WOODBURY NEWS
JUNE 2020
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JUNE 2020
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EDITORIAL
It is with much sorrow that Woodbury News records the unexpected death on 13 May of Shelagh Vale, who was until quite recently a long-serving member of the Board of Directors. She regularly attended meetings, and was primarily involved in the task of bundling some 680 copies each month for distribution to the deliverers. We offer sincere condolences to her family, who will be sending in an obituary for publication next month. The 75th anniversary of VE Day dawned sunny and bright, an ideal day for all the planned celebrations in our villages. Sadly this was not to be the case, as social isolation meant that only family groups and selected others could meet up together. But in the true spirit of the occasion, Sandra Huish laid a wreath at the War Memorial in Woodbury, accompanied by an unusual rendering of The Last Post (page 12). There were sounds of good humour and neighbourliness as adjacent properties enjoyed their anniversary tea and scones. We are pleased to publish a few photos of the day, and thank those who sent them in. We are also grateful to Audrey Elphick, who sent in a copy of the letter she received as a child from King George VI (pages 14 and 15). The beautiful weather of recent weeks has lifted spirits and those of us lucky enough to live in the country have been able to walk or cycle in the fresh air and sunshine. It seems that every tree and flower has excelled itself this year – magnificent wild flowers and flowering hedges, and in gardens the lilac and wisteria in particular seem to be competing to throw out the best blossoms. The air everywhere in the world is far less polluted, and certainly locally distant views seem sharper and clearer. The articles about St Swithun’s churchyard (pages 10 and 11) and from the Clinton Devon Estates (pages 25 and 26) illustrate the importance of continuing to look after our environment. Another important article to ‘read, mark, learn and inwardly digest’ comes from Woodbury Surgery and is a sharp reminder that Covid-19 has not gone away, even if we are lucky enough in the West Country to have relatively few cases. Dr Crawford stresses the fact that the surgery is still operational, only in a different format from that we have been used to in the past (pages 6 and 7). Again, we are fortunate to have a group of doctors, dispensers and other staff who carry on working under such difficult circumstances. Thank you. Just follow the guidelines about how to contact the surgery, when and how to collect prescriptions – and don’t hesitate to contact them if you or your children are unwell. COVER PHOTO by Andy Lewis (pages 10 and 11).
4 ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH, WOODBURY Associate Priest Reverend Nigel Mason. Email: revdnigel540@gmail.com Administrator: Jill Dupain dupain@hotmail.co.uk As the church is locked there will be no paper copies of our Digest Newsletter available in church, but we are continuing to produce the electronic version. If you would like to receive the link to this, please send your email address to st.swithuns.digest@gmail.com.
FLOODLIGHTING ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH Many of you will have noticed that the church floodlighting has been on continually. The church wardens wanted to do this as a “symbol of hope” during the stressful times of coronavirus and the social isolation that goes with it. Edie Marx would like floodlights to mark the date of Jack’s 100th birthday on Tuesday 26 May “It would have been Jack’s 100th birthday and I still miss him.” Joyce Jeans would like floodlighting on 29 May to celebrate Mike’s 83rd Birthday, “With love from all the family.” Lin and Colin Milsom Ashby are sponsoring floodlights to celebrate family birthdays: Tim on 1 June, Edward on 12 June, Colin on 18 June, Rachel on 20 June and Laurel on 24 June. 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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WOODBURY NEWS 2020 CLOSING DATES 16 JUNE. 15 SEPTEMBER.
