August 2023

WOODBURY NEWS

Yet again, the topics of biodiversity and climate change seem to dominate our lives both globally and at a local level (but perhaps not our minds as much as they should). Holidaymakers returning from abroad speak of temperatures in many places several degrees higher than previously known, with fires, droughts and ill-health caused by unbearable heat. Our weather man notes on page 33 that there were five-and-a-half continuous weeks with little rain during May and June, though on the other hand, as referred to in the RSPB article on page 32, there were severe flash floods locally causing considerable damage.

Councillor Jung advised the Full Council Meeting of Woodbury Parish on 12 July that Councils will be required to deliver biodiversity net gains, and that new housing developers will have to demonstrate accordance with the new policies in this respect.

On the subject of regulations, we are delighted to see that the car park in Woodbury has been resurfaced, with lines and non-parking areas clearly marked and a barrier in place. It only remains for locals and visitors to adhere to the Parking Orders – sadly, already this has not always happened. Please also see the box on page 36.

Those with properties abutting onto pavements are reminded to ensure that plants and trees from their gardens do not obstruct either pedestrians using the paths, or drivers whose view of the road and oncoming traffic may be obscured.

Gill Gorman’s letter to the editor notes the probable demise of the mobile library, though we understand that no decision about this will be made until after a cabinet meeting on 12 October.

To conclude on a more light-hearted note, the editor was delighted to spot a For Sale advertisement for a property in Topsham, reproduced in its original form on page 34. Unfortunately the advertisement appeared in the August 1964 edition of Woodbury News!

The cover photo shows members of Woodbury Twinning Association visiting Dartington Estate Gardens (see page 16).

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ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH, WOODBURY

Vicar: Reverend Bill Lemmey 01395 232161

revbillwhitecross@gmail.com

Administrator: Jill Dupain dupain@hotmail.co.uk

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES

6 August - 9th Sunday after Trinity, Holy Communion at St Swithun’s, 11.15.

13 August - 10th Sunday after Trinity, Holy Communion at Exton, 09.30. Holy Communion at St Swithun’s, 11.15.

20 August - 11th Sunday after Trinity, Evensong at St Swithun’s, 18.30.

27 August - 12th Sunday after Trinity, Café Service at St Swithun’s, 10.30. Further information 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.

FLOODLIGHTING ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH

Saturday 12 August - Ernst Gruber. In commemoration of the life of Pam Gruber. As ever, Digger, Roni, Nik and the family.

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

CHURCH ALTAR FLOWERS - AUGUST 6 & 13 - Mrs P Michael. 20 & 27 - Mrs D Radford. Many thanks to everyone who helped to decorate church for St Swithun's Festival. Barbara Hill

FoSS (FRIENDS OF ST SWITHUN’S)

FoSS has actively supported the church in funding the masonry work in the tower steps and also by the west window. FoSS also funded the return of the chimes on the church clock with the help of a generous grant from the Parish Council. FoSS will be hosting a cream tea in the garden of 5 Escott Cottages on 10 September from 15.00. Pat Browne

WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR COFFEE &

MORNINGS ON THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT WOODBURY CHURCH ROOMS, 10.00 – 12.00. DO JOIN US!

CAKE

WOODBURY COMMUNITY ORCHARD

Woodbury Community Orchard is looking forward to celebrating its tenth anniversary with a juicing and music event on Sunday 17 September - all welcome. Those of you who kindly helped set up the orchard or contributed towards a tree should receive an invite (unless your email has changed!), so please do come along and admire the fruits of your labour. There will also be tea and cake. If you have your own apples to juice, then do bring them along, as well as some containers for the juice. The event will be held at the orchard this year from 14.00 to 17.00. If you walk around the orchard in summer the meadow grass around the trees is buzzing with insects and wildflowers. We owe thanks to Donna Godfrey who has brought groups of students from Bicton College to help weed and mulch the trees. Donna, together with Cheryl McGauley and WCO, purchased a mud kitchen for small children to play with, which is tucked away in a copse and will overwinter indoors. It looks as if it is providing lots of happy play already. Rhys has continued to mow the paths and maintain the space, doing a great job.

Alex Thiemann

WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB

For our July meeting Peter Cantrill gave us a talk entitled Flowering Herbaceous Plants. He came armed with 50+ flowering plants from his nursery, Dayspring Plants. Dayspring Plants is a professional wholesale nursery based in Exeter (near the airport) which specialises in herbaceous perennials, including ferns and grasses.

He has an extensive selection of plants to choose from and they include some rare varieties. His nursery covers two acres and he has two staff and a student for the summer months. Peter only takes customers by appointment but he assured us we would be welcome if we rang and asked for a visit. He likes to ensure that staff are available to help.

Peter gave us a handout listing the plants he had brought with him, plants he would recommend for our gardens. He had brought varieties of hemerocallis, geraniums, echinacea, kniphofia, monarda, salvias, veronicas and others. He then gave us information about each plant, its position in the garden, the conditions it liked and how to care for it. He also gave advice about propagation based on his own experience. Sometimes plants go out of fashion, e.g hemerocallis and kniphofia, but Peter had brought from his nursery some modern varieties which were more elegant in form, longer flowering and less vigorous. We all probably know Verbena Bonariensis, the tall stylish perennial with its tightly packed clusters of lilac-purple flowers atop the tall branching stems.

