Ottery Gazette ISSUE No113
February 2011
4,000 copies free of charge
WINNER National Parish Magazine Awards 2009/10
East Devon Housing Explosion Plans for Ottery and East Devon
BK
ACCOUNTING 01297 678636 07809 764929
Help with self assessment. Small business book keeping. PAYE and VAT returns www.bk-accounting.co.uk
Ottery Gazette readers will be aware of East Devon District Council (EDDC) plans for development of Ottery, and the rest of East Devon, over the next two decades. EDDC produced a Local Development Framework Core Strategy (LDF) on 6 September and asked people and organisations what they thought of it. The official consultation period of almost three months ended on 30 November. I had intended to provide an update on the latest situation, but I am afraid that this is proving very difficult, because of considerable vagueness at EDDC about the programme. First of all some of the key elements of the LDF: houses to be provided in East Devon : 19,420, including unplanned developments, known as ‘windfalls’ (this represents an
increase in the housing stock by about one third); houses to be provided in Ottery: 430 (there are additional separate allocations for Tipton and West Hill). A group (Communities Before Developers - CBD) was set up - I have been involved with the group - which has been campaigning against the level of housing and employment planned, and expressing concern over issues such as watereddown landscape protection policies, which makes it easier to build just about anywhere in the countryside,�flexible� Built-Up Area Boundaries, and a loophole for developers to exploit where they are granted planning permission but may be excused from making any infrastructure provision. Conservation bodies such as the RSPB, Devon Wildlife Trust and Natural England made very hard hitting criticisms of the LDF. Devon County Council (a statutory consultee) warned that the LDF was unsound because of overprovision of housing and employment.
There was concern about EDDC having ignored the vitally important work carried out in local communities such as Tipton and West Hill in producing Village Design statements. Instead West Hill was lumped in with 15 other “rural hubs� as different as Budleigh Salterton and Feniton, all of which were scheduled to receive the same number of houses. Tipton was included in 27 “smalller villages�, all of which would receive the same number of houses. No account was taken of local need. No account was taken of local constraints. And no account was taken of local views.Where is local distinctiveness in that very broad brush approach? How did it fit with the Government`s Localism Bill? 2,000 people responded to the consultation. If you were one, and have not yet had a response from EDDC you are not alone. I made a long submission (email me for a copy at roger.giles@devon.gov.uk), but Continued on page 2
Dilly’s Florist FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS Deliveries Undertaken 20 Mill Street, Ottery St Mary Tel: 01404 812184 www.dillysflorist.co.uk
z INDEPENDENT AGENT z LIVING AND SELLING LOCALLY Call Halls for a free up to date valuation
01404 812000
New Word Ladder XXX FTDPU EFWPO DP VL Competition
-JGFÂľT B #FFDI UIF &TDPU .B[F ...SEE PAGE 11
...SEE PAGE 13
www.escot-devon.co.uk 01404 822188
have not even had an acknowledgement. I am told that EDDC officers are working through the submissions, and will deal with mine and all the others in due course. The most interesting aspect of the whole saga is an announcement by EDDC Leader Sara Randall Johnson (also EDDC Cllr for Ottery Rural, of course) on 23 December in which she said: “I do understand the concerns of some that expansion must not jeopardise our delightful East Devon environment. I couldn`t agree more.We now believe some of the housing and employment building estimates may have been too high and I have ordered a complete review of this strategy – with a report due in Summer.” Based on what I was told by an EDDC officer on 20 January, the timetable relating to the LDF may be something like this: z A paper may go to the LDF Panel on 10 February considering the implications of Sara Randall Johnson‘s comments of 23 December. Don‘t expect to learn any-thing from that: the Panel meetings are in private, and EDDC has refused to allow CBD to see minutes of LDF Panel meetings.
Otter Valley Dental Laboratory WE REPAIR DENTURES IN A FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT SERVICE TELEPHONE: 01404 813967
zA report on the public response to the consultation may go to the EDDC Executive Board on 2 March and to the EDDC Development Management Committee on 8 March; or it may be April. z A report on the Strategic Housing Land Availabity Assessment (SHLAA) is expected to go to the EDDC Executive Board in the near future. SHLAA was a process whereby EDDC asked landowners if they had land available for development. Not surprisingly many landowners responded enthusiastically: 10 sites were put forward in Alfington; 25 in Ottery; 8 in Tipton; and 16 in West Hill. So we have to wait and see.The trouble is that two major planning applications have already been approved (at Cloakham Lawn,Axminster, and at Westclyst near Pinhoe) which are contrary to EDDC‘s own planning policies, on the basis of the grossly overstated housing figures in the LDF. Many more planning applications are in the pipeline, and many more can be expected. Within the Ottery Parish there has already been much anguish in Tipton and West Hill. Those developers are making the same arguments as those made at Cloakham Lawn and Westclyst. Apparently we have to wait until the Summer for this planning uncertainty (and some would say a planning free-forall) to be resolved. Until that time a great deal of our very beautiful countryside is under threat. Roger Giles For Gazette Advertising call 01404 815111 or e mail otterygazette@yahoo.co.uk
Page 2
See page 6 for more details about the Chamber of Commerce meeting on Wednesday 9th February.
Homeopath
CHRIS BATTEN
LCCH RGN
DO, MICO, MAO OSTEOMYOLOGIST Tel: 07977 553435
14 Broad Street, Ottery Tel: 01404 812109
The Sainsburys site on Hind Street after preliminary groundworks Work on the eagerly antici- to be here after what has been pated new Sainsbury’s store in a lengthy planning process and Ottery St Mary is due to start we’re very excited by the prosin the next few weeks.The new pect of welcoming our first store will provide Ottery with customers before the end of its own town centre food shop- 2011. ping offer and create around “There will be a public meeting 200 new full and part-time jobs to discuss the construction for local people. programme on Wednesday 9th During construction Sains- February 2011 at 19:00 at the bury’s contractors will be work- Tumbling Weir Hotel, Ottery. ing to a strict code of practice; This event is being organised ensuring disruption is kept to by Ottery St Mary’s Chamber a minimum at all times. Douglas of Commerce and Sainsbury’s. Elvidge, Sainsbury’s New Store “The development team has Project Manager, said: “We are enjoyed working with the local really pleased to be getting on community, particularly local site and are looking forward to residents, the Town Council and becoming part of the Ottery Chamber of Commerce over community. the last two years. We are “I would like to reassure the looking forward to being an community that we will be active member of the commdoing our utmost to construct unity in the years ahead.” the store with as little disrup- For more information please tion to residents and business contact the community relaas possible.We’re very pleased tions team shown below: • Freephone - 0800 130 3270, • Visit the website – www.sainsburys-ottery.co.uk Or email the team on cr@sainsburys-ottery.co.uk
STRAINS, PAINS AND STIFFNESS? Call
Advice is always available
Work to start soon on new Sainsburys store in Ottery
Natural, Physical, Holistic, Treatment and Advice for Aches and Pains, Many Health Problems,Women’s Health and Baby and Child Ailments at:
Ottery Healthstore
Lin Lester
HOMEOPATHY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Available at the Ottery Healthstore Tel: 01404 813074 Mob. 078541 49762
COUNCIL MATTERS
With this, my first “Council Matters� of 2011, may I, on behalf of the Council, wish you all a happy and healthy new year. It seems some time now since the late night Christmas shopping and the switching on of the Christmas lights in Ottery. Thanks go to everyone who helped once again to make it a splendid occasion. The severe cold weather and snow in December were challenging to everyone and it was good to see the tremendous community spirit come to the fore at that time.Your dedicated Councillors even managed to meet on the evening of ‘snow Monday’ to hear planning applications so that the deadlines set by east Devon District Council could be met! December’s Full Council meeting received a presentation of a digitised tithe map of the Parish as it was in 1840. This came from the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). If you would like to see it please call in to the Office (Public opening hours 10.00am to 1.00pm Monday-Friday).The meeting also approved the recommendations of the Finance and General Purposes
Committee regarding Grants to be awarded. Ottregians Over 60s,Tipton St John Playing Field Association, Tipton Owlets Playgroup, Tipton St John Residents’ Association, Tipton St John Community Hall Trust, Ottery St Mary Joint Guide and Scout Committee (Pixie Day), Sustainable Ottery, Ottery St Mary Police Cadets, Ottery in Bloom, Ottery St Mary Twinning Association, Vision OM and Ottery St Mary & District Help Scheme will each receive a Grant cheque at the Annual Parish Meeting which this year is to be held on Tuesday 12th April 2011 at the Institute in Yonder Street at 7pm. The Council will make an award to the “Citizen of theYear 2011� at the Annual Parish Meeting so it’s time once again to consider who you think is worthy of this honour. That person may be someone who has done a lot in their community, worked to see through a particular community project or....it’s really up to you to decide who you think merits this honour and why although no Councillor or Council employee is eligible. The person receiving this honour will be the one receiving most votes by you, the public. The person
PAUL ASHBY-CRANE & SON COMPANY LIMITED
4 Mill Street, Ottery St Mary EX11 1AD Member of National Telephone 01404 813148 Association of Goldsmiths
z Exclusive Watch repairs on all brands: Franck Muller, Omega, Breitling, Patek Phillippe,Rolex. Please bare in mind these can take up to twelve weeks. z Small repairs of any description can be carried out and dealt with very quickly. z Clock repairs - mantel, wall and long case
z Valuation Service Registered Valuer for Insurance, Probate, Sale replacement. z Silver Smith (for any silver pieces or antique pewter) z Engraving by our Master Engraver. Machine and Glass engraving also z We are here to help - please feel free to come and say hello.
voted for must live in the Parish but the person voting can live outside the Parish. Use the voting slip on page 11 (or write a separate letter giving all the relevant information if you don’t want to cut up your Gazette) and submit it to the Council Office by 25th March 2011. Remember that the person who will become “Citizen of the Year 2011� will be the one who receives most votes so it’s up to you! The January Full Council Meeting heard from the Rural Housing Officer with the Community Council of Devon who has been requested by East Devon District Council to look at housing needs particularly in Tipton St John and West Hill because of the applications for large housing developments in these two Wards of the Parish. If you live in these areas you will be receiving a Housing Needs Survey Form which I would encourage you to complete and return. The Planning Committee Meeting was held at Tipton St John on 10th January in order that local residents could more easily attend to have their say and hear discussion on the major housing application. Over 100 of you took the opportunity to do so. Thanks must go to the Table Tennis Club for giving up their evening so the Council could use the Community Hall and
also to West Hill Village Hall which loaned its PA system. Allotment renewal notices for 2011 have led to some tenants deciding not to renew and so several people who have been on the waiting list will now be able to have an allotment. The Allotment Management Committee is holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 16th March in the small room of the Institute, Yonder Street at 7.30pm. There will also be a seed swap so take along your contribution and exchange it for some seeds you haven’t got! Sunday 27th March sees the 2011 Census. Held only every 10 years, for the first time this year census forms will be able to be filled in on-line although paper copies will still be used as well. You can find out more about the Census at the website www.census.gov.uk Thursday 5th May 2011 is the date for Local Elections. This includes elections for Town and Parish Councillors. Town (Parish) Councillors serve a 4 year term with each one (even if co-opted since the last election) ceasing to be a Councillor on 6th May. Ottery St Mary Town Council consists of 15 Councillors. 7 represent the Town Ward, 4 represent West Hill Ward, 2 represent North Ward and 2 represent Continued top of next page
"%&/2% 7% "5),$ ! 0/24&/,)/ 7% "5),$ ! 2%,!4)/.3()0 !T #HARLES 3TANLEY WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON OFFERING YOU THE BEST POSSIBLE ADVICE WHICH IS WHY WE TAILOR OUR INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS TO CATER FOR YOUR PERSONAL NEEDS $ISCRETIONARY AND ADVISORY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT !DVISORY SHARE DEALING #HARITY SERVICES
%XECUTION ONLY SHARE DEALING )3!S AND 3)00S )NHERITANCE 4AX 0ORTFOLIO
)F YOU WOULD LIKE ANY OF OUR ADVISERS TO TAKE A PERSONAL INTEREST IN MANAGING YOUR INVESTMENTS PLEASE CONTACT 0AUL ,EWIS ON THE NUMBER BELOW
/R CALL INTO OUR %XETER BRANCH "ROADWALK (OUSE 3OUTHERNHAY 7EST %XETER %8 43 WWW CHARLES STANLEY CO UK
-EMBER OF THE ,ONDON 3TOCK %XCHANGE SINCE !UTHORISED AND REGULATED BY THE &INANCIAL 3ERVICES !UTHORITY
Page 3
Council Matters continued from page 3 Tipton St John. I would urge all of you over 18 years to consider becoming a Town Councillor, particularly as the Government is keen to enable local people to have much more say in their own communities. The Council is resuming its Surgery sessions on Saturday 26th February at the Community Market in the Institute and Councillors will be pleased to talk to anyone about what is involved in being a Councillor. Leaflets will be available there and are also in the Council Office.
The first yellow crocus has just emerged in my garden following a wet and mild ten days. I hope the forecast return to cold weather does not mean it hides away again! At least we’re past the shortest day and can look forward to more daylight hours. Judith Reynolds Town Clerk Council Offices The Old Convent 8 Broad Street Ottery St Mary EX11 1BZ 01404 812252
Feedback on proposals for an Ottery community shop
Many thanks to those of you who completed and returned a questionnaire in the autumn expressing your opinions on the proposal to establish a community shop in Ottery specialising in local and seasonal produce. Unfortunately only 29 questionnaires were returned in total, meaning it is not viable to take the idea any further forward at this point in time. On the positive side, all enquiries@otterystmary-tc.gov.uk but 2 of the respondents were www.otterystmary-tc.gov.uk supportive of the idea and the values expressed by people may be of interest and help to the existing local shop keepers who have added to their ranges following the closure of the
A cake for Ben’s light work
greengrocers and the delicatessen. Respondents emphasised their top considerations when buying fresh produce were grown/ produced close to Ottery (20), wanting to support local businesses (13) and quality (9). Some respondents felt all ten options listed were important. A full report has been submitted to Ottery Chamber of Commerce and to Sustainable Ottery. The steering group is grateful to Ros at Roberts, Vanessa at Ottery Healthstore and the Library for acting as collection points for completed forms.
Ottery Gardening Club
Mayor Glyn Dobson presenting Ben Scott with the Christmas cake that was donated for raising funds for the Christmas Lights made by Majorie Rix who makes the lovely cakes at Cadhay.
D O G G O N E H A I R Page 4
DOG GROOMING z All aspects of dog grooming tailored to suit your requirements z Clipping and hand stripping z Holistic grooming (with essential oils) z Pick up and drop off service available z Micro Chipping/Pet ID Advice z Fully Insured z Canine first aid qualified z Warm, friendly and relaxed environment
Please call at any time for more information and quotations
Ali Smith 01404 822979 Mobile: 07837 593411 Home run business 3 LEES MEADOW, TALATON, DEVON, EX5 2SG
First and foremost we must say a big ‘thank you’ to the people that have put their names forward to be on the committee and help.They will be proposed at the AGM on the 8th February. As we have mentioned before without help we would have had to close the club and this is exactly what has happened to the Sidmouth Gardening Club. They had a good number of members of whom many entered their shows but none were prepared to come forward and help. Although they were trying to carry on without their impressive shows in the end with deep regret they decided to discontinue. Once a Gardening Club has finished it is very hard to start up again so at least we have a breather for another year. On to a more cheerful subject we have four speakers planned for this year which was started on 25th January with Les Peek. More on his talk in the March issue. We then follow with
Heather Talbot from Joshua’s at the AGM, Chris Laxton of Otter Vale Products on 12th April and finally Kieron Bewes at the Cheese & Wine on 8th October. As for trips we have Endsleigh Garden Centre (for lunch) coupled with a visit to Lukesland Gardens, Slimbridge Wetland Centre and Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden. All details and dates will be in later additions of the Ottery Gazette. In the pipeline (fingers crossed) is a trip to Highgrove in the spring or summer and a visit to RHS Rosemoor for a Plant Heritage (NCCPG) Plant Fair. Plus Spring and Autumn Shows, Coffee Morning & Plant Sale, a Social Evening and of course Otter Nurseries Quiz Night. What more could you ask for a membership fee of £5.00 so come and join us. For more information on any of the above and to join the Gardening Club contact Joan Dalton on 01404 815082.
