Ottery Gazette

Ottery Gazette ISSUE No115

April 2011

WINNER

National Parish Magazine 4,000 copies free of charge Awards 2009/10

Uncertainty on housing reduction leads to further East Devon protest

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Opponents of the massive housing programme proposed

by East Devon District Council staged a further demonstration at the Knowle (the

EDDC offices) on 15 March.

The Communities Before Developers group (CBD) had organised a highly successful protest on 23 November to protest against EDDC‘s Local Development Framework Core Strategy (LDF) plans for an additional 19,420 dwellings (growing the district by about one third). It is always difficult to repeat a success, but a large

number of demonstrators (about a hundred) descended on the Knowle on 15March.

Once again there was heavy representation from Ottery, Tipton and West Hill.

The second demo took place before a special meeting of EDDC‘s Development Management Committee to consider responses to the LDF Continued on page 2

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arising from the public consultation period which had ended on 30 November. There had been a very large number of responses with the vast majority being critical of the excessive housing numbers, the watered-down landscape protection policies, and other elements of the LDF. Not surprisingly there was support from landowners and their agents for the high level of development.

Before Christmas the EDDC Leader had stated that the proposed housing and employment provision was too high.

However that statement was not reflected in the report to councillors on 15 March. This had led to CBD organising a second demonstration.

A large number of demonstrators packed the public gallery and many of them made very eloquent speeches criticising the LDF. Many of the speeches brought applause from the audience, swiftly followed by an instruction from the Chairman that clapping was not allowed. This seemed to lead to enhanced levels of applause for following speakers. After three warnings the Chairman recognised he was pursuing a lost cause.

Claire Wright of West Hill said that EDDC should treat the people of East Devon as its

customers, rather than seeing planning applicants as its customers. She said that had the LDF Panel meetings been held in public (they were held in secret) it was likely that a better LDF document would have resulted.

Dick Beardsall of West Hill Residents Association accused EDDC of having no real commitment to a genuine LDF consultation. He said that the consultation document had arrived half way through the consultation. “Our major concerns have been ignored” he said. There was no justification for the very high housing numbers – they had just been plucked out of the air. He demanded that the LDF strategy be rewritten, and that local needs and distinctiveness should feature strongly in it.

He also demanded that there should be a full and meaningful further consultation – and that EDDC should listen to what is said.

Robin Mitchell, Vice Chair of Governors at the Kings School, expressed his concern about the pressure being placed on the school by the large number of houses proposed in the Kings catchment.

He said the school was “bursting” and cannot accommodate any new students. Identification of a new site for Kings was an urgent requirement.

Roger Giles said that the LDF suggested looking for a new Kings site at the end of the LDF period (2026), yet the LDF planned nearly 1,000 houses within the Kings catchment.

The two policies were contradictory and nonsense - as the school was full. Infrastructure should be provided when houses were built – not afterwards. He also complained again - about an error in the Ottery housing numbers. His first complaint about an inaccuracy had been ignored. The planned housing provision for Ottery was 250, plus 180 commitments (land with planning permission but not built). Yet the 180 commitments included 90 for the Ottermill Switchgear site which was not allocated for housing and had not received planning permission. He was not against some housing at Ottermill Switchgear, but this must be part of the 250 – not additional to it.

One of the best comments was made by Clyst Hydon Parish Council which was very critical of EDDC planning for an increase in East Devon‘s housing stock in the next 15 years – which was equivalent to the increase in the previous 500 years!

Then it was time for the councillors to speak. Several of them did appear to have concerns about the LDF, and the widespread very critical - even hostile - reaction to it. The LDF Panel Chairman was not among them. The speech which he read appeared to suggest that preparation of the LDF and the public consultation had been a great success.

In fairness it appeared that the speech had been written for him by an officer.

Cllr Ray Bloxam (representing Ottery Rural at EDDC, of

course) said that there was a tremendous pool of expertise in the communities of East Devon which should be drawn on. He was critical of the failure of the LDF to properly embrace local distinctiveness; all the communities in East Devon were different with different needs and different desires. There had been a great deal of good information that came out of the various public meetings about the LDF, and a great deal of valid points made by the public at the start of the meeting – the points made should be taken on board.

The officers had made a very bland recommendation to the councillors:“that the report be noted”. Ray Bloxham proposed that the public feedback, including comments made at the meeting, be taken on board in rewriting the LDF. It might be thought that that was a fairly modest and a fairly obvious way forward. Inexplicably four members of the committee felt it necessary to vote against this.

Some people might be pleased that there appears to have been a move towards what the public wants. Others of a more cynical disposition take the view that EDDC will do what it always intended to do and that there will be little or no reduction in housing provision and little change to damaging LDF policies.

Perhaps we have to wait until after the election on 5 May to see the new complection of EDDC. Roger Giles To place advertising and editorial matter in the Gazette please call 01404 815111

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COUNCIL MATTERS

The March Full Council Meeting included a lively debate regarding Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting which had considered an application for land opposite the Supermarket in West Hill. The Committee had decided not to support the application but there was disagreement over the reasons that were sent to East Devon District Council (the Planning Authority).

Ultimately the Council resolved to keep the Minutes as presented but three Councillors requested that their votes against the resolution be recorded.The Planning Committee Meeting concerned had been held in West Hill and it was agreed that (as in this case) when large-scale Planning Applications are received the Mayor together with the Planning Committee Chairman should decide on whether the Meeting would be held in the Ward concerned. This is in addition to the policy of holding Full Council Meetings in the Wards of West Hill and Tipton St John once a year. It was decided against holding a Meeting in the North Ward because of the difficulty of there being a suitable venue providing the

necessary space and parking facilities. Forward notice to West Hill residents is that the Full Council Meeting in July (on Monday 4th) is to be held in the Narthex at St Michael’s Church. It does however prove difficult to book halls for Council meetings as most of them are fully booked (excellent news for them) and Planning Committee meetings have to be booked at short notice because of the limited time the Town Council has to make its responses to the District Council.

Spring has well and truly arrived and the Council would like to thank Rainbow Nurseries for providing the plants which are now in the flower bed at St Saviour’s opposite the end of Strawberry Lane. The Nursery has already provided plants for the beds at Kennaway Road and has now stepped in to help again when previous plans for the St Saviour’s bed did not materialise. You will recall that the Town Council has had to take on the responsibility for the flower beds in Ottery following the District Council’s withdrawal.

Ottery in Bloom has each year ensured a wonderful summer

Dilly’s Florist FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS Deliveries Undertaken

display in the planters and it’s time again on its behalf to make a plea for more helpers. Could you (or your organisation or business) help with planting-up, take on responsibility for a planter or help with the planning by being on the Committee? Please give it thought so that Ottery can once again look beautiful to welcome summer visitors and to gladden all our hearts!

The Annual Parish meeting is now just only over the horizon on Tuesday 12th April at 7pm at the Institute, Yonder Street.

As well as the usual business and the chance for you as electors to ask questions, Grant awards will be presented to 11 organisations and the Citizen of the Year 2011 will be announced. By the time you read this the deadline for votes for this will have passed as will the deadline for nominations for the Mayor’s Charity of the Year.

However at the Parish Meeting you will be able to vote for your preferred Charity out of the shortlist selected by Mayor Glynn Dobson. You will also have the opportunity to quiz

your Councillors informally over tea/coffee and biscuits.

On the morning of Monday 4th April the Chairman and vice Chairman of East Devon District Council will be paying a visit to Ottery to see our Community in action. You may well see Mayor Glyn Dobson and District Councillor Graham Liverton (Chairman) and Councillor Tony Reed (Vice Chair) walking around town looking at various areas so do take the opportunity to greet them.

The February Councillors’ Surgery will have been the last for the time being as uptake by Electors has proved very small over several months. The Council wishes to thank Sustainable Ottery for allowing the Surgery to be held at its monthly Community Market.

Judith Reynolds Town Clerk Council Offices The Old Convent 8 Broad Street Ottery St Mary EX11 1BZ 01404 812252 enquiries@otterystmary-tc.gov.uk www.otterystmary-tc.gov.uk

WELL DONE OTTERY

On behalf of SHELTERBOX the Rotary Club of Otter Valley would like to thank the residents of Ottery for their generous donations in the weeks following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

Thanks also to the management of McColls,West Hill and Otter Nurseries for allowing collections on their premises. The magnificent sum of over ÂŁ1600 was collected and has been sent to the Shelterbox charity in Cornwall.

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Otter Rotters step in to fill Successful Spring Show for gap left by composting skips Ottery Gardening Club Gardeners in parts of East Devon where composting skips are being withdrawn by Devon County Council have another, greener, option when disposing of their garden waste. EDDC has signed a partnership agreement with Otter Rotters, a community group that specialises in collecting and processing garden waste and offers employment opportunities to local people.

The group already collects thousands of tonnes of garden waste across East Devon every year.They will now be on hand to offer the same service to residents affected by the closure of the Devon County Council garden waste skips in Ottery St Mary.The agreement means that Otter Rotters will receive additional funding for their

operation and EDDC will be making a further contribution towards increasing recycling and reducing landfill.

The skips at the Land of Canaan in Ottery St Mary were closed at the end of March under cuts imposed by Devon County Council. People who previously used these skips now have a choice of taking their garden waste to other Devon County Council recycling centres around the district, or signing up with Otter Rotters for a regular fortnightly collection service at a small charge.

If you’d like to know more or want to take advantage of the new collection service, please contact EDDC or Otter Rotters, who can send you an explanatory leaflet or timetable.

You can find out more online by going to EDDC’s website at: http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/index/council_ser vices/ recycling_and_refuse/recycling_refuse_info/street_scenegarden_waste.htm Otter Rotters website: http://home.btconnect.com/otterrotters/

Ottery Flower Club Diary Dates

Ottery St Mary Flower Club will be holding the following meetings to be held on Wednesdays at Ottery St Mary Primary School, starting at 7.30pm.Vistors would be most welcome.

27th April - Demonstrator Sarah Hills-Ingyon from Sidford 18th May - Demonstrator Alison Penno from Launceston

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Well done everybody for making the Spring Show yet another good one. We had 50 more entries than last year and some very welcome new faces.

One disappointing fact was that there were no junior entries but hopefully this will be solved in September at the Autumn Show. Listed below are the winners but I must say the quality of all the entries was outstanding which must have given the three judges, Mr. Hurford, Mrs. Baron and Mrs. Merrygold, a headache.

Mr. J Dyer: Derek Edmonds’ Otter Trophy, Daffodil Society’s Bronze Medal for Best Exhibit & Certificate for 3rd Best and RHS Certificate all for Daffodils and Otter Nurseries Voucher for Best Exhibit in the Flower & Vegetables Classes.

Mrs. S. Visser: Spring Cup in the Flower & Vegetable Classes, Spring Jubilee Cup in Classes 19 to 29, Daffodil Society’s Certificate for 2nd Best Exhibit, Otter Nurseries Voucher for Reserve Best Exhibit in Flower & Vegetables classes.

Mrs. H Linton and Mrs. M. Frazer: Joint Salver winners in Culinary Art Section.

Mrs. J Collins: RHS Certificate for Section B Plant, Flower, Vegetables classes.

Mrs. M. Newman: RHS Certificate and £5 for Culinary Section Mrs. P. Stadden: RHS Certificate and £5 for Homecraft Section Mr. M.Pash: OSM Gardening Club Certificate for Best Exhibit in the Daffodil Novice Class

By the time you receive this Ottery Gazette we will be looking forward to April 12th, when Chris Laxton is coming to visit us and tell us about preserving and pickling at home and how they do it at Otter Vale Products, while we are enjoying afternoon tea at a price of just £2.00 each. What a bargain!

This event will be closely followed by our trip to Highgrove on Friday April 15th. We have a full coach of 52 people but I also have a waiting list just in case of emergencies. Everybody who is coming now knows what is expected of them when we get there, but just one last reminder that you must bring identification such as a passport, driving licence or two utility bills or the security people will not let you in (sorry about the spelling in the information to everybody but it was just to keep you on your toes).

There will be information on future trips and events in the May edition of the Ottery Gazette but just as a taster, we have Endsleigh Garden Centre & Lukesland Gardens, Coffee Morning & Plant Sale and Slimbridge Wetland Centre.

One last thing to say I had my knuckles firmly rapped for not mentioning in the March issue of the Ottery Gazette that Mr. Derek Edmonds has been elected to the position of President of the Gardening Club. Congratulations Derek.

For more information on any of the above and to join the Gardening Club contact Joan Dalton on 01404 815082.

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Sainsbury’s build up-date As the Kier project manager for the new store build in Ottery, I know that to be a good neighbour regular communication is essential. I hope our summaries of the build programme in conjunction with our project newsletter will keep residents upto-date as the store takes shape. The store build is currently progressing well and in the last month the team have completed much of the piling work and have now started constructing the store foundations. The team have also begun laying the access road from Canaan Way to the service yard.

During April, we will be completing work on the service yard access road and levelling the site in preparation for the remaining foundation work. We will also be carrying out work on the retaining wall including installing the capping beam and stone facing.

I would like to thank residents for their patience during these works; the team are working hard to ensure the programme is completed on schedule so that you can begin enjoying Sainsbury’s range of products as soon as possible. The team welcome your feedback. If you have any questions or comments regarding the work taking place please contact us on 0800 130 3270 or email the team directly at; communityrelations@sainsburys-ottery.co.uk.

I would like to thank you in advance for your continued patience during this time.

Mike Mackey Kier Project Manager

The piling rig and excavator during the foundation work.

Good news from your local Tourist Information Centre We are delighted to tell you good news - thanks to the continued support and encouragement of Ottery St Mary Town Council the Centre we will remain open for the coming year.

With the lovely sunny weather, spring flowers out everywhere, you can walk around town, venture into the countryside or walk along the River Otter.

Spring is here and now we are all looking forward to the Easter break. We are now in the process of finalising the new Offcial Town Guide for Ottery St Mary.

It will include features and history of the town together with a listing of events throughout the year. It also contains details of Where to Stay, Bed/ Breakfast and Self/Catering accommodation and news about

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Shopping in Town and Eating Out. We all look forward to a long and glorious summer for everyone including our visitors from both home and abroad. If you would like to advertise in the Guide please contact us here at the Tourist Office on 01404 813964 or by email at info@otterytourism.org.uk before April 12th.

Once again a big ‘thank you’ to the Twinning Association who have supported us by arranging for a reprint of the ‘Ottery St Mary Heritage Trail’ to be printed in French and German for our many overseas visitors.

Discount vouchers for visits to Crealy Adventure Park,Woodlands Family Theme Park and the Fleet Air Arm Museum are available from the Information centre. Advanced tickets sales with a discount for Devon County Show will be available

in April as will tickets for the Eden experience in Cornwall.

Also tickets for National Express Nationwide can be purchased from the Centre A wide selection of the latest leaflets and brochures covering Devon and the surrounding counties are also available. Do call in and see what we have to offer!!

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The Parish Church May Fair Full steam ahead to Cadhay! turns Elizabethan The May Fair that is being held on Saturday 28th May at Cadhay House will have an Elizabethan theme, in keeping with the building of Cadhay in the 16th century.

All the helpers on the stalls are being encouraged to wear Elizabethan costume and the best dressed person will receive a prize. At the same time there is an Elizabethan costume competition for the children, again with prizes. Information about this competition is being distributed to all the local primary schools. Ideas for designs can be easily found on the internet, just put in ‘Elizabethan dress’ into Google. There will be a parade of the children on the day.

This is going to be really great day out for all ages, with a new entertainer ‘Nutty Noah’ who will entrall everyone with his skills, together with the ever popular Falconry Display by Jonothon Marshal, Ferret Racing, Ottery St. Mary Silver Band, Taiko Drummers and all the stalls, plus tours of this beautiful house.

The famous Devon Cream Teas, Barbecue and licensed Bar will all be there, plus this year there will be the ‘Cadhay Food Hall’.

Is it an expensive day out? No! Car parking is free, children are free and adults only have to pay £2 each and there is a free bus to and from Ottery kindly provided by Downs Motors. So, come and enjoy a wonderful day in the grounds of historic Cadhay House with entertainment and delicious food.

Hosts wanted for young French visitors to Feniton

14 of our French friends from Louvigny would like to come to Feniton for the weekend on Friday 29th April - Monday 2th May. There are 10 adults and 4 children/young people and we are currently looking for hosts. So far we have 5 hosts – but we need 10! Could YOU host a couple, or a single person? Otherwise we shall have to disappoint some of them.

Hosting entails providing bed, breakfast and an evening meal for a single person or a couple - the choice is yours.You are welcome to join in with any, or all, of the activities if you feel inclined.

Speaking French is NOT required, as many of our guests speak very good English. We always have a great time, so why not give it ago!

Interested? Then please contact us as soon as possible. Contact Martyn on 01404 850322 or email: martyn@feniton.org.uk, or Daphne on 851359 or email: daphne_searle@hotmail.com

Now that Spring is well and truly on its way, we can allow our thoughts to turn to picnics, gardens, music and all the good things of Summer. With this in mind, here’s a date for your diary: Thursday June 2nd at Cadhay House, near Ottery St Mary, for our annual Jazz Picnic.

Following the great success of last year’s picnic, the owners of this lovely Tudor country house have offered the use of their beautiful gardens to the Ottery St Mary and District Help Scheme to raise funds.Working out of the Coleridge Medical Centre, the Help Scheme provides fantastic support for patients, carers and relatives when they need it most. The Scheme volunteers provide transport, meals, visits and many other essential services for local people.