14 JULY. 18 AUGUST. 20 OCTOBER. 17 NOVEMBER. 8 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
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6 WOODBURY SURGERY Important Covid-19 Update In these unprecedented times we want to thank you all for your adaptability, commonsense, and kindness to your neighbours and community. We know that many of you have been supporting your vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, and we particularly want to thank Friends of Woodbury Surgery for co-ordinating daily prescription deliveries to our most vulnerable shielding patients - this has been vital in keeping many safe. In Devon we have been largely spared, with only 1 in 1,000 patients confirmed as having been infected with Covid-19, one of the lowest infection rates in the country, and we are now several weeks past the first peak. For most of us this has been a period of social and economic disruption and anxiety, but with only a tiny number of us having been unwell due to coronavirus. We are relieved and grateful for our safety so far, but it does leave most of us without antibodies, and therefore vulnerable to second or third waves of Covid-19 in the summer and, more worryingly, this winter. Coronavirus is still circulating: in early May one estimate was that 150,000 people in England were currently shedding the virus. For this reason, all GP practices must continue working in the new way that we have adopted since lockdown. We will continue a ‘total triage’ system, meaning that we deal with the majority of issues by phone, video or e-consult. For a minority of patients, if we decide that a clinical examination, blood tests or injection is needed, you will be invited by a GP to come into the surgery. To keep everyone safe we will be wearing PPE for all face-to-face contacts, and we would ask that, in line with government guidelines, you wear a cloth face covering if you are attending the surgery for a nurse or GP appointment. We want to reiterate that we are still here for you. We are especially keen not to miss any patients with symptoms that might warn us about cancer, so if you have new but persistent symptoms causing you concern, please do take a look at the symptom checker on our website woodburysurgery.com, and call us if you are worried. We are happy to discuss your concerns with you and arrange examination, investigation and referral if needed - NHS fast track cancer referral services are running as usual. Over the next phase of easing lockdown we will start to invite selected patients back for cervical screening, annual blood tests etc, prioritising the most urgent or overdue patients first. Our dispensary team has coped admirably with the massive surge in demand at the beginning of lockdown, and they continue to adapt to national drug shortages. From 1 June we are asking that all routine dispensary collections are between 13.00 and 18.00, continuing from the side door. This will help separate dispensary footfall and traffic from vulnerable patients coming into the surgery in the morning.
7 If you are able to collect a batch of prescriptions on behalf of family or neighbours, please consider doing this to minimise the number of visitors to the dispensary and help with social distancing. It’s important that we make best use of this summer to prepare for the coming winter, which could present real challenges with a cocktail of rising Covid-19, seasonal flu, and regular winter coughs and colds. While we do not expect a Covid-19 vaccine to be widely available this winter, we CAN protect you against seasonal flu and pneumonia. If you are over 65, or in a vulnerable group due to a medical condition, you are eligible for a one-off pneumococcal vaccine providing long-term protection against pneumonia. We will be contacting patients who are eligible over the next few weeks to offer you the pneumonia vaccine, and we will be running outdoor clinics in our gazebo. Flu vaccination plans are being considered carefully in light of the need to maintain social distancing. It is likely the vaccinations will be delivered very differently from previous years - possibly drive-through style. And finally, there have been massive improvements in availability of coronavirus testing over the past few weeks. It is now possible for anyone aged over 5 who has symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste) to access antigen testing via the NHS website. There is further information here and tests can be booked online, and we hope that these tests will link in to a contact tracing system. Dr Elizabeth Crawford
www.woodburysurgery.co.uk/news/prescription-collection
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).
8 WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB Plants are still for sale! Thanks to the hard work of Garden Club members and friends, flower, vegetable and herb plants have been supplied to the village for the last six weeks – and more are still available. We have so far raised over £400 to be divided between the Exmouth Community Larder, FORCE, St Swithun’s Bells Fund, RNLI, RBL and the Garden Club. Thanks to all our growers and customers, some of whom have added donations, for their enthusiasm and generosity! Please visit the website to find out what is available, and where it can be collected from. Call 232462 if you don’t have a computer. Delivery can be arranged if necessary. We will continue to sell plants as long as we have any to sell. https://woodburydevonplants.wordpress.com/
The Planters in the Arch By the time this is published, the large square tubs in the Arch will have been planted up as usual by the Garden Club. This year they will be filled with pelargoniums grown by the late Jean Carpenter. Any gaps will be filled in by cuttings which are still being brought on. Jean also grew the flowers around the War Memorial, which always looks a picture! We are hoping villagers will enjoy these floral tributes to Jean for the rest of the summer. Debby Mullier
9 WOODBURY HISTORY SOCIETY
