December 2020

WOODBURY NEWS

DECEMBER 2020

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DECEMBER 2020 EDITORIAL WOODBURY NEWS PAYS TRIBUTE TO RETIRING DIRECTORS The year 2020 was always going to be an interesting one for Woodbury News - and that was before anyone had even heard of Covid-19!

The management committee of the magazine is made up of directors because of our status as a limited company. For many years, this board has been stable, with the odd change of members - usually only one or two at a time. But this year has been different for we have said farewell to four of our hardworking volunteer directors after decades of service between them.

Early in the year, former chairman Peter Payne signalled he would be standing down as a director in the summer. We have Peter to thank for the magazine’s current incarnation as he was largely responsible for setting up the original company and board. At the AGM (held, of course, virtually) we also said a digital farewell to Beverley Simcox, Gill Selley and Anna Crafer. Many people will know that for many years Beverley was responsible for making sure the delivery team functioned seamlessly while Anna had the unenviable task of making sure our subscription money was collected. And Gill, of course, the historian of the team, often contributed to our pages (which she will continue to do) and she also worked hard on compiling our directory of organisations.

The other directors wanted to make sure all these efforts were marked properly. But with Covid restrictions the usual farewells were not possible, so we made socially-distanced individual presentations to our retiring directors.

As we look forward to 2021 with the hope of more settled times ahead, we say a big thankyou to our retiring band of four and to all volunteers in the village who keep all our organisations going. Let's hope that one outcome of the pandemic will be a resurgence of interest in the community.

Jeremy Boyden, Chairman COVER PHOTOS, left to right: Beverley, Anna, Gill and Peter.

Woodbury News is a Private Company Limited by Guarantee No. 5263356

Secretary: Karen Squires, Willowfield, Oakhayes Road, Woodbury EX5 1JT. 233299 Registered Office: Willowfield, Oakhayes Road, Woodbury EX5 1JT. Tel: 233299 Chairman: Jeremy Boyden, Rosemary, Broadway, Woodbury EX5 1NR. Tel: 233072 Editor: Sue Bury, Mayflower Cottage, 37 Greenway, Woodbury EX5 1LU. Tel: 233753 Deputy Editor: Val Arndt, Castlehaye, Castle Lane, Woodbury. Tel: 233175 Subscriptions: Jeremy Boyden, Broadway, Woodbury EX5 1NR. Tel: 233072

4 ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH, WOODBURY Vicar: Reverend Bill Lemmey 01395 232161 Email: revbillwhitecross@gmail.com Administrator: Jill Dupain dupain@hotmail.co.uk The following arrangements are provisional and subject to any change in government regulations.

SPECIAL SERVICES OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD Sadly, due to current restrictions and Health and Safety considerations, there will be no Midnight Mass in St Swithun’s this year. There is a possibility of a Holy Communion service earlier in the evening on Christmas Eve; we will send out details nearer the time as we will have to limit numbers.

On Sunday 6 December at 10.30 Christ Church are live streaming a Christingle service. Details of how to access the service are on page 5 (opposite) and participants will be invited to give contact details so that Christingle packs can be delivered.

CHRISTMAS DAY Holy Communion at 11.15.

SUNDAY SERVICES at Woodbury and Exton 6 December, Holy Communion at 11.15. Evening Worship at Exton 18.30.

13 December, Holy Communion at Exton 09.30.

20 December, Festival of Readings and Music for Christmas at Woodbury, 18.30.

27 December, Holy Communion at Clyst St George 09.30.

There will be an online Zoom service on Sunday 13 December at 11.30. To obtain a link for this, please email dupain@hotmail.co.uk.

For services throughout the Mission Community please see the church notices boards and the MC website. http://whitecrosschurches.org.uk.

Further information will be available in the monthly Digest. To receive this by email, please send your email address to st.swithuns.digest @gmail.com.

CHURCH ALTAR FLOWERS We will decorate church for Christmas on Monday 21 or Tuesday 22 December; subject to government restrictions at that time.

FLOODLIGHTING ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH 16 December: “Happy Birthday Marian - have a great day and many more.

With love from all the family, Derrick Mead”.

For your special event, contact Mike Jeans 01395 232544. Floodlight dedications are displayed on the church noticeboard at the lych gate, and normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

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6 CAROLS AROUND WOODBURY We are sorry to say that we cannot sing carols around Woodbury this year in the usual way, due to the pandemic.

Some time in the week beginning 14 December we would like to set up some socially-distanced carol singing on the village green, with a collection in boxes for Save the Children. This, however, depends upon the present lockdown restrictions being lifted and the rules for Tier One staying the same, and neither of these things are at all certain. In fact, the Government has said that the Tier One restrictions may have to be tightened.

If this cannot take place, we will try make it possible for people to contribute to Save the Children, so watch out for notices.

Mike Jeans

CAMERA CLUB CALENDAR The Woodbury Camera Club calendar 2021 is now available price ÂŁ6. It can be purchased from Rook Pie (when allowed to open), Sue Hudson (01395 232203) or from members of the club.

Sue Hudson FoSS (FRIENDS OF ST SWITHUN’S) Normally at this time of the year I write about forthcoming events and give a report on an autumn concert. Alas, we live in different and difficult times, being confined to our homes. Although we have had no concerts or gatherings, FoSS is still here and quietly active.

We were fortunate in receiving two legacies from Jocelyn Tibbles and Jean Carpenter.

Our members have paid subscriptions and we received a grant from Santander Bank as an introductory offer for new customers. Thus we have had an income which can be used for maintaining the fabric of the church and its surrounds.

Those of you who visit the churchyard extension in Pound Lane will be aware that the gates are in a poor state of repair; FoSS is funding the replacement gate which is being hand-crafted by Murrough Armstrong McDonnell and should be in place in the New Year.

We hope that sometime in 2021 we can have a social function and be able to catch up with old friends.

Pat Browne

7 WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB – a free, no-obligation offer!

The club may not be having physical meetings at the moment but members are keeping in touch through our monthly newsletter. Last month, for example, we had photos of the flowers which members grew for the members’ plant class at the show – even though there was no show this year, we still grew them! In previous months, as well as club news, we have had topical tips on what to do in our gardens every month. While the Covid restrictions are still constraining our activities, we would like to offer our newsletter to local residents. There is no obligation to join the club, or come to future meetings, and as long as you have an email address (or know someone who does) you are welcome to join the mailing list – let me know on woodburygardenclub@gmail.com. Your email address will not be divulged to anyone else. This month I hope to include photos of what members are growing over the winter – indoors and outside — and some tips about helping wildlife in our gardens.

In the meantime, even on a dull winter’s day we can spot the flowering plants in other people’s gardens as we walk around the village, and enjoy the scented ones like viburnums, coronilla and the yellow spikes of mahonia with its hollylike leaves. Check out the camellia on the wall in Greenway just before Bonfire Lane!

Debby Mullier

WOODBURY NEWS CLOSING DATES 8 DECEMBER 2020, and in 2021: 19 JANUARY. 23 FEBRUARY. 16 MARCH. 20 APRIL. 18 MAY. 15 JUNE. 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

8 1ST WOODBURY GUIDES Woodbury Guides are supporting the ‘Act your Age’ Children in Need Appeal this year by completing various challenges based around the girls’ ages. We have set up a ‘JustGiving’ fundraising page, so it will be easy to support their efforts.