Peter introduced us to two interesting flowers: Verbena Homestead with dark purple flower clusters, heat tolerant, 30cms in height and grown at the front of a border, and a dahlia, The Bishop of Auckland, a lovely deep dark colour, almost black. There was Viola Cornuta, perennial and flowering for months, and Veronicastrum Virginiana Alba, tall and elegant for the back of a border. It was a really interesting, informative evening and all the more so because we were able to see the actual plant Peter was referring to and not just a photograph. By the time Peter had finished his talk we all knew which plants we wanted in our gardens and I need say no more!

Please support our Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Show on Saturday 5 August at 14.00 in Woodbury village hall.

WOODBURY CRICKET CLUB

Joyce Jeans

In the last month we have had a change in the weather and we have also had to work around players being unavailable due to holidays. However we managed to play all our games and both the 1st and 2nd teams have had a couple of wins during this last month.

It has been really pleasing to see the number of younger players come through the Colts system and play adult cricket. The young players have also made a difference with their skills and athleticism. Simon Harries has taken regular wickets in the 1st Xl and recently scored his first league 50. In the 2nd Xl, Olivia, William and Archie have all contributed with wickets and runs and, shall we say, helped the more immobile players by covering their running!

Colts training nights have now come to an end for the summer. The youngsters had a really successful presentation evening at the club, which was thoroughly enjoyed by children and adults. Many thanks go to the parents for organising and contributing to the evening. Finally, we welcomed an Australian touring team on Sunday 16 July - not the touring team playing England! It was a fantastic afternoon of cricket, thoroughly enjoyed by all concerned.

Ian Hughes

THE MOBILE LIBRARY IN WOODBURY

4 August. 1 & 29 September.

The van stops near The Arch bus stop on the opposite side to the garage from 14.00 to 15.30.

Contact the Devon Libraries Service at info@librariesunlimited.org.uk or by phone at 0345 1551001 for more information.

WOODBURY VILLAGE GOLF SOCIETY Bridport & West Country Golf Club - Thursday 13 July

The good outward journey did not match the return journey, which took up to two hours due to an accident at Morcombelake. The weather was fresh at the start of the day and warmed up later. There were 22 of us making six teams of 3 and one of 4. There was one guest, Lyndon Bent, who was introduced by Alan Quantick and welcomed by the Chairman. Lyndon has now joined as a member.

Most of our members had not played Bridport before and I think it is fair to say that the course was found to be challenging. The long wispy grass on the edges of the fairway was particularly difficult to get out of, that is if you were lucky enough to find the ball! The greens were slow but were in good condition. Only seven players managed to score 30 points and over. We finished the day with an excellent meal of chicken schnitzel with chips and salad, followed by a gateau with fruit and cream. There were only two 2s, John Waite on the 6th and David Moore on the 18th who shared the kitty between them. Nearest the pin was John Waite who hit a magnificent shot with his 9 iron down onto the 6th green. For the teams, in third place with 73 points Peter Heron, Tim Kirk and Graham Slack; in second place with 79 points Paul Crafer, John Maidment and Paul Wright; and the winners with 80 points were Clive Bennett, Peter de la Mare and Bob Haddow. For the individuals, in third place was John Maidment with 32 points on countback against the two other members of his team, Paul Crafer and Paul Wright. In second place was Nick Jones who was astonished to find himself in the prizes with 33 points, and the winner was Clive Bennett with 35 points.

The next meeting is on Thursday 10 August at Tavistock Golf Club. This is one of our favourites and is good value. It is an undulating moorland course with magnificent views of Dartmoor National Park.

Jeremy Browne WVGS Past

Chairman

Clive Bennett receiving first prize from our Chairman Peter Heron

WOODBURY LIVING ADVENT CALENDAR

Hi all, Jules and Ruth here… whether you are new to WLAC, new to the village or a follower from the start, the aim of this festive event has always been to bring the community together for some light-hearted fun while raising money for our chosen charities (more details on that to follow). As this year’s custodians we have decided to ask for 23 window volunteers so that there will be one grand reveal each evening at 18.30 up to 23 December - hopefully a chance to meet up in one place with old friends and new. The big plan for Christmas Eve is to try something new; with kind permission from the Church Rooms, we have booked the venue in order to use the beautiful windows to create a community advent window for a grand finale at 17.30. There are 32 rectangular panes of glass and we will be looking for 32 volunteers to each create a mini window. This is the perfect opportunity to become involved if you don’t have a suitable window at home or would rather not commit to having a window lit up every evening. We can’t wait to see your creative ideas! If you think that you might be interested in taking part there will be much more information available at our meeting, to which you are invited for a cuppa and festive nibble on Sunday 24 September at 16.30 in the Church Rooms. Follow us on the Community FaceBook page and Instagram (@2023wlac) for more information and updates.

Jules and Ruth

WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB FLOWER AND VEGETABLE SHOW

Woodbury Village Hall

Saturday 5 August, open for viewing between 14.00 and 16.00

Raffle, teas and plants for sale

Only club members may enter the classes. However, junior classes are open to children who are 12 or under on 5 August, and who live in the village or attend Woodbury School or other children’s clubs in the village. For further information email woodburygardenclub@gmail.com or call Debby (232462) or Peter (232712).

On 24 June the secrets of Woodbury’s past were on show at the village hall. The Woodbury History Society staged a successful Woodbury Beneath Your Feet exhibition of finds by the late metal detectorist Nigel Tucker. Nigel’s extensive collection of parish finds included everyday items from thimbles, buttons and metal toys, to bullets, and medieval coins, all of which were meticulously recorded in his display cases. During the day nearly 100 people viewed the exhibits. Peter Grist gave talks and demonstrations of metal detecting throughout the day and members of the public enjoyed their chance to ‘try their hand’ at detecting. A PowerPoint display gave more details of Nigel’s detecting and explanations of where his finds were found.