You can help the Scheme and have a brilliant time enjoying some great music and a look around one of the loveliest gardens in the South West.You are invited to bring your own picnic, the grander the better, or you will be able to buy food and drinks on site. As before the music will be provided by the joyous City Steam Jazz Band, our much loved local band who are familiar to patrons of the Five Bells, Clyst Hydon, and The Golden Lion, Tipton.

Tickets will shortly be available direct from the Help Scheme at the Coleridge Medical Centre (01404 816700) or from Ottery Tourist Office (01404 813964). The price will be £5 for adults or a bargain Family Ticket for just £12.

Don’t miss it!

Tony Rhodes

Learn to play Taiko Drums

Otter Taiko are now looking for new members to come along and learn to play Taiko Drums. Rehearsals will start after Easter at the Parish Church on Wednesday evenings. If you are interested, please contact Sandra Chapman on 07863 325415. We will be performing at the May Fair at Cadhay on May 28th and at Pixie Day on June 11th. Come and give it a try!

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History of Milling in East Devon revealed Guest speaker at the Heritage Society’s March meeting, held at the Institute, was Martin Watts, one of the country’s leading experts on the history and technology of mills and milling.

Martin is a West Country man, born in Bristol where he initially studied art. His first job was in an architects’ office working on the conservation of old buildings. In 1979 he moved to Yorkshire where he ran a Mill Museum, and from 1982 has lived in Devon, involved in restoration, preservation and historical research. He is one of Britain’s leading Molinologists (a term coined relatively recently for a long-standing antiquarian interest) and is the author of many books on both watermills and windmills. He works as a Consultant, specialising in the recording and repair of historic buildings and machinery.

Speaking to a packed and enthusiastic audience, he began his talk by stating that milling is a fundamental process which has been of vital importance to human existence for thousands of years.

In this multi-period study, he traced the development of mills and milling from pre-history to the industrial age, explaining

Page 8

TIME-TEAM EXPERT TALKS TO HERITAGE SOCIETY

Tumbling Weir and Mill, Ottery St Mary how these changes have reflec- population. Archaeological ted those of the society they evidence, documentary sources and above-ground remains, served.

Making use of an excellent coll- emphasised the place of mills ection of photographs and dia- and milling in the historical grams, he outlined his historical landscape. research into the subject and Martin is frequently called on traced chronologically the to provide research and advice development of milling, quern for the ‘Time Team’ TV series, stones to windmills and water- most recently helping unearth mills, as the technology became the remains of Dotton Mill in gradually more sophisticated to East Devon. From classic times, meet the needs of a growing there have been three main varieties of water wheel used in the milling process, the horizontal wheel and two variations of the vertical wheel.

Most simple is the horizontal wheel, its protruding vanes rotating the mill stone by a jet of water. The more powerful vertical wheels, the ones we are most likely to recognise, require gears to drive the typical mill stone.The wheels come in two designs: undershot and overshot. Undershot wheels, take their power from a flow of water passing beneath the wheel.The

overshot wheel, most efficient of the three, is driven by water from an elevated stream pouring down onto the wheel’s curved blades or buckets.

What of the millers themselves?

Drunken, bald-headed, redbearded, and with a nose-wart signing his lechery, Robin the Miller is every schoolboy’s favourite Canterbury Tales pilgrim.

Chaucer’s stylised and inaccurate characterisation of the miller as brawny, truculent, and above all dishonest, continues strongly to colour our thinking about the middlemen who stood between those who grew and harvested grain and those who consumed or sold it.

Martin’s well-illustrated overview of the physical evidence for mills and milling in Britain over many centuries did much to dispel this stereotype.

Speaking with the authority of someone involved for 30 years with the repair and maintenance of traditional mills, he was able to demonstrate that mills were a complex combination of buildings and machines, whose construction, maintenance, and operation demanded skill, long experience, and presumably sobriety.

Heritage trustee John Pilsworth, thanked the speaker for a most interesting, highly researched and professional talk, reminding us of one of the most enduring natural sources of renewable energy, drawing comparisons with current interest in clean energy technology and renewed concerns over nuclear power in the wake of the Japanese disaster.

Membership of the Ottery St Mary Heritage Society is open to anyone interested in furthering the work of the Charity.

Meetings are held in the Ottery

Watch the Royal Wedding in High Definition TV

St Mary Institute, usually on the third Tuesday of each month, unless advertised otherwise.

Eminent speakers are invited to talk on their particular areas of interest. These meetings are well-supported social affairs and refreshments are available.

Non members are always most welcome.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday April 19th, when guest speaker David Bond of Christopher Piper Wines will be giving an amusing talk on his personal experiences entitled “Adventures in the Wine Industry” Robert Neal Chairman

H.M. The Queen rides into Whimple Heritage Centre “Her Majesty the Queen is to visit Whimple”. This bold statement advertises the grand re-opening of Whimple Heritage Centre on Saturday 2nd April 2011. This year the main exhibition will be entitled: Sport and Recreation in Whimple Through The Ages. There is a secondary exhibition of British and other manufacturers of lead farm animals, figures, tractors and implements etc. Amongst the exhibits is a Timpo model of Her Majesty the Queen riding her horse Winston.

The Heritage Centre, run by Whimple History Society, will be open on Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 10am to 4pm and on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm until the end of September. We are sorry we are unable to bring you Her Majesty in person, but you may take it the committee are working on it!

Please come and visit our Heritage Centre and view the artefacts of the village as well as items of interest involving the cider-makers Whiteways, whose headquarters and factories were in the village, and you can also enjoy our special 2011 Exhibitions.

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Residents in East Devon can now receive 4 TV stations in the new super high quality HD system at no extra cost to your TV licence fee. Our local TV transmitter is now transmitting 4 stations: BBC one HD, ITVl, HD, Channel 4 HD, and the new station BBC HD. All can be received using your existing TV aerial and is called Freeview HD. The royal wedding will be shown on the 29th of April in the new HD format. Then the BBC will be showing the tennis at Wimbledon and later on of course the Olympic Games will have coverage in the new HD Format along with all the current programs being shown in HD. If you have bought a HD Ready TV in the last few years it should be possible to receive the new HD stations. However, to get the new stations you will need to buy a new Freeview HD box.

If you’ve already purchased a Freeview HD TV then you may need to retune it to see the new stations on the following numbers: 50 - BBC1 HD, 51 ITV1 HD, 52 - CH4 HD and 54 - BBC HD. A new Freeview HD box will cost £70-£100. For an addi-

tional cost you can buy a box that records the new Freeview HD stations whilst you are out via an easy to use program guide.

If you have an existing satellite system or cable TV box and need help we are always happy to give you the best advice about upgrading your system.

Just call into the shop and see stunning HD quality programs on display at John Williams, 8 Mill Street, Ottery St Mary. Tel 01404 812308.

Singers Wanted!

Ottery Chorale is a community choir looking for new members, especially tenors and basses, to join and take part in a concert to be performed at Ottery St Mary Parish Church on Saturday 25th June 2011. Rehearsals are held at the United Reformed Church 7.30pm - 9.30pm on Fridays on a weekly basis until the concert. Conducted by Ben Scott, Ottery Chorale will be performing choral pieces by Widor, Vierne, Dupré, Franck, Bellenot, Fauré, Bairstow and Stanford. All abilities are welcome. If you would like to join us, please call Sandra Chapman on 01404 814528 or 07863 325415.

John Williams 8 MILL STREET, OTTERY ST MARY Telephone 01404 812308 e mail: info@john-williams.co.uk

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300 people visit Peter’s Ottery Years Ago exhibition OTTERY SILVER BAND DIARY This month brings big changes for the Band.We are now under the direction of new Musical Director Andrew Harris who brings with him a wealth of brass banding experience and is also a top class Bass player.

The band’s weekly practice has changed to a Thursday evening, which is proving very successful and has enabled a few previous members to return to the band along with sereval new members. It is great to see a full band and everyone is very keen to start the approaching playouts.

The Band will be supporting the Devon Air Ambulance BBC Radio Devon Appeal on Monday 2nd May by playing at Dunkeswell Airfield at their ‘Charity Tandem Parachute Day’. It is hoped that the world record for Tandem Jumps will be broken in one day and all the jumps will be sponsored in aid of the appeal. The band are pleased to be able to support this worthwhile charity, why not come along to watch and listen!

Of course our ‘Spring Concert’ will be on the 8th May at the Institute Hall, Ottery St Mary, 7.45pm start.We will be playing a varied programme of music

and the concert will feature ‘Brass Class’ the junior band.

Tickets will be available from the Tourist Information Centre and Stagestruck in Ottery and from members of the Band and on the door.We are really looking forward to the concert and have been practising hard. It promises to be a great evening.

The Band are still in need of a drummer/percussion player due the retirement of our previous member. Should you be interested or know of anyone who can play please do contact the number at the bottom of the write up.

We thank Keith Allen for arranging our Band Social meal in March. A lovely evening was had by all at the Tumbling Wier Hotel, Ottery where the food was delicious!

We will keep you posted of the bands forthcoming engagements, which get even busier throughout the coming summer months.

For any information on the Band or ‘Brass Class’please contact Brian (Main Band) or Verity (Brass Class) on 01404 814502.

I would like to thank all those who came through the door of the Old Boy’s School, Ottery St Mary, and showed such enthusiasm for my exhibition ‘Ottery Years Ago’. It was so good to hear so many people reminiscing and it made it a thoroughly enjoyable experience for me.

An exhibition! This was very much a first for both Pat and myself and we both extend a huge thank you to our very willing helpers who gave up two days to support and help us in every way possible from start to finish. They were perfect hosts for our visitors. I have shared all profits equally between Devon Air Ambulance and Ottery St Mary Carnival Committee.Thank you for a great two days.

Peter Harris

Want to meet other people?

Do you Knit, Crochet, Embroider, Sew, Paint, Make Cards, Scrapbook?

We are starting a Meet & Make once a month on Tuesdays for 2 hours from 10.00am to 12.00pm for anyone who enjoys knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, paper-crafting and any other sort of “mobile” crafting.The Idea is for this to be a completely informal time to have a natter and a cuppa (and, of course a biscuit or two!!) and to share hints and tips on your particular craft, or maybe learn a new one, or even just watch!!

We hope that the age group will be wide with, perhaps, the seasoned crafters (note I didn’t say “old”!!) sharing their craft with others. So. whether you’re 99 or 19 this could be for you.

We know that many people in this area would really enjoy meeting others for a relaxing, friendly time.Why not give it a go?

We really hope you can come. The first session is Tuesday 1st March 2011 from 10.00am - 12.00pm and will be held in The Salvation Army Hall, Ottery St Mary (opposite Hind Street car park). Phone Stella on 07515 798568 if you want more details.

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‘Whimple Folk for Whimple Folk II’ with Gordon Giltrap Victory Hall, Whimple Sunday 10th July 2011 Show starts 7.00pm For our second wF4Wf event, Handsome Dicks Records and Mister Fixer are thrilled to announce that Jim Causley and Denbury Folk will be providing a warm-up to the legendary guitarist Gordon Giltrap.

Advance tickets are only £7.50 (£9.00 on the door), and are available from Whimple Post Office, Ottery St Mary Tourist Information Centre, or online from the website shown below.

Over the past forty years, Gordon Giltrap has graced the music business with his dedication to his craft and his affection for his audience.As one of the UK’s most respected guitarists, he has consistently proved the adage that respect cannot be bought. It must be earned.

In the late Seventies, Gordon enjoyed a brief spell as a pop star, with a hit album (Perilous Journey) and two hit singles (‘Heartsong’ and ‘Fear of the Dark’). ‘Heartsong’ was nominated for an Ivor Novello award, and is fondly remembered as the theme tune to the BBC’s Holiday programme.

In 2008 Gordon received a Life Time Achievement award from the Newtonards Guitar Festival

in Northern Island. Gordon regards this as his most treasured possession coming as it does from the land of his grandfather’s birth and a country with a musical tradition close to his heart. Indeed Ireland has taken him to their heart. The largest guitar store in Belfast, The Guitar Emporium has engravings of some of the world’s greatest guitar players on their front window. If you visit you will see engraved images of Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Jimmy Page, Brian May and in amongst these greats there is...Gordon Giltrap.

Needless to say the self-effacing Mr Giltrap feels very humbled by this superb gesture!

Many of you may already know Jim Causley, either from last year’s ‘whimple Folk for Whim-

ple folk’, the annual Whimple Wassail, or his nomination for the Radio 2 Folk award.Always amusing and very talented, Jim has kindly agreed to come back for this year’s event and run the stage for us, so I’m sure he will be as entertaining for his ‘home crowd’ as he was last year.

Denbury Folk had their first public performance at this event last year.They went down a storm, particularly with the audience sing-alongs. Check out their rendition of ‘Blooming Heather’ from last year’s event on YouTube. They are back again this year by popular demand, with a new selection of ditties for your delectation.

See you there! – Alex & John

For more Whimple Folk details visit the website: www.handsomedicksrecords.co.uk/gordon

Every Sunday at The King’s School main hall at 10.30 For a time of worship, teaching and Sunday School groups for the children.

Also midweek home groups and a Youth Group meets every Friday night at the Chapel in Yonder Street.

All are welcome to come along to any of our meetings.

For more details do contact Bruce and Heather Talbot on 01404 850900 or email info@newlifeottery.org.uk New Life Church is part of Churches Together in Ottery.

www.newlifeottery.org.uk Page 11

Baby Killer in 19th century Ottery St Mary In the middle of the week of the Heritage Society’s archaeological dig at Goveton Farm in July 2008, one of our volunteers pulled out a little glass bottle from the area of the old farmhouse. Once cleaned up, the embossed name on the side announced that it formerly contained - Mrs Winslow’s Soothing Syrup.

Sounds rather pleasant, but the soothing syrup was in fact a toxic mix of alcohol, potassium bromide, aniseed oil, sugar (over 50%!) and a generous slug of morphine. The original brew was the concoction of an American children’s nurse Mrs. Charlotte N.Winslow, who in 1849 found that the mixture really did alleviate the symptoms of painful teething in children. No doubt about its effects - it worked a treat, but parents were warned that it might also, as the American Medical Times put it in 1860, “be relieved of all further care of their infants” through intemperate use.

MWSS was aggressively marketed by Nurse Winslow’s son in law Jeremiah Curtis and his business partner Benjamin Parker, and soon became a best seller in America and then in the UK and Europe spawning many copycat “soothing”

medicines - most of them with morphine or heroin as the active ingredient. Here’s an extract from a press advert of the 1870s...

ADVICE TO MOTHERS!—Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting teeth? Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of MRS. WINSLOW’S SOOTHING SYRUP. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is perfectly harmless and pleasant to taste, it produces natural quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes “as bright as a button.” It soothes the child, it softens the gums, allays all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup is sold by Medicine dealers everywhere at 1s. 1 1/2d. per bottle.

Manufactured in New York and at 498, Oxford Street, London.

The claims for its effectiveness were not at issue, it was the brute power of the active ingredient that made it so dangerous. It certainly allayed all pain, and for testimony to its effectiveness against diarrhoea we may note the

EAT OUT from AT THE

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TALATON INN Tel: 01404 822214 Menu Changes Weekly 2 COURSE LUNCH SPECIAL Main Course and Pudding or Coffee - £5.00 Sunday Lunch from £5.75 Bookings advisable Friday and Saturday evenings Play a game of skittles and enjoy a Buffet - menus start at just £2.95 per person Where are we? Follow the old or new A30 to Fairmile junction, and follow the signs to Talaton. Cheers!

Page 12

painful and chronic constipation suffered by S.T. Coleridge (a heavy user of opiates). In fact laudanum - a solution of opium in alcohol - is still prescribed for extreme cases of diarrhoea.

No surprise that it became a favourite cure-all tipple of many adults as well. Other opiate-rich patent medicines were aimed at women as a palliative for menstrual pain - so we find in the USA in the 1880, around 200,000 cases of opium addiction, mostly from consumption of opium based patent medicines - two thirds of these addicts were women.

The design of the bottle (see photo) puts it reliably in the decade from 1860 onwards and its ready availability in Ottery St Mary (probably from the local druggist William Pearse’s, in Silver Street), is a reminder of the persuasive power and long reach, even

150 years ago, of the drugs industry, which could make fortunes from a successful brand of patent medicine. The selling point of Mrs Winslow’s concoction was the fact that she was a children’s nurse and the product was aimed at parents wishing to relieve the discomfort of teething in their children.

Plenty of modern advertising does much the same thing.

Obviously the Tolman family, who lived in Goveton Farm at the time, found it worked for them.

After much outrage from the medical establishment and the press (Mrs Winslow’s and many other laudanum based medicines were quickly dubbed “baby killers”), the morphine was removed from the recipe in the early 1900s and its popularity faded rapidly thereafter.

It was finally withdrawn from sale in the 1930s.

Chris Wakefield

Bus Pass reminder

Holders of the concessionary bus pass are being reminded that on 1 April Devon County Council takes over direct responsibility for the scheme in its area. Residents who already have a national bus pass do not need to register with Devon County Council unless their circumstances have changed, because all national bus passes remain valid and their information will automatically transfer from the district councils when their responsibility for the pass ends on the 31st March.

District companion passes issued by East Devon and Exeter will not be valid after 31 March. A Devon companion pass will be introduced from Friday 1 April and will be available on application to all eligible residents of Devon County Council.

