WOODBURY NEWS
The cover picture this month is of Iris McKenna’s winning miniature garden. Iris is Bryony Giles’ granddaughter (see also page 12).
EDITORIAL
The chair of the board of directors, Jeremy Boyden, has provided the editorial this month, covering a subject that is close to the hearts of most of the villages’ residents. It is reproduced below and on the following page, and we thank him for this. See also details of the Woodbury Residents Association meeting on page 14.
In an age of wall-to-wall news, political claims and counterclaims, you may have heard the suggestion that our planning system is ‘broken’. The claim goes that our planning bureaucracy is failing to serve both a growing population, which needs somewhere affordable to live, and the developers and housing industry who can help solve the problem.
One thing’s for sure, broken or not, confusion seems to reign over our planning process. While our elected representatives from parish level to Westminster struggle trying to create a concrete blueprint for how many homes are required and where they should be built, developers seem to scent opportunity through this puzzling mess. This conundrum is faced by every community throughout the country. And Woodbury is no exception. Forty years after The Golden Heart’s Fulford Way development changed our community and helped breathe new life into the village, we are now facing proposed major projects on several fronts. The focus has been on the south and west sides of the village. The biggest plan is for up to 70 houses on the field next to Broadway. Two other applications have now been made for land either side of Globe Hill: one for up to 31 homes to the west and the other on the opposite side of Globe Hill for up to 28 homes. These are all outline planning applications, so details are bound to change and not all of them will be successful. But the fact that they have all been made this year and are under consideration by the planning authority shows the pressure for development in Woodbury. Many residents have already commented on the proposals. Most have found the proposals flawed and urge rejection. It will be up to East Devon Council’s planning councillors to have the final say but it’s important that as many residents as possible inspect what is proposed. Anybody can see all the documents relating to planning applications by going to the planning section on East Devon District Council’s website (https://eastdevon.gov.uk). You can also register for updates on the relevant plans and make your views known by making a public comment.
The East Devon District Council mobile phone app is also an excellent way of keeping an eye on proposed developments. The planning section includes a user-friendly map showing current proposals. Notices of applications are also posted next to proposed sites. Woodbury News carries reports from the parish council which highlight major planning applications. Unfortunately, in the confused world of planning, nothing is ever straightforward and balancing the pros and cons of planning proposals will always be a challenge for councillors, planners and those reporting on new developments. Woodbury News does not have the capacity, in space or manpower, to provide all the material for you to make your mind up about these proposals, but we would urge everyone who is interested in the future development of the village to look at the plans so that comments are based on fact rather than hearsay.
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
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Subscriptions: Jeremy Boyden, Rosemary, Broadway, Woodbury EX5 1NR. Tel: 233072
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ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH, WOODBURY
Vicar: Reverend Bill Lemmey 01395 232161
revbillwhitecross@gmail.com
Administrator: Jill Dupain dupain@hotmail.co.uk
SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES
3 September - 13th Sunday after Trinity, Holy Communion at St Swithun’s, 11.15. Evening Worship at Exton, 18.00.
10 September - 14th Sunday after Trinity, Holy Communion at Exton, 09.30. Holy Communion at St Swithun’s, 11.15.
17 September - 15th Sunday after Trinity, Morning Worship at Exton, 09.30. Evensong, 18.30.
24 September - 16th 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
David Elphick will be floodlighting the church on 29 September to commemorate the following two events:
Firstly for Audrey Elphick: “Wishing you a happy 90th birthday. With love from David, Colin, Sue and Harry.”
Also for St Andrew’s Church, Exton. 60th Anniversary of the current church; 160 years of the church in Exton.
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 - SEPTEMBER
3 & 10 - Mrs M Mead. 17 & 24 - Mrs J Jeans.
Please note, we will decorate church for harvest on Thursday 28 September.
Barbara HillWOODBURY NEWS to your door …
If you are a new resident to the area, or would like your Woodbury News to be delivered to your door monthly, just call Chris Bowers on 01395 239338 or email chrisbowers88@yahoo.co.uk and she will put you in contact with your local deliverer. Any queries regarding delivery of Woodbury News within Exton to be directed to Ann Morris on 01392 875666.