Woodbury Guide Unit is 47 years old this year so, as leaders, we aim to make and sell 47 Christmas designed face masks.

So why not get ready to spread a little festive cheer with one of these cheery masks: penguin, Santa hat and stockings or snowman?

They are available for £4 each from Helen Ellis (01395 233665), The Acorns, Stokes Mead, Woodbury.

Helen Ellis MAYTREE PRE-SCHOOL Maytree Pre-School would like to say a huge thankyou to Roger Stokes, who donated some of the profits from the sales of his book to our fundraising efforts. Also, a big thankyou to anyone who has ordered Christmas cards from Amy Revill at Flamingo Paperie. Amy has kindly offered to donate half her profits from sales of these cards to Maytree, alongside her support for Macmillan, Together for Short Lives and Alzheimer’s Society. Thank you to everyone who has supported the Pre-School this year; it is very much appreciated. If anyone has any great fundraising ideas for Maytree, please contact fundraising@maytreepreschool.com.

Ellie Richards THE DEVON AND SOMERSET FIRE & RESCUE CONCERT BAND will play Christmas Music on WOODBURY VILLAGE GREEN SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER FROM 14.00 Social distancing must be observed, and no large groups, only your own bubbles.

Please observe all the current regulations and any new lockdown rules that may come into force.

If wet, the event will be cancelled.

9 WOODBURY HISTORY SOCIETY A letter from the Chairman 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone and the future seems likely to be uncertain and unpredictable. Like most societies, the activities of the History Society have necessarily been considerably curtailed and the committee has been working diligently to keep the society alive and viable. As Chairman, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you what is happening within the History Society.

You will know that events have had to be cancelled or postponed and decisions made about what we can or cannot do in line with frequently changing Covid-19 restrictions. Many members who have paid their subscription will not have had the full benefits of membership; the committee has therefore agreed that these subscriptions will now be extended into the 2021 season and will cover attendance at meetings detailed below.

Our last meeting, a week before the first lockdown began in March, was the fifth part of Julian Ware’s talk and video about the Ware Family of Woodbury. Subsequent meetings in May, September and November had to be postponed; fortunately the speakers have kindly agreed to give their talks in 2021.

As things are at the moment, it seems unlikely that we will be able to hold a live Annual General Meeting on Thursday 4 February 2021, but the Committee is planning an alternative virtual meeting which members will be invited to attend online. We are also considering alternative methods of holding talks meetings, if restrictions remain in force in 2021.

Thus the proposed programme for 2021 is as follows: Thursday 4 February: Annual General Meeting (live or virtual).

Thursday 4 March: Julian Ware A Changing World (in Woodbury and Devon).

Thursday 6 May: Mike Sampson A Short History of Tiverton.

Thursday 2 Sept: Gill Selley The Origins of the Parish of Woodbury and its Manors.

Thursday 4 November: Todd Gray The Blackshirts of Devon.

We will also consider having our traditional annual outing (to Tiverton) in June or July, following Mike Sampson’s talk.

I am grateful to you all, particularly the members of the committee, for your support and understanding. I look forward to seeing you all face-to-face again soon. Anyone who did not join the society earlier this year will be very welcome to join when we have more definite news, or can attend as a visitor.

May I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Nick Burgess

10 WOODBURY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL Another busy month has flown by and the school has been a hive of activity: from learning to play the ukuleles and xylophones, football clubs and forest school, to the arrival of hamsters and stick insects and the launch of our new class topics. We have also celebrated World Mental Health Day and have been thinking about bullying and what to do if this happens. We have collected a record number of ‘Christmas present shoe boxes’ in support of Christ Church's Christmas Shoe Box Appeal, which brings such joy to many children in Moldova who would otherwise not be receiving any gifts over Christmas.

Prospective Parents Is your child due to start school in September 2021?

At this time of year I would normally be showing prospective parents around the school. However, due to these unprecedented times I am not able to do that and therefore we have set up a new ‘Prospective Parent’ tab on the school website. Here you will find a welcome video that includes a tour of the school, a welcome PowerPoint that gives you further information about the staff team, curriculum, ethos and values, and how well the pupils perform. The tab also has links to our website to give you an understanding of what we have to offer and information about how to apply for a place.

Please see https://woodbury.devon.sch.uk/web/prospective_parents_ for further details. If you would like to chat about your child starting at Woodbury, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us on 01395 232614.

Remembrance We hope you had the opportunity to see our Remembrance display in the Castle Lane window. The children held a two minute silence in their classes and reflected about the generosity of those involved in past conflicts.

A group of Year 6 children attended the Woodbury Remembrance Service on 11 November, at the War Memorial, where they planted ten crosses to mark those from Woodbury who gave their lives during WW2.

11 Ash Class Update (Year 6) It’s been a busy few weeks in Ash Class since half term and they have all returned to welcome a new member to the class: Gus, the Russian dwarf hamster. Our ‘Hamster Heroes’ take on the daily responsibilities of ensuring he is fed, watered and exercised. We all love him so much already!

To kick off their WW2 topic, the class had an Experience Day, where they all dressed up in WW2 style clothing, snacked on food that would have been eaten during WW2 and started to learn about the different roles people had in the war effort. They also had an opportunity to share artefacts from home and family stories about WW2. The children will be learning about the impact of WW2 on the residents of Woodbury - if you have any stories or anecdotes to share with the children, they would be really interested. Please email the school at admin@woodbury.devon.sch.uk marked for the attention of Mrs Vernon. We can’t wait to learn more about this fascinating topic.

In English, the children have been inspired by Michael Morpurgo’s book Kensuke’s Kingdom: they have imagined what it would have been like to have been caught in a storm at sea and then marooned on a desert island.

They have then used these experiences to write their own exciting and dramatic stories. In music they have been learning how to play the xylophone and are currently working on accompanying a song by Burt Bacharach – they might even have a go at improvising their own piece of jazz music too.

Chestnut Class Update (Year 5) Chestnut Class also returned from half term to find they had two pet hamsters – they have been named Chip and Fluffy and they love having treats and rolling around in their exercise ball.

For their topic Chestnut Class have been transported back to Ancient Greece and to kick-start their new topic for the half term the children came to school dressed as either an Athenian or a Spartan. cont’d/...

12 Chestnut Class Update (Year 5) cont’d/...

Throughout their experience day the children took part in various activities relating to the Ancient Greeks, such as designing mosaics, tasting Greek food and learning about Theseus and the Minotaur. They have also been enjoying forest school on a Wednesday morning, where they have been learning how to make a waterproof den, undertaking aboriginal art and making fires.

Thank you We would like to thank the local community for their support in donating to our foodbank here at school - we have a wonderful collection of items brought in and would like to express our sincere thanks for helping our families, who have really appreciated your generosity. We are still collecting food items but also looking for things like toothpaste, toilet rolls, washing up liquid and washing powder/tablets as well.

When this issue of the Woodbury News is published we will be nearing the Christmas period, and we will have again decorated our Town Lane window as part of the annual Woodbury Living Advent calendar. All classes will have had involvement with the display. Please take a moment to walk past to see our creation; our opening night is 3 December.