Contact 01392 383688 for more details.

FERGUS CLARK KITCHENS LTD. COMPLETE KITCHEN FITTING SERVICE ALSO BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS Years of Experience. Professional Planning.

Telephone: 01404 813318 Mobile: 07771 645464 Jesmond, Ridgeway, Ottery St Mary EX11 1DT

Award winning Escot - a surprise round every corner!

Award-winning Escot is set in 220 acres of stunning private parkland in the heart of East Devon. It’s setting new standards in family recreation with its world-class maze, birds of prey with their summertime displays, otters and wild boar, unique (and challenging!) woodland drop slide, Saxon Village, indoor play barn, red squirrels, Termite Pavilion, seahorses and forest play areas. Try intriguing Escot letterboxing and delicious Coach House cream teas and lunches. There’s a Natural surprise around every corner.

It’s also home to Camp Wild, a day and residential Nature Camp adored by children customers from Tiverton to Taiwan. There are exciting nature-based outdoor 2, 3 and 5 night residential programmes for 7-12 year olds and day programmes for 6-12 year olds at Easter and May half term, throughout the summer and

during October half term.

Accommodation is based at our own Yurt Village and activities include otter and wild boar feeding, the woodland playground, team challenges, fossil hunting on the Jurassic coast, falconry, rock pooling in Lyme Regis, fire making

and bush crafts, pond dipping, a swamp walk, river play and a Friday night campfire / barbecue. Escot is at the forefront of developments in exciting, rewarding family recreation.

For more information visit Escot’s website www.escot-

devon.co.uk or join us on our social network groups to keep up to date with all of our news and forthcoming events!

Facebook: Escot Group or Twitter: @EscotDevon!

Pictured: Camp Wild staff and of the children that attended the Camp last year.

2011 Spanish Courses The Spanish classes organised by Josefina Gori, held at Ottery Town Council Offices, have proved extremely popular again and will continue in 2011.The programme has been tailored to cover the needs and requirements of those interested in learning the language for the first time and also those who have progressed in their knowledge of the language and their communication skills and want to continue.

Monday 7.00pm to 9.00pm - Hablando En Espanol A course for students with a good knowledge of the lang-uage wishing to improve their conversational skills. Want to learn how to speak like a native? Then this is the course for you.

Tuesday 7.00pm to 9.00pm - ¿Como Se Dice….?

A course for absolute begin-ners specifically designed to enable you to learn quickly with a minimum of effort.

Wednesday 10.00am to 12.00pm - El Toro Dos A course for students at inter-mediate level.The saga of “El Toro” will continue during this term and we will be able to finally know who “El Toro” is.

Wednesday 1.00pm to 3.00pm - No Comprendo A beginners course for those wanting to take it easy at “siesta time” but still learn quickly.

Wednesday 7.00pm to 9.00pm - Puedo Hablar Espanol A course for students at intermediate level. Just the course for those wanting to consolidate their knowledge of the language and discover how much more they know. Free coffee and tea facilities during the two hours sessions.We provide all the material necessary during the course. Recordings from TVE (Spanish television) will be shown periodically using the audio-visual facilities at the Council Offices. Competitive fees.

For more information please contact Josefina Gori at: 01297 23777, 01404 811583 / 07941 459441 or e-mail: ftnsy62@aol.com

To advertise in the Gazette call 815111 Page 13

East Devon Cats Protection

Billy

Smokey

The East Devon branch of Cats Protection covers a very wide area of Devon, totaling about 400 square miles. We take in and re home cats and kittens who are strays or are unwanted and/or abandoned.

We have foster homes in or near Ottery St Mary, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Seaton and Axminster, where the cats are cared for and prepared for re homing.

We often take into care older cats who are fit and healthy but are difficult to home because of their age. Many people are not prepared to adopt an older cat because they are worried about the possible veterinary costs associated with elderly cats. For this reason our branch of Cats Protection has its ‘Golden Oldie Scheme’ which means we will cover age related vet bills for the elderly cats we home. Billy and Smokey are two

such cats. Billy is a semi long haired grey boy and Smokey is a short haired grey boy; both have lovely glossy coats and are lovely, healthy, very affectionate and gentle cats but because of their age they are still living in a cat pen. They have been staying with their foster mum Dot, for 5 months now and were handed in because their owner did not have time to look after them any more.They don’t have to be homed together but they are bonded and ‘get on well’ if someone is willing to take them as a pair.

If you are considering offering a home to a cat (or two) please consider these boys and call Dot on 01395 577334.

Dot is also caring for several other lovely, younger cats, so if these boys are not for you – well someone may be! See the advert for details of more cats waiting for homes.

EAST DEVON BRANCH www.eastdevoncats.com

All our cats and kittens are flead, wormed, vaccinated, microchipped and, if over 5 months old, neutered. We also help with neutering costs for the kittens we home.

These are onbly a few of the cats in our care who are looking for homes. If you do not see the cat for you please call 01404 831166 PATCH (pictured) and his sister WHISKY are very friendly 6 year old black & white siblings who are staying at our foster home near Tipton St John. Tel: 01395 577334.

PEPSI is a lovely 4 year old black & white boy who is also staying here.

BILLY is a very affectionate 11 year old semi long haired grey boy and SMOKEY is a very friendly 9 year old grey boy who are also staying here. Telephone 01395 577334.

(See their story in the editorial) TIGGY is a rather timid but gentle 7 year old black girl who is staying at our foster home in Sidford. Telephone 01395 515601.

SUMMER is a lovely 15 month old tabby & white girl who is staying at our foster home in Seaton. Telephone 01297 21610.

Please join us for a coffee morning plus stalls at Tipton St John Village Hall on Saturday 30th April 10am to 12noon For more information and for General Enquiries call 01404 811089. For Neutering Advice and help with Neutering Costs for those eligible Call 01297 22085 If you have lost or found a cat please call - 01297 21610

Page 14

Shelterbox collections following disaster in Japan

Locally based Rotary Clubs are in a very good position to respond rapidly to events worldwide where assistance is needed at times of disasters. As well as a worldwide network of Rotary Clubs in over 150 countries where assistance is freely given, the Rotary movement has developed a Shelterbox which is an easily transported means of providing shelter, means of cooking, a purified at water supply and bedding to last for about 3 months for people displaced form their homes following a major disaster.

Since the concept was developed in Cornwall clubs in the South West are keen to collect money to fund replacements. Already 400 have arrived in Japan and up to 1000 more are available.

The Rotary Club of Otter Valley responded quickly and within a day were collecting recently with over £500 collected in West Hill. (Pictured above).An emergency street collecting licence was obtained to collect in Ottery the following weekend and permission was readily granted for a similar collection at Otter Nurseries.

Otter Vale Art Society News At the recent Art Society AGM Pauline Hatfield took over Hazel Abley’s position as President of The Otter Vale Art Society. New committee members were also voted in to join the others including the new Secretary Joan Standcumbe. The competition for ‘The Griffin’ trophy given for an interpretation of ‘Life’ was won by Jenny Uren.We were able to admire the wonderful carving and painting of wooden ducks demonstrated by Simon Gray On Friday April 1st in the Institute, Ottery St Mary, at 7.30pm we are looking forward to the slide show and talk ‘An Artists View’

by Ray Balkwill.The next day Ray will also be offering members a workshop on ‘Atmospheric landscapes’ in his Exmouth studio.

If you are interested in joining us for an exciting programme, do get in touch with Ann Brown 01404 814192.

D.I.Y. TIP OF THE MONTH

BY CHRIS ABBOTT

Shelving problems solved Hello and welcome to April’s Tip Of The Month. With a lot of Bank Holidays coming up this month, I am sure that in between going out and having fun a few odd jobs will be done around the home. One of the most popular being putting all the clutter on the floor up on to shelves, so this month’s tip is how to put one up (and keep it there!)

Now, assuming we are going for a traditional shelf with two brackets, this is how to do it!

First of all, check there are no cables or pipes in the wall where you are going to drill.

Having a detector for this is

always a good idea, so if you don’t have one it might be an idea to add it to your Christmas wish list, as it is a very handy tool to have. Once the coast is clear, hold up the first bracket and use a small spirit level to make sure it is vertical, then mark the holes with a pencil.

Drill the required holes, using a masonry drill bit of the correct size for your wall plugs. If it is a hollow wall, you will need to use hollow wall fixings instead. But if the shelf is going to take a lot of weight it’s best to attach the shelf to the stud (wooden uprights) in behind

Call for residents to make sure they can vote on 5 May REGISTER NOW OR YOU COULD LOSE THE RIGHT TO VOTE! Figures published by the Office of National Statistics last week show that there are 105,115 people registered to vote in East Devon. But East Devon District Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, Mark Williams, is warning some residents that they need to act now if they are to have their say at the District and Parish elections and the UK referendum on the voting system to the UK Parliament taking place on Thursday 5th May 2011.

the plasterboard wall. This will get a really good fixing and all you would need to do is simply screw into it. Finding them can be a bit tricky though if you don’t have a stud detector.

Starting from the corner of the room, they are normally 16" (405mm) apart from centre to centre.Without the detector it is a bit of guess work and your wall could resemble Swiss cheese trying to find one!

Once the first bracket is fixed, put the second bracket against the wall and use the spirit level (or shelf and spirit level if the level is too short) to get the correct height of bracket two.

Then as you are balancing all of this, mark the top of the

bracket with a pencil. Take down the shelf/level, pop the bracket against the top line you have just drawn, then using the level again, check this bracket is also vertical. Again mark the holes, drill and plug and fix bracket number two. Right, you are pretty much done now, but before you have a celebratory beer, remember that a lot of people forget to put the screw in the bottom of the shelf, on the underside of the bracket and let gravity do its thing. But if the items are not balanced on the shelf, or if you drag something off, the whole lot can come crashing down. So for a couple of minutes extra work it is always a good idea to finish the job properly.

Is there a DIY problem, that you would like to see answered in this column? If so or if you have any other comments relating to this column visit the Tip of the Month page on the all new Abbotts website www.abbottsdiy.com

Spot the Easter Egg! Don’t be bored in the Easter Holidays! There will be Eggstra special fun guaranteed in our Carnival Royalty children’s Spot the Easter Egg competition running from April 9th to May 1st. Hunt for egg cards in the local shop windows and find all the hidden words.

Grown ups - don’t feel left out! You can try your luck at Easter Egg Heads. Identify the celebrity faces hidden in our scrambled eggs, but be careful, there could be some tricks and you don’t want to end up with egg on your face!

Collect your entry forms from Ottery Tourist Information Centre to be in with a chance of winning some yummy prizes!

“Anyone who has moved house in the past few months needs to register with their new address”, he warns, “and we know there are many people in the district who have not yet registered to vote, which means they will be missing out unless they take action.”

Residents can request a registration form by calling the electoral registration office helpline on 01395 517402 or by printing off a registration form from www.eastdevon.gov.uk/elections.

Adrian Green from the Electoral Commission, the independent elections watchdog, adds: “Residents may also be planning to be away on 5th May, given the extra Bank Holiday for the Royal Wedding. So it’s worth applying now to vote by post or proxy if that will suit your plans. You can call your local authority on 01395 517402 and they will help and advise you.”

LOGS FOR SALE Seasoned Hardwood Great Value and Quality Free Local Delivery 01404 813026 or 07909 524526

Page 15

LION’S CORNER

Quite a lot has happened since I reported last month. Firstly, we lost the final of the District skittles by 5 pins. So close, yet so far away. We had to make do with the Runners-up cup, which we received at the District Convention in Torquay.

Nine of us attended the Convention which was held at the Imperial Hotel,Torquay.

How many of you have had a look at our new website? – www.honitonlions.org.uk is the address. Lion Bob keeps it up to date on a regular basis.

We are still holding our twice monthly meetings at St Margaret’s Chapel in Honiton until The Deer Park Hotel is open again, which we hope will be on the 12th April.

Our Lions Club sponsored a team of under 14’s from Honiton Football Club in the Lions District Competition. Unfortunately they are out of the competition. Bad luck !

We had a ‘North Country’ social evening at Steve and Lynn’s home, which went down a treat. Too much food, but

some cracking entertainment by our members.

A tree was planted at the Millennium Green in Honiton in memory of Lion Ralph Hibbert who passed away last year. His widow, Anne, took part in the ceremony. Apart from being a prominent Lion, Ralph was a stalwart of the town, and was involved in a number of public offices.

We recently made a donation to Rockbeare C of E Primary School’s Forest Club Development, and we were invited by the school to see it in action.

Those of us who were available went to see the children using the facility. The photo shows myself, along with Lion Bob Francis, members of staff, and of course the children.

The Zone Quiz took place at Collyford village hall, when we fielded two teams. Results next time.

Our ‘Message in a Bottle’ scheme is going great guns.

There seems to be a steady

demand for them. For those who are unaware of the scheme, the bottles can be obtained at the Hospital, the Surgery and the Library.

Our thanks go to those who display the bottles, and also to Toni Williams of ‘Bagpuss’ who kindly collects used spectacles for us.

Look our for our ‘Wheelbarrow raffle’ at Otter Nurseries on Mothering Sunday, April 3rd.

We have some new banners, so you will be able to spot us a mile away.

Don’t forget our ‘Friend of the Lions’ which enables you to take part in some of our activities without becoming a full blown Lion.You never know, you may like it so much that you may feel like becoming a full member. It only costs a fiver, and you will be kept up to date on our activities.

As always, my telephone number is 01404 813513, and I can be contacted on line at www.lion.bill@btinternet.com

OTTERY ST MARY CARNIVAL

EASTER BINGO

At Ottery St Mary Football Club on Sunday 10th April. Eyes down 8.00pm Transport available: contact Steve Pearcy on 01404 811335

The Gallery @ Hind Street We have Colourful new artwork for Easter celebrating a new artist in our area

Traditional & Contemporary Framing of the Highest Quality.

Hand Finished by Qualified Artist/Craftsmen.

Regular Exhibitions of work from Established and Up Coming Artists and Sculptors.

Page 16

We are highly expert in the complete framing process, all framing work carried out on the premises.

We also offer complete oil painting restoration WE CAN FRAME ALMOST ANYTHING!!

OTTERY PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS The main news this month is fundraising! We have held two fundraising events at the school in the last few weeks and the generosity of the children, their families and friends has been absolutely amazing! On Red Nose Day, we invited everyone to ‘wear something funny for money.’ It was quite a sight here on that particular day. There were clowns, ninjas, pyjamas, nurses, cheerleaders, children dressed as teachers, teachers dressed as children, old ladies, old men, ballerinas and even Elvis! Now, how many schools can boast a line up like that?

It was a day when the norm went out of the window. Two teachers swapped places with their children for the start of the day (but soon got scared and went back to their classes) and there was many a spon-

sored silence taking place by the children, prompting teachers to ask why Red Nose Day can’t come around more often.

So far, the children have managed to raise well over £450 for Comic Relief, which is quite some effort following as it did hard on the heels of our School Council’s sponsored cross country event. More on that from our chairperson, Eve.

School Council News

We have been raising money for ‘Stand Up’ which is a charity that tries to bring clean water and better sanitation to Uganda.We organised a design a water bottle competition and sold templates of bottles for 10p. The children then created their designs on the template and the winning template will be made into an actual water bottle.

Normandy House opening restaurant and bar in April Just a few words to say hello, and give you all an update on how the Normandy House restaurant and bar are progressing.

Hopefully by the middle of April we should be up and running.

There was a little more work to do with the building than we actually first thought. The scaffolding is still up but we promise that it will look beautiful inside and out. Karen and Robyn will be working in the kitchen with James and Nick front of house.

The whole family are all very excited and looking forward to opening our doors to Ottery St Mary. We have been here for 5 weeks and already we have met some lovely people and our two little dogs, Pie and Eddie, have made lots of friends by the river.

We will let everyone know when we are opening and look forward to meeting you. Bye for now. More details in next month’s Gazette.

Karen Pegler

We also held a sponsored dress down cross country. Everyone who took part wore a hat, scarf, gloves, coat, water bottle and rucksack and, after each lap, they had to remove one item that they were wearing or carrying until they were in only their PE kit. Each child got sponsored by their friends and family. So far we have raised just over £1900 for the charity.

We’d like to thank Mrs Hennessy for organising it all, the School Council for coming up with the ideas and selling the templates, the teachers for organising their classes and last but not least everyone who gave so generously to a good cause.

Eve Penberthy and Mark Gilronan

Ottery Flower Club News The Ottery Flower Club met with a different theme recently with three members doing a flower arrangement followed by refreshments and a quiz.The evening proved to be a success and a good time was had by all.

Next month’s meeting will be held on Wednesday 27th April at Ottery St Mary Primary School at 7.30pm with Demonstrator Sarah Hills-Ingyon from Sidford.Any visitors will be most welcome.

To advertise in the Gazette call 815111

West Country Embroiderers The Ottery St Mary branch of West Country Embroiderers will be holding an Exhibition of Work at The Institute, Ottery St Mary on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th May from 9.30am until 3.30pm.

There will be cakes, pickles, coffee, tea and items for sale.

