to find £3,227.00 of this and with the Devon Air Ambulance Trust covering the remainder. To date parish council funding towards this project stands at £3,536.00 with a cheque from the Memorial Hall still pending. Planning permission, from MDDC, for the lighting pole is expected to be granted shortly which will allow the project to be completed.
Planning Applications and Decisions: a) 19/00280/HOUSE & LBC alterations to dwelling and demolition of existing outbuildings at The Meads, Thorverton. It was resolved to submit ‘no comment’ on this application. b) 19/00393/CAT notification of intention to remove one Ilex tree within a Conservation Area at St Thomas of Canterbury Churchyard, The Bury, Thorverton. It was resolved to support this application. c) 19/00037/HOUSE formation of a hardstanding at Stone Bungalow, Thorverton. Granted. d) 18/01944/LBC listed building consent to install railings and balustrade to existing steps at Court Barton, 19 Silver Street, Thorverton. Granted. d) 18/01904/FULL erection of a dwelling and associated parking off Jericho Street, Thorverton. Granted.
Volunteer Litter Picker: Can you lend a hand to help keep the parish free of litter? If you are interested in this task the Parish Council would like to hear from you as it is looking for a volunteer ‘litter picker’. Protective equipment, such as gloves and a jacket, would be provided along with a litter picker ‘grabber’ and rubbish bags. Contact the Clerk, Alison Marshall for more details or speak to a Parish Councillor.
Speedwatch Annual Meeting: the first annual meeting of Speedwatch took place on 30th January. Attendees included the Speedwatch Team and 4 members of the parish council but no Police representative was available. The Parish Council was encouraged to know that the Speedwatch Team are working together to make the village a safer place, for both pedestrians and drivers, by pointing out the speed limit along Silver Street. There had been 44 sessions undertaken throughout the year and a large number of first incident letters had been sent to drivers by the Police. It was noted that Lynch Road may be added to the rota later this year. The Parish Council agreed to continue supporting Speedwatch and thanked all involved for the ongoing commitment.
Focus on Thorverton 4 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Thorverton Memorial Hall Sunday 1 December – CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY This is always a lovely occasion to get everyone in the mood for Christmas and with any luck Santa might make an appearance.
Wednesday 11 December – CHRISTMAS BINGO There is room in the programme for more activities so if you have any suggestions please pass it on to any member of the Committee (see below) or come As you can see on page 3, last month the Memorial along to the AGM. Hall was host to a very successful fundraising event in support of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. We As many of you know the hall has been refurbished were delighted to be able to offer the use of the hall and is a wonderful venue for weddings and parties so free of charge and profits from the bar were added to if you’re planning such an event do come and see the proceeds which were well above expectations. what the hall can offer. Just contact one of the members of the committee (listed below) and they There are some great events coming up this year so will put you in touch with the right person. please support your Memorial Hall and come along when you can. Memorial Committee Members Sarah Addicott; Mike Baldwin; Russ Clarke; Roger Tuesday 16 April – EASTER BINGO Fieldhouse; Jeff Grace; John Hodge; Sue Hyde; This is a firm favourite so do come along and try Claire Heaven-Roberts; Colin Marshall; Clare your luck. Doors open at 7pm, there will be a bar and O’Connor; Dave Reygate; Jenny Reygate; Mike then it’s eyes down at 7.30pm. Shelton.
Tuesday 7 May – THORVERTON MEMORIAL www.thorvertonmemorialhall.co.uk HALL AGM Please come along and help us provide the programme for the village, new ideas are always welcome, or just come for a chat.
Saturday 18 May – PIE AND QUIZ NIGHT What’s not to like … see you there!
Saturday 22 June – BEACH PARTY Summer will be here – come and join the fun.
Saturday 13 July – FUN DAY AND DOG SHOW. With stalls and entertainment, this event is always popular with families so bring everyone along, including any 4-legged members.
Friday 1 November – HALLOWEEN PARTY Saturday 9 November – CRAFT FAIR Too early to buy Christmas pressies? We think not – come along and stock up!
Saturday 30 November - a fabulous CHRISTMAS CEILIDH/BARN DANCE An exhilarating evening of music and dancing. Don’t worry if you think that you don’t know the steps, you won’t be the only one and help will be on hand, plus the bar will be open!
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Notice Board 49th East Devon Arts Thorverton Baptist Church Festival at Thorverton Parish We shall be holding our monthly Church 14th MAY to 18th MAY 2019 Coffee Mornings If you have helped out before, in the back room
then it’s likely we will contact from 10.30 to 12 noon you personally, but we do need NEW people to come Friday 5th April rd aboard please. This event has run for many years and And Friday 3 May got better and better. It needs to recruit more helpers A warm welcome to all from the wider village community now and some Welcome Café younger people especially, in order to flourish and continue successfully. It’s good fun to be involved. We are in the WI Hut every Monday afternoon, excepting Bank Holidays, from 2.30pm. (See elsewhere for info about how you can help with the catering). Here’s how things will If you would like to join us for tea, coffee, cake and a chat you are most welcome. unfold…………….. Exhibitors’ entry forms are already coming in and We share village news and events and just enjoy the company of others. You do not have to come some of us are busy recording information in every week, just as it suits you. preparation for the receipt and labelling of art and Anyone is welcome: - Mums with little ones, craft goods, planning displays and preparing all the workers having time out, and any other ladies necessary ‘bookwork’. and gentlemen whatever age who would like to join us. Church preparation will begin on Wed May 8th when the display boards will be put up. Further prep in If you would like to come but the walk up is too much for you, give us a ring on 860356 and we church takes place on Thu 9th and Fri 10th. can arrange transport. Sat 11th is the day when all the art and craft work is delivered and on Sun 12th it is hung and set out for Millennium Green display. We need lots of help that weekend and then Monthly Maintenance Day th during festival week and afterwards, so please Saturday 20 April From 11.00am contact us SOON with offers of help and any questions. All helpers welcomed, to keep the Millennium Green looking good If you wish to exhibit art or craft work, then please contact us very soon for an entry form. THORVERTON MILLENNIUM NB the closing date for sending in your entry form GREEN TRUSTEES is Sat April 13th. We’re looking forward to another will be holding their great festival and hope that you are too! Heather + Royston Kershaw 01392 860419 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Jean Brown 01392 861176 in The Exeter Inn [email protected] http://www.netherexe.org/index.php?option=com_co at 7.00pm on Thursday 25th April 2019 ntent&view=article&id=397&Itemid=215 ALL ARE WELCOME
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A look at the Gospel of Luke Come and join the group in the Thorverton Arms snug 12th & 26th April 10th & 24th May 2.15 - 3.15 pm
A joint Anglican & Baptist venture
Please help raise funds for Silverton Link Up (Charity no. 1048253) at DOREEN’S PLANT SALE 26 Coach Road, Silverton Opposite Primary School SATURDAY 11th MAY 09.00 – 12.30 Coffee / Tea
Focus on Thorverton 7 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 THORVERTON CHURCH CHOIR SILVERTON LINK UP (Incorporated with The Friends of Wyndham House. ♫New members?? Charity No. 1048253 )
Voluntary Drivers Scheme for Wyndham House We haven’t had a new member for over a year so Surgery Patients think about whether our next one could be you!? Our choir of c.18 meets fortnightly and usually sings VOLUNTEER DRIVERS music in parts : soprano, alto, tenor and bass. We Jean Hawkins 860849 John Kiely 861545 manage to achieve a high standard singing music of Doreen Beer 860731 MaryClare Smith 861916 many different styles and have a lot of fun. Dave Sleep 860678 Mary Hall 860532 John Pizey 861711 Dave Cole 860030 If you’d like to join us then we’d be very pleased to Lorraine Yarnell 861240 Stephen Roach 861042 see you. All ages are welcome and there are no John Owen-Jones 841085* auditions. *This driver only does surgery appointments Do contact me for more information or come along to hear us one Sunday morning or on one of our LINK UP service takes patients with medical Thursday practice evenings. appointments from home to surgery, hospitals and
clinics in the area. We also have a church band which plays at most IF YOU REQUIRE TRANSPORT CONTACT Family Services. New instrumentalists of all ONE OF THE DRIVERS MENTIONED ABOVE, standards are always welcome. GIVING THEM AS MUCH NOTICE AS
POSSIBLE. If you use Link Up, a voluntary donation towards the Thursday Choir Practices at Thorverton Fund for the expenses of the drivers would be Church 7.45 – 9.00pm appreciated. Donations should be given direct to the Mar 28th, Apr 4th, 17th (WED), May 2nd driver, who issues a receipt. All our drivers are volunteers, willingly giving up Services with Choir their time to help others in the community. Although Mar 31st Family Service MOTHERING they will do their best, they cannot always be SUNDAY – 9.30 for 10.00 start available, so it may not always be possible to arrange Apr 7th Communion - 9.30 service a lift. Apr 21st Family Service EASTER DAY– 9.30 Roger Higman (Link Up co-ordinator) 860571 start [email protected] May 5th Communion - 9.30 service
Silverton Memory Café CONTACT : Choir Director and Accompanist Heather This is held at St Mary Church Hall every Kershaw 01392 860419 Thursday afternoon between 2 and 4pm. [email protected]
All welcome. Contact Annette Emmerson on http://www.netherexe.org/index.php?option=com_co 01392 860983 or [email protected] for ntent&view=article&id=391&catid=35&Itemid=39
further details.
