BIGBURY ON SEA HOLIDAYS Bigburyonsea.co.uk
The site for great holidays in a great community; now gives the accommodation, holiday activities, many useful links and maps.
Now features community events and dates. Send any ideas for the site to
John@BigburyOnSeaHolidays.com
Front Cover: by Hilary Vanstone
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What’s on and Dates for your Diary
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Editors Page News, Views & letters
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Church Service times for Bigbury, Kingston and Ringmore
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Message from the Minister from Neil Barker
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Parish Council Notes from the Parish Council monthly meeting
Your handy pull-out Guide to Local Business
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Musings from Weekend Wendy
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Bigbury Memorial Hall Reports and Diary of events
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Shack Splash News from the Oyster Shack
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National Trust report from Lorna Sherriff
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News from all your Regular Social Meetings
Where’s Alfie ?? He’s hiding somewhere in the pages!!
Bigbury News is published monthly at Lucerne Ringmore Drive Bigbury-on-Sea Kingsbridge Devon TQ7 4AU Tel: 01548 810815 email: bigburynewseditor@gmail.com Editor - Rose Owen Treasurer - Margaret Hawes, Blue Waters, Marine Drive, BoS, TQ7 4AS - Tel: 01548 810640 All contributions and requests for advertising to the Editor Bigbury News is a voluntary run publication which is supported by donations from readers, advertising rates and a grant from the Parish Council DISCLAIMER - Whilst every effort has been made to ensure adverts and articles appear correctly, Bigbury News cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly
Dates for your Diary April: 6th 6th 13th 15th 20th 25th
Korniloff Coffee Morning, Korniloff Care Home, BoS at 10.30am Bigbury Bookworms at Hazels Parish Council Meeting - Memorial Hall at 7.30pm (TTBC, see noticeboards) Spilt Milk (V.I.A.) Bigbury Memorial Hall at 7.30pm Bigbury Ladies - Visit to Lukesland, Ivybridge Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group Meeting
May: 31st
St. Lawrence Church Bazaar at Bigbury Memorial Hall
June: W/E 11th/12th
H.M.Queens 90th Birthday Celebrations (TBC)
July: 13th
A Victorian Tea Party - the Old Rectory at 3pm
BIGBURY HISTORY SOCIETY VISIT TO PORT ELIOT THURSDAY 28th APRIL 2016 AT 10.30 a.m. WE HAVE ARRANGED FOR A GUIDED TOUR AROUND THIS HISTORIC HOUSE The charge is £13 p.p. Refreshments available at extra cost If you’d like to go, please contact Charles Harrington on 810023.
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EVERYONE VERY WELCOME
Remember - this YOUR parish magazine so if any of you have any news, views or interesting articles that you would like to share, please send them to me at the Bigbury News. Either drop them into me at Lucerne, Bigbury on Sea or hand them into Holywell Stores or phone me on 01548 810815 or email: bigburynewseditor@gmail.com You can now find each months issue at www.bigburyonsea.co.uk
in ‘The Community’ section and also on the Bigbury Community website www.bigburycommunity.co.uk in the documents section of the Bigbury News Group.
Letters…. A short but heartfelt thank you to Vic, Gill, Nicky, Andy, Elaine, Kips, Alric, and all the lovely people we met whilst clearing Merrylees during the sale process. It was a huge wrench for Bryn to leave his beloved home with Beryl, but he is settling in well to his new home, and I am happy to provide his address to anyone wishing to keep in contact. The new owners of Merrylees are Kate and Paul Hilsley, with sons Ben and Sam - we hope they will love living in Merrylees and Bigbury on Sea as much as Bryn and Beryl did. Jill Gubbins
810651 Bigbury Court, Bigbury
Dear Editor, May we join, with many others I am sure, in expressing our huge thanks to Pam Trundle who is about to retire as Parish Clerk after 42 years service! Having served on the Parish Council, I have seen at first hand just how committed, painstaking and professional she has been in carrying out a role that has been fundamental to the work of the council. Her contribution to the village has been quite exceptional and to have made this contribution for so many years is amazing. I am sure we all wish her a long and happy retirement.
More Letters on p. 17
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CHURCH SERVICES FOR APRIL BIGBURY - KINGSTON - RINGMORE ST. LAWRENCE - BIGBURY All services start at 11.00 a.m. 3rd 10th 17th 24th
Family Communion Sunday Worship Sunday Worship Holy Communion*
ST. JAMES THE LESS - KINGSTON All services start at 9.30 a.m. 3rd 10th 17th 24th
Family Communion Sunday Worship Holy Communion Matins*
ALL HALLOWS - RINGMORE All services start at 9.30 a.m.
3rd 10th 17th 24th
Sunday Worship Holy Communion* Village Service Family Communion
* Service in traditional language
Korniloff Communion - Tuesday 19th at 2.30 p.m.
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Message from the Minister
Welcome! Do you remember those front door mats which had the word “welcome” on them? Maybe you have one outside your front door now. I can’t remember seeing one for some time, though I have seen some saying “no cold callers, no circulars, no hawkers, no….”. However, walking through one of the villages in our team of churches, my eye was caught by a poster in the window of one of the houses; the three words on it were these: “Refugees welcome here.” If I hadn’t had an appointment to keep, I would have knocked on the door to find out why they had put the poster up. Was it a political statement addressed to the authorities, saying that we should be more welcoming as a nation or as a village, or was it an invitation to any passing refugee to knock on the door and find a bed and share in family life? Or maybe it was something in between? Whatever it was, I thought it was a brave statement going beyond making an occasional donation and challenging me as to my attitude. I was brought up in a house that had turrets and a moat, but you don’t need those to believe an Englishman’s home is his castle, to pull up your drawbridge when you shut your front door. What words should be displayed outside your home to show the sort of reception people can expect? In 1851 in a makeshift hut, Holman Hunt began to paint a picture “The light of the world”, it shows Jesus knocking on a door and is based on Revelation 3:20 “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…” You’re welcome in all of our churches…and The Vicarage, Modbury.