Sean Harris z WINDOW CLEANER z GUTTERS/FACIAS CLEANED z HOUSE/PATIO PRESSURE CLEANING UNDERTAKEN (Excellent references if required)

For that personal service call 01404 814963 or Mobile: 07737 419077 75 Slade Close, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1SY Page 17

Information available to explain your Council Tax bill Council Tax Bills for 2011-12 were dropping through letter boxes across East Devon during March.There is lots of information available to explain what you get for paying your bill.The bills may prompt some residents to seek more information and there’s plenty of it available from different sources: • To save you time, have a look through this year’s council tax guidance booklet, produced jointly by EDDC and its partner authorities which accompanies this year’s bills. It explains where the money goes and makes it easier for householders to understand the charging system and the ways in which people can get help with payments.

• If you have access, why not visit our website which contains information on Council Tax discounts and exemptions and whether you may be entitled to benefit: http:// www.eastdevon.gov.uk • If you feel the need to talk to someone about the amount you are being asked to pay then call us on 01395 517 446.

However, please be aware that this is a very hectic few weeks for staff in EDDC’s council tax service with some 60,000 bills being issued, so telephone lines may be busy and we’d ask you

to be patient if you can’t get through first time.

“What do I get for my money” booklet The booklet which has 16 pages of facts and figures, diagrams and pictures has been reduced from 40 pages in an effort to save money at this difficult time. The cost of producing each booklet has gone from 16p last year to just 5p this year.

The joint booklet is produced

by Devon County Council, Devon and Cornwall Police Authority, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority and East Devon District Council working together and sharing the costs. Government legislation requires these authorities to inform council tax payers

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about many aspects of the council tax. The booklet is considered to be the most userfriendly way of presenting the information at a reasonable cost and also makes it possible to pass on other useful facts about the work these organisations do throughout the year.

Councillor Andrew Moulding, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder Resources, said: “The booklet contains handy information for people living in the district. The East Devon pages make it clear how much of your money is spent directly by EDDC on providing and improving ser-

vices in this district. For example, a Band D council tax payer will be paying £121.78 this year – that’s just £2.34 a week – for the second year running. This is the lowest council tax of the eight district councils in Devon which we think shows what good value council tax payers get in East Devon”.

With their Council Tax Bill, householders will also receive a notice giving details of changes to Refuse and Recycling collections over the Easter, May and August Bank Holiday weekends.

Opportunities to work on elections HELP WITH POLLS REQUIRED FROM MID-APRIL UNTIL 7 MAY EDDC is seeking recruits to help with preparing for, running and counting votes for the local elections and referendum on Thursday 5th May. There are over 100 polling stations located throughout East Devon that will require poll clerks and presiding officers from 6.30am to 10.00pm on polling day, Thursday 5th May. The verification of votes will commence immediately after the close of poll at 10.00 pm on that day and assistance with that is needed in Sidmouth into the early hours of the following morning.

The counting of votes for the District Council, Parish and Town Councils and the referendum on an alternative voting system will take place on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th May. Help with that is required in Sidmouth.

Finally, help with the issuing of postal votes is likely to be required in Sidmouth during the week beginning 18th April. Assistance with opening postal votes is likely to be needed in Sidmouth during the weeks beginning 25 April and 2 May. Anyone who is interested should check out our website via the link below, complete an application form and return it to the email address provided on the EDDC website: http:// www.eastdevon.gov.uk/employment_at_elections_2011

HONITON U3A

Wednesday April 20th – Showcase: ‘Meet the Group Leaders’.

2.15pm at British Legion Hall, Dowell Street. Honiton. Free entry for visitors. New members welcome. For more information call 01404 823160.

Jeanette Freeman Custom Made Curtains and Soft Furnishings

Unit C1, Westleigh Willows Farm, Feniton, Honiton, Devon EX14 3BN Telephone: 01404 851027

Can you shed any light on this Ottery family tree?

My name is Robert Slater, curr-ently living in Wokingham, Berkshire, and I am researching my family tree. Several of my relatives were born in Ottery St Mary and I would like to ask Gazette readers if they may be able to share any memories, history or records of my family members shown here.

My great grandmother’s name was Annie Elizabeth Taylor, born on 3rd February 1892 at 60 Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary.

She died on 10th June 1992, aged 100 years. She married Francis Aloysius Law (from Newton Abbot) on 25th July 1914 in the Church of the Assumption, Abbey Road, Torquay.

They had three daugthers; Elizabeth, Phyllis and Winnifred. Winnifred, my great aunt, was born in Ottery St Mary on 10th Aug 1919. Winnifred was married to Joseph Henry Hall (from Yorkshire) in 1942 somewhere in Devon.

My great grandmother (Annie Taylor) was one of seven children - her brothers and sisters were: 1. Frederick Taylor: born about 1881 in Ottery St Mary. He was killed in WWI on 25th Sept 1915.

2. Percy Taylor: born December 1890 in Tiverton.

3. Terry Taylor: born 1891 in Ottery St Mary. He apparently died in infancy in an accident with a horse and cart.

4. William Taylor: born 1897 in Ottery St Mary. He died in about 1960.

5. Elizabeth Taylor (AKA Bess): born 1904 in Ottery St Mary. She died about 1971 in Ottery St Mary. Elizabeth married Harold Welsman on 6th Feb 1929 in Ottery St Mary and had a daughter called Stella in about 1933. Stella now lives in Jersey.

6. Harry Taylor: born in Honiton.

My great great grandparents were Thomas Henry Taylor and Elizabeth Baker. Thomas was born March 1865 in the Honiton Union Workhouse and died 22nd April 1946 and he is buried in the parish church graveyard in Ottery St Mary.

Elizabeth was born in 1864 in Tiverton and died 7th April 1924. She is also buried in the parish church graveyard in Ottery St Mary. They married between 1881-1901.

Thomas’s mother was called Mary Jane Taylor born March 1846 in Honiton and died March 1891 in Honiton. Elizabeth’s parents were Frederick Baker and Maria Beedell, both born 1835-1836 in Stoodleigh.

If you can furnish Robert with any information please e mail him at: rp_slater@yahoo.ie or call him on 0118 978512 or

the Gazette on 01404 815111 and we will pass it on. Pictured top: Francis and Annie. Bottom: Bess, Harold and Annie.

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FROM THE CHURCHES FROM THE CHURCHES IN OTTERY Many of our members are enjoying the opportunity to be part of a Lent Group where they meet friends from the other churches and exchange ideas, prayer and understanding of the Bible from different points of view.

The Silent Walk of Witness on Good Friday, April 22nd, will start at 10.00 at the Parish Church (top of the hill) and will proceed down to the Salvation Army, then to the Roman Catholic Church and on to the Methodist Church before making its way up to the New Life Church and then to the United Reformed Church where an Ecumenical Service will be led by Brian Hadfield the Methodist Minister for Ottery St Mary & Sidmouth at approximately11.00am. After the Ecumenical service there will be the usual Hot Cross buns…contributions welcome..and the opportunity for fellowship.

At each of the venues along the way we will stop to sing a verse of ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’ as well as joining in prayer.

We have had a meeting with the group looking at the prospect of employing a Youth Worker. This is a big undertaking so much thought and planning is needed to see if we can do this and support it for a 5 year period. This would not be a case of trying to get more ‘seats on seats’ in the churches but to show the young people in our town that there is a lot to life and that a faith is there for them to explore and we hope for them to follow.Ask any of the ministers, clergy of the churches about this as we want to know what you think about it and how perhaps you might support such an undertaking. It would not only be financial support but moral support and encouragement for a Youth Worker and the young people and perhaps the offer of premises where they could meet. Think about it and consider what it would mean if you were a young person and such a plan were to come to fruition.

Easter Services will be advertised on the notice boards of the churches…do come along to join us in celebrating this most important festival of the Church’s year and be assured of a very warm welcome.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK May 15th - 21st

Although work goes on every day of the year

Page 20

UNITED REFORMED CHURCH New venture at Ottery URC. Gary and Barbara Beamer have agreed

to head up a monthly evening event at the URC. Called Bring and Share and starting at about 6.45pm, it will run through the Spring and Summer on the first Sunday of the month. As the title suggests it won’t be a highly structured meeting but provide those attending with an opportunity to share a song of worship, a Bible reading, a prayer or some experience of God’s blessing in their lives. All are welcome.

Fairtrade Fortnight…..We have been celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight with information about Fairtrade and opportunities to buy Fairtrade products. The children and others have also been decorating bunting flags which will be sent off to the Fairtrade Foundation to be part of a giant string of bunting, 3 miles long. It is hoped to break the current record and get into the Guinness Book of Records. The idea during Fairtrade Fortnight is to get more people thinking about the difference their shopping choices can make. By buying Fairtrade tea, bananas, cookies etc and also cotton products we can ensure that the third world farmer gets a fair and secure price for his crop.This can mean, for example, that he can send his children to school. Several thousand Fairtrade products are available all year round in supermarkets and other shops.

Easter plans are being finalised. For some years now the Easter Day ‘Sonrise’ service and walk on Farway Common (SY 160963) has attracted a small but loyal following with the odd runner and dogwalker. Be there by 6am! Then there’s breakfast and a brief Communion service in the URC church hall. The preacher on Easter Sunday at 10.30am will be Geoff Powell who retired four years ago as pastor of Ottery URC. He and his wife Wendy now live in Seaton. They attend the new Baptist fellowship in the town and are actively engaged in leadership.

THE SALVATION ARMY Captain Steve has now been asked to take over the representation of The Salvation Army on the Churches Together County Show Committee. This is a stand well worth visiting as it represents the churches of Devon of all denominations in Churches Together in Devon.

You can be assured of a very warm welcome and an interesting array of activities and outreach going on in the county as well as a ‘cuppa’.

Tuesday 5th April - Meet and Make from 10.00am to 12.00noon.This is our new monthly event for people who enjoy crafts Sunday 17th April - Informal cafe style worship at The Salvation Army from 3pm to 4pm There will be no Coffee Morning or Over Sixty fellowship on 22nd April (Good Friday) or 29th April (Royal Wedding) Steven Watson

THE PARISH CHURCH

THE METHODIST CHURCH

We had our services with our diocesan Bishop Michael celebrating and dedicating the reordering in the church. This means we can use the building even more for the community that we serve here in Ottery and its surroundings. All those years ago when Bishop Grandisson had the inspiration to have the Cathedral and then our parish church built he must have had a vision of what they could mean to the life of the people they would serve. We are very privileged to have such a wonderful church even if it means a huge financial outlay to keep it in good condition so we must use it to its best advantage.

The bishop preached at the 9.30am Parish Communion service when we were fortunate to have a full choir and he then stayed for the Cafe Church which was extremely well attended. There was a slide on the screen of ‘Grill the Bishop’ showing a Barbeque and Sausages. Luckily the grilling of Bishop Michael was not calorifically hot! One question he was asked was ‘What does a Bishop do?’ The listeners visibly wilted when they learned of all the duties that the Bishop has to do...including for example going to the remote rural areas to advise and support the farmers, encourage the regeneration schemes in the Urban Priority areas, take confirmations, ordain clergy, take services and preach across Devon and nationally as a member of the House of Lords to speak on many vital issues and raise awareness etc. etc. Another question asked him how he came to faith and the answer to this was very illuminating...if you want to know the answer ask any of the Cafe Church/Explore congregation.

Our next CAFÉ CHURCH on 10th April 11.00am will feature Laura McAdam, and the whole question of aid and development. If you came to any of the Christian Aid Roadshow events, you’ll know that Laura is inspirational!

We’re Better Together Some of our local supporters in the Parish church when Ottery St Mary hosted an exciting day of workshops, presentations and coffee as part of Christian Aid’s Better Together Tour.

Remember that Christian Aid Week is May 15th – 21st although the work goes on every day of the year.

By the time this is printed our church will have been used for the Hospiscare Afternoon Teas and we hope that it was a successful event.

March is our ‘Musical Chairs’ month as the AGM produces changes to some of the holders of office, but the core of Christian worshippers remains unaltered as the year proceeds.

We have been giving consideration to the suggestion that C.T.I.O. appoint a Community Youth Worker to work in the town alongside the school and other youth-based organisations. We would like to feel that we could do something positive to support our young people in a way that they feel they can identify with. Clearly much prayerful support will be required for this to get off the ground.

Our Easter activities start on Maundy Thursday with a Service of Sacrament at 7.30pm. This will be followed on Good Friday when those not away on holiday will join the Walk of Witness. Easter Sunday we shall celebrate with Morning Worship at 10.30am lead by Mrs. Ann Skinner.

We understand that those not accustomed to using church for a service may feel uncomfortable about joining us for any of these - but the Tuesday coffee morning is also open to all, and is just a space for meeting, talking - and drinking tea and coffee!! Feel free to drop in!!

Don’t forget to put Saturday April 9th in your diaries for a ‘Soup for Nets’ event organised by the Mothers’ Union to buy mosquito nets for Katie and her family when they go to Melanesia...they will then leave the nets for use by Melanesians. Do come along to join us and to hear more about Katie and Ian’s project. £5 or more for the soup and the event will be held in the Parish Church.

The Mothers’ Union is very grateful to those people who have already given a donation towards the new banner in memory of someone in their family. The list is not closed for those of you who are still thinking about this. Contact the Branch Leader Margaret Kerr via the Church Office 812062. Mothering Sunday will see a service at 10.00am as a family friendly communion service. All are welcome.

ST ANTHONY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Many of our readers will remember Fr Francis Umendia who was our parish priest from 1991 through to 1997. We welcome his return to the parish in the very near future and wish him well as he settles in our midst once again. A very warm thank-you to Fr Dennis who we hope will now be able to take things a bit more easy, as well as Fr Gerald who continues to serve us from St Rita’s at Honiton as our Vicar Provincial.

Our Easter services will be on our notice board and we will be part of the Walk of Witness on Good Friday. Several of our congregation have joined in the Lent Groups with members of the other CTIO churches.

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Free initial consultation, includes free relaxation CD. Evening and Saturday appointments at: Ottery Health Store, 14 Broad St, Ottery St. Mary, Devon, EX11 1BZ Deborah Pearce HPD Clinical Hypnotherapist Tel: 01404 813388 or 07939 840788 dpearcehypno@supanet.com www.calmerminds.com

NEW LIFE CHURCH As we enjoy the first spring sunshine and flowers this month we look forward to our Easter celebrations. We thank God for the sacrifice of his son Jesus on the cross, his resurrection and the promise of a new life for all who believe. All are welcome to join us for our family service on Easter Sunday at 10.30.

At New Life Church home groups are held on a Wednesday evening.

We are also currently meeting on the first Wednesday of every month at the New Life chapel for a time of worship and prayer and fortnightly on a Monday evening to pray for the town. ‘Groundbreakers’ is our very lively kids club for children aged 7 – 10 years. It meets during term time between 6pm and 7.30pm at the New Life Chapel on Friday evenings – all children are welcome. The Youth Group, for 11 – 18 yr olds, also meets every Friday from 7.30 to 9.30pm.

New Life church meets every Sunday at the Kings School main hall at 10.30 am where we enjoy worship, biblical teaching and Sunday school groups for the children. We are always pleased to welcome visitors and are happy to pray with anyone who needs healing or who has any concerns. If you want to know more about New Life or any of our activities contact Bruce and Heather Talbot at info@newlifeottery.org.uk or check out our website www.newlifeottery.org.uk.

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21st May. These are women only circular walks but men are invited to help with the marshalling etc.This is a great fundraiser for the hospice. Ladies can register by ringing 01392 688020 or by applying on line womensmidnightwalk.co.uk I can assure you this is a brilliant good fun night, rounded off about 2.00am with a bacon buttie and hot drink.

Another very important diary date is Saturday 18th June when our extremely popular Pudding Club is being held again at the Royal British Leg-

Our Afternoon Tea at the Methodist Church on Friday 18th March, was a lovely afternoon where everyone enjoyed their cakes. Our reputation for cakes and puddings is so amazing. We are able to give the hospice £171.75 from this event. Thank you to everyone who supported us.

Ros and Dave are holding their Spring Coffee Morning and Table Top Sale at theVillage Hall, Newton Poppleford, on Saturday 2nd April from 10-00am.

This is always a lovely morning and as I have said before, is worth attending if only to take part in their fantastic Draw.

We move on to May, when we are having an Evening Talk with

slides at the Village Hall,Tipton St John, to be held at 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Alan Dolley from Exeter is presenting ‘Memories of Exeter’. Alan is well known for supporting Hospiscare throughout the area with his very interesting talks. He will probably start the evening with slides of the walk from the Turf Locks along the Canal to the Exeter Quay and then after the break for coffee, his subject is Nostalgia.Tickets priced £3.00, to include coffee, are available from Hospiscare Shop, West Hill Post Office or by telephone - Jill 01404 814366 or Wendy 01404 813316 This year there is a choice of two Midnight Walks. Tiverton on 9th April and Exmouth on

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ion, West Hill. Tickets will be limited so please buy them early. I’ll obviously give you more details next time.

I would like you all to make a note of a Tea Dance at Otter Nurseries on 6th July and also at the end of July the New Ottregians are again supporting Hospiscare with their new Musical – Witchfinder. This sounds like a brilliant show, premiered in Manchester in April 2009 with terrific reviews. Watch this space.

Pictured: One of the images from ‘Memories of Exeter’.

People needed for survey to investigate diabetes The Peninsular Medical School in Exeter is looking for people to take part in a survey to investigate the underlying causes of diabetes, a common and increasing condtition in today’s society.

10,000 people are required, of which 4000 have already been recruited. Volunteers of any age over 18 are welcome, whether or not they are diabetic.They will be sent a simple form to fill in, asking for details of their medical history, diet and lifestyle, and asked to attend for a 30 minute appointment at the Medical School.