Garden Tidy FENCING * TURFING * STRIMMING GRASS CUTTING * HEDGE TRIMMING SHED/GREENHOUSE REMOVAL GARDEN CLEARANCE
01404 813364 * 07884 232244
Page 5
Sainsburys presentation at Ottery Chamber meeting Ottery St Mary Chamber of Commerce members and any interested members of the public are cordially invited to a presentation by Sainsburys on Wednesday 9th February at the Tumbling Weir Hotel, Ottery St Mary, starting at 7.00pm. The main two speakers will be Tom
Extraordinary Meeting Details & Chairman’s Report Selway, Public & Community during the building process or Relations representative for where the public toilets will be Sainsburys, and the main con- located. I would ask all those tractor responsible for building that attend to bear in mind that the store. the building is going ahead.This Any issues can be aired at this will not be an opportunity for meeting i.e. whether they an objection to Sainsburys. concern access difficulties Plans have been approved, preliminary ground works are under way and the main building work will start in March.
Millstone Bakery win Best Shop Window Competition
What we aim to achieve from Sainsburys in the future is what is mutually beneficial for the town, its businesses and its residents. (Tar barrels and Christmas light donations aside). Please come along and have your say. Your positive suggestions and input is vital at this stage of the building process. Marc Perkins
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
I would like to thank all the people involved with the Late Night Shopping and Christmas Lights Event, particularly Phyllis Baxter for her sterling work. It appeared to me to be an enjoyable and profitable evening for all concerned. Personally, I would like to see at least two nights this year (9th & 23rd?). Congratulations also to Kevin and the ladies at Millstone Bakery for the winning Christmas window display, the winners of the Chamber Quiz and all the young competitors in the Children’s Fancy Dress Competition. I must also thank the Rev Simon Franklin for playing a vital role in the evening’s proceedings. Marc Perkins, Chairman, Ottery Chamber of Commerce. These two young buskers raised £5 for the Christmas Lights Fund
This year’s Chamber Christmas Shop Window Competition was won by Millstone Bakery with another of their stunning displays. Highly commended were Roberts, The Fishing Box, and Gilbert Stephens. The standard of the windows continues to improve year on year. Thanks must go from the Chamber to everyone who made such an enormous effort for making our town look so lovely this Christmas. Pictured above is Chamber Chairman Marc Perkins (left) presenting the engaved trophy to manager Kevin Wood with Millstone Bakery staff Anna Feeney and Ann Parrish.
Devon Tiles Ltd The Natural Choice for Tiles and Bathrooms Visit our Showroom Unit 23/25, Finnimore Trading Estate, Ottery St Mary
Tel: 01404 811209 Open Monday-Friday 8.30 - 5.00pm 9.00am - 1.00pm Saturdays Page 6
Christmas Lights and Late Night Shopping another success There was a fantastic response to the appeal for the Christmas Lights this year and the Council would like to thank all of the local businesses that contributed together with the new Supermarket, Chamber of Commerce and the contribution from the Council.We have not only had the best lights for years but also ensured that we will have them next year. A special thanks to our Tourist Information Centre Manager, Phyllis Baxter who spearheaded the campaign to raise funds doing an excellent job visiting all the businesses with her red collecting box – well done! It is still not too late to make a contribution.We started planning for next year’s lights January! The late night shopping was a huge success, a really good turnout and I am sure everyone felt it was worthwhile. The local shops made a real effort with their window displays and wide selection of goods and refreshments were freely available in many establishments making Ottery the in place for Christmas shopping. Councillor Glyn Dobson Mayor of Ottery St Mary
Chamber Quiz winners
Top:The Rev Simon Franklin and Ottery Carnival Royalty about to switch on the lights as Roland Sanders counts down. Above: happy shoppers at Coles. Below: Rosey’s Chippy staff join in the festive fun. Ottery shops greatly enhance the town’s atmosphere.
The Chamber Quiz has proved very popular over the years and helps keep the brain supple over the Christmas period with its 24 cryptic clues. This year’s winner was Jill Machin, pictured here with her daughter Laura, with her prize of a box of chocolates. The much saught after quiz answers appear on page 34. How many did you get right?
Foot Health Professional LORRAINE GILL - MOBILE M.C.F.H.P. M.A.F.H.P. (R.G.N.)
ALL FOOT DISCOMFORTS, VERRUCAS, CORNS, CALLOUSES, DIABETIC FOOT CARE, HOSPITAL VISITS
Telephone: 01404 812860 Mobile: 075236 86863 Page 7
Ottery St Mary Years Ago - an Community Market marks exhibition of memorabilia Fairtrade Fortnight start
Local historian Peter Harris has been collecting old postcards of Ottery for over 40 years now and has a collection of over 700. The exhibition ‘Ottery Years Ago’ features this unique collection along with photographs, collectables and memorabilia. The collection contains many images that will recall Ottery from the late 1880’s and through to the two World Wars, all invoking memories of days gone by that illustrate the way we were and the way that we lived. Glimpses of the clothes we wore, the way we travelled and how we enjoyed ourselves will be remembered by many and may come as big surprise to the younger members of the community. The exhibition will present a graphic presentation of how Ottery was and just how much, and sometimes how little, it has changed. Do come and enjoy this splendid presentation and gain from the dedication to the subject displayed by Peter Harris and learn from the research and local knowledge that he is able to offer. The exhibition will be held at the Old Boy’s School,Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary on Friday 25th February and Saturday 26th from 10.00am to 4.00pm.Admission £1.50 (Children under 15 accompanied by an adult admission Free).
Local family run business Established 10 Years All aspects of tree surgery undertaken to the highest of standards. All staff NPTC qualified, fully insured with excellent references.
Pruning, thinning and reductions. z Dismantling and felling z Removal of deadwood z Hedges trimmed reduced or removed z Tree and hedge planting z Wood chipping z Garden clearance. z Stump Grinding and removal z Fencing z
24 hour emergency call out service www.hartwood-treeworks.co.uk
Tel: 07909 524526 or 01404 813026 Page 8
A fair number of traders return to Sustainable Ottery’s Community Market at the Institute, in Yonder Street, on Saturday 26th February to start the 2011 season of Markets. To publicise Fairtrade Fortnight (28th February to 13th March) the regular Fairtrade Stall will be selling the full range of overseas produce that can’t be grown in the UK including coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, sugar, dried fruit, olive oil, rice, quinoa, herbs & spices, seeds, nuts, confectionary, muesli, cereal bars. The price paid for these products guarantee a better deal for the producers in developing countries. These farmers gain access to markets and receive better prices for their produce, as well as a premium they can use for commercial or social development in their communities. Penny Hounslow, one of the market organisers, says, “I’m very happy to think that the people of Ottery with the Community Market support farmers in poorer parts of the world as well as supporting our own local producers.” Local produce at this month’s market includes fresh vegetables, eggs, jams and chutneys, all manner of home baked goodies, as well as locally made soap, candles, jewellery, gifts and cards. Sustainable Ottery’s Community Market takes place Saturday, 26th February from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Institute in Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary.
Warblers Winter Wassail
“Our best concert yet!” That was the comment from one of the Ottery Warblers after their end of term Christmas concert in December. Still growing in numbers and glowing with confidence, this happy group of ladies proved yet again that singing is “good for the soul.” They sang a variety of songs including spirituals, folk songs, excerpts from musicals and Christmas carols, and were much appreciated by the audience, who were rewarded by the seasonal fare of mince pies at the end. Donations were collected for a local charity - the Ottery Help Scheme. We meet every Thursday in the back hall of the United Reformed Church at 2pm. If you enjoy singing, please come and join us – no audition! Contact Daphne Harlock for more details.Telephone: 01395 278497 or e mail: daphne@puttinontheritz.fsnet.co.uk
Over 60 people enjoy Christmas lunch at Institute
Christmas Day was different for some of us in Ottery. Snow and ice didn’t deter over 60 people of all ages enjoying Christmas day lunch together at The Institute, Ottery St Mary. This was made possible by so many generous folk in the town, aided by simply the best of helpers ever. To everyone who shared their Christmas and helped on the day and those who contributed all sorts of goodies we would like to say a very big thank you!
The heat is now turned on at The Institute! Deciding that it was time to replace the old central heating boiler, The Institute Management Committee applied for grants but were refused help from the Community Council for Devon and East Devon District Council. With regular repairs, difficulties getting parts and an inefficient system, it was decided to press ahead and get the job done. Ottery St Mary Town Council approved a grant of £650 and Honiton Oil and Gas generously did the work in September last at their original tender price of £7404.53 - the grants process had taken nearly two years! Further help came unexpectedly from two of the hall’s regular users.The OtterVale Art Society, who hold monthly meetings and an annual exhibition, generously gave £250 towards the cost and the Short Mat Bowling Club held a weekend event from which the magnificent sum of £800 was
raised and presented at The Institute’s Annual General Meeting at the end of November. (Everyone was bowled over!) Caretaker Ron Berry mastered the controls of the new system and is now able to set the timers for the various bookings a week at a time - very useful during the current cold spell. All users of this Committee managed community building can now benefit from a more efficient heating system and grateful thanks are due to everyone who helped to make this possible. The Institute is a registered charity and is a very popular venue for many local clubs and organisations. Day-to-day running is efficiently conducted by Ron Berry, who is also booking secretary, and the cleaning is superbly done by Hilary Stone. Dave West Chairman, Institute Management Committee.
& K M
Butchers
Ottery Card Making Club
How about trying your hand at Card Making in 2011 and getting together with other card makers to improve your skills? We have been running Ottery Card Making Club since June 2010 and it has proved so popular we are now holding evening and day meetings each month. In the January meeting we made Venetian masks. The photo here doesn’t do justice to the beautiful colours the ladies used to make their cards. Our next evening meeting will be held on Friday 11th February from 7.00 to 9.00pm. Cost £5.00 per person. The daytime meeting will be on Saturday 19th February from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Cost £12.00 per person. Please bring your own lunch. The minimum age for membership is 9 years. All under 14s must be accompanied by an adult as sharp craft knives may be used. All materials are included in the cost, along with tea, coffee and biscuits. If you are making a card that you would like assistance with, bring it along and we will see if we can help you.
Card Club meetings are held at the Coleridge Pre-school, Ottery St Mary, opposite the fish and chip shop. Each Club project will be displayed on the Coleridge pre-school fence along with a list of our meeting dates for the year. If you would like any more details give Helen a call on 07907584517 or email helen36kk@fsmail.net If you would like to see or purchase the sort of cards that we make, you will find us at a stall at the Community Market each month trading as All-KindKards. We would love to see you there. Liz and Helen.
Offer runs to 28th February 2011 Only at K&M Butchers
Page 9
In East Devon we very much like cob for building our houses. This has been so for many centuries, and we have cob houses in the parish of all ages from over 500 years to less than 20. We also have bricks built houses, and these are generally the newer ones. Although the Romans had bricks and tiles, and bits of these have on occasion been found in East Devon, brick buildings were not much in evidence around here until the 17th century, when dutch imports became all the rage, especially where they were easy to get hold of - near the point of import on the coast.The custom house on Exeter Quay, built in 1680, is a fine example of early brickwork. In Ottery we have the Priory, Raleigh House, Chanter’s House and quite a few more as examples of fine brickwork locally. Once the fashion caught on, everyone wanted bricks, especially in the towns. But whereas cob was always available very near to (or on) the building site, bricks had to be manufactured and transported to the point of use, and as you would expect, the shorter the haul, the cheaper and better it was for all concerned. So brick and tile manufacture, in its early days, became a very localised industry, and while it existed all over Devon, a trade directory of 1879 lists 24 brick and tile
Building blocks of history manufacturers in the county, 15 of them (63%) in Exeter and East Devon. In Ottery we more than played our part - it looks as if we were a centre for brickmaking from quite a while back. We are all familiar with the brickworks at Chineway that remained open until the 1960s. This was a substantial operation and was already under way in the early 1840s, but there were also brickworks at Allercombe, just at the top of West Hill, where the old claypits became fishing lakes before the new A30 was built through them. The brick drying shed can be seen from the dual carriageway on the right as you drop down from the Daisymount junction heading towards Exeter. The manager’s house also still exists, now a private dwelling. If you use the old A30 into Exeter you will pass yet another former brickworks behind the Bidgood Arms.The pits here were at the back of the car park and still visible last time I looked (a long time ago now).There were yet more brickworks in Woodbury, Exmouth (three of them), Sidbury and Cullompton. You’d think that was local enough for any reasonable demand for bricks from local buil-
ders, but remarkably it looks as if the companies listed in 1879 were the survivors from an even more localised industry. If you look at the number of fields that carry a “brick” element as part of their names - an indication that brickmaking was carried out on or near the location you find plenty more sources of locally made bricks! In the region of East Devon south of the A30 (more of less), there is evidence of brickmaking in Axminster, Axmouth, Bicton, Branscombe, Colaton Raleigh, Farway, Farringdon, Honiton, Otterton, Salcombe Regis, Seaton, Sidmouth and Withycombe Raleigh (as well as the four already mentioned). In most of these parishes there are one or two appropriately named fields as evidence, but Ottery has a remarkable 13,
grouped into 6 specific sites (excluding Chineway). It’s true we have a large parish but even taking that into account we were clearly big in the brick business. These would have been small scale, and probably short lived manufactories that predate the bigger firms that appear in the 19th century directories. So we can suggest with some confidence that in Ottery parish there were, at some point, brickworks or clay being dug for bricks at seven different locations - at Chineway; at Alfington (two places along Summer Lane, one near the village and one near the top); also at Knightstone Lane; at Head Weir; another east of the former Salston Hotel, and a final one just north of Higher Metcombe. There’s a good summary (and a nice photo) of the Chineway works in Peter Harris’s “Around Ottery St Mary” but historic brickmaking in Ottery is yet to be fully recorded, and I hope someone will take it on soon while memories of the local works are still around. Meanwhile check for evidence of brickmaking in the past lying around in your garden. Turn over those old bricks you have under the flower pot, or propping up the fence - you may find its history stamped in the clay (see photos).You can email any items of interest to otteryheritage@googlemail.org.uk
or to the editor of the Gazette.
Get online at the Library Ever wished you knew more about the internet? Ever wished you could send and receive emails? Ever wished there was some kind sole who would sit and teach you one to one? Well, let us make your wishes come true. Ottery St Mary Library are now offering UkOnline training, learn at your own pace with a dedicated teacher all to yourself. Sessions will be available on Friday afternoons and each session lasts approx 1 hour.To register contact the Library on 01404 813838 or call in and see us. You even end up with a certificate!