ST SWITHUN’S WEEKEND
The weekend of 15 July saw several events happening in the church to mark St Swithun’s Day.
The celebrations started on the Friday night with a concert in church hosted by Woodbury Community Choir and their guest performers. Prior to the concert, guests were offered a selection of canapés and a glass of Pimms. The programme commenced with three songs from the choir, led by Sarah Owen.
This was followed by a delightful performance by Rosie and Alice Davis, who played stirring Irish jigs on their violins. The audience were close to dancing in the aisles! This was followed by an excellent piece on the cello by Thomas Coldrick accompanied by Andrew Trewhella.
After a short interval we were entertained by Six Cabanes, a trio playing a variety of stringed instruments and an electric viola, whilst singing an eclectic mix of songs. We were then treated to a rare solo performance by Sarah Owen, who sang two beautiful folk love songs.
The programme finished with another three songs by the community choir. The music in the programme was interspersed with poems chosen and read by members of the choir. The concert raised £500 which was split between FORCE and Budleigh Salterton & District Hospiscare.
On Saturday the church held an Open Day. Refreshments were served throughout the day and Peter Grist organised and led tower tours. The bell ringers demonstrated bell-ringing using the trainer bell, and the handbell ringers also demonstrated their skill. The church was decorated by our flower team, with some of the displays using our embroideries. The altar fronts were also on display, as was the communion silver. We had quite a few visitors in the morning and there was a very happy, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere in the church. We also raised £338 for church funds. On Sunday, after tea and cake, there was a special service of Holy Communion in church at 18.30. The service was led by Ven. Andrew Beane, Arch Deacon of Exeter, and the intercessions were read by Chris Grist. The choir sang Locust Iste by Bruckner. In all it was a very happy weekend, and my thanks to everyone who helped in so many ways.
Sue HudsonWE WELCOME YOU TO OUR COFFEE & CAKE MORNINGS
ON
THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH IN WOODBURY CHURCH ROOMS, 10.00 – 12.00. DO JOIN US!
19.30 AT ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH, WOODBURY Landscape Change in the Last 50 years and Its Impact on the Wildlife of East Devon
A talk by Prof Patrick Dillon. Entry by donation – no need to book In acknowledgement of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Woodbury Wide Awake presents this free talk by former resident Prof Patrick Dillon. It's an updated version of the talk he gave in 2019 to mark the half-century since the death in Woodbury of Revd William Keble Martin, renowned botanist and author of the instant bestseller The Concise British Flora in Colour. The landscape Keble Martin knew probably had more in common with the landscape of medieval Britain than that of today, where the changes have been so dramatic. What would he make of the countryside today? He would be horrified, no doubt, by the loss of biodiversity to urbanisation and industrial farming, but intrigued, too, by the few species that have benefited from these developments. This presentation will look at land-use changes in the last 50 years and how they have impacted on wildlife, especially in and around East Devon where Keble Martin spent his last years.
Woodbury Wide Awake at di_wack@yahoo.co.uk. Diana
WOODBURY TWINNING ASSOCIATION
WackerbarthOn 30 July, we had our annual lunchtime barbecue at Deepway Farm. Thankfully the rain held off (mostly!) and we were able to enjoy a very relaxing and sociable event with grateful thanks to our hosts, Joyce and Cedric, and of course to our great cooks.
WOODBURY CAMERA CLUB
Woodbury Camera Club organised a day out in Otterton to see what shots we could capture. The weather wasn’t great but we still had some lovely pictures to show at our monthly meeting. The object of the exercise was to challenge ourselves to take something interesting despite the weather and the location. As it turned out, Otterton was a great location and apart from some lovely photographs, meeting together for coffee at one point in the day was also part of the enjoyment. The shots taken were very varied despite the difficult light and showed off Otterton and some of its quirkiness really well.
If anyone would like to join the club, please contact me for further information.
2023 Programme. Church Rooms, 19.30.
19 September – Talk by Gary Holpin on south west coast path.
17 October – TBC.
21 November – Talk by Met Office on weather photography.
12 December – Club Social.
Debbie Jung (debbiejung16@ gmail.com)
WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB FLOWER, FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SHOW
The Garden Club held its annual Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Show in the village hall on Saturday 5 August. The show has a great tradition, having been held every year since 1977 except for the halt caused by the pandemic. We will soon be able to celebrate 50 years! The array of silverware to be won is a tribute to the past, and the names on the various cups give an indication of some of the original members. A couple of trophies have been added since, the Challenge Cup for the members being the most recent.