“Ancient and Modern!” Due to the current Covid-19 lockdown, the History Society was unable to hold a normal committee meeting in a member’s house. Therefore, those who are normally studying the 'ancient' history of the parish, took to a 'modern' method to get over this problem. They took to Zoom to hold their first virtual meeting, which was very successful, and all members were present. This is not the first time that the society has used modern methods to promote the history of Woodbury. Two years ago on a very high tech scanner, they scanned over 11,000 pages of past local history, which is now up on the society website for all to see. Quite clearly, the old and the new can work to each other’s benefit, and who knows what might come next. Roger Stokes
WOODBURY NEWS to your door … Under normal circumstances, Woodbury News is delivered each month direct to your door. However, this delivery service has been temporarily suspended, with issues available online only. https://issuu.com/woodburynews
10 MANAGING ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH AND GROUNDS FOR BIODIVERSITY The Reverend William Keble Martin’s connection with Woodbury parish and his passion for botany and botanical illustration inspired the Woodbury Wide Awake Festival (WWA) of 2019. Earlier this year, the organising committee met to consider what the legacy of the festival could be. A collective desire to encourage a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural environment emerged as a key theme. One of the most serene and contemplative green spaces in the parish - St Swithun’s church and churchyard, which dates back to the 13th century - was suggested as a location where this aspiration could be explored. The churchyard was the setting for one of the WWA events last May, Robin Harford’s edible plants talk. Burial grounds can be surprisingly rich in biodiversity and support a fantastic array of different species. Agricultural intensification, development, pollution and the everyday use of chemicals has had a negative impact on biodiversity, but burial grounds tend to escape these changes and offer us a glimpse of a past world. With some simple horticultural and ecological interventions, the churchyard can be managed to promote these rich habitats. The Church of England (2020) describes churchyards as ‘important for their habitats and as refuges for wildlife and plant life’ and encourages management and use of churchyards in a way that is ‘appropriate and respectful’. Churchyards are also refuges for people, as well as places for burials and remembrance, so need to be managed in a sensitive way. Managing Churches and Grounds for Wildlife (2015) suggests undertaking a survey to identify which species are present before developing a management plan for the churchyard. A good example at the moment would be delaying grass cutting to allow lady’s smock to flower and provide a food source for the orange-tip butterfly. The management plan will detail cultural techniques to encourage greater wildlife uptake. Robin Harford’s edible plants talk during the Woodbury Wide Awake Festival last May (Diana Wackerbarth, 2019)
11 Our aim within the churchyard is to create a space to enjoy where everyone feels welcome. This is difficult to achieve at the moment with the closure of the churchyard. Rest assured, pollinating insects and other wildlife have no regard for the government’s present guidelines for social distancing and congregating! At such difficult and challenging times, it’s worthwhile considering life Orange tip butterfly feeding on purple beyond this current impasse, honesty, Woodbury Salterton (April 2020) where the community will be welcomed to celebrate times of happiness such as christenings and weddings. At a point where we have greater opportunities to reflect and take stock of our lives, we must take care of ourselves and the places where we live. We are involving the community and key stakeholders such as the council and the contractors responsible for the maintenance and development of this important amenity and cultural resource. We would like to create a floral welcome for those entering the church and along the bank facing the cottages, and we’d love to create an attractive, nectar-rich feeding station for pollinating A drift of lady’s smock naturalising in a insects. hay meadow in Clyst St Mary (April 2020) The churchyard is a unique place, at times busy and at other times when quiet, it is infrequently visited by people paying their respects or just enjoying the peaceful environment amongst the headstones. This quietude is also great news for nesting birds. So, in future if the churchyard is looking a little straggly or in need of a trim, it’s deliberate. We’re not self-isolating, just the opposite: we’re inviting all creatures great and small ... Andy Lewis, Head Gardener, private estate, Exeter Instagram @andy.d.lewis Woodbury Wide Awake website Woodbury Wide Awake Facebook page
12 WOODBURY AND DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
On 8 May a wreath was laid on the War Memorial to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day.
Due to the restrictions in place, the bugler for the Last Post and Reveille was supplied by Chris Lear and her iPad
The lone figure of Sandra Huish, Chairman of the Woodbury RBL, placing a wreath on the War Memorial.
13 In the afternoon many residents enjoyed a cream tea in their own gardens, eating scones made by Chris Lear who very generously donated her takings of ÂŁ220 to our branch Poppy Appeal. Thank you, Chris. We hope to lay a wreath in August celebrating Victory over Japan, VJ Day, the final end of World War II. Our Wednesday coffee morning group are keeping their spirits up tracing family history, gardening, taking a daily walk and chatting from a distance over the fence. What a gift this weather is for us all! Sandra Huish, Chairman Woodbury RBL
14 VE DAY MEMORIES I was 11 years of age on VE day and King George V1 sent a letter to all school children. On the back are listed all the main actions of the war, together with their dates.