Neil Barker
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PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE ARE NOTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING. If you wish to read the minutes in full, please look on the Bigbury Community website at www.bigburycommunity.co.uk or read them on the notice boards. A meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Memorial Hall on WEDNESDAY 9 MARCH 2016 at 7.30 p.m. Cllrs. B Carson, B.Huntley, G.Rosevear, and S.Smith attending with 9 residents and C.Cllr R.Hosking and D.Cllr L.Ward. Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Iain Couper and Cllr C.Case. Open session - Resident A reported that a concrete development had started for the Venus Café at the Tom Crocker slipway. She had opposed the application on safety issues. Cllr Carson reported that he had attended the Planning meeting but despite much opposition (including the Parish Council’s) the application was approved. - Resident B enquired about the loss of the Bigbury village sign – an update on the situation was given. It was suggested that a local person be asked if he could supply a metal sign and it was reported that the large sign at Seven Stones Cross is also missing. Cllr Carson will pursue the matter. - Resident C asked if attention could be given to the notice-board at Bigbury Village – the door had blown open and all the notices had scattered around. A local person will be asked if he could put extra catches on the bottom of all 3 boards and give a preservative coating. - Resident D asked if there was any information on the Royal Oak. It was reported that it was understood that the car park has been sold on to a developer. (Bryan Carson declared an interest). Minutes of February meeting were approved and signed Planning (planning applications for Bigbury parish have 05 prefix) - 2548/15: Mr Halford: Old Granary, 2 Bigbury Court, Bigbury – install a small velux window in bathroom ceiling. (George Rosevear declared an interest). Councillors had no objections. - 0175/16: Mr Hesse: Glebe House Easton: erection of wooden detached garage. Councillors had inspected the site but were concerned at the height of the roof and felt it would have been better to site the garage alongside existing building work. - 0314/16: Mr A.Maguire: 3 Folly Hill,BoS: erection of detached oak double single-storey garage to replace existing summer house. Councillors had no objections. - 0399/16: Mr R Smith: Old Vineyard, Easton. Sharon Smith declared an interest and left the room for this discussion. Change of clause in a previous planning consent. Councillors had no objection
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District Councillor’s Report - Lindsay reported that SHDC has decided on no cuts to their front-line services. A National Council of the Year Award has been announced. She reported there is some way to go before a “quasi” regional government is formed with an executive lead designed to promote the region. She referred to benefits; enforcement team to receive further help to try to clear the backlog, and Government backing for Neighbourhood Plans. She confirmed that the increase in Council Tax for Band D for 2016/17 will be £5.00 per month. Neighbourhood Plan - A public meeting had been arranged for Saturday 12 March in the Memorial Hall. County Councillor’s Report - Richard Hosking reported on matters relating to the production of the budget for the forthcoming financial year. An original proposal to discontinue the "lollipop staff” has been reversed following public outcry. He referred to devolution proposals and also stated that Fast Broadband is still continuing with BT. Chapter 8 training for local volunteers is still taking place which is for road warden scheme only. He was asked about DCC’s workforce’s refusal to attend to a boddle hole as it was on private land. It was felt that a new catchment pit was needed – Richard will pursue this at DCC. Financial: It was agreed to pay cheques as follows: £50 grant to Modbury Caring; £350 grant to Bigbury Memorial Hall and £141.21 clerk’s fee. Lindsay Ward asked if the parish would like her Locality Fund share to go towards the purchase of a screen/projector for the hall. It was agreed to ask Lindsay for such funding. Scale of allowances for councillors had been received – the parish councillors approved the expenses regime but there would not be a general allowance for councillors who continue to serve on a voluntary basis. Vacancies Tree Warden - unfilled Parish Councillor - unfilled Correspondence: Ivybridge & Dis. Asscn.Local Ccls: paperwork for meeting 17 March Letter forwarded by a Gazette reporter re matters in Bigbury village. The clerk had drafter a reply which the Chairman approved and this was returned to the Gazette and printed. Bob & Anne Harvey: development in AONBs Fare Car Service. An observation had been given to the clerk that the previous service provided a 6-seater vehicle whereas the replacement is only a 4 seater which is not big enough. Matter passed on and dealt with. Adam Hesse- potholes at Easton – forwarded to DCC. If any of you want to report any potholes you can do this by going on:https://new.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem/ Catering facilities at BoS. Craig Worthington requested permission to put a gastrobus in the bus lay-by at BoS. George Rosevear felt that any consideration on the matter should have to be put to tender. Bryan Carson felt that the Parish Council needs to speak with DCC and SHDC before any further discussion takes place on the issue. Jo Woods reported he had been given by Crown Estates to site a tuk-tuk at the bottom of Sedgwell Sands slipway and it would be removed at the end of each day’s trading. He will provide rubbish bins. Councillors had no objections to this proposal. HM the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations – weekend of 11th and 12
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Retirement of Parish Clerk: It was announced that Pam Trundle will attend the April meeting alongside the new clerk and her 42 years of Parish Clerk’s service will be celebrated then. Date of next meeting WEDNESDAY 13th APRIL at 7.30 pm (this time may be brought forward so please check notice boards for correct time) The abbreviated Parish Council meeting will be followed by the Annual Parish Meeting at 8.0 p.m.
SKIP The Parish Council has arranged for a skip on SATURDAY 9th APRIL on The Warren, Bigbury on Sea From 10.0 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. There will be a person in charge of the skip so please abide by any decisions or advice that he gives. Dates for skips in the autumn for Memorial Hall car park (subject to the Hall Committee’s permission) and also for Bigbury village green a.m. and
CASUAL VACANCY A vacancy exists for a Parish Councillor. If you are interested in being considered for this vacancy, please write to the Parish Clerk at the above address, giving your details, how long you have lived here, interests in the community etc.