WOODBURY HISTORY SOCIETY

7 SEPTEMBER, 19.30, WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL

Topsham - Echoes of a Maritime Past

A talk by Jan Betteridge of Topsham Museum

All very welcome, members free, visitors £4 at the door.

The exhibition gave a glimpse into village life in the past. It made us wonder who those people were who dropped these items, and what their lives were like.

Adrian Christopher

WOODBURY NEWS CLOSING DATES

7 AUGUST. 18 SEPTEMBER.

16 OCTOBER. 13 NOVEMBER. 11 DECEMBER.

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 C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL

The end of the term has arrived for the school and it has been another fantastic year, so we thought we would use this edition to remind you of some of the highlights through pictures. The children enjoyed a plethora of visitors, trips, exciting wow moments, cooking, sport, art week and science week, to name but a few. We have also welcomed links within the community through Woodbury History Society, Woodbury Gardening Club and Summerleaze care home in Exmouth. We also celebrated getting a ‘good’ rating in our Ofsted inspection in April; please see our website for the full report. What a year!

We have a few spaces in some year groups, so if you are looking for a place for your child please give us a call in September, and we can show you around. We are excited to be welcoming 28 new reception starters in September and several new families in other year groups. I would like to say goodbye to our wonderful group of Year 6 children who will be moving on to the next stage of their education. We wish them well and look forward to hearing how they get on in the future.

School will open again for the Autumn term on Wednesday 6 September.

Gillian Pyle, Head of School

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).

A photographic diary of school activities over the past year

A photographic diary of school activities over the past year

Have you got an interesting photo to illustrate your article?

If so, we'd love to see it, but please remember that we need high resolution photos - not too dark, but clear and sharp - as low resolution photos do not reproduce well on non-photographic paper.

Please remember to ask permission from any people included in your photos, and that photos of children require parental permission.

Send all submissions to karensquires100@gmail.com.

WOODBURY TWINNING ASSOCIATION

On 23 June we had an interesting and informative trip to Dartington Estate Gardens when we learnt about the long and varied history of the house and the grounds. We followed this with an excellent lunch in a nearby tavern! Our next event is the annual barbecue, then on either 16 or 17 August we hope to go and see the Fireworks Competition in Plymouth. Please contact Nita at nitagoffron@live.co.uk if you’d like to come with us. Jan Owen

WOODBURY TENNIS CLUB

The summer season is well under way. All the teams have now played most of their matches, with many members having had the opportunity of match play. In addition the Triples league on Friday evenings has had five sessions with six teams competing. We hope that our junior coaching programme will be back in action in September. The club has raised over £23,000 for the new pavilion, with the generous grant and loan from the Parish Council and £1,000 from the Norman Trust. However, as with all building projects, the costs have increased - in this case to £25,000.

We are seeking gift-aided donations from members and friends to get us over the line. Anyone with happy memories of the old club hut who would like to donate, please contact Pat Browne.

The club held an open morning on 8 July and the annual club tournament on Sunday 9th, with 16 entrants. No one was able to displace Tim Greenslade as reigning champion. Partnering Mary de Jong, they defeated Phil Slater and Jane Holder in the final. The rain held off and players and supporters had a good social gathering.

Anyone in the parish interested in tennis please contact Pat Browne on 01395 232805, ruthandpatb@aol.com, or come along to adult club sessions on Sunday mornings from 10.00. For junior coaching contact Christine Sheward christinesheward58@ gmail.com. Pat Browne

WOODBURY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

On a not very summery July afternoon sixteen members met for afternoon tea at The Imperial Hotel, Exmouth. Both the food and service were very good, and the staff went out of their way to make sure that all tastes were catered for, and the pots of tea kept coming! As you can see from the photos very little was left, and doggy bags were provided for those who wanted to take some home. Grateful thanks go to Rosemary Carr for organising a very successful afternoon.

The next meeting is on 10 August when Laurie Marriott will be talking about glass decoration. Lin Milsom

SAVE THE DATE WOODBURY LONG TABLES

SATURDAY 6 JULY 2024

The Woodbury Events committee is pleased to announce that the highly successful Woodbury Long Tables will be returning next year, so please make a note of the date in your diary which is Saturday 6 July 2024 from 17.00 – 22.30. Tables of six will be bookable in the New Year so start getting those invitations out. Don’t forget you will need to bring your own chairs, food and drink. We plan to have entertainment provided in the evening by the brilliant All Jazzed Up swing, jazz and party band which was very popular for both the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation.

As the aim of the evening is not only to have fun but also to raise money for FORCE, we have set the ticket price at £8 per head and £5 for under 12s. This may seem an excessive amount when you have to bring your own food, but if you bear in mind the overheads of insurance, the licence, the band, staging, hire of tables, paramedics, security and a small charitable donation, I’m sure you will agree that it seems reasonable. We will be running a raffle and the brick wall as we did at the last two events to raise even more money for charity, and we are happy to accept sponsorship or donations from local businesses. We will look forward to welcoming you at another great Woodbury event.

Force Cancer Charity can be found at: https://forcecancercharity.co.uk/ Chris Lear 01395 23772 / 07941 045918, chrisalear06@gmail.com.