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Crediton Learning Community Great Hall Singing Event ‘Celebrate in Style’
at the University of Exeter, Wednesday, 3rd April at 7.30pm
Primary Schools Class 3 at Brampford Speke and Thorverton, Class 4 at Newton St Cyres, and Beech Class at Cheriton Fitzpaine are all going to be performing in this event.
Tickets are now on sale from the Northcott website and box office. The link for tickets is https://exeternorthcott.co.uk/calendar/celebrate-in-style/. We look forward to seeing you there!
Silverton & Exe Valley Seniors
Events & activities for the plus!
Membership is open to anyone 50 or over living in Silverton and surrounding towns and villages. The Club which organizes outings to places of interest and other social activities such as theatre trips, coffee mornings and whist, has been in existence for 25 years. Annual membership is £5
COFFEE MORNING & QUIZ – Tuesday 9th April. Come and join us at St Mary’s Church Hall Silverton between 1000-1130. An opportunity to chat, take part in our optional quiz and raffle or book for a forthcoming outing. Entrance charge £1 includes refreshments. Everybody most welcome.
MONDAY WHIST – Mondays 01, 15 & 29 April St Mary’s Church Hall Silverton is the venue for this fortnightly activity starting at 2:00 PM prompt. Entrance fee £2.50 includes refreshment and raffle ticket. It’s fun, easy to learn and helps keep the brain cells active!
FORTHCOMING OUTINGS Coach pick-ups at Tiverton, Bickleigh, Silverton, Ruffwell, Rewe & Stoke Canon
17th APR Bridport & Mapperton House & Gardens. FULLY BKD £22 08th MAY Steam train ride, Buckfast Abbey & Dartmouth £22 14th JUN Ilfracombe coastal cruise & Exmoor £24
S. Devon Railway, Buckfast Abbey & Dartmouth. We drive to Buckfastleigh for a steam train return journey along the stunning Dart Valley to Totnes. We then rejoin our coach and after a short lunch time stay at nearby Buckfast Abbey we travel to the historic naval town of Dartmouth where you can explore the historic streets, river location, castle cafes and shops.
Ilfracombe Cruise & Exmoor. After time for coffee on arrival at this North Devon resort we board the Ilfracombe Princess for a 90 mins’ spectacular wildlife & coastal cruise. Afterwards there will be time to explore the resort with its independent shops and small harbour before returning to the Exe Valley across Exmoor making a tea stop at the pretty village of Winsford.
If you are interested in any of the above events or would like to join the Club please contact Martin Clough Club Secretary 38 Hederman Close Silverton EX5 4HW Devon Tel: 01392 860971 or e-mail: [email protected] and ask for a Membership Application form Website: www.sevs.info
Sponsored Easter Trail at The Millennium Green
Thursday 4th April from 2.30 onwards
Cancelled - sorry
Focus on Thorverton 9 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Annual Parish Meeting: This year’s Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Wednesday 17th April, 7.30pm, at the Thorverton Memorial Hall.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Come along to have your say on what is happening in the parish and/or to hear about what is planned for the next year or two. Refreshments will be provided.
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SILVERTON ROOM4U ACTIVITIES IN APRIL Mon 1st 2-4pm Tea/Coffee and Grumblebox with Michael Griffin Tues 2nd 10.30 – 3pm Community café Thurs 4th 10 -12 pm Coffee/tea and chat Fri 5th 10.30 – 3.30pm Friday Friends* Mon 8th 2-4pm Coffee / tea and chat Tuesday 9th 10.30 – 3.30 pm Community café Wed 10th 10 – 12pm Art with Gill Fitzpatrick Wed 10th 2 -4pm Bingo with Sue Lane Thurs 11th 10 - 12 pm Coffee/tea and chat Fri 12th 10.30 – 3.30pm Friday Friends* SATURDAY 13TH EASTER RAFFLE AND COFFEE MORNING 10 – 12 PM Mon 15th 2-4pm Coffee/tea and chat Tues 16th 10.30 – 3pm Community café Thurs 18th 10 – 12 pm Coffee/tea and chat Friday 19th BANK HOLIDAY GOOD FRIDAY ROOM 4 U CLOSED TODAY Mon 22nd 2-4 pm Coffee/tea and chat Tues 23rd 10.30 – 3pm Community café Wed 24th 10–12pm Art with Gill Fitzpatrick Thurs 25th 10 – 12 pm Coffee/tea and chat Fri 26th 10.30 – 3.30pm Friday Friends * Mon 29th 2 -4 pm Coffee / Tea and chat Tues 30th 10.30 – 3.30pm Community Café *Friday Friends is a day for respite care, lunch and company
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Church Services and News APRIL 2019 SERVICES & INFORMATION The Netherexe Parishes - A Mission Community in the Diocese of Exeter
Sunday 7 April Lent 5 08:30 am Holy Communion [Said] [C] Brampford Speke KC 09:30 am Holy Communion [C] Thorverton KC & LF 10:00 am Open Door Newton St Cyres Lay Led 10:00 am Service of the Word Poltimore Lay Led 10:00 am Informal Gathering Stoke Canon Lay Led 11:15 am Coffee, Cake & Company Rewe 06:00 pm Informal Evening Service Cadbury Lay Led
Sunday 14 April Palm Sunday 09:30 am Holy Communion [C] Huxham KC 09:30 am Family Service Newton St Cyres Lay Led 10:00 am Walk of Witness Stoke Canon Joint with Stoke Canon Chapel 11:00 am Joint Service Thorverton Baptist Church Joint with Thorverton Parish Church 11:15 am Morning Worship Rewe LF 11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Upton Pyne KC
Maundy Thursday 18 April 07:00 pm Holy Communion [C] Thorverton KC Within an Informal Meal
Good Friday 19 April 10:00 am Good Friday Reflection Cadbury Lay Led 10:00 am Good Friday Drama Stoke Canon Lay Led 10:00 am Reflective Service Thorverton LF 11:00 am Stations of the Cross Newton St Cyres P Colebrook 11:15 am Reflective Service Rewe JD
Sunday 21 April Easter Day 09:30 am Holy Communion [C] Cadbury MSS 09:30 am Family Service Huxham Lay Led 09:30 am Family Holy Communion [C] Thorverton KC 10:00 am Family Service Brampford Speke Lay Led 11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Newton St Cyres D Francis 11:15 am Communion by Extension [C] Poltimore LF 11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Rewe JD 11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Upton Pyne KC 03:00 pm Easter Worship Netherexe KC 05:00 pm Holy Communion [C] Stoke Canon JD
Sunday 28 April Easter 2 10:00 am Informal Service Cadbury Lay Led 10:00 am Messy Church Stoke Canon Lay Led 10:00 am Baptism Thorverton KC 11:15 am Coffee, Cake & Company Rewe LF
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
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
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Family Service Family services are suitable for all ages, may be with or without Holy Communion, are contemporary in style and are often followed by refreshments Holy Communion [C] Traditional service in contemporary language [one hour] Holy Communion [BCP] Traditional service in traditional language [one hour] Morning Prayer [BCP] Traditional Morning Service [Mattins] from the Book of Common Prayer [about an hour] Evening Prayer [BCP] Traditional Evening Service from the Book of Common Prayer [about an hour] Common Worship [CW] Common Worship Service
Daily Morning & Evening Prayer in the Netherexe Parishes
Morning Prayer is said on Tuesdays at 9.15am in Stoke Canon Chapel Evening Prayer is said on Thursdays at 5.00pm in Newton St Cyres once per month. [Please contact Sue Browne on 01392 851460 for date, time and location].
Who’s Who …..? Abbreviations Key
KC Revd Katie Cross Rector 01392 759612 [email protected] SS Revd Preb Sue Sheppard Associate Minister 01392 861022 [email protected] JD Revd Julia Dallen Associate Minister [email protected] LF Mrs Laura Ford Reader 01392 841753 [email protected] TBC To be confirmed
Associate Ministers MSS Revds Michael & Sharon Simpson BOF Baptist Officiant
For more information about the Netherexe Parishes please see www.netherexe.org or contact: Mrs Margaret Lowe [Administrator] Tel: 07594 714590 - Tuesday & Thursday [08:30 – 16:30] Email: [email protected] Correspondence: The Netherexe Parishes, PO Box 734, Stoke Canon, Exeter, EX5 4WP.