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The photo of the children at a street party was taken on VJ day but was also celebrating VE day because many of the men were still at war with Japan on 8 May. My sister, slightly older than me, my young brother and I are sitting on the righthand side of the table (I am leaning backwards with a ribbon in my hair). We lived then in the borough of Barking, Essex. The cake you can see was from ingredients saved up by all the mothers of the children, from their family rations for that month. My father worked in the London Dock maintaining the cranes for loading and unloading the boats. Audrey Elphick
16 WOODBURY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL We continue to be open to support the families of keyworkers, and we are accommodating a higher than national average number of children. They are enjoying a range of learning, set by their class teachers, and in the afternoons focus on themes linked to practical experiences and art and craft. We have been making the most of the good weather, spending time on the school field, in the garden and tending to the pond. The children who are learning at home are also working very hard and the teachers are delighted to receive photos and updates, via Google Classroom, about what they have been doing. They have also been enjoying a ‘catch-up’ over the phone, finding out what has been happening since school has been closed.
More information about what we have been doing, both in school and at home, can be found on our school and class blogs under the ‘News’ section on our website.
17 This lovely poem was produced by Archie – Year 5. Lockdown Life School is out, no one about, lockdown life, is pretty strange. Missing friends, I hope it ends, endless days, pass by in a haze. Learnt to bake, and mow the lawn, no longer awake, at the crack of dawn. The sun is shining, thankful for my garden, new adventures to be had, more time with dad. Bike rides galore, more time to explore, family fun, home schooling with mum. Feeling happy, feeling hopeful, sometimes fun, but sometimes stressful. This pandemic has got to go, before I forget all the things I know. World War II and VE Day Celebrations To commemorate Victory in Europe Day, the children at Woodbury School took part in a series of activities throughout the week, both at home and in school. The older children completed various projects on World War II and all about VE Day, ranging from powerpoints, to diaries, letters and posters.
18 WOODBURY PRIMARY SCHOOL cont’d./... Many children were holding their own VE Day parties at home and shared with us their brilliant baking skills GBBO, watch out! For those in school, we participated in a national sing-a-long on Thursday morning, which included lots of wartime classics such as We'll meet again. The children's favourite was Run Rabbit, Run Rabbit, which could be heard throughout the day! On Thursday afternoon we held our own, socially distanced, VE Day style street tea party in the playground, staff and children working together to decorate the playground with flags. We sat down to some delicious squash and specially decorated cakes and listened to some 1940s music. Then the children took part in some VE Day papercraft activities, making model spitfire aeroplanes and party bunting. We continue to wish that you all stay safe, happy and well. Gillian Pyle (Head of School) 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: Anna Crafer, 15 Haymans Orchard, Woodbury. Tel: 232007
19 A SAFER WOODBURY Following a fabulous start to the Woodbury campaign and the backing of the Parish Council and our MP, we have had a very quiet period because of Covid-19. Unfortunately, due to the virus, any meetings that had been planned were cancelled and news stories lost their momentum, but we are not giving up and we still have our online petition. Since the 'Stay Alert' announcement and towards the end of April, the traffic coming through Woodbury has been gradually returning to normal levels, giving rise to another close shave on the crossing. The police have been informed on four separate occasions but in their last reply it seems that unfortunately we are not a priority and have been left to our own devices as they attend the bigger, busier roads. We are slowly picking up where we left off but, rest assured, we will make our voices heard yet again. Kim Bates, A Safer Woodbury, Woodbury Traffic Campaign WOODBURY TENNIS CLUB In the middle of May I should be writing that tennis for the summer is well underway, with the two men’s teams and the mixed team having embarked on their 2020 campaign. However, that is now all in my imagination. Both Exeter and East Devon Leagues have cancelled their summer programmes and all club sessions have been cancelled too. However the courts are now available for restricted private play and, since the indoor courts in Exmouth and David Lloyds are not operating, there has been a good demand for our courts, and we have had a number of new members signing up. Thankfully most of our former members have rejoined, so the club is in a healthy financial situation. The local and national LTA have been supportive and have returned this year’s subscription. The club has the financial resources to revisit one of the most pressing problems (for the past 50 years!) of upgrading the hut and providing a toilet on site - a much desired objective. There are many in the village who were seeking this move in the 20th century (never mind the 21st). We hope that the good weather continues and members can participate in one of the permitted sporting activities. We still have room for a few more members. Pat Browne 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