NEW PARISH CLERK. The new Parish Clerk is Richard Matthews of 10 Lower Brook Park, Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9TZ; Tel: 07987 130599. His email address will be the same i.e.: clerk.bigburypc@btinternet.com The Parish Councillors welcome Richard to the fold and hope he enjoys the work that the appointment will give. Pam goes along with these good wishes and is
MOBILE LIBRARY Our librarian is Steve and he will be at:BoS - Cleveland Drive
12.40 –
1.25 p.m.
2.00 –
2.30 p.m.
Ringmore Church
11.50 –
12.20 a.m.
Kingston Fire Station
11.00 –
11.40 a.m.
Bigbury Green
Dates:
Tuesdays – April 19th, May 17th, June 14th, July 12th, August 9th, Sept 6th, October 4th.
PLEASE, PLEASE do use our mobile library. We are very lucky to have the service and don’t want to lose it through lack of support. DCC have made many cuts and libraries are one of them. We must retain this service so please use it. Some people are under the misconception you can only keep books a month – but Steve is very good, we do not have to pay fines.
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BIGBURY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN STEERING GROUP Following the Bigbury Neighbourhood Plan meeting on 12 March 2016 a Steering Group has now been formed and will be having their first meeting on Monday 25 April 2016. The members of the Steering Group are as follows: Valerie Scott (Chairman of BNP Steering Group) Bryan Carson (Chairman of Bigbury Parish Council) Beth Huntley ( Bigbury Parish Councillor) Jill Gubbins Jean Wright Stuart Watts Jo Simes Grant Peet Simon Bronstein Hazel Osborne has agreed to take the minutes of the meeting and will be acting as secretary unless anyone else on the committee wishes to take on this role. At the first meeting we will also be appointing someone to act as Treasurer. At the first meeting we will be discussing the Project Plan and how the necessary baseline evidence will be gathered. This will include a Housing Needs Survey and a questionnaire to be sent to all parishioners. The minutes of the meeting will be published in the Bigbury News and the Bigbury Community Website and any matters arising will also be discussed at the Parish Council meetings. There will be regular consultation with parishioners and people working in the parish at various stages of the plan so that everyone has the opportunity to give their views and to ensure that the plan meets the needs and wishes of the whole community. Valerie Scott Chairman of Bigbury Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group
Bigbury Parish Council (BPC). Minutes of a Neighbourhood Plan Open Meeting Saturday 12th March 2016 Held in the Memorial Hall St Ann’s Chapel from Noon. The Meeting came to order at 12:13 p.m. A / Present: Valerie Scott (VS) Chair Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, Cllr Bryan Carson (BC) Chair BPC, Cllr Beth Huntley (BH) BPC, Cllr George Rosevear (GR) BPC & Minute taker, plus 13 members of the public. B / Apologies: SHDC DC Cllr Lindsay Ward. C / Quorum:
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The Open meeting was convened to discuss the Vision and Objectives of the Bigbury Parish Neighbourhood Plan 1a / Opening Address: BC briefly addressed the meeting, stating that a Neighbourhood Plan (NP) was fundamental to the future of the Parish as it will carry Statutory force within the SHDC Local Plan. He then introduced VS Chair of the NP Steering Group. 1b / Opening address of VS Chair BPC NP Steering Group [NPSG]. VS made the following statements. Following support for the project from the BPC, an application was made for a NP to SHDC on 13th December 2015, which was approved by SHDC on 21st January 2016. An initial meeting of parishioners took place in December 2015, with unanimous support for the NHP with VS invited to chair the NPSG, which has led to today’s meeting. All meetings of the NPSG and any open or formal Public meetings will be minuted; and those minutes will be published in the Bigbury News and posted on the Community Website and the Parish Notice Boards. 2 / Funding An application has also been made to SHDC for initial funding of the NPSG in the sum of £500.00 from the Sustainable Communities Locality Fund (SCLF). There are other options to add to this. These will be considered in the new financial year commencing 1st April 2016. 3 / Discussions with SHDC VS reported that Phil Baker is the officer at SHDC who is responsible for NP’s and he will be the NHPSG link and guide. He will ensure that the development of BPC’s NP conforms to the emerging SHDC Local Plan. At present the existing South Hams “Local Development Framework (LPF) Core Strategy dates from December 2006; and the Rural Areas Site Allocations Development Plan Document itself was only adopted in February 2011. It is to be hoped that whatever limited development is permitted and what emerges in the new “Local Plan” is related to expected growth of and in the Parish. Therefore the following matters all need to be investigated, reviewed and refined to see if and where they can sit within the BPC NP. i)
A need for a project programme for the NP.
ii)
The matters included in the plan need to be evidence based, perhaps with support from the ONS.
iii)
The support of SHDC for a Housing Needs Survey. This was approved at the recent BPC meeting of 9th March 2016. It would be promoted by the use of a Post Card to be included with the next available issue of the Bigbury News. The card would provide details of how to provide information/response, either digitally or in writing. VS briefly ran through the form to give an idea of the range of questions it contained.
4a / What are the next Steps? i) In addition to the Housing Needs Survey, a further questionnaire is proposed and will be worked-up to provide evidence for the NP. There will be further
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iii)
The Steering Group will be formed to have a core membership of about eight, with opportunities for “Parishioners’’ to join and contribute with their particular expertise(s). There will also be the ability to dip in and dip out of the Steering Group over its likely life of 18 months or so.
iv)
Currently there are some 13 volunteers from the Parish; but there is room for more, in particular those who bring different skills into play.
v)
It is likely that that there will be sub groups to represent the views of the main settlements within the Parish of Bigbury, Bigbury on Sea and St Ann’s Chapel. The sub groups and the main NHPSG will report back to the BPC on a regular basis.
vi)
Volunteers are asked to let VS know of their interest in being part of the NPSG.
