WOODBURY NEWS

With family in one direction and the sea in the other, I never fail to be amazed that Exeter, Woodbury and Exmouth can have completely different weather conditions at the same time on the same day. For the sake of all farmers and gardeners, I can only hope that the rain that fell at long last overnight (as I write this on 19 June) also fell on the city and the shore. I could actually get a trowel into the hard-baked soil on my allotment following the heavy shower, and was finally able to plant out the leeks that had been languishing in a flowerpot at home. The forecast for the next week promises yet more sun, so vegetables will still need watering. Thanks again to our weather man, Norman Cann, for regularly providing statistics on local weather conditions, past and present.

On reading through the first draft of July’s Woodbury News, I note that yet again some local organisations are appealing for help. In particular, the 24 Brownies of the 1st Woodbury pack are desperately in need of an assistant leader, or else they will be forced to disband. Do go along to their recruitment stall at the school’s Summer Fair on 1 July to find out more (see page 12). The National Trust’s quirky property, A la Ronde, in relatively nearby Summer Lane, Exmouth, is inviting anyone interested in helping in the house or the grounds to come along to their volunteer morning on 13 July to find out a bit more (see page 30). Or if you feel you would like to represent and help shape your local community, then maybe you could fill one of the two vacancies on the Parish Council in the Woodbury Salterton Ward (page 24). Those of us in Woodbury who are into forward planning are invited to go along to the meeting in the Church Rooms on 24 September to consider (shhh!) this year’s Christmas Living Advent Calendar!

Finally, a special thankyou to Richard Pleydell for his fascinating article and photos regarding the blue tit family who took up residence in a nesting box in Webbers Meadow. We welcome such articles of a local general nature, and encourage readers to have a go at writing something. Maybe there is a Brownie out there who can tell us what they do each week, and make a personal plea for an assistant leader…..

The cover photograph has been provided by Woodbury Primary School and shows excited youngsters crossing the wobbly bridge at Paignton Zoo.

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, Rosemary, Broadway, Woodbury EX5 1NR. Tel: 233072

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

ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH, WOODBURY

Vicar: Reverend Bill Lemmey 01395 232161 revbillwhitecross@gmail.com

Administrator: Jill Dupain dupain@hotmail.co.uk

Church Services

2 July - 4th Sunday after Trinity Holy Communion at St Swithun’s, 11.15. Evening Worship at Exton, 18.00.

9 July - 5th Sunday after Trinity Holy Communion at Exton, 09.30. Holy Communion at St Swithun’s, 11.15.

16 July - St Swithun’s Patronal Festival Morning Worship at Exton, 09.30. Holy Communion led by the Archdeacon, 18.30, preceeded by tea in church at 17.30.

23 July - 7th 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

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 - JULY

2 & 9 - Mrs B Hill. 16 & 23 - St Swithun's Festival. 30 - Mrs S Huish. Please note we will decorate church on Thursday 13 July for the Patronal Festival. Barbara Hill

ST SWITHUN’S WEEKEND

Come along and find out more about your parish church. Have a go at ringing the trainer bell, do a tower tour, follow the bee trail around the church whilst admiring the flower displays and church embroideries.

Refreshments available all day. Saturday 15 July, 10.00-16.00.

Summer Concert

Sue Hudson

Woodbury Community Choir and Friends invite you to an evening of Music and Words for a Summer Evening FRIDAY 14 JULY AT 19.00

IN ST SWITHUN’S

Church

Pimms and canapés on arrival (soft drink option)

Tickets £10 from Sue Hudson from 1 July.

WOODBURY NEWS SUBSCRIPTIONS 2023-24

Many thanks to all readers who have paid their subscriptions and deliverers who have collected payments over the last month. Please pass any outstanding payments to your deliverer as soon as possible. Subscriptions have been kept at the current level for another year. Although our costs have gone up, the directors have agreed the magazine will absorb the increases. The annual payment of £6 covers a whole year of the Woodbury News from July 2023 to June 2024 - just 50p per month, delivered to your door.

Jeremy Boyden, Chairman

WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR COFFEE & CAKE MORNINGS ON THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT WOODBURY CHURCH ROOMS, 10.00 – 12.00 DO JOIN US!

SupportingYouinYourLocalCommunity

NEW BENCH FOR ST SWITHUN’S CHURCHYARD

Those attending the first of the summer lych gate stalls were also witness to the unveiling of the new bench. The bench, crafted by Murrough MacDonnell, is made from cedar of Lebanon wood, which was given by Graham Joyce. The bench is not only a functional piece of furniture, but also a beautiful piece of artwork demonstrating Murrough’s craftsmanship. Using the natural features of the wood, he has created a unique design, with the inscription Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.

We are very grateful to Murrough and Graham for this gift to the church and hope that it will be used by the people of Woodbury and our visitors for years to come.

Sue Hudson

Woodbury Cricket Club

It was a difficult start to the season as we endured the remnants of a wet March and April. Fixtures eventually began on 13 May.

