November 2019

WOODBURY NEWS

NOVEMBER 2019

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NOVEMBER 2019 EDITORIAL

There are a few requests scattered amongst the pages this month – some asking for fairly minor practical help, and others for help in facing quite major financial undertakings.

Hope4Kibera, a Woodbury-based charity to be launched on 29 November, will facilitate secondary school education for children from the Kibera slum in Nairobi by funding staffing at the new school, and will also ‘bring hope through food and medication’ (see page 31).

Much nearer to home, the ‘Outstanding’ Maytree Pre-School is facing its own financial crisis: it can no longer afford to run from the village hall, but modernisation is needed to the Scout and Guide Hut before a transfer there is possible. Please do try and support their fundraising events, starting with the Fashion Show on 1 November, and consider how you might also be able to help out either financially or by joining the Board to Trustees (pages 12/13).

Everyone is invited to attend the AGM of the Friends of Woodbury Surgery on 25 November, when appointments must be made for the key roles on the management committee and discussions will take place about the future of this organisation (page 11).

Holy Trinity Church is encouraging villagers to support their own fundraising events (page 22), and Judy Reeves, the new Director of Music at St Swithun’s Church, is encouraging those who enjoy singing to join the choir, even if only over the Christmas period (page 6).

We are all also encouraged to build a water feature – this could be a minipond in a container, a bog garden or a much larger pond which would attract wildlife. At the same time, suggestions are given for ways of reducing water loss and use, and ways of using grey water (page 9). Wild-Woodbury, launched some three-and-a-half years ago, gives advice about habitat improvement for local wildlife, and reminds us of the devastating effects of using garden chemicals (pages 36/37).

The cover photograph shows one of the many exhibits in St Swithun’s church at Harvest Festival. It was assembled by Roger and June Hann, using produce kindly provided by Dart’s Farm.

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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 Circulation: Beverley Simcox, 2 Beeches Close, Woodbury. Tel: 232858

4 ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH, WOODBURY Associate Priest: Reverend Nigel Mason email: revdnigel540@gmail.com SPECIAL SERVICES Monday 11 November, 10.45 - Remembrance Day Service on the Green with the Royal British Legion.

ST SWITHUN’S SUNDAY SERVICES - NOVEMBER 1st Sunday: 11.15 Holy Communion. 2nd Sunday: Remembrance Sunday, 10.45 Remembrance Service and Holy Communion. 3rd Sunday: 11.15 Holy Communion. 18.30 Evensong. 4th Sunday: 08.00 Said Holy Communion, 09.30 Breakfast Service (including Thanksgiving for the life of Revd Keble Martin). Mondays at 09.15 Morning Prayer.

NEWS AND EVENTS Lych gate stall in church - Saturday 2 November, 09.30-11.00.

Woodbury PCC Monthly Draw - Draw made at the lych gate stall on the first Saturday of each month. Details from Margo Crundwell 01395 232826.

Further information - Digest available in church. To receive this by email, please send your email address to st.swithuns.digest@gmail.com FLOODLIGHTING ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH (dusk until 23.00) For your special event, contact Mike Jeans 01395 232544. Floodlight dedications are displayed on the church noticeboard at the lych gate.

CHURCH ALTAR FLOWERS - NOVEMBER 3 - Mrs C Keep. 10 - Remembrance Sunday, 17 and 24 - Mrs B Hill. Many thanks to everyone who helped to decorate church for Harvest.

FoSS (FRIENDS OF ST SWITHUN’S) After a quiet autumn, FoSS will be hosting another concert in November.

On Tuesday 13 November at 19.00 Exeter Singers, under the direction of Tony Yates, will be performing in the church. On this occasion we are delighted that they will be joined in the first half by Woodbury School choir.

It has long been the aim of FoSS to support and include local choirs, so it is very appropriate that the school joins us in St Swithun’s church. Tickets, at £7.50 adult (children free), are available from committee members and Rook Pie, but also on the door.

The 2020 programme of events is in the planning stage: the AGM and supper concert will take place in church on Saturday 25 January. There will be a spring concert with Devon County Junior Choir on Saturday 25 April. We have had four very successful summer concerts with Exeter University Chapel Choir, but they have been booked for a bigger event and will not be returning to Woodbury next year.

Pat Browne

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6 ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH CHOIR As the recently appointed Director of Music at St Swithun’s I thought I might share a few thoughts about the 4-part church choir, which supports the services every week.

I very much like having a choir to work with. Playing the organ can be a lonely business and it is great to share the music with a team of committed, enthusiastic singers. The choir are an inspiration to me, and I have a great deal of respect for them. Why? Well, several reasons. Perhaps the most important is because they are such a lovely group of people, always kind to each other, considerate, positive and friendly. They are patient and helpful towards each other; they are always willing to try new things and don’t give up easily. Oh and yes, they are great singers as well!

I am in awe of their dedication and commitment. They turn up week after week - on Wednesday evenings for choir practice, and on Sunday mornings for the main weekly service. I have never asked them why, but I suppose it is for a variety of reasons: they must enjoy singing, and the challenge of singing different things every week, some familiar and some new; they must enjoy being together and gelling as a team; they must enjoy being able to contribute their skills to the church and enhance the services; they must enjoy the services themselves with their message of love, peace and faith in these hectic, sometimes callous times; maybe some of them have just got into the habit of coming as they have been singing at the church for years.