During the appointment blood and urine samples will be taken.

All the information will be treated with the strictest confidence, and will not be given to anybody else. This is a very easy and worthwhile way to help in an important research project at very little personal inconvenience.

For further details, please telephone 01392 406769 / 406815 or e-mail crf@pms.ac.uk

Ottery St Mary W.I. News

At our March meeting we had a wonderful evening of foot tapping music and hilarity as we were encouraged to ‘Keep fit on a chair’ and our competition to find as many words as possible from ‘gymnastics’ was entered by well over 100 members!

In February we shared ‘old’ memories; getting to know one another better and welcomed more new members. Our Quiz team came 7th out of 21 teams in a County Event. Around the county there are social gatherings, themed lunches, guided walks, history days and much more to interest members. We plan to see ‘The Calendar Girls’ in June.

On April 11th one of our members will talk on her Missionary experiences ‘Women of Pakistan’ at 7.30pm in the Catholic Parish Hall, Ottery St Mary. Our superb refreshment can be found as usual at the Community Market.The Institute, Ottery St Mary.

Celebration Cakes - another Devon Air Ambulance calls new Ottery business for your recipe support

Celebration Cakes, a new Ottery business, will be opening in the Little Shop on the Hill, Silver Street (opposite Barclays Bank) on Saturday April 9th. Proprietor Joan Maynard has been making all types and styles of cakes at home for the past 20 years and advertising in a local bakery.

She now feels this little shop will give her a wonderful opportunity to meet clients here rather than at home.

Clients can browse through her photos and design books while enjoying a cup of coffee and sampling a piece of cake, and

she will be on hand to listen to ideas and give guidance on the best design. Joan makes all the sugar flowers for the cakes in colours and types of flowers to match the bride’s bouquet and can also supply cake tops.

If required the wedding cake can be delivered (locally) to the reception venue and the table decorated in the relevant colours. Her repertoire also includes cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, christenings and any other event that warrants a cake!

For more information call Joan Maynard on 01404 814307

Talatones Handbell Ringers We are practising like mad for future venues but also having fun at the same time. We had a visitor this week interested in our bells but we were having a very bad week and we would not have won a prize for our playing. Never mind this seems to happen occasionally!

Our AGM was held on Monday March 28th at one of our members homes where we had a slap up meal and of course part took in some official business. After that the following Mondays are back to practising.

Please pop in and see us at anytime between 1.30pm and 3.30pm in the Institute. For any extra information please contact Joan Dalton on 01404 815082.

Does your community project need more manpower?

Are there times when you could use an extra pair of hands?

Volunteers are now available in your area offering: * Flexible, versatile and diverse skills, in return for a little encouragement and appreciation. * Fresh enthusiasm and energy making a real difference to the lives of other people. * Professional skills and experience adding value to the running of your organisation. * Regular, one-off, occasional or seasonal help.

Contact the East Devon Volunteer Centre and get help for your community group today!

Call Sandra Chapman for an informal chat to discuss your needs on 01404 549045 or e mail: sandra.chapman@edvsa.org.uk

An appeal has been launched for people to come forward with their favourite family recipes for a charity cookbook to raise money for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Supporters are being called upon to visit the specially created website www.eattogether.co.uk and upload their favourite breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack recipes.

Around 30 dishes will be chosen for the charity cookbook which will be published and launched this summer - it will also include a number of contributions from well-known local chefs.

The charity cookbook will be the end result of the ‘Come Together, Eat Together’ campaign, supported by rural insurance firm Cornish Mutual.

The initiative was launched recently by TV presenter Anthea Turner following research that suggested almost half of all families in the West-

country no longer eat together at least once a day Caroline Creer from Devon Air Ambulance Trust, said: “We really want supporters of the Air Ambulance to get involved in this appeal for recipes. It would be great if people could go online and help us out by uploading their favourite family dishes, which in turn will help us to raise funds to keep the Air Ambulance flying. We’re delighted to be receiving the support of Cornish Mutual in putting together the charity cookbook and selling it to raise much needed funds for our life-saving service.”

The ‘Come Together, Eat Together’ campaign is aimed at re-capturing enthusiasm for home cooking and enjoying eating together as a family. For more information about the ‘Come Together, Eat Together’ campaign and to upload a favourite family recipe for the charity cookbook, visit www.eattogether.co.uk

OTTERY TABLE TENNIS CLUB

Ottery St Mary Table Tennis Club meets on Thursday evenings at The Institute, Ottery St Mary, from 7.00pm from September through to May. It has 6 Tables and coaching is available on a regular basis. For further details contact Roger Johnson (01297 625061) or Ray Puttick (01404 813720).

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Key of the door to Cranbrook - Phase 1 approved Work can begin within weeks on the first phase of Cranbrook, East Devon’s New Community, now that plans have been approved by East Devon District Councillors. The approval unlocks a £16.6 million investment in the project from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), bringing with it a massive boost for much needed affordable housing in the area.

The detailed designs for the first 1,120 homes on the approved site off Honiton Road, Rockbeare, were given the go ahead on Tuesday 8th March. The project already has outline planning permission that was granted following the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement, signed by all the public and private sector partners involved, which will ensure the delivery of vital social and community and transport infrastructure during the early stages of the project.

At a meeting of East Devon District Council’s Development Management Committee, Members approved a planning application for the first phase of the development. The application features site layout, construction details, external appearance and landscaping including new

£166 MILLION UNLOCKED IN HCA FUNDING road connections into the site from the former A30.

Partners As a result of the decision, the HCA has approved investment of £16.6m for the delivery of 300 affordable homes and infrastructure work which will support the wider development of a further 700 private homes to be sold on the open market. The decision takes the total amount of money invested by the HCA in the wider Cranbrook development to more than £33.5m and the level of public sector funding in the scheme to around £56m.

It allows developer partners Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey, Redrow and Hallam Land to begin the development within weeks. It also helps improve access to affordable housing in East Devon, where statistics show that house prices are more than 12 times the average household income for the area.

Phase one of Cranbrook will create 300 affordable homes in a range of house types to meet the needs of local families.

Steve Jackson, HCA area manager, who has worked closely with the consortium and Local Authority partners on developing the investment package,

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said: “Cranbrook is one of the most important housing and employment projects in the South West and is rightly recognised as a top priority by the Council.

It has taken a number of years and a huge amount of effort from all of the partners to get to this stage. During that time, no-one has lost sight of the importance of this project and its potential to deliver muchneeded new and affordable homes. Cranbrook will be a high quality mixed-use settlement, close to new employment opportunities and will support local economic growth.”

The affordable homes will be jointly managed by Sovereign Housing Group and Devon & Cornwall Housing Association.

Self-sufficient Sara Randall Johnson, EDDC Leader, said: “Our plan has always been to provide jobs and homes close to each other, improving quality of life and reducing the need to commute.

With the rising cost of fuel, Cranbrook is an excellent opportunity for new residents to take advantage of the jobs created at the Science Park, Skypark and in the new town, which could be up to 11,000.

The Homes and Community Agency’s funding means that affordable homes will become a reality for our young families looking for their own home.

There will be an integrated mix of housing throughout the site, along with key social and community facilities including a new primary school and Multi-Purpose Building which will be available for new residents early on in the development.”

Councillor Pete Edwards, Leader of Exeter City Council and

Chairman of the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point Partnership, said: “The vision for Cranbrook is to create a self-sufficient, low-carbon New Community close to skilled employment oppportunities, encouraging people to use sustainable forms of transport and to reduce the need for them to travel between work and home by car.

The challenge is to create an attractive and vibrant town, which combines the rich urban fabric of an historic Devon market town with the needs of a 21st century lifestyle; a town that responds to its setting and landscape. The development of a free-standing new settlement has not been attempted in Devon since the Middle Ages.”

It has been an enormous task for the local authorities and developers of Cranbrook to create a sustainable, vibrant and attractive new town from scratch.

Energy Centre sees carbon savings East Devon District Council wants to see Cranbrook built to the highest possible standards of sustainabilty and by doing so become a trail-blazer for low-carbon mass open market housing developments.

Uniquely, Cranbrook and the neighbouring Skypark will be served by an energy centre supplying both heat and power to homes and businesses. This will be run using biomass fuel in the future.

It is estimated that the biomass Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant to generate electricity and heat for the first 2,900 homes at Cranbrook, could provide an estimated 10,000 tonnes of CO2 saving per year.

PEARSONS NEWS 5-7, Silver Street, Ottery St Mary Telephone: 01404 812649 OWNERS IAN & KAREN PEARSON Daily Paper delivery to Ottery St Mary, West Hill, Payhembury, Feniton and Aylesbeare.

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Ottery Card Making Club

As Mother’s Day is just around the corner, our card makers recently made their mums a special card.With Easter at the end of April, a start has been made on Easter cards which should continue on at our allday club on Saturday 9th April from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

If you would like to join us making Easter cards, we hold the card making club at Coleridge Pre-school, Ottery St Mary. The cost is £12 per person which includes all materials needed and includes tea,coffee and biscuits. Please bring your

own lunch. If Easter cards are not to your fancy, other materials are available for other occasions, for example that special wedding on the 29th April!.

All are welcome to join our card making club. The minimum age is 9 years old but under 14s must be accompanied by an adult as sharp craft knives can be used. We are a friendly group who love to share ideas and hints and tips. If you are unable to make our day clubs we also hold an evening club on Fridays from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. The dates of these are displayed on the Coleridge Pre-school fence or you are welcome to call Helen on 01404 814663 or email helen36kk@fsmail.net We must say a huge thanks to Linda from Ottery who donated her Sizzix machine to the club along with lots of dies plus a popular Cd. We look forward to seeing you there.

Liz and Helen

Spring Diminished As winter merges into spring I’m minded of the days When to the school we used to bring Our findings by the way.

On daily walks all through the lanes We took to village school The flowers we noticed by the way: The classroom pots stayed full.

Thereby so many lessons came Readily, and quite free; We learnt of sepals, stamens, names of plant, their families.

That bounty is still here today A fund of living things.

Sadly, the school bus hurrying by Allows no time for spring.

DERRICK V RUGG

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Youth Presents Music

Following the success of the junior group Youth Presents Music held last month it was the turn of the Intermediate and Senior students from East Devon to show their musical skills in March.

On Tuesday 15th March at The King’s School some 18 performers took to the stage and in front of judges gave the audience of parents and friends wonderful examples of how young people make music. The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Otter Valley, is in its 22nd consecutive year.

The performances on a range of instruments including piano, cello, flute and others were interspersed with vocal renditions. Some were own compositions showing the full range

of musical skills of these young people. Other music was from classical composers, contemporary musicians and current musicals.

All were of a very high standard making the judging particularly difficult this year. Their decisions meant that the trophies for the best performances this year went to Alice Bell from West Hill who gave outstanding performances on both the piano and cello and to Adam Ward from Honiton who gave both classical and traditional renditions on the flute. Other class winners were Keir Lewis from Seaton and Blathnaid McCulloch from Offwell.

Pictured: President of Rotary, Ken Chun, giving award for best performance to Alice Bell of West Hill

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We still need your talent!

Please help support our 2011-12 Carnival Royalty Rosa, Paige, Jess and Cerys pictured here (clockwise) with Roland Sanders who has kindly volunteered to host the Ottery and District Talent Show which will be held at the Institute, Ottery St Mary, on Saturday 4th June. Entry forms are available from Ottery Tourist information Centre.

Join our line up which already includes dancing groups, musical groups and individual musicians and singers from our local community. Be the first to sign up for a comedy act/ group drama, or offer some more competition to our existing acts. Whatever your talent we are waiting to hear from you! We would also welcome volunteers who could help with setting up, refreshments and back-stage. If you can help please leave your contact details at the Ottery Tourist Information Office.

For more information contact Mary Batten-Stevens on 815188 (mbattenstevens@yahoo.com] or Toni Hiscocks on 811636 (hiscocks@toniandalfie.plus.com) and return your entry forms to the Ottery Tourist Information Office by 29th April.

Page 26

Coleridge Pre-school leads the way with Walk-o-dile Coleridge is the first pre-school in Devon to use a walk-o-dile, a revolutionary new device which aids the supervision of younger children. The group is currently raising funds for a second walk-o-dile.

The walking bus was joined on Friday 11th March, by Marion Deacock from Devon County Council who is promoting this initiative in a Devon County Council Newsletter.

The bus was also accompanied

by PCSO Maria Clapp who said “Children are strapped in very safely using the Walk-o-dile.

Adult supervision is excellent and it provides an exciting means of travel for young children with their friends. It will also help them develop habits of regular activity early in their lives.” Councillor Roger Giles who also came along said “This is an excellent initiative to encourage young children to walk to the Pre-school healthily and safely. Congratulations to Coleridge Pre-school staff and volunteers for their enthusiasm and ongoing commitment to this scheme.”

Also this month we have held our AGM. Many thanks to the outgoing committee for all they have done over the last twelve months. We offer a warm welcome to the new committee.

There was also a visit from Lindsary Norton from Ikin & Oxenham who talked to the children about what she does at the veterinary practice. We are currently collecting Sainsbury’s and Tesco vouchers, so if you are not sure what to do with these we will be very grateful.

Coleridge pre-school playgroup is an Ofsted registered, committee run playgroup based in the

centre of Ottery St Mary. It is run by professional and friendly staff that have many years experience in providing early years education.

The playgroup is open 9.15am – 3.15pm on Monday to Friday except Tuesday when it closes at 11.45. Morning sessions run from 9.15am – 11.45am, lunch club is 11.45am – 12.45pm, and afternoon sessions commence at 12.45pm. A toddler group is held at the school on Tuesday afternoons, 1.15pm to 3.00pm. All parents and carers with children aged 0-5 are welcome.

Coleridge takes children from 2 ½ up to school age, funding is available for 3 and 4 year olds. For more information please call 01404 812663 and ask to speak to Sharon Cake or Sue Scott. Alternatively search for Coleridge PreSchool on Facebook. There is also the opportunity for wraparound care from 8am – 6pm daily for parents who choose to also use Happy Days – the out of school provision that operates independently from our premises. Details can be obtained by ringing the same number and asking for Lynda Hole.

Hectic programme for Otter Valley Inner Wheel Club Well it looks as though Spring may finally be ‘knocking on our doors’ – we have had some odd days of sunshine and temperatures in double figures, the spring bulbs are beginning to burst into life and the fields are full of lambs.

This is also the time of year when we welcome our current District Chairman Wendy Matthews to our Club. Although Wendy and her husband are now living in Exmouth the majority of their married live has been spent following David’s Naval career. Wendy detailed the various visits to other Clubs she has made in her year as District Chairman and the variety of fund-raising ideas she has come across.The emphasis of her visit however was how to extend the hand of Inner Wheel friendship within our local communities and encourage new and prospective members.

We have also held our Inter Club meeting when we were

delighted to welcome members of other Inner Wheel Clubs to an ‘Afternoon Tea’ at Tipton Village Hall. We were pleased to welcome Richard Kerwood of ‘Windrush Willow’ as our speaker and he gave an exceptional insight into the history of basket making whilst making an upright cone shaped plant support (something he has demonstrated on various television programmes). Richard

A Walk on Royal Wedding Day A walk has been organised for those who want an alternative to the Royal Wedding. We will be meeting at the ticket machine in the Lime Kiln car park in Budleigh Salterton at 11.00am on Friday April 29th and walking to Otterton Mill for lunch or a snack before walking back to Budleigh. This is a flat walk along the River Otter and therefore not too strenuous. Just turn up or contact John and Di Somers dianasomers05@yahoo.co.uk or 01884 277390.

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We have a basket full of products for the New Season 90 varieties of Suttons Vegetable and herb seeds Quality grass seed sold loose

Camping & Caravanning stocks now replenished Plus many new products including essentials for Ten Tours Attention all Chickens!

We now stock Layers Mash, Pellets And Corn for that little treat Open every day 9.00am to 5.00pm except Sun

gave details of how he prepared the willow, cutting it in the autumn, soaking it and then stripping the willow and boiling it to achieve the golden brown colour before he made the baskets. If anyone reading this has the surname of ‘Maunder’ then your ancestors would have been basket makers in the 1600’s!

Members from our own Club as well as those from Exmouth,

Bideford, Sidmouth, Teignmouth, Brixham, Dartmouth and Axminster all had a wonderful afternoon and are looking forward to other Inter Club events in the coming months.

We are fast approaching a very busy time for Inner Wheel – we will hold our ‘Birthday’ meeting on 21st March when our speaker will be auctioneer Jim Rowe of Symonds & Sampson who will be entertaining us with ‘Tales of an Auctioneer’. Our National Conference will take place in Cardiff in April and we will then be busy helping Otter Valley Rotary Club at Devon County Show. Reading this we wonder where the time disappears to...more next month!

Sue Hulley Club Correspondent Pictured: (left to right) Club President Jill Cobley, Secretary Lynda Shingler, Treasurer Janet Parfitt,Asst Overseas Organiser Romie Fletcher. District Chairman Wendy Matthews (seated).

Hollyhayes Community Play Tale Valley Community Theatre’s casting workshops have been held for this play about farming. Rehearsals are under way for this highly original June production to be performed at Victoria Dairy (Farm) Payhembury on 16th. 17th, and 18th June. It is not too late to become involved on-stage, back-stage, in the technical side and in many other ways. Please contact John Somers at 01884 277390 or j.w.somers@ex.ac.uk and consult website at http://www.tvctheatre.org/

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Get the balance right!

