MARCH 2024

WOODBURY NEWS

MARCH 2024

Once again, this month’s edition of Woodbury News turns to the natural world for many of its articles.

We await with interest sight of some of the photos to be taken by Woodbury Camera Club following their planned trip to Budleigh Salterton (page 5). Children from Woodbury School have been out and about with Maple Class visiting Escot where they were able to interact with various birds and animals, as well as trying out Anglo-Saxon crafts (page 12). The reawakened Woodbury Wide Awake has plans to survey wildflowers and ash trees, as well as testing water in Woodbury and Woodbury Salterton (page 19). Woodbury Garden Club is planning another open gardens event on 8 June – a Saturday this year – and Exton Garden Club members have been learning about alpine and other vegetation growing in South America (page 21). Parish councillors are considering the impact on the environment caused by flooding and sewage leaks, as well as looking at green wedges and the condition of all the local footpaths (pages 23-26). We certainly don’t want a repeat of the flooding of 1960, so graphically described on pages 30 and 31 by villagers living in Woodbury at that time.

Cats, dogs, cattle, ponies and ground-nesting birds have not been forgotten either. It will become law to have domestic cats microchipped by 10 June (page 36), and dog owners are urged by both the RSPB and Clinton Devon Estates (pages 35, 37 & 38) to have full control of their dogs when out walking in order to protect wildlife.

It is disturbing to read Iain Stevens’ account of what should have been a pleasant country walk, and let’s hope that his idea for ‘a little positive collaboration’ gets off the ground (page 39). On the other hand, it has been encouraging to learn that Perkin is fully fit, and has been returned to Carolyn’s backyard (page 28) – hopefully to keep the slugs at bay!

The cover photograph is of Mike who was to many the mobile library, as he contemplates his final visit to Woodbury. Gill Gorman reported the sad demise of the Mobile Library Service in February’s Woodbury News. We thank Mike for his many years delivering books across East Devon and wish him well in the future.

Chairman:

Subscriptions:

Deliveries: Chris Bowers, chrisbowers88@yahoo.co.uk or 01395 239338

ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH, WOODBURY

Administrator: Jill Dupain dupain@hotmail.co.uk

CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS

3 March Lent 3 - Holy Communion at St Swithun’s, 11.15.

Evening Worship at Exton, 18.00.

10 March Lent 4 - Mothering Sunday, Holy Communion at Exton, 09.30.

Holy Communion at St Swithun’s, 11.15.

17 March Lent 5 - Morning worship at Exton, 09.30.

Family Service at St Swithun’s, 10.30.

24 March Palm Sunday - The Cross of Christ, 18.30. A journey in words and music from Palm Sunday to the Crucifixion.

29 March Good Friday - Walk of Witness, 11.30.

30 March Easter Eve - Easter Egg Hunt at St Swithun’s, 10.30-12.00. Come and join in the fun of an Easter Egg Hunt; make your own Easter garden and hear the Easter story. Refreshments available.

31 March Easter Sunday - Holy Communion at Exton, 09.30.

Holy Communion at St Swithun’s, 11.15.

Further information, and details of services at other churches in the White Cross Mission Community will be available on the church noticeboard and in the monthly Digest. To receive this by email please send your email address to st.swithuns.digest@gmail.com.

ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH ALTAR FLOWERS - MARCH

3, 10, 17 & 24 - Lent, no flowers. 31 - Easter lilies. Please note: we will decorate church for Easter on Saturday 30 March. Please add your name to the list in church if you wish to purchase a lily in memory of a loved one.

Barbara Hill

FLOODLIGHTING ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH

For your special event, contact Mike Jeans on 01395 232544. Floodlight dedications are displayed on the church noticeboard at the lych gate.

WOODBURY NEWS to your door …

If you are a new resident to the area, or would like your Woodbury News to be delivered to your door monthly, just call Chris Bowers on 01395 239338 or email chrisbowers88@yahoo.co.uk and she will put you in contact with your local deliverer. Any queries regarding delivery of Woodbury News within Exton to be directed to Ann Morris on 01392 875666.

WOODBURY CAMERA CLUB

Woodbury Camera Club held their AGM on 16 January in the Church Rooms in Woodbury. This was quite well attended and as usual was a friendly meeting. Having agreed to stand for another year, the chair, officers and committee members were re-elected. The finances were agreed and are looking healthy, and thanks were extended to all who organised the calendar and the club over the past year.

The meeting went on to discuss the Special Interest group and what it does each month. This is a creative group which concentrates on certain aspects of composition and, having uploaded their images, meet on Zoom. We have a couple of members who are less mobile and they enjoy this way of interacting with other members.

2 and 9 March were booked for a day out to take photos together at the Lower Otter Restoration Project at Budleigh and to meet up and discuss what has been taken. Two dates were booked as this is weather dependent.

The summer social was decided upon and discussion took place about presentations that the members would like to have in the future.

Woodbury Camera Club is a small friendly club who are not competitive in their approach to taking photographs and are happy to learn about all aspects of photography. If there is anyone locally who has a presentation that they would like to give, please contact Debbie.

The meeting concluded with a buffet and then a terrific presentation, The Northern Lights, which was given by Chairman Mike Maling, completing an excellent evening.

On 19 March we welcome Ihor Andriienko who is a professional photographer from Ukraine working for the local government, but is also a photography and photoshop teacher. He has kindly offered to do one or more presentations for us. Please come along as a guest and see what he has to offer. It is certainly going to be informative and very interesting.

In March the photography group have a day out at the Lower Otter Restoration Project, and on 16 April we will be sharing our photos with the group.

If anyone is interested in any of these or other projects mentioned above, please contact me.

Debbie Jung, Secretary

07903 345683

WOODBURY HISTORY SOCIETY

7 MARCH, 19.30, WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL

Tombs, Headstones and Graveyards

A talk by Charlotte Coles on how to read a cemetery, what headstones tell us, the best burial spots and cemetery folklore. All very welcome; members free, visitors £4 at the door.

FoSS (FRIENDS OF ST SWITHUN’S)

The FoSS AGM was held at 19.00 on 2 February there had been two concerts and a cream tea during the year. There was significant expenditure, with FoSS providing funds for the masonry work both inside and outside the tower, the overhaul of the chimes on the church clock (with help from the Parish Council), a new mower for the churchyard and the gilding of the weathercock. Thus reserves were depleted. The present committee was willing to stand and was unanimously elected.

The AGM was followed by a concert. The Woodbury Handbells were set up with the tables arranged on stage. They started with four new tunes all learnt post-Christmas, and ended with a strong-sounding Land of Hope and Glory.

Bel Canto was next on stage under stand-in director Julia Thornton, who gave a helpful introduction to each item (Robin had not been well but he enjoyed singing tenor in the choir). The performance of the choir was outstanding with an excellent variety of music. This enabled the choir to show their versatility by interspersing serious with humorous music.

Everyone then found a seat at a table where a chicken casserole had been provided by Elspeth Fisher and her team, accompanied by glasses of mulled wine. Over £300 was raised for FoSS funds.

The next concert will be held on Saturday 27 April in church from 19.00. This will feature Bel Canto and Devon County Junior Choir under the Direction of Andrew Downton Andrew, an organ scholar, will also play the organ. As there will be many children in the choir, this an excellent opportunity for youngsters in the village to see and hear quality music from the children. Tickets (£10 adults, £2 school-age children) from Pat Browne, the committee or Rook Pie and available on the door. Pat Browne

WOODBURY EVENTS TEAM are busy again!

Five course ITALIAN MEAL

SATURDAY 9 MARCH, 19.00

WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL

Vegetarian/gluten-free/coeliac catered for. Bar - we will have a card reader.

A great social evening in aid of Woodbury Handbell Ringers. Limited tickets £15 are available from Chris Lear chrisalear06@gmail.com. 01395 232772. 07941 045918.

WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB

The AGM of the Garden Club was held on Tuesday 14 February in the village hall.

Peter Grist (Chairman) began by thanking the members of the committee for their support throughout the year and in particular, Debby Mullier (Secretary), who has kept all members informed through her monthly newsletter and other emails. Peter also thanked Brian Phaby (Treasurer) for his work and the members in general who support the club in so many different ways. Anna Eyres and Suzie Austin are standing down from the committee. The rest of the committee, Gordon Davis, Bryony Giles, Tricia Willey, Eileen Pye, Mary Wheaton and John Robertson, are willing to stand for another year. It was agreed that the committee would stay as it is for 2024. Peter thanked Tricia Willey and Mary Wheaton for the interesting programme they have devised for the year ahead. He also thanked the club for the successful Plant Sale held earlier in the year.

