October 2014 by Woodbury News

WOODBURY NEWS No Job Too Small

T.D. BUILDERS General Quality Building Service * New builds & Extensions * Brickwork & Block work * Rendering & Plastering * Drives & Patios * All types of building work undertaken !! FREE ESTIMATES

01395 233995 or 07751 738092

OCTOBER 2014

2 ALL BUILDING JOBS CONSIDERED

R. Miller & Son Painters and Decorators THORNS COTTAGE, WOODBURY

Tel: Woodbury 233773 All work expertly carried out under personal supervision.

Woodbury Village Hall Hall and two Meeting Rooms, Fully equipped Kitchen Available for: Dances and Parties Wedding Receptions Meetings and Classes Jumble Sales 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.uk

EXE-GAS Plumbing & Heating Boiler breakdown & service New installations Fires & cookers - fitted & serviced LPG systems Plumbing

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Home. 01392- 877345 Mobile. 0787 1621157 SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER! FULL BOILER SERVICE -£50 inc VAT

Woodbury Salterton Village Hall Hall –Tables and Chairs, Well equipped kitchen with cooker and fridge, crockery and cutlery inclusive in hire. Modest Rates.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Jackman Fabric Care · · · · ·

All Carpet Types Oriental Rugs Curtains (in-situ) Upholstery (inc Leather) Headboards

We combine good old fashioned service with contemporary technology to bring you superb results at reasonable prices.

www.jackmanfabriccare.com For bookings please contact:

A Local Family Firm

Pat or Gill Bricknell 01395 232463

For advice or a quotation without obligation - phone Mervyn on:

01395 272428

DustAway All Work and no play, We are here to help Friendly Efficient Cleaning Service. Weekly, fortnightly, monthly, one-off Cleans. Moving house, holiday lets, end of tenancy cleans, spring cleans. We also offer an Ironing service. Fully insured – all materials supplied.

Please call Jill 07818484864 or Tracey 07727168817 V.A.T. Reg. No. 169 7014 86

www.dustaway-cleaning.co.uk

WOODBURY NEWS - OCTOBER 2014 EDITORIAL Once again, in September this time, Woodbury hit the headlines as professional cyclists toiled up Globe Hill in stage 5 of the Round Britain Cycle Race 2014. Thanks to Mike Jeans and Graham Rawlings for their action photos (page 19). Colin Ashby was on hand to capture the moment when the new classrooms were lowered onto the site of Woodbury School (page 14) and, on returning to school after the summer holidays, the children took part in cycling activities linked to the Cycle Race (page 13). As the growing season comes to an end, allotment holders got together to celebrate what was an excellent growing season (does anyone want a courgette?), but annuals are still in flower, as can be demonstrated by the superb displays in The Arch. Looking ahead, would readers and contributors please note the following for the next few editions of Woodbury News: Tuesday 14 October is the closing date for copy for the November issue. Tuesday 18 November is the closing date for the December issue, which will include details of events planned over the Christmas period, Christmas wishes from readers who choose to donate to charity instead of sending local cards, information about Carol events, Church Services, Christmas Fairs, etc. Tuesday 2 December is the closing date for the Holiday Issue (December 2014/January 2015). Although this may seem unduly early, we have to be aware of the availability of our distributors to deliver the magazine, hopefully before Christmas. This edition will include annual reports from Clubs and organisations of their activities in 2014. OUR COVER PHOTO by Pete Broadbelt is of Mark Smith, who is responsible for the repair and maintenance of many of the thatches in our villages. On page 27 you will find an interview with him, the second in our series of interviews by Andy Price. Woodbury News is a Private Company Limited by Guarantee No. 5263356 Secretary: Karen Squires, Willowfield, Oakhayes Road, Woodbury EX5 1JT. Tel: 233299 Registered Office: Willowfield, Oakhayes Road, Woodbury EX5 1JT. Tel: 233299 Chairman: Peter Payne, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Harsleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Toby Lane, Woodbury Salterton. Tel: 232394 Editor: Mrs Sue Bury, Mayflower Cottage, 37 Greenway. Tel: 233753 Subscriptions: Mrs Ann Shell, 6 Summerfield. Tel: 239175 Circulation: Mrs Beverley Simcox, 2 Beeches Close. Tel: 232858

ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH, WOODBURY Vicar: Reverend Karen Spray. Tel: 01392 877400 or email: church@revdkaren.org.uk Associate Minister: Reverend Christopher Cant. Tel: 01395 488178 email: chriscant@tiscali.co.uk SUNDAY SERVICES 5 October 11.15 Harvest Family Eucharist. 12 October 11.15 Team Eucharist. 19 October 11.00 Sunday Club, Church Rooms - Junior Church. 11.15 Eucharist. 6.30 Evensong. 26 October 8.00 CW Said Eucharist. 10.30 Joint Service at Christ Church. FLOODLIGHTING ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH (dusk until 11.00) For your special event during October and November, contact Gordon Davis 01395 232305, or see the details and book it online at our website www.whitecrossdevon.org.uk/woodbury-with-exton/floodlighting-form.php. CHURCH ALTAR FLOWERS - OCTOBER 5 - Harvest. 12 - Mrs J Hodge. 19 - Mrs M Mead. 26 - Mrs C Keep. Please note: we will decorate Church for Harvest on Thursday 2 October.

Rose Lodge

Woodbury Dance Studio

An active and social home For people living with dementia

RAD BALLET

SOCIAL CLUB DAY CARE RESPITE CARE RESIDENTIAL CARE Yoga, Choir, Gardening, Crafts, Drama, Games, Singing, Live music, Dance parties Rambling, Outings own Minibus, Christian Service www.dementicaredevon.co.uk peter@roselodgecarehome.co.uk

01395 227071 2 Isca Road, Exmouth EX8 2EZ

ST SWITHUN’S LYCH GATE DATES - 9.00-11.00 1 November and 6 December, weather permitting, at lych gate or inside Church.

IN MEMORIAM Major Robert Masefield, 1st Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry Killed in action on 24 Oct 1914 in Flanders, aged 42. Private Charles James Auton, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards Killed in action on 28 Oct 1914 at Ypres, aged 26. USUAL SUNDAY SERVICES: ROTA OF SERVICES - St Swithun’s Morning Prayers - Every Monday at 9.15. 1st Sunday 11.15 All Age Family Service. 2nd Sunday 11.15 Choral Eucharist. 3rd Sunday 11.15 Choral Eucharist with Sunday Club (Vanessa Freeman 222121). 6.30pm Choral Evensong (January to November inclusive). 4th Sunday 8.00 Holy Communion. 11.15 Morning Prayer. More information See the Church Digest (available free in Church) or visit our website: www.whitecrossdevon.org.uk

01392 873865

Grades and Majors

Children from 2½ years Principal: Mary Griffiths ARAD, MA(Oxon) Tel: 01395 271249 marygriffiths@hotmail.com www.woodburydance.co.uk All classes at Woodbury C of E Primary School

David Mansell Domestic Electrician

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Interior and exterior alterations Re-wires Test & Inspect PAT testing No job to small Prompt and reliable service

Tel: 01395 232810 Mobile 07828184575

6 WOODBURY ALLOTMENT SOCIAL

The annual allotment social was held in August this year and was well attended by plot holders and families. The weather forecast was good and for the fifth year we were able to hold it on the allotment site without cover. There was a plentiful amount of lovely food and drinks and everyone was able to catch up and talk about successes and failures on their plots amongst other things. We have quite a lot of new plot holders so it was good for everyone to get to know each other. Everyone is looking forward to another year of planting, nurturing and picking, not to mention chatting, which plays a large part in allotment life. WOODBURY’S AUTUMN ART AND CRAFT FAIR SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER, 10.00-4.00 WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL Come and see a wonderful selection of crafts all locally made which will include: children’s dresses, jewellery, bags, hats, glassware, ceramics, woodcraft, teddy bears, paintings, plus much more. Teas and coffee. Admission free - all donations for Woodbury Community Fields funds. 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.