Supporting the British Heart Foundation

I would like to start with a big thank you to everyone for coming along to our fundraising evening led by Thick as Thieves Night on Saturday the 12th of February in the Institute. It was phenomenal.

Thick as Thieves were truly brilliant they had everyone up on there feet dancing from the beginning of the night right until the end. If this is not worth a good old workout I could not tell you what is. (British Heart Foundation endeavouring to keep hearts healthy).

I have had such fabulous feedback from so many people who said brilliant, great night, Just what we needed, when is the next one? So, not one to dilly dally, I have already booked Thick as Thieves to return next February in the Institute again.

Tickets will be available from the end of November so watch

this space for further information.

March brings so many different things to so many people and this March has been no exception. The sky is lovely and blue, the sun seems to be working overtime and the colours appearing in everyone’s gardens are enough to lift away those long winter evenings.The smell of the blooming flowers is beautiful and one garden in particular, which I pass quite often whilst walking Jonah, our family dog, has the most wonderful aroma coming from the hyacinths. If it’s your garden and you see a strange lady with dog attached its only me enjoying your flowers!

Dance-a-size Classes! So many more people are joining us; men and women all ages, sizes and varied abilities and yet everyone loves it. Now we are in full swing with different routines every week so no learning same old same old.We find the classes not only challenging in respect of keeping fit or getting back into shape, but also ensuring that we use our brains at the same time. So two for the price of one! Still continuing to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, we continue our pay as you go weekly rate of £4.95 per session which has not risen in the three years that we have been running in

Di and Roger Shenton welcome you to

The FiveBells Inn AT CLYST HYDON Telephone: 01884 277288 The Five Bells is one of four finalists in The Publican Magazine’s Classic Food Pub of 2008 award

Special Two Course Lunch Menu available Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday £7.95

LIVE FOLK/JAZZ EVENING On the fourth Friday of the month - a duo of delightful folk/jazz singing with guitar Next session Friday 22nd April 2011 RECOMMENDED IN THE GOOD PUB GUIDE Page 28

Ottery (Old Boys School Tuesday Evening 8.00pm until 9.00pm) or Whimple (Victory Hall Monday Evenings 7.30pm until 8.30pm).

Our next event Murder Mystery Dinner in The Tumbling Weir on the 2nd of April has been a total sellout since January which left several people disappointed. Because I was not sure how this evening would sell, I had to limit the numbers available. However, due to several people asking when the next one would be I have booked another Murder Mystery Dinner for the 12th November 2011 and have already sold fifteen places. So if you would like to be part of the next one please contact Michele on 07984 869498. The price will remain the same as this one, at a total cost of £35.00 which includes a three course meal followed by coffee and mints.

The event will be arranged with the Candlelight Theatre Group once again. However the scen-

ario will be different so if you want to come again it will be a totally different experience and this time we are considering making it an optional twenties theme evening.

Both the classes have gone from strength to strength and every week we endeavour to make the class fun and judging from our attendance we are doing a good job. With the mixture of music and dance styles the classes bring something different every week. And as one of our ladies said: “I cannot wait for the class to see what routine we have put together and get stuck into it.”

You can work at your own level wether it’s low or high. In fact we really are all about getting the heartbeat up and keeping in shape. If you have not had the pleasure of attending one of our classes why not come along this week and see what you think.

For further information contact Michele on 07984 869498.

New Hatha Yoga classes in Ottery St Mary and Feniton Hatha Yoga - the practice of yoga is much more than a system of physical exercise for health. The postures called asanas in the ancient Sanskrit language are actually just a small part of the whole yogic system.

The benefits of an holistic yoga practice helps calm the active mind and reduce stress and tension - a result of our our fast, modern pace of life. It promotes relaxation, improves fitness levels and flexibility and improves posture, muscle tone, health and wellbeing. Yoga can also improve health conditions such as asthma, hypertension, back pain etc and help you

experience the connection of the mind, body and spirit. The yoga practice will include relaxation postures, guided meditation and breathing exercises.

Mixed ability classes will be held at The Institute, Ottery Sy Mary on Fridays from 10am to 11.30pm. Feniton Village Hall on Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 8pm and Wednesdays 9.15am to 10.45am. Cost £6 per class.

Please call Lesley prior to starting the classes on 07791 563674 or 01404 812577. You will need to bring a yoga mat and blanket to class although I could provide a mat to begin with.

This firm has a clear vision for Ottery

Opticians Brian Knapman and Eiohn Hayes have joined forces to create Knapman Hayes, opticians specialising in home visits. Brian, who has been in optics in Torquay since 1961, disposed of his practice in 1988 and subsequently started a domiciliary service for patients who are housebound and unable to visit a high street optician.

Knapman Hayes expanded into Ottery St Mary some time ago and even though the firm is based in Torquay,

Eiohn lives in Chudleigh so visits to the town are well within reach.

There is no charge for the eye examination or visit if the patient is over 60 or registered as housebound, and spectacles are free if the patient receives income support or pension credit guarantee credit.

Brian said: “The main problem we find is that people are unaware that this service is available, and seem very surprised when they discover they can have

their eyes tested at home, free.”

“We are not in competition with high street opticians as we only do home visits. In fact, several local opticians already use our services for their own patients.”

Eiohn explained: “We offer a complete service. If spectacles are needed, we supply them from a large selection of modern frames, both metal and plastic, and some designer frames. We deliver and fit all our spectacles so there is no need for the patient to have to leave the house. And if we are unable to visit ourselves, our colleague Kathy will come to visit you for any alterations or adjustments.”

Knapman-Hayes are based at 9a Ilsham Road, Wellswood, Torquay, telephone 01803 294418, and they would welcome any enquiries from people living in Ottery St Mary and environs.

Please contact them soon for further information or for an appointment.

EYE EXAMINATIONS IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME If you are housebound or unable to visit an Optician, Brian Knapman or Eiohn Hayes will visit you.

The visit and sight test are FREE if you are over 60 or on Income Support.

We offer a complete visiting service with a large selection of modern and some designer frames.

Your spectacles are FREE if you receive Income Support or Pension Guarantee Credit

FOR A FULLY PROFESSIONAL SERVICE, PLEASE CONTACT BRIAN KNAPMAN or EIOHN HAYES

Telephone: 01803 294418 (24 hour answerphone) 9a Ilsham Road, Wellswood, Torquay TQ1 2JG

Page 29

Blood pressure checks The Otter Valley Rotary Club, in conjunction with the Stroke Awareness Association and other Rotary clubs around the country, will once again be checking the nation’s blood pressure. They have arranged for retired doctors and state registered nurses to take people’s blood pressure on Saturday, April 16th to help raise awareness of the possibility of strokes.

High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke. An estimated 16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure with many more unaware they have the condition. High blood pressure is symptomless, so the only way to find out if you are at risk is through a quick and painless test.

However, most people with high blood pressure can be treated effectively through prescribed drugs. The condition can also be prevented by making small but significant lifestyle changes.

Cutting down on alcohol, stopping smoking, reducing stress levels and leading a healthier lifestyle can all help lower blood

pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.

Michael MacMahon of The Stroke Association says, “Over 40% of those strokes could be prevented by the control of high blood pressure but thousands of people are completely unaware of their own blood pressure levels.We all lead busy lives but getting your blood pressure checked is quick, simple and painless, and we would urge local people to take advantage of this free testing and information session being provided by OtterValley Rotary Club.

The tests will be carried out at the Coleridge Playgroup, Jesu Street, Ottery St Mary between 9.00am and 12.30pm. Light refreshments will be available free of charge.The Rotary Club of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are also supporting the charity “TB Alert” and literature will be available on the day, detailing the signs and symptoms of TB, a disease on the increase in Great Britain.

For further information please ring Terry Blackler on 01404 823174.

OTTERY SCOUT GROUP NEWS

Chris is on target Chris Hamilton who is an Assistant Leader with Ottery Explorer Scouts has recently successfully completed a shooting marshal course held in Exeter. Chris attended the training day organised

by Devon County Scouting, where he learnt how to manage and organise an air rifle shooting range to ensure that all participants have an opportunity to use the weapons correctly and with absolute safety for themselves and others.

John Green – Explorer Leader commented “It is great that the group has someone trained to undertake this function. Chris has already planned to run 3 evenings of shooting for Explorers and I know that the Scouts and Cubs are also interested. I think Chris is going to be busy!!” If you are interested in joining Ottery Scout group and are aged between 6 – 16 please visit our web site at www.otteryscoutsuk.org.uk and complete the online membership enquiry form.

Guides help in Rotary ‘Focus on Crocus’ Campaign

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The Rotary Club of Otter Valley planted some 1000 crocuses at a number of locations in and around Ottery. Numerous West hill residents have commented on the wonderful display around the War Memorial and others have noted the blooms in Canaan Way around the Rotary granite seat.

As well as last autumns planting by Rotarians assistance was given by the local Guide troop and after patient waiting the purple blooms are a sight for all to behold.

The Focus on Crocus campaign was a UK wide effort by Rotary to recognize the International programme to eradicate Polio world wide. The purple colour of the crocus represents the colour of ink dabbed on each little childs finger to indicate that they had been immunized against polio. Above: Guides, Maddy, Emily and Phoebe admiring the crocuses which they helped to plant.

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Exciting plans for the Ottery Scout Centre unveiled Ottery Scout group have recently submitted plans for the development of their existing site.

The group have undertaken a consultation process with all the young people and adults involved with the group to establish the needs and requirements.The group also spoke to other organisations and bodies including EDDC, Devon Youth Service and Ottery Town Council representatives to understand if there was any provision for the future that could be incorporated into any new build. John Green – Group Scout Leader commented “It was important that the changes we wanted to make to the building would primarily ensure the correct provision for scouting, but mindful that other community groups currently use the building and we hope that more will in the future.The current main building was built in the early 1980’s, however, things change. The current

Above: Existing Front Elevation. Below: Proposed Front Elevation

• Removing the existing 8ft perimeter fence and concrete posts and replacing with something more suitable.

building has no disabled facilities and even access for those less able is difficult. The Scouts and Explorer sections who meet on a Friday night have grown and number nearly 70 and there is just not enough room.”

School Vouchers needed

If you have been shopping to Tesco or Sainsbury lately you will be aware that both companies have started issuing their school vouchers. The vouchers are able to be used by other organisations as well as schools. Ottery Scout Group have registered with both Tesco and Sainsbury in order to participate in the scheme. We can use the vouchers to put towards the supply of equipment which can be used by our young people.

In previous years we have exchanged the tokens for camping equipment, tents, outdoor games etc. The Scout group will be happy to receive any vouchers from Ottery residents, which you can hand

John continued “The building is being used more and more by groups and organisations and we need something that is fit for purpose.”

The plans include: • Doubling the existing meeting room by extending sidewards.

• Demolishing the store (which was originally the scout hut) and replace with a larger build which will incorporate disabled toilet/shower facilities and a purpose built and kitted stores area.

• Creating a new entrance with a ramp for easier access.

The group would like to thank Phil Palfrey from Palfrey Design Services who kindly agreed to design and draw up the plans free of charge.

Once the plans have been approved the real work starts in raising the necessary funds for the building work and associated fit out.The group will hope to raise the money through grant applications and fund raising. If you have any experience of raising funds for a similar project or advice on applying for grants please contact us to share your knowledge.

John Green Group Scout Leader explorers@otteryscoutsuk.org.uk

into any of the leaders, young people or drop them into the Scout centre where we have a collecting box.

John Green Group Scout Leader 01404 812836

explorers@otteryscoutsuk.org.uk

EASTERBROOK EATON LTD For a friendly and efficient local service contact us on 01404 812555 or call in at 8 Jesu Street, Ottery St Mary Also at Old Fore Street, Sidmouth Telephone: 01395 516658 For further information see our website at www.easterbrooks.co.uk Chartered Accountants - Registered Auditors Page 31

Ottery St Mary Tennis Club Ottery Choral Society News Coaching Programme 2011 Day Wednesdays

Time No. of Sessions 4.00 - 4.45 10 4.45 - 5.30 10 5.30 - 6.15 10 6.15 - 7.00 10 Max 12 per group (all groups will have a coaching Cost includes Junior Membership

Cost £50 £50 £50 £50 assistant)

Choral Society 2011 Diary Dates

SATURDAY MORNINGS CLUB Starts Saturday 7th May Free to junior members ADULT COACHING Starts Wednesday 4th May Coaching by Ray No. of Day Group Time Sessions Wednesdays Rusty Rackets 7.00 - 8.00 10 Thursdays Improvers 7.00 - 8.00 10 Includes full membership

Ottery St Mary Choral Society will be performing their Easter Spring Concert on Saturday 16th April at 7.30pm in Ottery Parish Church. The concert will feature:- Mozart Grand Mass in C Minor, Haydn ‘Surprise’ Symphony – No 94 in G. Major and J.S.Bach Magnificat in D Major, Conductor Malcolm Matthews, with Full Orchestra.

Tickets available at StageStruck, Ottery St Mary (01404 811311) and from Society members. Adults £9.50, Young people under 16yrs £4.50 (includes programme).

Cost £60 £60

Contact: For more information and bookings: Juniors: Jason Wood: 079807 56484 Adults: Ray Puttick : 01404 813720 Club Play: Come and join in with other Club members on Tuesdays and Thursdays at.6.30 and Saturdays at 2.00 Competitions: Leagues, Friendlies & Juniors Website: www.ottery-st-mary-tennis-club-info

Ladies Netball Players Wanted Do you wish to join us to play netball? We are a small group of ladies looking for more players for a fun, not serious, 1 hour session for anyone aged 11-100. We play on Wednesdays at 7.00pm at the Colin Tooze Sports Centre, Ottery St Mary. Come and join us! For more details phone Caroline on 01404 815910.

To advertise in the Gazette call 815111

Wednesday 15th June: Choral Society Annual General Meeting United Reform Church, Ottery St. Mary Wednesday 7th September: Rehearsals begin for theChoral Society Christmas Concert.

Saturday 12th November: Classics Galore Concert (Raising funds for “FORCE” ) Concert held in The Great Hall, Exeter University.

Saturday 10th December: Christmas Concert in Ottery St Mary Church.

New members always welcome. We are a “Community” choir and do not hold auditions. For further information please call Ben Laite, Society Chairman, on 01404 822114.

‘Exploring Ottery St Mary’ - a new documentary “Exploring Ottery St Mary” is a DVD documentary that I have filmed and produced within the last five months. I looked at the history and attractions of the town, as well as focusing on what exactly makes Ottery the prestigious and well-loved town that it has become. The DVD is ideal for those living in and around Ottery - and it is also a great gift after a visit.

I have made arrangements with The Ottery Tourist Information Office to give these DVDs out free of charge to Ottery residents and visitors to the town. The whole documentary was filmed using one camera; a JVC Hard Disk Home camcorder. For more information on the 40 minute programme, contact me on exploringottery@gmail.com The documentary is also available to watch on YouTube – just search “Exploring Ottery”.

Oscar Pearson

Exploring Ottery St Mary

Page 32

Busy Otters have fun raising funds for Red Nose Day Red Nose Day saw our children and staff wearing items of red clothing with some children having their noses painted red too! Throughout the week leading up to Red Nose Day children also took part in a sponsored Hopathon. I think you can tell from the photo much fun was had raising money for a good cause.

A big thank you to our local builders, Alan Todd & Son Ltd, who have very kindly made a donation to help us purchase a uniform for our staff. They are sure to be very smart in their new red uniforms.

The Busy Otters building project on the Primary School site is coming to an end. Work is to be completed on 15 April, and an Open Day for parents is planned later in the month.

We are getting even more excited to be moving into the new premises in the Summer

Term now it is getting very close to happening!

Busy Otters currently runs at The Old Boys School in Yonder Street. We offer pre-school places for children from 2 years 6 months, up until they begin

Ottery St Mary Community Market’s 3rd birthday!

The third anniversary of Sustainable Ottery’s Community Market takes place this month on Saturday 30th April. The market has grown from just a few stalls to filling up the whole Institute in Ottery with over 30 stalls every month.

“It’s a great community event”, says Penny Hounslow, one of the market organisers, “The stall holders benefit by having a local market for their goods and the people of Ottery have the opportunity to buy local produce, as well as tracking down unique presents and cards.”

“It’s a wonderful meeting place for the people of Ottery”, says Ann Masters, who runs the

Parish Church’s stall. “It is lovely for the Church to go out into the community and to meet lots of different people and we raise a useful amount for church funds.”

Mary Edwards of the WI, who provides refreshments at the market every month, is also a big fan. “It is a good way for the WI to get involved in the community, meeting people, some of who go on to become members. We also get extra funds to pay for better quality speakers at our own meetings.”

Come along and celebrate with the stallholders at this month’s market on Saturday 30th April 9.30am – 12.30pm at the Institute in Yonder Street.

Christine Ashby SOLICITOR

Local solicitor offering a friendly and professional service Wills and probate, Inheritance tax planning, Administration of Estates, Trusts, Powers of attorney, Long term care, Member of Solicitors for the Elderly 61 Mill Street, Ottery St Mary Telephone: 01404 814303 E mail: mail@christineashby.co.uk Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

school. Sessions are Monday to Friday 9.30am – 12 noon.