The Man with Van STEVE Free Quotations Reasonable Rates Near or far - Large or small
Telephone: 01404 812657 Mobile: 07967 170587 e mail: manwithvan@sky.com Page 10
Mill Street Jewellery Shop re-opens in style
VOTING FORM FOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2011 Name of person: ......................................................................................................... Address: ......................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................... Name of Proposer: (please print) ......................................................................................................... Signature of Proposer:
Paul Ashby-Crane & Son, the new jewellery shop on Mill Street, Ottery St Mary, (formerly Otter Gems), is a company with an interesting history. It is run Robert Ashby-Crane and his wife Dania. In 1979 Robert’s parents, Paul and Sherry, along with Paul and Susan Hackett who, until last year owned Otter Gems, opened a shop in Exmouth’s Magnolia Centre which they ran until 1986 when they decided to part company. Robert’s parents continued to run the Exmouth shop while Paul and Susan concentrated on the jewellery repair side of their business and eventually opened their retail outlet in Ottery. Having originally trained with his father in Exmouth, Robert then went to London and gained experience in jewellery design in Hatton Garden and retail knowledge in Bond Street before diversifying into other fields for some years but his first love was always jewellery and upon the sad death of his father and his mother’s retirement, decided to open his own company back home in Exmouth. At that time there was no thought of immediately opening a second shop but when Otter Gems became
available, it seemed the obvious step to take, particularly as Peter Hackett, Paul’s brother, was available to run the inhouse jewellery workshop! Along with the jewellery workshop, which deals with the smallest repair quickly and inexpensively, Paul Ashby-Crane & Son provide a specialist repair service for all types of watches, including Omega, Rolex and Breitling, clock repairs, including mantle, wall and long case clocks and a registered valuation service for insurance and probate. Engraving - hand, machine and glass are also provided and your precious silver and pewter pieces, old and new, can normally be repaired by our Silversmith whose services are often called upon by the National Trust. Robert’s aim is to offer a personal service. He can provide bespoke jewellery designs which can be tailored to your specification with certificated stones and your own ideas becoming a reality, or he will try to source items which you may have seen elsewhere. He believes, ultimately, that the value of a piece of jewellery is what it means to the person who owns it - be it gold, diamonds, silver or paste.
Martin Askew Tree Services ALL ASPECTS OF ARBORICULTURE
Fully Insured. Free Estimates Work includes: Felling, Wood Chipping, Hedge Trimming, Stump Grinding, Hedge Laying
Call 01392 365620, 07971 262753 or 01395 442028 e mail: martinaskew@btinternet.com
.......................................................................................................... Address: ......................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................... Tel. No:.......................................................................................... Reason for nomination: ......................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................... Please submit this form to the Town Council Office by Friday 25th March 2011
THE LONDON INN
Gold Street, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1DG Telephone: 01404 814763 Real Ales including Otter Ale and Bitter. Premium Kronenberg Lager coming soon along with several guest ales. Good quality home cooked Pub Grub served Tuesday to Saturday from 12.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 21.00. Sundays 12.00 to 15.00 Wednesdays - Senior Citizens Day Lunch at only £3.75 from 12.00 to 14.00 Pool and Darts available Function Room available for hire for private parties or meetings.
For details contact Keith Edworthy on 01404 814763 or mobile: 078890 89357 Page 11
Celebrations planned for Feniton Church re-opening OTTERY SILVER BAND DIARY
The people of Feniton are gearing up for the big day when St. Andrew’s Church is back in full use. The devastating flood of 30th October 2008 destroyed the interior. It is wonderful news to us that the end of the long haul to get the building back in use is in sight. Over the weekend of 4th, 5th and 6th March 2011 the village will celebrate getting their church back in a grand reopening. Events involving the school children and a parade are planned and Bishop Bob, Bishop of Crediton will conduct the service on the Sunday. To support the fabric of the building in the years to come this weekend will see the launch of “The Friends of St. Andrews”. There are plans
afoot for the church to hold many varied forms of entertainment. We hope this will be a village event to remember.The church has been re-roofed, then devastated in a flood and finally brought back to life in a form that will be of greater value to the community than it was before. So mark these dates in your diary and keep a look out for final details of the weekend events which will be announced in due course. We would like to everyone to get involved. Contact David Lanning, Church Warden, by email at david.lanning@talktalk.net or telephone 01404 850699 for more information. Christine Gibbins
EAT OUT from AT THE
£5
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
Back in the band room, new music has been introduced to the pack. We are enjoying the challenge that this presents and look forward to introducing a new programme at our forthcoming playouts. Sadly the new year has found us saying goodbye to a couple of our long term players due to house moves and retirement.They will be greatly missed and we wish them all the best in their new ventures. This means that the band is actively seeking new brass players and drummers/percussion players. We are a friendly band of various ability and age and would really welcome anyone to come along to our Tuesday evening practice. So come on, don’t be shy. Any of you brass players and drummers out there (young or of a more mature age!) please contact Brian on 01404 814502 for more details. Looking ahead, our playouts begin in the Spring. Firstly with our Spring Concert at the Institute Hall, Ottery St Mary, in early April (date to be confirmed).We then look forward to the Spring Fairs, fetes, summer shows and our weekly summer concerts at the Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth. In the meantime we will be practising hard and look forward to welcoming new players to the Band. For any information on the band or junior band ‘Brassclass’ please contact Brain (main band), Verity (Brassclass) on 01404 814502.
Talatones Handbell Ringers
After the snow it is back to practising every Monday ready for future bookings. First at the United Reform Church in Ottery for the Brownies, then Rockbeare Village Hall and last the O’60s at Whimple. Last year we had a lovely time playing at the Priory when they had their summer fair. Although it was very windy we all enjoyed it very much as you can see by the photograph. We hope to play there again this year. For anybody who would like to come, listen and perhaps have a go we meet most Mondays in the Institute from 1.30pm until 3.30pm. All are welcome and if you would like any extra information please contact Joan Dalton on 01404 815082. z Knife & Scissor Sharpening z Clock & Watch Repairs/Sales z Shoe Repairs / Accessories z Watch Batteries / Straps z Dry Ceaning / Duvets z Patching & Stitching z Key Cutting Service z Engraving
Tel: 01404 813088 11 MILL STREET, OTTERY ST MARY E mail: baytreeshoerepairs@googlemail.com Web: www.shoerepairsdevon.co.uk
EDDC needs to save £2.4 million next year EDDC has revealed some of the measures being considered by Members as they work towards setting a balanced budget for the next financial year against a backdrop of reduced central funding and frozen Council Tax. Among the likely measures are prioritising some services to deal with the impact of the Localism agenda, a number of staff redundancies in back-office areas, reductions in spending on maintenance and upkeep of the public realm, and limiting repairs to essential work only. The Council needs to make savings totalling around £2.4 million next year, after taking into account the new grant settlement from the Government and the transfer of concessionary bus fares to Devon County Council. EDDC also has to prepare for more savings to be found in the next few years. On Monday of this week (17 January), a Service Planning and Budget Task and Finish Forum (TaFF) met all day at Knowle. After considering reports and verbal presentations from Officers, the Members agreed on a set of recommendations that they believe will deliver the savings whilst maintaining front-line services in so far as possible.
WILD
Councillors start to identify likely savings The next step is for the TaFF’s recommendations to go before the Overview and Scrutiny Coordinating Committee on 26 January. If that Committee accepts the recommendations, they will go forward to Executive Board on 9 February and to full Council on 23 February, before forming part of the new budget for the coming financial year. Depending on discussions at these meetings in the next month or so, the recommendations may still change – so it’s possible that some items may be put back in and others could be taken out. Some savings had already been identified through a re-structure of the senior management team. The new savings recommendations in more detail include: z Cutting 12 back-office posts from various council services, either through redundancies or the deletion of vacant positions z Reducing the corporate training budget z Ceasing maintenance of bus shelters z Reducing coastal protection work to monitoring only z Restricting flood prevention spend to statutory works only
CLUES Shrink or half a county Muddy bottom! Old sailor New Year shopping Only a foot Trunk (not an elephant’s) Rush or latch Vessel
Cutting spending on various IT improvements z Cutting spending on sand dune netting and re-planting at Exmouth beach z Cutting out repairs to council car parks z Cutting out repairs to footpaths and other works in cemeteries z Reduced maintenance of meadow grass in The Byes at Sidmouth z Cutting repairs to all-weather pitch fencing at Colyton Grammar School z Turning off and no longer maintaining the festoon lighting on Seaton seafront z Minimal maintenance to EDDC’s corporate buildings z Reviewing the office accommodation at Knowle, with a view to possible relocation. Cuts considered by the TaFF but recommended for reinstatement include: z Free car parking at Knowle – due to the possible relocation of the offices z Clearing the east and west outfalls at Budleigh Salterton beach z
Repairing lifesaving rings, buoys and marker buoys z
The Council’s contribution to CCTV cameras in Exmouth town centre. z
EDDC’s Leader, Sara Randall Johnson, said: “People will note that the savings we are considering are spread right across the Council’s many services. No stone has been left unturned in the search for better value and we have tried to be as fair as possible in the distribution of the savings. “We are living in very hard times and tough decisions have to be taken. There is still time for Members to change some of the detail but the emphasis of the change is simple – to manage our affairs in such a way that we can stay solvent, freeze Council Tax and still continue to deliver as many front-line services as we possibly can”. Full details of the TaFF’s recommendations can be found in the Agenda and Reports to the Overview and Scrutiny Coordinating Committee, which are online at the website shown below:
h t t p : / / w w w. e a s t d e v o n . g o v. u k / i n d e x / yo u r _ c o u n c i l / councillors_and_meetings/committee_minutes_and_agendas/ overview_scrutiny_co-ordinating_agenda_260111.htm
ESCOT’S WILD BOAR WORD LADDER WIN VOUCHERS TO SPEND IN ESCOT’S COACH HOUSE RESTAURANT The word ladder is a sequence of words formed by changing just one letter on each step. For example: CAT - COT - DOT - DOG. Using the clues shown, fill in the words between ‘Wild’ and ‘Boar’. Simply fill in the word ladder using the clues provided. Return this entry form, with your name, address and telephone number to: Lisa Benton, Escot Ltd, Escot Park. Ottery St Mary EX11 1LU, or email the answers to: escot@escot-devon.co.uk. Answers must arrive by 15th February 2011. The first five correct answers drawn will each win a £5 voucher to spend in the Coach House Restaurant. Conditions apply. Call 01404 822188 for full details.
Name......................................................................................................... Address..................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................
BOAR
Telephone................................................................................................. Page 13
East Devon Cats Protection
The East Devon branch of Cats Protection covers a very wide area of Devon, totalling about 400 square miles. We take in and re-home cats and kittens who are strays or are unwanted or have been 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 rehoming. All our cats and kittens are vet checked, treated for fleas and worms, vaccinated, microchipped and, if over 5 months old, neutered.We will also help with the cost of neutering the kittens we home. Quite frequently we have cats handed in to us that have been abandoned by their owners. Sometimes these people have tried unsuccessfully to re-home their cats themselves but quite frequently they have just moved on, leaving the cats behind to fend for themselves. At present we have three such cats from the same home staying at two separate foster homes near Ottery St Mary. Smudge who is a lovely 3 year old black and white semi long haired girl and Rufus who is a handsome 5 year old ginger semi long haired boy are staying with our
Marmaduke
fosterer Dot near Tipton St John. Marmaduke, a 2 year old ginger boy is staying with Jenny in Aylesbeare. They are all lovely friendly and affectionate cats, although Marmaduke loves to be outside doing a bit of hunting so would need a rural home. They were abandoned in November but we did not manage to get Marmaduke into care until 2nd January! You can see their photos on our web site. If you would like to meet or learn more about any of our cats please call one of our fosterers whose phone numbers are in the advert, or call me on 01404 812920 or Trudi on 01404 831166. If you would like to help with fund raising please call Sheila on 01404 812576 Please join us at St. Francis’ Church Hall, Woolbrook, on Saturday March 12th from 10.00am to 12noon for our coffee morning. Alyn Potbury
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. BILLY (pictured) is a very affectionate 11 year old semi long haired grey boy and SMOKEY is a very friendly 9 year old grey boy. They would like to be homed together and are staying at our foster home near Tipton St. John. Tel: 01395 577334 SMUDGE is a very friendly 3 year old black & white semi long haired girl and RUFUS is a very friendly 5 year old ginger semi long haired boy. They are also staying near Tipton St. John. Telephone: 01395 577334 CHARLIE is a lovely, affectionate and friendly 6 month old black boy who is staying near Tipton St. John. Telephone: 01395 577334 MARMADUKE is a very friendly 2 year old ginger boy who likes to hunt, so he will need a rural home. Telephone: 01395 233494
These are only 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 811089 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
The London Inn re-opens under new management
A consortium which owns 3 pubs in Exeter has re-opened The London Inn, Gold Street, Ottery St Mary.The pub opened on the Tar Barrel event for the night only as a taster before the official opening.This proved to be an eye opener for manager Keith and his staff! Keith extends a warm London welcome to all customers old and new who can sample good pub grub served from Tuesday to Saturday from 12.00 to 2.00pm and 6.00 to 9.00pm, and Sundays from 12.00 to 3.00pm. Wednesday is senior citizens day with lunches at only £3.75 (from 12 - 2.00pm). Those calling in for a drink will find real ales on offer including Otter Ale and Bitter. Premium Kronenberg Lager is coming soon along with several guest ales.
There are facilities for darts, pool and skittles for which Keith would welcome anybody playing for fun or forming a team.The London Inn function room is available for hire for private functions or meetings. Keith is currently trying to get an entertainment programme going with regular quizzes, karaoke and live music. Plans for later in the year include a beer festival, darts tournaments and various other activities. The London Inn also has 4 letting rooms available consisting of a single, twin, double and family room (double and single bed). All rooms are en-suite. Prices available on request. For more information on the London Inn contact Keith on 01404 814763 or 07889 089357.
OTTERY ST MARY MENS’ FORUM There will be two talks during February. On Wednesday 2nd February Mrs V. Sutherland will give a talk entitled ‘Growing Old Disgracefully’.This is an open meeting when ladies are welcome. On Wednesday 16th November Mr A. Baldock will give a talk on ‘Out and About in Cornwall’ illustrated with slides. Meetings are held at The Institute, Yonder St, Ottery St Mary. Doors open 2.30pm for 3.00pm meetings. Further information from the Secretary Harry Phillips, Telephone: 01404 814524.
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
D.I.Y. TIP OF THE MONTH
BY CHRIS ABBOTT
Repairing Frozen Water Pipe Damage A happy belated new year to you - I hope 2011 is treating you well so far. Many thanks to my brother for writing this column in December in my absence. Unfortunately my house move didn’t happen, but my son William did arrive in true Abbott fashion two weeks late! I am writing this article in early January, and now that the big freeze has just ended, we are now enjoying the tropical temperatures of 8 degrees above freezing. If it gets much hotter, I will have to dust off my shorts! As a result of the ‘Big Freeze’ we now have the big ‘Thaw’ where water pipes that have been frozen have expanded and split. Now that the ice has melted they have sprung a leak or two.As a result we have been inundated in the shop for plumbing bits and pieces and asked how to repair the leak. So with this in mind, it is this months tip. Assuming that the split is in the copper pipe itself, the first thing to do is to cut out the split pipe with a hacksaw making sure that you make a straight neat cut. Or to make life easier, you can purchase a pipe cutter (£3.85) that clips around the pipe.Twist the cutter around a few times and it makes a nice clean cut. Then with a compression pipe connector, place the nut over one of the sections of pipe. Next, place the olive (circular thin piece of copper) over the pipe and push it along the pipe
a little. Repeat the process on the other side of the join.Then place the main fitting over the pipe and push it into its home. Wrap some PTFE tape around the male threads of the pipe for about three turns. Now slide the olive back to the fitting, line up the nut and hand-tighten. Using two spanners, hold the body of the fitting still with one, whilst tightening the nut with the other. It is important to tighten this nut by the right amount. If it is not fully tightened, the joint will not be watertight. If, however, the nut is over tightened, the olive and pipe can become distorted and the connection will leak. As a guide, the nut will usually require one complete revolution in addition to the hand-tightening.As the spanner is turned, you will feel some obvious resistance as the olive is pushed against the pipe. At this point, it will only need a little additional tightening to become watertight. It’s one of those skills which comes with practice. To play safe, avoid over tightening. If the joint leaks, it can then be tightened a little until the leak stops. However, if over tightened, a leaking joint will need to be dismantled and repaired.
But as a teacher told me a few times at school ‘prevention is better than cure’, so to avoid any frozen pipes it is best to lag them. Which is an inexpensive thing to do (70p/80p metre), compared to a repair bill if it floods your home. A thing that is often overlooked is the outside tap, and if you
can’t shut off the water supply to the outside ‘jack frost’ breaks taps for a past time. So a good preventative measure is an outdoor tap cover. Having said that though, this year’s frost was so severe I have heard of people who had lagged their pipes and still got them burst with the frost!