The 1st Xl had an excellent start and, despite losing to Clyst St George, they are currently top of E Division. There have been a number of stand-out performers, but the consistent batting of Matthew Moretta, Steve Boundy and Ross Jarvis has helped to set challenging totals or chase down opposition scores. Sam Harries has also made a great start to first team cricket.

It has been more difficult for the 2nd Xl who, at the beginning of the season, suffered from some players not being available. However the situation has much improved recently and they recorded their first win of the season against Feniton.

The club will be looking to integrate more colts who wish to play adult league cricket in the future. Colts training on Friday continues to go well and the support from parents and coaches is much appreciated. As part of improving facilities for all who wish to play cricket, the club has just had the practice net refurbished with a new surface.

Ian Hughes

WOODBURY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

On Thursday 14 June Woodbury WI members had their annual outing. In beautiful sunshine, they boarded the Stuart Line Pride of Exmouth for a day cruise to Brixham. There were plenty of seats on deck or below to choose from, but in ideal weather, everyone chose to sit in the sunshine.

Jake, captain of the ship on the day, gave an excellent commentary on all the sights and told us about wildlife to look out for during the hour-and-a-half trip. This was apparently the first for three weeks as the sea had been too rough. We were amazed because the weather onshore had been seemingly calm.

We saw a number of seabirds and were told to look out for dolphins. We did actually see a pod of five or six dolphins on our return journey.

After a delightful cruise we landed in Brixham with the prospect of two hours to explore the harbour and enjoy an al fresco lunch, before the return cruise to Exmouth. At 18.15 a very happy group of ladies got back to the quay after a lovely day out in perfect weather. Grateful thanks were given to Rosemary who had organised the outing.

Lin Milsom

Woodbury Village Golf Society

Dainton Park - Thursday 18 May

What a glorious day - and it was the Devon Show when it is always wet - but not this year! We had a good journey down to Dainton Park, and thanked our lucky stars we were not travelling the other way where an accident caused a very long hold-up for travellers going to Exeter. On arrival, we were able to sit outside on the patio and enjoy our coffee while our chairman, who had travelled from Cornwall where he was holidaying, and the two Pauls, Saunders and Crafer, organised the day. We were 19 players again, so 5 x 3 and 1 x 4.

The course was in great condition but was a tricky one with a teaser of an opening hole with water in front of the green. Ten players managed to score 30 points and over. At the end of the day we had an excellent carvery –something that Dainton is very good at – and finished off with a blackberry and apple crumble with ice cream.

Just one 2 was scored - yet again by David Moore on the 15th hole – well done David. Nearest the pin was Graham Gie on the 8th. For the teams, in third place with 72 points Roger Norman, Graham Gie and Jeremy Browne; in second place with 77 points Simon Davies, Peter de la Mare, Paul Wright and Bob Haddow; and the winners with 80 points Peter Heron, Nick Jones and Stewart Price. For the individuals, in third place Paul Crafer with 34 points, in second place David Moore with 35 points and the winner Nick Jones with 38 points.

Stover Golf Club - Thursday 8 June

It was another sunny day for our visit to Stover Golf Club - a nice short journey for a change, with no hold-ups. There were 18 of us, making a tidy set of 6 x 3, and one guest – Morton Middleditch – who was welcomed by the chairman.

The course, for those who have played it before, is now very different. The change was made to accommodate the widening of the A382 which runs alongside. The old front nine is now the back nine, with three new holes added. Some walks between green and tee were very long, and your correspondent and his partner were very happy to have a buggy. The greens were fast and in good condition. The grass on the edges of the mature course was quite lush and long, so it was not good to go in there.

Ten players managed to score 30 points and over – the same as Dainton. There were six 2s, Peter Heron (8), Martin Meredith (8 & 16), John Maidment (16), Paul Crafer (16) and Jeremy Browne (16), so the £36 kitty was severely chopped. Nearest the pin was Martin Meredith who was in the last group and just sneaked inside the marker, which was already 2 feet from the hole (no hard feelings, Martin!). For the teams, in third place with 77 points Martin Meredith, Stewart Price and Paul Woolley; in second place with 78 points Tim Kirk, Peter de la Mare and David Moore; and the winners with 81 points were Paul Saunders, Nick Jones and Paul Wright. For the individuals, in third place Tim Kirk with 33 points on countback. There were five 33s: three with 20 points on the back nine, with Tim winning through with 7 points on the back three; in second place Peter de la Mare with 34 points; and the winner Martin Meredith with 37 points. The next meeting is on Thursday 13 July at Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club. Established in 1891, it was moved from West Cliff to East Cliff in 1911. It became an 18-hole course in 1921 and was then extended in 1989 with a new clubhouse also being built. There are lovely scenic views over the sea, shore and countryside. The signature hole is the sixth which is only 129 yards long but has a drop of 90 feet!

Cream Tea With Pimms

Come and enjoy a cream tea with Pimms at Greenside, Greenway, Woodbury

SATURDAY 22 JULY, 15.00 - 18.00

Home-made scones, tea and coffee will also be served.

Cream tea £4.