7 WOODBURY CHURCH ROOMS

Foot

Nicky Mattin Health Professional & Reflexologist MAFHP & Itec dip RF

Providing: Foot Health Basic foot and nail Care. Corns and calluses, hard skin removal, nail trimming, advice and basic treatment of verruca’s and fungal conditions. Reflexology A complementary therapy that uses pressure and massage techniques on the feet to help de-stress and relax the whole body. Please do call for a chat and further information and I will help in any way I can.

Telephone: 07807 603690 / 01395 233222 Home visits available

Those of you using the Church Rooms in the last few months may have been surprised, intrigued or even appalled by the front door looking like the first picture. The reason was that I offered, in a weak moment, to remove the peeling paint and give the door a facelift. What I found when I removed the paint, however, was a door in very poor condition, with cracks in the panels. I was at a loss to know what to do, but the good neighbourliness for which Woodbury is renowned, came to the rescue. Paul Crafer, who lives opposite, observed my dilemma and offered to rebuild the door. Not only did he replace all the panels, but he veneered the panels that could not be replaced, sanded the door and painted it. Thanks to Paul, who insists it was a joint effort, we have a smart newly painted door. Some say it will not last, but at least we have obviated, or delayed, the cost of a new door for a few years. Mike Jeans KIDS CAFÉ LIGHT PARTY (UV DISCO) SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER, 4.30 - 6.00 CHRIST CHURCH, WOODBURY Fancy Dress “White and Bright”. Glow in the dark face-painting and temporary tattoos. Craft - Party games. Age 5 - 11 (accompanied by an adult). Free entry. Food and Drink on sale. www.facebook.com/ccwkidscafe

8 WOODBURY COMMUNITY PLAYING FIELDS UPDATE Woodbury Community Playing Fields have recently been awarded a grant of £9,066 by Coastal Recycling through their Coastal Recycling Community Fund. This will be put towards new equipment in the children's play area - fantastic news for the local community! Thank you to Clinton Devon Estates who have given us £500, and to all those who attended our BBQ in August in the Maltsters Arms, which raised £250! Our first target is £80,000 for a new Children's Play Area to be built in the winter 2014/2015. At present we have received grants and donations of nearly £55,000 towards this target. Children within the local community (8+ years) were consulted about their wishes for equipment within the new play park, and we have chosen the excellent design from HAGS SMP which includes a large climbing frame, large climbing net, swings, roundabout and new zip wire. Thank you very much for these generous contributions. Our website shows how much we have raised so far and how much we still require to improve the facilities. If you would personally like to contribute, there is a link on our website www.wcpf.co.uk to donate money – every little bit helps! We have also been successful in receiving sport money from East Devon to help provide a MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) on the playing field. This was put forward by East Devon for public consultation with residents and we have been awarded £25,000! We need to fundraise another £20,000 to provide an excellent community facility, open to all. Please come to our events this year to help us reach our target. WANTED – Committee Members to join Woodbury Community Playing Fields We are still continuing to pursue other funding streams and are working hard on behalf of all the users of the playing field. However, this is a large project and we require more involvement from the local community. We are in the process of applying for larger grants and we need community members with relevant skills and expertise in this area to join our team of hard-working members to help improve facilities on the large playing field. We also require help creating and organising our fundraising events. Please contact secretary.wcpf@yahoo.co.uk if you would like to help or can offer expertise.

Support worker / Enabler Vacancy We are a small business based in East Devon which offers bespoke care packages for families with children that have additional needs. This can include family support, day care, overnight care, enabling, advice and personal care. Cherished Care is an expanding business and now requires new team members to work the following: Monday – Friday 06.30-07.45 in the Exmouth area. Various Saturday hours. More hours available for the right candidate, please get in touch to discuss. £8.50 per hour Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check

www.cherishedcare@hotmail.co.uk 07733 051184

ADVERTISING RATES SMALL ADS.: (3 lines) Private £2.00. (3 lines) Business £5.00 (£50.00 per annum). DISPLAY ADS. £15 quarter page To: Karen Squires, Willowfield, Oakhayes Road, Woodbury EX5 1JT Tel: 233299 (e-mail karensquires100@gmail.com). The Woodbury News accepts no liability for:- i) Any claims made by the advertiser; ii) Any errors or omissions in the advertisement as submitted by the advertiser; iii) Any legal action as a result of the advertisement.

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 - we can arrange this. Just call Beverley Simcox on 232858 and she will put you in contact with your local deliverer.

Now that so many people own a digital camera and that it is possible to reproduce such excellent photographs in Woodbury News, do email your photos of local people or events to Karen on karensquires100@gmail.com The editorial team still need a wider spread of news, particularly about our younger people. What are you all up to? Why don’t YOU write an article or send in a photo?

9 “STILL QUIRKY AT 30!” Can you believe that the The Follies (Woodbury Music Hall) will be 30 years old in November? After all these years of entertaining the village, we will be back with more on 27, 28 and 29 NOVEMBER at WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL Tickets and table reservations will be available from Cyril Rowsell’s Hardware in Woodbury from 9.00am on Saturday 1 November. Thurs £6 (£5 conc) + £2 tea/coffee and cake. Fri £9, or £14 one course/ £16 two courses incl. tea/coffee. Sat £10, or £15 one course/£17 two courses incl. tea coffee. Proceeds to local good causes. If you would like to take part in any way at all you will be very welcome! Please contact Chris Quantick tel. 233080 or Phil Slater tel. 232324 for more information. WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB On 9 September Jenny Short gave us a talk entitled Reach for the Stars. Jenny is a garden designer and lives in Lyme Regis. We guessed that her talk would be about climbers which she later described as 'the whizz kids of the plant world who give maximum effect with the minimum effort'. She divided them into four groups, those with prickles, those that cling, the twiners and those that lean. Jenny gave us information about preparing a wall or fence for climbers, how galvanised wire can be used on a north facing wall but not on a south facing wall, which is warm, and so covered wire must be used to prevent 'burning' the plants. She described the various ways in which climbers can be used, climbers with prickles through a shrub or tree, Tropoleum through a conifer because it dies back in the winter and can be cut back. She talked about the use of rope, vertical poles, obelisks and chain. She also reminded us to be aware of the backdrop being used and match the climber accordingly. Jenny then went through climbers that were suitable for north, south, east and west sites and gave us a plant list with maintenance tips. She finished by stating that climbers were not really suitable for containers. They are developed from shady, woodland areas and so need moisture and shade at their roots. A very informative and interesting presentation. Our next meeting is on 14 October when Neil Lovesay will present the History and Future of the Cottage Fuel Garden. Advance warning - Christmas Social will be 16 December, not 9 December.

WOODBURY VILLAGE GOLF SOCIETY Trethorne Well, thank goodness, it turned out to be a reasonable day in the end - no thunder storm but a shower or two, and at least we had the sunshine to dry us off before we came in! It was a good turn-out with 27 corks being pulled making exactly nine teams - always great when it works out like that. Only eight managed to score 30 and over points so it is fair to say that the course was not easy for many of us. The lower handicappers did well. We welcomed two visitors, Steve Gunnell and Nick Jones, and it is hoped that one or both may become future members. Nick was in the first group and put his ball nearest the pin on the nominated 8th and held onto that to the end. The twos, amounting to £54, was won by Graham Rawlings in the same team. It was excellent to see Graham back again after such a long absence and it is hoped that this win will give him a big incentive to join in for future events! The individual glassware went to Chris Taunton in 3rd place with 34 points, Paul Crafer in 2nd place with 37 points and Graham Slack in 1st place with 38 points. Well done Graham! The team prize was close... Team 5, Chris Taunton, Barry Chapman and Keith Bungay were 3rd with 72 points, team 6 with Andy Joss (great to see you again Andy!) Mike Ingham and Paul Crafer were 2nd with 73 points and in 1st place team 2, winning the golf balls, Jeremy Browne, John Crosse and Duncan Ratley with 74 points. Interestingly, no-one in team 2 won an individual prize - unusual! Thanks go to John Maidment for doing the twos, Duncan Ratley for helping with the cards and to Derek Carmichael for looking after the accounts. We finished off with an excellent carvery and the consensus seemed to have been - a great day out! Trethorne have some good offers over the winter period if you are interested. The Next Event is Tiverton, a pleasant course and not too challenging. We go on Thursday 25 September.