Would you like a lift to church? May we offer you a lift to the parish church or to a joint service elsewh ere? 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 resolution) like walking more or going to the gym. We tend to concentrate on things that will make us feel better or which are good for us. A new path… Easter is associated with new life: eggs, chicks, Over the Easter period in church we remember the lambs, young rabbits and Spring flowers. Easter is last few days of Jesus’ life before his crucifixion. later this year. As I write this all the daffodils in my Jesus spent his time on earth making others feel garden are in bloom after an exceptionally warm better. He healed the sick and gave sight to the blind. month in February: those, that is, that did not get Jesus encouraged those who were marginalised flattened by the wind of Storm Freya and the heavy because of their work, their gender and their ethnicity rains that followed. Things not being as we expect to understand that they are as important to God as them to be can be disorientating and put us off our anybody else. He told those in power to consider how stride. they exercised their governance over the people and to ensure that what they did and the rules they If, like me, you tend not to take any holiday before introduced were not simply to improve their own Easter, it seems a long time to wait this year. I position in life. wonder whether you decided to do anything for Lent this year? Many people use the period as an For being so radical as to suggest that each human opportunity to give something up, usually a food that being is valued equally and that we should consider they enjoy – cake, chocolate or biscuits. Others others and not just ourselves in our actions, Jesus was resolve to do something (perhaps a failed new year’s killed.
Focus on Thorverton 14 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
On Easter Sunday we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection to emphasise the Roman connections of the Herods, a from the dead. In this act, God wants to show us that graceful compliment to Augustus and his kin. If you He loves each of us and that in this topsy-turvy world have ever read or watched ‘I Claudius/Claudius the there is a way that makes sense. god,’ Herod Agrippa I is the one who is very ornately dressed and has a black, curly beard. He was in fact It’s not always easy and it’s not all about ‘me’ and brought up at the Imperial Court in Rome, where he my needs. It’s a life that enriches us by accepting became the intimate friend of the Emperor Claudius, others as equals. In caring for those around us, we who is mentioned twice in the New Testament. He challenge our tendency to think that if we concentrate was also very close to the Emperor Caligula. When on ourselves then everything will be better. Thinking Caligula was assassinated, this Herod played a of others and acting for others challenges us to come decisive role in persuading the Senate, who were out of our safe places and comfort zones. In that we considering the restoration of the Republic, to accept can find new life and a new path. Claudius as successor instead. Laura Ford Naturally, the new Emperor was grateful and Annual Meetings for your Parish awarded his friend extra territories as well as the title King of the Jews, which had been borne by his The Meeting of Parishioners elects the grandfather (Herod the Great, which is why he had churchwardens of the parish. It is open to: been so furious when the Magi used this title in their (i) all residents of the parish who are listed as such on search for the infant Jesus). Agrippa’s death in Judea a register of local government electors, and also had a Roman connection since it was in the (ii) non-residents whose names are on the Church context of public games which he had organised in Electoral Roll for the parish. the arena at Caesarea that he was publicly taken ill and died five days later. The account of the Jewish The Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) historian Josephus says that the crowd acclaimed him immediately following the Meeting of Parishioners is as a god and censures him for not rejecting such open to all members of the Church Electoral Roll for flattery as impious. the parish. It chooses representatives for the parish in church councils and synods, receives the annual Luke’s version of the event has similar elements, but accounts of the Parochial Church Council, and he is not impressed by this Roman intimate of three reviews the life and work of the local church over the Emperors. He represents him (Acts 12:1-4) as an preceding year. Please plan to attend these important early persecutor of the Christians who executed the and informative annual meetings for your parish. apostle James and imprisoned the apostle Peter in order to gain favour with the people but was ultimately brought down by overweening pride Thorverton: Tuesday 2 April which proved his nemesis. 7:30 pm Thorverton Church . Luke (Acts 12:21) adds the detail, not given by Josephus, that Herod wore his royal robes and sat on his throne to address the people. But for the evangelist the trappings of royalty count for nothing. Baptist Church His judgment on the crowd’s, ‘This is the voice of a The House of Herod (continued) god, not of a man’ (Acts 12:22) is as severe as that of Josephus, and for Luke the King is struck down for When we read of “Herod” in the New Testament, we blasphemy. In his version, the judgement is are tempted to assume that there was only one of that immediate and the blasphemer is struck dead on the name, but that is far from the case. In last month’s spot. One commentator sums it up in classical terms: article we considered the role of Herod Antipas, the ‘This was a case of what the Greeks called Hybris, son of Herod the Great (who was king when Jesus that fatal sin of the spirit whereby man, lifting was born). Herod Antipas was the puppet-ruler of himself beyond man’s allotted elevation, invites and Galilee at the time Jesus was exercising his ministry, calls down the judgement of heaven.’ the one who ordered the execution of John the Baptist. Today we are looking at the third Ironically, it is also in Caesarea that Luke introduces generation, in the shape of Herod Agrippa I. his readers to Herod Agrippa II, a representative of the fourth generation of the House of Herod... (to be This Herod was the most Roman of the whole continued) dynasty. The choice of the name Agrippa (that of the Maurice Harrison Emperor Augustus’ trusted lieutenant and close friend, and later his son-in-law), was no doubt meant
Focus on Thorverton 15 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Women’s Institute nd On Tuesday April 2 , Tony Burgess is coming to Stuart, from the Synagogue in Exeter came to tell us talk to us about the City of Exeter. You are welcome about the rituals of a Jewish wedding. He began by to join us. informing us about Orthodox Jews, who observe more rigid customs, for example men and women A date for your diaries – April 4th – there will be an praying separately, men wearing hats and having side Open Meeting when Brian Carlson will be giving a burns and often long hair, and women wearing wigs. talk and demonstration on making Garden Hanging Baskets and Pots. He will also be bringing plants to Then he explained about the Reform or Liberal Jews sell. Anyone will be most welcome to come along. who generally have a more western approach. He added that customs vary across the world. In his talk Stuart referred to a number of slides, some featuring About the WI his own wedding forty years ago, and he also brought along the veil worn by his wife, but previously used The Women’s Institute was formed in 1915 to by other members of the family including his wife’s revitalise rural communities and encourage women to great grandmother. This veil almost circular, five or become more involved in producing food during the six feet in diameter and made of beautiful lace, First World War. Since then the organisation’s aims obviously a treasured possession. have broadened and the WI is now the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK. The WI Stuart took us through the preparation for a wedding, celebrated its centenary in 2015 and currently has the service and celebrations following the ceremony. almost 220,000 members in approximately 6,300 He said that a bride is often found through a WIs. The Devon Federation will be celebrating their ‘Matchmaker’ - not an arranged marriage but helpful one hundred years next year – lots of exciting events introductions, a forerunner to the internet! The will be organised to mark this occasion. engagement period for Jewish people is very significant and is completed by a total immersion The WI plays a unique role in providing women with ceremony for the bride. This is followed by the educational opportunities and the chance to build groom making a ‘public announcement’ when he has new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities to read the laws of marriage – this actually and to campaign on issues that matter to them and constitutes his side of the contract. their communities. The WI campaigns about changing things for the better and tackling issues that On the day of the wedding, the bride is expected to matter – from equal pay to climate change, from have nothing to eat before the ceremony – her first mental health issues to reducing the amount of meal being one shared with her new husband in plastics entering the Oceans. private between the ceremony and the reception. The ceremony itself takes place under a special canopy Being a member of the WI enables you to join in the which can be set anywhere. The bride would wider organisation – activities in art, sports, leisure, generally wear a long white dress with her arms and science, food and cookery, craft, floral art and shoulders covered and the veil covering her face. No gardening. There are opportunities for learning and bridesmaids or page boys are present, just two development in a variety of subjects joining with married couples, usually parents on either side of the other members at County or National level. Your canopy and the Rabbi who is also a registrar. The membership entitles you to attend all local meetings wedding ring, a plain gold band, is required to be and gives you the opportunity to take part with others 22ct gold or platinum and would be checked on trips, holidays and events near and far. beforehand by the Rabbi. In the ceremony the ring is placed loosely on the pointing finger and as soon as Visitors are encouraged to join two or three local the groom lets it go, the marriage is sealed, and the meetings to get an insight into the opportunities on bride then places it herself on her wedding finger. offer to paid-up members. The wedding reception takes the form of a party with Judy Bright a Kosher cake, plenty of food and dancing. Grace after the meal is usually said by a young person. Jewish newly married couples spend about a week after the ceremony visiting friends and relatives for meals before going away for their honeymoon.