Cream tea with Pimms £6. Proceeds in aid of Woodbury and Ottery handbell ringers. Looking forward to seeing you relax in the garden.

Instead of the usual monthly talk, members of Woodbury Garden Club enjoyed a colourful and beautifullyscented visit to RHS Garden Rosemoor on 10 June. Although the advertised Rose Festival was not due to take place for another week, the recent weather had favoured the roses, which were already in full bloom, and especially impressive was the Queen Mother's Rose Garden. The extensive gardens also featured an abundance of other plants, including foxgloves, geraniums, clematis and philadelphus.

No-mow-May meant that the meadow was full of grasses and wild flowers, including orchids; and the orchard looked likely to produce a good crop in the autumn.

Those of us prepared to walk a bit further found a magnificent display of fruit and vegetables - where were the slugs and other creepy crawlies, I askand I returned somewhat disheartened to find my allotment struggling to produce anything even resembling a vegetable, let alone a ripe strawberry! The next meeting on 11 July is back in the village hall, when the talk will be Favourite Herbaceous Plants.

Sue Bury

SATURDAY 1 JULY, 11.00 - 15.00

Free entry. Bouncy castle, inflatable football darts, craft stalls, games, face painting, ice cream, glitter tattoos, entertainment, archery, yummy food and much more.

We will also be holding a silent auction so are looking for donations of prizes.

If interested in hosting or manning a stall, email: ptfawoodburyschool@yahoo.com

1st Woodbury Brownies

The Brownies were really excited recently to find that they had received a card and a letter from Buckingham Palace thanking them for the coronation cards they had made and sent to Buckingham Palace for the coronation.

The Brownies are still looking for a new Assistant Leader. If you think you might be interested, please come along to the Woodbury School PTFA Summer Fair on 1 July where we will have a recruitment stall, or contact Debbie (woodburybrownies@yahoo.com) for more information. No previous experience is necessary but be prepared to share in lots of fun and laughter along with 24 enthusiastic girls.

For Guides, contact Helen Ellis (h.ellis142@hotmail.co.uk).

For Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, contact Donna Gover (donna@1st woodburyscouts.org.uk).

Puppy Training At Woodbury

In spite of my fractured femur, the April/May puppy training course went ahead as planned due to Jenny Osborne, an experienced dog trainer from Exeter Dog Training Club, agreeing to cover the classes for me. As a result I am pleased to announce that the following dog handlers and their puppies achieved the Kennel Club puppy obedience certificates.

 Lyn Duggins with Layla - golden labradoodle

 Jayne Maerchant with Vinnie - brindle boxer

 John Pyne with his puppy

Congratulations to everyone.

Our next puppy class will commence at the beginning of September. All enquiries to Margaret Edwards. Text 07470 268707. Email edwardsm22@sky.com. Margaret Edwards

WOODBURY SURGERY Flu vaccine update

Eligible patients will start to receive invitations to book in for their flu vaccines from mid-July. The clinics will start in September and will include Saturdays, early mornings and evenings, as well as during the working day. We encourage you to book as soon as possible to help us plan any additional clinics.

Staying well this summer

Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Make sure you remember to:

 Stay hydrated, have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.

 Wear sunscreen, light clothing and a hat.

 Seek shade when needed, especially between 11.00 and 15.00.

 Try to avoid activities that make you too hot and ensure you take more breaks.

 Keep your living space cool by keeping windows closed during the day and open at night when the temperature has cooled. For more information and advice on how to cope in hot weather, please visit the NHS website.

Whether you'll be having a tropical adventure, a lazy beach retreat or a welldeserved staycation, we wish you all a lovely summer and thank you for your ongoing support.

Grass Cutting

The Parish Council has appointed a new contractor for cutting grass in all open spaces and play areas.

Between April and October, this will take place fortnightly.

Woodbury News Closing Dates

17 JULY. 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 Mayday, Coronation and Picnic

At the end of May we had a celebration for May Day and the King's coronation. We welcomed families to a community picnic, held on the school field. Ice creams, tea, coffee and cold drinks were available courtesy of our PTFA, and children and adults alike had the opportunity to ring the simulated bell kindly manned by Woodbury bell ringers. After the picnic, the youngest boy and girl in school were crowned by our school parliament leaders. They paraded around the playground and started the afternoon by ringing the bell. Each class then sang a celebration song and either performed a country dance or a maypole dance. The afternoon culminated with Year 6 children throwing the maypole ribbons and asking everyone to join in with three cheers for Woodbury School. It was a wonderful afternoon of entertainment, and I would like to thank the staff and all the volunteers who made it such a success.

Art Week

Straight after half term the children had an art week, organised by our art leader, Mrs Blakesley. She arranged for guest speakers to talk about being an artist and also how art can lead to all sorts of different careers. The focus was on the different landscapes of Devon, which coincided with Devon Day. The children produced zines (booklets) demonstrating different art techniques - these were displayed in the hall in an art exhibition, and the PTFA laid on cream teas. Thank you to all who made the week such a great success; the children have really been inspired.