Abbotts Missing Reindeer Hunt a great success aAbbotts
Abbott’s children’s treasure hunt, held during Ottery’s late night shopping event, has been hailed as a huge success. Over 150 children took part looking for missing reindeers around the store and every child who took part received a goody bag and a certificate. In line with the reindeer theme, the Abbott family dressed up themselves as reindeers for the occasion. (See photo above). The occasion was made that bit extra special with the first of the next generation of the Abbott family being born in the early hours of that morning. So there was a very tired and bleary eyed Chris who managed to ‘roll in’ for the event. We would like to thank everyone who took part in the treasure hunt, and rest assured, we will be running the event with a new theme later this year.
Of course another alternative is to use a speed fit connector, which will just simply click onto the copper pipe. You will be pleased to know that we stock speed fit, compression and for people who are far more skilled than me, soldering pipe fittings as well!
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
LOGS FOR SALE Seasoned Hardwood Great Value and Quality Free Local Delivery 01404 813026 or 07909 524526
Page 15
who join, in order to keep them up to date. To join the ‘Friend of Lions’, just contact any Lions member. It will only cost you £5 per year. We have also formed a liaison with Honiton Chamber of Commerce which is to enhance the standing of the Honiton Chamber of Commerce and the Honiton and District Lions Club within each others ranks and within the town. This
LION’S CORNER
partnership should benefit both organisations. Our District Convention will be held in March.This year we will be at the Imperial Hotel, Torquay, as a change of venue from The Holiday Inn, Plymouth. It should be a great weekend. I will report later. As always you can get in touch with me on 01404 813513, or lion.bill@btinternet.com. Lion Bill King
Ottery Twinning Association make plans for 2011 The bad weather has played havoc with our programme over Christmas. The wheelbarrow raffle at Honiton and the collection at Tesco’s had to be cancelled. I’m afraid that we have lost the collection there but the wheelbarrow raffle will now be held at Honiton on Saturday 12th February. Things have therefore been very quiet on the Lion’s front. On the skittles, we played Babbacombe Lions at the Cat and Fiddle in the quarter final of the competition, and would you believe it, we won and are now in the semi final.We play a team from Clevedon in an alley at Bridgwater on the 24th January. Result next month!
Back in January we presented a cheque for £250 to the under 7’s Tag Rugby team at Honiton Rugby Club. We have done quite a lot in support of local organisations to encourage youngsters to take up sport. On the 12th February several of our members and their ladies will attending Seaton and District Lions Club at their Charter Anniversary Dinner and Dance. I mentioned in the last edition that we had a new scheme which enables non Lions to take a part in our activities at social functions/ skittles/quizzes etc. with no obligation to join the movement.There will be an e-mailed newsletter available to those
In view of the untypical Devon winter weather, January was not the best month to be travelling but the Ottery Twinning Association was fully occupied making plans for 2011 summer visits.Additionally we organised a Devon wide meeting of twinning groups which was held at West Hill Village Hall on 15th January. About 36 representatives from around the county discussed items of general interest including plans for celebrating the 40th anniversary of County twinning between Devon and Calvados and activities targeted at younger members of the community. A speaker from Escot Estate was enthusiastically received giving members new ideas for twinning activities. The Ottery Twinning Annual General meeting is to be held on 10th February at West Hill Village Hall at 7.45pm and anyone interested is invited to attend. The details of our May weekend coach trip to Normandy will be discussed where we will enjoy fun and fellowship with residents from our twin town of Pont l’Eveque. 2011 is the tenth year of exchanges with Ilsfeld, our German twin town, and an exciting programme of activities is being planned for their visit in early September. As usual the meeting will end with wine and nibbles giving members and guests an opportunity to talk about their experiences and make plans to join in with the years social events and exchange visits. Keith Spittlehouse
The Gallery @ Hind Street We will have a mixed exhibition for February with new work from the artist Mike Hughes
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!!
The end of a decade at Ottery Healthstore!
I know that by now most people who frequent my shop are aware that I have new plans for the future. It will be 10 years on the 26th February that I have owned and been running Ottery Healthfoods and it is quite some coincidence that Saturday 26th February will be my last day of trading! I am handing over the keys to the new proprietor Lea Wray, who will be re-opening the store at the beginning of April as a healthfood delicatessen. Under the name of ‘The Good Life’, she will be selling west country cheeses and olives and possibly locally made chocolates. So I would like to fill everyone in on the happenings of the next couple of months just to keep the record straight. May I please ask those who would like to place orders to do so by the week ending Friday 11th February because the following week will be the last time I will be able to take any deliveries. I will be commencing clearance of stock (excluding vegetables) from the week commencing Monday 14th February starting with 10% off. In week commencing Monday 21st February I will reduce the stock to 20% off for the final clearance sale, which will run up to Saturday
26th February. Please do come and take advantage of the reduced goods so we have as little as possible left to pack up and store for the shop refurbishment to commence. Lea will continue to stock a large amount of the goods presently in the store but if there are items you would like her to keep, please come and fill out a questionnaire in store and let us know your requirements for the future. The shop will then be closed for all of March while being refurbished and will re-open its doors on Friday 1st April in the afternoon for a farewell to Vanessa party and welcome to the new store celebration. Watch out for more information in the Gazette in March. All that is left for me to do is to express my grateful thanks to the town and all of those who have given my staff and I such fabulous support over the past 10 years. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve this community. I have a wonderful customer base and I could not have wished for better. This is not goodbye; you will continue to see my face in store, as I will be staying on to help Lea with her new venture. It is only farewell to Ottery Healthstore. Vanessa Coxon
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
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
Hospiscare Shop needs Volunteers Please consider giving a few hours a week to your local charity Hospiscare. We need Volunteers to help in our shop. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays we are in most need of assistance. Call in the shop and pickup a volunteer pack, speak to one of us, Tracy Spencer is Manager and Carol Mayo, Assistant Manager.
19 Broad Street, Ottery St. Mary, Devon CHARACTER & DANCE SHOES DANCEWEAR - STAGE MAKE-UP FACE PAINTS - WIGS - BEARDS MASKS - HATS - GLOVES BOOKS ON STAGECRAFT/DRAMA/DANCE VOCAL SCORES - SHEET MUSIC LARGE RANGE OF NAXOS CDs MINIATURE INSTRUMENTS CARDS & GIFTS FOR MUSICIANS, ACTORS & DANCERS D’OYLY CARTE CARDS & POSTERS
Telephone/Fax: 01404 811311 E-mail: Stagestruck99@hotmail.com Page 17
Your old cine film wanted for ‘Back to the Future’ project The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) ‘Back to the Future’ film initiative will be conserving glimpses of days gone by in East Devon captured on old film and making it accessible to future generations. Kimmo Evans, East Devon AONB, explains: “We want to take you firmly but gently by the hand and lead you into the loft, the cupboard under the stairs or that corner of the garden shed nobody has visited since your parents handed over that dusty box of family keepsakes. In short we want you to bring out any old moving pictures that may be lurking there. The East Devon AONB Partnership have been awarded funds by South West Screen to digitise and conserve moving pictures of life in East Devon.” “Back to the Future aims to make available glimpses of days gone by, captured on old cine cameras, on the world wide web - where home movies meets YouTube - just like the recent BBC series “Home Movie Roadshow Uncut”. This will enable anybody who wants to know what we looked like, behaved like, how we organised at work and play and the tools we used can have immediate access to a range of short web films.
We want you to think back to recall if there was anybody in your family group who used a movie camera years ago. If there was, the question is ‘Where are those movies now?’ Some people, who have old film material believe that they hold a treasure chest of huge commercial worth but this is very rarely the case. What is true is that their old film footage is corrupting fast, to a point where it will not be viewable at all because it has become so fragile and machines to run it on are disappearing fast. Anyway, we don’t want you to lose that valuable film, we want to help preserve it and make the best bits of it available to the digital generation. A small team has been put together to seek out, review material and supervise the digitisation process. Brian Mather is a life-long cine fan and leading light of Lympstone Film Society and Andy Price has been a media worker in TV and Radio since the sixties and is now resident in Exmouth. Andy said “We have been so lucky we tumbled into a stack of films given to Lyme Regis Museum and four hours of wonderful 16mm film shot in the 1930s taken on the
Courtlands estate between Exmouth and Lympstone. The owner of this material has his original films back along with a copy of the digital material. He is knocked out by the quality.” Brian Mather is editing digitised film and is right on top of the quite difficult technical issues associated with editing and format conversion for placing material on the web. “We now know we can do it!” Said Brian, plainly excited, “We just want more!” The next part of the project is to spread the word and get folk thinking about what they might have tucked away. If you can find it, we can review it and if we proceed you get a DVD copy to show in your living
room.This will be a great tribute to the person who shot the film in the first place, may be years before you were born. Andy and Brian will be happy to come to any well attended meetings in East Devon and show what has already been achieved. They need a 20 minute slot and are waiting to hear from you. If you have any old cine film or require further information call Andy Price on 01395 279193. Back to the Future has been made possible through the support of the Lyme Regis Museum, South West Screen and the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership.
Ottery St Mary W.I.
Spring into a year of new interests with Ottery St Mary Women’s Institute. There are speakers, visits, leisure and educational opportunities and holidays. Our gratitude goes to a dedicated committee who motivate and organise ahead. A warm welcome to several recent new members – some able to join our Christmas events and enjoy the Speaker in January.We were shown a lovely collection of porcelain dolls which were all hand made. Our Skittles team successfully continued on to Round 3 with fun and friendship with other W.Is.We are ‘Sharing Memories” – bringing something appropriate to the meeting on Monday 14th February at 7.30pm at The Roman Catholic Parish Room, Ottery St Mary. March 14th – ‘Keep fit on a chair’ and who can make most words from the word ‘Gymnastics’? Don’t forget our special treats at the Community Market, where we serve refreshments.
The only local glazing/conservatory company to hold the Government Endorsed Trust Mark status z Complete conservatory packages from foundation to finial Pilkington self cleaning solar-control glass or heat sheild poly carbonate z Beautiful composite doors z Latest Bi-fold doors z 4 Stylish window systems with energy ratings up to ‘A’ level z High security residential Doors and Sliding Patio Doors z All roofline products: facias and guttering etc. (capping and full replacement) z Also small building work undertaken (Porches/Extensions etc) As registered
SERVICE, QUALITY, VALUE, EXPERIENCE A Family Business Built on Reputation
Super Spacer Installers we can now guarantee glass units for 20 years!
Phone 01404 823078 today for a free estimate or quotation Page 18
Ottery St Mary - a winter wonderland for some!
Whilst we don’t need reminding of the icy pavements and roads during December, it did provide a couple of days off work and school for many Ottery folk and some made the most of the snow. Above: A picture postcard scene on East Hill. Above left: Snowboarding - a new Ottery sport. Left: Queueing for supplies at Costcutter. Bottom left:A snowman takes a well earned breather. Below: Fun for all this family.
HASTINGS ROOFING
Jeanette Freeman Custom Made Curtains and Soft Furnishings
Unit C1, Westleigh Willows Farm, Feniton, Honiton, Devon EX14 3BN Telephone: 01404 851027
Flat Roof Specialist D A VID HASTINGS z Fully Insured z Over 25 Years experience z Free Estimates
Telephone: 01404 814517 Mobile: 07866 433446 anytime Page 19
FROM THE CHURCHES FROM THE CHURCHES IN OTTERY Christmas was a mixed bag of weather and accessibility, with many of our older residents unable to go out because of the snow and ice. Services were joyfully attended by a fairly large number of people and we are now looking forward to easier access and warmer conditions for our worship. This sounds a bit defeatist but we must remember that many of our faithful members are not as young as they were so mobility can be a problem. We have received the report that was commissioned to look at the prospect of employing a Youth Worker and this is to be discussed by members of the CTIO churches at the beginning of March. Consultations were held with a wide variety of people from Ottery and the surrounding area, including a god selection of young people in order to have a good picture of what the situation is and the best way of being of service to our youngsters. Details of this will be published once the initial discussions have taken place so watch this space.
THE METHODIST CHURCH The work we undertook last year to prevent frozen pipes worked well enough to help us avoid a repeat of the burst pipe that we had last year - but not sufficiently well as to avoid the freezing altogether. So on Boxing Day we all crowded into the Revd. Sam Connolly’s Lounge for a ‘cosy’ seasonal service! In fact, it was the second week in succession that our Congregation had done that, since the preceding week most of the fellowship - including our Minister - was prevented from attending due to the snow. However, we seem to be all back to normal now, and are hoping to proceed with no more glitches. Our Tuesday Coffee Morning continues to be attended by a regular little group but we would very much like others to join them. We open the doors at 10am on a Tuesday and coffee and tea are served sometimes with homemade biscuits! More often than not, the group gathers around a single large table to enjoy chat and fellowship. There is always room for more - another table can be added if we need to! A few of our number have decided to follow the E100 readings which have been advertised here and throughout the churches. These are the selected ‘essential’ passages which all Christians and would-be Christians would benefit from reading, and being guided to understanding. We wish everyone reading this a Happy and Healthy 2011, and warmly invite you to join us at any time you wish. Our services on Sundays, 10.30 am at the Methodist Church, 91 Mill Street Ottery St Mary.
Page 20
ST ANTHONY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Unfortunately a great many things had to be cancelled over the Christmas/New Year period due to bad weather, but ladies in the Catholic Women’s League were still able to send out Christmas shoe boxes to Eastern Europe, where chillingly cold winters are the norm rather than the exception. It is always very touching to think of the joy that these gifts will bring to children who are so needy and desperate for someone to show love and care. It will be good to enjoy shared Lent courses again with other churches in the town. Along with other churches in the town, a few of us have signed up to the “Essential 100” readings to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible. These “essential” one hundred readings go from the beginning of the Bible to the end, and give an overall view of the redemptive story of God’s love for us as revealed in Jesus.
SALVATION ARMY
I guess the problems with the snow just before Christmas were the same for all of the changes. Our folk living outside Ottery couldn’t get in for the week or so before the big day but all the planned events went ahead and those who could attend were there. For the Café style Carol Service on the Sunday before Christmas it was almost a table each. Thankfully we did manage to hold our carol singing in the square before the bad weather arrived. It is always good to share something of the reason for the season. For those who couldn’t get to the original Over Sixty Christmas Party we held it again at the beginning of the New Year.The second Sunday of January is designated at Commitment Sunday in The Salvation Army. This year we used the occasion to make Stella Munn a member of The Salvation Army at Ottery St Mary.What a great start to 2011.
NEW LIFE CHURCH
The church has seen a positive response to the E100 Bible reading challenge and many are enjoying the encouragement of a scheme that unites the churches in Ottery. The church continues to meet at the Kings School main hall at 10.30 am on Sunday 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. ‘Groundbreakers’, our kids club for children aged between 7 – 10 years, 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 night at 7.30pm. 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.
E 100 has started and we are very encouraged by the response to it. A group met in the Square (pictured above) and flourished their Bibles to show how they were planning to follow this exciting project. Even if you are not a ‘believer’ this programme takes you through stories of the Bible to illustrate the history of faith and as a back drop to what is still our cultural heritage, so why not join in? Details are available in each of our churches. You will have an interesting and exciting read.The following press release went out in January which gives you an overall picture. PEOPLE IN OTTERY BEGIN E100 CHALLENGE Over 100 people from Ottery’s Churches came together on Sunday to begin the challenge to read 100 carefully selected, short Bible passages - 50 from the Old Testament and 50 from the New Testament. The E100 challenge coincides with the 500th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible – the first complete English translation of the Bible. The ‘E’ stands for Essential and the passages are usually one to two chapters in length, and are designed to give participants a good understanding of the overall Bible story from Genesis to Revelation.There are five readings a week and the challenge will usually take 20 weeks to complete, however there is no strict time frame. There is a display in the Parish Church along with the free E100 planner. More information can be found at www.e100challenge.org.uk. Churches Together in Ottery are also planning to run their Lent Courses this year on the E100 schema, and more information about this can be found on the Churches’ own notice boards. “The Bible has been the one book above any other that has shaped the way we are in this country. It’s wonderful at this anniversary time well over 100 people from around Ottery have committed themselves to rediscover its wisdom,” said the Revd Prebendary Simon Franklin from the Parish Church.
UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
Like many other churches across east Devon December services at the United Reformed Church were less well attended because of the cold weather and icy conditions.The monthly church meeting was cancelled but the Christmas services went ahead.The carol service with Paul and Tia Roberts (Classic Sounds) enabled us to meet some new friends and on Dec 19 the children and adult supporters presented a puppet show about the birth of Jesus. Similarly the Christmas Morning Family Praise held jointly with the Methodist Church was complicated by the cold and an electrical failure. Snow and ice on the church roof later in the month began to thaw and threatened to flood parts of the building until Ottery Fire and Rescue came to clear blocked channels. What a great team they are! Along with many other churches nationwide, Ottery United Reformed Church has committed itself to the E100 programme. This involves daily Bible readings for 6 months which tell the essentials of the Christian faith.The Sunday sermons will be related to themes considered through the week. So, for example on Feb 6 at 10.30am the minister, Rev Graham Tarn, will talk be about Moses and the escape from Egypt. On Sunday February 20 we shall celebrate Education Sunday thanking God for the work of staff and students in our local schools.
HYPNOTHERAPY
Anxiety, Stress, Feelings of not coping Fears, Phobias, Weight issues. 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
THE PARISH CHURCH We had a very successful Mothers’ Union party for young people with an amazing array of cup cakes and some good entertainment. Our Christingle service again raised money for the Children’s society which helps children who are out on the streets amongst other projects. The Mothers’ Union has commissioned a new banner which illustrates both the traditional and the more modern ways of design and is really beautiful. The Branch is asking for contributions towards the cost ...perhaps in memory of a previous member or a friend. Each contribution will be inscribed on a scroll to go with the banner and will give details of the contributor and in whose memory it is there but the amounts will not be recorded. Further details can be obtained from Margaret Kerr, Branch Leader: 01404 814699 or c/o the Church Office. It is always a very moving tribute to the members past and present when the banner is paraded at services and gives a vibrant and symbolic example of how the M.U. still continues to serve its objects to preserve family life both in this country and worldwide. There are many literacy programmes in the Third World that we support and one of our families is going to Melanesia in the summer to help with some of this work. We will give more details in later articles. The Dorset Aisle is no longer shrouded in plastic sheeting and fabric dust covers so we can once again appreciate its beauty and now realise its potential as a meeting area. The shop area is taking shape and we are hoping for the heating to be fully installed before too long. Churches are not only buildings but they do give scope for involvement with the community and attracting people to come to see how we worship God and to feel that sense of years of prayer and thanksgiving still there. As with our other churches we had a difficult time over the snowy period but we were pleased to see a good number of people who were able to make the journey through the icy roads and be with us. Christian Aid is one of the many charities we support and we are pleased to announce that in cooperation with the United Reformed Church you will be able to join in with the programme that has been arranged.
LOVELLS OF OTTERY BROOK STREET, OTTERY ST MARY, DEVON Telephone: 01404 812007
NEW AND USED CAR SALES
SERVICE, PARTS AND LARGE ACCESSORY SHOP
BODY REPAIRS LOW BAKE OVEN CAR ALIGNMENT JIG DUPONT 2-PACK PAINT FREE ESTIMATES
SELF-DRIVE HIRE CARS, VANS, AND MOVE YOURSELF FURNITURE VANS FREE FIT DISCOUNT TYRES Page 21
Christmas and The New Year seem a long time ago but I feel I must update you on our past events.We had a very busy run up to Christmas with the Inner Wheel Quiz taking place in November. This was a very successful evening with 32 Teams taking part. The Quiz Master Roland Sanders kept us all guessing with some of the questions, but the ladies from Aylesbeare WI were again the winners on the evening. We were invited to the Inner Wheel Meeting on 17th January where they presented us with a cheque for £1,500 as the profit from the quiz. This is a fantastic figure and we would like to thank the Inner Wheel Ladies and their Rotarian husbands for giving us such a lovely rewarding evening. The next day the Ladies from the WI at Whimple helped to organise the Autumn Coffee Morning in The Victory Hall. This was lovely morning with lots of people coming along The profit was an astounding £950. Our thanks to the WI and the villagers for making this morning such a great success.
The Gifts and Promises evening at the Football Club in Ottery was changed from 26th November to 3rd December as the original date clashed with the Late Night Shopping in the Town. Unfortunately the icy weather stopped a lot of people from attending but the people that came along were very generous and a profit of £2,000 was shared with the Carnival. The catalogue was on sale for 50p and over 120 items were donated by friends and businesses. These ranged from car valeting to B&B in a Guest House in Newton Poppleford, cuddly toys and children’s games. We are hoping to repeat this event in the future. Our thanks to Roland Sanders the Auctioneer for making it such an enjoyable evening and to everyone who helped us raise this terrific figure. Ros and Dave Hancock held their Christmas Coffee Morning at Newton Poppleford on 4th December. They have great support from the Village and always have a fantastic draw. We would like to thank them for again organising such a profitable morning.
The PRIORY HOME CARE SERVICE CARING FOR SOMEONE ? LIVING ALONE ? NEED A LITTLE HELP ? We can provide all the help you need. Call us on 01404 81 55 11 Page 22
On Monday 6th December the Service of Light was held for the first time in St Mary’s Church, Ottery St Mary. We were privileged to host this Service and so pleased that so many people came along on such a cold evening. Unfortunately the Church was not at its best with the alterations still taking place and the central heating not working but a lot of the congregation stayed to read the Books of Remembrance and enjoy a chat and a warm drink with us after the Service. We look forward to welcoming everyone here again next Christmas. Our next big event is the annual Wayfarers Lunch at the Royal British Legion,West Hill. This is being held on Saturday 19th February. The bar is available and lunch will be served at 12-30pm. Posters will soon be circulated with all the details and tickets priced at £8.50 will be available from the Hospiscare Shop,West Hill Post Office and committee members. Final menu details have to be arranged but the main meal will be a choice of salmon mousse,
coronation chicken, or cold roast turkey with stuffing, bread sauce and cranberry sauce served with a large selection of salads. This will, of course, be followed by a choice from our fantastic desserts and coffee. Hospiscare are holding an Open Meeting at the Tumbling Weir on Thursday 31st March at 7-00pm. Some of the Staff from the hospice will be there as well as the local Hospiscare nurses. This is a very informal evening to give us all an opportunity to talk to our supporters about the hospice, the Day Centre,Volunteering and Fund Raising Departments. Please look out for the posters advertising this evening and we look forward to meeting lots of new and old Friends. Please also put notes in your diaries: Saturday 21st May Ladies Midnight Walk – entry forms can be obtained from the hospice. Saturday 18th June Our popular Pudding Club at the Royal British Legion, West Hill.
Hospiscare Shop News Hello all, and a very Happy New Year to you.What has happened to January? Thank you for all your donations and your continued support, especially over the cold and snowy weather. Wasn’t it beautiful? But also treacherous and inconvenient too. Thanks go to my wonderful volunteers who NEVER let me down.You all make my life much easier. There are lots of things happening here at Hospiscare in the coming year. There will be some brilliant £1.00 sales throughout the year - look out for the posters in the window.There may be one coming up at the end of January. There will also be lots going on with the support group, in and around Ottery. Special thanks go to Lisa for some extra help in the shop after hours and to Karen and your wonderful Morris Minor and all the work you do for me. Thank you also to Marlene and her husband David and all your trips to RIO for me. Don’t forget that if you need anything for fancy dress, for school projects then come in and ask, I don’t always have things on show. Take care and enjoy February. Tracy Spencer, Manager.
Lord Thargg thoroughly thwarted in panto premier The Institute, Ottery St Mary has once again been transformed for Ottery Community Theatre’s annual Pantomime. This year, their offering is the futuristic adventure, Space Ottery (May the Horse be with You.) In the Community Theatre’s long standing tradition, this is an original script, penned this year by new playwright Steve Chapman. Steve has woven a tale inspired by Sci Fi TV and film dramas, incorporating aliens and space travel with all the magic of pantomime. Ottery has been threatened by the arrival of Lord Thargg, from the planet Thargg, who plans to take over the world starting, logically enough, with Ottery St Mary. His plans seem bound to succeed until two humble office cleaners, Dame Anne Droyd and her friend “I” Pod reveal their true identities as “Alien Busters”. Meanwhile, Ottery’s own space programme to place a rover on Mars runs into difficulties due to lack of funding and their hapless computer system “Cheap Thought”. All seems lost until the intervention
of the unlikely combination of the vicar, a cider drinking farmer and a horse, save the day. All ends happily – what a surprise! Once again, we are very grateful to the people of Ottery for turning out in all weathers (thank goodness for the Institute’s new heating system!) to give us their good humoured support at our performances. If you’d like to get more involved, this year you have an extra opportunity, as we launch our new Community Production,
‘The Spirit of Ottery’, planned for September. We are holding two workshops on 6th and 13th February at 2.30pm at the King’s School to explore and develop some of the stories we plan to use, and will be ann-
ouncing dates for acting workshops before too long – look out for posters, our website www.otterycommunitytheatre. co.uk or telephone Laurie or Norma Palmer on 01404 814545.
National Womens Register We started the New Year with a fascinating meeting on alternative medicines. Each member chose to research a therapy that they found particularly interesting and discussed it with the Group, so we managed to cover a wide spectrum of the subject. Our February meeting will be a play reading which hopefully will be great fun and, always up for a challenge, may well take some of us out of our comfort zone!! We now have several new Members who have joined us from other Groups in their previous home towns which makes the meetings even more interesting as they have other ideas to offer. Our next meeting will take place on Monday 7th February at 8.00pm so if you would like to join us – if only for a taster session – then give Brenda a call on 01404 814520.
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
PSG HOME & GARDEN CARE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE
Your friendly local handyman Paul is available for:
Decorating Home Improvements Painting Garden Maintenance NO JOB TOO SMALL call me on: 01404 850 160/07767 099 506 or e mail me at: paulgillard1974@btinternet.com for a free quote Paul Gillard. 10 Mount View, Feniton EX14 3EB Page 23
Aladdin a roaring success at West Hill Village Hall I am happy to report that the production of “Aladdin” at the Village Hall on Friday, 7th January was a roaring success. The hall was full to the brim with local families enjoying the show in the usual boisterous manner. This made all the preparations worthwhile. A small sub-group comprising Jessica Bailey, Kate Fraser and Sylvia Gehring had planned the whole event in minute detail which made it a smooth operation on the day and evening. I am also grateful to committee members and several others who pitched in to help set up, run and clear up afterwards. The Primary School not only lent us its staging but also provided the services of some year six pupils who are experts in setting up the stage. We had all been amazed and delighted that tickets sold out within a few days of going on sale in early December. “Wonder Productions” put on a traditional panto full of music, comedy and slapstick.The jokes were aimed at all levels and included topical material.Their staging was superb and colourful and the six performers full of enthusiasm.The volume
of noise from the audience demonstrated how well it was received. And there were ice creams at the interval! Will we do it again? OH YES WE WILL. (Provisional booking made for the same weekend next year with performances of “Cinderella” on Friday 6th January evening and a matinée on Saturday 7th January afternoon.)
Otter Vale Art Society News
The Otter Vale Art Society reconvenes in the Institute, Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary, on Friday February 4th 2011 at 7.30pm. We are to have an evening with Stephen Bower who will give a professional critique of some famous paintings. Hopefully, he will have some time to look at some of the members work. We welcome new members to a very interesting year. Do join us. Please telephone. Jacqueline Ward on 01404 812621 for more information.
Coles Furnishers 11 SILVER STREET, OTTERY ST MARY (Opposite Lloyds Bank)
Bedlinens & Duvets at SALE PRICES We have lots of bargains still available in our bedding and fabrics sale including further reductions on items to be cleared during the last week of our sale.
Vossen Towels Over 30% Discount in a
selection of discontinued shades. 25% reduction on remaining colours & designs. In our Clothing Shop Regatta Jackets - Quality waterproof and breathable jackets and a selection of alice collins sportswear at great savings. Mostly by at least 30%
Cushions
FURNISHINGS Fabrics, Wools and Crafts - 01404 812991 LEISURE WEAR Our shop in The Square - 01404 812421 Page 24
Just to remind you of the next event to be organised by the committee, on Friday, 1st April there will be a Fashion Show at the hall. Off The Peg who have run our previous shows will again stage this show. Posters, tickets and further details will appear in due course. Tony Charles. (Chairman West Hill Village Hall Management Committee)
King’s School PTFA News
Our last fund raiser was our Annual Christmas Fayre held on Friday 3rd December. As usual we had the huge task of dressing the hall and organising eats and drinks etc. We had more independent stall holders than ever and our students put in many excellent alternative stalls along with lots of fun games. There was fantastic support from Christmas shoppers and the PTFA raised almost £ 2,200 profit and all the stalls had an excellent turnover.We enjoyed welcoming Ottery Primary School who sang a selection of festive songs to set the scene - overall a brilliant result. The next big event we are supporting is The Fashion Show 2011 on Thursday 10th February and Friday 11th February at 7.30pm. We have met with the staff who are co-ordinating this exciting event and the emphasis is on sustainable designs to showcase the creative talents of the King’s School students in design, technology, music and/or choreography. An army of students, staff, local businesses are to be involved. For tickets contact the school front office. You can contact the PTFA via the School front office or by email on diana898@btinternet.com or the school website on www.thekings.devon.sch.uk Diana Mckay
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. Large Range of Greetings Cards and Stationery Cigs and Tobacco, Boxed Chocolates and Gifts Stamps - Phone top-up - National Lottery
OTTERY PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS Although we’re already diving towards February, we’d like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a happy 2011. Looking back at the end of last term, things couldn’t have been more seasonal could they? We had our Key Stage 1 Nativity ‘Santa’s Hat,’ and our Key Stage 2 ‘Starlight Christmas.’ Many thanks to all the parents and children who supported those events so well and particularly to those hardy soles who braved the slightly chilly evening in the Key Stage 2 playground. The positive feedback from those who came along has been really encouraging, as
have the ideas and suggestions for how we may develop the idea next year.The end of term also brought a few flakes of snow on the ground which caused great excitement among the children on the last day. Whoever organised that, got their timing spot on... Now that the Christmas holiday has been and gone, it looks like we’re in for a busy 2011. As many people may be aware, Rok (who were building the preschool) went into administration in the autumn and all work on the project came to a halt. Thankfully, a new contractor has been found and work
Tony Benn to speak at Later Life Forum seminar
Ottery Later Life Forum will be holding its second Seminar in its Talking About series entitled ‘Older people and democracy - Do we still count?’ on Thursday 31st March at The Institute, Ottery St Mary from 10.00am to 3.30pm. The guest speaker will be Tony Benn supported by Ian McKintosh and Tony Simpson. In a question and answer session with the speakers the Seminar will examine: z Can the over 50’s influence Democratic processes? How? z Have we had our day? Is there still opportunity to influence policy and, indeed, do we want to bother? z Looking back on your life, could you say that you have played a role; either locally or nationally where you have influenced policy? z Is it now time for youngsters to take over?
z Is our knowledge and exper-
ience important for the future well-being of our society? Tony Benn is joining us for the day (he will be 86 a couple of days after the Seminar!) and is as active and involved in politics as ever. Is he a role model for all of us? Let us hear and learn from him about today’s issues and reflect on how he has influenced and made policy as a Minister in Government and in the House of Commons. Contributing to the discussions from their own life and work experiences are two local people, Ian McKintosh, a retired lawyer and judge and Tony Simpson, whose career has taken him into many aspects of social and community action. Entrance, including coffee on arrival and a prepared picnic lunch, £15.00 p.p. (£ 9.00 for Later Life Forum Members).
LOVELL’S GARAGE Brook Street, Ottery St Mary
MOT DUE?