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WOODBURY SALTERTON NEWS HOLY TRINITY CHURCH The new vicar zooms in! Morning Prayer has been held weekly for churches in the Mission Community via Zoom. Revd Nigel Mason has been leading the Wednesday sessions and on 11 May Jill Dupain (Administrator) invited our new vicar Revd Bill Lemmey and his wife Daphne to join in. Revd Bill led the worship. This was the first opportunity many have had to see and hear him. THE WI TO THE RESCUE An appeal went out from the RD&E Hospital to the Devon Federation of WIs for headbands for their staff. The masks which have to be worn were causing irritation and soreness over the ears, so a pattern was sent for a headband which tied on and had buttons each side, over which the mask tapes could be hooked. There was a speedy response from WI members and soon the hospital had received 1,500. Then a further appeal went out for another 500 for use in community hospitals. 41 headbands were sent from Woodbury Salterton WI. These were made by Gill Bricknell, Brenda Randle, Katharine Wheeler, Ann Short, Carole Shortland, Valerie Davieson, Debbie Jung and Jenny Kemp. Katharine Wheeler WOODBURY SALTERTON VE DAY BUNTING
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WEATHER REPORT April showers were very slow to arrive this year and the first half of the month continued the near drought of the second half of March. The first significant and useful rain, 9mm, fell on Friday 17th and was followed by two cool, cloudy days, which minimized any evaporation. However, before that, any garden planting or sowing had been carried out with a watering can close at hand! However, what might have been a very dry April was mitigated by three wet days at the very end of the month, yielding 22mm, almost an inch of rain. So April’s total here at Ebford was 33mm (1⅓ inches), rather less than our 20 year average of 49mm or about 2 inches. No predictions would be at all sensible for the month of May! Norman Cann 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.
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.
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EXTON NEWS ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, EXTON From: Revd Nigel - Greetings and Hello If you love me, you will keep my commandments John 14 verse 15 I was struck with the words Bishop Nick used at the VE commemoration at Plymouth Hoe on Friday 8 May when he reminded us that “evil dictators or regimes and acts of evil are loud and aggressive whilst acts of goodness and good itself, are quiet and self-effacing.” He also quoted Theodore Roosevelt, the US President who said (at the Sorbonne in Paris in April 1910): “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena … who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause.” Our recent Gospel reading was St John’s Gospel Chapter 14 verses 15-21 when Jesus asks us to love him and to carry out his commandment to love one another, with the gift of another, “the Advocate,” to help us – someone to prosecute the cause of goodness: the Spirit of Truth which abides within us! “Always remember,” a mother tried to teach her young daughter, “that we are here to help others.” The little girl mulled these words over for a few moments before she replied, “well, what are the others for?” In this continuing crisis we continue consistently, I pray, in supporting others with acts of kindness and in holding each other in prayer, as “others” do for us. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, recently gave an online school assembly where he said, “Lots of you will have sad reasons for remembering this year: people who are ill, people who have died, fear, the lockdown, economic worries, pressures at home, rows, and difficulties. There’ll be lots of things that you’re going through. What do we do with that? For Christians, it’s all summed up in a word: Hope… hope of life, hope of purpose, hope of peace, hope of justice, equality and a good future.” We certainly are going through lots of things and we live in uncertain times, in this country and throughout the world. But hope for the future is everpresent. And what we achieve, actively if we can and in prayer from our own home, for others near and far, is what we may “strive valiantly” individually to achieve. “The Spirit of Truth is with us for ever.” God bless you all – and those you care for and pray for, near and far. Revd Nigel revdnigel540@gmail.com
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ROUND AND ABOUT BOO TO A GOOSE THEATRE will provide a free outdoor performance of their awardwinning show The Magic Garden for Woodbury families when lockdown guidelines allow. Please 'like' our Facebook page to keep up-to-date about this and our other performances for children and families. We hope to see you all safely soon. https://www.facebook.com/bootoagoosetheatre/
WAITING TO BE FOUND This little fellow is waiting patiently for someone who has lost him to come and bring him home. He can be found at the bottom of the steps leading up to St Swithun’s Church in Church Stile Lane. Do let the editor know when he has found his family.