I only have one problem with the choir, and that is that it would be nice if there were more of them. It may be that there are some people in Woodbury who might like to join them. There are advantages in being part of such a friendly loyal group; there are advantages in singing regularly, both for physical and psychological health; you don’t get paid, but then again, you don’t have to pay a subscription, like you do for most choirs; you get to know some interesting and beautiful music; you get to sing in the lovely surroundings and acoustics of the church; you get to have fun and laugh a lot at practices; and there aren’t any fearsome auditions.

It’s just the time and commitment, I hear you say. Well there is truth in that, but we all understand that choir members have lives and holidays and get ill, and can’t be at every practice and service with the best will in the world.

We are starting to practise carols for Christmas in November. How about just joining us for those and singing with us at Christmas? It will give you a flavour of what it is like to be part of the choir, without making a long-term commitment. And if you like it, stay on afterwards!

If you are interested, please contact me, Judy Reeves on jd.reeves1@gmail. com.

Judy Reeves, Director of Music 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.

7 WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB Water, Water Everywhere!

Members enjoyed a fascinating talk by Becca Flintham who has worked in nature conservation around the UK, and now gives talks and runs environmental education sessions. She began with an unpromising quotation from Reginald Farrer, a plant hunter in the early 20th century, who gave this advice ‘to those about to build a water garden – DON’T!’ However, Becca soon showed us how misguided that advice was. Modern research has shown that water in the environment – whether in your garden or elsewhere – has a positive effect on our health and well-being.

Early water gardens were formal, from the calm and shady Islamic gardens of Iran to the spectacular fountains of Europe. In the 18th century a more naturalistic effect was sought, for example at Compton Verney where the lake has been blended into the landscape. A later example is Monet’s waterlily garden at Giverny in France.

If you are creating a new pond, she recommended a pond party to get your friends to do the digging! Use a plank with a spirit level across the hole so that you don’t end up with one bank higher than the rest, and be sure to have different depths and gently shelving sides so that hedgehogs, for example, can get themselves out if they fall in. The deepest area does not need to be more than 30cm. She showed a selection of liners but warned against concrete because it is hard to repair once, inevitably, it cracks. Butyl rubber is best as it is flexible and does not degrade in sunlight. Remove sharp stones before lining the hole with thick newspaper, carpet or fabric manufactured for the purpose, before putting the liner in place. A preformed pond will need large pebbles (like our popples) or plants in baskets placed at the sides to enable creatures to escape. cont’d/...

8 WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB cont’d/…

If space or child safety is an issue, choose a free-standing water feature or have a mini-pond in a container. It is best to fill your new pond with rainwater but, if you have to use tap-water, then leave it for a few days before introducing plants. Don’t worry about your pond being a breeding ground for mosquitoes - fish eat the larvae, and the little pipistrelle bat can eat 3,000 mozzies in one night! If you have trees nearby you can still have a pond – just scoop out fallen leaves in the autumn.

Moving on to plants, Becca began with some non-native ‘baddies’ which now can’t be sold, such as Azolla (fairy fern), parrot’s feather and floating pennywort; from a small fragment brought in perhaps on the feet of a duck or a plant given by a friend, they will quickly spread to cover even large bodies of water, crowding out your plants, shutting out the light and reducing availability of oxygen in the water for fish and other creatures. If you need to dispose of invasive plants, either burn them, or ‘cook’ in your compost heap. Native plants for damp areas and pond margins include kingcups, meadowsweet, loosestrife, ragged robin, yellow flag iris and the beautiful native fritillary. These are invaluable for wildlife, providing nectar and food plants for insects such as the orange-tip butterfly whose caterpillars feed on cuckoo-flower (aka milkmaids, cardamine pratensis). Wait for 6 – 8 weeks before introducing fish, but wildlife – frogs, toads, dragonflies – will find their own way.

Tidy up your pond in early autumn, removing dead leaves and about a quarter of the growth from established ponds; tiny duckweed and smothering blanket weed should be removed as soon as seen, before they spread too far. Barley straw in a hessian sack, sunk with stones, will help reduce blanket-weed or you can lift it out with a bamboo cane.

A bog garden is basically a pond with earth. Bog plants like lots of organic matter (such as garden compost) in the soil, and prefer acidic conditions, so use rainwater unless your tap-water is naturally soft. Native plants and garden flowers such as ligularia, hosta, astilbe and japanese primrose will enjoy the damp conditions. You can even introduce carnivorous plants such as the native butterwort or more tender sarracenia, the pitcher plant.

9 Lastly, Becca described recent research on the effects of climate change.

Increasing temperatures are putting more energy into weather systems, so that extreme weather is becoming the norm: dry spells are getting longer and hotter, rainfall heavier with floods seven times more likely than they were, winds are stronger and storms more frequent than they used to be. We were astonished by the quantities of water we use every day (which includes that used to produce our food and clothing).