Brian Phaby continued the theme of the Plant Sale. He said it had provided a considerable sum towards the income of the club and therefore subscriptions would remain the same. Membership has increased and subscriptions can now be paid online. Brian also thanked the members for their support, and Pat Browne was appointed as examiner of the accounts.

At every monthly meeting there is a ‘flower of the month’ competition. The overall winner of this competition was Sandra Wills who gained the most points throughout the year.

On Saturday 8 June, gardens in Woodbury will be open for Budleigh Salterton & District Hospiscare. All profits will go to Hospiscare, so make a note in your diary of the date and support our local hospice. No doubt there will be a cup of tea somewhere along the route!

Debby finished the formal part of the evening by reminding everyone that this year the Garden Club will have been in existence for 50 years. She has asked the members to think of a way to celebrate this milestone. The evening finished with a bring-and-share supper and a quiz. Thank you to Tricia Willey for the quiz, which was won by Anna Eyres and friends.

Our next meeting is on 12 March in Woodbury village hall at 19.30 when Brian Hesketh will be talking about Organic Vegetable Growing.

Joyce Jeans

WOODBURY AND DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

In Memoriam - Derrick William Mead. It is with great sadness that we record the death of Derrick - a great member and supporter of the RBL for many years. We will miss him.

The Royal British Legion will be commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings on Thursday 6 June with the laying of a wreath, special lapel pins, and more. Please save the date; there are still residents in the village whose closest relatives, fathers and mothers took part that day and after. It would be greatly appreciated if anyone who can send in their memories for inclusion in the Exhibition could do so, using an A4 sheet with a photograph; more details in next month’s Woodbury News.

The November 2023 Poppy Appeal raised an additional £480 from the contactless Poppy Pop-Up shops. Sandra Huish

WOODBURY NEWS is available online and via Facebook and X (formerly

WOODBURY HISTORY SOCIETY

Woodbury History Society held its AGM on 1 February in Woodbury village hall. Adrian Christopher took the chair and welcomed a very good turnout of 44 members.

Adrian highlighted a record membership of 77 during the past year and spoke of strong links made between the Society and Woodbury Primary School. He referred to the Chairman’s and the Archivist’s reports, which had been circulated to members by email.

David Bowers, treasurer, commented on the Society’s financial statement for the past year and noted a very healthy bank balance. David was then reelected as treasurer for the coming year.

This year WHS was sad to accept the resignation of Nick Burgess as its longstanding and extremely able chairman. Adrian Christopher agreed to take on the role of chair and was unanimously voted in by the members present.

Founder member Gill Selley and Roger Stokes, after very many years of invaluable service to the Society, have withdrawn from their committee roles, as has Jim Champion. The remaining committee members were reelected en bloc, with Nick staying on as a co-opted member.

An exciting programme of talks and events was outlined for the current year and for 2025. It was noted that henceforth all meetings will take place in the evening to accommodate those who work during the day.

At the conclusion of the AGM business, Chris Sheppard and Jim Champion outlined to the members their volunteer work over the last year or so recording and updating the burial records in St Swithun’s Church, the churchyard, cemetery and at Christ Church.

With maps, slides and photos Chris and Jim presented a short history of the Woodbury burials and their work to date. The earliest church burial records dating back to 1575 can be found in the Parish Record Book held in the Devon Records Office. Scanned versions of this with transcriptions are available on websites such as Find My Past.

Mapping and numbering the graves and memorials had been originally carried out in 1987 by the Council for Christian Care. Roger Stokes followed this up by spending hundreds of hours recording the information on every headstone, grave and memorial in St Swithun’s Church, the churchyard and the cemetery in Pound Lane.

Roger’s green record folder can be found at the church entrance today and its information can be accessed on the Woodbury History Society website at www.woodburyhistorysociety.co.uk.

Chris and Jim’s many hours of research, surveying, recording and photographing have culminated in a revised map and numbering system, which they have uploaded onto a memory stick that can be found in the Society’s archive room.

After a very informative talk, they are both to be congratulated on their dedicated and worthwhile achievement which is of great benefit to the local community. The evening concluded with a splendid spread of refreshments very kindly organised by Tim and Judy Green. A big thankyou to them both and to David and Chris Bowers for providing the drinks, as well as everyone who helped with the setting out and clearing up.

Joyce Peachey

WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL CLEANER WANTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Hours 4.5 hours per week

(3 sessions flexible, morning or evening depending on hall bookings) Remuneration £12 per hour to be taxed PAYE (if applicable), 4 weeks paid holiday per annum. Please apply giving details of name, address, previous experience and contact information to Belinda Price (woodburystone@gmail.com) or Pat Browne (ruthandpatb@aol.com)

EASTER EGG HUNT

SATURDAY 30 MARCH, 10.30-12.00 ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH

Come and join in the fun of an Easter Egg Hunt, and make your own Easter garden, and hear the Easter story. Refreshments available. All welcome

Woodbury News attempts to represent a variety of views within the community, but does not accept responsibility for anything but editorial comment. While it may publish unacknowledged material, nothing is included unless the editor knows the name and address of the author(s).

WOODBURY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL

Beech Class were very lucky to receive a visit from the Space Dome as part of the Out of this World topic they have been learning about. Inside the sparkly, starlit dome they learnt all about the earth, the moon, the sun and the different planets, with stories to help them remember and an opportunity to imagine what it would be like to sit in the dark and watch the night sky. It was a truly magical morning!

They also travelled the universe in their spaceship role-play area, whilst defending their underpants from aliens and taking Rob, the class bear, to the moon! It was a funfilled topic and they are now looking forward to learning all about life Down on the Farm.

Chestnut Class had the opportunity to watch the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) perform Explore the Orchestra: Dance, Dance, Dance! at the University of Exeter. The children were introduced to the range of instruments and heard individual sections perform parts of a musical piece, before the orchestra played the piece in full. The BSO performed a range of musical pieces from the world of ballet and some orchestral classics. As part of the interactive concert, the children performed with the orchestra from their seats. They were able to sing along to a song that was specifically written for KS2 children and took part in some seated choreography and body percussion. Both children and adults alike thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Maple Class recently visited Escot in what was an enjoyable and educational experience for all. The children had a chance to immerse themselves in a past world as they sampled many different aspects of life as an Anglo-Saxon. Carpentry was hugely important for Saxon children and as such the class were put to work honing their skills on this ancient craft.

Under the guidance of knowledgeable instructors, they learned to shape and construct wooden pieces, gaining an understanding of the techniques used by the Saxons.

Apart from carpentry, the children also had the opportunity to delve into Anglo-Saxon cuisine. They relished the task of making traditional Anglo-Saxon bread, discovering the importance of each ingredient and the process behind baking such a staple food. Additionally, they crafted their very own intricate Anglo-Saxon brooch, showcasing creativity and skill.

Escot also provided exciting animal encounters, with the children thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to observe and interact with a variety of creatures.

From the curious wolves to the wise owls, the children were fascinated by the different behaviours and characteristics of each animal. A highlight of the day was undoubtedly the maze, where some adventurous souls got temporarily lost amidst the twisting pathways. This challenged their problem-solving skills as they navigated through the labyrinthine structure with anticipation and excitement.

To wrap up the trip, the children were presented with the exhilarating option of taking on the death slide. Those who dared enjoyed an adrenaline rush, concluding the day with a thrilling adventure.

We have participated in several different sporting events this year including our play leaders having training, footballers in action, a gymnastics competition and a dance event. More sporting opportunities are coming our way for the rest of the half term, including more football and a swimming event.

Gillian Pyle, Head of School

WOODBURY TENNIS CLUB

The Club AGM was held in the Church Rooms on 1 February. Alan Marks was elected to the committee to replace Helen Ryland; the subscriptions for 2024 were set, and the club decided to enter two men’s teams, one ladies and one mixed team in the summer leagues.

The junior coaching programme with John Wingate and Christine Sheward will resume at the start of the summer term on Wednesday 17 April for youngsters from 5 to 18 years in separate groups anyone wishing to join please contact Christine (christinesheward58@gmail.com).

We are nearly at the end of the winter league season. Our mixed team have one match to play and are comfortably in the middle of their division. The men have a tougher challenge; with three matches to go, they are in the relegation zone.

Club sessions continue to operate at 10.00 on Sunday and 10.00 on Tuesday (ladies). New members are welcome.