WOODBURY NEWS CLOSING DATES 2014 14 OCTOBER. 18 NOVEMBER. *

2 DECEMBER. *

WOODBURY NEWS CLOSING DATES 2015 13 JANUARY. 10 FEBRUARY. 17 MARCH. 21 APRIL. 19 MAY. 16 JUNE. 14 JULY. ALL MATERIAL FOR THE MAGAZINE SHOULD BE SENT TO KAREN SQUIRES, WILLOWFIELD, OAKHAYES ROAD by 7.00pm on the Closing Date, with a name and telephone number, or e-mail to karensquires100@gmail.com

BUSINESS ADVERTISEMENTS Cont’d/... ROOFING Woodbury based RWI Roofing Specialising in Slating, Tiling, Re-Roof, New Roof, Repairs, Guttering. For a friendly, reliable service call Ray 232926, or 07988 691051 (As recmd in OurLocalExpert.co.uk) (5/12) SQUIRREL COTTAGE Self catering 16th century property full of character, available for weekly holidays and short breaks. Sleeps 5. Graded 5 Star. www.thecottagecompanydevon.co.uk Tel: Kay 0776 997 5557 (8/12) COMPUTER SALES, HARDWARE REPAIRS AND UPGRADES Based in Woodbury for over 18 years - Broadband and wireless connections. Data recovery and backup. Windows upgrades. Parental control. Free virus/ spyware removal & prevention. No fix no fee – All costs agreed in advance – evening visits to suit you. Mark Doyle Tel: 233694 (4/12) WE ARE POSH NOSH! With over two decades of experience in the catering industry we are at the forefront of special occasion and event catering in Devon and the West Country. We are committed to providing first class cuisine with outstanding levels of service. Phone:- 01392 444877 or email: info@posh-nosh.co.uk (6/12) ECZEMA - HOT, ITCHY, SORE. Homeopathy - natural, safe, nonaddictive. Phone Libby Clapham BA, RSHom, Registered Homeopath 01392 412767 / 07986 157854; libbyclaphamnaturalhealth.co.uk (3/12) BED AND BREAKFAST - Awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor. 4 Star Silver 16thC Devon Longhouse on a working dairy farm. Sally Glanvill, Rydon Farm 232341 www.rydonfarmwoodbury.co.uk (5/12) RUBBISH REMOVALS Domestic and Commercial. Environment Agency licensed. No job too small. Tel: 0800 335 7610 / 07979 841376. www.rubbishremovalsexeter.com (7/12) BED & BREAKFAST APARTMENT with Continental breakfast, or Traditional Farmhouse B&B, twin and double rooms. 01392 877710. Jenny Broom, Courtbrook Farm, Clyst St George. www.courtbrook.co.uk (3/12) 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 (10/24) MATHS TUITION: Experienced, female Maths teacher available to teach primary to GSCE level maths, 11+ and SATs preparation. Reasonable rates. Telephone: Jane Moffatt on 01395 279952 (11/12)

SMALL ADVERTISEMENTS

WOODBURY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY The meeting started with Sandra Huish saying how successful the WW1 exhibition had been and that, because of this success, it is to be restaged on 1 November. She also thanked Roger Stokes and Gill Selley for all their hard work on this. A very interesting talk was given by Bernard Hughes about the history of canals and narrow boats, The Canal System of England and Wales. He opened his talk with a slide of him, his wife Anne and two friends looking from a bridge out over the Trent and Mersey Canal. It was this Photo - traditional wear for spectacular view that made him think canal boat families. it would be nice to have a holiday on, and one day own, a narrow boat, both of which he does currently. His first trip was on a narrow boat that was made of fibre glass which leaked and, being a novice, he did not know where the bilge pump was so it was an eventful trip; but he enjoyed it so much he went back. He told us that canals have been in existence for 220-230 years and they revolutionised travel. Two big firms Hutley & Palmer and Wedgwood used the canals, particularly the latter, as they found it was a smoother way to carry their merchandise. For centuries barges were pulled by horses and the whole family used to live on board in a space 62 feet long and 6'6â&#x20AC;? high. The first power source was the horse, then steam and lastly as nowadays by diesel. A narrow boat is no wider than 7ft. It its heyday the canal system of England and Wales consisted of a 4000 mile network. There were three canals in Scotland: the Forth+Clyde canal, Union canal which connected the major cities in the central industrial belt and a short cut between east and west avoiding a sea voyage, and the Caledonian Canal which provided a similar function in the Highlands. These days there are about 3000 miles and the furthest north you can go is York. He also informed us and showed us slides of many different types of locks, which was a revelation to me. Locks are used to lower or raise narrow boats on stretches of water on different levels, a feature of a lock being a fixed chamber in which water levels can be varied. A Caisson lock is a boat lift in which the actual chamber rises and falls. S. Austin

FOR SALE (the only cost is you come and take it away) an Upright Piano by H.Matz, Berlin. Contact: Gordon Cameron (Chairman, Woodbury Village Hall) 232145 or Pat Browne (Treasurer, Woodbury Village Hall) 232805

FELT WORKSHOP SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER, 10.00 - 2.00 CHURCH ROOMS, WOODBURY Further details please contact Jules Hester (jules.5@live.co.uk)

BUSINESS ADVERTISEMENTS PART-TIME JOB WITH BROOKLANDS EVENTS based in Woodbury Salterton. A local events management and marquee hire company are looking for a part-time book-keeper to join our friendly team. Excellent working knowledge of Quickbooks is essential. Please call 01395 233635 for details. TUTOR AVAILABLE Local experienced Primary School Teacher available to teach Maths and English. Can also prepare children for SATS, Colyton and 11+ exams. Reasonable rates. For more information call Becky on 07806 554106 or email: beckychurch_@hotmail.co.uk (1/3) PROPERTY MAINTENANCE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; James Waddell Interior & Exterior, Carpentry, Flooring, Fencing & Gates, Plumbing, Decking, Bathrooms & Kitchens, General Repairs. Free Advice & Estimates. 01395 263496 (6/12) TWO HOLIDAY COTTAGES TO LET 1 Castle Cottages & Waverley are in the centre of Woodbury Village. 1 Castle Cottages sleeping 7 guests, Waverley 4/5. For bookings please phone Michelle 01395 232917 (2/6) M. K. L. SANSOM LTD, PLUMBER & HEATING ENGINEER GAS safe Register 4325. Installations, Maintenance and Repair. 279341 (12/12) FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER Nail Cutting and Treatment of Corns, Callus and Verrucas - Home Visits. Contact Lindsey Waddell MAFHP 01395 263496. (10/12) TIME FOR A NEW LOOK? Qualified Hair Stylist. Appointment to suit. Not mobile. Call Heather Anne on 01392 876830 (6/12) WOODBURY HOLIDAY HOME TO RENT in centre of village. Luxury accommodation for 4 people, 2 en-suites, parking, courtyard garden. Weekly holidays & short breaks. www.woodburyholidays.co.uk 01579 350365. (4/13)

WOODBURY CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL School Starters Pictured eating their healthy break-time snacks are the Foundation Stage pupils who joined Beech Class at the start of the autumn term.