So what can we do in our gardens to reduce water loss, help wildlife and mitigate climate change? Stop using peat-based composts for a start, as there are many good alternatives these days. Before its extraction, peat holds a lot of water (helping to decrease flooding) and a great amount of carbon, which is released as the greenhouse gas CO2 when we use it. We can create our own ponds and bogs, and use water-butts or storage tanks to collect rainwater for the garden. Do the watering in early morning or the evening to reduce evaporation, wetting the earth rather than the leaves. We can use ‘grey water’ too (though not in ponds), from showers, baths, and washing vegetables in the kitchen. This should be kept in a container with a lid to keep light out if it is to be stored for a while. Mulches in the flower and vegetable garden will reduce evaporation; use garden compost or leaf mould on flowers and veg, bark chips around soft fruit, and gravel to cover the compost in tubs and pots. Garden centres supply artificial mulching fabric, where you cut holes to plant your vegetables through, then when the crop is harvested, remove it and store for re-use next season. You might think it’s not worth you bothering, but in that well-known phrase, ‘Every little helps’!

Our next talk, on 12 November, is entitled Winter Cheer, Spring Tonic, and we have a Coffee Morning and Plant Sale on 30 November – see box on page 13.

Debby Mullier FRIDAY NIGHT FLIX 25 OCTOBER - 19.30 (doors open 18.45) WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL Further details from fridaynighfflix.wvh@gmail.com MAYTREE PRE-SCHOOL FASHION SHOW FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER, 19.30, WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL Gin and fizz bar, nibbles and cakes, local craft stalls, raffle, tombola and lots more.

Tickets £5, to include a glass of fizz or elderflower bubbly.

Contact Ellie Richards on 07719 904026 or ellie.phaby@ live.co.uk.

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10 WOODBURY VILLAGE GOLF SOCIETY St Mellion International Resort - 10 October Very smart - a room to ourselves! We played on the Kernow course. The day was dull and a bit damp with many challenging holes, but the greens were in very good condition. It was no surprise that only 11 players scored 30 and over, with the top score being 35. On arrival back at the clubhouse, the excellent shower was very welcome and was followed by drinks in the Nicklaus bar and a good meal in our allocated room. This was the Chairman's last outing as leader and he just missed winning many of the prizes available on the day. He thanked Mike Ingham for his generosity in making some of the extra prizes possible. His guest, Graham Gie, was also welcomed.

There were only two 2s and both of them were also nearest the pin. Winners were John Maidment on the 14th and David Moore on the 16th. There was a prize of a bottle of wine for nearest the pin on four out of the five par 3s, with a sleeve of balls allocated to the 16th. The other three winners were Paul Crafer on the 3rd (the only person on the green), John Maidment on the 5th (yes again!) and Tony Beck on the 7th.

As regards the teams, equal 3rd with 75 points was team 6, John Smith , Jeremy Browne and Richard Perry; team 5, Tony Beck, Robin Jackson and John Beever; 2nd place with 76 points team 2, Simon Davies, John Maidment and John Collier-Marsh and the winners with 78 points team 1, Paul Saunders (ah yes - our Chairman), Graham Gie and Julian Turnbull.

There were four prizes for individuals. In fourth place with 33 points, Tony Beck (on count back with Paul Saunders), in third place with 35 points Peter Heron (on count back), in second place with 35 points (on count back) John Beevers and the winner with 35 points Julian Turnbull who also won a complimentary round of golf for four at Dainton Park. Well done Julian great to see you back on the golf course and winning again!

This was the last outing of the season - it has been an excellent year and many thanks to Paul Saunders for all his hard work during his time as our Chairman.

The next event is the AGM which will be held at The Maltsters Arms, Woodbury on Tuesday 19 November starting at 18.45 - please try to be there at 18.30. Let the Chairman know if you can come along.

Jeremy Browne, Past Chairman WVGS FoSS AUTUMN CONCERT TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER IN ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH AT 19.00 Featuring Exeter Singers directed by Tony Yates, and Woodbury School Choir.

Tickets ÂŁ7.50 from Rook Pie, Pat Browne, committee members or on the door .

11 FRIENDS OF WOODBURY SURGERY Two important things to bring to your notice: 1.

The AGM will be held on Monday 25 November at 14.15 in the Church Rooms, Woodbury. In addition to the nomination and election of a new Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, there are urgent issues to consider regarding the future of FOWS. 2.

The mobile phone number for FOWS is no longer operational. Over the course of the year in which we have been in our new premises in the Parish Council Office, we have found that people who wish to contact us prefer to do so by our landline number. This remains unchanged: 01395 206123.

We look forward to seeing as many as possible of our volunteers and friends at the AGM in November, when important decisions will have to be made.

Val Arndt, Co-ordinator WOODBURY TENNIS CLUB The autumn leaves are falling, causing problems of leaves on the courts.

However, the petrol blower is on hand to clear the lines and ensure that play can continue. Sunday morning club sessions are well attended and the Tuesday ladies are not put off by windy conditions. The teams have started their winter fixtures, the Men’s team have played three matches and have won one and narrowly lost the others, gaining points to be second in the table. The Mixed team have their first match on 22 October.

The junior coaching programme has been operating in the autumn for the first time, 14 youngsters on court on Wednesday afternoon with coaches John Wingate and Tom Kinch. This programme has been organised and coordinated by Helen Ryland, to whom everyone involved is most grateful.

The Club will be holding their now annual pre-Christmas supper and gathering in the Church Rooms on Tuesday 10 December. All members and former members are invited; please contact Helen (helenryland@ btinternet.com) if you wish to be included.