We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year. Although it may not be full of the normal family jollity, we hope that it is a happy time, and one where we can reflect upon the year, and then hopefully look forward to a more positive 2021.

Gillian Pyle, Head of School

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Great News — WOODBURY LIVING ADVENT 2020 Here is how to break the Covid blues: walk around our magical village after 18.00. For Christmas is coming!

The Living Advent calendar is all set and each night from 1-24 December there will be a variety of decorated windows to view. Go out each night or leave it until later in the month to walk around after 18.00 to view the windows that our wonderful volunteers have created. Windows will continue to be lit until 2 January.

If restrictions are lifted, you can buy a map for £2 from Salon 8, Rook Pie and Woodbury Primary School. Otherwise, you can collect a map from the porch at Lemon Tree Barn, Cottles Lane, Woodbury, leaving £2 in the honesty box.

All proceeds go to Woodbury Primary School and Hope4Kibera.

Barbara Woolley (Wlac2019@yahoo.com or tel. 01395 232992) WOODBURY TENNIS CLUB The Tennis Club has had another closure. The lockdown in November has come with the government instruction that all clubs and public courts have had to close; even playing tennis with a non-family member on a private court is not permitted. We have had to follow the guidelines but hope to be back playing tennis from 3 December.

However, we can prepare for a full season in 2021. Our chair for the past five years, Helen Ryland, is standing down. The club is immensely grateful for all she has done in that time. She arrived in Woodbury in 2004, and soon was encouraged onto the tennis court. Her organisation and enthusiasm was much appreciated, and she continued the good work of Glenis Pewsey and Diane McLeod in organising the junior section.

By linking with present coach, John Wingate, a most efficient junior coaching group operated in Woodbury with over 40 youngsters in 2019.

Helen, as safeguarding officer, has also ensured that we follow all the necessary protocols for safeguarding and data protection. She has represented the club in the mixed team and has been a regular attender at club sessions. She started the very successful pre-Christmas club social meal which sadly cannot take place this year. Helen will remain on the committee in her role as junior coordinator and safeguarding officer.

Pat Browne

14 WOODBURY AND DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION A different Remembrance week took place this year, but had all the respect of a much larger event: the laying of the wreaths and placing of the crosses at the War Memorial seemed more poignant with a smaller gathering. Christine Grist and Revd Bill led the service and the RBL standard was carried by our secretary, Sean Kiley. As it was not possible to have all the youth groups present this year, a Cub Scout with his family said the first two lines of the Exhortation and a member of the congregation said the final two; The Kohima Epitaph was said by Richard Pleydell.

On 11 November a short service was held on the Green with Woodbury Primary School children present.

The children placed a wooden cross for each of the Second World War fallen listed on our Memorial. The crosses are in a trough which has been placed under the memorial tree in this the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Fundraising has been limited as the collection boxes we place in many pubs and offices had to be removed early due to lockdown. However, we were able to have a Pop-Up Poppy Shop in Chris Lear’s front drive (due to rain making the village green very soggy), which made £400 in 90 minutes. Thank you all for your generosity; it will boost our contribution to the Poppy Appeal the final count has yet to take place and the result will be published in the next Woodbury News.

Sandra Huish

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WOODBURY SALTERTON NEWS HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Remembrance Remembrance Sunday saw people assembling in Village Road but observing social distancing. Graham Gerdes conducted the Act of Remembrance and poppy wreaths were laid by Patrick Bricknell, on behalf of the Parish Council, and by Alan Nixon for the Royal British Legion.

Alan, who has almost reached his 100th birthday, walked from his home to the church on his walking frame and was assisted to the lych gate by Mark Lovett. Graham commented that it was especially fitting that Alan should lay the wreath as he had served in the war and been awarded the Military Cross. Usually some people then go into church for a short lay-led service but, with the church being closed, Debbie Jung led the service outside the lych gate and everybody stayed for this.

Masks Fiona Vessey has been making masks and selling these for church funds, for a suggested donation of ÂŁ5. When the church is open again masks will be available for purchase at the back of the church.

17 Festive Windows - a church initiative to brighten the village in December.

See box below for details.

FESTIVE WINDOWS IN WOODBURY SALTERTON COMMENCING MONDAY 7 DECEMBER Please help us to Light Up Woodbury Salterton with joy and sparkle this festive period.

Decorate your window and win £10 cash prize! Criteria is Joy so a family task perhaps.

Well-lit upstairs or downstairs window – but must face the road, They should be displayed from 7 December until 31 December.

Judged by PCC – (Church Committee) Winner announced in Christmas Celebration on Sunday 20 December, Woodbury News and Clyst Valley News.

Like all charities this year, Woodbury Salterton Church has suffered great financial loss. We recognise how difficult this year has been, so born from this was the idea to light up Woodbury Salterton with some fun.

In order to win the £10 prize please register with a donation of £3 per household. All donations that are received will be passed to the treasurer at the end of the registration period, which is from now until Friday 18 December. Registration is simple: Put your name and address on an envelope containing your donation (£3 minimum per household please) and post through the door at Rosewood, Village Road, Woodbury Salterton.

A Celebration of Christmas It is very difficult to make definite arrangements this far ahead until we see what happens after 2 December. A normal carol service will not be possible with Covid restrictions, but we plan to have a service of some sort on Sunday 20 December. Look out for posters or notification on the Residents’ Facebook page.

Carol Singing Round the Village It is hoped that this can go ahead. Look out for posters.

Katharine Wheeler

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

We are not listing any of the anticipated forthcoming events this month, and we will re-consider this decision for future editions of Woodbury News.

18 WOODBURY SALTERTON C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL It has been such a busy month in our school and the staff and children wanted to share a glimpse of their learning with you. Below are the highlights.

Nursery and Class One The Class One children have been busy working on an art topic called Funny Faces and Fabulous Features, which is all about portraits. They have used mirrors to help them draw self-portraits, had a go at collage work to create their own compositions and have used the features on the face to create some very funny faces.

The children also enjoyed a fantastic dance workshop with Becky Mason, from Dartmoor Schools Sport Partnership. They were able to learn a dance routine and put all the parts of the dance together to perform to each other.

Have a look at our latest news page on the website to check out the children’s great moves.

In literacy, Class One have been thinking about the wonderful foods that have been grown during harvest time following on from reading the story of The Little Red Hen. The children sang a harvest song to thank the farmers, painted some harvest pictures of the wheat fields and made little harvest mice.

Class One have been learning about how Christians welcome babies into the family and the church. They learnt how names have special meanings and found out what their own names meant. They made decorated names using beads, pasta and pompoms. They talked to the grown-ups at home about why they chose their names.

The children in Nursery have also been busy: they produced some lovely handwriting after listening to the story of Elmer and made colourful Elmer collages. They also listened to the story of Harold the Hedgehog, who was worried that he was not like everybody else, and talked about how special and unique we all are. They made little hedgehogs from modelling clay which you can see on our website’s latest news page.

Class Two Learning in Class Two has had a chilly theme as they have been hearing all about polar regions with activities that included finding out about penguins.

They carried out scientific investigations with their very own icebergs, which they had to observe throughout the course of the day.