This work is essential in maintaining the dominance of heather and gorse providing ideal conditions for those insects and birds that specialise on our heathland habitat. Having analysed our breeding bird surveys one of these specialists, the iconic Dartford warbler, did particularly well this year with an increase in territories up from 8 in 2013 to 11 this year. This continues their recovery from the harsh winter of 2010 which saw them down to just 3 pairs on the reserve. Unfortunately nightjar territories are down to 21 from 27 last year; however this figure is still within our target. The adult nightjars will have migrated back to Africa in August with the juveniles waiting until September or even into October before they make this incredible journey for the first time. Numbers of the rare and protected Southern damselfly were significantly down on last year (peak count of 15 down from 57 in 2013). However numbers in all other local populations are also low so, seen in this light, Aylesbeare’s numbers are actually fairly good. Butterflies fared much better however with both silver-studded blue and small pearl-bordered fritillary making a return to the reserve after a 4-year and 12-year break respectively. The silver-studded blues were found on a new location within the reserve that has been managed specifically for invertebrates by scraping off the top soil.

Children and staff are looking forward to moving into the new Early Years’ unit which should be completed and ready for use after the autumn half term break. Tour of Britain 2014 Celebrations The term started at Woodbury School with an exciting programme of events that included a number of cycling activities linked to the Tour of Britain which, this year, took place on our doorstep. In celebration of this, a wide programme of events for pupils and families living in the Exmouth area was planned by various clubs and organisations including an inter-school cycle race competition staged in Exmouth. All local Primary Schools took part in a relay activity requiring cyclists representing each school to pass on a set of ‘Tour of Britain’ jerseys. The relay culminated with a group of cyclists from Woodbury Salterton School riding into the Imperial Recreation Ground, Exmouth to rousing cheers from a huge welcoming party. From the recreation ground, parents and competitors were escorted to ‘The Strand’, to take part in a series of cycle races.

AUGUST WEATHER The first half of August was unsettled with westerly winds and very little sunshine, but things bucked up in the second half with easterly winds and several lovely days in the pattern of the previous two months. This unusual amount of summer sunshine is causing some trees to show signs of distress and seeds that I have sown from June on have done very badly; however it seems to have suited the snail population fine and these little blighters have added to the problem. Rainfall for the month, surprisingly, was 113.9mm (4.48ins and 165% of the norm) and max/min temperatures were 28C/11C. The Gill Brook has almost disappeared in spite of this rain and the water temperature in nearby rivers and lakes has been desperately high. PJH

36 RSPB AYLESBEARE COMMON RESERVE It’s been a busy summer of events here at Aylesbeare Common. Following on from the success of ‘The Big Wild Sleep Out’ we hosted the RSPB South West Site Managers’ meeting which saw work continuing on the Iron-aged roundhouse and a very soggy bioblitz of the reserve identifying as many species of insects, flora and fauna as possible. One of our most enthusiastic participants of ‘The Big Wild Sleep Out’ loved the building experience so much he kindly came and worked on the roundhouse for a week in August. The main structure is now complete and is awaiting reed for thatching from RSPB’s Ham Wall reserve in Somerset once they have carried out their annual reed cut in winter. The walls will be daubed in a traditional method using a mixture of clay, straw and dung so if you fancy getting your hands dirty and helping us then we are holding two daubing days on 26 October and 23 November. If you are interested in joining us for this free event please call our Exeter Office on 01392 432691 for more information and to book your place. The 20th annual Heath Week at the end of July started with a fun open day in the sunshine at Woodbury Castle. The event was a collaboration between East Devon’s charities, organisations and land-owners and offered visitors nature-themed activities such as tractor rides across the heathland, wildlife rambles, storytelling, willow weaving, constructing bird boxes and a charcoal making demonstration. Aylesbeare Common hosted pond dipping and guided walks throughout the week, finishing with a ‘Dawn till Dusk’ day on the reserve. Those who made the effort to get up early for the dawn chorus walk were rewarded with views of Dartford warblers, stonechats, adders, grass snakes and slow worms followed by an al fresco bbq breakfast. Reserve work this summer has focussed on amendments to the stock fencing around the reserve. You may have noticed the changes to the new fenceline; this has been in response to local concerns over the use of solely barbed wire in its construction. We have taken these concerns on board and it was decided to change to a plain wire with just a single strand of barbed on top. It has been a summer long project which is now complete and we appreciate your patience with the work. The Dartmoor ponies and Galloway cattle have been oblivious to the changes and continue to enjoy their free ranging, a little too much as they are often tricky to find! Otherwise work on the reserve has been the usual pulling of ragwort and control of birch saplings and bracken.

13 Chosen Representatives Arthur Wiltshire and Holly Hales were chosen to join children from other Exmouth Primary Schools to ride out through the starting gate ahead of the Tour of Britain competitors on the Exmouth to Exeter leg of the race.

Children from Lympstone Primary School handing over the jerseys to the Woodbury School cyclists.

Arthur Wiltshire and Holly Hales

Meanwhile back in Woodbury, children and staff were delighted to welcome colleagues and pupils from Woodbury Salterton School on Broadway to watch the cyclists pass through the village. Much to the delight of the children, police escorts, race officials and others connected with the cycling teams, entered into the spirit of the occasion by flashing their lights and enthusiastically sounding their horns and sirens as they passed by. Mr Duncan Nelmes, the recently appointed headteacher of Woodbury Salterton School provided additional entertainment by playing his bagpipes, prompting spectators to join in with cheers and clapping. After the cyclists and their support crews had sped past, everyone returned to Woodbury School for a picnic lunch and a wellearned break on the school playing field.

35 WOODBURY TWINNING ASSOCIATION PROGRESSIVE SUPPER SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER £17 members, £20 non-members. * * * WINE TASTING EVENING

Photo by Colin Ashby of new classroom being delivered to Woodbury School

SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER, 7.30pm Theme - Old versus New. £10 members, £12 non-members. Contact: Nita Goffron 232314

WOODBURY TWINNING ASSOCIATION On Saturday 6 September a group of Twinners met in Exmouth for a meal and a couple of games of bowling. It was a very enjoyable evening, though some of us thought the lanes must slope to the side as a lot of our balls ended up in the side gulley! Saturday 11 October is our annual Progressive Supper which is always popular. Prices remain the same as last year, ie £17 for members and £20 for non-members. This is exceptional value for money as it includes drinks and canapés, starter, main course and dessert, all with wine to accompany each course and is great fun as you do not know where or with whom you will be sharing your dinner! On Saturday 15 November, we are holding a Wine Tasting Evening in Woodbury Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm when we will be sampling wines with the theme of Old versus New run by Majestic Wines. The cost for this event will be £10 for members, £12 for non-members. Please contact Nita Goffron on 232314 if you are interested in either or both of these events.

SEE WOODBURY NEWS ONLINE www.woodburynews.co.uk

FORTHCOMING EVENTS 27 Sept. 27 Sept. 28 Sept. 2 Oct. 4 Oct. 4 Oct. 4 Oct. 9 Oct. 11 Oct. 11 Oct. 11 Oct. 11 Oct. 12 Oct. 14 Oct.