All enquiries on tennis matters should be addressed to Pat Browne (ruthandpatb@aol.com). Pat Browne

LTA Lifetime Achievement Award

Woodbury Tennis Club (WTC) is proud to announce that after being nominated by Garry Sheward, Pat Browne has been awarded the Devon LTA Lifetime Achievement Award. The many past and present members of WTC will be keen to congratulate Pat on his success

Pat joined WTC in 1984 and, as well as being an accomplished player and sharing his enjoyment of the game, he has served on the committee continuously from that time to the present day, first in the role of Secretary from 1991-96, and then as Chairman/Treasurer since1997. Pat has remained a constant throughout and even when stricken with serious illness he continued to play and organise teams and tournaments. His booming voice and infectious laughter can be heard around the courts on Sunday morning club sessions ensuring that everyone has a good time and his friendly, inclusive nature has helped to attract many new members who are treated with respect, regardless of their ability.

Pat has been a strong advocate of encouraging juniors in the club. Over the years he has run and at times coached the junior section such that there are now over 30 juniors receiving regular coaching on Wednesday evenings with qualified coach, John Wingate, and under the attendance of Safeguarding Officer, Christine Sheward.

As Treasurer, Pat is excellent at networking with the Parish Council, the Village Hall Committee, the Playing Field Committee and other local institutions, and he has been able to secure loans and grants to resurface, paint and generally maintain the courts in tip-top condition.

During Covid the club was faced with a loss of income; Pat successfully applied for government grants which were awarded and ensured our financial security. More recently he has been active in finding funding for our brand new pavilion. The club has teams playing in men’s, ladies and mixed local leagues and Pat has done more than his fair share of organising and attending fixture meetings, as well as being a stalwart, reliable and skilful team player over the years. He has supported the playing of triples and the running of pickleball in the village hall, and undoubtedly holds the record for club sessions attended.

Pat’s drive and enthusiasm remain undiminished and the Lifetime Achievement Award, after 40 years of dedicated service, could not have a more deserving recipient.

Mike Wallwork

OUR POPULAR QUIZ NIGHT

AT WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL EX5 1LX

FRIDAY 15 MARCH, 18.30 FOR 19.00

Entry still only £10 per person to include pasty (vegetarian option available) and salad, and dessert. Cash bar and raffle. Proceeds to FORCE. For further information and a booking sheet, please email suebury@aol.com

WOODBURY SCHOOL PTFA SUMMER FAIR

SATURDAY 13 JULY

Calling all groups and clubs: Woodbury School PTFA are holding their annual Summer Fair on Saturday 13 July. They would love any local groups or clubs to come and have a table/space and show the families and residents of Woodbury what is available in our beautiful village. If you are interested then please email ptfawoodburyschool@yahoo.com or message

Louise 07809 644782.

Louise Lee, Woodbury School PTFA

WOODBURY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

The date for our February meeting coincided with the 104th anniversary of the group’s formation, so the meeting took the form of a birthday party to which several members of neighbouring groups were invited. Our speaker and performer was a magician named Jude, with whom we spent a happy hour or more. The following morning found us saying to each other “How did he do that?”

I am pleased to report however that no members of the audience were sawn in half during the afternoon! Nor was any cruelty to animals involved, unless you count the antics of an emu puppet causing laughter and stealing the limelight.

The first task Jude gave us was to try and open a wooden box, said to be very difficult to do. Well, that caused Avriel, sitting in the first group, no longer than a couple of minutes to solve. Jude said that was the speediest he had seen. No flies on the Woodbury WI! He then successfully demonstrated some mind-reading.

We then moved on to card tricks. We had all been asked to bring a pack of cards, presumably so that we could be sure Jude was not using tricks, for example, a pack of 52 two of hearts! He gave a us a bit of history on playing card games, some dating back thousands of years.

There were several of the usual card tricks, such as a member picking a card and showing it to us, inserting it randomly back into the pack, only for Jude to immediately pick the correct one. This also kept us wondering the next morning.

It was a great afternoon of entertainment and fun. Lastly, there was tea, and of course, delicious cakes. Do come to our WI we meet on the second Thursday of each month at 14.00 in Woodbury village hall. Tricia Willey

ALL MATERIAL FOR THE MAGAZINE SHOULD BE SENT TO KAREN SQUIRES, WILLOWFIELD, OAKHAYES ROAD by 19.00 on the closing date, with a name and telephone number, or email to karensquires100@gmail.com

WOODBURY WIDE AWAKE IN 2024

We are delighted to announce a reawakening of our community environment group, Woodbury Wide Awake, and to extend an invitation to join with us this year in connecting with nature, celebrating our beautiful countryside and fostering new relationships with like-minded folk. The group was formed in 2019 to explore the life, work and legacy of former local resident and renowned botanist Reverend William Keble Martin, who authored and illustrated the best-selling book, The Concise British Flora in Colour (1965), and died in the parish in 1969. In 2019, the group organised and participated in a wide range of events focused on the natural environment locally, on changes that have occurred in it over the last 50 years, and on environmental challenges for the future. This year, we are concentrating on monitoring, protecting and enhancing the local natural environment of the parish for biodiversity. We will be surveying and recording data on wild flowers, hedgerow trees, ash trees and water quality in the Gilbrook and Grindle. Volunteers are very welcome! Wildflowers Repeat of surveys conducted in 2009 and 2019. A bi-monthly survey of four separate road verges around the Woodbury parish. Volunteers are welcome to help survey, record and collate data for submission to the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (see article Woodbury Wildflower Surveys in 2024 on page 32).

Ash trees

Repeat of a survey conducted in 2015 to monitor the impact of ash dieback in Woodbury parish. This survey will take place in summer when the health of the crown of the tree is more apparent. Volunteers welcome.

Water testing Monthly testing of the Grindle in Woodbury Salterton, and the Gilbrook (Polly Brook) in Woodbury. This is a great way to engage with our local streams, recording the good things (wildlife sightings) and spotting the bad (pollution, litter and invasive plants). The process starts with observational surveys, using the Westcountry Rivers Trust Citizen Science Investigations (Westcountry CSI) form to record information on plants, wildlife, river condition and any visible pollution. There is also an option to take water quality measurements too – using some simple equipment provided by Westcountry CSI. With 12 or more surveys spread evenly over the year, Westcountry CSI can produce a scorecard for the Woodbury catchment based on the data collected.

If you would like to find out more about Woodbury Wide Awake, volunteer opportunities, or want to suggest ideas for the group, do please get in touch via our website or Facebook page. https://www.woodbury-wideawake.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/woodburyawake/ Susie Culhane

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty through Education

<hope4kibera.org.uk> Charity Number 1189029

Thanks to our combined efforts with the support of this community, the empty school we first saw in 2019 had 61 pupils when we visited last July. Following the recent provision of new buildings through Hope4Kibera, this new school year sees 86 students attending already, and more joining. In one of the new classrooms they have established a science laboratory and we’ve recently had a video of the senior class working in there. This really is transforming the lives of destitute kids from the slums and will ‘Break the Cycle of Poverty through Education’. Please do come to our Barn Dance and help us finish the new bathroom block. It will be great fun and there are still some tickets available. Join the journey and register for regular news or support @ www.hope4kibera.org.uk. Please consider becoming a regular donor, which helps us greatly.

Charlie Collins, Chair H4K

H4K BARN DANCE

‘Build-a Bog for Kibera!’

SATURDAY 23 MARCH, 19.30, WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL

With dancing to the brilliant band Spinach for Norman. Tickets held at £12.50, including a Ploughman’s supper. There’ll be a cash bar and a raffle. For tickets, email admin@hope4kibera.org.uk or call Sara Hurlock 01395 233319

Get a gang together and come and enjoy. Yee Ha!

WOODBURY SALTERTON NEWS

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

FILM NIGHT This popular event, organised by Debbie Jung and Jill Dupain, raised £131.70 for church funds.

QUIZ The autumn quiz, What To Wear, was very well supported and thanks to some extra donations raised £639 for church funds. Forty-seven entries were submitted and of these four had all the correct answers. The names of Carol Rowe (Exmouth), Jon and Margaret Tyler (Farringdon), Eileen Wilkinson (Exmouth) and Anne Riley (Lympstone) went into a bag and Clare Rooke, who was leading the Family Service, drew out Anne’s name, so the £10 prize goes to her. Again my thanks to those who helped sell copies – Lin Ashby, Liz Whittaker, Carol Rowe, Eileen Wilkinson, Vera Doran and Fiona Vessey. I hope I have not left anyone out.

COFFEE MORNINGS

These now take place on the first and third Saturdays in each month and provide a welcome social get-together. The time is 09.30 to 10.30 in church. Bacon butties are served on the first Saturday by Geoff and Debbie Jung, and coffee and cake on the third Saturday by different volunteers. Help would be appreciated on the third Saturday, so please offer to help if you can.