Until recently the exhibits were judged according to rules and regulations set by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). As the club is no longer affiliated to the RHS, the committee has produced its own schedule, adhering to the standards set by the RHS but allowing for a more flexible schedule to suit our own village show and the changes within the gardening world. New classes have been included, e.g. penstemons are exhibited in a class of their own and there is a class for the best repurposed or upcycled item planted as a container. This can be anything from a welly boot to a beer can. John Patrick, an official RHS judge, judged according to the standards set, or the point system used by the RHS for individual exhibits, and he also judged according to what was printed in the schedule for the show.
If you attended the show, you may have noticed a vast difference in the pelargoniums grown by the members for the Challenge Trophy. We were each given a pelargonium plug called Apple Blossom. We had to grow them according to instructions supplied by the late Jean Carpenter, who was a long time member of the club and our pelargonium expert. She was also a member of the Pelargonium Society. My goodness, what a challenge it proved to be! As you will see from the photo, some did not grow at all despite repotting, an extra boost given to the compost, and much time and puzzlement shared.
The committee wanted to see the results en masse and photographed so that the supplier could be questioned about the growing conditions under which the plugs were developed. Anyway, the exercise gave rise to much discussion and chat, and perhaps next year we can try again! The results from the show are printed on pages 13 and 14 but there are a couple of interesting points I would like to share with you. The winner of the Francis Masson Trophy for the best pelargonium in the Pot Plants, Tubs and Hanging Baskets section was won by Ann Cann. Some time ago Ann attended classes led by Jean Carpenter and Ann’s pelargonium was grown from a cutting of a pelargonium Jean had once given her.
Tricia Willey, who won the Best in Show Trophy for a beautiful arrangement of cut flowers from her garden, included in her exhibit some unusual yellow catmint.
FLOWER, FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SHOW cont’d/...
It was also good to see exhibits in the Junior Section. Well done Rowan and Lana Richards for your ‘monsters’ and Iris McKenna for your miniature garden.
A very big thankyou must go to Debby Mullier, show secretary, Peter Grist, club chairman, and all the members for a successful show. There is always much to do before a show and on the actual day from printing presentation labels to baking cakes for teas.
The weather leading up to a show will often determine how many exhibits you will get on the day. June was hot and dry and that was followed by a very wet July, so not good growing conditions. However, well done Woodbury Garden Club for producing a show that was interesting and colourful, and followed a tradition of which Woodbury should be proud. Joyce Jeans
Prizes
Rita Brocklebank Vase Best in the rose classes: Joyce Jeans
Francis Masson Trophy Best in the pelargonium classes: Ann Cann
Michael Beeston Rose Bowl Best exhibit in flower classes: Margaret Wilson
Bob Clarke Cup Best tub. Bryony Giles
Oakhayes Trophy. Highest points in flower section:
1st Bryony Giles
2nd Ann Hildred
3rd Di Phaby
Woodbury Challenge Cup Members’ challenge: Joyce Jeans
Palmer Cup Best exhibit in veg and fruit: Debby Mullier
Woodbury Cup Best exhibit in fruit classes: Debby Mullier
Committee Shield Highest points in veg and fruit classes:
1st Debby Mullier
2nd Tricia Willey
3rd Ken Crundwell
Woodbury Park Plate Highest no of points overall in show: Bryony Giles
Junior Cup Best miniature garden: Iris McKenna
FLOWER, FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SHOW cont’d/...
Junior Cup
Best in Show Trophy
Best monster made with fruit and veg: Rowan Richards
Tricia WilleyWOODBURY RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
We are having a meeting, open to all Woodbury residents, on Wednesday 23 August at 19.00 in Woodbury village hall.
Cllr Geoff Jung will give a talk on the current and proposed housing applications. Cllr Ben Ingham will also be there. Jan Owen
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).
THE MOBILE LIBRARY IN WOODBURY
1 & 29 September.
The van stops near The Arch bus stop on the opposite side to the garage from 14.00 to 15.30.