Phone now for Same Day Service NO RE-TEST FEE! ENGINE MANAGEMENT LIGHT ON? FAULT CODE READING £28 + VAT Discount Tyres . Air Conditioning Re-Gas Service
Telephone: 01404 812007
has started once again to get the building finished. We have also welcomed to the school our January intake into the Foundation Stage. They seem to be settling in well and it’s lovely to see so many new (and smiling) faces around the place.The other children in the school have come back and launched into their new topics enthusiastically, particularly Year 6. Their imagination and enthusiasm seems to have been strangely drawn to their topic this term of...Chocolate! If all goes to plan, they will be designing, making and marketing their own chocolate product by Easter and obviously the Year 6 teachers will be willing to make huge sacrifices in order to mark and assess their work when the time comes. It’s
all for the good of the children you know.Throughout the rest of the school, Year 5 have begun their project on Kenya; Year 3 and 4 are studying studying World War II; Year 2 are examining Oceans while Year 1 are looking closer to home with a focus on Our Town. In fact, they have already been out and about for a walk in the town. So, it’s been quite a busy January already and, right at the end of the month, we had a visit from M & M Productions who entertained the children with their pantomime version of Cinderella...oh, no it wasn’t, it was Peter Pan (oh yes it was). New year, same old jokes! Mark Gilronan Deputy Headteacher
Ottery St Mary Flower Club 2011 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. 16th February - Members Evening 16th March - Demonstrator Pat Penno from Launceston 27th April - Demonstrator Sarah Hills-Ingyon from Sidford 18th May - Demonstrator Alison Penno from Launceston 15th June - Demonstrator Sheila Hadlow from Par 20th July - Demonstrator Tina Parkes from Exeter 21st September - Demonstrator Sarah Pepper from Exeter 19th October - Demonstrator Adrienne Blake from Kingsbridge
CARPETS COLLECT
THE YARD, MILL STREET, OTTERY ST MARY, EX11 1EJ Tel: 01404 812964 / 07866 237935 / 07825 339376
z We have an extensive range of 80% wool 20% man made fibre carpets to choose from, plus a large stock collection of cut and loop pile carpets underlays, vinyls and sundries. z We have free measuring and quoting service. z Carpets Collect caters for all commercial needs including wet rooms and kitchens. z A range of wood and laminate Brand New flooring samples to look at Stock Range z We offer a full fitting service or we can deliver to your door PLUS OUR USUAL EXTENSIVE RANGE OF SAMPLE BOOKS TO CHOOSE FROM e mail: sales@carpetscollect.co.uk www.carpetscollect.co.uk Page 25
Busy Otters Pre-School Playgroup News Well what an eventful end to last year! The children enjoyed a wonderful Christmas play with many songs and fun costumes.There were lots of proud parents, grandparents, family and friends in the audience.Thank you to the United Reformed Church for providing the venue. The play was followed by some refreshments and a raffle back at Busy Otters which gave parents the opportunity to chat before being reunited with their excited children. A huge thank you to Ron Berry who came to our rescue for opening up The Institute so our end of term party could go ahead. The weight of the snow had lowered some overhead cables and a high vehicle then brought the cables down in the road. This resulted in The Old Boy’s School being declared out of bounds just as the party was due to begin. What a relief for all the children that the party continued and was a great success! Welcome to all our new children that have recently started at Busy Otters. It is lovely to see you all settling in so well. Some of you will have noticed that work has recommenced at the primary school. New
contractors are now on site and Busy Otters will be moving in to the new building before the end of the school year. Busy Otters runs at The Old Boy’s School in Yonder Street. We offer pre-school places for children from 2 years 6 months up until they begin primary school. Sessions are Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.00pm. Afternoon sessions are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 12.45 - 3.15pm.
SERVICE OF PRAYER FOR HEALING Sunday 13th March 2011 at 6.30pm at Ottery St Mary Parish Church A quiet service with sacred music, some space for silent reflection and the opportunity, if you wish, for a listening ear and prayer for healing for ourselves, for others, or for a situation in the world. All welcome even if you do not normally attend services.
We also have Lunch Club on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Toddler sessions for the under 5s are on Thursday afternoons, 1pm - 2.45pm at £2 per family. For further information please telephone 01404 815370 or email us at busyotters@googlemail.com Check out our new website at www.busyotters.co.uk Sarah Archer Above: Children in the Christmas play
African Drumming Workshops attract full house The Sustainable Ottery African Drumming Workshops just keep getting busier. January’s workshop attracted a virtually full house again and there are three more dates already booked for Saturdays 12th February, 5th March, and 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.
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 30th April 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 have any questions or would like to join us, please contact Sandra Chapman on 01404 814528 or 07863 325415.
Page 26
Ottery Walkers News Hello and welcome to the start of the walking New Year. For our first Saturday walk of the year our leader Barbara chose a walk on local footpaths and lanes, to make the best of the short winter day. It is amazing what is on our own doorstep with a choice of walks of any length from 2 miles up to 15. We met as usual at the Canaan Way car park which meant our walk started at 9 o’clock. We followed Fairmile Lane, crossing the Otter at Cadhay Bridge and into and through the grounds of Cadhay House where we met farmers meeting for a shoot. Leaving Cadhay Lane we joined a footpath for a steady climb across fields to Birdcage. We then walked along Devon lanes with grass growing in the middle to cross the main road into Toadpit Lane where in a short while we were back on footpaths through fields and woodland to West Hill. Pleased to say the weather had brightened with the sun making a welcome appearance. From the garage in West Hill it was a steady climb to join footpaths which took us through the Woodland Trust wood between Lower and Upper Broad Oak Roads. We then went on to Heathlands following the path down to
cross a stream and up to Venn Ottery Common, where we had our picnic lunch sheltering from the wind but in bright sunshine. The views from this highpoint are spectacular looking across Tipton St John to green fields and East Hill, Sidmouth, Peak Hill and beyond. After lunch we enjoyed a nice easy down hill walk to Tipton St John, through the playing fields to cross the River Otter past the mill. The river was running fast and high making the waterfall and salmon leap quite impressive. In fact Dennis saw a salmon attempt to leap but without success. We now followed the river back to the Millennium Bridge where we parted to make our way home. Everyone enjoyed a very local walk and back home in time for an afternoon cuppa. Why not join us for one of our forthcoming walks. All walks meet at the Land of Canaan Car Park, Ottery St Mary at 9 am and we share cars to the start of the walk. For further information and a programme of walks, please contact Trevor on 811830 or Barbara on 814204. Pictured:The lovely river Otter at Tipton St John
SATURDAY WALKS (about 10 miles) 5th February - Wootton Fitzpaine area, Coneys Castle to Monkton Wyld and back. 5th March - Dawlish Warren Car Park to Cofton, Mamhead, Dawlish. Possible stop for tea in Dawlish THURSDAY WALKS (5 to 6 miles) 3rd February - Membury area. Figure of eight walk including packhorse bridge and iron age hill fort 17th February - From Honiton Golf Club walk via valleys and quiet lanes to Offwell and back 3rd March - Killerton to Budlake, Sprydoncote and Danes Wood 17th March - Newton Poppleford to Aylesbeare via Hawkerland valley, including Harpford Common and River Otter.
Scout’s Jumble Sale day 2
The second part of the Ottery St Mary Scout Group’s Annual Mammoth Jumble Sale will be held in 3 venues: in the the Old Boy’s School, Coleridge Pre-School, and in the The Institute, Yonder Street, on Saturday 5th February, 2011 starting at 1.30pm. You’ll find bargains in clothing, soft furnishings and bedding etc. All proceeds go to the 1st Ottery Scout Group. A donation will be made to BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal. So come on down and join in the scrum - admission free! Call 01404 812274 (evenings only) for more information.
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 27
Get the balance right!
Supporting the British Heart Foundation
Hi all, hope that you all had a fab Christmas and the best New Year yet. We certainly did and although it was relatively quiet, it was also fun and relaxing. Lots of food and drink was consumed by all and if the statistics are correct we devoured around 7,000 calories on the big day itself. Can you understand why I was itching to get back to dance’a’size? Oh, and what joy it is indeed to be back and jollying along with the groups. I think that most people felt the same as I did and were genuinely ready to dig in and get back on track. It seemed along time since the last class as we had to cancel the last two scheduled classes due to the snow. Wasn’t the snow just the best? We made the most of it and ended up snowboarding and
sledging for several days. What a wonderful way to get your exercise in whilst having great fun. You see - exercise should be fun and that’s why our Ottery and Whimple classes are continuing to grow. A big welcome to all our new ladies and gents! We are so pleased that having put together (through a lot of toil and sweat) some super new routines that really do create perspiration at the end of the hour long session.The music is the key to the atmosphere so by mixing the old with the new, the rhythm with the blues, we are glad you agree that we are getting it right. It is the 50th Anniversary of the British Heart Foundation this year so we are pulling out all the stops to raise as much money and awareness about them as possible. This month’s event is going to be a massive hit as we are bringing the fabulous group Thick as Thieves to The Institute, Ottery St Mary, on Saturday 12th February.This happens to beValentine’s weekend, so if you want to come as a couple or just with friends (maybe you will get lucky) then come and support this fantastic event. Tickets are available from Maggie at the Computer Shop, Mill Street (01404 814946) or Phyllis at the TIC (01404 813964) or call me,
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 25th February 2011 RECOMMENDED IN THE GOOD PUB GUIDE Page 28
Michele, on 07984 869498. Please note that places are limited so get you tickets early to avoid disappointment. There will drinks available from the licensed bar, beer, wine, gin, vodka and soft drinks. The group play a wide variety of music from the sixties right up to modern day. All profits will go to the British Heart Foundation so keep supporting this very worthwhile cause - after all we all have a heart. I will keep you informed of any forthcoming events and must also remind you that the Murder Mystery Dinner at the Tumbling Weir Hotel on Saturday 2nd April is selling fast
so please give me a call ASAP to reserve your tickets or pop into Maggie or Phyllis. Remember all our classes are mixed sizes, ages and abilities and the bonus is that we work on a pay as you go basis to fit in with everyone’s busy lifestyle. DANCE ‘A’ SIZE CLASSES Ottery St Mary: The Old Boys School. Tuesday evenings 8.00 until 9.00pm. Whimple: The Victory Hall. Thursday evenings 7.30 until 8.30pm. For further information please do not hesitate to contact Michele on 07984 869498.
Roydon James Packer Author, producer, director, actor March 1918 – November 2010 We are sad to record the death of Roy Packer, a founder member of the Ottery St Mary Heritage Society. He will be remembered as a most generous and supportive colleague. A prolific writer, his popular romantic novel ‘Quaint Music’, set in the years leading up to the Great Fire of Ottery in 1866, was published by the Heritage Society, and at his request all proceeds from sales were donated to Society funds. Roy Packer was born in Bristol and has spent most of his life in his beloved Devonshire. He helped form the Exeter Little Theatre Company which, over the years, benefited from his skills as writer, producer, director and actor. After a successful career working for a number of building societies, Roy and his wife Judith settled in Ottery St Mary in 1973. A keen writer on a wide variety of subjects for many years, he wrote a series of articles for the then ‘Ottery News’ and his book ‘Long Ago
in Ottery’ was published in 1983 by his old friend Eric Delderfield. His popular articles featured regularly in the ‘Sidmouth Herald’ and ‘Exeter Express & Echo’. He was also an occasional contributor to the ‘Bristol Evening Post’. His narrative poems in ‘The Drummer’s Stone’, published in 1995, received enthusiastic reviews. Following the death of his wife, Roy Packer left Ottery St Mary, his home for 27 years, living in Newton Poppleford and Sidmouth before settling happily in Exmouth, until latterly moving to a retirement home. He was still writing, almost on a daily basis, until the middle of this year. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him and worked with him during his long and creative life. We send our deepest sympathy to Roy’s family on their sad loss. Robert Neal Ottery St Mary Heritage Society
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
Packed 2010 programme for Ottery St Mary Cubs Ottery Cubs had a packed programme before they said goodbye to 2010. First off, the Cubs completed their Astronomer badge with help from Duncan Goddard (former cub leader). Duncan taught the cubs how to identify constellations and informed them about planets, black holes and comets. Having learnt all about the planets indoors, the Cubs had a chance to put it all into practice. They undertook a night walk from Otterton down to Budleigh beach. Although it was very cold, there was a clear night sky.The cubs were able to point out all the constellations they had learnt about the week before. The highlight was being able to spot the North star to find our way home! The evening star gazing and night walk was also memorable for another reason. Josh, Max and Flurry, our newest Cubs, were invested into the pack whilst we were on the beach at Budleigh. Prior to Christmas, a large contingent of Cubs attended an event organised by Devon County Scouts.The event provided great opportunity for Cubs to experience a range of activities in Exeter including rifle shooting, craft workshops,
drumming and water rockets. Unfortunately, as it was so cold, they were more like ice rockets so we’ll build those ourselves next term! The event was great fun for cubs and leaders and we all look forward to the next event. The Cubs also completed our Acting badge with lots of help from Karen Rudd, a member of New Ottregians. The cubs wrote and performed their own plays with a scouting theme. Lots of fun was had by all with lots of characters and complex plots!
C H SALTER & SON LTD FRENCH CAR SPECIALISTS
35 years service of French vehicles
AMAZING SERVICE PRICES PEUGEOT CITROEN RENAULT On all C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C8, Piccasso and Berlingo Diesel £148.35 inc VAT Petrol £151.58 inc VAT Please contact us for amazing prices on Peugeot and Renault Cars
Three yearly service on all Diesels £233.82 inc VAT Three yearly service on all Petrols £258.33 inc VAT MOT £45.00 ON ANY CAR (Cars independently MOT’d no re-test fee charged)
10% DISCOUNT FOR ALL OTTERYCARD HOLDERS
OTTERY ST MARY 01404 812054
Finally, we said goodbye to Zachary, William and Freya, three of our cubs. All completed their Silver awards by organising very entertaining evenings. Freya organised a games marathon, Zachary got the cubs to produce a shield
with their own coat of arms (pictured above) and William’s night was themed around bugs. We wish them all the best of luck as they move to Scouts. Ben Rowland (Baloo) Assistant Cub Leader
University of the Third Age With well over 700 U3A’s throughout the UK and a membership of over a quarter of a million, U3A is a self - help, self managed co-operative of people no longer in full time employment which provides opportunities to share learning experiences in a range of interest groups, not for qualification, but for psychological and physical fun. In Honiton, the East Devon U3A is well established with a varied programme supporting group activities as diverse as walking, bird watching, crafts, arts, music appreciation, scrabble, play reading, French conversation etc. There is no limit to what members can achieve. It makes a difference when everyone helps everyone else - “if it’s not fun - it’s not U3A”. U3A in Honiton also holds monthly general meetings at which there is usually a speaker on a variety of subjects or a showcase of achievements of members. There is also an annual outing to a local place of interest. This is a small sketch of what we do here. Usually we meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Royal British Legion, Dowell Street, Honiton, starting at 2:15pm. Come and join us, or to learn more telephone 01404 823160 for further details, or check the website: www.U3Asites.org.uk/eastdevon
S G Digital TV Solutions A SERVICE THROUGHOUT EAST DEVON Installations & Demonstrations of any makes of: • • • •
HIGH DEFINITION TELEVISIONS & FREEVIEW PRODUCTS. DIGITAL TV RECORDERS, DVD RECORDERS & BLU-RAY. VIDEO EQUIPMENT. HOME CINEMA PRODUCTS & HI FI.
www.chsalter.co.uk chsalter20032002@yahoo.co.uk
Digital Signal Problems in Ottery area? Phone us first. Qualified TV Engineer, years of trade experience. Your problems are our speciality.