FRIENDS OF WOODBURY SURGERY The coronavirus crisis As we are all aware, the devastatingly rapid spread of this virus has turned all our lives upside down. We are extremely pleased that FOWS has been able to offer help to those in need in our community by being at the coordinating centre of a large network of volunteers. These volunteers are delivering medications to folk who can’t get to the surgery to collect them, doing food shopping and deliveries, and generally offering support to those isolated and housebound. We are so gratified by the amazing response from people in all sectors of our village community – they are doing an extraordinary job. Val Arndt If you need help, or would like to offer yourself as a volunteer, the number to call is 01395 206123 * * Please be aware that, unfortunately, the answerphone message only kicks in after ten ring tones. We are unable to change this at present as it appears to be a factory pre-set ‘option’. So be patient when you call us the message will materialize and it will be answered!
24 Roger Stokes has just published his latest book on Woodbury, to complement his original book produced in 1999. The book is a hard-back and A4 in size, and contains 220 pages of Woodbury history. 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. The book is a compilation of almost five years of weekly pieces he did for the Exmouth Journal between 2007-2011. He recalls many of the events, people and happenings throughout his 78 years of living here, and before. It is not a pure history book, but written with a bit of humour added. If you were here between 2007-2011 and had bought all the editions of the Journal, it would have cost you over £100. It is all now available for just £19.95. If you would like a copy, please contact Roger first by email, at rstokes@woodburydevon.co.uk and arrangements can then be made for you to get one. This is currently a limited edition of 100 copies, so don’t leave it too late. You may not get a second chance! CRYPTIC CITIES QUIZ Example: Q. Multiplying by 2. A. Dublin (doubling) 1. Is this the place to get plastered 2. Put father in a paper receptacle 3. Reserve a peaceful break 4. 3 times the 5th letter 5. Incinerate something 6. Sounds like the French think Mrs Taylor’s good 7. A cockney’s little pet makes a water barrier 8. Hades sounds very black 9. Make cow vehicle 10. Alone and mixed up 11. Hated by many at Christmas 12. Removing the angry 13. Rooster appears after sudden noise 14. The male is more sick 15. Ring tailed primate 16. Spike Milligan hurried Answers next month
Mike Wallwork
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Natural connections A glorious spring has helped those who have been able to go out to take a break from work or confinement, to exercise or find solace by spending time in the natural world. For over six weeks many of us rediscovered the simple pleasure of walking from our front doors, taking time to notice individual birdsongs from the blackbird, the skylark or the cuckoo and, in time for VE Day, the patriotic display of wildflowers such as ‘red’ campion, ‘white’ cow parsley and stitchwort, plus bluebells growing in the hedgerows. With many appreciating the countryside as an incredibly important resource for our recreation, health, and well-being, those less familiar might need a gentle reminder that it is not just a playground for our downtime but a living, working landscape which is there to be enjoyed but needs respect. Explaining the serious impact to livestock health if dogs stray into fields, or that cyclists ought not to take shortcuts on footpaths, should be straightforward. With the public having a better understanding of these issues, visitors can help farmers to produce our food and everyone can share countryside spaces safely. A harder task is to impress such messages on those who feel they are entitled to build dangerous and damaging jumps and pits in woodlands which are open to all. And it is almost impossible to engage with the small minority who are so keen to improve their own environment, but also happy to dump garden and household waste on a nature reserve for someone else to deal with. Thankfully, although fly-tipping has been a time-consuming frustration, most visitors to the Pebblebed Heaths have been extremely respectful. Perhaps the increased appreciation during lockdown or having time to explore further, means many seem keener to understand more about the site and how it is managed. With passers-by increasingly keen to stop, chat and find out what the conservation team are doing and why, work can sometimes take longer than anticipated. However, after some very quiet weeks the rangers have enjoyed the interest and have taken the opportunity to explain and to remind visitors of their responsibilities to special sites like heathland, with ground nesting wildlife and grazing stock. Adders are now active and inquisitive dogs can sometimes pay the price. On sunny days, these native, venomous snakes can be found across the heaths as well as on the coast path and other countryside areas. Keeping dogs close to heel on paths is the best way to prevent a snake bite and will also reduce disturbance to ground nesting birds and to livestock too. The connection with nature may be welcome, but the disconnection from other people may be harder to reconcile for those normally used to attending school, employment or a myriad of social interactions each week. We have recognised the importance of staying in touch with our volunteers, who normally work on the Pebblebeds or other parts of the Estate every week.