Flu Vaccination Clinic, Woodbury Surgery. Mapping Workshop. 9.30-1.00. St Andrew’s Hall, Exton. Cream Teas in St Andrew’s Church. 3.30. RBL Coffee Morning. 10.00-11.30. RBL Room, WVH. Harvest Festival Service, St Swithun’s Church, 11.15. Felt Workshop. 10.00-2.00. Church Rooms. Antiques Valuation & Cream Teas. St Andrew’s Hall, Exton. 3.30 Woodbury WI Declutter your Life, where do I begin? 7.30, WVH Parish Council Surgery. 10.00-12.30. Woodbury Church Rooms. Autumn Art and Craft Fair. 10.00-4.00. WVH. Flu Vaccination Clinic, Woodbury Surgery. Woodbury Twinning Association. Progressive Supper. Pub Quiz. The Puffing Billy, Exton. 7.00. Garden Club. The History and Future of the Cottage Fuel Garden. 7.30, WVH. 16 Oct. RBL Coffee Morning. 10.00-11.30. RBL Room, WVH. 21 Oct. Whist Drive. 7.30. WSVH. 25 Oct. Kids Café Light Party. Christ Church. 4.30-6.00. 30 Oct. RBL Coffee Morning. 10.00-11.30. RBL Room, WVH. 1 Nov. Tickets for The Follies available from Cyril Rowsell’s. 9.00. 1 Nov. St Swithun’s lych gate. 9.00-11.00. 1 Nov. WW1 History Society Exhibition. WVH. 11.00-4.00. 6 Nov. Local History Society Meeting. John Allen. St Swithun’s. 13 Nov. RBL Coffee Morning. 10.00-11.30. RBL Room, WVH. 13 Nov. Woodbury WI Wallis and the Abdication. 7.30, WVH. 14&15 Nov Christmas Pop Up Shop. Higher Venmore Farm. (see box) 15 Nov. Twinning Association Wine Tasting Evening, WVH, 7.30. 17 Nov. Friends of Woodbury Surgery AGM, 2.30, WVH. 22 Nov. Parish Council Surgery. 10.00-12.30. W/Salt Village Hall. 27 Nov. RBL Coffee Morning. 10.00-11.30. Heatherdene, Broadway. 27,28 & 29 Nov. The Follies Still Quirky at 30! WVH. 29 Nov. Town Lane Community Orchard tree planting. 6 Dec. St Swithun’s lych gate. 9.00-11.00. 11 Dec. Woodbury WI Christmas log decoration. 7.30, WVH. 16 Dec. Woodbury Garden Club Christmas Social. Jan. 2015 Town Lane Community Orchard Wassailing tba 8 Jan. Woodbury WI Penlee Lifeboat. 7.30, WVH. 12 Feb. Woodbury WI Birthday Party and Scottish Dancing. 7.30, WVH.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH JUNIPER CURED PORK The pork is given a simple cure overnight and long slow cook. This creates a rich aromatic dish with a lovely depth of flavour. Serves 6 INGREDIENTS ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨

1 to1.5kg lean belly pork 1 tbs juniper berries 1 tbs all spice berries 1 tbs salt

¨ ¨ ¨

1 tbs light muscovado sugar 1 head of celery 250ml cider

METHOD 1. Crush the spices in a pestle and mix with the sugar and salt. 2. Score the skin of the belly pork and rub the spice cure all over pork. 3. Leave in the fridge overnight and up to 24 hours ahead. 4. Chop the celery lengths into three and place in a roasting tin. 5. Sit the pork on the celery add the cider and slow roast for 1 hour at 175˚C covered in foil. 6. Remove the foil and cook for another 1½ hours. 7. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before carving - the skin should have formed wonderful crackling but if it hasn’t crisped up, cut it away from the meat and put it back briefly into a hot oven. 8. Meanwhile add more cider to the roasting pan and stir in a little corn flour or plain flour and cook for 5 minutes to make a rich sauce. NOTE: check the meat occasionally during the cooking process and add a little more cider if the pan is starting to scorch.

WOODBURY TENNIS CLUB The summer season has come to a successful conclusion, but members are still enjoying playing club sessions on Sunday mornings and have been using the lights to complete play on Friday evenings. This year there have been very few occasions when we have had less than four members at club sessions, thus full sets of tennis have been played. The Club hut has been refurbished and has new windows. We are very grateful to Hans Petrovics for his many hours of labour in the heat of the summer to make the hut serviceable for another decade. The teams have had their most successful season for many years. The A team of Russell Gibbs, Tim Greenslade, Hans Petrovics and Andy Johnson have come a very creditable fourth in Division 5, a division which contained two very strong David Lloyd teams. The B team of Phil Moores, Howard Back, Pat Browne, Peter Payne, Jon Hall and Mike Wallwork, with important contributions from Andy Lewis, came third in Division 7 and are in danger of being promoted if any team in the higher divisions drops out. All members contributed to the points tally. The Mixed team of James Brown, Mary Davis, Mary De Jong, and Diana McLeod with Hans, Jon or Phil came a creditable third in Division 5. There was wonderful news during the summer. Ben Johnson (son of Andy and Jayne, Town Lane) competed in the Under 9s Nike Summer National Tour Final Tennis Championship at the West Hants Club in Bournemouth and finished top of the 16 players who took part, beating number one seed Theo Purkis 7-5 in the final. He has been coached and mentored by coach Liam Storey at Exmouth Tennis Centre. New or returning members are always welcome; please contact Pat Browne (232805) or Jackie Clarke (232832), or come to the courts on Sunday 10.30 when club sessions take place. Occasional use of the courts can be arranged, key from Pat or Jackie, £4 per court per hour + £5 key deposit; however for regular players it is cheaper to become a member.

Our thanks once again go to Stephen Leger who can be contacted at: stephenleger55@gmail.com Tel: 01395 233549 / 07977 422164 Secret Gourmet. www.secretgourmet.co.uk

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION COFFEE MORNINGS 10.00 - 11.30 RBL ROOM behind WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL 2, 16 & 30 OCTOBER. 13 NOVEMBER.

The 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).

NB ON 27 NOVEMBER AT HEATHERDENE, BROADWAY

All are invited to join us on alternate Thursdays. SEE WOODBURY ONLINE www.woodburydevon.co.uk

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE On 14 August colourful knitted covers on the lamp-posts and fabriccovered lampshades welcomed us to the American Museum in Bath. Kaffe Fassett has been associated with the Museum for fifty years and the current exhibition is filled with his exuberant knitted and textile designs. The main Museum covers the many diverse aspects of American life with something to interest everyone. Tea with American cookies and a leisurely stroll in the extensive gardens ended this year’s annual outing. On 11 September Margaret Edwards, the President, welcomed everyone, especially Bryony Giles and Shelagh Vale who came as visitors. Reports were given of the visits to the American Museum and a croquet session at Budleigh Salterton.

So all those people out there who think the heaths are some kind of perpetual, natural system that was there before anyone managed them and will continue if we do nothing – you couldn’t be more wrong. We constantly get told that the heaths shouldn’t be grazed as it hasn’t happened within living memory. But living memory is only for the last two or three generations, not the hundreds of generations that have created these unique landscapes. And we now have to use fences to contain the stock as we cannot exploit the village children to herd and control the animals as our ancestors would (though I’m sure they would much prefer it to being in school on a nice sunny day). The past is another country, and sometimes we struggle to understand how our ancestors lived, but this bit of the past can remain to remind us. So please help us to maintain these habitats into the future, so our children and grandchildren can experience the special birds, reptiles, insects, flowers and everything else that needs these special places to survive. Don’t let a few more vulnerable species die out of this world through our inaction.