WOODBURY WOODTURNERS ANNUAL SHOW

WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL

Flower Street, Woodbury EX5 1LX

SATURDAY 19 AUGUST, 10.00 - 16.00

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.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

WEDDING

The marriage of Jack Kane Stuart and Isabella Marissa Pyne took place in Holy Trinity Church on Saturday 24 June . The ceremony was conducted by the Archdeacon, The Venerable Andrew Beane. He gave the couple a teapot and advised them always to make time in their marriage to have a cup of tea together and, however busy they might be, to take time to talk and listen to one another. The floral decorations included a stunning arrangement of two towers of flowers and foliage around the arch of the church door created by Sarah Broom and her colleagues.

The bride arrived in a large skip on the back of a lorry and after the service the bride and groom left for their reception in the same way. The skip was lifted high up and watched with much interest by villagers as well as the wedding guests. Jack was a pupil at our village school and his father Troy served for a while on the Governing Body as a member of the Finance Committee.

We pray for Jack and Bella and wish them a long and very happy marriage.

WOODBURY SALTERTON

Coffee Mornings

These are held every Saturday morning from 09.30 until 10.30 outside in the churchyard but inside the church if wet - a chance for a friendly chat and to raise some funds for our church.

The Family Service in June fell on Fathers’ Day and was conducted by Jill Dupain. It is encouraging to welcome several families to this each month, some of whom live outside the village.

Cream Tea for Village Hall New Kitchen Fund

Uncertain weather created problems for the members of the Village Hall Committee on Saturday 8 July as a cream tea had been planned in the Glebe Field. They hedged their bets by setting up some tables in the field and some in the village hall. Steady rain early afternoon decided the issue and tea was served in the hall - so committee members had the extra work of bringing back tables from the field. Despite the rain, the event was well supported and raised £272. Thanks to all committee members for their hard work and especially to Louise Lee for organising a walking quiz for adults and children, with questions for both age groups being posted up around the village. This was much enjoyed.

New Kitchen The Committee felt that the present kitchen in the hall leaves a lot to be desired, so the plan is to move the kitchen to the green room at the end of the hall, which is currently used for storage. The project is in its early stages but fundraising for this has now started.

Congratulations and all good wishes to Patrick and Gill Bricknell who celebrated their ruby wedding in July. Friends were invited to join them in their garden, and as the Bricknells didn’t want presents, anyone who wished to give was asked to contribute to Woodbury Salterton Village Hall New Kitchen Fund.

Katharine

Wheeler

WOODBURY TWINNING ASSOCIATION

Trip to see the Fireworks Competition in Plymouth on either 16 or 17 August

Please contact Nita at nitagoffron@live.co.uk

EXTON GARDEN CLUB

PLANT SALE AND CREAM TEA

Saturday 2 September, 14.30-16.00

Exton Village Hall

* * *

CREATIVE GARDENING WITH BULBS

Saturday 7 October, 14.30-16.00

Exton Village Hall

EXTON NEWS

EXTON GARDEN CLUB

It was a very hot June day for our visit to Stonelands House Garden in Dawlish.

Saul Walker, head gardener, met our group of eleven at the imposing white gates and we were immediately invited into a cool avenue of trees along a curving drive, past a waterfall, then an orchard, before arriving at the house. Seated on the terrace, we learnt about the history of the house and garden, and spotted some sparrowhawks in the beautiful woodland. We then spent some time wandering between flowerbeds around the house before exploring the orchard, meadow, tennis court garden, pond, impressive compost heaps and vegetable garden, finishing off the tour by walking through the cool woodlands by the river to a charming bridge. Among some of the star plants and trees were two Lucombe oaks - a cross between a cork and turkey oak - and a perennial Baltic parsley, which was used to good effect in the borders. Our host was very knowledgeable, answering many queries, and we all came away much the wiser.

No garden club outing is complete without tea and cake, and thankfully Saul and his team did not fail us!

Sarah Kellagher

EXTON’S ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC

A thoroughly British occasion! Despite a distinctly un-summer temperature and the threat of rain, the annual Goosefield picnic went ahead at the end of June. Armed with picnic hampers, blankets, waterproofs, (and possibly having dug out their thermals from winter storage), around 50 Exton residents and friends descended on the Goosefield for the evening’s entertainment.

By popular request, the singer Andy Marshall made a return visit, with his extensive repertoire of vintage songs and engaging repartee. The audience loved it! Picnic suppers were supplemented with drinks from the bar, organized and run by members of the Goosefield committee, and people had the chance to catch up with friends and neighbours. This annual picnic is one of several events organized over the course of the year by Goosefield committee members, to raise funds for the general upkeep of the field. We are very grateful to them for their hard work, which helps to keep a lovely village amenity in good shape for all to enjoy.

Liz Williams

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.

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

https://woodburyparishcouncil.gov.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/Woodbury-Parish-Council-110020645153509

Twitter - @ParishWoodbury

Parish Council Update

We are pleased to introduce Cllr Ms Hayley Morrell and Cllr Ben Girvin, who have recently been co-opted onto the Parish Council and will be working and representing Woodbury Salterton Ward with Cllr Simon Andrews. We wish them all the best in their new roles.

Flower Street car park

We are pleased that the car park resurfacing project has been completed. We have installed a height barrier, resurfaced and relined the car park, and added cycle stands. We would appreciate it if all users park within the bays only, and not on sides of the entrance nor in the no parking zone. Vehicles should not be in situ permanently. If there are any breaches, action will be taken as stated in our Parking Orders, which can be viewed on our website.

Street Furniture

We are working through our street furniture items across the parish, restoring and sprucing them up. Some will be removed temporarily for this work to be carried out.

Grass Cutting

We appreciated your understanding whilst a new contractor was found for our grass cutting across the parish. They will be cutting the grass every other week during the season. It will take a few cuts to have the grass back to a good standard and having the villages looking lovely once more.