Focus on Thorverton 16 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Thorverton Co-operative Trust Ltd The Exeter Forum supporting Thorverton Post Office The Exeter Forum is a friendly social group for retired people, which has been presenting interesting At our shop in Thorverton’s Quarry Car Park we and entertaining talks by leading local figures, have on offer : experts and enthusiasts almost every week for nearly extensive banking + postal services 50 years. We also have walks, visits and book and music groups. We would like to invite you to meet postage and packing materials us and come to any of our talks you may be interested in. They are held most Wednesday newspapers + magazines mornings at the Mint Methodist Church, Fore Street, Exeter. Tea or coffee can be had from 10.00 while greetings cards + notelets the talks run from 10.45 to 12.00.
wrapping paper + other ‘gift’ materials The programme for April to June 2019 is: April 3rd Mike Rendall - Author Robinson stationery odds + ends Crusoe and the Story Behind the Story;
photocopying April 10th Dr Clare Maudling- Historian & Librarian, Devon & Exeter Institution Phoenix local information Rising: The Rebuilding of Exeter After the Blitz.
helpful staff many of whom are volunteers April 17th and 24th No meetings. giving their time for this………………….. May 1st Dan Eatherley - Author Hunting ………community-run venture maintaining this behind the Snake: The Story of Bushmaster vital local amenity. th May 8 Alex Leger - Retired BBC Producer PLEASE KEEP COMING TO SUPPORT IT Blue Peter, Behind the Badge
DAILY, WEEKLY, OFTEN! th May 15 AGM Members Only Heather Kershaw 01392 860419 TCT Ltd nd Chair, Company + Membership Secretary May 22 Mike Richardson – Manager, Exeter Jan Hamilton 07764 461575 TCT Ltd Food Banks Food Banks Business Manager May 29th Maggie Draper - Head of Supportive Care Hospiscare Newton St Cyres Tennis Club June 5th Dr David Jenner - Local GP & The Tennis Club is pleased to be running another Amateur Naturalist All of a Flutter: Chasing Britain's Open Day as part of the Lawn Tennis Association’s Butterflies Nature Valley Big Tennis Weekend. It will take place on Saturday 11 May from 10 am until 2 pm. June 12th Seona Ford - Retired Educationalist Dorothy L Sayers Come and try your hand at tennis, meet the members and check out our new extended clubhouse. June 19th Brian Freeland - Actor Playing the Beginners and experienced players welcome. Clown Children under 14, accompanied by a parent/ carer, from 10 am until 12 noon, children over 14 and June 26th Thomas Cadbury – RAMM Roman adults from noon until 2pm. Rackets available if you Devon and the Seaton Down Hoard don’t have one. Admission is £3 per talk, free for members. For more details check out our website Membership from April-September 2019 is £25. www.newtonstcyrestennisclub.co.uk, or contact You will be very welcome. All enquiries to Alice Dowle on 07596 704458 or email [email protected] or Tel 01392 273732. [email protected] Our website is: www.exeterforum.org David Oates Look forward to seeing you! Chairman Sally Baldwin
Focus on Thorverton 17 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 History Society So who was likely to be sent to prison? 6.1% were th the gentry, 14.2% worked in agriculture, 9% were Debtors’ Prisons of 18 Century Britain Innkeepers and 34% were craftspeople or Dr Tawny Paul manufacturers. Most were men as the debts of married women belonged to the husband. Sentences varied from days to years and the average was 9 months. 10% of those sent to prison died there. Because prisons were so overcrowded the government had periodic amnesties and inmates were released early. Under the Amnesty Act you could be released if you joined the navy or got someone else to join. Rooms in the prison could be rented by the wealthy but many were in communal rooms “they ought not to be indulged – and by squalor may be brought to pay their debts”. The problem is that being in prison means they have no income, food had to be purchased so debts simply became greater.
Who were the creditors? They were those who were also likely to be the debtors like craftsmen, manufacturers, retailers, innkeepers and professional people. Although there could be Photo by Robin Blythe-Lord success stories from the time there were also many Our new chair, Richard Pocock introduced Tawny. failures caused by misfortune or mismanagement. Originally from America she now works at Exeter An example was Archibald Howe who inherited a University and lives in the village. shop next to the prison in Edinburgh. In 1750 he
th fell into a debt of £2.00. He was sent to prison but During the 18 century most of the middle classes his wife secured his release after 3 days. Once he living in Britain were in debt and many thousands was released others pursued him for other debts were sent to prison because they couldn’t pay off and he ended up in prison twice more and for their debts. Today many people are in debt with longer periods. loans for cars, mortgages and education but this can be a tool for upward mobility. In the period we Thomas Parsons was a stone carver from Bath. In are looking at people were in debt for day to day 1769 his diary shows a “great want for money” living costs. Employment was sporadic and and “he is sometime tempted to seek a wife with seasonal. There was a lack of coinage and no paper money”. money so much was bought on credit and borrowings from traders or neighbours. Debt could be inherited from your father and debt could damage trust in communities along with Shopkeepers would record debt for basics like reputations. There are no debtors’ prisons bread and milk but then they had no money to pay nowadays but there is an ongoing squeeze and a their suppliers so they went into debt to pay them. growing risk of poverty. Credit card debt can be Taverns would often keep a board of shame with caused by many things. Debtors’ prisons were debtors names recorded. However, at some point abolished in 1859 although some continued up to these debts have to be paid rather than just passing 1905. them up the line and this could be when problems Robert Turner started. Pressure starts to be applied and Court action could be taken and the guilty party sent to a Exeter Memories has information on the Devon debtors’ prison. This process could be expensive County Prison for Debtors in Exeter. All that so special courts were set up for debt collection remains is the front façade of Cowick Street and if the debt couldn’t be paid then it was off to Motors in Cowick Street. This was the entrance to prison. London had the greatest number of prisons the prison. After the prison closed the building was but most towns and every city had a debtors’ used for other purposes and the last wing was prison. demolished around 1970 RT
Focus on Thorverton 18 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Daniel Marcal to create a sleek modernist cube, to Thorverton and District History Society be used as a home cinema, to float above the pool at his £7million home in Totteridge, North Your house through time London. What he got, his lawyer told the High a project exploring the history of Court, was an expensive white elephant that he and Thorverton’s built environment his wife loath so much that they plan to have it Launch event: demolished and rebuilt. Wednesday, 1 May 2019 7.30pm at The Memorial Hall Mr Freeborn said in evidence that he and his wife Christina had been inspired by Mr Marcal’s
proposal for a cinema “in a glass box floating in Have you ever wondered about the history of the roof space” of the pool house. The result was a your house, or wanted to know more about the disaster in their view and they sued Mr Marcal for people who lived there before you? Or perhaps £1million. you already have lots of information about these things and would be happy to share it with What the Freeborns were expecting was “an others? If so, please come along to the architectural jewel” with “high-end wow factor”; Memorial Hall at 7.30 on Wednesday 1 May what they were left with was a glass box with an when Thorverton and District History Society “industrial feel” that was far from expectations. will launch a project Judge Martin Bowdrey QC agreed that they had
been left with a home cinema with a “wonky, to encourage people living in the village to industrial look”. The judge added, “I do not research, record and celebrate the history of their consider that this particularly ugly duckling can be own houses. turned into a swan. What was provided is so
different from what the claimants reasonably There’s lots that can be discovered from old expected that I consider demolishing this cinema is maps, photographs, censuses, directories and the reasonable course going forward”. Mr Marcal from people with personal knowledge of old was order to pay £500,000 in damages for Thorverton. Much of this information is professional negligence; the judge found the available online – if you know where to look. architects failure to produce a written brief for the
project to be a serious breach of duty. Mr Marcal The History Society plan to run a series of will also have to pay legal costs. sessions looking at how to find and interpret the information homeowners need to compile their By way of defence Mr Marcal had argued that Mr own dossier on the history of their property. Freeborn and his wife Christina Goldie had You will take part in visits, workshops and learn approved all stages of the project but parts of Mr from experts. We also hope to produce a guide Marcal’s evidence was rejected by the judge as he to the history of the village houses incorporating was unable to produce key documents to support some of this information. his claims. Healy’s, Mr Freeborn’s lawyers said
that the ruling could have “wide implications” for At the launch on 1 May there will be a brief architects, who must ensure that they have written introduction to the project, displays of agreements with clients confirming matters information for you to look at and people to talk including the scope of the work, responsibilities of to about the history of the village. the architect, clients and other contracts, and any
variations. If you would like more information please contact any member of the project steering group: Jean The damages awarded are intended to cover the Brown, Mike Baldwin, Rob Turner, Louise Walsh, costs of the botched construction project, as well Graham Wills, or email as paying for its demolition and compensation for [email protected] the distress suffered by Mr Freeborn and Christina
Goldie. Legal Eagle The general purpose of an award of damages for “Art has to move you and design does not, unless breach of contract is to compensate the claimant it is a good design for a bus”. Clearly the for any loss occasioned by the breach. As Lord sentiment expressed by David Hockney did not Scott commented in Farley -v- Skinner [2001], find favour with Mr Philip Freeborn, who engaged
Focus on Thorverton 19 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 “The basic principle of damages for breach of contract is that the injured party is entitled, so far Where pleasure/enjoyment etc was a as money can do it, to be put in the position he significant object of the contract; or would have been in, if the contractual obligation It results from sensory inconvenience and had been properly performed. He is entitled, that discomfort caused by the breach. is to say, to the benefit of his bargain.” This is usually achieved by measuring the value of the Applying the above to the dispute between Mr bargain lost by, for example, determining the Freeborn, Christina Goldie and Daniel Marcal, difference in value, the loss of profit or the cost of what had been contracted for was the provision of making good the bargain. These losses can all be a pleasurable amenity. This had not been delivered given a tangible financial value. However, the sum and Mr Freeborn and Christina Goldie were awarded to Mr Freeborn and Christina Goldie entitled to be compensated for the distress and included compensation for the distress suffered; a disappointment suffered as a result. non-tangible loss. Clive Hamblin The ability to recover damages for disappointment/distress can be traced back to the 1970s; In Diesen -v- Samson [1971] a bride was Crediton Flower Festival able to claim damages for distress from a This is one of the main fundraising events for the photographer, who failed to turn up and take upkeep of Holy Cross. The 2019 Festival has the photographs at her wedding. In Jarvis -v- Swan intriguing title ‘Colours of the Wind’ and runs Tours [1973] and Jackson - v- Horizon Holidays from 10am on Saturday 1st June until 5pm on Ltd [1975] damages were awarded for distress and Thursday 6th June. disappointment suffered as a result of package holidays falling below the standard promised by Admission and Parking is free and there is the tour operators. Disabled access. Opening times are 10am to 5pm from Saturday 1st June to Thursday 6th June In Watts -v- Morrow [1991], Bingham LJ except for Sunday 2nd June 11.30am to 6pm. summarised the position as follows, “A contract- Refreshments, snacks and meals will be available breaker is not in general liable for any distress, in the Café in the adjacent Boniface Centre using frustration, anxiety, displeasure, vexation, tension local suppliers and produce. or aggravation which his breach of contract may cause to the innocent party……….But the rule is Crediton Parish Church is a Grade 1 listed not absolute. Where the very object of the contract building, considered by many to be one of the is to provide pleasure, relaxation, peace of mind finest in the country. In 1547 the townspeople of or freedom from molestation, damages will be Crediton bought the church from Henry VIII for awarded if the fruit of the contract is not provided £200. Under a charter granted by his son Edward or if the contrary result is procured instead……..In VI, twelve governors were appointed to act as cases not falling within this exceptional category, trustees on behalf of the townspeople and damages are in my view recoverable for physical inhabitants of the parish. Along with the church, inconvenience and discomfort caused by the the Governors were given endowments and land to breach and mental suffering directly related to that provide income for the maintenance of the inconvenience and discomfort.” building and churchyard. The governors today are the successors of the original 12 and meet 5 times The House of Lords in Farley -v- Skinner [2002] a year. Proceeds from both the annual Christmas approved and adopted the views of Bingham LJ. Tree Festival and Flower Festival provide much The House held that when deciding whether the needed funds towards the upkeep and maintenance “very object” of the contract was the provision of of the Church. The Church is heavily dependent on pleasure etc., it was not necessary that this should donations, legacies and grant funding to deal with be the only or main object. It was enough that it safety issues, keeping water out of the building, was an important part of the contract. structures and for bigger fabric projects. Currently the roof is in urgent need of repair. Phase 1 needs In summary, therefore, the present position is that approx. £600,000 to begin work and currently one can recover damages for disappointment/ around £110,000 has been raised for the roof distress in two situations: appeal.