4b / Open Spaces Sports and Recreation (OSSR). GR informed Parishioners that the SHDC’s Section 106 Legal Agreements that invariably accompanied each and every development, provided for several different types of Statutory required contributions, these included: Education, Highways, Affordable Housing and Open Spaces Sports and Recreation. This latter category is of importance and value to the Parish. The OSSR requires an audit of all of the Parish’s current such facilities, what is lacking and what is wanted or desired. This is a detailed formal process and unless it is carried out, any additions supported by Central and Local Government funds or initiatives will not be available. Furthermore, this audit “has to” be submitted through, as well as, in parallel to the NP. If it is not part of the NHP, it will not be recognised. For example, the two new houses in St Ann’s Chapel have OSSR contributions available in the order £5500 to £7500 in total; and the Parish needs to make an expression of interest to access and use it, or it could be lost to another Parish, such as Modbury, (who have their eye on it). At present the expression of interest (EOI) can be made extant the NP as the process is too young; but once in place, any use of the money would have to have been part of the OSSR and posited in it. 4c / Visions and Objectives from the Floor The following contributions were made from the floor for inclusion in the NHPSG’s considerations. i)
Drainage and Sewage capacity: Concern was expressed as to whether existing developments had or do put undue stress on the current infrastructure, as evidenced by waste matter ending up in the streams and on the beaches.
ii)
Infrastructure: Evidence of DCC Highways and SWW modelling for existing and future development for the Parish was called for, to be available to the BPC and the NHPSG. It was not sufficient, as in the case of Modbury for the issue of flooding and sewage infrastructure to be dealt with simply because of the imperative to protect the Blue Flag status of beaches; although it was, of itself, excellent.
iii) Tourism: Does the Parish wish to encourage a greater influx of tourists or not? And, if so, are the roads and car parking facilities sufficient and of a sufficient standard to allow for such a greater influx? iv)
Employment: Whether brought about by tourism or other means, does
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vi)
Transport Links: Community/Public transport. One public bus a week and a couple of taxi cars, hardly stimulating movement. Taking into account the Parish has a broad mix of ages; but at each end of the age spectrum, many without their own transport. Is there scope for a Parish Minibus?
vii)
Recognition and Protection of Buildings of Local Historic or Architectural Interest: Can consideration be given for some form of protection to buildings in the Parish, whether of historic or architectural interest? Could this be through a mix of Environmental (AONB), Community or formal statutory listing?
viii)
Design Preferences: Can the Parish seek to incorporate its “aspiration” as to the preferred mix of design concepts and finishes in the Parish?
ix)
Sustainable and Renewable Energy considerations: Does the Parish wish to see any large scale infrastructure project, or prefer to have such an amenity simply restricted to and incorporated within individual developments, and then reflecting Parish design aspirations?
x)
Highways: Although touched on in an earlier section of the minutes, nonetheless, does the Parish want to have its highways infrastructure improved, and not be constantly prone to DCC budget restrictions?
xi)
Light Pollution: Whilst there may not be support for comprehensive road lights, are there areas that are vulnerable and which would benefit from better lighting? In addition, many properties had somewhat inconsiderate security lighting arrangement. Would it be possible to incorporate into the design of future developments a preferred form of security lighting both in design, capability and timing?
xii)
Wild Life Centre: Is there scope within the Parish, Avon Estuary or elsewhere for such a project, would it be a fee paying or non-fee paying attraction? How would it be financed and how would the Parish deal with the influx of visitors and the requirement for car parking and coach parking?
xiii)
Avon Estuary and the Beaches: How can we successfully preserve these amenities and enhance them where appropriate?
xiv)
The Warren: Linked to (xiii) above; how could this area be improved and preserved? Bearing in mind the Parish is within the AONB.
5/ Volunteers for the NPSG and future Meetings. Although covered already in 1b and 4a VS reminded those attending, if they had not already volunteered there were still opportunities to do so, either by leaving contact details today, or contacting her direct or through the next issue of the Bigbury News. There would be cross-referencing with other NP’s on the coastal fringe, in an attempt to both share ideas and overcome difficulties as well as potentially presenting a potential “united coastal fringe front”! In addition the Parish and NPSG must consider how to overcome the reservations of those members of the community who have “been here before” and seen the fruits of their labour amount to little. There needs to be a considered and well developed PR case to make to bring everyone including any jaundiced parishioners on board. VS thanked everyone for attending and she then closed the meeting. Meeting Closed 13.45.