Overgrown / Overhanging Foliage

Please can all property owners / tenants make sure that foliage does not overgrow across or overhang our pathways. We would appreciate it if this can be kept cut back to allow pedestrians to walk without any issues and also to allow drivers to have good visual splays at our junctions. Also it helps make our villages look well kept. Thank you for your co-operation.

EXTON

Unfortunately, our Annual Play Ground Inspection raised concerns with the aerial runway and springer in the Exton play space, and we have had to isolate this equipment. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. During the July Full Council meeting, Parish Councillors resolved to fund and replace this equipment, which is very popular with our young people.

Exton Flooding

Exton Ward Parish Councillors have met with County Councillor Richard Scott, landowners and residents regarding the issues with flooding at Mill Lane, which we are trying to resolve. Also, the Parish Council is working with various parties regarding the issues of the flooding at the A376 / Station Road location.

Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP)

Devon County Council is leading the DRIP Project which involves the community with a new flood resilience and innovation project.

WOODBURY PARISH COUNCIL cont’d/…

There will be a community information event on 22 August at 10.00 in Exton village hall. Children are welcome and refreshments will be provided. The project focuses on rapidly responding catchments in a predominantly rural area, whilst also making linkages between rural spaces and urban risks. This is a multi-partners project, building on many pre-existing initiatives across the partnership.

The project overall seeks to identify a range of replicable low-cost resilience actions that can be delivered and funded by local authorities and/or local communities of different sizes/settings where traditional flood defences are shown not to be appropriate or cost beneficial. The project seeks to identify what level of protection can be afforded to a community using nature-based interventions, tailored flood warning systems and property flood resilience measures.

Further information about the overall National Programme is available at: Flood and coastal resilience innovation programme – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Biodiversity

Cllr G Jung gave a comprehensive report (which can be found in full on the Parish Council website, in the minutes of the Full Council meeting on 12 July) covering the following issues:

 Nature Emergency: the decline in biodiversity is now recognised at national and local policy levels. All housing development projects will need to demonstrate a net gain of 10% biodiversity, meaning that more brownfield sites will be used. Our local plan is to increase this to 20%.

 Climate Emergency: we have seen the dramatic effects of this locally in the recent severe flooding in Newton Poppleford, and also in the work being undertaken to mitigate severe flooding in Lympstone and Exton.

 Greener options for cyclists and pedestrians: a petition has been started for safer cycle/pedestrian routes between Woodbury and Woodbury Salterton.

Simon Jupp MP

Cllr B Ingham advised that Simon Jupp MP will only be in office for Exmouth for the next few months as he will then represent Honiton / Sidmouth, so perhaps the Exton Flooding issues should be raised with him.

August Recess

During August there will be no Parish Council meetings and the Parish Office will not be open every day.

If there is any urgent business, in the first instance please contact the Parish Council Office or the Chairman Cllr Cheryl McGauley on 07786 706546. Our next Full Council Meeting will be on Monday 18 September at 19.30, in the Church Rooms, Woodbury.

ROUNDANDABOUT

WELCOME

We extend a warm welcome to the family who have moved into Graves End house in Woodbury Salterton. Jess, Alex and their young boys Louis and Rory together with Hagrid the dog are looking forward to village life and exploring the area.

100th BIRTHDAY CONGRATULATIONS

Jo, Philippa and Jimmy, and all Ruth Parsons’ family and friends, wish Ruth a wonderful and very special 100th birthday on 25 August.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

From Gill Gorman

You may have heard that Devon County Council has voted to scrap the mobile library service, due to the increasing cost of servicing its elderly vans. As yet we don't know the date on which the service will cease, but I think a notice about this will be necessary in the next magazine, because you usually give the dates for visits.

It's a great service and will be sadly missed by its regular users, who will now have to travel to Exmouth or Exeter libraries for books. Ed: see Editorial on page 3.

From Eve Hester

Greetings residents of Woodbury. My name is Eve Hester and I am currently studying Sustainability and Global Development at Bath Spa University. During the next 12 months I will be on my placement year. I have been accepted to study and survey the fascinating flora and fauna on a research camp in Sainte Luce, a nature reserve in southeast Madagascar that is home to one of the nation's last truly pristine coastal rainforests. Over the coming months I hope to make some money to support this charity called SEED (sustainable environmental education and development), a small non-profit organisation that runs the reserve, which depends on volunteers to assist and carry out significant conservation projects. I am available during August and September to assist in any way within reason, such as gardening, cleaning, dog-walking, baby-sitting and bringing you joy. Please feel free to get in touch: 07856 262796 / evehester2003@ gmail.com.

FULFORD v BRENT - THE LONG-STANDING BATTLE

The disagreements between the high church vicar and the evangelical doctor are well known, and a vivid and amusing part of Victorian history in the parish of Woodbury. The two men were very different, the Reverend John Loveband Fulford being a gentle, artistic and musical man with a quiet determination, whilst his rival, Dr Robert Brent, a Baptist from Wiltshire, was full of energy and self-importance, and had a finger in every pie in the area. Both men arrived in the parish in 1845, Brent as the resident doctor and Fulford as the curate to the elderly and sick minister. Fulford found that the church in Woodbury had become very evangelical, which was not how he intended that St Swithun’s should be. In one of his articles for the Exeter Diocesan Architectural Society he wrote that he wanted to restore the church to how it had been in the years after the Reformation. Robert Brent never attended the services in St Swithun’s, though he managed to get himself appointed as one of the church wardens with the help of his supporters. At the same time he did all in his power to belittle Fulford and made full use of the local newspapers to poke fun at the vicar.