From Gill Selley I would like to congratulate the members of the Garden Club who planted and maintained the lovely troughs of flowers on the Arch. They have given great pleasure, and brighten up what has now become a parking lot! Flowers at the Arch

At a recent local history conference a retired farmer from Woodbury described the last time he exercised commoners’ rights: to cut bracken for animal bedding when the hay crop failed – a desperate stop-gap as the bracken would not compost down after use. But go back two or three centuries and the heaths were the only free resource for the common people. There they could pasture animals, harvest gorse and peat for firing, cut heather for thatch, dig pebbles and sand for building – in fact provide themselves with the basic needs of life. Controlled burning was used to rejuvenate the vegetation and provide a short-lived pulse of nutrients to encourage the grass. The few resources were generally heavily exploited, and when agriculture hit a depression and work was harder to come by, overexploited. This had been going on for hundreds, if not thousands of years, but was worsened by the enclosure of more and more land into private ownership, driving the villagers to try to extract more from their last few acres of available land. It is this continuous over-use that has impoverished the thin pebbly soils and allowed the specially adapted flora and fauna to flourish, without any competition from more vigorous species, giving us the unique habitat we see today. Since the turn of the 20th century people’s lives have simply improved, so that they no longer needed the meagre resources that the heaths supplied. And that can only be a good thing. But for the heathland habitat it is a disaster. Trees very quickly start to invade, bracken spreads un-controlled and grass starts to build up fertile and nutrient-enriched soil, quickly shading and outcompeting the dwarf shrubs. Without continuous management the heaths would soon cease to exist. Powerful modern ploughs can even cope with the pebbly soils and, with constant chemical inputs, turn heathland into ordinary pasture and arable land. Today pasturing animals solely fed on the sparse grasses and soft herbs of the heath can only be done at very low stocking rates, to avoid what we would now consider cruelty. Bracken can no longer be used for anything much as we now know about its carcinogenic properties. We still sell firewood derived from the scrub and small trees and gorse taken from the heath, but this would hardly cover our management costs. The heaths cost time and effort to maintain: mowing, grazing and burning to mimic the old usages, but we also have new cares and considerations, such as no new areas for digging or soil removal in case we damage the archaeology.

Future arrangements for those who play skittles were discussed. We were reminded of the Group Meeting on 19 October at Woodbury Salterton and if you are interested in going, then please give your name to Pauline Wratten. Lucy Channon then gave us a presentation called Heirlooms of the Future. She stood behind a table covered by a cloth with unknown quantities underneath! Having read the title of her talk printed on our programme we were expecting an evening of antiques and discovering what perhaps could be collected and be of value in the future. We were in for a surprise! Lucy is well travelled, as a holiday courier when she was younger and also with her family. During her travels, she has collected many items and some of these were gradually revealed from underneath her cloth. She gave us many colourful stories of where and how they were obtained and how they now relate to her family, her husband, children and grandchildren. She knew who would be taking care of them when her life ended. The items had meaning for them and they would always be a reminder of their time with her. It was an interesting evening, not at all what we were expecting. I would imagine that we all have items in our homes that we have inherited with their own individual stories, thoughts and memories. No doubt we went home and looked at them afresh! Nita Goffron won the Flower of the Month and Ann Garland gave the vote of thanks. Our next meeting is on 9 October Declutter your Life; where do I begin? I have to admit to a smile as I wrote the last sentence! Pauline Wratten FRIENDS OF WOODBURY SURGERY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Meeting Room, Woodbury Village Hall MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER at 2.30. Followed by tea and mince pies. Everyone welcome. WW1 COMMEMORATIONS THE HISTORICAL EXHIBITION The life and times in the parish of Woodbury at the outbreak of the Great War SATURDAY 1 NOVEMBER, 11.00-4.00 WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL Light refreshments available all day. £1 entry (children free) All proceeds to the Poppy Appeal.

WW1 COMMUNITY COMMEMORATIONS, 2 - 4 AUGUST 2014 A HUGE thank you to everyone who supported or was involved with our WW1 Commemorations – it was a great success. The 3-day event raised sufficient money for the RBL to share £1,500 between its three nominated charities – Cancer UK, The Hasler Rehabilitation Unit and RBL Woodbury. Our thanks also to the Parish Council for funding the restoration and update of the War Memorial, which set the scene perfectly on the village green and helped the event achieve coverage on BBC Spotlight. The Historical Exhibition was so successful that we have received many requests to stage it again, so that is exactly what we will do on Saturday 1 November in Woodbury Village Hall, 11.00 to 4.00. Entry will be £1 in aid of the Poppy Appeal, and refreshments will be available from the Navy & Army Canteen Board as before. Thanks to Helen Ellis and the Woodbury Girl Guides for planting the trough and the boats at The Arch with poppies and plants in red, white and blue; and to Woodbury Garden Club for their dedicated regular maintenance. In commemoration of the event a red maple has been planted in the Exton Memorial Garden, and another is to be planted on Woodbury Village Green. The RBL is extremely grateful to the following commercial sponsors without whom the event could not have taken place: Brooklands Events; Browns Farm Caravan Park; CML Scaffolding; CW Carter Greendale Industries; The Diggers Rest; East of Exe; Everys Solicitors; The Green Door; House-it Self Storage Ltd; Kilve & Debbie Marchant; Kings Garden & Leisure Ltd; Miller Signs; Ocean Physio & Rehab; Rydon Farm B&B; St Peter’s School, Harefield; Woodbury Car Breakers; Woodbury Garage; Woodbury Park Hotel & Golf Club Ltd; Woodbury Parish Council. This year The Festival of Remembrance will be held in the Great Hall, University of Exeter, on Thursday 6 November at 7.00pm. Tickets are £10 with seat allocation, and are available from Exeter Northcott Theatre box office – 01392 493493 – or online at www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

And as the land rose up it had layer after layer stripped away by the weather over many millions of years, until all the rocks were exposed as we see them now, striped across the seacliffs like a huge geology textbook. That is the story of the Jurassic Coast and well worth exploring elsewhere. But my point is that the heaths were not here 240 million years ago. Indeed, they were not here until man took a hand. Very little of the landscape of Britain is unchanged by human activity: we’ve been here permanently since soon after the last ice sheets retreated about 11,500 years ago. But initially we would have been hunter-gatherers, living off the heavily wooded landscape. The farming lifestyle arrived in the Neolithic period, probably starting with pastoralism before moving onto settled arable farming around 4-5,000 years ago. Fire would have been the first tool used to clear trees, and thin sandy soils would have been much easier to work with hand tools than heavy silts and clays. But the meagre nutrients would also be quickly exhausted and the high land abandoned to grazing animals, as agricultural tools and techniques improved and allowed the farmers to move onto richer, deeper soils in the valleys. But that constant grazing, by cattle, sheep, goats and even geese would have kept the trees and scrub at bay, allowing the heathland fauna and flora to develop and spread. By the Bronze Age great swathes of the country had been cleared of trees and settled by farming communities. Almost no traces of Bronze Age people’s day-to-day lives exist on the ridge tops, but their ritual sites and burial mounds are everywhere, looking down over the sheltered valleys where we live today, probably in much the same places as our ancient ancestors lived. Then agricultural life continued pretty much the same up until the end of the 19th century when mechanisation really started to take off. We are about to lose the generation who can still remember when commoners rights were regularly exercised, which was the last connection to a lost form of land-use. And probably a good thing too, because the heaths were born out of poverty and need. Down the centuries the heaths have always been pretty marginal agriculturally, and only exploited when better options failed.

CHARITY COFFEE MORNINGS EVERY TUESDAY, 10.00-12.00 CHURCH ROOMS, WOODBURY Coffee/tea and a homemade cake £2 on vintage china. All profits to local charities. Everyone welcome.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

THE TOUR OF BRITAIN COMING THROUGH WOODBURY (photos by Mike Jeans and Graham Rawlings) It was interesting to see how many people were at the top of Globe Hill to watch the tour coming through, reflecting the growing interest in cycling.

From Nicky Hewitt - East Devon Pebblebeds I want to write a “special”, alongside my regular newsletter, as judging by some recent comments, I think a few facts need to be clarified about the origins and continuance of the East Devon Pebblebed heaths. They are perhaps not as old or as permanent as some people seem to believe. Anyway, my background is in geology and I love any chance to talk about the deep, deep past.