Courtesy cars available and a free collection and delivery service available
Email: digitaltvsolutions@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.sgdigitaltvsolutions.co.uk
9-11 Alansway, Finnimore Ind Estate
Page 30
Telephone: 07799 303944
Ottery Scouts plant 2000 bulbs for ‘Focus on the Crocus’ Recently 2,000 Crocus Bulbs were planted in support for the Rotary International campaign “Focus on the Crocus” to eradicate Polio around the world. The Ottery Scouts were asked if they would do this in and around the area at the bottom of Mill Street, where the Rotary Club Bench is sited. We were given the bulbs in December and a few people mentioned that this may be a little late in the year so we decided that we should get them in the ground straight away.A quick email later we had changed our planned evening of ‘fire lighting’ and asked the Scouts to turn up with ‘dibbers’ and torches ready to plant the bulbs. We did wonder how many would turn up and how many would indeed know what a dibber was! Anything which involves lighting a fire is always a favourite with the scouts and to change this planned event could have been very unpopular. However once we explained what and why we were doing this we had
a great turn out so credit to those young people for doing so with such enthusiasm. It probably looked a rather odd sight.A cold Friday evening lots of young people marking out patterns on the grass with sticks and ropes then poking holes in the ground by torchlight to plant some flower bulbs.
Ottery Children’s Centre Ottery Children’s Centre, Tip Hill, is now open to families with children aged under 5 years within the community of Ottery St Mary and the surrounding villages. Children’s Centre staff are running an interesting range of activities.These include: Stay and Play, which provides safe, rewarding and stimulating activities for children under 5 years, baby massage, childminder’s sessions and ‘Here’s Looking at you Baby’ course. Children’s centre staff are available during and after every session to provide guidance and support and to answer any queries about any aspect of parenting.There is no charge for the sessions and whether you are a mum, dad, grandparent, carer or childminder, you are welcome to come along. Details of all the groups for the Spring term are now available from the centre. We are looking to shape our services around the needs of the community so if anyone has any ideas, questions, would like to become more involved, or would like to register please contact our centre for further information on 01404 813642 or by email to: east.devon@actionforchildren.org.uk Sally, Amy, Marian and Jan
I believe the plan is that the flowers will bloom in February to coincide with Rotary Day and help to highlight their fight to eradicate Polio which is still a killer disease in many countries. The Scouts were pleased to have been asked and to help and I am sure when the flowers bloom they will feel a little pride
‘£1 IN A BUCKET’ RAISES £100 The Carnival Princess ‘£1 in a Bucket’ competition, held during Ottery’s Late Night Christmas Shopping event on Friday 26th November, was a success raising a total of £100.The winner was Clive Mills who received the prize of £50. Thanks from Toni and Mary for all your support. Proceeds to Ottery Carnival Fund.
TRY US FOR AN AWAY DAY AND YOU MIGHT WANT TO JOIN
SIDMOUTH COLLEGE AND
Ottery Visits Club THE CLUB WITH A REAL DIFFERENCE
z z
EASTERBROOK EATON LTD
z
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
z
For further information see our website at www.easterbrooks.co.uk Chartered Accountants - Registered Auditors
in having taken a small part in this global project. Let’s just hope the flowers bloom and in the designs and patterns that they were planted in! The picture shows all the Scouts who turned up to plant the crocuses. Chris Evans Scout Leader
z
z
COUNTRY HOUSES AND GARDENS NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTIES WHEN OPEN TRAINS BOATS AND WILDLIFE EXCURSIONS SCENIC JOURNEYS AND GOOD PLACES TO EAT Wed. Feb. 9th – Slimbridge Wildlife and Wetlands Trust. Cost £20.00. Depart Land of Canaan 8.15am. Wed. Feb. 16th – Snowdrop Valley on Exmoor. Cost £15.00. Depart Land of Canaan 8.00am. Wed. Feb. 23rd – Beaulieu Hants. (Motor Museum, Abbey etc). Cost £24.00. Depart Land of Canaan 8am. Wed. March 2nd – Hawk Conservancy Trust. Cost £22.00. Depart Land of Canaan 8.00am. Wed. March 9th – Tyntesfield N.T. Cost £15.00 N.T. members, £11.50 extra non-members. Depart Land of Canaan 8.00am. Wed. March 16th – Another Mystery Tour with lunch stop. Cost £15.00. Depart Land of Canaan 8.15am. All costs include admission and gratuities
Further details and bookings from: ANN FORTH Fluxton Farm 01404 812818 or DOWNS MOTORS 01404 812002 Page 31
Back pain costs the NHS around £481 million per year, with a further £197 million in non-NHS costs such as private consultations and prescriptions. It is one of the most common reasons that patients consult their GP’s accounting for 7 million GP visits annually. Within the general population 4 out of 5 people over the age of 16 will suffer back pain at some time in their life. Pain is most prevalent in the 35 to 55 year age groups, possibly due to occupational stresses. Pain can come from several structures within the spine, this consists of a stack of vertebrae with discs between which act as shock absorbers.The vertebrae also connect with the ones above and below by facet joints. The spinal cord runs down the back of the vertebral bodies and root nerves leave through channels called vertebral foramen to supply the peripheral parts of the body. The facet joints are surrounded by ligaments and the muscles of the spine then support the joints. MUSCLES Muscle pain is very common, this can range from the dull ache like when doing unaccustomed work to more severe muscle spasm which feels more like a cramping pain. Muscle
Resolving Back Pain pain tends to be worse towards the end of the day once the muscles are becoming fatigued and can be relieved by stretching. JOINTS Joint pain tends to occur after a specific injury causing a sprain to the ligaments as often seen when lifting an object unexpectedly heavy or if sitting in an awkward position for prolonged periods causing a sudden onset of pain. More insidious problems can occur as seen In some occupational injuries when the body tries to compensate over time for repeated activities or poor posture ultimately leading to injury to the ligaments.The pain tends to be worse in the mornings or on getting up after sitting for long periods and improves with gentle mobility. DISCS Disc pain tends to be more severe than either of the two above. The cause again can be either insidious or due to sudden trauma causing a compression injury. Disc injuries are commonly known as a disc herniated or slipped disc. The disc is made from a gelatinous centre surrounded by more solid layers of cartilage in concentric rings.This arrangement
acts as shock absorbers to cope with the forces applied on the spine. NERVES Nerve pain is sharp and shooting and is referred normally into the arms or legs as severe pain, pins or needles or tingling.This can occur if there is irritation of the nerve such as disc herniation or inflammation of the joints close to where the nerve runs. Patients often refer to the pain as “toothache” in the limb. With sciatic pain, irritation of the sciatic nerve which supplies the leg, patients are often only comfortable on lying down or walking and the pain is worse on sitting. TREATMENT There have been many studies looking at treatment for lower lumber pain, the latest publication being the guidelines from NICE (National Institute Clinical Excellence). These recommend that normal activity should be maintained as much as possible and pain killers should be used to enable this to occur. The best evidence along with this is for a course of manipulation carried out by Chiropractors or Osteopaths or a course of acupuncture. These should be accompanied with exercises to
help stretch the ligaments and muscles of the back and then strengthening exercises such as core stability work. Once the pain is resolved Pilates is a very good form of exercise to maintain core stability. In the long term paying attention to small details such as posture, work station set ups, lifting correctly and how we carry out day to day activities will help prevent problems with our backs so avoid back pain initially.
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 32
Coleridge Playgroup News
A new term has started at the Coleridge Pre-School and with it some new faces.Welcome to the new children joining us, they are all settling down well and we hope they have a lot of fun with us. This terms theme is ‘Playtime’ which has gone down well with the children. To help us out we’d like to thank our local Sure Start group who have lent us a play gym and also helped assemble it for us. Last term ended very well with the Nativity play and the children’s Christmas party. Both events were a huge success despite the snow which caused Santa a few issues but he made it in the end which the children definitely appreciated! A number of children graduated last term and though we’ll miss them all we wish lots of luck at their new schools. Our new Chairperson Helen Harding Shepherd has stepped up and we all thank her for joining the committee and wish her well in her new role! Congratulations must also go to Nicky who has now passed her NVQ level 3. Our Fundraising committee has started organising a number of events for 2011.We are starting with a breakfast morning on Saturday 26th February so if you fancy a tasty bacon bap or a sausage sandwich just follow
your nose to the Pre-School, opposite Rosey’s chip-shop! 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 who have had 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 11.45am.Morning sessions run from 9.15 - 11.45am, lunch club is held from 11.45am 12.45pm, and afternoon sessions commence at 12.45pm. A toddler group is held at the school on Tuesday afternoons from 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. There is also the opportunity for wrap-around care from 8.00am - 6.00pm daily for parents who choose to 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.
Twinning Association AGM The Ottery St Mary Twinning Association AGM is being held at West Hill Village Hall on Thursday 10th February starting at 7.45pm. The change of day and time from that of previous years is due to hall bookings but the format will be the same and we look forward to seeing everybody again. As usual the AGM will be followed by complementary drink and finger buffet. Any contribution of nibbles will be welcome. The Committee has been working hard on arrangements for
2011 programme which involves a visit by coach to Pont l’Eveque for a long weekend from May 27th to 30th and our welcoming the Ilsfeld group at the beginning of September. Members will be aware that Ilsfeld first visited us in 2001 so this year is the tenth anniversary which we hope to celebrate with a special programme. Up to date details of both will be discussed at the AGM with the opportunity to confirm your plans for these visits.
2nd award for the Gazette
In 2009 the Gazette won the National Parish Magazines Award outright with ‘Best Overall Magazine’. In last year’s entry we won a respectable 2nd place winning the ‘Best Design’ category.We’re happy with that in a competition where the organisers reported a record number of entries, many in full colour. These results are in a large part testament to the wide range of topics and subject matter provided each month by our contributors who supply copy for the Gazette. And without the loyal businesses who advertise with us every month it wouldn’t be possible at all. Thank you to you all. We can’t win it every year but it’s nice to come close!
PIXIES DUE EARLY IN 2011 Pixie Day this year will be on Saturday 11th June - rather earlier than usual. The original date has had to be changed due to clashes with other events. To place Advertising or free editorial matter for your club or organisation in the Gazette please call 01404 815111
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
Page 33
Ottery Chamber Quiz questions and answers
Rotary Round-Up NEWS FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF OTTER VALLEY
When I wrote my last article, I was eulogizing about the magnificent autumn; even before my article went to print, the great freeze had arrived, soon to be followed by the most memorable White Christmas! Now we are into a wet miserable Januar y. Enough about the weather, back to last December and the Rotary Club’s activities. Friday 3rd December saw the sleigh out at the Farmer’s Market, netting £111.51. December 4th was the Club’s Holly Ball at Bicton Orangery and a very fine event it proved to be for all who were able to attend. The staff there had really gone to town to make it a special event, right down to Father
Please send us your copy in on time Some editorial contributions for the Gazette are still arriving past the deadline of the 20th/ 21st of the month. To ensure inclusion please try to send in your copy in on time.The earliest copy goes in first.
Christmas and presents for all the guests; the food was particularly noteworthy. Our favourite band, “Phoenix”, was the icing on the cake. Those who had expressed doubts about the venue were proved to be totally wrong. The weather paid a significant part in the activities of Santa’s Sleigh and necessitated some rearranging; that said, collections were made in East and West Ottery, Broadclyst, Whimple, and Tesco’s in Honiton on the morning of Christmas Eve. Sadly, Feniton and Rockbeare had to be cancelled. The total for the collections, including the switching on of the lights and the Farmer’s Market, was £1892.16. The only other events to take place in December were the club’s Christmas Dinner, an all male event, on the 14th, opinions on the success of this vary, and the Carol Singing at West Hill British Legion on the 18th. This event was once again organised by Rotarian “Fletch” Fletcher and his lovely wife, Romie – despite the weather, another fine success to conclude the year’s activities!
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
19
Local Company CELEBRATES 37 YEARS IN BUSINESS 1974 - 2010
C & C WINDOWS OTTERY ST MARY
z WINDOWS z ENTRANCE DOORS z STORM DOORS z CONSERVATORIES z INSTALLATION AND REPAIRS
FENSA
z PILKINGTON HIGH EFFICIENCY
GLASS AS STANDARD
z HIGHEST LEVELS OF SECURITY z FREE DETAILED QUOTATION
NO VAT TO PAY
For Friendly helpful information phone RAY z 01404 812707 Mobile: 07966 197938 Page 34
Q: A: 2 Q: A: 3 Q: A: 4 Q: A: 5 Q: A: 6 Q: A: 7 Q: A: 8 Q: A: 9 Q: A: 10 Q:
18
NEWS
z NO DEPOSITS z
1
20 21 22 23 24
Where is the land of milk and honey? Land of Caanan: You and a friend could come here to practice boxing. SPAR Shop at Esso Garage, Hind Street What time do the lights go out? 11 p.m. (Car park sign in Hind Street) A film or a book perhaps? The girl with the Pearl Earring (Picture above The Gallery) Somewhere you would find Sally Ann and hear the war cry. The Salvation Army A book by Frances Hodgson Burnett The Secret Garden A place to find South American Indians? Aztec Video Where will you find this prickh/ customer? Above the door of Nat West Bank Open Spring, Summer,Autumn and Winter Seasons Cafe How much would you be paid from the Will of Thomas Axe if you married after the age of 21 from July 1691? A: £3 (Sign inside church porch) Q: You could keep warm sitting on this seat A: Seat at south side of church dedicate to Kenneth EJ Brazier Q: Where could you sit in friendship? A: Seat in churchyard -The llsfeld Friendship seat Q: Did this couple give their name to the theatre? A: George & Jane Northcott’s tombstone Q: Where would you find three angels? A: On the East wall of the church Q: A French chateau in Ottery? A: The Normandy House Q: Rodney’s turn of phrase A: COSMIC Q: Is Captain Kirk staying here? A: The London Inn, and ENTERPRISE Inns free house Q: You won’t find any press gangs here A: The Volunteer Inn Q: Is there a sword in the stone here? A: Excalibur Print & Copy Centre Q: AVictorian medal A: The Star of India (Restaurant) Q: Will you find Eros near here? A: Piccadilly Lane Q: Not a church, abbey or cathedral, when was this place of worship built? A: The Wesleyan Chapel built 1829 Q: Which bright spark lived here? A: Sir Edward Davy (Raleigh House) Q: How many ladies found work here in 1824? A: 400 (were employed in the manufacture of silk at the Mill)
CHIROPODIST (PODIATRIST)
The Ottery Foot Clinic DENISE MARTIN
BSC HONS, MS. SCH., DIP. POD. MED.
H.P.C. REGISTERED 16 Mill Street, Ottery St Mary EX11 1AB Telephone: 01404 811234 Mobile: 07722 148511
Moving to Ottery inspired me to write my first novel By Caroline Hunter In September 2007 I relocated to Ottery St. Mary from the Midlands with my husband John in search of a less stressful way of life. We were both charmed by the town and its picturesque surroundings and it wasn’t long before we settled in and started making new friends. I was born in the West Country, so for me it was also a case of moving back to my roots. I first started writing stories when I was 12 years old. I would shut myself away in my room and write non-stop for hours on end, fuelled by a highly active imagination. My parents, who kept me well supplied with pens and paper, suggested that I submit a short story to our local fortnightly journal called ‘The Chinnor Chronicle’, so I did, and much to my delight it was published. I can’t tell you how rewarding it was to see my words in print for the first time. When I reached adulthood I found that I became preoccupied with other things and gave up writing for many years. It was moving to Ottery that rekindled my imagination and inspired me to put pen to paper again. I have now written and published my first book called The Present Future which is a
time travel story with a difference. The book will appeal to teenagers and adults who like a light read. It is set mostly in East Devon, and briefly features the Kings School one hundred years in the future, where technology may have moved on but antics in the classroom haven’t! The book takes the reader on a journey through time, space and imagination, following its characters as they try to overcome a sinister organisation called the Unit which threatens to alter the very course of time itself. The Present Future can be purchased from The Curious Otter book shop, Ottery St Mary, priced at £7.99.