The courts are available for the playing of tennis to all residents of the parish and visitors at a reasonable fee of ÂŁ4.00 per hour, key available at 5 Escott Cottages (Pat Browne 232805).

Pat Browne

WOODBURY NEWS 2019 CLOSING DATES 19 NOVEMBER. 10 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

12 MAYTREE PRE-SCHOOL IS UNDER STRAIN The Pre-School has been part of village life for over 30 years and has given a wonderful start to hundreds of local children – many of whom remain in the village today. Maytree, a registered charity (no.900545), is rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in terms of personal and social development – reflecting the community spirit and endeavour of Woodbury more generally.

Through a combination of static government funding and increasing costs, however, the finances of the Pre-School are coming under strain. There is a risk that, unless parents and the village as a whole really get behind the PreSchool in the coming months and years, it will no longer be possible for this wonderful Pre-School to serve the local community. The next 12 months are crucial.

A new future for Maytree It is really important for the survival of the village’s only Pre-School that Maytree moves, in January to the Scout and Guide Hut on the playing field, a new lower-cost, more flexible venue with outside space. The village hall has been the Pre-School’s long-term home, but the margins are so tight that even the favourable rent in the hall is not sustainable. We had hoped that we would have had sufficient funds to do all the proposed building work at the hut in the term before moving in, but this has not proved to the be achievable. The planning application is in with East Devon District Council and some grants have been successfully applied for. We will apply for others once planning permission has come through. The trustees of the PreSchool are totally committed to keeping Maytree open and also ensuring the employment of the amazing local staff: the move to the hut should, with all our help, be the start of a great new chapter.

How can the community help?

One of the key themes that came out of the recent AGM was that the PreSchool needs support from the community in the wider sense. We really need help to raise funds, for not only the upcoming building project but also to continue to provide our high standard day-to-day activities.

Once we have moved to the new venue, the Pre-School will be able to stay open all day which will allow us to take more children for sessions that work for parents. This in turn will allow the Pre-School to consistently break even, and hopefully even top up the limited emergency reserve which we have had to dip into to keep the Pre-School operating to its high standards.

We would appeal to any new or prospective parents, and wider community members, to consider and volunteer for roles on the board of trustees. We particularly need a new vice chair who would be willing to step into the role of chairperson in the next year. No pre-school experience is required.

We are organising lots of fundraising activities, so any support you can give would be greatly appreciated.

13 This may be as simple as turning up and enjoying the event. We are always keen to receive donations of raffle prizes, clothing and cash. We would also welcome any charitable donations made by businesses or your employers. If your company takes part in any charitable schemes, such as match funding, we would love to know.

As you can see no one thing or person will resolve all of Maytree’s problems. It is only by the community’s recognition of the importance of Maytree that it will continue to deliver its wonderful local service. It is not just a Pre-School, it is a foundation for the future of our village. It is a local employer. It is also an institution the community would be much poorer without. This village has an amazing community spirit and when it puts its mind to something, it rarely fails. We, the parents, staff, trustees and future parents of Maytree, look forward to seeing your support very soon.

Catherine Luke, chair@maytreepreschool.com Martin Goddard, healthandsafety@maytreepreschool.com WOODBURY TWINNING ASSOCIATION In September, the Twinning Association held its annual Progressive Supper event and as usual, it was a thoroughly successful and enjoyable evening.

We started off in Woodbury Salterton at the home of Liz and Dave Cherrett then visited a different home for each course, before finishing up at the home of Joan and Phil Hodge. A big thankyou to our Chairperson, Nita, for her hard work in organising the event. Our next event is a visit to Westonbirt Arboretum, then a Christmas Quiz with meal on 7 December, which promises to be a really fun event. Contact Nita 232314 or Jan 232694.

Jan Owen

WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB Dull November weather getting you down?

Come along to WINTER CHEER, SPRING TONIC with Chris Birchall of Tale Valley Nursery TUESDAY 12 NOVEMBER WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL Join us at 19.15 for coffee; talk starts at 19.30.

Visitors £3.

CLYST VALLEY CHORAL SOCIETY 23 NOVEMBER, 19.30, St Margaret's, Topsham 24 NOVEMBER, 19.30, Holy Trinity, Exmouth Thiman Songs of Sailors and the Sea Vaughan Williams Five Mystical Songs Stanford Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis Advance tickets £8.50 01392 271858.

14 WOODBURY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL The term is flying by with a very positive and productive atmosphere throughout the school. Rehearsals are beginning for our next whole-school concert and the children are designing our Living Advent Calendar, which promises to be as good as last year - and twice as big.

You may be aware that I will be leaving the school at Christmas due to personal reasons. This has been a big decision for me as Woodbury School and all the people who it represents have been such a central part of my life for so long. ‘Team Woodbury’ is exceptionally strong and without doubt will thrive in the future with Miss Pyle becoming Head of School.

Alison Sparks, Headteacher Pixies Holt Residential Visit The children in year 6 have enjoyed an actionpacked time on their residential visit to Pixies Holt on Dartmoor. The sun shone and enabled them to enjoy Dartmoor at its very best: from caving to climbing, archery to orienteering, as well as the traditional camp fire stories and toasting marshmallows!

Everyone had a great time and the children’s positive attitude, excellent behaviour and care for each other was praised by everyone who worked with them.