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We will be open on the Bank Holiday Monday 1
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MATTHEW BISSEX ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS LTD PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS APPLICATIONS PLANS DRAWN FOR EXTENSIONS LOFT CONVERSIONS, CONSERVATORIES, NEW BUILD HOUSING, LISTED BUILDING APPLICATIONS. Visit our website at
www.mbad.co.uk
For a free quote on plans for your build project contact Matthew on 01761 436861 or mobile 07843 286857
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THE LITTLE LODGE is no longer operating, due to the sale of the property it is part of, MERRYLEES. On behalf of my parents, Bryn and the late Beryl Evans, and myself, I wish to thank all the lovely guests we have welcomed to enjoy their holidays in our beautiful part of England. It was fun! Jill 01548 810651 jill.gubbins@homecall.co.uk
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Guests coming … … need extra space? Available in Bigbury for short lets of 2+ nights A delightful two-bedroom apartment (sleeps 4 / 5)
Please Contact: Angela - 078 34825738 01453 873318 angela.j.pryor@gmail.com
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BIGBURY ON SEA PROPERTY SERVICES Tel: 01548 811137 Email: bigburypropertyservices@gmail.com
Local Trustworthy couple offering a first class Management / Maintenance Service. Services Offered: Changeovers and laundry - Key Holding / Property checks Deep Clean - Window Cleaning - Garden Services
We also offer: Complete property maintenance from decorating to a new bathroom. We will liaise with local tradesmen for plumbing, heating and electrical problems. Holiday / Second Home and Residential. Contact Elaine or Andy to discuss your requirements
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Collection and Delivery Service with Courtesy Cars Available
Mechanical Repairs that include
Servicing, Tyres, Exhausts, Brakes, Batteries, Clutches, Cam Belts, Diagnostics, Safety Checks, Full Bodyshop, Air Conditioning, MOT’s arranged
t 01752 898632 f 01752898659 info@howardsarc.com W www.howardsaccidentrepaircentre.com Strashleigh View, Lee Mill Industrial Estate, Nr. Ivybridge, Devon PL21 9GS
Open: Mon - Sat 8.30-5.30 - Sun 10.30-2.00 (Sun car sales only)
Every car that passes through our doors receives a complementary wash and vac
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3 Comfortable bedrooms available all year round, with stunning views overlooking Dartmoor and surrounding countryside. Near to beaches and local facilities. Dane & Hilary Vanstone St. Ann’s Chapel, Kingsbridge, TQ& 4HQ T: 01548 810308 www.holywell-bedandbreakfast.co.uk
01548 830250 OR 07925306853
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BIGBURY GOLF CLUB www.bigburygolfclub.co.uk
Social Membership only £15 for 2016 Our new Caterers Gerald & Steve joined us at the start of the year, having helped us through the festive season with major events. Why not try their Sunday roast dinners available every week at £9.50 for one course, £12 for two courses. Call 01548 810557 option 3 to make your reservation (booking essential). The restaurant is also open daily for lunch, with a choice of 19
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April 2016 Spring is sprung, the grass is riz (thank you, Spike Milligan (although there does seem to be some dispute about that on t’internet)). I’m writing this on 21 st March; officially the first day of spring (OK, OK that may be open to dispute as well! Honestly you can’t trust anything you read these days!). It really feels like the first day of spring. There is actually some warmth in the air. We did have a brief taster earlier in March when the Weekend family descended on Bigbury-on-Sea for a couple of days. We couldn’t believe it when we opened the car door and we could actually stand up. And, my word, it was so quiet! It felt like the first time the wind has stopped blowing since Halloween! What a beautiful weekend. We were able to get in the sea as it was perfect conditions for body boarding with Weenie Weekend. Thanks go to the genius who invented neoprene and first made it into gloves and boots. (we did have wetsuits on too, in case anyone is imagining a family of naked nutters frolicking in the 8oC sea in nothing but boots and gloves!) It was awesome, life-affirming stuff! It turns out that it really is. The evidence for the benefits of being outdoors is considerable. After all, 90% of the human requirement for vitamin D comes from sunlight. And, yes, the weak, watery variety we often get in the UK still counts. Being outdoors is associated with being more active which improves cardiovascular health. Getting outdoors can improve self-esteem, mood, behaviour and cognitive function in children. The benefits of getting up and out are real! However, I have been reading some scary statistics. In a large survey conducted in 2015 by the Wildlife Trusts, a quarter of children in the UK have never built a sandcastle and a third of children have never climbed a tree. Since the 1970s, the distance that children are able to explore unsupervised has decreased by 90% (www.wildlifetrusts.org). I am not alone in finding this incredibly sad. Sir David Attenborough, President Emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We will be physically, mentally and spiritually impoverished if our children are deprived of contact with the natural world. Contact with nature should not be the preserve of the privileged. It is critical to the personal development of our children.” Of course there are many reasons why children today are playing outside less than even a generation ago. Some evidence suggests parents feel the outdoors is not safe due to ‘stranger danger’ and increased traffic. Other activities competing for children’s attention are also big issues. In the UK, 11-15 year olds spend an average of 6.1 hours a day in front of a screen. Eeek! We can’t change everything all at once but there are some small changes we could make which could have a big impact. I’m going to follow the Wildlife Trusts advice (www.wildlifetrusts.org) and fit a random act of wildness into my day. Turn over a stone to look for minibeasts, climb a tree, stop for a minute and listen for birds or feel a soft catkin. These are things that don’t cost money, they don’t require special skills and it doesn’t matter where you live. We can all help every child’s life
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BIGBURY MEMORIAL HALL Bringing the Community Together
In March we staged the latest in our twice yearly series of Film and Food Nights. Over 30 people attended to see The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and enjoy an excellent chilli con carne generously provided by the Pickwick Inn. Despite fierce competition from nearby villages, these evenings seem enduringly popular.
Our next event is on April 15th sponsored by Villages in Action. Spilt Milk Dance perform Blast From The Past, their fast paced race through seven decades of the blockbusters and bestsellers we all remember, and the fads and fashions we might prefer to forget, set to a soundtrack of chart hits from 1952 until the present day. Spilt milk have been sticking a ray of sunshine into the world of contemporary dance since 2006. This is the first time we’ve featured a dance troupe at the Hall and it should be a great evening. Tickets are £8 (£5 children), now available from Holywell Stores. Bring your own drinks and glasses. See poster for further details.
May sees the annual Spring Bazaar on Bank Holiday the 30th, jointly in aid of St. Lawrence Church and the Hall. More details of this will appear in next month’s issue of Bigbury News.
Charles Harrington. Tel. 810023. Email charles_harri@yahoo.co.uk
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Bigbury Memorial Hall Calendar of Events April 2016 Day & Time Mon.
9.30 – 10.15
Activity
Contact name
Tel. no
Body Boost
*Jill Gubbins
810651
10.30 – 11.30
Pilates
*Jill Gubbins
810651
19.00 – 20.15
Yoga
Fi Baker
831599
Tues. 17.30 - 19.30
Youth Club
Louise Pitt
07786860440
Wed.
South Hams Shrimps
Kylie Worden
07845 280734
Body Conditioning
*Jill Gubbins
810651
10.05 – 11.05
Pilates
*Jill Gubbins
810651
11.15 – 12.00
Strong & Steady (plus tea & chat)
*Jill Gubbins
810651
Thurs.