Afternoon sessions are Monday, Tuesday,Wednesday and Friday 12.45 – 3.15pm. We also have Lunch Club on Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Toddler sessions for the under 5’s are on Thursday afternoons, 1pm – 2.45pm. £2 per family.

For further information please ring 01404 815370 or email busyotters@googlemail.com Website: www.busyotters.co.uk

Drumming Workshop

The Sustainable Ottery African Drumming Workshops just keep getting busier. There is one more date booked for Saturday 9th April from 2.00 to 5.00pm at the Station Youth Centre, Ottery St Mary. As usual the first hour and a half is for beginners and less experienced drummers with the second half being for people who have been drumming for longer.

Everyone over 11 is welcome and the cost is £7.50 per session.

Drums are available to borrow. If you want to know more call 01404 814217.

EVER THOUGHT OF ADOPTING A CAT?

Cats Protection is one of the UK’s leading welfare charity and helps around 140,000 cats and kittens each year.

60,000 of these are found loving new homes through our adoption centres and branches nationwide. We rely entirely on public generosity to finance the vital welfare work. Your nearest Adoption Centre is:

EXETER AXHAYES ADOPTION CENTRE Little Hill Cottage, Clyst Honiton, Exeter, EX5 2HS Telephone: 01395 232377 www.axhayes.cats.org.uk Situated on the A3052 Exeter to Sidmouth Road, between Westpoint Arena and Crealy Adventure Park.

Currently we have over 100+ cats and kittens looking for new homes at our adoption centre. Do you live in the Devon Area and are looking for an addition to your family, company within your home, then please feel to call us and we can explain the easy adoption process to you.

Page 33

Rotary Round-Up NEWS FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF OTTER VALLEY

After the usual Business Meeting in February which seemed to concentrate excessively on the forthcoming 25th Anniversary of the Club and President’s night, the club welcomed Fredric McShaw to its second meeting as its speaker. Fredric is an ophthalmologist practising in Sidmouth. He was born in Zimbabwe and came to England some 30 years ago. He is also a member of Sidmouth Rotary Club.

In deference to the age of most club members, he chose as the topic for his talk “The Aging Eye”. He started by stressing that it was most important not to wait for any symptoms of eye deterioration to manifest themselves, but to have regular eye check-ups, ideally every other year. The reason for this being that we can lose up to 50% of the nerves is our eyes without our being aware of it.

If we don’t have these checkups, eye disease will creep up on us unnoticed. He also explained that the colours red and green enabled practitioners to assess the strength to apply to glasses, thus the extensive colour test.

The next disease he covered was Glaucoma. There are no real symptoms for this disease; one check is a test for high pressure in the eye but it is quite possible to have the disease with normal pressure; the puffer test, which so many of us have had, is only effective in about 50% of cases; a field test is the most effective as it checks if the nerves are functioning. A laser scan can give the earliest indication of the condition. He closed with a lengthy session of questions as many found the talk very pertinent to themselves.

The following week, the 15th, saw the first “Youth presents Music” competition in the Main Hall of the King’s School at Ottery. This competition is open to schools from all of the East Devon area and features children from Years One to Six. This event is run by the club’s Youth Committee under the leadership of Rotarian Peter Bennett. In the Junior Year, One to Four category, Tipton St John Lower Key Stage Two choir was named best overall performance with Laura Machin awarded the best instrumental

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prize.Tipton St John Lower Key Stage Two winning best vocal perfor-mance. In the Intermediate Group, years 5 to 6, Safier Lewis was awarded the best overall performance and best solo instrumental with Tipton St John Upper Key Stage Two winning best vocal performance.

The children were judged by Children’s Musical song-writer Stephen Sylvester, who wrote the score for “The Clangers”, and Ottery St Mary Town Clerk and Parish Church Choirmaster, Judith Reynolds.

For the final meeting of the month, the 22nd, our speaker was Will Lloyd with the topic of “Sawdust to Logs”. A few years back, Will had been contemplating a change of job which would enable him to work for himself. He lives out in the country and, one day, whilst mulling over his bills, particularly the cost of oil for his Rayburn which by that time had reached £2000 per annum; this sum he considered to be excessive, so decided to look for an alternative.Timber seemed the obvious answer. However, he estimated that straight logs would not generate enough heat on their own; so he looked for something else.

He found a company in Germany producing blocks of compressed sawdust which burned very efficiently, so decided to use them.

It was at this point, that he realised if they suited his needs, they would probably suit many other users in the UK. Here was his chance to work for himself, so he set up a company which marketed them here and took out a patent on the name “Heetabix” since the blocks looked very much like the cereal Weetabix. Each block is a mixture of both softwood and hardwood sawdust which enables them to light quickly

but burn well, generating a great deal of heat. Sure enough, this took off and in no time he had a considerable clientele. So successful has it been that he now has his own manufacturer in Nottingham.

Delighted with this success, he looked around for other products to add to his portfolio.

He found a similar item as Blazer but made of hemp, called Raster Fire, not surprisingly!!! He then found yet another product called “Fieldfire”. This is made of compressed straw and stubble but does not generate as much heat as the others but is somewhat cheaper.

By this time, the ‘Green’ movement was really getting underway and many organisations were looking for green alternatives to fossil fuels. This lead to the manufacturing of special boilers which could burn wood pellets, little cylinders of wood, which could be loaded into a hopper and trickle fed into the boiler.This fuel is cheaper than oil by about £1000 per 1000 litres; however, there is one major drawback, the boilers cost between £5000 and £15000!! Notwithstanding this, Will decided to market them and this now accounts for a large part of his turnover. All these products are bound together with natural lignums and have a moisture content of about 7%. The residual ash is 0.7% for the pellets and 1% for the remainder.

Many members had been skeptical about the interest factor of his talk. by the end, he was swamped with questions and interest in purchasing his products. Rotarian Nick AggManning, who had set up the talk, purchases his products by the pallet-load which he is prepared to share with his fellow Rotarians – the greater the bulk purchased, the lower the price; a fitting way to end a cold February!!

CHIROPODIST (PODIATRIST)

The Ottery Foot Clinic DENISE MARTIN BSC HONS, MS. SCH., DIP. POD. MED. H.P.C. R EGISTERED 16 Mill Street, Ottery St Mary EX11 1AB Telephone: 01404 811234

CHEF’S RECOMMENDATIONS All Special dishes served with Pilau Rice

APPETISERS 1.95

Prawn Puri 3.45 Prawns cooked with spices and herbs and served with fried bread

Vegetable Pakora 2.25 Selected vegetables deep-fried in a slightly spiced, flavoured batter

King Prawn Puri 4.50 King prawn cooked with herbs and served with fried bread

Chicken Tikka 2.95 Diced chicken breast marinated in yoghurt and spices, and barbecued in a clay oven

Chicken Chat 3.25 Savoury chicken with refreshing cucumber and tomatoes, served with fried bread

Lamb Tikka 2.95 Very tender diced lamb marinated in yoghurt and spices, and barbecued in a clay oven

Samosa (meat/vegetable) 2.50 Spicy triangular-shaped pastry filled with spicy mincemeat or vegetables

Chicken Pakora 2.95 Pieces of chicken breast deep-fried in a slightly spiced batter

Prawn Cocktail 1.95 Prawns on a bed of lettuce topped with a seafood dressing

Tandoori Mixed Kebab 3.95 An assortment of Tandoori dishes consisting of lamb tikka, chicken tikka, and shish kebab

Ika Ring Squid with spices

Tandoori King Prawn 4.50 Mildly spiced succulent king prawn grilled over charcoal Tandoori Shish Kebab 2.50 Minced lamb with onions, herbs and spices, skewered and grilled King Prawn Butterfly King prawn marinated in a spicy sauce, fried with breadcrumbs

4.45

3.25

Yakitori (2 pieces) 3.25 Skewered chicken grilled with Yakitori sauce Spicy Chicken Wings

3.75

Stuffed Peppers 3.25 Roasted green peppers stuffed with chicken or lamb Potato & Mushroom Chat 2.95 Small pieces of mushroom and potato fried in butter, then cooked with onions and spices

TANDOORI CUISINE All Tandoori dishes are thoroughly marinated in delicately spiced yoghurt to tenderise the meat and give it a seductive flavour and tantalising aroma.

These dishes are cooked on a charcoal fire in a specially designed clay oven.

Tandoori Chicken Chicken Tikka Lamb Tikka Tandoori Shaslick Chicken Tandoori Shaslick Lamb

5.95 5.95 6.25 7.25 7.95

GARLIC CHILLI Marinated and cooked with extra garlic and green chilli in a hot and spicy sauce Chicken Tikka Garlic Chilli Lamb Garlic Chilli King Prawn Garlic Chilli Prawn Garlic Chilli Vegetable Garlic Chilli Chef’s Special Garlic (chicken, meat and prawn)

6.25 6.95 8.95 6.95 5.50 8.95

AUTHENTIC BALTI Spicy Balti dishes are individually prepared with fresh-made ingredients into a thoroughly blended mixture of authentic spices and herbs. Balti dishes are cooked and served In the Balti pan, a fascinating utensil which locks the aromatic flavour and taste into the dishes Chicken Balti 5.95 Meat Balti 6.95 Chicken Tikka BaIti 6.50 Lamb Tikka BaIti 6.95 Prawn Balti 6.95 King Prawn Balti 9.95 Vegetable Balti 4.95 Chefs Special Balti 8.95 Chicken, meat and prawn

Tandoori Shish Kebab Tandoori Mixed Grill (Served with nan) Tandoori King Prawn

10.95

1.75 1.95 2.25 2.25 2.25 1.50 1.95 0.85 1.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

RICE Plain Rice 1.75 Pilau Rice 1.95 Puree Basmati rice cooked with spices and saffron Mushroom Fried Rice 2.95 Vegetable Fried Rice 2.95 Seafood Fried Rice 2.95 Special Fried Rice 2.95 Shahi Fried Rice 2.95 An aromatic Pilau Rice cooked with almonds and sultanas

BANQUET NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY Starter, Main Course, Side Dish, Rice or Nan - £9.95 per person

46 Mill Street, Ottery St Mary

Papadom Special Chicken 7.95 Medium or hot tender pieces of chicken grilled in Tandoori, then cooked with cashew nuts, green pepper, onion and fresh coriander.

Served in iron korahi

Tamarind Chicken 7.95 Cooked with garlic, ginger & tamarind sauce, a tangy flavour

Papadom Special Jalfrezi 8.25 Pieces of chicken, lamb and king prawn marinated, then cooked with fresh ginger, gren chilli and fresh coriander in a hot spicy sauce Chicken Tikka Masala 6.95 Cooked in a very mild and creamy Tandoori sauce Lamb Tikka Masala 7.95 Tender, marinated lamb cooked in a very mild and creamy sauce Chicken Passanda 6.95 Tender pieces of chicken marinated in spicy ground herbs and yoghurt & cooked in a creamy sauce of ground almond Lamb Passanda 7.95 Lamb fillets marinated in spicy ground herbs & yoghurt and cooked in a creamy sauce of ground almonds Lemon Chicken 6.95 Chicken breast cooked in a lemonflavoured sauce & served oh a bed of salad - mild and creamy Butter Chicken 6.95 Charcoal breast of chicken cooked in a milky creamy delicious spiced buttery sauce Chicken Mohanwala 6.95 Chicken marinated in herbs and spices, cooked with chipped onion & cheesemild Jeera Chicken or Lamb Chicken 6.95 Lamb 7.95 Chicken or lamb cooked with spicy flavoured cumin seeds-medium or hot

Tamarind Lamb 7.95 Cooked with garlic, ginger and tamarind sauce, a tangy flavour Achar Chicken/Lamb 7.95 Pieces of marinated chicken in a tantalising pickled masala. Fairly moist and sour Shahi Chicken/Lamb 7.95 Tandoori grilled chicken (off bone), cooked with tomatoes, onion and fresh coriander in a thick sauce Medium or hot Karahi Chicken 7.95 Chicken cubes marinated in spices and cooked in a medium dry gravy with tomato halves and capsicum, and served from an iron karahi medium or hot Karahi Lamb 7.95 Lamb marinated in spices and cooked in a medium dry gravy with tomato halves and capsicum, and served from an iron karahi - medium or hot Murgh Sylhet 8.25 De-boned chicken Tandoori cooked with special Bangladeshi chillies, highly flavoured and fairly hot Makhon Walla Murghi 7.50 Cubed chicken tikka cooked in a mild spicy sauce with garlic, ginger, coriander and fenugreek leaves Tandoori King Prawn Delight 10.95 Char-grilled king prawn, cooked in a creamy sauce of red wine and fruit Chicken Lakhnow 7.95 Delicate preparation of coconut ground almond and fresh cream with mushroom, creating a very mild, but rich creamy sauce with golden syrup

ALL FAVOURITES

7.50 9.95

SUNDRIES Naan Special leavened bread, freshly baked Garlic Naan Keema Naan (Minced lamb) Cheese Naan Peshwari Naan Vegetable Naan Paratha Chapati Chips Plain Papadom Spicy Papadom Chutney (Per person)

Bangladeshi Mix 8.95 Chicken, lamb, king prawn and mushroom cooked with medium spices & lemongrass

Papadom Special Lamb 8.25 Medium or hot tender pieces of lamb grilled in Tandoori, then cooked with cashew nuts, green pepper, onion and fresh coriander. Served in iron korahi

FREE PAPADOM WITH ORDERS OVER £10.

FREE BOTTLE OF WINE WITH ORDERS OVER £40 Onion Bhaji Freshly sliced onions in a mildly spiced batter and deep-fried

Rajeshwari (Hot) 8.95 Boneless barbecued diced chicken cooked with onion, garlic, green chillies, peeled tomato & own recipe

Chicken Lamb

Prawn King Chicken Lamb Prawn Tikka Tikka JALFREZI 6.95 8.95 7.95 7.95 Hot and spicy, cooked with sliced ginger, green peppers, fresh tomatoes and coriander

Veg.

4.95

Chef’s Special (ch.lamb,prawn) 8.95

BHUNA 5.95 6.95 6.95 8.95 6.50 6.50 4.95 A combination of a special blend of spices cooked in a thick gravy, medium hot

8.95

MADRAS 5.95 6.95 6.95 8.95 6.50 6.50 Cooked with fresh ground spices and herbs in hot sauce

4.95

8.95

VINDALOO 5.95 6.95 6.95 8.95 6.50 6.50 4.95 Cooked with fresh ground spices and herbs in very hot sauce

8.95

ROGAN JOSH 5.95 6.95 6.95 8.95 6.50 6.50 4.95 8.95 A beautiful combination of herbs, spices, garlic and ginger with tomatoes, coriander and butter, medium DUPIAZA 5.95 6.95 6.95 8.95 6.50 6.50 4.95 8.95 Cooked using a large quantity of cubed onions briskly fried with capsicum, black pepper and fresh coriander DANSAK 5.95 6.95 6.95 8.95 6.50 6.50 4.95 Lentils cooked with garlic, producing a sweet sour and hot dish of Persian origin, garnished with coriander leaves

8.95

PATHIA 5.95 6.95 6.95 8.95 6.50 6.50 4.95 8.95 Cooked using onions, tomatoes, garlic puree and green chillies, together with black peppers and coriander to produce a sweet, sour and hot dish KORMA 5.95 6.95 6.95 8.95 6.50 6.50 4.95 8.95 A delicate preparation of coconut, ground almond and fresh cream, creating a very mild, but rich creamy sauce KASHMIRI 5.95 6.95 6.95 8.95 Mild curry cooked with various fruits

6.50

6.50

4.95

8.95

SAAG 5.95 6.95 6.95 8.95 6.50 6.50 4.95 8.95 Medium hot dish cooked with fresh spinach, tomatoes and onions, garnished with fresh coriander and garlic BIRYANI 6.95 6.95 6.95 8.50 7.50 7.50 5.95 7.95 Biryani dishes are mixed with Basmati rice fried in ghee, dress with tomatoes, and served with vegetable curry

Tel: 01404 811088 or 01404 812974

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OTTERY FOOTBALL CLUB NEWS Looking back at March The First team won a tight game against Axminster on Saturday 19th and are now 16 points clear of the bottom.The Youth teams are having mixed fortunes at the moment. It makes the season feel twice as long when you can’t seem to score a goal no matter how much effort you put in. I’m ever hopeful that the drought for our own U12s will end at some point!!

At the time of going to print we are looking forward to going on our Veterans Tour to Cornwall, with games against Bodmin and against St Agnes.

I’ll tell you how we got on in next month’s Gazette.

Upcoming Events In April we have Carnival Bingo on the 10th be there early to get a table as always. Doors open at 7pm and eyes down sometime after 7.30pm.We also have Eclipse Bingo on the 17th.

There will be an ‘Adam Stansfield Memorial Day’ on Sunday 24th of April. Plymouth Supporters and Exeter Supporters will be playing 2 matches, with A and B teams competing at 12.00 and then at 3pm.

There will be Live Music in the

evening starting at 6pm and the Easter Prize Draw will also take place.

Tickets will be £4 to watch the football and £5 for entry to the club for the Live music in the evening. If you purchase both then it will be at a discounted cost of £7.50 for adults. Kids can watch the football for free.

The ticket price for the evening will also include food. During the day we will have teas, coffees, burgers, hot-dogs etc on sale from the Clubhouse.

For further information contact Matt Cantell via the Club.

How to contact the Club Come along and visit, whether you are into Football or not.