Contact the Devon Libraries Service at info@librariesunlimited.org.uk or by phone at 0345 1551001 for more information.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty through Education
<hope4kibera.org.uk>
Charity Number 1189029
Back from Kibera and what a week it was!
Ten explorers have just landed back from a very successful trip to Kibera, Kenya. This was an actionpacked week-long visit which saw the ten thrust into all manner of activities.
First, we had a tour around the new building for Swahiba Networks, the partner charity of H4K. This is purpose-built, designed and delivered to support missionaries in Kibera, as well as opening the doors to the local population for outreach and events. It really was worth the visit. We had a humbling opportunity on the first day to talk with local pastors working in Kibera and the surrounding areas; it was fantastic to hear their stories as well as learning about the challenges they are currently facing. We were then able to make a real difference to children living in the slum: we washed their feet and gave them two new pairs of socks and a brand new pair of shoes. This might not sound like much but, for many of these children, this was the first new pair of shoes they had ever had. It was a joy to see their faces light up as they treasured their new gifts. We were then able to take on the bulk of the week’s work, including visiting widows in Kibera slum and visiting the school which has been partially funded by H4K.
We were accompanied into the slum by our hosts and met the widows in their homes, where we were welcomed warmly by these women who were facing incredibly desperate situations. We were able to give them food parcels of rice, beans, cooking oil, soap, sugar, tea and ugali - a local maizebased staple.
In our previous newsletter, we reported that the intention of this visit would be to check up on the school, which has been funded by your generous giving, and we certainly did that. We spent three afternoons in the school and were treated to dancing and presentations from the students; we took part in a school sports day and were able to talk and interact with all of the students. The aim is to enable the school to be as self-sufficient as possible. The first cohort of girls are preparing to take their national exams in just a few short weeks (we know they will do well!). This will, in turn, attract more students and make the school even more viable. We wish all the girls great success in their upcoming exams.
In addition to this, there was an opportunity to visit a young offenders institute for boys where we played football and heard some of their desperate stories. All too often these young boys are being detained without charge and without their parents’ knowledge.
It was a difficult week but one with some incredibly uplifting stories and experiences. The girls in the school are flourishing and this is all down to your donations, so we would like to say a heartfelt thankyou. We look forward to the H4K Quiz Night coming up in November (date tbc) and hope to see many of you there.
Gareth Hughes, Chair H4KHOLY TRINITY CHURCH
Farewell At the July Family Service Clare Rooke, who was leading the service, said farewell to the Keery family, who will be returning this summer to their native Ireland. Ian, Erin and their three boys have been part of our church family for some time, regularly supporting the family services, and Erin has been a much loved member of the church choir. We will miss them but wish them every happiness in the future.
What a splendid idea! The School Leavers’ Service, held in church on the last day of term, was led by teacher Mrs Nikki Wickes assisted by Mr Tim Naish. The leavers were surprised to be summoned one by one to take their place in the vicar’s stall where Nikki put a robe on them, a school tie and then a hat similar to one that a witch might wear. This was in fact the Sorting Hat (from Harry Potter stories). Mr Naish then addressed each pupil in a strange voice and said something about each individual child before deciding which school they would be sent to (Exmouth College, King’s etc). All the children were enthralled by this and it will be something they will doubtless remember for the rest of their lives.
Revd Sid Humphries gave a short talk and presented each leaver with a bible, a gift from the church. This will be the last year that the church gives copies of the bible to pupils as they leave the school. For some years now the church has been giving a child-friendly copy of the bible to each child as they start school, so they can look up at home the stories they learn in school and at their collective worship in church. This year’s leavers are the last group who did not receive a bible when they started.
Swede Rolling On Sunday afternoon, 10 September, the church is to try out a new idea for fundraising. Come and see how far you can roll your swede down the village road. Swedes must be bought from Debbie Jung so no-one can doctor their swede in advance to try and make it roll further! Tea will be served afterwards in the Glebe Field and posters will go up around the village giving further details nearer the time. Come and join us for a fun afternoon and support our church.
Katharine WheelerWOODBURY HISTORY SOCIETY
7 SEPTEMBER, 19.30, WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL
Topsham - Echoes of a Maritime Past
A talk by Jan Betteridge of Topsham Museum
All very welcome, members free, visitors £4 at the door.