Katharine Wheeler

WOODBURY SALTERTON ART & CRAFT EXHIBITION

SATURDAY 4 - MONDAY 6 MAY WOODBURY

SALTERTON CHURCH

Calling all local artists and crafters: Woodbury Salterton Church is holding its second Art & Craft Exhibition in May. The church is a beautiful space and has lovely light to display this art.

After a fantastic Art/Crafts exhibition in 2022, we decided to do it all again. So this is a call-out to local artists of all types of genres, who would be interested in selling their art. We want to celebrate all local talent in a variety of media.

If you exhibited before, we would love to see you again; if you are new, come along and speak to me.

If you are interested, please contact Debbie Jung on 07903 345683 for further details.

We are also offering the opportunity for any local crafts people to bring their crafts and exhibit them, which can be for just one day or three days. Again, please contact Debbie to discuss this further.

Debbie Jung

COFFEE AND CAKE

EVERY 3RD TUESDAY, 10.00 - 12.00 CHURCH

ROOMS, WOODBURY

All the coffee mornings will raise money for local charities. All are welcome. Contact Di Phaby 07933 787055

EXTON NEWS

EXTON EASTER CHALLENGE

As the Easter Bunny is extremely busy at the moment, it isn’t yet known if there’s to be the customary Easter Challenge, where villagers are encouraged to decorate their garden gates, doorways, hedges, trees, etc. in a suitably festive way. Whether or not the Bunny is available, let’s keep this lovely tradition going and ‘spread a little happiness’ in the process. Liz Williams

EXTON EASTER EGG HUNT

FRIDAY 29 MARCH (GOOD FRIDAY)

10.30 until 12.00 in The Goosefield Entry is £3.50 for adults, to include coffee/tea and a hot cross bun, and FREE for accompanied children. Do come along and support this annual event. All are very welcome!

EXTON GARDEN CLUB

On 2 February members of Exton Garden Club enjoyed an interesting, beautifully illustrated talk by Richard Horswood on Flowers of Southern Chile and Argentina.

Richard is an active member of the Alpine Garden Society and his talk focused on the many alpine species and other vegetation which grow in the areas of temperate rainforest on either side of the Andes, contrasted with parts of Chile devoid of soil and comprised mostly of volcanic rock, dust and pumice where dry land species predominate, with small-leafed vegetation. Richard showed photos of multi-coloured clumps of oxalis and viola flowering profusely in the volcanic ash and pumice. These, and many others such as alstroemeria, are familiar to us in our gardens, although in a more limited colour range. He highlighted the different growing conditions at the same latitude on either side of the Andes. For example, araucaria growing in Argentinian temperate rainforest displayed a more familiar growth habit (similar to those in Bicton Park) as opposed to those growing across the border in Chilean temperate forest, where the trees grow high above the surrounding tree canopy and have flattened crowns, due mainly to soil and prevailing westerly winds.

Richard showed photos of the many red-flowered species growing in the rainforests which are pollinated by hummingbirds, who are attracted to different shades of red. The members enjoyed the talk as an introduction to the diverse plant species, geography, and sometimes extreme weather conditions of these regions of South America.

The next meeting is the AGM on 1 March.

EXTON GARDEN CLUB

Sarah Kellagher

FRIDAY 1 MARCH, 14.00, Exton Village Hall

Launch of 2024 programme & AGM

FRIDAY 5 APRIL, 14.00, Exton Village Hall

National Garden Scheme - Julia Tremlett

All welcome, non-members £3, refreshments after the talk.

Any queries skellagher5@gmail.com

Love music? Join our FREE Singing for Wellbeing Workshop with Naomi Blundell

No experience needed, just enthusiasm!

Benefits: boost mood, reduce stress and more!

WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH, 14.00-15.30 Seachange, East Budleigh Road, Budleigh Salterton Spots limited, RSVP: Kate at help@seachangedevon.org.

NOTE TO CONTRIBUTORS FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM

We are most grateful to all contributors for sending in copy and photographs for inclusion in Woodbury News. Without your efforts, our monthly publication simply would not exist.

However, please may we remind you to help us by sending in your contributions by the closing date, and even more importantly, before the deadline of 19.00 on that day.

If you are not yet on the list of people who have already provided me with their email address so that I can send you a reminder each month, please do so now. This arrives in your inbox one week before the deadline. Emails go out bcc, so no-one knows who else is on the list.

Sue Bury (Editor), suebury@aol.com

WOODBURY PARISH COUNCIL

Woodbury Parish Office

Greenside, Greenway, Woodbury, Devon EX5 1LP.

Telephone: 01395 233791. Email: clerk@woodburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

The Parish Office is open: 09.30 - 12.30, Mon, Tues, Weds and Thurs. Clerk to the Council: Anne-Marie Bates

www.woodburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084814840341

X@ParishWoodbury (formerly Twitter)

Parish Council Update

All the Parish Councillors and the Clerk have continued to be busy, working across the parish and involved in various matters including:

 Cllr S Knighton and Cllr S Cole attended a Police event at Middlemoor and are now the parish representatives.

 Cllr K Perry has been updating and recording our assets, which will enable us to produce a maintenance programme.

 Cllr R Ball has been raising the issue of sewage and the impact on the environment. Letters have been sent to South West Water, our MP, District and County Councillors and Officers to highlight our concerns and to try and push for change.

 Cllr A Wills is our Strategic Planning Committee representative and reports on matters for the Parish Council to consider. Currently the review of green wedges is an urgent matter and one that we will be raising with East Devon District Council.

 Cllr R Parr is investigating possible green links between Woodbury and Woodbury Salterton.

 Cllr S Andrews and Cllr C McGauley met with Greendale to try and resolve issues such as flooding in Woodbury Salterton and HGVs using Dog Lane to / from Hogsbrook.

 Cllr S Parks and Cllr S Cole have met with play specialists in respect of Exton play park refurbishment.

 Cllrs J Pyne, R Ball, S Parks, and K Perry are working through the process to get the Neighbourhood Plan adopted.

We continue to work with our District and County Councillors to achieve our goal of providing a good service to the residents that we serve.

The Neighbourhood Plan The Steering Committee is working hard and looking forward to being able to publish the Draft Neighbourhood Plan for public consultation, and for residents ‘to have their say’.

The Neighbourhood Plan (NP) has been submitted to East Devon District Council (EDDC) for the initial screening and we are still waiting for their feedback. EDDC have also forwarded it on to the Environment Agency, Natural England and Historic England for their input. cont’d/...

WOODBURY PARISH COUNCIL cont’d/…

We are proposing drop-in opportunities, posters and card drops to bring the NP to the attention of everyone in the parish. When the plan goes out for consultation, residents will be encouraged to respond by online links and via paper copies, allowing everyone to have their say.

The consultation will run for at least six weeks and at the end of it comments will be collated, and the Neighbourhood Plan amended accordingly. It will then be submitted again to the Parish Council for their consideration as to whether it is ready to be presented to East Devon District Council, the next stage in the process.

Exton

New Ward Councillor

At the Full Council meeting on 12 February, Mr Christopher Hoar was coopted onto the Parish Council as an Exton Ward Councillor. He will be joining Cllrs Sally Cole and Steve Parks representing Exton community. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Chris onto the Parish Council and look forward to working with him.

Flood Resilience Event on 31 January was well attended. Cllrs Sally Cole and Steve Parks welcomed residents who were given a presentation from Devon Communities Together about flood resilience groups and how one can be set up in Exton. A new Exton group will be established to look at writing an Emergency Plan for Exton, incorporating local knowledge and contacts, also enlisting volunteer Emergency / Flood Wardens who will lead on such events. If you are interested in helping or being a warden, please speak to one of the Ward Councillors. We thank Devon County Council for their grant for PPE and other equipment to assist in the event of a flood. We have also applied for funding from Devon Communities Together for additional equipment and community engagement.

Devon County Council, who lead the Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP), also came to the event and Officers gave a presentation on their plans to elevate the issue of flooding for Exton, which included leaky dams. These dams are made of natural woody materials, laid in streams and ditches. They are designed to reduce the downstream flood peak by temporarily storing water by holding it back within the stream's channel or encouraging it to spill onto the banks behind the barrier, slowing the flow. It is hoped that these will help with the current issues along with planned works on the stream which runs under the A376 towards the Exe River. In Woodbury and Woodbury Salterton, we will be engaging with the community to have similar resilience groups and to write emergency plans for both these villages.