Friendships were strengthened, challenges were achieved and unforgettable memories were made.

15 Art projects Having a full and broad curriculum is a feature of our school. This half term all classes have been developing their art skills. The children in Maple Class have been learning about dragons, reading Dragonology and studying Beowulf. Mrs Bowen has been teaching the children how to show their ideas using sketch pencils and then the children have experimented with charcoal. The children have now moved on to mixing paint colours and achieving texture using paint. We are looking forward to seeing their finished painting display in the library.

Meanwhile, Mrs Bowen has also been working with Cherry class helping them to learn how to create art work inspired by ancient cave paintings, working with charcoal, mud and their fingers.

Harvest Service Cherry and Oak classes led our Harvest Service in St Swithun’s church.

They performed a play showing the value of sharing and being a good neighbour. They also showed their art work about Harvest and read their poems and prayers about this special time of year.

The school collected items of food for the Exmouth Community Larder, which members of Ethos Group have delivered to the centre. cont’d

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).

16 WOODBURY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL cont’d/...

Chestnut Classes Assembly Chestnut class have been learning about the Anglo Saxons. They have used evidence from artefacts to find out more about the way the Anglo Saxons lived their lives. The children enjoyed showing what they had learnt to the school and their parents. They shared a song about the Anglo Saxons and performed a dance routine they had created. They also explained about the Anglo Saxon’s beliefs, King Alfred the Great and reasons why the Anglo Saxons came to Britain.

EXMOUTH BRIDGE CLUB Exmouth Bridge Club has started a new session of bridge at Woodbury village hall on Thursday afternoons with play from 13.45 to 16.45. This is meant for anyone who enjoys social bridge. Experienced and relative newcomers to bridge are welcome. No partner is needed as a host system operates. This is a normal duplicate session with a result at the end of play, but fewer boards and no master points.

Jean Vinnicombe WOODBURY RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION SPEED WATCH GROUP After a lengthy delay, we hope to have a group set up soon.

If you’d like to volunteer please contact Jan Owen Phone: 232694 or Email: jmowenteacher@aol.com

17 WOODBURY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Visit to Yorkshire Very early on an October Monday morning seven WI ladies set off on a coach filled with forty-two other Devon WI members for a 5-day trip to Yorkshire.

Late afternoon the coach arrived at Harrogate’s Cairn Hotel, which was to be the base for the holiday. A delicious 3-course supper rounded off the long day and prepared everyone for another early start next morning.

Fountains Abbey was the first port of call; the magnificent ruins of a Cistercian Monastery and amazing Studley Water Gardens were both delightful. A sharp shower didn’t spoil the walk, and after an early lunch the coach set off again through picturesque Yorkshire countryside to Harewood House. The house, designed by Adam and Carr, was stunning, from the state rooms to the below stairs area. Seeing the rows and rows of fine porcelain, Venetian glass and shining silverware recaptured a bygone era of luxury and class distinction. Most interesting features were cine film, artefacts and photos of the wedding of Princess Mary (daughter of King George and Queen Mary) to Viscount Lascelles, history brought to life. This couple featured in the recent Downton Abbey film. Again there were magnificent grounds and gardens, designed by Capability Brown, which even featured a Himalayan garden, reached by a ferry boat, reflecting the interest of the current Earl of Harewood.

Day 3 was spent in Whitby, a sea port and harbour, most famous for its hilltop ruined Abbey and jet jewellery. Members were treated to a fabulous drive through Yorkshire scenery and mainly sunny weather. Some sampled the world famous Whitby fish and chips, but the day’s highlight was a ride on the North Yorkshire Steam Railway from Whitby to Pickering.

On Day 4 most members opted for a day in York, including a guided walking tour and free time to visit York Minster, the Yorvik exhibition or the Shambles Folk History Museum. A couple of members took the bus to Ripon to visit the Cathedral there and then have afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Rooms in Harrogate. Everyone enjoyed their day.

The final day included a visit to Hardwick Hall (of Bess of Hardwick fame) in Derbyshire en route home to Devon, another stunning house and grounds now in the care of the National Trust. Unfortunately this was not enjoyed at its best because of torrential rain coming down, but no water in the pipes, resulting in the Hall being closed for H&S reasons during the WI’s visit.

This was an excellent holiday combining new places, new experiences, but most importantly the company of fellow Devon WI members along the way.

Lin Milsom-Ashby

18 WOODBURY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE cont’d/...

October Meeting ‘Lady Katherine’ (born 1519 and convincingly portrayed by National Trust volunteer Rosemary Griggs) graced our humble village hall on 10 October. Having lived under Queen Elizabeth 1’s sumptuary laws, when the style and colour of your garments announced your status, she came appropriately dressed.

She was very confused by members wearing trousers and had great trouble deciding whether a member was a lady or a mere servant. Luckily, only one member had dressed in ‘royal’ purple and was duly honoured with a curtsy.

With information gathered by researching the sixteenth century, Rosemary has recreated costumes of the period. Huge sums were spent on both men’s and women’s wardrobes but the look of a garment was often altered by replacing sleeves and other parts. Pins would attach a new panel to an existing one and would also be used instead of some seams. Although she declined to emulate the WI Calendar Girls, she did show her undergarments layer by layer by layer until the last garment, her shift, was revealed. From the waist up, boning ensured the fashionable flat-chested look, and lacing provided a further method of altering the style.