19 This involved placing the iceberg in a shallow dish of water and measuring the circumference, then writing a hypothesis to explain their predictions of what may happen to the ice. The children carried out a fair test by maintaining a constant temperature, using the same tape measure and the same intervals of time between measurements. The budding scientists noticed not only how the iceberg had melted by 16cm in size, but also how the crystal formation changed each half hour.

In PHSCE, Classes Two and Three learned about how to stay safe on bonfire night. Lots of important safety rules and tips were discussed and then put together to create informative posters.

They talked about ways to enjoy a different sort of bonfire night this year. Some of the ideas included having a family party with glow sticks, watching a display on TV and having a zoom call firework quiz.

As part of our harvest celebrations, the School Council and Ethos Group organised a very successful fundraising day to raise money for families in poverty in Africa.

They raised £40 which will help to build a keyhole garden for an African family to withstand the effects of climate change.

The children watched a video about a family and learned how the Send a Cow charity helps them with education, seeds and materials to ensure a good harvest. The children did lots of activities and learned some Amharic (Ethiopian language) words for different foods.

Class Two also enjoyed creating superhero masks as part of the Send a Cow activities. They created superheroes such as ‘sun’ and ‘rain’ so that there was always the most perfect weather for growing food and a ‘water’ superhero who always made sure that people had clean water to drink, no matter where they lived.

As part of the celebration of harvest the children in Class Two wrote some inspired poems. Here are two to share with you: Cont’d/...

20 WOODBURY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL cont’d/‌ Happy farmers harvest healthy food for everyone Apples, juicy and ripe are harvested for you and me Rain sent by God helps the soft plants to grow Vegetables have started to become leafy greens Everyone is hungrily eating apple pie Sizzling soup made from vegetables Tasty apples from the tree

By Sydney

Happy, helpful farmers gathering the golden swaying corn Apples are crunchy, apples are sweet, so sweet to eat that they are a fantastic treat Red, ripe radishes ready to eat, they are very nice and a healthy treat Vegetables in a sauce, oh so colourful and bright, so thank you God with all our might Eggs are white and delicious, eggs are good for a feast. I like everyone happily eating, a nice big bit of juicy meat.

Sizzling sausages in a pan, slimy salami stacked up high, way up high in the sky Tractors helping to harvest golden crops. Thank you, God, for all of us and for all the food.

By Tessa Lastly, Class Two have been learning about the Stone Age and how to weave, using the same methods stone-age people used thousands of years ago. The children also looked at some stone-age arrowheads made from flint, and learned about how the weapons were used as tools and for hunting animals for food due to their strength and shape.

Class Three Classes Two and Three took part in a Mental Health workshop run by the charity Heads Up. The children identified many different emotions and thought carefully about how these can make their body feel. The children then revisited the different things that they can do to keep their minds and bodies healthy. They had interesting discussions about the difference between mental health and illness. Heads Up worker, Paula, was impressed with how knowledgeable the children already were about these issues and with their suggestions for keeping calm and relaxed.

Class Three also enjoyed taking part in the dance workshop with School Sports coordinator, Becky Mason, from Dartmoor Schools Sport Partnership and learning about how to travel in different ways. They also made up their own dance phrases. Their funky moves are captured on our school website.

Sticking with the curriculum theme of polar regions, Class Three completed amazing arctic landscapes by adding polar animals.

21 In art they learned more about proportion and composition and where to place the animal by using larger animals in the foreground and the smaller ones in the background. They evaluated their work and talked about the similarities in style to the artwork of Becky Bettesworth. What stunning landscapes!

Building on the theme of the ice and polar regions, Class Three have been sailing on the Titanic – before the iceberg arrived! They have been exploring the differences for first and third class passengers, and thinking about how different passengers might have felt aboard the luxury ship. They sent telegrams home and were fascinated to hear about long-distance communication pre-internet.

Whole School A massive well done to all the children who entered the PTFA pumpkin carving competition. We had some fabulous entries and raised £27 from entries and a further £28 so far by the text service. The pumpkins went on display outside the school gate for the whole village to admire.

We are very lucky to have had a great selection of new books donated to our school library by Bridge Books of Exeter, who stock a large range of Christian books, resources and gifts. Our pupils will have much pleasure in reading and admiring the beautifully illustrated books. A very big thankyou to Bridge Books.

The whole school enjoyed a fabulous, informative and humorous production

by Theatre Alibi called Down to Earth. After seeing the performance, Class One children created some amazing space pictures using chalk on black paper to make pictures of stars, planets, asteroids and the planet earth. A big thankyou to Theatre Alibi for yet another fantastic show.

As part of our harvest celebrations we supported Exmouth Community Larder. A huge thankyou to everybody who donated various items of food and provisions. Our thanks also go to parents from our PTFA for fundraising through Bags2School. With 140 kg of donations, they managed to raise £42.

Finally, we want to say farewell and huge thanks ahead of their retirement to Class One teachers Mrs Tweedy and Mrs Corlett. Both have worked at the school for many years and contributed so much to so many children, which is especially important in their early years, getting learning off to a great start.

They will be hugely missed by their colleagues and we wish them both well for the future.

Clare Rooke

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EXTON NEWS ST ANDREW’S CHURCH EXTON SERVICES: All services are subject to the government guidelines at the time; please see the church noticeboard for any changes.

Sunday 6 December, 18.30 evening service. Taken by Revd Bill Lemmey.

13 December, 09.30 Holy Communion. Taken by Revd Margaret Scrivener.

25 December, Christmas Day 09.30 Family Holy Communion. Taken by Revd Tim Hunt.

EXTON REMEMBRANCE Because of the coronavirus we were not able to hold our usual Service of Remembrance. Besides our tribute to all who gave their lives in both World Wars and later, we also remembered the numerous animals that died. The board was designed by the late Juliette Limb.

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 Jeremy Boyden on 233072 and he will put you in contact with your local deliverer.

Any queries regarding delivery of Woodbury News within Exton should be directed to Audrey Elphick on 01392 876909.

23 EXTON HALLOWEEN EVENT Thank you to all those who attended the Exton Halloween event. Everyone had great fun, probably ate too many sweets and hopefully scared a few villagers with the amazing costumes worn. I hear our ‘village nun’ sent a few shivers down some spines!

Congratulations to all those who entered our 2020 Halloween fancy dress competition and to everyone who took part this year, especially all those lovely people who donated sweets for the event.

This year we are pleased to award a £50 voucher for a meal at the Puffing Billy, thanks to Exton Village Events and the Puffing Billy. Our first prize goes to Seb, Evie and their ‘Beetlejuice’ parents! A great family effort. We have two runner-up prizes that go to the Pillings for their scary trio and to our ‘spine-chilling cheerleaders’. Thank you to Anthony at Exton Garage for our runner-up prizes.

Debbie Kearey

24 A BRIEF JOURNEY THROUGH THE HISTORY OF EXTON THE OLD NURSERIES, EXTON (PART 1) My grandparents moved to Exmouth in 1908 from London, having bought a greengrocery/dairy shop in The Strand. In 1918 The Gardens in Exton, which later became The Nurseries, was put up for sale by Mr and Mrs Symes.

They had bought the property for their son to come back to after the war.