Plumb It are a local, family run plumbing business established in Ottery St Mary. We are Water Regulations approved plumbers, Gas Safe registered and Oftec Registered Technicians. All of our friendly and highly experienced staff are all City and Guilds trained and fully insured. • Installations and servicing • Heating systems and combi boilers • Heating upgrades • Boiler exchanges No. 552664 • Power flushing • Landlord certificates, testing and inspection • Gas Safe registered • Free Estimates. All work guaranteed
Telephone: 01404 813141 Mobile: 07704 896796 5 Sunnyhill, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1DZ
GRANDISSON ARCHERS NEWS
The clubs’ Christmas social was held again at the Hare & Hounds this year with more members than ever attending. A very enjoyable evening was had by all. Unfortunately due to adverse weather conditions our Boxing Day shoot was cancelled as we didn’t fancy losing each other let alone our arrows in the snow. We will strive to get another social shoot organised when the weather is warmer with bonfire and munchies galore. In January we resumed our Roving Marks Shoot at Escot which was very well attended and despite the high winds, both very bracing and testing. Our next woodland shoot at Dingly Dell, Escot will be on Saturday the 12th February starting at 10.15am. Forthcoming dates for the diary are 13th March President’s Trophy Shoot (members only) and provisionally the date for our AGM will be the 23rd March at the Yonder Close Community Centre at 7.00pm (all welcome).
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.
N. Hillman & Son Painters & Decorators Interior/Exterior Family business with over 70 years combined experience. Clean, Tidy, and Professional Workers. Trustworthy, Reliable with 100s of references
Unbeatable Prices!
Tel Rob on 01404 811139 Page 35
OTTERY FOOTBALL CLUB NEWS Looking back at December 10 & Jan 2011 The First team are currently lying 3rd from bottom, having played 19, won 6, drawn 1 and lost 12. Having said that, they’ve got more points than we’ve seen for a couple of seasons previous, and have played some good football. Given some consistency I can still see us finishing mid-table. Stick at it guys. Our Youth sides are on the whole having mid-table seasons, apart from our U12s who have struggled after being promoted last season. All part of the learning process guys as the standard of football has been higher than we’ve been used to and will hopefully serve us all well in seasons to come. On the social front we really enjoyed Christmas and New Year and are now looking forward to enjoying our Centenary Year, with some special events in planning to properly celebrate 100 years of OSM FC. Watch this space for further details. Upcoming Events Dates for the diary. We will be having a Mass Youth Section photo session on Sunday the
6th February.All our teams will be there having group and individual photos taken, along with all the Coaches and the Veterans Team, who will also be having their photos done in advance of the Cornwall Tour. This should be a fun day for kids and parents (the bar will of course be open throughout). Letters have already gone out to all parents but if you haven’t been informed then have a word with the relevant coach for your child’s team. There will be Carnival Bingo on Sunday 13th February. First Bingo Night of the year so make sure you’re there on time to get a table!! We are planning a Race Night on 25th Feb, posters will be up shortly and further details can be had by ringing 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 Fri-
The Court
Retirement Residence . DAY CARE RESPITE CARE RESIDENTIAL CARE ROCKBEARE
day from 7.00pm, and on Saturdays is open all day from 12.00 midday. Sundays the Club is open from 12.00 midday till 6.00pm. The Football Club has two rooms available for Private 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 01404 813539. If you wish to advertise via the Club, or sponsor a team or match, then see the website at www.otterystmaryfc.co.uk/ ottery_st_mary_afc.htm And Finally This is our centenary year at the Club and we will be looking to put on various functions to celebrate 100 years of Ottery St Mary FC. Events start with the Race Night in February, and we’re also looking at putting on an event or two which we’ve
not tried before so watch this space for further details. The Veterans continue their unbeaten run with a 1-1 draw with Awliscombe this week.We had a slight blip against the Golden Boys a couple of weeks ago, but that was only a training session and we weren’t really taking it seriously until we got to the bar afterwards!! 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 more than enough work to keep us all happy!! If you are interested then ring us on 813539 or just come down and ask Colin behind the bar to grab a committee member for you to talk to. Bill Hayes
New officers elected at Ottery Bowls Club AGM At the Ottery St Mary Bowling Club A.G.M. Officers and Committee members were elected for the 2011 season. Harry Channon will continue for a second year as President. Management Committee Members re-elected were: Michael Potter: Chairman, Derek Hunt: General Secretary, Bob Porton: Treasurer, Stuart Spencer : Match Secretary, Mollie Parker: Ladies Secretary. New Members elected to the Committee were:Terry House: Mens’ and Club Captain, Peter Jones: Mens’ Vice Captain, Ann Howells: Ladies Captain, Margaret Spencer: Ladies Vice Captain. Also elected to the Committee were: John Ward, Brian Nelson and Sharon Kenny. Representative on the
selection and Competition Committee: Janet Bebb. Non Committee Officers are Gerry Beighton: Recruitment and Peter Bebb: Press. Pictured above: Terry House, Ottery Bowls Club Captain.
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)
New 5-a-side Soccer League starting at Colin Tooze A new 5-a-side Soccer League has been launched at Colin Tooze Sports Centre, Ottery St Mary, on Sundays between 6.00 and 9.00pm. The League will be run in the sports hall with 12 teams taking part initially. Teams will play a half hour game each week. There will be no registration fee for the teams; the only expense will be £2.75 per player per week.Teams will have 8 players: 5 on field and 3 subs that can roll on roll off throughout the game. The league is set to have a website where teams can look at their league tables, fixtures, top goalscorers and general league information. Teams will also be able to log onto the website www.indoorfives.com at any time to view all their league information.The league will be fully affiliated to the FA and winning teams will qualify for the Indoor Fives National Tournament. All matches are officiated by qualified referees and all equipment will be provided. Anyone over the age of 16 can enter and you do not need to be an organised or established team. You may simply be a group of friends, work colleagues or mates from the pub. League organiser Ross Spacey said: “We are pleased to be able to start a 5-a-side league in the sports hall.There has been demand for the league for some time.With the recent bad weather having had such an adverse affect on outdoor play I think an indoor league will be filled very quickly.” New teams can either contact the league organiser, Ross on 07890 681066 for more infor-mation or they can register their team online at the web-site www.indoorfives.com Spaces will be available on a first come, first served basis.
The Mighty Macaroons, pictured here, have registered and are prepared to play in the new league.They won the 5-a-side league 3 years ago and are hoping to win it again!
Ottery Petanque Club rolled over by Upper Thames PC Following second round success in the European Cup Qualifiers against The City of Bath in December, the Otters travelled to Upper Thames PC at The Foresters Arms, near Malmsbury,Wiltshire, on 16th January. The first two games of triples
resulted in one game each, but then Upper Thames brought out their secret weapon - bacon rolls and coffee. After that the next three games of doubles went to the home side to give them a winning lead of four games to one. In view of the
ROBERTS
A good old fashioned shop, with good old fashioned service
TRADITIONAL HOMEWARE/HARDWARE GENERAL STORE BROAD STREET, OTTERY ST MARY Telephone: 01404 813240
email:robertsottery@btconnect.com
FOR SALE
closing weather the Otters decided to head for home and not play the remaining two triples. Upper Thames then revealed that in the previous round they had been 1 - 3 down until they produced their bacon rolls after
5 Year Warranty on LED Televisions 40” Screen
Self contained apartments Ideal for couples or a growing family Close to local food outlets
Prices to suit the smallest of pockets (Sorry mortgages not available)
Open every day 9.00am to 5.00pm except Sun
FREE Same day/ Next day Delivery and Setup 32” Screen
(We sell bird feeders and a variety of wild bird food too)
The birds have had a tough winter. But the poor little chaps are currently searching for a cosy property to set up home. Why not help them out by providing a nest box or two. See our window display Or drop in to find the best property for you
which they recovered to win by 4 - 3. There must be something in that Wiltshire bacon! Anyone wishing to learn more about petanque can contact me (Ottery St Mary Secretary) on 01404 812292. Dave West
Expert service and friendly advice
22” Screen
John Williams 8 MILL STREET, OTTERY ST MARY Telephone 01404 812308 e mail: info@john-williams.co.uk
SALES . REPAIRS . RENTALS Page 37
A.J swings - Paula sings
A.J’s Big Band is preparing for another packed year of engagements performing across the region with a schedule of concerts and dances featuring big band classics both old and new. Although a comparative newcomer to the band, but already established as a firm favourite with her stunning vocal style, is the band’s singer Paula Mitchell. Paula’s musical career spans 25 years of performing all around the UK and abroad including singing at the prestigious Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland and the Novotel in Times Square, New York. She has worked at Mama Stones, Exeter, as head of artistic development and as voice coach. Most recently she performed backing vocals on
Joss Stones latest album “Colour Me Free”. MD Ken Parr comments;‘Paula is a truly outstanding Big Band vocalist with a big personality. Her presence lights up the stage and audiences love her interpretation of both ballads and uptempo numbers’. A recent concert review recorded ‘with her outstanding voice Paula’s range, emotional depth and downright sassiness thrilled the audience throughout both sets, bringing alive hits by Irving Berlin, Burt Bacharach and Ella Fitzgerald classics.’ A.J’s Big Band with vocalist Paula can be heard at the Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth, Friday 11th March at 8.00pm. Ticket £12.50p. Box office 01395 514413.
The PRIORY
R ESIDENTIAL C ARE H OME * Professionally trained, genuinely caring staff * 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
National Nest Box Week National bird nest box week starts on Valentine’s Day, Monday14th February, and continues through to the 21st February. The British Trust for Ornithology organises the National Nest Box Week to encourage the general public to put up nest boxes ready for the spring. Many birds will welcome a nesting box and there is huge pleasure to be gained from having a nesting pair of birds choosing your box to make their comfortable home. The most common type of bird nesting box is the one with a small hole that will attract blue tits, great tits and coal tits but boxes come in various sizes, that all provide homes for dozens of species, from blue tits to barn owls. These birds will spend some time finding out about the nest box before making it their home, and with spring just around the corner it is essential that the nest box be put in place so that the birds become familiar with it. Never site a bird nest box in bright strong sunlight or near to bird feeders; instead choose a site that has some foliage cover and is sheltered from strong winds.
If you’ve never built a nest box before, why not give it a go this year? Or if you haven’t got the time, it’s easy to buy a good one. Go on, take part for the sake of Britain’s birds! Otter Nurseries offer an array of beautiful bird boxes, suitable for all gardens from only £4.49, and for an extra special glimpse into the world of your garden birds, why not treat yourself to a fantastic camera nest box? It’s easy to install, and will open up the world of baby birds in your garden - including sound! Only £59.99 (was £99.99).
OTTERYCARD OFFERS FOR FEBRUARY 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 - 5% OFF Flanelette Sheets. OTTERY OFFICE & COMPUTER - 10% OFF Mirror Photo Paper.
To advertise in the Gazette call 815111
R.J. GOMM
CARPENTR Y AND JOINER Y ARPENTRY JOINERY AIRS AND MAINTEN ANCE REPAIRS MAINTENANCE REP 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 February 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. 5th Sat 1st Ottery St Mary Scout Group Annual Jumble Sale At The Institute – Old Boy’s School, Coleridge Pre School Playgroup. Doors open 1.30pm. Household – Clothes – Shoes 8th Tues Ottery St Mary Gardening Club Annual General Meeting at The Institute 2.30pm. Speaker- Ms Heather Talbot from Joshua’s ‘It’s history and principles’ 10th Thur The King’s School PTFA presents ‘Into The Future’. and An exciting fusion of Fashion, Design & Performance 11th Fri In the Mail Hall at King’s School 7.30pm. Adults Tickets £ 5 under 18 £ 2.50. Tickets available from Information Centre 01404 813964
Record number of Christmas trees recycled East Devon residents and East Devon District Council’s StreetScene staff set a new record in 2011 by recycling 514 waste Christmas trees during January’s sessions at car parks around the district. The trees were converted into woodchip which, after composting for 12 months, will be used as garden mulch in parks around the district. In Exmouth 138 trees were recycled, in Sidmouth 128; in Ottery St Mary 69; in Seaton 53: with 50 in Honiton and 44 in Axminster. The scheme expanded in 2011 to include Budleigh Salterton for the first time and 32 trees were chipped there as a result. The ‘greenest’ town for Christmas tree recycling, based on population, is Ottery St Mary, but a thank you must go to all residents who provided the trees and to Alan Fowler and Dave Seal of StreetScene who chopped them all up!
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
12th Sat
For one night only Valentines weekend “Thick as Thieves” are coming to play at the Institute at 8.00pm All profits are going to the British Heart Foundation Tickets £6 available Information Centre, 01404 813964 Computer Shop, or from Michele on 07984 869498
12th Sat
Call My Bluff - back by popular demand at Talaton Parish Hall at 7.30pmTickets £10 available from Dawn Newman 014048 22666 or Talaton Village Shop. 14th Mon Ottery St Mary WI Meeting at RC Church Parish Room 7.30pm. Competition – Best memory of the evening – members to bring an old item with a memory. 26th Sat
Community Market at the Institute 9.30am 12.30pm.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE The next meeting of
OTTERY ST MARY TOWN COUNCIL will be held at 7pm on Monday 7th February 2011 in the Council Chamber, The Old Convent, 8 Broad Street, Ottery St Mary The following meeting will be held on Monday 7th March 2011 at the same time and venue 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
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
HOSPITAL LEAGUE OF FRIENDS Ottery St Mary Hospital has been open for 15 years now and during the hours of 5.00pm to 8.00pm a stewarding scheme has been in place to welcome anyone who has a reason to visit us. We need more volunteers to keep our numbers up. It is only once a month and provides a much valued service.To find out more please telephone Margaret Ford on 01404 813841 for the immediate few months. 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.
SKIP DATES The Skip will be available at The Land of Canaan Car Park on the second Sunday of each month during 2011. Next dates: February 13th, March 13th. DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH EDITION OF THE OTTERY GAZETTE MONDAY 21ST FEBRUARY, 2011 (at the latest)
A CALL TO ORDER
Teaching from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 for a gathering of the Reformed Church at The Institute, Ottery St Mary, on Sunday 27th February at 3.00pm.
If you are serious about God why not join us? Further info: telephone 813417 after 6pm or visit www.otteryreformed.freeola.net The Reformed Church has no connection with Churches Together in Ottery
Page 39
Independent Financial Advice
If you have been following Carol Klein’s new gardening programme on BBC you may be interested to know that an accompanying book is available. ‘ Life in a cottage Garden’ follows Carol through a year in her garden at Glebe cottage in Devon and is packed full of gardening tips and ideas and at the same time it is a celebration of a beautiful Devon garden.The book is a hardback and is lavishly illustrated with glorious colour photographs. The usual price is £20 but we have it on special offer at just £12.99. In fiction the big new paperback of the moment is Trespass by Rose Tremain who previously won the Orange prize for her last book ‘The Road Home’. Described as a sumptuously shaded portrait of a private, lonely place and its stranded people this book is full of suspense. The normal price
is £7.99 but we have it on offer for just £4.99. In the cookery section we have just received a fabulous new range of books produced by Random House. They have taken a selection of their top chefs and produced a range of books priced at just £7.99 each of which contains 100 recipes with full colour photographs. The chefs featured are: Antonio Carluccio Rick Stein Madhur Jaffrey Mary Berry Annabel Karmel Ainsley Harriott Ken Hom These really are great value and the choice of chefs means that there should be something for everyone – come and give them a look! Turning to the children’s section we have just received a new range of workbooks endorsed by Carl Vorderman and designed to both complement the national curriculum and help children to improve their maths and English. These retail at just £2.99 and cover ages from 3-11 so come and see if they can help give your child a head start. On the same theme we have just received in a range of pens and pencils produced by Faber
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
Castell from their ‘learn to write’ range. This includes ordinary pencils, mechanical pencils, roller ball pens and fountain pens that are specially designed for little fingers to be able to grip easily and give valuable help in getting started
with writing. The whole range is on special offer with our prices on all items being at least 50% off the RRP so come and have a look! The Curious Otter is available for orders and enquiries on 01404 814469.
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 dill 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
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 815551
07522 998989
2 Cornhill, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1DW
www.otteryplumbing-heating.co.uk
(Ottery St Mary)
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.
515282