9.30 – 11.45 9.15 – 10.00
This month: . Friday 15th April: Spilt Milk - a Villages in Action event; 7.30pm. Tickets £8 (Child £5.50) available from Holywell Stores. Future events: Spring Bank Holiday Monday 31st May. St Lawrence Church Bazaar. More details next month. 50:100 Club (Promoted by Dane Vanstone). Tickets (£4 for the 4 monthly draws) are available from Holywell Stores. Buy now for your chance to win. 50% of the
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FAREWELL BRYN It was with heavy hearts that we waved Bryn off from his home "Merrylees" in Ringmore Drive in late January and now Bryn is happily settling into a purpose built, self-contained retirement Apartment in an Extra Care Residence. All brought about by the sheer hard work and determination of Bryn's Daughter Jill. What is even better is Jill's 96 year old Father-inLaw Vic Gubbins Snr. is also a Resident, so not only will Bryn have company but it will relieve some of the pressure of visiting for Jill & Vic. Miraculously, they survived a serious car accident a few weeks ago en route back from France. Bryn and his lovely Wife Beryl moved into the Village some 28 years ago and I well remember the first time I met them on that cold, wet, stormy, near dark January afternoon down on the beach. I had to be out in it to walk the dog, but there they were with the enthusiasm of newcomers, bending into near gale force winds and enjoying it!! Their love of the beach only increased as they always went down with their Son Paul's 3 lovely Daughters, Meggan, Molly and Mia (aka by my Grandchildren as 'The 3 M's) as they all shared school holidays here in Bigbury. Both Beryl and Bryn threw themselves into Village life with Beryl becoming the Secretary of the local W.I and Bryn joining the indoor Short Mat Bowling Club held in the Village Hall, all at the same time as running a very successful B & B and their 'Little Lodge' Self Catering Apartment, Guests returning year after year. Bryn's early life brought him and his family up from South Wales to London. War came and Bryn drew the short straw and became a 'Bevan Boy', with the unenviable job of going down the mines. These brave young lads along with the older experienced miners, kept the Country going as without coal the war effort would have ground to a halt. War ended and in 1949 Bryn married Beryl who he'd met through their shared love of swimming. One year after marrying tragedy struck when Bryn suffered a terrible motor cycle accident leaving him severe head injuries and a paralysed right side. For 4 years he was seriously ill but with his courage and Beryl's determination and loving support, he was ultimately able to return to work with London Transport, where he remained until his disabilities provoked deteriorating health and they reluctantly allowed him to retire at the age of 63. What an achievement. Beryl & Bryn's greatest joy came from their two children Jill and Paul. Again tragedy struck and in 2010 when Paul died suddenly from a stroke at the early age of 52. They were devastated, Beryl never getting over the loss while at the same time battling severe ill health and this time it was Bryn who took loving care of Beryl. Sadly, she too died one year later leaving Bryn heart broken without his life long love and support. They had been married for 62 years! Once again with his usual stoicism, Bryn battled on with the unfailing support of Jill backed up by Vic and an incredible team of loyal Carers including Nicky Parker-Smith, Jayne Luscombe and Laurel Warburton, with occasional back-up from Elaine Brosnahan, Bridget and Holly all of whom love him to bits, as does everyone who has been privileged to know this incredible man, who's faced life's storms with indomitable courage and a 'cheeky' sense of humour! Incredibly on 8th March Bryn celebrated his 90th Birthday! Huge disappointment struck as the Age Uk Home where Bryn was temporarily, was shut down with a virus! Fortunately Bryn stayed well! No one was allowed in, not even Jill. It was a cruel twist of fate when all Bryn's many friends had plans to visit and celebrate this amazing
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Dear Shackers, It’s been a very busy Easter down here at The Oyster Shack and we hope you’re enjoying the holidays. We’ve all been dreaming of sitting under our sail, the sun on our faces with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc and a plate full of freshly shucked oysters. The team have been working away to get the outside ship shape once again and hopefully the next time we see you the sun will be shining and we’ll be serving lunch under our bright orange sail. Our fantastic Shack Set Menu 2 courses £14 | 3 courses £16 – returns on Monday 18th April, join us for this magnificent menu offer featuring a whole host of tasty treats. Available 7 days a week for lunch and dinner until Friday 27 th May. Excludes bank holidays. We also have an excited new offer we’re about to launch for mid April so keep an eye on our website and social media pages for updates on that. Our next Master Class Cookery Demonstration is on Saturday 23rd April starting at 10.30am. This time you’ll get involved and learn how to prepare your own crab, lobster, oysters and scallops with some great recipes to go with them. Each event includes a drink on arrival, mouth watering nibbles, copies of all of the recipes and a two course meal for £40 per person. Gift vouchers are available for all of our events and make a perfect present for loved ones. On Thursday 21st April we’re teaming up with our friends at Le Vignoble in the Royal William Yard once again for a night of English wine and seafood tasting. This event will be held at Le Vignoble, Plymouth and tickets are being sold directly through them. Tickets are £35 and include English wine tasters which have been expertly matched with our seafood platter. Call 01752 222892 to book in. After such a great response to last year’s tasting menu, we will be holding another 5 Course Tasting Menu with Paired Wines on Friday 13th May starting at 7pm, £60 per person. Call the team here to book your place. We hope to see you at The Shack very soon, hopefully along with a little bit of sunshine and taking advantage of some of our offers and events. Love Chris & the crew Facebook: The Oyster Shack Bigbury | Twitter @theoystershack | Instagram @theoystershack 01548 810876 | www.oystershack.co.uk | bigbury@oystershack.co.uk Opening times: Monday – Saturday 12-3pm & 6-9pm / Sundays 12-3pm / open 12-9pm during school holidays.