Sadly he was killed at Passchendaele so they needed to find new owners. My father, who had always been interested in horticulture, was due to leave school, so it was the right time to purchase The Gardens where produce could be grown for sale at the shop. There were just three small greenhouses, some outbuildings and the land, together with a house.

One of the later greenhouses in which we grew our chrysanthemums In 1927 my parents were married and the bungalow in Station Road was built for them. During the same year Garden Cottage was built for the cowman and his family. In about 1930 Grandpa Pratt became ill so he and granny moved into my parents’ cottage and they moved into the house, still known as Nurseries House. Sadly in 1933 grandpa died and Mum and Dad took the business over.

We had cows until the sixties; they not only provided milk but also the manure for growing produce. During the twenties and thirties we grew a lot of fruit and vegetables. In addition to the land and Nurseries House, we also rented fields belonging to various large houses in the village. One was planted with fruit trees. The field, situated behind where David and Lee Gardner now live on the riverfront, was filled with soft fruit. In one of the old ledgers the purchase of blackcurrant bushes is recorded at 12s 6d and fruit trees were 3s 6d each.

25 In 1931 the first of the larger greenhouses was built in preparation for growing carnations, which was to be our main crop.

My brother Bill, aged 4 years, and his Grandpa in 1932 with one of the larger greenhouses

During the seventy years that we ran The Nurseries we had 16 greenhouses covering an area of four and a half acres. To grow carnations and other crops you had to have heat, and to begin with this was provided by coal-fired boilers in stoke holes which had to be topped up regularly, the last one made late at night. Later the whole system was fed by a centralised oil-fired boiler. The carnations were grown for three years, then ripped out and replaced with other crops so the houses were divided into blocks to keep the continuity going. In the years between, we initially grew tomatoes and bedding plants.

As the flower trade increased, we expanded into chrysanthemums, stocks, gladioli, antirrhinums, freesias and spring flowers, and we dropped the bedding plants. We also grew a variety of plants in the open, many of which were grown in the field where Barton Close is now situated.

During the three years’ rotation the soil had to be sterilised, which was done by laying water pipes through the beds, covering them and then heating to a high temperature. Initially we had a free-standing boiler for this. It looked like an old steam engine and was christened “Big Bertha”. You can see it in the aerial photo taken in about the late 1960s or early 70s.

Cont’d/...

26 A BRIEF JOURNEY THROUGH THE HISTORY OF EXTON THE OLD NURSERIES, EXTON cont’d/...

Up until the end of the war everything was moved by train. Truck loads of produce, flowers and even churns of milk would be loaded up at Exton and met by the errand boy at Exmouth. He would then take them to the shop for sale. The anthracite for the boilers was brought in a truck by rail which was run into a siding at Exton station. It was then unloaded into carts and taken to the nurseries. We also had a milk round in Exton and Exmouth, and when the war came all our customers’ ration books would be allocated to us to provide their butter, margarine and lard rations. All the fat came in big blocks and we would have to weigh out and package each family’s share.

We also had to weigh up the tomatoes in 1 lb bags as we could only sell our allocation and the rest was taken to a central depot for distribution.

After the war the cows had to be TB tested and then the milk was bottled.

Before then we took a small can of milk to people’s houses and there would be a jug left out for us to measure the right amount into. I was not sorry when we gave up the cows in the early sixties — no more having to do a milk round on Sunday mornings.

Eileen Pratt To be continued next month ...

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27 WOODBURY PARISH COUNCIL Woodbury Parish Council Offices Greenside, Greenway, Woodbury EX5 1LP Tel: 01395 233791. Email: woodburyparishcouncil@gmail.com

WPC are continuing their meetings via Zoom and parishioners are reminded that it is always possible to join the meetings and speak in the public session.

The Zoom invites are posted at the top of the agendas on our website.

We have recently considered grant applications to our Solar and Community Funds. This year the focus of awards has been toward those who have suffered as a result of covid-19. A full summary of grants will be provided in the next set of WPC minutes. WPC have an open ear to those who may be finding times particularly difficult.

WPC are aware that there is a high cost to operating the Flower Street toilets.

We even have to pay business rates on them! There are some preliminary thoughts that we might explore the idea of converting the building into the WPC office, a single outside public convenience and a small meeting area which could be put to community use. It is early days and we will need to consult with you if we make progress with this idea.

Further consultations will be required early next year on two separate issues: The Neighbourhood Plan and expenditure of S106 funds (funds received from developers when they complete a development in the area).

We are working on an electronic survey. We also think it is important that everyone receives direct correspondence through their letterbox to read and consider. We are interested to know if there are any local graphic designers / printers who would be interested in a small project to help us produce this. If so, please contact WPC. I will have to close the Flower Street car park on the evening of 2 December to re-open on the evening of 3 December. This is to allow the strimming of the banks etc. I realise parking is not easy in Woodbury and I hope it is not too much of an inconvenience.

Finally, WPC Offices will display the December 1st Woodbury Living Advent calendar. Unfortunately, distancing rules mean we can’t have a grand opening but we will keep this display on until Christmas Day. I was surprised that after last year’s display I wasn’t poached by Selfridges! So it is me and my wingman Harry again, supervised by his mum, to make sure we don’t make too many dangerous mistakes. We will create an interesting Christmas window for all the children of the parish.

David Craig, Proper Officer, Clerk & RFO

28 WOODBURY PARISH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2019/20 We have operated for most of the year as a full complement of thirteen councillors and have met once every two weeks. There are items that we consider in our normal course of business such as Planning. As a Parish Council, we are a designated consultee which means we provide a parish point of view to East Devon District Council. Sometimes we are overruled by Planning Policy but most of the time the final decision reflects the Parish Council’s point of view.

Our meetings also involve both County Councillors and District Councillors attending at least once a month. This is a useful forum for discussing the impact that County and District policy will have on the Parish. Our parish councillors also attend meetings with outside bodies such as the Exmouth Police Local Action Group and the Exe Estuary Management.

Beyond this, we look to undertake projects which will benefit the Parish.

Examples for the year have been:  The installation of a new bus shelter in the Arch. We are grateful to Cty Cllrs Richard Scott and Jeff Trail, Mark Phillips (Transport) and Richard Elliott (Highways) for making this happen.  The Parish Council oversaw and funded the refurbishment of the existing bus shelter in the Arch. Both these bus shelters provide an important function for our parishioners and are of a style that suits the conservation area.  We have installed a new slide in the Sages Lea play area in Woodbury Salterton, repaired the zip wire and put new safety surfaces into the Exton play area. My thanks to the Exton volunteers who prepared the play area surfaces prior to installation.  We were pleased to have been able to provide funding to improve the Scout hut on behalf of the Scouts, Guides, Maytree Pre-School and WCPF. We feel these funds have been efficiently and thoughtfully spent and hope these organisations continue to thrive.

We have some other challenges ahead of us, areas we know are important to our parishioners, including:  Completion of the Neighbourhood Plan.  Informed and efficient investment of our allocation of S106 funds.  Traffic and speeding, parking. blocked drains, weeds etc.

We will need to work with the various responsible authorities to achieve these.

I will mention a concern I have generally within the Parish and it is the use of social media to make criticisms, often without thought about those on the receiving end. It is easy to do this on a keyboard and then to press send.