Lady Katherine sometimes visits Bradley Manor and Compton Castle where she tells the story of her marriage, at 12, being widowed and of her second marriage.

Rosemary has found a most entertaining way of making history come alive for her audience.

On 14 November we will be learning about Fairgrounds at War and our competition will be for a toffee apple.

Pauline Wratten

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19 WOODBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION A Remembrance Service with Youth Groups will take place on the village green on Sunday 10 November, gathering from 14.30 with a service at 14.45, finishing at approximately 15.00. There is no Youth Service in church.

There will also be a short service led by Christine Grist at the War Memorial on Remembrance Day itself, Monday 11 November, gathering at 10.45.

This will include a two minute silence at 11.00.

The photo to the right shows wheelchair user Bob Clark opening the original access route to Woodbury village hall, made by Woodbury Scouts under the guidance of Scoutmaster Ivor Loman approximately 28 years ago.

Bob was the husband of Pauline Clark, our past Treasurer. The Scouts, under the supervision of Ivor Lowman, built the ramp as part of their community work.

The ramp has served the village hall well, only being replaced in the last twelve months.

We wonder where these Scouts are 28 years later? It would be great to hear from them.

Sandra Huish The photo shows as follows: Back row, left to right: Jamie Davidson, David Simcox, Tim and Robert Goodwin, Alan Huish. Front row, left to right: Ben Eyres, Matt Rawlings, Justin Lennox and Wayne Gooding. The assistant leader we think is Ian Barlow, unless anyone can correct us.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOODBURY BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER, 10.30 THE RBL ROOM, WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL

FRIDAY NIGHT FLIX - 22 NOVEMBER Further details from fridaynightflix.wvh@gmail.com.

20 WOODBURY WIDE AWAKE FESTIVAL Wildflowers – weeds or wonders?

The Festival this month leads up to the 50th anniversary of the death in Woodbury, on 26 November 1969, of the famous botanist Rev William Keble Martin. There will be two very different talks (see separate listings on page 35) by wildlife broadcaster Andrew Cooper and by our very own Sam Bridgewater, Head of Conservation and Wildlife at the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust. On Sunday 24 November at St Swithun’s, the festival culminates in a family Breakfast Service of Thanksgiving and a celebration of Keble Martin’s life.

On Saturday 23 November, Wildflowers – Weeds or Wonders? will be a family-friendly exhibition and event in Woodbury village hall celebrating the local natural environment. It will showcase investigations and creative projects carried out during the year, including a short documentary film involving local residents. It will look back at Keble Martin’s life and legacy, and – most importantly – forward to what individuals and communities can do to conserve and enhance gardens and public spaces for wildlife. There will be advice on this, and free local wildflower seeds. Ecologist Pete Yeo will also challenge preconceptions with his presentation on One person’s weed – a reappraisal of invasive species.

Diana Wackerbarth Storytelling Event This was held at Woodbury Community Orchard on 28 September in conjunction with Woodbury Wide Awake. A wonderful storyteller told tales in the orchard when lots of apples were enjoyed whilst listening to beautiful old tales inspired by William Keble Martin and our beautiful orchard. Apple pressing was also demonstrated with plenty of home-made apple cake and the rain held off until the last minutes of the last story!

Charlotte Goddard

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Apple pressing demonstration.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION COFFEE MORNINGS WEDNESDAYS, 10.30 - 12.00.

30 OCTOBER; 13 AND 27 NOVEMBER AND 11 DECEMBER RBL ROOM behind Woodbury village hall.

Then every other week throughout the year.

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WOODBURY SALTERTON NEWS HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Wedding The wedding took place in church on Saturday 5 October of Nikki Gibbs and Jack Ford. The ceremony was conducted by Rev’d Nigel Mason.

It was a special pleasure for the choir to attend as Nikki was a member of our church choir when she was a pupil at our school. We wish them both every happiness and many years together.

Church Fundraising Events In November and December we have several events planned to try and raise funds to keep our church going - and to enjoy social time together.

Saturday 2 November - 09.30, Coffee Morning in church with bacon butties.

Saturday 9 November - 19.30, Mark Lovett will give a talk with slides on his trip around the world in a boat. Admission £5 includes nibbles.

Saturday 30 November - 10.30, Christmas Bazaar in the village hall.

Saturday 7 December - Coffee morning with bacon butties.

Friday 13 December - 17.30, Children’s Film Night. Children are invited to come in their pyjamas and bring a duvet if they wish. Tickets cost £5 and include a free hot dog. The name of the child-friendly film will be announced later but it will be one to which you can sing along.

Monday 16 December - 18.30, Carol Service.

Sunday 22 December - Carol singing round the village.

Church Quiz Sales of these are going well but there are still some left. The quiz, entitled On The Box, costs £2 and is about programmes on freeview television.

WHIST DRIVE - 19 NOVEMBER WOODBURY SALTERTON VILLAGE HALL, 19.30 COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING WOODBURY SALTERTON VILLAGE HALL 09.00 - 12.00 1st Monday of each month, if a Bank Holiday 2nd Monday of the month. £2 for unlimited drinks and cake.