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Our Tuesday group of volunteers have been out working with Ranger Joel removing the old fencing in Bens wood at Scobbiscombe Farm, Kingston. New fencing has now been put up around the perimeter to ensure the wood is kept stock proof, to allow the trees and ground flora to flourish. Thank you to everyone who attended the beach clean event at Ayrmer Cove, your ongoing support to keep the coastline looking tidy and supporting our work is very much appreciated. At Tor woods, near Salcombe we held a volunteering coppicing day to clear the area of hazel to allow light to reach the lower canopy to increase biodiversity and bring the wood back to its natural state and removing the squirrel damaged trees. We used the cut materials to create habitat piles, which are an invaluable habitat for invertebrates and are used with nesting birds. We kept the coppiced hazel materials to make hurdles on another workshop. The whole Ranger team attended along with some new faces. For our next event; on the 8th April there will be a guided walk with a Ranger around Wembury Point. Meeting at Wembury Beach, from 11am until 1pm. It is a chance to admire the same views and wildlife that have been displayed in Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum webcam exhibition. On the 1st May we will be holding a volunteer Countryside Ranger Day at Wembury Point, from 10am until 3pm. It is a chance to get stuck in with some ragwort pulling and restoring the footpaths with those beautiful views and a pony or two for company. Everyone is welcome to join in our events but for full information and booking please contact Sue Beegan. You can telephone
on: 01752 346585 or email on:
southdevon@nationaltrust.org.uk If you are interested in joining in volunteering with us please stop and have a chat to the team if you see us out working or if you have any comments about the work of the National Trust. For further information please call Lorna Sherriff on 01548 562344 or email lorna.sherriff@nationaltrust.org.uk Anna Jones
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On Wednesday 2nd March the Korniloff Coffee Morning raised £190 for Modbury Caring, thanks to all those who braved the gale force wind, hail and rain supporting us so generously. It was also good to have Dan Taylor, our South Hams locality officer, and Lindsay Ward, our District Councillor, present listening to our concerns and worries. On Wednesday 6th April we will be fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance Trust and are looking forward to seeing you between 10.30 and noon. We would like to give our grateful thanks to Gina and Gordon, their staff, who are so helpful and of course the residents of the Korniloff for welcoming us into their lovely Our March Meeting was held at Liz's house and the book discussed was The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields. This was a beautifully written book spanning the generations and it promoted a lively discussion. It was decided that we all enjoyed the book but in different ways and, again, we recommend it as a thoroughly "good read". The book chosen for next month is Kolymsky Heights by Lionel Davidson and our The March meeting took place on Wednesday 16th March. We split into two separate groups with one lot going to the Plymouth Museum and the remaining ladies going to the Oyster Shack for a meal. As I was in the latter group, I can only report on that little outing, all the “massive” way to the Oyster Shack. Helen Smilth, Jo Dudmesh, Gill Peet and myself (Pam) had a lovely table and mainly chose different things. We all had a starter which we all found delicious. Jo plumped for the mussels, Helen and I had a delicious chicken meal and Gill – very bravely – tackled a whole crab. By then we were all too full to have a sweet. Pam Trundle Lyne, Iris, Hazel, Rita, Jean and myself met at Helens with the afore mentioned ladies for coffee and was joined by Chrissie. After, we six set off for the Plymouth Museum, a place, I have to confess, I have never visited!! There was a large exhibit entitled War Games, which explored the relationship between conflict and children’s play, there were also exhibits of fine porcelain, fossils, history of Plymouth and entomology. Unfortunately the art galleries were closed due to it being Science Week, so there were many students visiting and obviously enjoying themselves. We all found the visit to be totally fascinating too. Rose Owen 21 September: Visit Bistrot Pierre, The programme has been sorted out for this current as follows:Royalyear, William Yard for lunch 19 October: Visit Tavistock 20 April: Visit Lukesland, Ivybridge 16 November: Visit Cotehele 18 May: Visit Sharpham
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Bigbury History Society – AGM and Presentation on Devon Castles More than twenty members were present for the meeting on February 24th, which began with the Society’s AGM. In absentia Chairman Charles Harrington provided a report outlining the varied talks and outings which had taken place during the year, and highlighted the programme for the year ahead. In explaining the Society’s efforts in “taking over” the Bigbury Archives built up by the Society’s Honorary President Roger Grimley, Charles stated that the Society would accept the responsibility of maintaining it on a day to day basis, but the Parish Council would be the formal owners. The Memorial Hall Committee would be custodians and have generously agreed to pay for suitable secure cupboards. The Archives will be sorted and catalogued under Norman Botton’s supervision. Treasurer Alan Best detailed the Society’s finances and explained that the entry charge increase to £2.50 and small overhead charge for visits had helped produce a healthy end of year balance of £481. With no other nominees the existing officers were re-elected:- Charles Harrington (Chairman), Peter Cook (Secretary), Alan Best (Treasurer), Mike Baker (Visits Officer) and Norman Botton (Resident Historian). The AGM was followed by a talk on Devon Castles from well known writer and public speaker Robert Hesketh. He described fortifications starting from the Bronze Age and moved through the years to the Napoleonic Period and finally to Castle Drogo. He said that the “bury” in names of towns and villages (like ours) comes from the Anglo-Saxon for fort. Needless to say there was no shortage of questions, many of which Robert was able to answer with the help of his many publications which were on show.