29 I would urge our parishioners who have any complaints or observations to ask how they might help resolve a particular problem instead. It is an approach we at WPC try our best to attain.

Finally, this is a time to thank all ‘friends’, but especially two: Friends of Gulliford Cemetery, who alongside the Gulliford Joint Committee, have secured funding and overseen the complete refurbishment of the cemetery. Personally, I think it is an astonishing effort which has secured a parish heritage asset for future generations. It was an area of worry for WPC and we are very grateful for your achievement.

Secondly, the end of our financial year marked the beginning of something more challenging, the outbreak of coronavirus. Friends of Woodbury Surgery stepped up to the plate to help and protect our more vulnerable parishioners. We are pleased to be involved with them and admire the work they have done.

We, as a Parish Council, will also have to adapt to our changing circumstances but we feel we are up to the challenge and will continue to try and best serve all our Parishioners.

Cllr Cheryl McGauley, Chairman, Woodbury Parish Council

ROUND AND ABOUT WELCOME A warm welcome to Helena, Andy and one year old twins Sam and Freddie who have moved to Woodbury from Northamptonshire.

Welcome to Katie Kinver and Sam Stone who have moved into Homecroft, Greenside. Katie has moved from Venn Ottery and Sam from Exeter.

DEATH As the most recent secretary of the Woodbury Football Club, I write to say that we were sad to learn of the recent passing away of Mrs Jean Gooding, a long standing committee member for many years.

Jean took on the role of club secretary in the mid 80s for a period of eight years and thereafter became treasurer, and the written records of minutes and balance sheets were a sight to behold, each one a calligraphic work of art which underlined her hard working and dedicated nature.

We express our condolences to her husband Geoff and all her family.

Will Bennett THE LATE PAM GRUBER’S FUNERAL Notification has been received from the funeral directors to the effect that a total of £240 of donations was received and passed on to FORCE. It was one of Pam’s favourite charities. Ernst is very grateful and would like to thank everyone who so kindly made a donation.

30

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS Colin and Lin Ashby would like to wish all Woodbury friends and neighbours warmest greetings for the Christmas season and hopes for a healthy and prosperous year in 2021. With special appreciation for friendship and support in the latter months of 2020. A donation will be sent to FORCE. Sue Bury sends Christmas greetings and all good wishes for a healthy 2021 to all her local friends. She is supporting ShelterBox in lieu of sending cards.

Margo and Ken Crundwell wish their family and all their friends a Happy Christmas and a good and healthy 2021. This year we will be sending a donation to Devon in Sight, an organisation that gives help to local people suffering from sight loss.

Gordon Davis wishes all his friends and neighbours a very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. Instead of sending Christmas cards locally, he will be making a donation to Stamma, the national association for stammerers.

Seasonal greetings and best wishes for Christmas and New Year.

Bill Fenwick.

Elspeth and John Fisher wish all their friends a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous, less restricted and joyous New Year.

We are giving a donation to Hope4Kibera in lieu of sending cards.

Ian Graham and family would like to say a heartfelt thankyou to all the wonderful friends and neighbours who have been so kind and supportive since Lynda passed away on 3 November last year.

We wish you all a safe peaceful Christmas and we will be making a donation in lieu of cards to FORCE. Carolyn and David Keep send Christmas greetings and good wishes for the New Year to all their friends. We have made a donation to Crisis at Christmas.

31

Peter and Christine Grist wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, peaceful and healthy New Year. This year, 2020, has been a strange and difficult year for us all in so many different ways, but the fantastic, friendly community of Woodbury and St Swithun's Church have kept our spirits up and have been a blessing in so many wonderful ways. We pray that 2021 will be a good year for us all. Donations in lieu of cards will be given to Devon Air Ambulance.

Chris Lear and family wish all a Happy Christmas and healthy New Year. We will be supporting FORCE. Wishing friends in Woodbury best wishes, good health and a very merry Christmas. Jean and Stephen Leger, supporting FORCE. Julie and John Maidment wish all our friends and neighbours Season’s Greetings and a healthy 2021. A donation will be made to Hospiscare, Budleigh Salterton Branch.

From Derrick and Marian Mead Best wishes to all our Woodbury friends for Christmas and 2021; let us hope we return to more normal times soon, but, we must be thankful that we live in Woodbury which is such a friendly and helpful community. A happy, and socially-distanced Christmas to you all. In place of cards we are sending a donation to St Petrock’s to help homeless people in Exeter.

Peter, Bridget and Matthew Williams send our very best wishes for Christmas and this winter season to all our friends, neighbours and fellow villagers, with health and happiness for the coming New Year. Instead of sending local Christmas cards this year, we are donating to St Petrock’s in Exeter and Macmillan charities.

As we approach the end of a very unusual year Ros and Warren Wright would like to wish all their friends and neighbours a very Merry Christmas and, above all, a happy and healthy New Year.

Stay safe and stay well (donation to Exeter Leukaemia Fund).

32

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

From Joyce Peachey You may be interested to know about my daughter Isobel Peachey's current and upcoming exhibitions. She is a printmaker and portrait artist and moved with my husband and me to Deepway Farm, Woodbury in March 2018, where she works from her artist studio.

She has prints in the three exhibitions listed below and these can be seen by going onto the exhibition websites or by visiting the exhibition in person at two of the venues:  The South West Academy Online Exhibition, Reflections. 4 November to 11 December 2020.  New Light Prize Exhibition 2020-21.

Works shortlisted are on show progressively in Scarborough, Carlisle and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and The Bankside Gallery, London, from Sept 2020November 2021, and in the Royal West of England Academy, Bristol, Annual Open Exhibition. 21 November 2020-7 March 2021 (delayed due to lockdown restrictions.)

WEATHER REPORT

October continued its stormy beginning with several bouts of heavy rain and wind throughout, producing a total rainfall of 114mm (4.5 inches). This is of course a little more than the last twenty year average of 96mm (3.8 ins).

Unlike many months, the October average for the first decade (2001-2010) 97.5mm, was very similar to that for the second decade 95.4mm. By the way rainfall during October 2019 was 115mm!

We shall have to wait and see if lockdown has any effect on November’s normally heavy precipitation.

Norman Cann

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).

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

33 FOOTPATH MUSINGS I look out of my window onto the sunlit oak: leaves brown, golden and green. The beech tree beyond still holds its golden skirt. The wind has already laid bare the branches on the chestnut. Beneath, if you search, different fungi grow, bright colours and dull for camouflage. So quickly they wither and drop their spores, only to reappear by magic in autumn the following year.

I know all of us have been affected by the heinous micro-organisms of the coronavirus, but to have the freedom - even in the most restricted times - to step out of the door, and soon be walking across fields or up onto the common, is a privilege not afforded to many city dwellers.

We are also lucky to have a very supportive parish council and a small grant from County Hall to help us maintain the many public footpaths and rights-of-way in our area. Tim Frampton and I, as volunteer footpath wardens, endeavour to keep an eye out for problems and I know many walkers do a bit of spot trimming, and picking up rubbish and dog poo. Thankyou! It all helps to keep our paths a pleasure for all.

Happy wanderings!