Focus on Thorverton 20 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 TARTS News Thorverton Amblers Ramblers and Trampers
Recent walks:
Saturday 9th March:
12 of us led by Jerry set off for Bolham to do a circa five mile circular walk in windy but dry conditions and virtually no mud to contend with. All walks meet opposite the church at 0930, and We were very lucky with the weather as the are suitable for dogs unless otherwise stated. following day was extremely windy. Approaching Shorter walks are usually 4 – 6 miles in length and Tiverton, one of us was lucky to see a red kite and longer walks 6 – 9 miles, however precise details during the walk we observed buzzards but not much else due to the blustery conditions. of each walk (length, gradient, lunch information etc) will be displayed approximately a week before The walk took us around the perimeter of the walk in the Old Post Office Window and on the Knightshayes Estate, dropping down through the village notice board. If you would like to be estate woods to have our break in the National included on the email list contact Caroline Trust stables café for cake and tea/coffee. We (07749775304) or Graeme (860203). made a little detour to visit the walled garden to marvel at the plants, especially the many varieties of rhubarb. In the circular pond in the centre of the garden we spotted a water boatman clinging to a bit of dead reed.
A gentle poke with a walking pole sent it diving to the bottom of the pond. With Knightshayes house behind us we set off across fields to join the lane and back down to Bolham village.
Future walks:
Saturday 13th April - led by Graeme
Saturday 27th April - led by Jenny
Focus on Thorverton 21 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Speedwatch Volunteers Poetry We would like to take this opportunity both to pass on a few statistics mentioned at the meeting in The following poem was written by Doreen Beer and January and to thank everyone who has supported us included within her “West Country Wanderings in over the last 16 months. We have been very Poetry” published last year. I knew that Doreen had encouraged by the Parish Council’s response to our written a poem appropriate for the time of year and update at the meeting and also by everyone who picked her book off the shelf to find it. To my came to the meeting or have stopped and chatted to surprise the book fell open at the following poem. Ed us when we are out in our yellow jackets, monitoring the speed of traffic in Silver Street. The remarks you April have made have been really positive and have shown us that you appreciate why we are doing this and Blithely April dances want to support us. Upon the greening lawn, Sprinkling it with daisies Our aim is always to educate. We want our presence Dipped in the dews of dawn. to be a reminder of the speed limit and of the dangers Sweetly her breath pervades that excessive speed can be to everyone in the The gentle springtime breeze. vicinity: pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and other As violets are secreted motorised vehicles. We are waiting for confirmation Beneath the stirring trees. from the police that we can also monitor at another area in Thorverton where excessive speed has been Into nooks and crannies concerning residents. If there is anyone who might be She tucks primrose posies fair able to spare a little time to join us in carrying out the While blackthorn and wild cherry speedwatch, please get in touch and we will be able Are bedecked in bridal wear. explain a little about what is involved and how to Birdsong echoes forth join our team of volunteers. In joyfulness on high, That winter’s icy footsteps For those of you who have an interest in statistics, we Have at last passed by. have put a few of those we have gathered up to the end of December 2018 below. Yet April is oft-times fickle And as tulip torches show, We have carried out 44 x 1hr sessions of monitoring She may show a change of face between completing our training and up to the end of And powder them with snow. last year. Of the 47 planned, 3 were cancelled due to Thus her days are swiftly spent rain – not a bad record considering our climate! And her hours soon ebb away, In time to wake the bluebell glades During that time, we counted 3,383 vehicles with 193 To be glorified by May. of those driving at over the 35mph in the 30mph speed limit, an average of 5.7%. 53 of those were Doreen Beer travelling at 40mph or more, the highest being 46mph. Of that total, 2,498 vehicles were entering the village from the east (from the Ruffwell). Unsurprisingly, all of those travelling at 40mph or more were recording coming from that direction and the percentage speeding was higher, at a fraction under 7%.
All data are passed onto the Police and during our first year, 119 letters were sent by the Police to those who were travelling at excessive speed. According to their records, no ‘second letters’ were sent to any repeat offenders. This is encouraging us to hope that our presence is having an effect. If you would like to know more, please get in touch. Violets from the Lanes’ garden (worth looking at Marguerite Clarke online to see the colour!) Thorverton Speedwatch Police Volunteer Tel: 01392 860279
Focus on Thorverton 22 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Puzzles By popular request (yes, I mean you, David!) we bring you some puzzles. Do send your answers to me by 18th April. Apart from allowing me to publish the names of the winners, this will help me gauge whether anyone would like us to run similar pages in future editions. Ed Thorverton Crossword
Across Down 1. Group which meets in the Memorial Hall on 1. Our amateur dramatics group (4) Thursday mornings during term time (7) 2. Lacking a particular quality or ingredient (9) 5. Member of the allium family, with bulbs in clusters 3. South American domesticated camelids (6) (7) 4. High point just west of this parish (6,3) 9. Illegally deprived of money or rights (9) 5. Agreed with one particular person in an argument (5) 10. Clive is our legal bird! (5) 6. Thorverton RBL Chairman (4,4) 11. Book or pamphlet made of full sheets folded three 7. Sign on to a computer database or system (3-2) times (6) 8. Pertaining to the latest style (10) 12. Clearly marked or stated (7) 13. Community team that keeps its eyes on the cars (10) 14. Doreen Beer was one for Focus (4) 16. The First of England, but the Sixth of Scotland (4,5) 15. One of the Netherexe Parishes (5,5) 17. The science interpreting food’s relationship to 19. Luring into performing an illegal act (10) growth and health (9) 20. First name of singer of “Dock of the Bay” (4) 18. To be pulled along behind a boat – as a sport (8) 22. Film genre often featuring cowboys (7) 21. Its office phone number is 01392 860374 (6) 25. First name of the Chair of Governors of the Exe 23. Regretful (5) Valley Federation (6) 24. A shallow recess in a wall (5) 27. Our walking society (5) 26. Legendary monster that eats other human beings (4) 28. Writing or creating art, music or poetry (9) 29. All awry (7) 30. Complete lack of sound (7)
Working Alone Bicycle Race Steve and Pete can complete a piece of work in 24 Mike and Liz race on a circular track. Mike can ride days. If Steve can do only two-thirds as much as Pete, around the track in 6 minutes, Liz in 4 minutes. If how long would it take each of them to do the work on they set off together, how long will it take Liz to lap their own? Mike?
Focus on Thorverton 23 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Su Doku Each number from 1 to 9 must appear just once in Funding from Focus each 3x3 block. Do you need some assistance with funding?
6 7 1 3 9 8 Focus is in the fortunate position of having some money available, which the Focus Committee would 2 7 like to make available to help the village.