The underlying rocks set the scene for heathland: the Budleigh Salterton Pebblebeds consist of pebbles, set in a lot of sand, as revealed at Blackhill Quarry. The sands provide an acid soil and the pebbles give the resistance to erosion that has formed the wind and rain-swept ridge as it stands today. But 240 million years ago, when the Pebblebeds were being created, this was a very different place: in the dry centre of a continent experiencing desert conditions, broken occasionally by storm-runoff floods from the nearby mountains, tearing fragments of rock from the mountains, then bashing and rolling them down into rounded pebbles and spreading them across a harsh, dry plain. Between storms, the wind dried out the river channels, rolled and eroded the pebbles a bit more and drifted the sand. Imagine the conditions around the edges of the mountains in the Sahara today and you will get the picture – hot, dry and windy, the sandy surface constantly moving, with very little vegetation and almost no animals. But over the following 240 million years this little patch of the world underwent dramatic changes: moving from the middle of a continent to the edge, from dry desert to deep under the ocean and back to land, tilted and squashed by continents breaking up and colliding to form new mountains far away in southern Europe.

WOODBURY SALTERTON NEWS

DEATH William Edward Chapman (Bill) died peacefully at the RD&E Hospital on 3 September, aged 93. Bill was born in Woodbury in 1921 and lived at Long Meadow with his late wife Marie. He leaves a son Robin and grandson Robert. He will be sadly missed by all his family.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, WOODBURY SALTERTON Harvest Thanksgiving Celebrations Harvest Thanksgiving was celebrated a week earlier than usual because of a wedding on the normal weekend. This meant that staff and pupils of Woodbury Salterton C of E School had only six days to prepare for its service on the Friday afternoon (12th). Parents had again very generously sent many gifts of food to the school and some of Year 6 took these into church in the morning and arranged them on the table in front of the altar. The harvest gifts were taken to the Exeter Food Bank to help feed some of the homeless in Exeter and most of the items donated were tins and dried pasta and similar non perishable items, which are the most useful. Each of the four classes contributed a separate item in the service, Class 1 performed The Dingle Dangle Scarecrow with a variety of hand made head gear. Class 2 had the letters of the word HARVEST, which were rearranged to make other words – have, eat, rest, starve, share and save as pupils read comments on each of these. Class 3 performed It’s Harvest Time with choral speaking. Class 4 recited a Harvest Rhyme with the refrain All the world give thanks to God and then sang Food Glorious Food, from their summer production of Oliver. Revd Karen Spray had the children spellbound with her hand puppets as she told the story of the rat at harvest. She thanked all the parents for the gifts they had sent and warmly congratulated the children and staff for producing their items in such a short time. Mr Duncan Nelmes thanked everyone and all the parents who had come to the service.

THANKS Many thanks to all who attended our 40th Wedding Anniversary Party on 27 July. We had a lovely time - the actual date was 3 August when we had a lovely cake - thank you Lucy. We received over 40 cards and a cheque has been sent to St Petrocks for the Homeless for over £200. Thank you all very much. Anna and Michael Eyres (not John!) FUNDRAISING Charity Coffee and Cake Mornings Thank you to all our patrons for helping us raise £150 for Woodbury Community Playing Fields during July and August, and for their ongoing support. September was in aid of Hospiscare, which covers Woodbury, and October will be for the Church Rooms. We are open every Tuesday morning in the Church Rooms, between 10.00 and 12.00. We would like to introduce a guest baker each week. If you would be interested, please come and talk to us.

(Photo by Mike Jeans. Anna and Vicki handing over a cheque for £150 to Emma Finnegan (trustee of Woodbury Community Playing Fields)

ROUND AND ABOUT

The Church Service for Harvest Thanksgiving took place the following Sunday evening and was conducted by Revd Karen Spray. The Choir sang The Earth is The Lord’s. A Harvest Supper followed in the village hall, arranged by the Friends of the Church. Grateful thanks to all who c o nt r ib u t ed and prepared the excellent meal and a special thank you to Sheila Gerdes who coordinated the event as well as for all her own hard work for the supper and for decorating the church. Although the supper is mainly intended to be a social get together, a profit of £337 was made for church funds.

BIRTH Congratulations to Brendan and Sorrell Rawlings on the birth of their daughter Kitty Beau on 10 August. WEDDINGS Congratulations to Jennifer Murphy and Gareth Hughes, who were married at St Swithun’s on 23 August. Congratulations to Becky and Lee on their marriage on 27 August at Central Park, New York, with Bryony and Ben at their side. Becky is the youngest daughter of David and Marion Pollard of Brent Close. Lee is the second son of Molly and the late David Hawkins of Kingsteignton. Both families are delighted (after 12 years together), we thought it would never happen. Much love to you both. Congratulations to Frances Buckler and Daniel Bowden who were married at St Swithun's on 6 September. The bestmen were Chris Tripp and Rob Woolley and the bridesmaids were Emma Sobczak, Jasmine LiBarker and Jan and Beth Bowden. Katy Trayte daughter of Liz and Pete Trayte and granddaughter of the late Eric Ware followed in her family tradition and had a blessing of marriage ceremony on 23 August at Woodbury Church where her parents were married, and held a reception at Woodbury Park afterwards. They both live in London; Ali Arshad is a keen cricketer and that would have pleased Eric.

Photos: Sheila, Katharine and Chris serve Woodbury Salterton’s Harvest Supper

All Souls Service At the suggestion of Revd Karen the PCC have decided that the service at 9.30 on Sunday 2 November will not be our usual communion service but instead be a celebration of All Souls. We will be remembering all those who have touched our lives by their example. During the service anyone who would like to do so is invited to carry a lighted candle up to the altar in memory of a loved one. We welcome anyone from the other parishes in our Mission Community who would like to take part in this service.

Church Coffee Mornings On 4 October we begin our winter programme of monthly coffee mornings with bacon butties. These will be held on the first Saturday of each month in church from 9.30 until 10.30.

MARK SMITH, MASTER THATCHER Mark Smith, the master thatcher from Sidmouth, was excluded from school at sixteen for being disruptive. He took himself down to the beach front at Sidmouth to take stock of his situation and found himself looking up at two old thatchers who were working on a house and he said to himself in the time-worn phrase, “I could do that”… it was a strong feeling. To cut a long story short, Mark ended up thatching the same house twenty years later. Mark has thatched all the houses on the seafront including the house built by the writer R.F. Delderfield. Mark said: “I knew I was creative, but I didn’t have an orthodox creative mind.” The other big attraction for Mark was that he would always work outside. He continued: “The idea of working indoors is horrific for me … even when it’s cold. I set out each day thrilled to be outside. I feel about the outside the way most people feel about coming inside.” I put it to Mark that lots of people - males particularly - drive past him up aloft in a beautiful East Devon village on a sunny day and think to themselves “That is the best job in the world.” Mark did agree that it is wonderful to get unusual views of familiar, beautiful country and communities and to spend long enough on one building to become close to a range of people drawn from a very wide circle of society. “The purchase of a new thatch is a bespoke business and it brings you close to the customers and that’s another benefit for me. I’ve spent time with folk I could never dream of meeting in other circumstances,” he continued. Mark came to East Devon at the age of twelve from London and the beauty of where he lives now is something he never takes for granted. As a young man somebody gave him a copy of Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings. “I realised then that I had ended up in Hobbit country and I have never lost the excitement of that.” People’s attitude to thatching can differ widely, something Mark puts down to their feelings about life. “Some people like clearly defined straight lines and others love the soft familiar curves they have lived with all their lives; in some ways, I guess I’m one of those.” Mark served a four year apprenticeship including a Government funded C.O.S.I.R.A thatching course, which is no longer available, and came out the top apprentice of his graduation year. All the time the weather and the light holds Mark is up a ladder and, when he’s not, he likes to ride a horse with his partner and play with his eight month old son Truman Thatcher Smith. Mark said: “Thatching needs to be carefully planned with drawings to work to, but in the end I see it as a ‘working art form’.” In his mid-forties Mark Smith is truly a round peg in a round hole. Andy Price