Seichem Reiki Reconnective Bengsten Method
My house or at yours Contact: Beth 01548 810385 huntthebum@icloud.com
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With the weather being much better, golfers can once again be seen on the fairways, greens and unfortunately the rough. Having said that it only takes one great shot to make you forget the wasted points you incur whilst trying to get that devilish ball out of the long grass! Seven students from year 7 at Kingsbridge Community College gathered on the practice course at Bigbury Golf course for their first session of “A Taste Of Golf” a five week course, giving the students the opportunity of trying golf as part of junior development at the club, an initiative assisted by Mrs Sandra Westlake, our junior section’s treasurer. Luckily the weather was dry for the initial lesson but very crisp, our professional Tracy’s first lesson was the foundation for all golfers “the grip” and a basic swing. Unfortunately the second session had to be cancelled when a storm called Jake came calling, followed two weeks later the unnamed storm wiped out the lesson! They continue now in the brighter weather. It’s a great time for three of our teenagers, Junior Captain Luke Westlake, Adam Keates and Jessica Leach who have all been selected for county squad training and representative play. Sixteen year old Luke, who studies at Kingsbridge College, playing off a 6 handicap and seventeen year old Ivybridge College student Adam who plays off 5, recently attended the U18 squad training day, where course management and yoga formed part of the session. Adam and Luke also played in the Devon v Cornwall U18 friendly match at Saunton Sands, where a team of 12 from each county enjoyed a stableford match, which ended in a draw. Thirteen year old Jessica, who has been involved at Bigbury since she was six years old, was invited to join Devon Girls Golf and has been included in Devon County Coaching in the Future’s Program. As the first Bigbury Ladies Friendly Match at Wrangaton approached, it seemed an appropriate time to recap last season’s games, reported organizer Marlene Johnson. Some 35 ladies were involved in the 6 friendly matches played last season; a seventh scheduled match was unfortunately cancelled. There were 3 games played at home and 3 played away. For the first time, 10 Bigbury Ladies crossed the Tamar Bridge into Cornwall to play at China Fleet. All the matches were played in good spirits and the weather for all the games was kind. Unfortunately our first match, an away match against Wrangaton did not go our way, but we had a great day out on the moorland course on a day that was sunny and warm, alongside the sheep that were also enjoying the peace and quiet on the course, that is except the one sheep that got a surprise when one of our big hitter’s ball landed at it’s feet! However it turned eyed us up and down and just wandered off. Obviously used to the balls flying around!
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At last the delayed Hogmanay Trophy went ahead after being delayed by the inclement weather on a couple of occasions. Partners Eddie Inch and Roger Hurrell had a great round of golf to win the trophy. This is the second time the partners have won the trophy together, the last time being 2012. Rick Musson and his partner
with a brisk easterly wind reported volunteer co-ordinator Geoff Sharps. Of the 39 volunteers on the list 23 played in this years competition, unfortunately the winner of the inaugural match last year Nick Hanbury was unable to defend his title. In the true spirit of the corps of volunteers even the trophy was constructed from an old paint brush and a spare block of wood (designed by our chairman Richard Adcock), this piece of modern artwork now graces the mantelpiece of the winner, Roger Hurrell, who recorded a score of 41 points for first place. John Cocks came second with 37 points on count back edging Gordon Harper into third place, unfortunately as unfortunately as there was only one trophy to be played for, John received a box of biscuits whilst both vice captain Tony Messenger, who had the longest drive on the 4th and Eddie Inch, for his drive nearest the pin on the 17 th, received a bottle of prosecco. An enjoyable event to thank the volunteers. In the ladies section a medalford competition (a combination of a medal and a stableford) saw Amanda Burchell record a score of 25 to win with Maggie Best coming in second with 26, while Jane Kingsnorth was third with 27 having edged out Dot Kenneth who also recorded 27 on count back. Earlier this month Faye Pannell and her partner Margaret Taylor won the Four Ball Better Ball and Warren Crocus qualifier, when they scored 35 points, winning on count back from our ladies’ Captain Melanie Adcock who was partnered with last year’s Captain Caroline Hallett. Faye and Margaret will now go forward to contest the Warren Crocus Salver in September. Amanda Burchell won the county stableford on the 5th March when she scored30 points with Jane Kingsnorth second having scored 28 points and Jane rickman came third with 27 points. Two weeks later on the 19 th March Sheila Mathieson was the top
KEDFAS - Kingsbridge Estuary Decorative and Fine Art Society March talk.
But is it Art? Lynne Gibson
Venue: Methodist Church, 100, Fore Street, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1AW
April 27th 2016 - 7 for 7.30pm April 28th 2016 -10 for 10.30am Everybody welcome – no need to be a member. £8 donation includes coffee/tea and biscuits.
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The sun is making its way out from behind the clouds and in no time at all we will all be sitting in the beer garden soaking up the sun and enjoying a refreshing pint! It’s the start of a beautiful new season and we have some exciting news and offers just for you. SENIORS LUNCHEON CLUB From Monday 4th April we are launching our ‘Seniors Luncheon Club’ where all guests over 50 are entitled to our special offer of 2 courses for £5 each (available from 12-2:30pm)! Meet with your friends and socialise while enjoying great amazing food for amazing value with no joining fee, simply pop in! Our Seniors Luncheon Menu changes on a weekly basis to reflect seasonal availability and offers you something different each week! Simply pop down every Monday or book online (www.pickwick-inn.co.uk) or call us on 01548 810310. NEW SUMMER MENU After much anticipation our new Summer Menu is launching this April. As well as keeping some popular traditional Pickwick Inn dishes on the menu we have added some exciting new dishes which includes a whole new ‘Italian American’ section, featuring a range of delicious burgers. We have gone back to our roots as a Traditional 16th Century Inn and added ‘Great Traditional British Pub Classic’ dishes which includes Banger & Mash, Fish Pie and many more! Keep an eye out on our Social Media pages and our regular emails for the exact day our new and exciting menu will be available for you to come in and try - it is definitely worth the wait! If you aren’t already on our mailing list, make sure you send your email to info@pickwick-inn.co.uk so you get all the news and gossip before everyone else.
SOUTH HAMS SOCIETY – BEACH CLEANS The next beach clean will be on Saturday, 23 April at Soar Mill Cove. Why not join us? Assemble in the car-park behind the hotel at 12 noon before the 10 minute walk down to this very pretty little beach. (Low water 13.42) The National Trust will collect bags of rubbish left at the head of the beach and the Soar Mill Hotel generously offers a wonderful cream-tea to all volunteers, although when 20 or more people turn up for this popular event it is not always fair to invade the hotel! Remaining beach cleans for 2016 are at: Gara Beach (21 May, 15 Oct), South Milton (Thurlestone) Sands (18 Jun, 12 Nov), Yarmer Beach and Leas Foot (16 Jul, 17 Dec), West Charleton Beach (20 Aug), Soar Mill Cove ( 17 Sep).
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PICKWICK INN
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