9 4 6 If you want to apply for funding, please write or email the Focus Editor.
3 8 2 The Committee will take into consideration the benefit to the village (although this will not necessarily just be 8 5 2 1 the number of villagers likely to be positively affected) and what other sources of funding the 2 1 requester might have. 2 1 4 9
5 9 Football Club 7 9 6 5 1 4 Mixed fortunes for the teams over the past few weeks, with the First Team winning one match, drawing one and losing one (up to 16 March) in Division 2; this leaves them 5th of 14 teams, with games in hand over every other team. School Report Class 3 at Thorverton will be amongst the performers The Second Team won two and lost one of their in the Crediton Learning Community Great Hall league games in Division 7, leaving them in mid- Singing Event, which this year is entitled, ‘Celebrate table. in Style’. This will take place at the Great Hall, University of Exeter, on Wednesday 3rd April at Do support the teams at the Rec. 7.00pm. Tickets are on sale from the Northcott website and box office. Recipe The PTFA had planned to do an Easter trail at the Millennium Green (advertised in March's Focus), but Rustic Tomato Sauce unfortunately this has been cancelled. This is especially good with grilled fish or cheese dishes. School term ends on Friday 5th April and restarts on 1 small onion Tuesday 23rd April. 2 cloves garlic 450gm tin chopped tomatoes Rainfall Record 1 tbsp local rapeseed oil February was another relatively dry month in 1 dsp local cider vinegar Thorverton, with 52.5mm of rainfall recorded, 1 tsp brown sugar compared with the ten-year average of 73mm. Indeed Ground black pepper the last 18 days of February saw only 4.7mm of rainfall. Finely chop onion with garlic and cook gently for 5 minutes in the oil. Add vinegar and simmer until it becomes syrupy. Add tomatoes, sugar and pepper. Cook gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (5 anchovy fillets can be added when chopping the onions, if liked.)
Paul Cleave, Sustainable Crediton
Focus on Thorverton 24 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Nature Notes I think we can all agree that winter prevailed in March with rain, hail and severe winds taking down more of our mature trees.
Observations of early spring activity. In my garden the first bird I saw nest building was a robin carrying leaves and moss into the ivy beneath our car port on 24th February. I walked to the Post Office on 5th March and observed rooks carrying nesting material to their communal nest site in the lime trees in the Rec. On 24th February I also had my first bat sighting, a local one at dusk. On 1st March the sallow tree next to our garden was alive with the humming sound of insects as a vast number of the ‘pussy willow’ flowers were covered in beautiful yellow pollen. I went to our shed situated near the tree to take out my moth trap ready for the nights trapping and discovered awakened wasps inside the shed that were trying to find a way out. I let out six wasps that had used the shed to hibernate throughout the winter.
Due to the emergence of the pollen covered pussy willow and recent mild conditions I had a count of 159 moths the following morning, the majority being Common Quaker. At night moths take over from the dayshift insects to do their bit for pollination although not all adult moth species are able to feed. Larvae of the Common Quaker feed on sallow, oak, hawthorn, birch, blackthorn and other trees then pupate beneath the soil for the winter.
A to Z Northdown Wood Within the parish of Thorverton is The Woodland Trust, Northdown Wood. It is accessible from the A396 Crediton to Bickleigh road. There is a proper ‘P’ signed lay-by where you park next to the track and stile to access the wood. If you are driving from the Crediton direction towards Bickleigh, the lay-by is on the right not long after passing the Blue Cross Re-homing Centre. It is a good idea to wear wellies as the track up to the wood is often squelchy mud and there are small sections of spring water to cross inside the wood.
The best time of year to visit is when the bluebells are in flower, so April and early May, but it is such a lovely wood at any time of year. There is always something different to see and hear and on one side of the wood you can observe the deer farm. Here is a picture of the bluebells within Northdown, taken a few years ago.
Northdown Wood is ancient semi natural woodland covering 22.51 acres. It is dominated by oak and ash and blocks of larch but there are many other tree species including some mature holly trees. At this time of year you can also see primrose, violet, early purple orchid, climbing corydalis and tiny golden saxifrage which grows in the wet areas where the springs transect the paths and many more wild flowers. As you walk alongside the bluebells you may notice bumblebees, day flying moths, speckled wood butterflies and other insects. You may be lucky to spot a wild roe deer or a fox but will nearly always see a grey squirrel. Birds are often heard rather than seen such at nuthatch and great spotted woodpecker but as you walk along, often buzzards, tit species and blackbirds are in view.
Last Words For sale this month from Royal Mail is a set of first class stamps depicting birds of prey that breed in the UK and includes Red Kite, Merlin, Golden Eagle and Kestrel.
Jenny Garne, 01392 860875 [email protected]
Focus on Thorverton 25 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 It’s a dog’s life! I have been on lots of muddy walks lately, usually with Dad as Mum is always busy when it’s raining, and one day Dad decided I needed something called a Hello, Jura here. I’m just back from Dawlish where shower. He made it sound like something fun but it my boyfriend ‘Ty’ lives with Grandma and Grandpa. wasn’t. It all started going wrong when he shut us You might be shocked to hear that I have a boyfriend both in the wet-room. Then he covered me in warm as I am only three and a half years old but that is water – I only like icy cold stream or sea water – then nearly 25 in human years. Ty is a big fluffy German he covered me in smelly bubbles and shouted to Shepherd Dog and is twelve years old. He jumps up Mum that I smelt like a whore’s handbag, whatever and down with all four feet in the air when he sees that is. I was not happy and kept trying to escape but me. When we are play fighting he fits my whole head then some bubbles caught my eye and I started in his big mouth, and everything goes really dark, but jumping around like mad and chasing them. Dad got he would never hurt me as he is so soppy. very wet when I accidently knocked the shower thing out of his hand and the water even went in his welly Ty is something called a PAT dog (Pets As Therapy). boots! When all the bubbles were washed off I had to He wears a smart yellow jacket and visits poorly lay in front of the fire to get dry. When I was dry people in hopital to make them feel better. Mum says Mum and Dad kept laughing at me they said I looked I can’t be a PAT dog as I am too mad. I make people like a big fluffy ball. Next time Dad says ‘shower’ I laugh all the time so I am sure I would be good at it am off! and I would really like a smart yellow jacket. I love my Grandma. She has a special ‘doggy treat I have a new friend in the village called Finn. He is box’ beside her armchair and I only have to look at the new puppy brother of my dog friend Zoe and he her in a cute way to get a treat. One day I got about is very handsome. He is black and white just like me, eight treats in under an hour, which must be a record, which is the best dog colours to be, and I can tell that but Mum was not pleased in case I was sick in the he is going to be a good ‘chaser’ when he grows up. I car. I was sick in the car once but ‘we don’t talk like being chased – it’s my favourite game – and about that’ as Mum had to do quite a bit of mopping Ripley Hyde is the best dog at chasing me. We run up! around his garden so fast that when I jump out the way of a hedge or a wall Ripley can’t stop and ends Aunty Deb, who is Mum’s sister, comes to see me up in a heap on the grass. Sometimes, if Ripley is not when I am in Dawlish. I love Aunty Deb as she plays in, I just run round the garden like mad and pretend with me all the time and I sit on her lap and cuddle that he is chasing me which always makes everyone in. She takes lots of pictures of me and puts them on watching me laugh very loud! the Facebook thingy. She is going to get a dog soon, woof! a new friend for me, and I hope she will still Here is a picture of me and my boyfriend Ty. want to spend time with me. Dad says a new dog will Until next time, Jura. ‘put my nose out of joint’ but I hope not as that sounds like it could hurt.