In Oct 1845 the following letter appeared in the columns of The Times newspaper: Sir, May I venture to request your kind attention to a subject of which many persons feel as deeply as I do the importance, and which through your kindness alone, by inserting this in your valuable columns, will be made known to the parties for whom it is intended, viz, the Priest Vicars of Exeter Cathedral? These gentlemen are the lay impropriators of the parish of Woodbury, the population of which is above 2,200: its tithes amount annually to £1,100; it is a perpetual curacy, and not under the control of any bishop; they abstract from this unfortunate parish the above amount, with the exception of £110 a year, which the clergyman here receives.

Lt Col Robert Brent

He has been for 36 years the curate, and is now really unable, from infirmities both of body and mind, to perform those sacred duties which devolve on him with justice to his parishioners; the result is, the parish is most dreadfully neglected entirely from want of an active and religious minister; and although only seven miles from the city of Exeter (a city renowned for its strict observance of religious duties, and attention to the wants of the poor), scenes of the most disgusting depravity and immorality are daily being enacted here from the bad example children have shown them by their parents – they of course follow in their wake, and even children of the most tender age are frequently heard in the streets uttering oaths of the most shocking character; and it is a well-known fact that in the whole county of Devon there is not a parish where so little respect is paid either to religion, education, or morality as Woodbury. The letter continues to offer the Wesleyan Methodists as an excellent body of Christians who sent one of their ministers to Woodbury to devote time to the sick and poor. The writer of this letter signed himself ‘A member of the Church of England’, but there was much speculation in the parish as to who the author was. The purpose of the letter was to warn the Vicars Choral not to appoint Fulford as the full-time vicar on the death of Edsall, who was much more evangelical than his curate. Though accusing many people of writing the letter, Brent was eventually obliged to admit that he was the author. He had shown in much of the later correspondence in local newspapers that he was determined to mould the religious beliefs in Woodbury parish in his own views. There were several local newspapers, Woolmers being the mouthpiece of the Bishop of Exeter, and the other, The Western Times, the supporter of the Evangelical movement, who were happy to print all the opposing views. Both newspapers were filled with letters from both clergy and laity in East Devon with comments and advice to the opposing parties. At one period Brent sent to The Western Times all the correspondence he had held with Fulford and the Reverend Joseph Corfe of the Vicars Choral, who were the Rectors of St Swithun’s. In one letter, in which Brent is complaining that Fulford was a disgrace to Woodbury with his high church views, he suggests that he should lend Corfe a book called Difficulties of a Young Clergyman. To which Corfe replied in a long letter, ending ‘with thanks for the offer of the little work called Difficulties of a Young Clergyman which I decline, but suggest that he should study Duties of a Parishioner.’ Corfe was always very polite to Brent, but would make the odd barbed remark to put him in his place. Fulford, too, could also poke fun at Brent from time to time – in 1847, after some officious correspondence from the doctor, he ends his own letter thus: You have been and it appears are ready to express your opinion, when I think it worth having I will not fail to seek it.

Brent wrote not only to the newspapers, but also to the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of Exeter. He stirred up a hornet’s nest in the Exeter region and letters, often signed with pseudonyms, were published week after week in all the papers, some supporting and others decrying Fulford. Brent, himself, would inform the newspapers, especially The Western Times about ‘the doings of Parson Fulford’, signing his reports as ‘a concerned parishioner’ or similar names. In one long diatribe he warns people that the country ‘will again be deluged with all the horrors of Popery’. He also twice sent petitions to parliament about what he considered were ‘wrongdoings’ of the vicar. Having been raised in a community of Baptists and only arriving in Woodbury at the same time as Fulford (a born and bred Devonian) many of his statements are formed from sheer prejudice. His comments about what went on in the services were not from his own knowledge, as he admitted to never attending any service in St Swithun’s. This battle of words culminated in Brent deciding that, as he could not get Fulford removed, then he would build a church in Woodbury for the Evangelical Protestants. Brent was a wealthy man, and many of his supporters were local farmers, and so he went about raising funds and support to build a church. The following letter was sent to the Exeter newspapers on 15 Jul 1847:

Appeal to all Genuine Protestants – especially those of the Established Church on behalf of a New Church at Woodbury, 7 miles from Exeter. The inhabitants of Woodbury deeply regret that any necessity should have arisen for such an appeal. But on the decease of the late incumbent, Mr Edsall, the Priest Vicars of Exeter, who are Patrons of the Living persisted in defiance of the respectful remonstrances of the parishioners, to intrude upon them their present Tractarian Incumbent, Mr Fulford, the most objectionable appointment that could be made both to high and low, rich and poor, in Woodbury. Since the Reverend Gentleman’s entrance upon the living, the church, previously filled has been deserted, and the inhabitants of a large parish in which union prevailed (and there were not half a dozen dissenters) have been virtually ejected from the venerable fabric, in which they and their forefathers have long worshipped. They have found shelter in a small building in which the Services of the Church are duly performed by the Rev W Wippell, but which is much too small, (accommodating only 150 to 200 persons), for the large congregation, very many of whom are unable to obtain standing room. Two inhabitants therefore have decided on building a commodious Sanctuary, to be used as a FREE

CHURCH OF ENGLAND,

till such time as it may please God to send a faithful Protestant Minister to the Parish Church. The New Church will be vested in Trustees sincerely attached to the Church of England, who will be empowered

whenever so desirable a return can be conscientiously effected either to convert the Free Church into Chapel of Ease or Schoolrooms to be used in connection with the Established Church, or in any other way as circumstances may decide, with the approbation of the Incumbent and the parishioners. The inhabitants are not able to raise the entire cost of this undertaking without the aid of their Protestant Brethren, whose donations they earnestly and respectfully invite to be forwarded to the account of the Treasurer of the Woodbury New Church at the Devon and Cornwall Banking Company , Exeter. He also wrote letters to various influential people, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Exeter asking for assistance. The Archbishop referred Brent to the Bishop of Exeter who replied to Brent that ‘after reading [the appeal] I cannot permit myself to give it any consideration whatever’.