Exton Play Park Refurbishment

Thank you to those residents who answered the Monkey Survey regarding Exton Park. We have taken on board the comments and are looking at various facilities to enhance the current play park. Both Cllrs Steve Parks and Sally Cole have met with several specialists who will be looking to submit their designs and quotes. Once we have received all the tenders, we will engage with residents to find out their preferred scheme. We hope that we will have the refurbishment completed by early summer.

Green Lane / Potholes

Cllr Sally Cole highlighted the poor condition of Green Lane and the dangerous potholes in Exton to Devon County Council and has been chasing them. This has resulted in the potholes being filled and Green Lane being resurfaced in February. During the February works, which we understand will take up to two weeks to complete, part of Green Lane and part of the Exe trail will be closed.

Councillor Surgery Drop-in

On Tuesday 5 March Exton Councillors will be at the Puffing Billy between 10.00 – 11.00 for residents to drop in, meet Councillors, have a chat and perhaps raise any ideas or concerns; please pop along for a coffee. Later in the year we will be having Drop-ins at Woodbury and Woodbury Salterton.

Woodbury

The first two sessions of the Community Arts Project funded by the Parish Council took place in half term pitched for children of the parish. This included leaf / hand printing, water backgrounds and animal recognition. The parish map is also being utilised to show where wildflowers and wildlife are flourishing, as well as historical landmarks. It was well attended and lovely artwork produced. We thank Kate, who is leading this project, and Debbie who has assisted.

Over the course of the next two months other sessions will be run. We hope the community will get behind this project, whether to annotate historic events, participate in different art techniques or to give a helping hand. Everyone is welcome to help design and make a mural showing the history of the village and the assets it has to offer residents and visitors alike.

 Venue – Church Rooms.

 Dates – We hope to run these sessions throughout March (6/13/20/27), which we will advertise.

 Time – 13.00 – 17.00.

This is a warm space environment and open to all ages and experiences to get involved. It is a chance to meet others in the village and share / learn new skills, resulting in piece of artwork.

WOODBURY PARISH COUNCIL cont’d/…

Footpath Wardens

Thanks to Judy Green and Paul Hannon who have conducted an annual survey of all the footpaths under the P3 Scheme. The Clerk is now submitting our Devon County Council grant request for the forthcoming year so we can fund other works to assist with the easy use of the footpaths across our wonderful countryside. Thanks to Cllr R Parr who has assisted with some of the repair works.

Pathway Resurfacing & New Signage

Resurfacing of the footway between Mirey Lane and Bonfire Lane, also new welcome, village hall, car park and toilet signs will now, subject to the weather, be completed in March.

District / County Councillors

Cllr Geoff Jung provided members with a report about the recent Local Government Peer Review of East Devon District Council (EDDC) which took place recently. The report highlighted that a new Chief Executive is needed to provide vision and direction to staff and to support the leader and members, although the period of transition at senior officer level has resulted in better stability. That external reputation should be enhanced based on the good work inspectors observed. EDDC will be part of wider debates around devolution and regional place shaping.

Cllrs J Trail / R Scott has been extremely busy with the A376 Wales & West gas works and the emergency works that has also contributed to road closures. Unfortunately, although it is disruptive, the works are essential.

New Bus Timetables / Stops

There is a new bus timetable, which is available from the Parish Office and at The Maltsters.

Our Full Council meetings are usually held in The Church Rooms, Woodbury, on the second Monday of each month and our committee meetings when held are on the fourth Monday. No meetings during August (recess). All residents are welcome to attend.

The meeting on Monday 11 March will be held in the village hall at Woodbury Salterton.

COFFEE & CAKE MORNINGS ON THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH IN WOODBURY CHURCH ROOMS,

ROUNDANDABOUT DEATH

Derrick Mead In 1998 Derrick and Marian bought their house in Cottles Lane to spend their retirement years in Woodbury. As an active early retiree, Derrick soon found areas of interest in the village. For instance, the cricket club had finally managed to acquire a field and clubhouse and Derrick, who had been a keen player, used his knowledge and skills to be the club umpire. He also took on the role of secretary.

At the same time local Councillor Reg Brown had embarked on the task of upgrading the Church Rooms, which required considerable expenditure. Derrick volunteered to help with fundraising and the project was successfully concluded. He was a regular supporter of St Swithun’s Church and of the Friends of St Swithun’s. At concerts and functions he could be found at the servery providing drinks. It is down to his persistence that the St George’s flag flies from the church tower every day, not just on church special days; when he and Marian moved to Culvery Close, he could see the church tower and realised that the flag should be there every day. He was an active member of Cornerstones, the Royal British Legion and Friends of Woodbury Surgery but his greatest interest in his retirement was sport, watching cricket at Taunton and regularly visiting Woodbury cricket field on match days up to last season. If he had a moment he would watch any sport on the television and could still display his competitive streak on the croquet lawn at Budleigh. He had a full, active retirement and will be missed by so many of us in our community. His memorial service in St Swithun’s on 7 February was attended by his family and over 100 of us who had been part of his Woodbury life.

THANKS

Pat Browne

I would like to thank everyone who came to my leaving service (on New Year's Eve) and those who sent apologies. It was kind of you all to give me cards and a cheque; I will miss you all.

The vicarage is almost empty now. I am leaving at the end of February, all being well. My flat in Lyme has sold and I am still looking to buy a flat in Seaton. Meanwhile I’m going to Yorkshire, then Pinhoe to stay with friends. Thanks for all your help.

Bill

Lemmey (ex-vicar)

WELCOME

A warm welcome to Jo and Phil who have recently moved to Globe Hill from Staffordshire. They are settling in well, along with their two dogs Ernie and Sam.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

From Carolyn Keep

Regular readers will be familiar with the work being done by Claire and Tony Bennett to encourage hedgehogs in our villages. Last November I found a very sick underweight young hedgehog in our backyard. She went to the Bennetts’ new home in Perkins Village to see whether this late-born juvenile could be rescued. Apparently global warming has encouraged hedgehogs to breed so late in the year that the babies are unlikely to reach a weight which would enable them to survive hibernation. Now christened Perkin, this one came back to our hoghouse in February weighing 730g and fully able to live independently. We hope she stays around! Our neighbours came to see the arrival and kindly took these pictures.

From Iain Stevens - Litter-free Woodbury?

I do like a walk. The smell of moss and soil and the intricate colours and detail of the hedgerows. The sound of scampering feet as an unknown thing goes about its day.

Problem is, I’ve barely left the house before I’m distracted by a Costa cup in the hedge or bag of dog poo in a gateway. It is no-one’s job to pick up litter. At this point my walk changes into a strategic route-march where I scour the hedges, shredding my arms and sleeves, pull out any rubbish I see, flatten it on the road and move on. When I think I’ve reached a point where I am not physically capable of carrying any more, I return, scouring the other side of the road and collecting everything I left from earlier. If I’m lucky, I find a discarded bag so I can carry more.

By the time I arrive home from my relaxing walk, my shredded and bleeding arms are full of flattened cans, bottles, wing mirrors, crisp packets and other packaging, and I smell of old beer and dead slugs.

Sometimes I take the kids, they love it.

But it all seems unnecessary, and causes big problems for wildlife, livestock and even human problems like flooding etc. But even in a comparatively affluent village like Woodbury, the issue is not insignificant, and it is not just me picking litter. Sometimes, I return down the road to find someone else has collected all my flattened cans, it’s getting competitive!

But I often wonder as a small cog, what we could achieve collectively. Nothing too organised, just a connection of like-minded, positive, local people who agree to maybe check every path and road at least once a year within an area we agree, for routes we may already walk. By extension, we could map and assign routes, record what we collect and possibly source, identify problem areas, report incidents and support East Devon to target perpetrators. We may even get a litter picker. We could hold an annual village litter pick to join the Great British Spring Clean, provide purpose, exercise, routine and pleasure for anyone who wants to join in.

I am just me, doing my thing, and perhaps you are the same, but if you want to explore options for a little positive collaboration in Woodbury, throw in a constructive idea, or discreetly inform me 'there's already a group, stupid', just drop me an email by the end of March.

Depending on interest, we can take it from there. If no one replies, no problem, it’s a little less work for me and I know I will continue anyway. I just think we could do big things collectively and, to be honest, it would just be nice to walk down litter-free lanes and paths without an unstoppable impulse to dive into the hedge again. iain.stevens@hotmail.co.uk

DEVON BIG BREAKFAST

SATURDAY 18 MAY, 08.00 - 11.00, WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL Fundraising for FORCE.