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH - SEPTEMBER SERVICES
3 Sept. - Evening Prayer, 18.00.
10 Sept. - Holy Communion, 09.30.
17 Sept. - Lay-led service, 09.30.
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, EXTON
160th Anniversary, 29 September 1863 - 2023
In 1863 Exton was a small hamlet of about 200 people in the parish of Woodbury. In order to reach the parish church of St Swithun’s, it was necessary for people to walk well over two miles, across muddy fields to attend a church service. On 7 January 1863 the Revd John Loveband Fulford wrote to the Bishop of Exeter for a licence to hold services in a converted barn in the middle of the hamlet. The barn had already been in existence for some 200 years. It was first let to the church by The Hon Mark Rolle at a rent of two shillings and six pence per annum, and a year later in 1864 was given outright. The building having been converted, furnished and licensed, church services began, which were well attended. It became a central part of village life until 29 September 1960. A storm raged across the whole area with much flooding and the little cob and thatched church was destroyed. Several items were rescued with the help of everyone in the village. The cross and candlesticks were found on the foreshore, and the clerical and altar linen (which had been kept in a brick vestry at the back of the church) was also rescued. The linen continued to be used for several years in the new building and the cross and candlesticks can still be seen on the altar today.
In April 1961 Mr G Fane Trefusis, a son of Lord Clinton, offered to donate the area of land next to the site of the old church, where his cottages and gardens had also been destroyed in the floods.
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, EXTON
160th Anniversary - 29th September 1863 - 2023 cont’d/...
There was, however, a legal complication as the land had been part of a marriage settlement and could not be gifted outright. Solicitors suggested that he sold the land to the church at a nominal sum of £5. This he did and then gave a donation of £5 towards the building fund, making it a complete and generous gift. This, together with the site of the old church, provided the necessary land and so application for permission to build the new St Andrew’s church could be made. The new church was dedicated on 29 September 1963. The church was filled with 95 people and a further 100 people were accommodated in a marquee next to the church. If you are interested in learning more about the history and life of this beautiful and peaceful church, please contact me.
Audrey Elphick (01392 876909)
EXTON GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE AND CREAM TEA
Saturday 2 September, 14.30-16.00
Exton Village Hall * * *
CREATIVE GARDENING WITH BULBS
Saturday 7 October, 14.30-16.00
Exton Village Hall
DOG EXCREMENT IN EXTON
Doubtless other readers of Woodbury News will have seen in The Times of 29 July 2023 an article about the problem of dog-fouling and how different European countries are dealing with it. In parts of France, Italy and Spain, DNA tracking schemes are already in place. Dog owners register with their vet and provide saliva samples (of the dog!). The DNA can then be matched with dog excrement left uncollected in public places and a fine imposed on the owner. In one southern French town, dog owners are required to have a ‘genetic passport’ for their animal, using the same method. If they’re caught walking their dogs without one, they are fined. A much bigger fine is imposed if they are then DNA-traced through abandoned poo. Could this system be used in this country, one wonders? It could certainly help with the problem of dog-fouling in Exton. A small and increasingly angry group of Exton residents regularly collect other people’s dogs’ excrement, especially along the paths in the field at the bottom of the village, this in spite of the fact that poo bags are provided at both gates and there are bins opposite Barton Close and near the station. Still more distressing is that dog excrement has been found in the Goosefield, which is essentially our village green and home to family events. Think of small children in sandals, pushchair wheels and then dog poo – not a happy combination. Let’s all make that extra effort to preserve these lovely local amenities for everyone to enjoy – responsibly!
And by the way, a belated thankyou to the anonymous contributor to April’s Woodbury News who flagged up the same problem in and around Woodbury. Did the owner of the filled lime-green poo bag ever claim it?
Liz WilliamsWOODBURY NEWS CLOSING DATES
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
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.
ROUNDANDABOUT
FUNDRAISING Cream Teas
A very big thankyou to everyone who came to the Pimms and cream tea fundraising event on 22 July. It was amazing to see so many people enjoying themselves despite the continual fine rain. Thank goodness for the many gazebos in use, which had a new lease of life after Chris Sheppard spent many hours repairing and strengthening them after they had been used for the coronation celebrations. We also bought guttering to use between each one, so everyone kept dry.