Nevertheless Brent and his colleagues went ahead and Christ Church was finally built and opened on 18 Jun 1851. The attacks on Fulford continued from time to time, though less frequently as Brent had used his energy to found the 1st Devon RA Volunteers, involve himself in politics, become a board member of the new Exeter and Exmouth Railway Company, and found a scheme to bring piped water from Woodbury Common to Woodbury, Lympstone and Topsham. This scheme and the battles with Fulford came to an end with his death in 1872, at the age of 52, from an epileptic fit. His funeral was held in the church in Woodbury Salterton, which was founded by the Evangelical Marian Pidsley, and he is buried in the churchyard there. John Loveband Fulford died in 1898, a much loved and respected clergyman. It was largely due to him that repairs to a derelict St Swithun’s were carried out, giving Woodbury such a beautiful church today. One of his sons, Robert Medley Fulford, was a well-known architect who drew up the plans for the restoration of St Swithun’s. Copies of these plans can be seen in the Woodbury History Society archives.

Gill Selley

The more recently restored Christ Church

RSPB AYLESBEARE COMMON

Our news this month comes from the team at Aylesbeare Common RSPB. Fiona, our Warden, is on Lundy taking part in a storm petrel breeding bird survey with Toby, our site manager.

I am the newest face amongst staff. I’m Sally and I cover the Devon Reserves as Administrator. I was drawn to the RSPB as I have a long-standing interest in the natural world and species conservation strategies. We live in a time where there are extreme challenges in preserving the balance of how humanity and nature can co-exist successfully.

Fiona’s reflections in our contribution to the July issue of Woodbury News, sharing her heartfelt concern and assessment of damage caused by the flash flood, made me mindful of background science and breadth of considerations that go into land management strategies here in the area. The Pebblebed Heaths undoubtedly provided a very valuable cushion that softened the levels of damage caused by the unprecedented deluge back in early May. And now here we are in July. Having just got through a long period without rain and with record temperatures around the country throughout June, we are sure that the farmers and gardeners amongst you were very glad to see the recent change in weather.

An important member of our team is Gary who is the assistant warden. This is a new role for the team and adds much needed extra capacity for managing the workload throughout the year. Gary joined the RSPB Aylesbeare team in February, but you may have met him out on the reserves at any time over the past five years because, before joining the team as a member of staff, he has been involved with the work delivered by the team through contract work particularly related to land and habitat management. Gary lives close to the Heaths since moving to the area five years ago and often reflects on how incredibly lucky he feels to live and work in this beautiful and unique landscape.

Prior to moving to the area, Gary worked in various areas for the National Trust including Cornwall, Devon and the Peak District, which was where he originally began his career in conservation. Getting stuck into practical work across the reserve and working with our dedicated team of volunteers is a favourite part of the job for Gary, who also enjoys being part of a team whose depth of knowledge and experience is invaluable to everyone, but especially our residential volunteers.

Residential volunteers join the team for periods of 6 months to one year to develop their skills and knowledge, with the aim of using the experience to facilitate progression to employment within conservation. One of our current residential volunteers will be leaving shortly, and we are thrilled for Matt, who has secured a position working in the conservation sector. We asked Matt to share the highlights of his time with us.

“

I became a residential volunteer earlier this year and have loved every minute of it (yes, even when it’s pouring with rain!). I’ve been lucky enough to see so many species that I’ve never seen before such as nightjars, hobbies, sundew, and southern damselflies. Many of these species are unique to this kind of heathland habitat which is why it’s so important we preserve it.

Heathland requires human intervention to stop the succession of vegetation taking over and turning it back into woodland. It has been this way for hundreds of years since people first started domesticating grazing animals, and many species of wildlife have evolved to co-exist in this habitat. What this means for us on the ground is a lot of work and it has been a great experience being part of a great team of RSPB staff and volunteers to provide me with training, advice and support so that I can get out there and make a difference for nature.

It’s not just the nature that’s benefited though. Thanks to the experience and training I’ve received as a residential volunteer I’ve managed to secure myself a job as an assistant ranger. I couldn’t have done it without the fantastic team of people who I’ve worked with during the last year and so I’d like to finish my time here by saying thank you to all of them and keep up the amazing work!”

Our newest residential volunteer Michael started early in July and brings with him some wide-ranging experience. He recently did a MSc in Land and Ecological Restoration before joining us here at Aylesbeare Common. We are sure that Michael will get a lot from working in the area and in particular gain a great deal from seeing the local community join and get involved with the Heath Week events. The whole team here are looking forward to meeting lots of the people who make up this community during the events throughout the week.

Sally Fransen

WEATHER REPORT FOR JUNE

The first 19 days of June continued the warm dry conditions of middle and late May. So we endured a second period of little rain here at Ebford during 2023, this time lasting five and a half weeks. Also it was the hottest June for many years over the country. The only significant rain fell in the third week and provided most of the monthly total of 26mm (ie 1 inch). This was much less than any longterm average over the last 23 years.