Everyone welcome (from babies to retirees).

Come and feel part of a community and get to know people living in the village.

23 STREAM CLEARANCE

Despite the light rain and slippery conditions, a large band of volunteers from the Village Resilience Group and helpers turned out to clear the undergrowth and debris along the Grindle Brook between Trevanin Farm and Honey Lane. The main purpose was to avoid possible flooding but also resulted in making everything much tidier. A big thankyou to all who gave of their time and energy.

THE KERSLAKE TRUST To all those residents of the Parish of Woodbury Salterton who will be 70 and older by Christmas 2019.

This Trust was created on the death of Celia Elizabeth Kerslake on 19 September 1939. Under the terms of her will some shares were left to the Trustees of Woodbury Salterton Church, with the instruction that the income received from them should be distributed among “the old people over 70 belonging to the Parish at Christmas time”.

The Trustees are currently reviewing the list of beneficiaries to arrange this year’s distribution, and will be pleased to hear from anyone permanently resident in the Parish who has NOT received a payment in previous years and who considers they now qualify for such a payment.

Please advise Nigel Dupain, Trustee on 01395 232953 by 1 December 2019.

Nigel Dupain WS HOLY TRINITY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER, 10.00-12.00 Table-top style event offering crafts and gifts.

If you would like to book a table @ £5, or for more information contact Louise on 07809644782 or bounty.louise@hotmail.co.uk WAREHOUSE RELOCATION SALE 14-16 NOVEMBER, 10.00-16.00 A carrier-bag full of stationery for £10, also discounted designer clothes and magnetic noticeboards.

Silverthorne Designs, Unit 2a, Mill Park, Woodbury Salterton EX5 1EL.

24 WOODBURY SALTERTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Bulb Planting As one of our ways to celebrate the 100 years of the Devon Federation next year, our WI purchased 100 bulbs and on 8 October a group of members planted these on the Plantation. We also planted native bluebells around the tree planted in memory of Doris Eveleigh, a founder member of our branch; this tree is at the entrance to New Way. Group Meeting Woodbury Salterton hosted the Group Meeting on 25 September.

Members of Aylesbeare, Magnolia, Pennysylvania and Woodbury attended and expressed their appreciation of the excellent talk on Music in Mental Health and General Wellbeing given by Jess Clarke. Jess also provided the entertainment playing the keyboard and sitar.

October Meeting President Gill Bricknell thanked all members who had helped with the group meeting and for providing the refreshments which had been commended and enjoyed. She had received letters of thanks from our guest institutes. Thanks were also expressed to Patrick Bricknell for services as parking attendant.

The speaker, Dr Jenny Moon, gave an illustrated talk on Life in a Devon Village in 1590 - what it would have been like for a boy living in Woodbury Salterton at that time.

On Wednesday 13 November, at 19.30 in the village hall, Mary Heard will be leading a Christmas Crafting Workshop.

The monthly Coffee Morning will take place on Thursday 21 November and the lunch on Tuesday 26 at 12.30.

WOODBURY NEWS to your door ‌ If you are a new resident to the area, or would like your Woodbury News to be delivered to your door monthly, just call Beverley Simcox on 232858 and she will put you in contact with your local deliverer.

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

25 WOODBURY SALTERTON – DUMBUTU (THE GAMBIA) LINK UPDATE At a recent Extraordinary General Meeting Gemma Bennett was elected as Chair to replace Leo Wilson who was standing down, having held the position for 10 years. Leo, who had previously been headteacher of the village school at which Gemma had also been a pupil, worked hard throughout her tenure to initiate and encourage all sorts of money-raising projects.

Some of the supporters, when celebrating the 25th anniversary This year is the 30th anniversary of the founding of the charity by John Pickering and we are now supporting 100 children at £25 per annum.

However, we are always looking for new sponsors, the average amount being £2 per sponsor per month, so if you are interested please contact me at 01395 232983 or mrandle200@gmail.com.

Malcolm Randle – Treasurer

Apologies for inadvertently omitting this photograph of Nigel Tucker cutting the silver jubilee cake from the report of the Local History Society in October’s edition of Woodbury News.

26 WOODBURY SALTERTON PRIMARY SCHOOL This half term has been an exciting start to the school year, with children of all ages taking part in a wide variety of learning activities. The whole school enjoyed an excellent performance from Theatre Alibi. The production was based on a Michael Morpurgo book and called I Believe in Unicorns. Some of the pupils had the opportunity to meet the cast, ask questions and look at the very creative props. Our thanks to Theatre Alibi for another great show.

Our school website showcases some of the excellent artwork that the classes have been producing, which has linked in with learning in science, RE and history of art. Children have learned about great artists including Picasso, William Morris and Paul Cezanne. They have developed their skills in using composition, colour and how to make their harvest paintings appear threedimensional by using tone as well as learning about the difference between Victorian and modern portraiture.

Our class three students have been out and about to Exmouth Community College and enjoyed a very entertaining talk from author and illustrator Chris Riddell, who inspired them with how books come to life with illustration.

Year 6 were invited to Millwater School to train as playtime leaders for our school, led by the Exmouth PE Leadership Team, who talked about the qualities needed for this important role. Year 6 displayed great teamwork, confidence, communication and listening skills whilst learning new games and activities. They are now ready to help all the pupils in school enjoy fun, engaging and harmonious playtimes.