The Club has Pool Table, Darts Board and Bar. If you have young kids, bring them along if you want somewhere to relax in a child friendly atmosphere.

Better still get them involved in their Youth Age group if they like the idea of playing.The Club is open from Wednesday to Friday from 7.00pm, and on Saturdays is open all day from 12.00 midday. Sundays the Club is open from 12.00 midday till 6pm.

The Football Club has two rooms available for Private

The Court

Retirement Residence DAY CARE . RESPITE CARE RESIDENTIAL CARE ROCKBEARE

Parties, Christenings, Wedding Receptions, Events or Business Meetings daytimes or evenings.

To enquire on availability, and discuss your requirements for catering or bar contact us ring Colin on our new number 01404 812781.

If you wish to advertise via the Club, or sponsor a team or match, then see the new website for details at http:// www.pitchero.com/clubs/ otterystmaryfootballclub/.

And Finally Here’s hoping that the weather smiles on us on the 24th. A lot of effort will be going in to promote a worth while cause in memory of a well respected

guy, so please come along and give us your support and have an enjoyable day too.

The AGM will be held on Thursday 5th May at the Football Club.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved behind the scenes, get in touch by ringing the Club or by asking to talk to a committee member if you are down at the Club itself.We are always looking to welcome new social or committee members to the Club and there is always things to do.

If you are interested then ring us on the new number 812781 or see a committee member.

Bill Hayes

GRANDISSON ARCHERS NEWS

The Annual President’s Trophy was a fiercely competitive event held on The King’s School Sports Field on a sunny afternoon on Sunday March 13th. The 21 members were invited to shoot at 3D models, traditional targets and to take part in a clout shoot of approx 120 yds. Other non-participating members including 5 juniors enjoyed perfecting their skills. The Field Captain John Brice was delighted at the skill of members taking part and the growing number of junior members attending. A very good day for Grandisson Archers.

The results (in points) were: 1st: Norman Tucker 208, 2nd: Mark Polkie 206, 3rd: Brian Cooper 194, 4th: Chris Tolwill 181, 5th: Lawrence Wonnacott 179, 6th: Mark Johnston 178, 7th: Bob Greenland 175, 8th: Neil Channing 164, 9th: David Restall 151, 10th: Pete Stone 135. The leading junior was Luke Johnston with 125 points. David Restall, pictured, scored the highest individual clout score and hit the post too!

Eunice Weddell MCFHP. MAFHP.

FOOT HEALTH PROFESSIONAL Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

The Court is a gracious caring home providing warmth, companionship, and safety.

Call 01404 822632 for more information Page 36

VISITING PRACTICE

Telephone: 07949 660 624 (OTTERY ST MARY)

Whiplash describes pain to the neck following an injury to the soft tissues and joints due to abnormal movement patterns.

It is commonly associated with road traffic accidents but can also be caused by injuries such as falls, fair ground rides and horse riding to name a few.

Whiplash injuries have a huge impact on the economy accounting for 430,000 insurance claims in the U.K. each year, 75% of total claims in 2007, and for every insurance premium 14% is allocated towards claims for whiplash injury.

Mechanism The mechanism of injury used to be thought of as a flexionextension injury where the head and neck is thrown forward and then back, but it is now known to be more complicated which explains why even crashes at low speed can cause quite a large amount of pain and disability.

In the initial stages of impact the cervical spine forms an Sshape with hyper or over extension or of the lower neck, this causes injury at low level speed impacts. As acceleration continues, the upper neck then goes back into hyper-extension so causing injury at higher impact speeds.

Prognosis With a whiplash injury, as well as neck pain, there may also be

Treating whiplash injury

Initially there is over flexion of The lower cervical spine

Then there is hyperextension of the upper cervical spine

pain into the mid or lower back, symptoms into the upper limbs, headaches, dizziness, lethargy and blurred vision. Some people also suffer from nightmares and psychological distress following the accident.

Some times the pain does not occur until months after the injury.

The prognosis for whiplash injury varies, statistics show that 40-50% of people recover within 6 weeks, 26% of sufferers being off work for 2-6 months and 12% for more than 6 months. In the long term between 2 and 18% of people remained off work for 1 year or more. Of those returning to work it was found that between 14 and 42% of people went on to develop chronic cervical pain and 10% severe pain indefinitely.

The outcome tends to be worse if the injured person is over 65

years old, or they suffer pins or needles into the limbs, the cause of injury was a fall from a great height or the impact of a crash was at high speed. Also in clinic we find that if the head was turned to the side rather than looking ahead at the time of impact the injury tends to be worse.

Treatment.

X-Rays often show no abnormality with whiplash injuries, unless the accident is very severe. Treatment by a chiropractor or osteopath helps restore normal movement of the joints in the neck and upper back region. This then allows the ligaments and muscles surrounding the joints to heal.

Studies have shown that manipulation and exercise have both short and long term benefits as has acupuncture. The earlier treatment is sought the better the outcome as with

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most injuries.The use of collars and rest are now discouraged.

Prevention The number of cases of whiplash has reduced over the years with the introduction of headrests and improved car design with some more modern cars having an anti-whiplash protection mechanism built in. The effectiveness of headrests varies.

Studies range in their effectiveness to reduce injury between 5-75% and is dependant on them being fitted correctly. At the time of impact the head needs to be in contact with the headrest for it to be work.

Although more expensive cars can be programmed to alter the headrest depending the driver, how often do we do this in manually adjusted cars?

Susan Moore BSc (Hons), RGN, Chiropractor Sidmouth Chiropractic Centre, Lymebourne Villas, Sidmouth 01395 578714

Ottery St Mary Bridge Club We meet every Thursday at the Institute,Yonder Street, Ottery St. Mary. The game starts at 7.00p.m. Visitors are very welcome. Contacts: J. Whitlam: 01404 815318, M. Waterfield: 01404 813864

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Canonteign Falls - ideal for an Easter family day out

There is something for everyone to enjoy within the 80-acre country park of Canonteign falls. From the natural beauty of the countryside to its wildlife inhabitants and the phenomenon of England’s largest waterfall complete with sister falls.

Children are well catered for with outdoor play areas, and new for 2011, their own nature trail to keep them on the lookout for birdlife, with informative RSPB boards placed around the walks in the park.There is a “Canonteign reward” for those eagle-eyed enough to complete the nature trail quiz. Canonteign have worked closely with the RSPB for advice & guidance to both educate and enthrall those who walk the nature trail, and are keen to preserve the wildlife the Estate already enjoys as well as actively encouraging more. By prior arrangement, guided walks are offered around the vast estate gardens.

Canonteign Falls, Christow, Nr Exeter, Devon.Tel: 01647 252434. www.canonteignfalls.co.uk

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Cafe Church launched A new type of ‘Café’ style church service has started at Ottery St Mary Parish Church.

Each month on the second Sunday ‘Café’ Church will tackle a particular life sub-ject in a relaxed environment. Topics planned for future Café Church sessions include money management, bereavement, parenting and family life, developing good habits, staying healthy and keeping safe.

The first topic to be covered

by Café Church on Sunday 13th February - to coincide with the beginning of marriage week - is entitled ‘Love Is ?’, with guest speaker Susie Ursell. Susie is the Exeter Diocese Family Life And Marriage Education (FLAME) Co-ordinator, working with churches in Devon to promote stronger and more supportive families.

Revd. Simon Franklin from the Parish Church said:“Sometimes it can be quite daunting entering a church for a service of any type, especially if you don’t know what is expected of you.

Café Church stands for Church Accessible For Everyone, and the aim of this service is to welcome church and non church goers alike to join together around tables enjoying good coffee and pastries, and to have the opportunity to discuss ‘life’ issues in a Christian context.

“It will be a very informal gathering with quiet time for reflection and the opportunity to listen to and engage in thought provoking discussions in a safe environment. For children there will be a crèche and group activities.”

Ottery Bowling Club Hot Cross Bun and Coffee Morning Ottery St Mary Bowling Club will be holding their popular Hot Cross Bun/ Coffee morning at the Institute, Ottery St Mary, on Saturday 2nd April from 10.00am till 12.00pm. There will be the opportunity to browse along the stalls,enter competitions and chat with your friends over coffee. There are a few remaining stalls for hire at £5 00. Ring 01404 811195 for more details.

OTTERYCARD OFFERS FOR APRIL TUMBLING WEIR HOTEL - 10% discount off A La Carte Meals. (excluding functions and light lunches).

DOWNS MOTORS - 10% discount on new Unipart batteries DEVON TILES - 10% OFF all Roca and Roman showers.

MILLSTONE BAKERY - Draw every month for a voucher for a 8” round celebration cake valid for 3 months. Watch the blackboard for other great Otterycard offers.

C H SALTER - 10% OFF servicing on all Citroen, Peugeot and Renault Cars.

COLES FURNISHERS - 10% off Pillows.

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHOPS SHOPPING IN OTTERY SAVES TIME AND FUEL!

* En-suite rooms - Lift to all floors * Special diets catered for * Short stays / Respite or long term care * Your favourite furniture welcomed

Why not drop in for a friendly chat and speak to our manager Margaret?

Call us on 01404 812939 10 Paternoster Row, Ottery St Mary Page 38

Wardrobes and Bedroom Furniture Vanity Units and Bathrooms. Kitchens Fitted Doors and Windows supplied and fitted Book Cases made and fitted FREE ESTIMATES GIVEN Telephone: 01404 811420 Mobile: 07775 700535

What’s On in April Ark Pottery. Open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm. 01404 812628 Cadhay House & Gardens. Open each Friday in May and late Spring Bank Holiday, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. From 2pm to 5.30pm. For more information contact 01404 813511 Escot Gardens, Maze & Park Open all year. See the Otters, Red Squirrels, try the Drop Slide. Watch the Falconry displays. Contact 01404 822188 for more information about a great day out.

1st Fri 1st Fri 2nd Sat

Ottery St Mary Farmer’s Market Hind Street 9.00am to 1.00pm ‘Off the Peg’ Fashion Show at West Hill Village Hall Tickets £6 available from Information Centre, West Hill Post Office Ottery Bowling Club Coffee Morning Hot Cross Bun/Coffee Morning at the Institute Ottery St Mary from 10.00am to 12 noon

2nd Sat 2nd Sat

Over 60’s Coffee Morning at the Feoffee Hall at 9.45am Otter Vale Friends of Hospiscare Spring Coffee Morning and Table Top at Village Hall Newton Poppleford 11th Mon Ottery St Mary Wl evening meeting at the Roman Catholic Parish Room at 7.30pm Speaker Anitra Lockwood ‘Women of Pakistan’ 12th Tues Ottery St Mary Gardening Club afternoon meeting at the Institute Speaker Mrs Chris Laxton of Otter Vale Products. Starts at 2.30pm 16th Sat Coach Outing with Yonder Close Social Club to Wimborne Market/Haskins Coach pick-up at 9.00am at Yonder Close. Bookings on 01404812002 16th Sat Ottery St Mary Choral Society Concert at The Parish Church at 7.30pm 27th Wed Ottery St Mary Flower Club meeting at Ottery St Mary Primary School at 7.30pm.

Demonstrator Sarah Hills-lngyon from Sidford 30th Sat Ottery Community Market at the Institute 9.30am to 1.00pm

What’s On at Otter Nurseries

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE

Mother’s Day - Sunday 3rd April - Come and celebrate Mother’s Day at Otter Nurseries - the perfect day out! Treat your mother to a delicious meal in the restaurant, offering a selection of roast meats, a superb choice of other lunches and mouth-watering puddings, this is definitely a day not to be missed. No room for pudding...? Why not take home an Otter homemade cake to enjoy “Otterly” outstanding quality and flavour in your own home? Or treat your mother to a beautiful plant from the garden centre, or a special gift from the shop? With lots of extra special products being recommend prior to the day, you’ll be sure to find the perfect present to show her just how much she means o you.

Line Dancing Wednesday - 20 April ~ 4pm to 6.30pm. It’s time to don your Stetson and put on your dancing shoes for an afternoon of line dancing with Estelle Shepherd. Join in the fun in the restaurant and enjoy the sounds of country music for only £4 per person, including delicious home-made refreshments.

Tickets must be booked in advance and are available from the main shop tills.

OTTERY ST MARY TOWN COUNCIL

To advertise in the Gazette call 815111

MP

Property Maintenance

Roofing, Guttering, Plumbing, Painting and Decorating, Drainwork, Gardening.

House/General Repairs and Maintenance.

No call out charge, FREE Estimates 24 hour call out service

Telephone: 01404 813253 07891 124025

The next meeting of will be held at 7pm on Monday 4th April 2011 in the Council Chamber, The Old Convent, 8 Broad Street, Ottery St Mary The Agenda for these meetings will be displayed on Parish notice boards and on the Council website www.otterystmary-tc.gov.uk at least three clear days before the meeting Members of the public and the Press are welcome to attend.

THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 12th April 2011 in the Institute,Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary All Electors of the Parish are welcome to attend.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

HOSPITAL LEAGUE OF FRIENDS NEEDS STEWARDS

Ottery St Mary Hospital has been open for 16 years. A Stewarding Scheme has been in place since then to welcome anyone who has a reason to visit. We need to keep our numbers up and are seeking new Volunteers between 4.00pm and 7.00pm. If you can help please contact Mandy on 01404 816000 during weekday office hours.

VOLUNTEERS are wanted to help escort elderly people to and from Ottery St Mary Day Centre on the hospital mini-bus.

No driving or training necessary. For more information telephone Alison or Karen on 078133 23750.

DEADLINE FOR THE MAY EDITION OF THE OTTERY GAZETTE WED 20TH MARCH, 2011 (at the latest)

Ottery St Mary Reformed Church

open day

Saturday 23rd April, 10.30am to 3.00pm at The Institute, Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary.

Displays, refreshments, drop in when you like, leave when you like, ask questions if you like!

Further info: telephone 813417 after 6pm or visit www.otteryreformed.freeola.net Page 39

Independent Financial Advice

Brand new in this month in paperback we have a number of books by bestselling authors.

First up is Jane Green’s ‘The Love Verb’ described as a life affirming story, filled with laughter, love and hope. Her novels are always best sellers and we have it on special offer at just £4.99 so if you fancy giving her a try it won’t break the bank.

If murder mysteries are more your sort of thing then Nicci French has a new thriller out.

‘Complicit’ starts with Bonnie Graham, a music teacher in her friend’s flat. She is alone except for the dead body lying in a pool of blood.What happened?

What will she do? And is any or all of it her fault? Once more we have this on special offer so it will only cost you £4.99 to find out.

Last but not least in fiction is Clive Cussler’s new novel ‘The Silent Sea’. Described as a

gripping white knuckle ride this is Clive Cussler at his best and once again it is only £4.99. If none of these take you fancy we have about 1,000 more novels in stock so why not come and take a look?

Turning to autobiography we have just received Gervase Phinn’s ‘Road to the Dales’ in paperback.This was a big seller in hardback and is sure to be a hit in paperback. Gervase is best known for his hilarious and charming tales of life as a teacher and school inspector but now he gives us a unique glimpse of his own childhood, of life growing up in a pre-war red brick house (with an inside loo) in Rotherham. With a wicked ear for the comical and a sharp eye for detail this beautifully written memoir provides a magical portrait of growing up in 1950’s Yorkshire.

The cover price is £7.99 but

S W F

P

South West Financial Planning Ltd

3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Savings and Investments Protection Planning Wealth Management Retirement Planning Mortgage/Equity Release Inheritance Tax and Trusts Share Dealing Service Helping successful people to make the right financial decisions

01404 815551 2 Cornhill, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1DW

we have it on offer for just £4.99.

Finally I am sure you will have heard about the wedding of the year.To celebrate we have a little book that should prove a delight for girls of all ages.

‘Royal Wedding – William & Kate’ is an old style dress-up

dolly book.The outfits included enable the pair to be dressed for every social occasion, from polo matches and society balls to the wedding day itself, all for just £5.99 while stocks last!

The Curious Otter is available for orders and enquiries on 01404 814469.

Youth Art Competition If you are aged between 10 – 17 and love to paint or draw or if you work in 3D, you could win the opportunity to exhibit your work by entering a local Youth Art Competition organised by Otter Vale Art Society.The exhibition will be held at the Institute, Ottery St Mary on 5th to 14th August 2011.

Alan Cotton, internationally acclaimed artist will be judging and is also offering a unique opportunity for winners to spend a day in his studio learning more about art. There will be great prizes awarded to the first three winners in the 2 following age groups: 10-13 year olds and 14-17 year olds. Parents must accompany children submitting work.

The exhibition will be open to the public daily, but your work is needed by June.....so get painting now! Apply for an application form by telephone on 01395 597221 or request one by e mail from: sidburymill@btconnect.com

Need a Plumber?

Local plumber/gas engineer offers a reliable and efficient service.

Services include: z Bathrooms and Kitchens z Tiling and Maintenance z Boilers and Central Heating z Gas Appliances z Gas Safety Certificates z Emergency Repairs z Solid Fuel and Renewables For quotations and fair rates call Paul Kent on:

01404 510007 07522 998989 www.otteryplumbing-heating.co.uk

The Ottery Gazette is typeset, printed and published by the proprietors: John Gaffney Design and Print, The Old Town Hall, The Flexton, Ottery St Mary Devon EX11 1DJ Telephone 01404 815111 email: jongaffney@hotmail.com The newspaper title ‘Ottery Gazette’ and all artwork contained therein is protected by copyright, 2009.

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