WOODBURY HISTORY SOCIETY

MEMORIES OF THE WOODBURY FLOODS OF 1960

During September and October 1960, Devon suffered a period of atrocious heavy rain. Woodbury and Exton were both badly affected, being seriously flooded four times during a 3-week period. Homes and businesses were flooded, roads undermined, a cottage destroyed in Woodbury, as well as the church at Exton.

Dawn Langdon (nee McNally): ‘My memory of the 1960 Woodbury flood is coming home from Clyst St George primary school to see our thatched cottage (Chowns Cottage) flooded to a depth of a few feet and my birthday cake sitting on the kitchen table. The rainwater had come straight off Woodbury Common, down through the fields and collected such a lot of debris that the culvert at Prospect House (directly opposite our cottage) was blocked. This forced the water straight across the road, through our front door and right through the cottage and out the back door. We were fighting a losing battle trying to sweep the water out.’

Adrian Christopher: ‘We were living at 4 Church Steps. With such heavy rain, the stream that crosses under the road at the bottom of Bonfire Hill and continues between Webbers Farm (now Culvery Close) and Church Steps was a raging torrent. At some point a tree trunk was washed into the stream and rushed along in the torrent. The stream goes underground when it reaches Mirey Lane. The tree trunk became stuck under Mirey Lane and the old fire station. With the tree creating a dam, the rushing water had to find a different route. It did this by flowing in one direction over the road in Mirey Lane and in another by flooding the cottages at numbers 7, 6, and 5 Church Steps. The road beside the church became a fast-flowing river, rushing on past the White Hart, the main crossroads at the Arch, and onwards down to Gilbrook.

As the water surged down the road beside the church, it undermined and destroyed Mrs Ledmond’s cob cottage, before flowing on past the White Hart. The cottage was never rebuilt, and the site is now a small car park.

At the main crossroad at the Arch, the village policeman was standing in the flood water to assist anyone who had ventured out. He had armed himself with a clothes prop to fend off floating debris, which included a floating, half full, metal coal bunker.

Days later workmen came to remove the trapped tree trunk. They had to dig down through the roadway in Mirey Lane and through the floor of the old fire station to remove it. A weed covered metal grill marks the spot today.’

Anna Eyres: ‘I was six years old when Woodbury was flooded. I can remember the water flowing down Greenway and swirling around in our garden at The Beals. After the water went down there were boulders and stones, gravel and sand everywhere and I thought the world had turned orange. We went for a walk in our wellies around by the White Hart’s back, opposite the church and you could see the watermark on the wall. It was well over the height of the tops of my wellingtons. But the worst was what was

left of Mrs Ledmond’s. The cottage was cob and now there was just a corner wall - the flowery wallpaper hanging down, half a window, the lino flapping in the breeze, and a broken picture frame, with no glass, hanging lopsided on all that was left of a dear lady’s home.’

Yvonne Day: Yvonne was the great niece of Eli Bamsey who ran a hardware business from the Teeds cottages. Yvonne lived at No. 2 The Teeds and worked in Exeter as a hairdresser. Imagine her shock when she arrived back in Woodbury from her day’s work in town and found her mother trying to clear up the terrible mess left by the flood waters, both from the Arch and the Gilbrook, which flowed right through the house. Her memory was of her mother scrubbing the floor and the terrible smell of Jeyes fluid. Most of the floor lino was ruined – people did not always have carpets at this period. The house on the left had water in the garden up to the window-ledge, but the house was not too badly affected – only two or three of the houses in the row down to the Arch were affected by the flood water and some escaped altogether.

Bryony Giles (née Thomson) of Gilbrook House: ‘It was the last day of September 1960, a weekday, I was 7 years old and home from school ill. Dad left for work in Exeter before 8am. The level of the brook in Gilbrook came up so fast, you could hear it roaring from inside the house. Mum had gone out to the office next door in the Tanyard and rang Dad at work, although she could not understand why he was not home yet. In fact, Dad was at the other side of the bridge in Gilbrook by 9.15am. The height of the water was already over the top of the railings of the bridge, and he could not get across. He ended up driving up to the common and abandoning his car, and started walking and then had a lift in an army lorry to the pumping station. He then walked through the fields at the back of the house where the land was higher, carrying his shoes. At 11.30am he finally managed to force a back door open and get in that way. He was 6’ 4” tall and the water in the hall was up to his neck.

We had a second flood, which was higher than the first. It was higher than the bottom set of sash windows and halfway up the second set. At its highest it was 6’ 5”. The house looked like it was in the middle of a roaring sea. We lost two walls from the walled garden at the back of the house they just disappeared, carried away with the water. The outside loo, the tool shed and the coal shed backed onto the brook and all their back walls disappeared in the flood.’

Pat Holland remembers being with Henry Fulls at the Tanyard at Gilbrook. They had to hold onto each other as the flood waters were so deep at the entrance to Ware’s Shoe Works. The water was halfway up the office wall. Henry saw their stock of wellington boots floating across the road and down Ham Lane. They collected most of their damaged shoe stock and took it to the old chapel on Broadway, where they were washed and put on the long seats to dry. The wellington boots were never seen again. Adrian Christopher

WOODBURY WILDFLOWER SURVEYS IN 2024

Did you know that there are over 30,000 miles of verges and hedgerows in the UK, covering an area the size of Nottinghamshire? Our roadside verges provide a sanctuary for wildflowers, pollinating insects, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. They also provide essential wildlife corridors, becoming a key part of our national Nature Recovery Network, joining up vital places for wildlife to live and flourish.

In the last hundred years, 97% of the UK’s wildflower meadows have been lost or damaged. This loss of habitat has meant our pollinators have suffered steep declines, and 87 species of wildflower are threatened with extinction.

Given this worrying trend, in 2009 a Woodbury Roadside Wildflower Survey recorded flowering plants on four different road verges in the Woodbury parish throughout the year. In 2019 the survey was repeated and data from both years was then compared to discover the impact of a decade of change. The original report A Flower Study in Woodbury Parish 20082011 can be found on the Woodbury History Society website. (http:// www.woodburyhistorysociety.co.uk/uploads/5/6/3/8/56381833/ flower_study_web_version.pdf).

However, in short, the result of the comparison between 2009 and 2019 is quite shocking. Woodbury parish borders the East Devon National Park (previously known as East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and the villages within the parish are surrounded by countryside, yet the results show a decline in plant species, greater than the national average. A small group of volunteers from Woodbury Wide Awake thought it would be a valuable exercise to repeat the study again this year, to see how the results compare after another five years have passed. The results will be recorded and sent to the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (DBRC).

The data that DBRC collects feeds into a number of decision making frameworks locally and nationally. For example, planning departments use the data to inform strategic planning and building developments, and conservation organisations use it to plan and develop community projects, neighbourhood planning and nature recovery projects. DBRC have told us that repeat surveys are quite rare, so they are keen to have more data like this which can show interesting trends such as seasonal variance in emergence of plants, or abundance year on year.

This information can also help raise awareness of the importance of wildlife at a local level, and contribute to our local wild areas being better appreciated and cared for. If you would like to find out more, or get involved, please contact Woodbury Wide Awake via our website https:// www.woodbury-wide-awake.co.uk/ or Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/woodburyawake/ Susie Culhane

RSPB AYLESBEARE COMMON

January (Ed: submitted too late for inclusion last month)

Happy new year from all at RSPB Aylesbeare Common. It's been a wild and wet winter so far, but the last few weeks of dry, crisp and cold weather has been a welcome respite from the recent run of Atlantic storms, with Fergus, Gerrit and Henk trying their best to derail a recent track repair project on Venn Ottery Common. Nonetheless, the digger and dumper crew (led by Gary and Adrian) made it out on top despite inclement weather and saturated ground conditions. The track has been built up and improved with the use of native materials from nearby Blackhill Quarry, with the intention of improving vehicle and walker access to the north of the common as well as to recently acquired wet grassland that lies in between Venn Ottery Common and the neighbouring Devon Wildlife Trust site. In the summer this wet meadow displays a profusion of flowers including fleabane, water mint and self heal and is deemed ‘species-rich’. This important low-intensity grazed meadow will help interconnectivity between the two sites, allowing populations of birds and other wildlife to flow between patches of heath, meadow, scrub and woodland. The wet weather has been good for some. Aylesbeare and Harpford Common’s wintering population of snipe and woodcock have now arrived in full force from Finland/Russia, making the most of the wet ground within the various mires on the heath. Snipe possess long, straight beaks that have a flexible tip full of nerve endings which allow them to feel for grubs underground in the soft wet mud and peat. Woodcock (the ‘snipe of the woods’ to some) feed similarly and are larger than the snipe, generally feeding at night, relying on their cryptic plumage to hide them in woodland and heathland undergrowth during the day. In December, residential volunteer Alice was tasked with organising the first of our winter snipe surveys, pulling together a 7-strong gaggle of data gatherers. The team took on the mires in strict formation, with the aim of flushing out birds which would then be tallied throughout the day. Close to 150 snipe were seen on the survey, a great reward for a tough day of bog trundling.