Grandma is a qualified dog trainer, as she keeps telling everyone, and she even wrote a book about all the money she raised at her dog training schools which was enough to buy 60 Guide Dogs. I don’t think that Ty went to dog school as he doesn’t do anything that Grandma tells him. I do, as I am a ‘good girl’, and I then get treats. Jura,
Focus on Thorverton 26 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
The Garden in April Looking back over the past few years, it becomes remember onions appreciate rich soil so add some apparent that April varies considerably from year to extra goodness. year. Last year we were picking up from a very cold March and jobs were abandoned until the beginning Next job in the vegetable garden is the planting of of April. Another year the ground was extremely wet root crop seeds. These do not want rich soil. Prepare and we all had to wait for it to dry out. This year is your chosen area by turning over the earth. This looking good at the moment and if you were breaks up big lumps and aerates the soil. Using a fortunate to have the time to get out into the garden, rake, smooth the bed level and if the soil seems to be the ground was not too wet or too cold. Winter broken down enough, i.e. like pastry crumbs, then clearance, pruning, grass cutting and vegetable you are ready to sow. If still too lumpy, then do it all planting have been taking place already. The over again. Sometimes this takes several days. If the daffodils that survived the gales and many early leaf soil is very damp, it needs to dry out. This ground buds are visible and gardens are looking spring-like preparation is very important as your seeds will and inviting. spend their life in it. This goes for any garden planting and cannot be stressed enough. So don’t feel Of course that doesn’t mean that there is nothing left you have to do everything all at once as it’s often to do, but you might feel more ahead of yourself than better to let the soil sit in between digging it over. you did last year. In the veggie plot, full steam ahead with planting out broad beans, peas and sugar snaps For those who are new to seed sowing, at this point, (just done that, thanks – Ed). This has possibly using the back of the rake, tamp the soil in a row already taken place but one can always sow a later before you sow your seeds. This will give a firm base crop and stagger the harvest. These crops can all be for the seeds. If the soil is too soft your seeds will sown from seed straight into the soil. The only slip down too deep and won’t be able to get above problem is that mice are hungry now and looking for the soil level. After laying out your seeds, gently a quick meal. If you have had a problem in the past, cover with a small amount of soil and then repeat the planting young vigorous plants is the answer as it’s tamping down to anchor the soil over the seeds. If it the seeds that attract the mice. Make sure you put does not rain within four days, water using a down slug protection as, again, this is some of the watering can with a rose attachment. If you have not first juicy, green growth for hungry slugs and snails. I sown the seeds at their final distance, then you will use organic slug pellets very successfully and would have to thin them when they come through. not plant anything out without a few pellets around each plant. Do not be tempted to plant out tender, frost-sensitive, plants at least before the middle of May. It might Onion sets should be planted, remembering to hide seem a good idea to get ahead with planting but if a the tips from sight or else your resident blackbird will plant is not frost-proof, cold evenings and cool winds re arrange them for you!! If you have grown your can stunt growth and the plants never catch up. If you onions from seed, wait for the roots to appear out of have saved Dahlias from last year, now is the time to your pots. The plants will be about 10 cms high and get them started again. Place into pots or trays and then transplant into well tilled soil about 10 cms cover tubers with soil. Place in a glass house or apart. These have the advantage of already having a polytunnel, they will need protection from the root and usually do extremely well. The disadvantage weather and slugs. Mice don’t tend to like them so is that they require love and attention during the they can go down at ground level. Keep them winter to bring them on, and well prepared soil. watered but not soggy. Onion sets require less preparation but then need time to develop roots etc. So, Neville, it will be Well, Neville, plenty to do plus all the regular garden interesting to compare the growth of your onion jobs. April is one of those months when certain jobs seeds to my sets! (I actually have both sets, planted must be tackled, so good luck with planting those in November, and seeds, grown in the greenhouse onions. and just planted out – Ed) Whichever you grow, Happy Gardening to you all.
Lorraine Colebrook
Focus on Thorverton 27 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 From the Archives From the then vicar, T Derwent Davies, published in Focus of October 1974
Churches in the Netherexe Parishes
How much do you know about the lovely churches I start the series with a look at the parish church of which comprise the Netherexe Parishes? Over the St John the Baptist at Netherexe. This church is kept next year I will be running a series of articles on locked other than for services. That should these churches. I hope that they will inspire you to encourage you to pay a visit when there is a service – visit them, but if you want to see inside the churches the next one will be on Easter Day. I am most you would be advised to check beforehand whether grateful to Brian Please, from whose Visitors’ Guide they will be open. I have drawn the following.
Netherexe Church
Focus on Thorverton 28 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Netherexe Church is a very quaint, isolated church, Young who inherited the Manor House and much of which may take some finding for those not the parish in 1827. There is another grave on the acquainted with the area. From Thorverton, it is only south side close to the wall of the church, lying north a couple of miles, easily reached either by foot to south (the mound has been levelled, and there is no (taking the footpath on the right immediately after headstone). Tradition says that it was of a woman crossing the bridge over the River Exe on leaving the who was buried in this position, at her own request, village) or by road (taking the right turn at so that she could face the preacher in the pulpit and Latchmoor Green and then right at the T-junction at the end of that road).
The parish of Nether Exe was mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book as Niressa, with 28 people living in the manor and with the existence of an Anglo Saxon chapel. The present church was rebuilt in the 15th century – most probably with Thorverton stone from the Raddon quarry - with significant reconstruction work in the 18th century, and further work in the late 19th century. The cost of this latter restoration work was met very largely by Colonel Reginald Hill who was Lord of the Manor and was landlord of Nether Exe Barton. There are wall tablets in the church commemorating members of the family; those of you who came by road will have passed houses hear the lesson read by the parson at the lectern just constructed by Christopher Hill in the late-19th inside the window. century, near to the T-junction. No fantastic stained glass windows. No magnificent The church, which was designated as a Grade I listed screens. No electricity, gas or water. building in 1961, is very small, measuring just 34 feet by 15 feet inside. The walls and ceilings are plastered. According to Colonel Hill, the ceiling was blue with gold stars. In the mid 19th century the church was at the centre of a thriving rural community. Nearby was the home of the squire, whose grave is still to be seen in the churchyard. Not far away were cob-built farm cottages. From all around people went there to worship. Many years ago, a country mansion stood at Netherexe, and the family and servants provided the backbone of the church community. However, all that remains of the home of the one-time squire are a few lengths of the cob-built garden wall which can be just seen from the south side of the church.
On the S side of the chancel is a piscina (photo right) set in a trefoil arch with a drain used for washing communion vessels and a holy water stoup. The piscina is thought to date from 1390-1410, which is the date of Poltimore Church. The font, which is of Just a simple stone church set in the midst of fields Thorverton stone, is said to be Norman with a square close to the banks of the Exe. Lit by candles, heated bowl for holding baptismal water scalloped beneath by the warmth of its congregation. The footpaths and and on the base, suggesting a church existed here in bridleways which converge on it are a testimony to Norman times. its importance to the generations who have worshipped here. In the graveyard, the tallest grave with the urn (on the eastern side of the churchyard) is of Clifford Martyn
Focus on Thorverton 29 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Exeter College Adult Learning I work for the adult learning faculty at Exeter In one lesson she placed a suitcase on a table and College. One of my colleagues, Sam Watson is the asked them to come up with a flash fiction storyline creative writing teacher and her students often write of under 150 words – here are a few of the stories. flash fiction. Normally their work is limited to the Andy Brewer classroom but maybe this is an opportunity for a College landline 01392 400689 slightly larger audience. College Mobile 07981380073
Exeter College Intermediate Learners: Spring crumbs on only one plate. An old crumpled suitcase 2019 and coat were lodged in a corner. Cobwebs and dust Flash Fiction stories (stories of 150 (+/- 2) words) enveloped all that he could see. He stepped slowly to using the prompt ‘suitcase’ the apron of the stage, eyes focusing on the darkness which pressed toward him. Feeling consumed by the A Suitcase of Dreams silence, he turned and viewed the scene once more. His eyes widened in terror. Both glasses were empty. There were so many dreams – big, blue-sky ones, daring, adventurous ones, quirky ones, freedom, Susan Skinner taking flight. Over time they had been packed away, pushed under the bed, saved for later. A suitcase of I Do dreams. I found it there. Now the children had left, pursuing their own Already packed. Passport thrown in among sexy adventures. underwear. She was leaving. It was a Tuesday morning when she remembered the Holding our wedding photo, the house seemed too case and pulled it out, disturbing the dust. quiet. Empty. She wanted to remember, feel the idea of a dream. Tracing the outline of her smile I see us linking arms Opening the lid, her heart sank. They sat grey and for the toast. lifeless on the bottom of the case. A suitcase of Dom Perignon. regrets. No expense spared. Happy. She closed the lid slowly, sadly, but as she did so a Hopeful. wisp of blue mist drifted and twisted out from within Forever. the case. Quickly, she grasped it and wound it round Did she miss anything? Check under the bed. her wrist, once, twice, then held on fast. Persistently, In the wardrobe forgotten clothes tell the story of gently, it tugged her towards the open window. She lazy Sundays spent on the sofa avoiding the snow, stepped out into the sun-soaked air and floated away. crisp leaves under flame hued canopies, sun baked sand and endless drives to nowhere as the earth rose Amy McLaughlin from chilly slumber. Why would she leave me? Two Empty Glasses Twenty years laying the world at those Louboutins. It was not enough. Somehow, he found himself standing in the wings of I was not enough. a tired, old theatre. His mind was still centred on I begged. what he had witnessed earlier. The others had all I zip the lid of the leaking suitcase and throw it on waited around - the distressed, indifferent, young and the passenger seat. Her feet on the dash where they old, anonymous souls - but he had run and lost belong. himself in the shadows. Now he was here. Stepping This time, I know where I’m going. onto a dimly lit stage, his eyes darted around nervously as he took in the scene – a table laid for Jane Jones two, chairs facing, one glass empty the other not,
Focus on Thorverton 30 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Adverts
Focus on Thorverton 31 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Focus on Thorverton 32 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Hoopcott Dog Walking
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.
Focus on Thorverton 33 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Focus on Thorverton 34 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
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Focus on Thorverton 36 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
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Focus on Thorverton 38 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Focus on Thorverton 39 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Focus on Thorverton 40 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Kevin Sussex Logs For Sale PAINTER AND DECORATOR
£80 for a load Tel: Also can supply bags of kindling £3 per net 01392 881961 Contact Robert or Dawn on or 01363 866319 07919950222
Focus on Thorverton 41 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Focus on Thorverton 42 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Dog Microchipping Done in your own home for all dogs over 8 weeks of age. £10 per dog Call Dawn on 01363 866319 or 0797 617 5943
Focus on Thorverton 43 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
The RUFFWELL with its keen owner and team of professional staff is happy to be looking after local residents and visitors alike.