26 CLINTON DEVON ESTATES cont’d./... We catch up on our regular work party day at coffee time by videolink. Taking time to check in more regularly and maintain the small, simple connection with others we see regularly is key to their well-being too, especially if they have been kept away from the spaces they love. We are all looking ahead to the time when we can be outside in our special places, working together and appreciating both. As I write, the most stringent restrictions are finally loosening. The challenge will be to maintain these connections as life slowly moves back to full speed again. Stay safe / stay connected. kate.ponting@clintondevon.com 01395 443881
FOOD FOR THOUGHT There are various claims as to the authorship and the era of this piece of writing. Whether it was composed in 1869 by Kathleen O’Mara, a French/ Irish Catholic writer and Paris correspondent of The Tablet and reprinted during the 1919 Pandemic, or more recently by Kitty O’Meara in Wisconsin is immaterial, but it is a very thought-provoking piece. And people stayed at home And read books And listened And they rested And did exercises And made art and played And learnt new ways of being And stopped and listened More deeply Someone meditated, someone prayed Someone met their shadow And people began to think differently And people healed And in the absence of people who lived in ignorant ways Dangerous, meaningless and heartless The earth also began to heal. And when the danger ended and People found themselves They grieved for the dead And made new choices And dreamed of new visions And created new ways of living And completely healed the earth Just as they were healed
Sent in by Anthony Appleton
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BUSINESS ADVERTISEMENTS Colyton 11+ this September? Places still available for mock 11+ CEM tests on 5 July, 29 August and 5 September at Lympstone Village Hall. For more details contact Jane on 07730877889 or janepmoffatt@gmail.com (1/3) 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 (2/12) 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. (5/12) ALTERATIONS TO LADIES AND GENTS WEAR, MADE TO MEASURE CURTAINS AND ROMAN BLINDS, ALTERATIONS TO CURTAINS. Contact Shirley on 01395 223523. (7/12) 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. (10/12) 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. (10/12) 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. (10/12) 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. (11/12) EXE INTERIORS & HANDYMAN SERVICES for all home improvement requirements inc. painting & decorating, wall & floor tiling, bathrooms & kitchens, handyman service. Call Sean 07967 777396. (12/12) PROPERTY MAINTENANCE – James Waddell Interior & Exterior, Carpentry, Flooring, Fencing & Gates, Plumbing, Decking, Bathrooms & Kitchens, General Repairs. Free Advice & Estimates 01395 263496. (12/12)
28 BUSINESS ADVERTISEMENTS cont’d/... ROOFING Woodbury based RWI Roofing Specialising in Slating, Tiling, Re-Roof, New Roof, Repairs, Guttering. For a friendly, reliable service call Ray 232926, or 07988 691051 (As recmd in OurLocalExpert.co.uk). (9/12) MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER - providing services such as nail cutting, corn and callus removal, thickened nail reduction. For appointments please call 01392 949030 (7/12) 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. (4/24) RUBBISH REMOVALS Domestic and Commercial. Environment Agency licensed. No job too small. Tel: 0800 335 7610 / 07979 841376. www.rubbishremovalsexeter.com. (1/12) EXE CLEANING & DOMESTIC SERVICES All types of cleaning and other chores around your home. Call 01392 879592 (*) 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. (1/12)
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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Mike Dickson Gardening All Jobs Considered Specialist in hedge cutting, shrub pruning and grass.
Tel: 07985 697205
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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
32 Further to many recent enquiries:
Robert Miller Local Painter & Decorator of many years, is still in business. A lifetime of experience! All painting and decorating jobs considered. Contact Bob on
01395 233773 or 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