Judy Green

34 NOTABLE TREES OF WOODBURY IV As it’s that time of the year, I wanted to write a festively themed piece for this month’s tree article. This one’s a bit of a cheat, as my chosen species isn’t a tree and it isn’t very common in Woodbury. But it is a woody plant and it’s one that almost everyone will see around at Christmas.

Mistletoe (viscum album) is a mysterious native plant. Evergreen and semiparasitic (it can only be found growing on and exploiting other species but does photosynthesise through its green leaves), it appears to grow separated from the earth. Mistletoe species have a long history of cultural and magical use throughout the world, though it is we British who seem to have really taken it to heart. Around Christmas much mistletoe is imported from France, Belgium and Germany for sale here, and our very own famous botanist, the Reverend Keble Martin, described seeing a deck full of mistletoe on a cross-channel ferry in 1895. He recalled that the French were puzzled as to what we did with it: “Do you eat it?” they asked.

It is actually rather uncommon in Devon, with the last national survey of the plant finding only 1% of all UK sightings within the whole of Wales and the West of England. I personally only know of one plant in the parish, this being on an apple tree in a garden off Fulford Way. Not far away there are a few large and obvious mistletoe bunches hanging in a poplar tree near Fishers Bridge Mill in Topsham, and there are also a few trees that host it in Exmouth, including some in a horse chestnut at the top of Gypsy Lane.

No doubt there are other examples of mistletoe tucked away in gardens in the three villages. One of its peculiarities is that it seems to like the company of humans and is most often found on cultivated or managed trees. Apples (but not the wild crab apple) are its favourite host, with hawthorns, limes and poplars also popular. It is rare on oak and is almost never found in woodlands. Its favoured habitats are gardens, orchards or parklands. The photo is of a growth of mistletoe on rowan, an unusual host species, near Topsham railway station.

Despite its rarity on oak trees, the Roman writer Pliny described how the druidic priesthood of the Celts would send a white-robed priest to cut mistletoe from oak, using a golden sickle and catching it on a white sheet before it hit the ground, so that its magical power wouldn’t drain away. The plant seems to have an association with fertility, with our tradition of kissing under the mistletoe being a faint echo of that. A family publication like the Woodbury News is probably not the place to go into all the symbolism that might suggest an association with sex and fertility, so I’ll leave you to work that one out for yourselves.

One of the reasons that the plant seems to like to cohabit with us is that it is quite often spread deliberately by people. Birds are most likely to be its other main vector of propagation. They are partial to its sticky berries (hence mistle thrushes, said to be named after their liking for mistletoe). The sticky berries are excreted by birds or are wiped from their beaks onto branches, where they may then eventually take root.

35 It can be quite readily introduced on your own trees by mimicking this process.

Pick the berries in February if you can (or keep them in a shed after Christmas until then) and introduce them into a small slit on a reasonably sturdy branch (at least 3” diameter). Try and plant as many berries as you can because many will be eaten by snails or birds. You will need more than one plant if you want berries. It may be worth trying to secure the berries to the bark by some method. Sit back and wait and within two years you may be rewarded by seeing an initial green shoot, which will subsequently develop into the familiarly shaped pair of mistletoe leaves.

It will then take some years to develop into a plant big enough to harvest. If the plants are then pruned to stop them getting too big they shouldn’t have too much of an impact on the health of the host tree.

Choose a favoured species as a host - apples are the most obvious choice.

Perhaps this could be an extra addition to the Community Orchard in the future…

I hope you all have a good Christmas and get at least one kiss under the mistletoe this year.

Graham Joyce gmj@dartmoortreesurgeons.co.uk Is Covid giving you a problem to go out and buy that ideal Christmas present for a friend or loved one? My latest book on Woodbury has just six copies left from its production run of 100. This might be the solution to your problem, and I could deliver it to you if you are within striking distance of the parish, or you can come and pick it up. The book is hard backed and A4 in size, and contains 220 pages of Woodbury history in pictures. It is not a pure history book, but written with a bit of humour added. It should be a useful book for recent newcomers to the village, to be able to get up-to-date with what has happened here in the past. It is all now available for just £19.95. If you would like one, please contact Roger, first by email only, at rstokes@woodburydevon.co.uk and arrangements can then be made to get one to you. First come - first served!

36 RSPB AYLESBEARE COMMON RESERVE Festive wishes from the Aylesbeare Common team!

We hope you have a healthy and happy Christmas period.

The cows have left us. They have returned to their grazier, to be replaced by the herd of Dartmoor and Exmoor ponies for the winter period. Around the same time, clearance of the track sides down to Woolcombes Plantation took place, primarily to allow our tractors access down to the bottom, but with the added benefit of opening up some lovely views across the mires.

Ash dieback is something at the forefront of our minds at the moment. Along the stream on Harpford there are nearly 50 ash trees, and sadly all of them have ash dieback. Ash dieback is an introduced fungal disease that is fatal to between 75-90% of the European Ash in the UK, as they have no natural defence against the fungus. Young trees often die quickly, but older and larger ash may only succumb after repeated yearly cycles of infection – this can lead to branches in the canopy dying off and becoming brittle over time, which in adverse weather are prone to falling.

While the loss of ash trees is a huge blow to the British countryside and represents a tragic loss for many of our native species, where ash trees with severe dieback are present along public footpaths or tracks they can pose a safety hazard to our visitors. Where it is prudent to do so, we will leave what ash we can (in some places that will only be as standing dead wood), but those trees that we have identified as a health and safety risk will have to be felled.

Some felling of the ash near the ford has already taken place; the brashy ends have been made into habitat piles to benefit the insects and reptiles on the reserve – nothing is wasted! Ash dieback can affect garden trees as well – but there are plenty of resources available on the internet to teach you how to identify and deal with any dieback you might find on your property.

Finally, I want to mention the possibility of controlled burns at some point during the winter months. Swaling is the old English term for the controlled burning of large areas of heathland. Overgrown vegetation (particularly large stands of gorse) on the commons can detract from the value of the area for wildlife, and during the dry summer months can present a significant risk of wildfires. Wildfires are difficult to control and can destroy vast areas of sensitive heathland environment, threatening wildlife, grazing animals, and potentially human life and property. Swaling helps us manage leggy heathland vegetation, and clear the ground of dead heathers so that new growth can emerge. Areas on the Commons we intend to swale will have their fire breaks renewed to allow us to safely extinguish them once our target area has been burnt. All our controlled burns take place in an adequate period of dry weather between 1 October and 31 March, with the cooperation of the local fire department. We will put out notices before we intend to swale.

37 Species feature: This month the species I want to highlight is the hen harrier.

There are historic records of hen harriers roosting on Aylesbeare over winter, and although they haven’t been recorded in recent years, we still go out periodically in evenings throughout the winter in hope that one may make an appearance. The British Trust for Ornithology run Hen Harrier Winter Roost surveys each year to try and gain a picture of the population of hen harriers in the UK, a project which is now in its 38th year, and to which we have been contributing for the past 33 years. Hen harriers are one of our rarest birds of prey, yet they continue to be one of the most heavily persecuted. Smaller and slimmer than a buzzard, with narrower and more angular wings in flight, adult male hen harriers are light grey, with black-tipped wings and a white rump.

Females and juveniles are darker brown, with brown banded markings on the tail, and paler on the breast and rump.