Our excellent Carvery is open every lunchtime and evening and all day on Sunday.
Our BAR FOOD MENU is fully operational and is available all day. We also serve a lovely all day Breakfast and have a fabulous SPECIALS MENU.
Our FUNCTION ROOM is fully operational and we will be pleased to quote for your special function.
Tel: 01392 860377
Focus on Thorverton 44 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Focus on Thorverton 45 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
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Tel. 01884 253206 07747 064326 [email protected] www.upholsterytiverton.co.uk
Focus on Thorverton 46 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Focus on Thorverton 47 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Focus on Thorverton 48 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
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Focus on Thorverton 49 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Focus on Thorverton 50 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
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Focus on Thorverton 52 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 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. Nick Bright 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 53 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Thorverton Organisations Amateur Dramatic Society (TADS) Chair: Sheena Hunter-Hedges 01392 860843, Treasurer: Simon Hedges, Minutes Secretary: Mary Ette. Meetings: For details of meetings please contact [email protected] or by phone.
Art Group Barrie Phillips, Crossmead, School Lane, Thorverton. 860529. Meet Fridays during term-time at the Memorial Hall, 10.00 am-12.00.
Arts Exchange Becky Stannard, 7 The Glebe, 860737. Monthly meetings in members' homes at 8.00 pm.
Association Football Club Chairman and Secretary: Paul Webb, 07944533372.
Bridge Club Graeme Culshaw, tel: 860203. Meets 1st/3rd/5th Thursdays of month from 7.00pm New members always welcome, no partner needed. Contact Graeme for venue.
Clarinet/Saxophone Group Contact Peter Mason 860727. Meets every Thursday morning.
Cricket Club Chair: Charles Kislingbury, Secretary: M C. Denford, 14 Moorlands, Tiverton EX16 6UF. 01884 255076. Fixture Sec: J Meredith, Grayley, Dinneford Street.
Focus Magazine Chair: Michael Ayre, Ratcliffe Farm, Thorverton. Editor: Neville Lane, 2 The Glebe, Thorverton. 861062. Secretary: Geoff Bulley, Broadlands, Thorverton. Treasurer: Bob Swaffield, Schiehallion, School Lane, Thorverton. 860309.
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: Mike Shelton, tel. 861027. [email protected] Secretary: Mike Baldwin, tel. 860853. [email protected] Bookings: [email protected] Website: www.thorvertonmemorialhall.co.uk
Memorial Hall Market 2nd Saturday of the month, at the Memorial Hall, 9.30 - 11.00 am.
Thorverton Pre-School 01392 861707 / [email protected] Mondays to Fridays during term-time at Thorverton Primary School site. 9.00 - 11.45 am, & 12.45 - 3.15 pm, & Lunch Club 11.45 am - 12.45 pm.
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 54 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Doctors’ Surgeries
Focus on Thorverton 55 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019
Wyndham House Surgery Fore Street, Silverton, EX5 4HZ Telephone: 01392 860034
www.wyndhamhousesurgery.co.uk
Currently rated as an OUTSTANDING Practice by the CQC
Day/Dr Dr Anthony Dr Emma Stone Dr Jeff Solman Dr Harriet Burn O’Brien Monday 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 15:00 – 17:30 15:00 – 17:30 15:00 – 17:30 Tuesday 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 14:00 – 17:30 15:00 – 17:30 15:00 – 17:30 Wednesday 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 15:00 – 17:30 15:00 – 17:30 Thursday 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 14:00 – 16:00 15:00 – 17:30 Friday 14:30 – 16:00* 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 15:00 – 16:00 *emergencies only
Please note: The doctors are happy to speak to you on the phone instead of an appointment if you prefer. Please request this from reception when you telephone.
Surgery hours: Monday - Thurs. 08:30 - 18:00 Friday 08:30 - 17:00
Dispensary hours: Monday - Thurs. 08.30 - 18:00 Friday 08.30 - 17:00
There is no closure for lunch and prescriptions may be collected all through the day.
Repeat prescriptions can be ordered online via our website.
We also operate a home delivery service for housebound registered patients. Please contact our reception or dispensary for more information.
On-line appointment booking Flexible appointments at beginning and end of day if required - just ask
Focus on Thorverton 56 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Waste Collection Dates for 2019 Collections on Mondays, unless stated otherwise. (These collection dates apply to the majority of the village, but outlying parts may have different collection days)
General refuse, recycling boxes and food caddy Chargeable garden waste and food caddy April 1st, 15th and 30th (Tuesday) April 8th and 24th (Wednesday) May 13th and 28th (Tuesday) May 7th (Tuesday) and 20th
Mobile Library Thursdays in the Quarry Car Park from 15.35 to 16.20.
Dates for the first half of 2019: April 18th, May 16th and June 13th.
Union Flag Flying days in April 21st Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen 23rd St George’s Day
Road works If you want to see up to date information on road works, visit: http://roadworks.org/.
Bus Services Turner's Tours / Carmel Coaches No 678 Cheriton Fitzpaine – Thorverton section served on Tuesday (renumbered Service 675) 10.09 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, 16.01, 17.11 (Saturdays only), 17.29 (Mon-Fri. This is the 155 service), 18.16.
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), 16.40, 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, 16.20 (Mondays to Fridays term-time only), 17.12, 18.10.
Return to Thorverton from Exeter, outside Next (via St David’s train station): 07.30, 08.50, 11.05, 13.20, 15.35, 16.45 (Sats only), 17.05 (Mon-Fri. This is the 155 service and does not stop at St David’s station),17.50.
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: 8.42, 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, 23.50.
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 57 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Diary 2019
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 Focus.
APRIL Mon 1st Welcome Café, WI Hut, 2.30. Tea, coffee, cake and a chat Tues 2nd WI meeting, Tony Burgess – City of Exeter, WI Hut, 7.30pm Thur 4th Sponsored Easter Trail, Millennium Green - cancelled. Thur 4th WI Open Meeting, Making Garden Hanging Baskets & Pots, Brian Carlson. 7.30pm Fri 5th Coffee Morning at the Baptist Church, 10.30-12 noon. All welcome Mon 8th Welcome Café, WI Hut, 2.30. Tea, coffee, cake and a chat Tues 9th Parish Council meeting, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm Thurs 11th Ladies Group, Let’s Talk Rubbish - Devon Council, Moss Bank, School Lane 7.30pm Fri 12th Christianity Explored, Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15-3.15pm Sat 13th TARTS walk, meet outside Parish Church, 9.30am Sat 13th Saturday Market and Big Breakfast, Memorial Hall, 9.30-11.00am Sun14th Charity Bluebell Walk (for Children’s Hospice SW), Byway Farm, Bickleigh ,2pm Mon 15th Welcome Café, WI Hut, 2.30. Tea, coffee, cake and a chat Tues 16th Easter Bingo, Memorial Hall, 7.00 for eyes-down 7.30pm Wed 17th Annual Parish Meeting, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm Sat 20th Millennium Green maintenance day, 11.00am Fri 25th Millennium Green Trustees AGM, Exeter Inn, 7.00pm Fri 26th Christianity Explored, Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15-3.15pm Fri 26th History Society, John Dike - The First Atlantic Telegraph Cables, WI Hut, 7.30pm Sat 27th TARTS walk, meet outside Parish Church, 9.30am Mon 29th Welcome Café, WI Hut, 2.30. Tea, coffee, cake and a chat
MAY Wed 1st Your House Through Time launch event, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm Thurs 2nd Parish and District Council elections, Memorial Hall Fri 3rd Coffee Morning at the Baptist Church, 10.30-12 noon. All welcome. Tues 7th Women’s Institute AGM, WI Hut, 7.30pm Tues 7th Memorial Hall AGM Fri 10th Christianity Explored, Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15-3.15pm Sat 11th Saturday Market and Big Breakfast, Memorial Hall, 9.30-11.00am Sat 11th Tennis Club Open Day Newton St Cyres Sun 12th Sunnymead Gas Up 10am-4pm Tues 14th Parish Council meeting, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm Tues 14th to Sat 18th East Devon Arts Festival in Thorverton Church Sat 18th Pie and Quiz Night Memorial Hall Fri 24th Christianity Explored, Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15-3.15pm Fri 24th History Society, Peter Dare – Exeter Cathedral Restoration and Conservation 1969-1985, WI Hut, 7:30 pm
JUNE Sun 2nd Old Fashioned Afternoon Tea in aid of Force at Fair Oak Tues 4th WI meeting, Phil Keen – Silk Screening, WI Hut 7.30pm Sat 8th Saturday Market and Big Breakfast, Memorial Hall, 9.30-11.00am Tues 11th Parish Council meeting, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm Sat 22nd Beach Party Memorial Hall
Focus on Thorverton 58 Vol 50 No 4 – April 2019 Netherexe Church Featured in a new series (see page 27)
Jubilee Green