Norman Cann

WOODBURY NEWSADVERTISING RATES

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£5.00. (£50.00 p.a.)

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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.

SMALLADVERTISEMENTS FOR SALE

WANTED - PLOT OF LAND

Do you have a small plot of unused land? My wife and I are searching the Woodbury/Lympstone area, to erect a 1-2 bedroom timber lodge style dwelling. Any size plot or outbuildings would be considered. Tel: Les or Jane on 07912 290218 / email les.kennedy60@ outlook.com. (3/6)

SEACHANGE COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING FETE

SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER, 14.00 - 17.00

East Budleigh Road, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6HF

Exmouth Town Concert Band will be playing. A visit from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue.

Lots of stalls, a raffle, games, BBQ and a licensed bar. This promises to be a great day out for all the family, whilst helping to raise much needed funds for Seachange.

BUSINESSADVERTISEMENTS

BABYSITTER Responsible, reliable and experienced babysitter available for work in Woodbury. References available on request. Please call or message Holly on 07766 732075. (2/4)

CARPENTER Chris Isaac Property Maintenance, Kitchens, Doors, Flooring, Fencing, Fascias/Guttering, Tiling, General Repairs. Free Estimates. Reliable tradesman. 07855170674/01395 233933 chrisisaaccarpenter@gmail.com. (4/12)

COLYTON 11+ THIS SEPTEMBER? Places still available for mock 11+ tests on 8 July, 20 August and 3 & 9 September at Lympstone Village Hall. For details call Jane on 07730 877889 or janepmoffatt@gmail.com. (4/5).

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 (4/6)

BED AND BREAKFAST Peaceful location situated in Exton. Website riverdownbedandbreakfast.co.uk. Please contact Tim on 07779 715222 or email timdashwood@yahoo.co.uk (5/12)

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. (6/24)

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. (6/12)

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). (10/12)

RUBBISH REMOVALS Domestic and Commercial. Environment Agency licensed. No job too small. Tel: 0800 335 7610 / 07979 841376. www.rubbishremovalsexeter.com. (15/24)

ALTERATIONS TO LADIES AND GENTS WEAR, MADE TO MEASURE CURTAINS AND ROMAN BLINDS, ALTERATIONS TO CURTAINS. Contact Shirley on 01395 223523. (8/12)

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. (12/12)

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. (*)

Extract from The Official Highway Code (version 2022), which is Crown copyright:

DO NOT STOP OR PARK

 near a school entrance

 anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services

 opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space

 on a bend

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

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

28 July - 3 August Heath Week.

4 August Mobile Library. The Arch bus stop. 14.00-15.30.

5 August St Swithun’s Church lych gate stall. 09.30 to 11.00.

5 August Woodbury Garden Club Flower and Vegetable Show. WVH. 14.00 - 16.00.

10 August Woodbury WI Glass and Design. WVH, 14.00.

16 or 17 August Twinning Association to Plymouth Fireworks.

19 August St Swithun’s Church lych gate stall. 09.30 to 11.00.

19 August Woodbury Woodturners Annual Show. WVH. 10.00-16.00.

1 Sept. Mobile Library. The Arch bus stop. 14.00-15.30.

2 Sept. St Swithun’s Church lych gate stall. 09.30 to 11.00.

2 Sept. Exton Garden Club Plant Sale/Cream Tea, 14.30-16.00. EVH.

7 Sept. Woodbury History Society. Topsham - Echoes of a Maritime Past. 19.30, WVH.

9 Sept. Seachange Community Fundraising Fete. 14.00-17.00.

10 Sept. FoSS Cream Tea from 15.00 at 5 Escott Cottages.

12 Sept. Woodbury Garden Club. Dartmoor Wildlife.

14 Sept. Woodbury WI. Willow Man. WVH, 14.00.

16 Sept. St Swithun’s Church lych gate stall. 09.30 to 11.00.

17 Sept. Woodbury Community Orchard 10th anniversary juicing and music event. 14.00-17.00, WCO.

24 Sept. Woodbury Living Advent Calendar information meeting. 16.30, Woodbury Church Rooms.

29 Sept. Mobile Library. The Arch bus stop. 14.00-15.30.

1 Oct. Exton apple-pressing festivities at the Goosefield.

7 Oct. Exton Garden Club. Creative Gardening with Bulbs, Lady Skelmesdale. 14.30 - 16.00. Exton village hall.

10 Oct. Woodbury Garden Club. Nine Nights on a Windy Tree (Devon folklore).

12 Oct. Woodbury WI. The Military, Alex Leger, WVH, 14.00.

31 Oct. Exton Annual Halloween Walk.

2 Nov. Woodbury History Society. 14.30, WVH. A talk by Simon Dell The History of Dartmoor Prison. NB this is an afternoon talk.

3 Nov. Jeremy Wilson, The Scented Garden, Exton Village. 14.00.

9 Nov. Woodbury WI, Christmas Decoration, WVH, 14.00.

14 Nov. Woodbury Garden Club. Best vegetable varieties and how to grow them.

18 Nov. Christmas Craft Fayre. The Church Rooms. 10.00-14.00.

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

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

For bookings please contact:

Pat or Gill Bricknell

01395 232463

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

Tel: 07713243369

woodburydancestudio

@outlook.com

Classes at Woodbury

C of E Primary School

WOODBURY GARAGE

Local family business

 MOTS

 SERVICE

 REPAIRS

 ALL MAKES & MODELS

 ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS

The Arch, Woodbury EX5 1LL woodburygarage@hotmail.co.uk

T: 01395 233004

M: 07527 125956