Our monthly winter bird transect also adds to data at Aylesbeare HQ, where good numbers of winter thrushes such as redwings and fieldfares are seen in the trees of the woodland edges, often feeding on the berries supplied by holly trees and in some cases hawthorn. Data gathering is an integral part of the RSPB’s work, and all these winter surveys provide estimates which help inform the management plans for the various sites under Aylesbeare stewardship. In other news, winter habitat work has started in earnest, predominantly involving scrub control. Heathland is described as a ‘sub-seral’ habitat, meaning that intervention is required to prevent the establishment of woodland. cont’d/...

Intervention in this case means removing and felling pioneer trees, such as birch and willow, to allow heathland to re-establish without tree cover in the way. More woodland is needed in the UK to halt the current biodiversity crisis, but lowland heathland still remains a priority habitat that many species of wildlife require to survive. Only 20% of lowland heathland has survived the last two centuries, so protecting what remains and increasing heathland coverage through restoration remains a priority!

February

Michael Shrimpling

Hello from Aylesbeare: I hope everyone has been keeping up with all the weather February has thrown at us. It’s been non-stop here, trying to clear as much encroaching scrub as possible before the start of the nesting season, whilst also keeping up with the storms and maintaining the fence line so our ponies don’t go adventuring. They are hard at work munching away unwanted vegetation, so be sure not to distract or disturb them if you’re luckily enough to spy a few on the common!

This month we thought we’d focus on a site we manage called Fire Beacon Hill. Slightly further afield, overlooking Sidmouth, it is well worth a visit just for the vista; it enjoys breathtaking views of Sidmouth and the sea, over towards Mutter’s Moor and Harpford Wood, and even as far as Aylesbeare Common. Fire Beacon Hill has a fascinating history and prehistory: its name comes from its use as a beacon from possibly up to a thousand years ago, and it was part of the chain of beacons that warned of the coming of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Underfoot, its geology is also quite unique. As you walk up the steep hill that leads to Fire Beacon, the stones and pebbles that are characteristic of most of the local area here are replaced by flint instead. This is part of a clay-and-flint deposit, underneath which is a deposit of calcareous greensand, a type of sandstone. It’s these layers that form the distinctive ridge that make the reserve such a trek to get to, and also mean the soil is more alkaline, as opposed to traditional heath soils that are more acidic.

Fire Beacon Hill is an excellent example of how collaborations between organisations to protect local habitats are becoming more the norm. The site is owned by Sidmouth Town Council, but has been managed by us since 1994. More recently, we have been involved with the management of Core Hill, just over the Saxon bank, which is owned by the Woodland Trust, and the Forestry Commission land that is to the north and east of the site. This year is the first where we have been able to graze cattle over all this area, thanks to our new NoFence collars. As you will know if you’ve read this newsletter, or seen the signs around Fire Beacon, this technology applies a virtual fence around an area, controlled via an app. Not only does this reduce our workload, it also allows us to graze more difficult sites like this –

because there is no fence to keep livestock in on Fire Beacon Hill. A much larger area – notably including woodland grazing now is reaping the benefits of our cattle.

We’d like to talk a bit about dog walking up on the site. Unfortunately we have had a couple of incidents recently involving dogs chasing the cattle, which is distressing for them and can cause the cows to run off and escape the invisible boundary. This means the cattle owner has to find and bring them back (checking their location on the NoFence app). One evening, our farmer had to walk one of the cows back up through the lanes all the way from a residential area in Sidford. Farmers are always busy and having to take time to do this is very inconvenient, especially when it might have been avoided if these dogs had been under control. Please could all dog walkers be mindful of the presence of cattle on the open heath and in the woodland, and if you know your dog may wander or chase, please keep it on a lead. This will help us support both the valuable conservation grazing and open access of the site, which so many people have such a strong connection to. Additionally, as we enter the breeding bird season, please remember that, according to the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000, dogs should be kept on leads from 1 March – 31 July, to reduce disturbance to both livestock and wildlife. Fire Beacon Hill is a lovely site, and rules such as this only exist to help keep it that way for everyone. As the signs of spring start to appear, I do really recommend taking the time to visit. Enjoy the view, perhaps with a flask, and remember some of our rarest species call these sites home, so please treat it with the same care as you would your own home.

Alice, RSPB Residential Volunteer

QUIZ CORNER – MARCH 2024

1: Which insect is named after a mythical beast?

2: Which daisy flower is used to treat migraines?

3: What is Sleeping Beauty’s real name?

4: Who is the amateur detective in Dorothy L Sayers’ novels?

5: Which tea brand from London has a logo over 200 years old?

6: What is the only English word that has five letter Es in it?

7: What nickname is given to the people who live in Norfolk?

8: Which fruit is also known as alligator peach?

9: Who is the “tub” partner who sailed with the butcher and the candlestick maker?

10: Which bird sings loudly as it hovers?

Avriel Blaber

BRUNCH IN GARDEN - GREENSIDE, GREENWAY, WOODBURY

SATURDAY 8 AND SUNDAY 9 JUNE. 10.00.

Salmon, scrambled egg, fizz. Further details at a later date.

MICROCHIPPING OF CATS

The editor makes no apology for being 100% an ailurophile, as opposed to a cynophile. 'What on earth does that mean?' she hears you ask; well, a cat lover, as opposed to a dog lover!

A new law coming into effect on 10 June 2024 will affect all cat owners. Owners have just less than four months to ensure that their cat is microchipped. This means that if the cat is lost of stolen, they are much more likely to be returned to their owner. If your cat is more than 20 weeks of age, we urge you to get it chipped - or else you could face a hefty fine. William and Harry (pictured) have been chipped since they were kittens; this proved very lucky because when William was just 12 months old he was savagely attacked by a small animal and so badly injured that he was unable to find his way home. He was picked up by the RSPCA, his chip was read, the editor informed and William taken safely to the vet. Despite losing a leg, now aged 7 years old, he keeps up amazingly well with his brother, Harry.

Sue Bury

WOODBURY SALTERTON ART & CRAFT EXHIBITION

SATURDAY 4 - MONDAY 6 MAY

WOODBURY SALTERTON CHURCH

CLINTON DEVON ESTATES

Spring is nearly here with longer days and warmer weather making it easier to access the countryside or head just that little bit further afield. After a long winter we welcome the chance to marvel anew at the richness of life unfolding before us.

East Devon’s network of footpaths criss-crosses land that is grazed by cattle and sheep; we have the choice of coastal, woodland, river and heathland views to enjoy. Many of us venture out with four-legged friends, but at this time of year disturbance from dogs can pose a real threat to livestock, ground nesting birds and farmers’ livelihoods.

Dogs don’t have to be aggressive, bite or give chase to cause issues. Just by being there doing what dogs do, they behave like a predator, with the potential to cause stress and damage. Public rights of access apply to footpaths not the whole field so stay on permissible routes and do not let your dog enter fields at gateways or through hedgerow gaps. Take extra care if your dog is not reliably calm around animals or birds and put them back on the lead if in any doubt.

Dogs deserve appropriate exercise but the number of dogs that get separated from their owners suggests that people may overestimate how well their dogs are trained or don’t follow the Countryside Code message to keep dogs under close control. Other dog-related problems affecting land managers include disturbance to ground-nesting birds, infectious diseases and failure to clear up after dogs.

Spring might bring to mind images of birds building nests in trees and hedges, but several species lay their eggs on the ground instead. These birds use camouflage to conceal their young in open habitats and are already under pressure from habitat loss and climate change, without additional risk from bouncy paws and inquisitive noses.

Ground-nesting species are often so well hidden, we might never know they are there until it is too late. Disturbance can mean adult birds leaving eggs or chicks exposed or abandoning nests completely. At this time of year, it is best to assume that birds will be there and stick to main routes. Train and reward your dog for keeping their Paws on Paths too, as this will allow special birds like skylark, lapwing, snipe, nightjar and many more the best chance of survival. Additional awareness at this time of year also protects mammals like brown hare and roe deer, reptiles and delicate wildflowers. It is also vital to public health that we minimise the chance of dog waste entering our food chain or watercourses to maintain healthy ecosystems and prevent harm to animals.