Church Quizzes This year’s quizzes will be available from around the middle of October. The adult quiz is entitled Bless This House and costs £1.50 for an entry form. The children’s quiz, with free entry to the colouring competition, costs £1 and is about The Christmas Story. Copies available from Katharine Wheeler or friends in the other churches in our group. WHIST The October Whist Drive is on Tuesday 21st at 7.30 in the village hall. New players of whatever skill are welcome to join our friendly group. WOMEN’S INSTITUTE President Jenny Kemp thanked everyone who had helped by supplying food and wine for the lunch at her home, which raised £109 for our own social fund. Gill Bricknell in turn thanked Jenny for hosting it. Arrangements were discussed for the autumn Group Meeting, which we are hosting. Time to Talk Campaign secretary Terrie Newman drew members’ attention to the National Federation’s Campaign to continue to raise awareness of organ donation. A survey had revealed that while 90% of those questioned would accept an organ donated, only 40% had done anything positive about making their wishes known. The WI Campaign urges everyone to tell family members about their wishes, otherwise in the event of sudden bereavement grieving families can override the decision, even if the person is on the organ donor register. Gill Bricknell told members that the annual membership subscription next year will be £36, of which £17 goes to our own WI branch, £8 to the Devon Federation and £11 to the National Federation. The speaker was Peter Hornblower. He showed beautiful photographs of gardens around the world, including close-up photos of flowers, birds and animals, all to quiet background classical music. Members were able to visit in spirit gardens at Tatton Park, the Keukenhof Gardens in Holland, Monet’s garden in France, Butchart Gardens and Stanley Park, both in Canada, the botanical gardens in Christchurch, New Zealand and at Melbourne, Australia and Thrieve Castle in Scotland. Gill thanked him warmly for an evening of beauty and interest which all had found a relaxing treat. The speaker on 8 October will be Tony Bennett on Shark Tagging for the Shark Conservation Society.

WOODBURY PARISH COUNCIL Agendas for future meeting, and minutes of meetings of Woodbury Parish Council can be found on www.woodburydevon.co.uk

A BIG BREAKFAST - THANK YOU

WOODBURY PARISH COUNCIL SURGERIES The Parish Council is convening Saturday morning Surgeries, monthly in each of our villages. These will be held 10.00 to 12.30 in Woodbury on 11 October in the Church Rooms, and Woodbury Salterton in the Village Hall on 22 November. Further information about future meetings will continue to appear in Woodbury News and on Public Notice Boards. These Surgeries will offer the following: ¨ An opportunity to meet Parish, District and County Councillors to discuss any aspect of personal concern in the parish. ¨ To become acquainted with the extended role Councillors now play in local Government and why this is crucial in ensuring local democracy is preserved in our communities. ¨ To obtain advice about local issues and formal procedures, including Planning matters. ¨ Any other topic of local relevance. In addition to the above, we need to be aware that there is always a need for new blood to continue to serve their respective villages and local communities at all levels. New elections are due in May 2015 and apart from the immediate matters referred to, it is hoped these Surgeries will also help to re-define the essential importance of a Councillor’s work for the community, as well as stimulate interest in coming forward yourselves as candidates for election. Further enquiries, as usual, may be made direct to the Parish Clerk, Mrs Belinda Price, Greenacre, Couches Lane EX5 1HL 01395 233791.

Over 150 breakfasts were served on Saturday 6 September at Woodbury Salterton Village Hall raising £1,017 for FORCE Cancer Charity. This money will allow FORCE to continue to help and support local people who are affected by cancer (see www.forcecancercharity.co.uk). I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who came to breakfast with us (or gave donations in absence) and a massive thanks to the team of helpers and volunteers who worked so hard to make this annual event such a success. The event was again supported by Dartfresh and Kenniford Farm who provided produce, and my thanks also go to Woodbury Salterton School who provided car parking and the Woodbury Salterton Village Hall committee who allowed us to use the village hall without charge. We hope to have a similar event next Autumn. Woodbury Salterton Great Breakfast Peter Payne Peter Payne and Andy Price

EXTON NEWS

EXTON LADIES GROUP

ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, EXTON SUNDAY SERVICES 1st Sunday 6.00pm Harvest Festival Evening Service. 2nd Sunday 9.30 Eucharist service with hymns. 3rd Sunday 9.30 Lay-led service with hymns. 4th Sunday 9.30 Eucharist service with hymns.

Theatre Visit On Monday 8 September, thirteen members of Exton Ladies Group plus two husbands went to the Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth to see Neil Simon's play, Last of the Red Hot Lovers. This was about a middle-aged man’s perceived last chance to experience the 1960s sexual revolution before it is too late. The young cast of four were word perfect and played their roles to perfection. An enjoyable time was had by all.

St Andrew’s Church invites you to their Harvest Festival evening service on 5 October, followed by a glass of sherry and nibbles. All contributions will be gratefully accepted, which will then be given to the Open Door in Exmouth. EXTON CRAFTS Thursday 16 October, 2.00 - 4.00. This is a fun afternoon when you can bring along a craft of your choice or just join us for good company with tea and biscuits. LADY MARY COURTENAY’S GOOSEFIELD MILLENNIUM GREEN A public meeting was held in St Andrew’s Hall Exton on Wednesday 10 September to discuss the future of the Goosefield. Thirty plus people turned out and the Chairman explained that unless more people volunteered to serve on the committee it could become necessary to close it. After considerable discussion a proposal was put to the meeting that The Goosefield should be retained with some new committee members. A vote was taken with twenty in favour and six against - the Committee abstained. Volunteers were then asked to come forward and four new members were voted in. There being no further business, everyone present enjoyed a drink.

AN ANTIQUES VALUATION WITH A CREAM TEA SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER AT 3.00 ST ANDREW’S HALL, EXTON Bring along antiques to be valued in aid of the hall. Tickets £5, ring 01392877917 or 876300 PUB QUIZ SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER AT 7.00 THE PUFFING BILLY, EXTON Tickets £4 each and are available in the Puffing Billy. All proceeds will be for the benefit of St Andrew's Church, Exton. The aim is for 12 teams of four people.

September meeting Following our August break the ladies were happy to meet up again for an illustrated talk on Exeter by Tony Burges, who is a Redcoat guide for the city. In AD55 a local tribe known as the Dumnonii were invaded by a Roman army, who then named the city Dumnoniorum, which we now know as Exeter. Their main legacy was the city wall of which 75% still remains. The Romans left in AD80 because of trouble in Wales and Exeter entered the dark ages. The Saxons built a Minster in 1050 where the present Cathedral now stands with its well-known twin towers. The first Bishop, Leofric, also founded the library, which can be seen upon advance request. Because Exeter rebelled at the crowning of William the Conqueror, he marched on the city and built a castle where the Rougemont gardens are today. The oldest Norman gatehouse can still be seen. During the Middle Ages Exeter had a thriving woollen industry. The Custom House on the quayside was built in 1680 and has a beautiful Jacobean plaster ceiling. Parliament Street, which at its narrowest point is just 17” wide, is now inaccessible to some modern day tourists. Gandy Street once had a tanning factory which could be smelt for miles around. Urine would be collected from the prison and used to soften the leather. The Guildhall, open most days, holds a wealth of historical items of interest including the cells where people were taken from, to be hung outside, during Judge Jeffreys’ time. There is no entrance fee. The ferry across the canal is 600 years old and nearby you can see the last piece of broad gauge rail line and engine turntable built by Brunel. And of course many of the older members remembered the bombing of Exeter in the last world war. Tony spoke of many more interesting places to visit including the underground passages which children particularly love to explore. All of these can be enjoyed with a guided tour. Our afternoon finished with tea and a catch up on various activities enjoyed by members during the summer.