We had almost a hundred people supporting the event which was in aid of both Woodbury and Ottery St Mary handbell ringers. We raised enough money to give £200 to each team which was amazing.
We have purchased four portable tables for our team which will be used for our practice nights, concerts and when we travel for mass ringing.
Ottery St Mary, who have been ringing for over 20 years, were very grateful for the donation.
Chris LearWOODBURY TWINNING ASSOCIATION PROGRESSIVE SUPPER
SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER
Members £20. Non-members £22.
Contact: Nita Goffron at nitagoffron@live.co.uk.
BUDLEIGH SALTERTON LITERARY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ITS 2023 LINE-UP CELEBRATING BOOKS BY THE SEA
An exciting line-up of well-known authors and speakers will be heading to the East Devon coast for this year’s Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival. The event, which takes place in venues across the town from September 2024, will also feature special tributes to its late honorary president, Dame Hilary Mantel.
Now in its 15th year, Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival has developed a reputation as one of the leading literary events in the south west; this year’s event is packed with a mixture of well-known names, emerging writers and panel discussions, as well as a full programme of events for children and families. See the website for full details of speakers and events and to book tickets - www.budlitfest.org.uk.
THE STORY OF ENGLISH
A short course conducted by Dr Edward (Ted) Neather
Have you ever wondered how an obscure Low Saxon dialect became a world language? This course might help to answer that question. Here are some of the themes I shall cover.
Who were the Celts and how much of their language remains in modern English?
The Romans occupied the British Isles for more than 400 years. What effect did that have on the language?
The traditional story telling of the arrival of the Saxons was told by the Venerable Bede: “In the year of our Lord 449… the nation of the Angles or Saxons, being invited by the aforesaid king, arrived in Britain with three long ships….” What are modern theories about the arrival of the Saxons?
1066, the Norman Conquest and Middle English.
The trilingual England of Geoffrey Chaucer.
Literary influences on the language – the Wycliffe Bible, Shakespeare, Milton.
The effects of Empire on the language.
American and other influences on grammar and vocabulary.
Regional variation and dialects of English
This short course of 10 x 1 hour sessions will take place on Wednesday afternoons at 14.00, starting in the village hall on 4 October. I shall not be taking a fee for these sessions but there will be a one-off charge of £15 per person for the whole course, to cover hire of the village hall and production of materials. If you think you might be interested, email me at e.j.neather@ exeter.ac.uk and I’ll send a complete programme and suggested reading materials.
Ted Neather
WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL
Flower Street, Woodbury EX5 1LX
SATURDAY 19 AUGUST, 10.00 - 16.00
SEACHANGE COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING FETE
SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER, 14.00 - 17.00
East Budleigh Road, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6HF
Exmouth Town Concert Band will be playing.
A visit from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue. Lots of stalls, a raffle, games, BBQ and a licensed bar. This promises to be a great day out for all the family, whilst helping to raise much needed funds for Seachange.
WEATHER REPORT FOR JULY
The drought of July 2022 was replaced this year by 110mm (4.3ins) of rain here at Ebford, just over half of which fell during the second week. The extra dry and warm weather of May and June caused a two-week early harvesting of winter barley, carried out between the rainy days of July. It is interesting too that a very similar situation occurred in the recent years of 2016 and 2017: drought followed by 116mm (4.5ins) of rain. Over 4 inches is about double for any July average here at Ebford. This seems to show that averages are no prediction of rain to come in any approaching month.
For number nerds only, the July average rainfall was as follows:
2010 to 2023 49mm, 1.94ins.
2010 to 2015 49mm, 1.94ins.
2016 to 2023 49mm, 1.94ins.
2018 to 2021 41mm, 1.62 ins.
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE!
Devon’s residents are facing a hosepipe ban despite a soggy spring. Is it down to poor management of this vital resource, or are large new housing developments draining our supplies?
Norman Cann
In his poem The Ancient Mariner, Devon-born poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge famously wrote: “Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink!” It aptly sums up our current situation in Devon where clean fresh drinking water is apparently in short supply, despite the wettest March in years and a rainy April too. So, who’s to blame for this predicament?