CLINTON DEVON ESTATES

Dog faeces contains worms and parasites that can cause serious diseases in sheep, cattle and horses, which could even lead pregnant animals to miscarry due to infection. Despite being legally required to pick up dog waste, some dog walkers are under the impression that picking up in the countryside is somehow less important than it is in other places. We are gifted a wealth of environments on our doorstep to enjoy. Freedom to exercise our pet animals where food is produced and to share places with wildlife brings responsibility. As dog owners we must try harder, keep dogs in sight and play our part every walk to keep Devon’s countryside spaces special places to be and healthy for all.

Kate Ponting Community Engagement and Countryside Learning, Clinton Devon Estates kate.ponting@clintondevon.com 01395 442881 www.clintondevon.com

WEATHER REPORT FOR JANUARY

January was a month of considerable contrasts with heavy rain over the first four days, 39mm (1.5ins) followed by a fortnight of sub-zero nights with clear dry days. The last eleven days were much warmer with some accompanying rain to bring the month’s total up to 60mm (2.4ins). This was a little below the average of the previous five years of 70mm (2.7ins), here at Ebford.

So a rather dry month overall, with plenty of winter sunshine; fields and gardens began to drain and dry out for convenient cultivation as spring approaches.

Norman Cann

QUIZ CORNER

The answers to February's quiz are:

1. Colgate, which was sold in a jar, was the first toothpaste brand.

2. The five colours of the Olympic Rings are blue, yellow, black, green and red.

3. The smallest bone in the body is in the ear.

4. The band Rev Cole was in was The Communards.

5. The actor Maurice Micklewhite is known as Michael Caine (not a lot of people know that).

6. A lupine is a wolf pack.

7. The hairstyle with tight braids is called cornrows.

8. The app where photos disappear is Snapchat.

9. Young pigeons are called squabs.

10. A dish baked in an oven covered in breadcrumbs is called gratin.

11. Another name for a detective or private investigator is gumshoe.

BUSINESSADVERTISEMENTS

COLYTON 11+ THIS SEPTEMBER? Places still available for mock 11+ tests on 7 July, 18 August and 1 & 8 September at Lympstone Village Hall. For details go to lympstone11plus.co.uk or janepmoffatt@gmail.com (1/7)

WOODBURY EVENTS TEAM For Hire. Gazebos, Chairs, Crockery, wine glasses, tumblers, champagne glasses, KFS Cake stands, Brick wall which helps to raise money, £1 a brick Bunting. Contact Chris Lear 07941 045918 chrislear06@gmail.com (4/6)

CARPENTER Chris Isaac Property Maintenance, Kitchens, Doors, Flooring, Fencing, Fascias/Guttering, Tiling, General Repairs. Free Estimates. Reliable tradesman. 07855170674/01395 233933 chrisisaaccarpenter@gmail.com. (11/12)

BED AND BREAKFAST Peaceful location situated in Exton. Website riverdownbedandbreakfast.co.uk. Please contact Tim on 07779 715222 or email timdashwood@yahoo.co.uk (12/12)

ACCOUNTS AND TAX SERVICE Sole Trades, Partnerships, Limited Companies and Personal Tax. Full range of advice. Fixed fee plans and free initial consultation/quotation. Wheelers Accountants. Tel: 233184. (13/24)

RUBBISH REMOVALS Domestic and Commercial. Environment Agency licensed. No job too small. Tel: 07979 841376. www.rubbishremovalsexeter.com. (22/24)

ELECTRICIAN James Sliman Local, reliable, fully qualified and experienced. NAPIT registered and insured. From a socket to rewire 01395 276323 07866 313812 www.jslimanelectrician.co.uk. (7/12)

HOME HELP Mrs V. A. Perry: Experienced, reliable. Support with transport to social/community events, trips out/medical appointments. Support with shopping, household management. Companion service. DBS Enhanced Certificate, Insurance and references available. For a confidential, no obligation discussion of your individual needs and requirements ring 01395 232865 (5/6)

INDOOR CAR BOOT - SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Every Saturday from 2 March. 10.00 to 15.00. Lympstone Methodist Church/Hall EX8 5HH. (2/4)

BEE SWARMS COLLECTED FREE OF CHARGE Also cash paid for unwanted bee keeping equipment - hives, tools, smokers, clothing etc. Call Nigel Moore on 07815 514997. Email:nigemoore007@gmail.com. (*)

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

1 March Exton Garden Club. 2024 Programme and AGM. 14.00, EVH.

2/9 March Camera Club members day out. Budleigh Salterton.

5 March Parish Council Surgery, 10.00-11.00, Puffing Billy.

6 March Singing for Wellbeing. 14.00-15.30 Seachange, B/Salterton.

7 March Woodbury History Society Tombs & Headstones. 19.30, WVH.

9 March Five-course Italian Meal. 19.00, WVH.

12 March Woodbury Garden Club Organic Vegetable Growing, 19.15, WVH.

14 March Woodbury WI, Samuel Pepys, 14.00, WVH.

15 March Rotary Quiz Night. 18.30 for 19.00, WVH.

19 March Camera Club presentation.

23 March H4K Barn Dance with Spinach For Norman. 19.30, WVH.

29 March Exton Easter Egg Hunt. 10.30-12.00 in the Goosefield.

30 March Easter Egg Hunt. 10.30-12.00, St Swithun’s Church.

5 April Exton Garden Club. National Garden Scheme. 14.00, EVH.

9 April Woodbury Garden Club Fuchsias, 19.15, WVH.

11 April Woodbury WI, Write your own biography, 14.00, WVH.

16 April Camera Club photo sharing from members day out.

27 April FoSS Concert, 19.00. St Swithun’s Church.

2 May Woodbury History Society talk by Ian Mortimer on Medieval Devon. 19.30, St Swithun’s Church.

4-6 May Art & Craft Exhibition. Woodbury Salterton Church.

9 May Woodbury WI, Exeter Redcoats, 14.00, WVH.

18 May FORCE Devon Big Breakfast. 8.00-11.00. WVH.

6 June Royal British Legion. 80th anniversary D-Day Landings.

8&9 June Brunch in garden of Greenside, Greenway, Woodbury.

13 June Woodbury WI, Dogs saving lives, 14.00, WVH.

30 June FORCE Cancer Charity. The Nello. Bide Ride & Festival.

6 July Woodbury Community Long Tables. 17.30, Village Green.

13 July Woodbury School PTFA Summer Fair.

A study in concentration

WOODBURY COMMUNITY LONG TABLES

SATURDAY 6 JULY, 17.30.

WOODBURY VILLAGE GREEN

Further details at a later date. Woodbury Events Team.

Editor’s Note : In order to maximise submitted copy and photographs into Woodbury News, it may be necessary to reduce the size of some items. The Editorial team will attempt to do this as carefully as possible.

JOIN THE COFFEE CLUB

Whether you're a coffee lover or prefer alternatives, we've got you covered!

In partnership with Devon Carers Time for You, we're creating a welcoming space for you to pop in, chat, and connect with others.

Mondays, 10.30 - 12:30 at Seachange for £10 (includes refreshments). It's more than a coffee break – it's a chance to unwind, share stories, and build connections. We look forward to seeing you there.

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Woodbury Village Hall

Hall and two meeting rooms, Fully equipped kitchen WIFI, sound system and projector

Available for:

Dances and Parties Meetings and Classes Exhibitions and Craft Fairs

Badminton, Plays, Business Lettings

For bookings please contact:

Robin or Marian Lennox

Tel: 01395 232126

email:- woodburyvh@gmail.com

www.woodburyvillagehall.org

Woodbury Salterton Village Hall

Hall –Tables and Chairs, Well equipped kitchen with cooker and fridge, crockery and cutlery inclusive in the hire.

Tables and chairs available for outdoor hire.

Modest Rates.

For bookings please contact:

Pat or Gill Bricknell

01395 232463

Or email woodsaltvillage hall@outlook.com

Further to many recent enquiries:

Robert Miller

Local Painter & Decorator of many years, is still in business. A lifetime of experience!

All painting and decorating jobs considered.

Contact Bob on 01395 233773 or

STEAM PRISTINE Is green

Pristine eco cleaning of:-

Patios, stone brick or concrete paths & driveways. Removal of algae, moss & fungi.

The surface being cleaned does not suffer any damaging pressure, thermal shock or deep saturation. Uses minimum water, eco friendly and dries within minutes.

The

T:

Royal Academy of Dance and IDTA Ballet grades and majors

Start to Dance from from 2½ years

Dottie Markham RAD CBTS

Frankie Rowsell RAD CBTS

Tel: 07885829531

woodburydancestudio