Both adults and juveniles have bright yellow legs and eyes, and a distinct facial disk (the bird equivalent of cheekbones). Hen harriers nest on the ground in nests constructed mostly from heather, and, as with many birds of prey, the female is much larger than the male (around 400-600 grams compared to the male’s 300-500g), so that she can defend her nest from other harriers that try to invade her territory. Their diet chiefly consists of field mice and other small rodents, but they will also catch lizards, amphibians, and large insects when they can. Hen harriers pursue their prey flying close to the ground, alternating between stretches of gliding and rapidly fluttering their wings.

Ellie Woolway, Devon Reserves Administrator Exe Estuary (01392 833311) & Aylesbeare Common (01395 233655) Eleanor.woolway@rspb.org.uk. Mobile – 07834174541

Nature’s comfort in hard times The latest restrictions and uncertainty may have impacted our normal seasonal preparations, inconvenienced Christmas shopping, and prevented sociable festive get-togethers. However, nature has continued unabated in its annual readiness for wintertime.

Evergreens are symbols of life, being always green, even in the depths of winter. Anyone making the most of countryside walks will have noticed the wealth of fruit including rowan, blackthorn, hawthorn or the dog rose, and it’s hard to miss the scarlet displays against glossy leaves on broom and holly.

Folk legends or old wives’ tales claim you can tell how harsh a winter will be by the number of berries on rowan or holly. But plants cannot predict the future and this abundance has more to do with a combination of favourable conditions, such as the wet spring and warm summer we experienced this year. cont’d/...

38 CLINTON DEVON ESTATES cont’d/...

So, whilst this natural bounty cannot help us forecast with certainty how cold or bleak the winter season will be, the splash of bright berries against bare or evergreen branches can hopefully bring solace in these dark times.

Holly produces a proliferation of red berries (or drupes for any botanical purists) to sustain wildlife, especially mistle thrush and several mice species, on through the colder months. Garlands of holly were hung by our pagan forebears to entice woodland spirits into their homes. Sacred to the Roman god, Saturn, who was worshipped at the midwinter festival of Saturnalia, holly keeps us warm as a good firewood when seasoned and can even provide heat and a good flame when burnt green.

This evergreen with its spiked leaves and blood red berries was then adopted by Christians to represent Christ’s thorny crown and sacrifice, forever securing its link to Christmas.

Mistletoe has long associations with fertility and links with Ancient Greek and Druid mythology. The Romans associated mistletoe with peace, love and understanding, hanging it over doorways to protect the household. Early Christianity retained these traditions, hanging mistletoe for love and vitality, as well as protection against witches.

From the 18th century, references mention kissing under mistletoe, a tradition which you may continue to this day?

A parasitic plant, mistletoe takes up water and nutrients from its host tree.

Although it can inhibit a tree’s growth, mistletoe rarely kills it and can be managed to ensure both stay healthy. The female plants bear the white, waxy berries which are favoured by thrushes and blackcaps who in turn help the future harvest by wiping the sticky seeds from their beaks into the bark of trees.

Ivy does not take from or damage trees but simply uses them, or other structures, in its climbing endeavour to reach the light. Ivy’s late season flowers enable butterflies to build up reserves of energy to overwinter. The small dark berries provide a valuable source of food for hundreds of species, whilst its trailing nature and dense ground cover provide a year-round refuge for small animals.

The slight toxicity of some evergreen fruits means they will be consumed in lower numbers at any one time, so supplies last well into winter. More palatable to humans are those like rose hips, rowan berries or the fruit of the blackthorn, used to colour and flavour sloe gin. If you are fond of foraging, remember, like the birds, to take only a small amount from each plant, leaving plenty behind for other creatures to gather later.

Whatever beliefs or symbolism you hold true and however you choose to decorate your homes, bring some evergreen in too, so that hope and life may enter your homes this season. We wish you a very happy Christmas and a healthy and peaceful New Year from all at Clinton Devon Estates.

Kate Ponting, Countryside Learning Officer 01395 443881 kate.ponting@clintondevon.com

39

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EXE INTERIORS & HANDYMAN SERVICES for all home improvement requirements inc. painting & decorating, wall & floor tiling, bathrooms & kitchens, handyman service. Call Sean 07967 777396. (6/12) CARPENTER Chris Isaac Property Maintenance, Kitchens, Doors, Flooring, Fencing, Fascias/Guttering, Tiling, General Repairs. Free Estimates. Reliable tradesman. 07855 170674/01395 233933 chrisisaaccarpenter@gmail.com (8/12) 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@poshnosh.co.uk. (5/12) SYNERGI EVERTHING PLUMBING AND HEATING For all your plumbing and heating needs. Large or small jobs at fair prices. Boiler servicing, repairs and care plans. Local, reliable and efficient. Gas, Oil, and LPG. Tel Synergi 01395 542226. www.synergisw.co.uk. (7/12) MATHS TUITION: Experienced, female Maths teacher available to teach primary to GSCE level maths, 11+ and SATs prep. Now providing virtual tutoring and online support. Reasonable rates. Jane Moffatt on 07730 877889 janepmoffatt@gmail.com. (11/12) 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) RUBBISH REMOVALS Domestic and Commercial. Environment Agency licensed. No job too small. Tel: 0800 335 7610 / 07979 841376. www.rubbishremovalsexeter.com. (7/12)

40 BUSINESS ADVERTISEMENTS cont’d/…

COMPUTER REPAIRS AND UPGRADES; Broadband and wireless connections; Data recovery and backup; Windows, iPads and Apple computers, Virus and spyware removal; No fix no fee - Evening visits to suit you. Contact: Mark Doyle 01395 233694. (4/12) PROPERTY MAINTENANCE – James Waddell Interior & Exterior, Carpentry, Flooring, Fencing & Gates, Plumbing, Decking, Bathrooms & Kitchens, General Repairs. Free Advice & Estimates 01395 263496. (6/12) 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. (4/12) 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. (4/12) 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). (3/12)

WOODBURY NEWS ADVERTISING RATES

SMALL ADS: (3 lines) private £2.00.

(3 lines) Business £5.00 (£50.00 p.a.)

DISPLAY ADS: £17.00 ¼ page (£185 p.a.)

To: Karen Squires, Willowfield, Oakhayes Road, Woodbury EX5 1JT Tel: 233299 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.

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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

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Woodbury Salterton Village Hall 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

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.uk

44 Further to many recent enquiries:

Robert Miller Local Painter & Decorator of many years, is still in business.

A lifetime of experience!

All painting and decorating jobs considered.

Contact Bob on Tel: 01392 795689

01395 233773 or 07800 854839 THORNS COTTAGE, WOODBURY

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Welcoming New Patients A friendly, caring practice providing the very latest treatment techniques, in a relaxed setting:

 Routine dental care with oral health assessment

 Cosmetic dental treatments including whitening, implants, veneers

 Crowns made on the day of your visit, with no need for impressions!!

Facial Rejuvenation treatment Discreet clinics now available.

Speak to our friendly team.

Tel: 01395 442552

www.budleighdentalpractice.co.uk

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Woodbury Dance Studio RAD BALLET 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

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

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WOODBURY SALTERTON

W.S. TAXI 1 - 8 People LOCAL & LONG DISTANCE