In my opinion, South West Water lacks foresight in its management of this most precious resource. In a county like Devon, you don’t need a crystal ball to know that the population will multiply over the summer as tourists flock to our green and pleasant county. You’d imagine the water companies would have algorithms to calculate the resulting rise in demand for water. Are they just erring on the side of caution by restricting hosepipe use now? More to the point, why are water reserves so low? Put simply, demand has exceeded supply. Why? Basically, because too many houses have been built without increasing water storage facilities.
Roadford Lake was the last reservoir completed in Devon in 1989. Since then, Devon’s population has rocketed, without, it seems, South West Water objecting to vast housing schemes like Cranbrook and Sherford. Extraordinarily, SWW is not even a Statutory Planning Consultee. It means those responsible for determining planning applications do not legally have to seek an opinion from the water company over the viability of supply, let alone sewage disposal. cont’d/...
Devon CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) believes this must change to give SWW the power to object to the glut of large-scale housing developments on farmland, which are (incidentally) destroying land capable of contributing to another vital resource - home-produced food supplies. Our charity commissioned a housing report in 2018 which clearly established that a third more houses than needed were being built in Devon. It seems this dystopian remit continues unabated, with recent aspirations to increase the size of already large developments at Cranbrook, Cullompton and in the Greater Exeter Region. The water supply crisis is only going to get worse.
Although statistics vary, it’s generally accepted that Devon’s population has risen by almost 36% since the 80s. Yet instead of extending the capacity of Roadford Lake to accommodate the rising demand, holiday lodges have been built on the surrounding land!
The UK’s water supply and sewage are inextricably linked; why on earth do we use drinking water to flush our toilets? Our sewage disposal mechanisms are broken too – sewage pollutes every river and almost every beach in the area, yet the Government has failed to insist that discharging effluent into storm drains must stop.
2022 was a dry year, so why were a number of districts served by SWW blighted by over 5,000 sewage discharges, amongst the largest of any area in the country? Clearly, it wasn’t because of excessive rainfall overwhelming the storm drains. No, it’s because there are too many homes with insufficient sewage treatment facilities. It’s time for some joined-up thinking or our drinking water and sewage crises are doomed to go from bad to worse.
To help us protect Devon’s countryside for future generations, go to www.devoncpre.org.uk.
Penny Mills, Director of Devon CPREWOODBURY NEWSADVERTISING RATES
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SMALLADVERTISEMENTS
Do you have a small plot of unused land? My wife and I are searching the Woodbury/Lympstone area, to erect a 1-2 bedroom timber lodge style dwelling. Any size plot or outbuildings would be considered. Tel: Les or Jane on 07912 290218 / email les.kennedy60@ outlook.com. (4/6)
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BABYSITTER Responsible, reliable and experienced babysitter available for work in Woodbury. References available on request. Please call or message Holly on 07766 732075. (3/4)
CARPENTER Chris Isaac Property Maintenance, Kitchens, Doors, Flooring, Fencing, Fascias/Guttering, Tiling, General Repairs. Free Estimates. Reliable tradesman. 07855170674/01395 233933 chrisisaaccarpenter@gmail.com. (5/12)
COLYTON 11+ THIS SEPTEMBER? Places still available for mock 11+ tests on 8 July, 20 August and 3 & 9 September at Lympstone Village Hall. For details call Jane on 07730 877889 or janepmoffatt@gmail.com. (5/5).
HOME HELP Mrs V. A. Perry: Experienced, reliable. Support with transport to social/community events, trips out/medical appointments. Support with shopping, household management. Companion service. DBS Enhanced Certificate, Insurance and references available. For a confidential, no obligation discussion of your individual needs and requirements ring 01395 232865 (5/6)
BED AND BREAKFAST Peaceful location situated in Exton. Website riverdownbedandbreakfast.co.uk. Please contact Tim on 07779 715222 or email timdashwood@yahoo.co.uk (6/12)
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. (7/24)
BEE SWARMS COLLECTED FREE OF CHARGE Also cash paid for unwanted bee keeping equipment - hives, tools, smokers, clothing etc. Call Nigel Moore on 07815 514997. Email:nigemoore007@gmail.com. (7/12)
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). (11/12) cont’d/...