In RE the children have been learning about the Trinity and what it means.

Anne-Marie from the ICE team took our collective worship and she told the story of how Jesus’ cousin, John, baptised Jesus in the river Jordan. She talked about how being baptised can be like a new beginning and bring our friendship with God closer.

10 October was World Mental Health Day; we like many schools turned out in yellow and learned about the importance of our mental health. The children talked about the importance of talking about feelings and emotions and represented this with masks that they had made to symbolise the fact that we don’t need to hide how we are feeling.

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At our Harvest service, led by Rev’d Nigel, the children used poetry and performance to remember the blessing of harvest. Parents and family donated foods for collection by the Exmouth Community Larder and were reminded of the hardships some children face who live with food poverty.

The governing body have entered into a consultation on a proposed federation with Jubilee Federation led by our Executive Head Teacher, Katie Gray. There have been four events organised to consult with parents, and governors will make a final decision in November.

Dates for your diary include: 12 December our whole school Carols and Nativity at 18.00 in Woodbury Salterton Church, and on 19 December at 14.30 you are also welcome to join us for our Christingle Service in church.

The children have lots to look forward to including our annual theatre trip for the Christmas panto, a school’s concert with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and a Magistrate’s visit. For further information, or to request a tour please contact our Head of Learning, Mrs Milford on 01395 232649.

Clare Rooke, Chair of Governors ART EXHIBITION EX10 STUDIO 9 AND 10 NOVEMBER, 10.00 - 17.00 Colaton Raleigh Village Hall with artists Penny Silverthorne, Simon Bramble, Rowan Turnbull, Laura Boyd and Cynthia Boult.

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EXTON NEWS ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, EXTON SUNDAY SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER 3rd - 4th Sunday before Advent, 18.00 Evening Service.

10th Remembrance Day service, 09.30 Holy Communion. 17th - 2nd Sunday before Advent, 09.30 lay-led service. 24th - Sunday before Advent, 09.30 Holy Communion.

Patronal Festival: St Andrew’s Day will be celebrated at Sunday Service on 1 December.

EXTON LADIES GROUP The Exton Ladies Group met on a fine October afternoon in the village hall.

They were reminded that payment and menu orders would be collected at the next meeting for the Christmas lunch and that this year the Exton Drama Club pantomime would be Cinderella, running from December 4-7.

Speaker Pat Perryman entertained her audience with many anecdotes on her 50 years of lace-making, and encounters with the royal, rich and famous as well as more ordinary mortals. She detailed the history of the lace-making industry which has its origins in Italy. Being very much a fashion feature, it was used to make Elizabethan ruffs and collars, entailing many hours of fine work. Lace-making was particularly active in East Devon for centuries and was a thriving cottage industry. Queen Victoria's wedding dress and veil were commissioned from the Honiton lace-makers, setting a fashion trend for all levels of society. More recently, Pat was asked to make a jabot and later the cuffs for the Speaker of the House of Commons. She has travelled widely teaching and lecturing, was featured on Antiques Road Show at Montacute House, demonstrated at the Ideal Home Exhibition and was awarded an OBE. It was a fascinating lecture, very much enjoyed by the ladies.

Next month the talk will be about a scheme which aims to keep dads in prison in touch with their children through story reading.

The group meets at 14.00 on the second Thursday of the month in Exton village hall, and welcomes visitors and guests.

Elsie Wood HALLOWEEN IS NEARING … 31 OCTOBER In Exton we will be holding our annual walk around the village with adults and children dressing up and undergoing the traditional ‘trick or treat’ event with a twist!

We visit houses who are kind enough to host with sharing treats for all.

Children’s activities are provided and we all finish at the Puffing Billy for a buffet and a few drinks.

For more information call Rachel on 01392 879360.

29 ESTUARY LEAGUE OF FRIENDS 01392 879009 www.estuary-league-of-friends.co.uk The new post office is now open in Nancy Potter House on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 09.00 to 17.00, Thursday 09.00 to 18.00 and Saturday 09.00 to 14.00.

Volunteers are still needed to help in the shop area.

Local Schoolchildren singing in the Bradbury Café from 10.30-11.30.

Monday 11 November, Clyst St Mary.

Thursday 14 November, Clyst Heath.

Thursday 21 November, Countess Wear.

Annual Carol Service at St Margaret’s Church, Topsham on Monday 2 December, 10.30-11.30 Children from the above schools will be joined by children from Lady Seaward and Stoke Canon schools. Everyone is invited to join in.

Ongoing Clubs Limited or complete sight loss: Help and advice available. Tuesday 5 November; to book a half-hour session between 12.30 and 16.00 call the office.

Dementia Friends: Free interactive help and information sessions for carers.

Wednesday 6 November.

Veteran Change Partnership Hub. For members of the Armed Forces. For further information ring Emily at the office.

IT training, Goldies singing, Lego Club, Monthly Craft Stall.

Christmas lunches from Wednesday 13 November up until Christmas 12.00.

For all further information on the above items please ring 01392 879009.

Santa’s Chimney Presents We are asking for small gifts to be donated for people in need at Christmas time. Could you please wrap gifts and put a small detachable label on marking for a gentleman or lady. These can be left at the Nancy Potter House reception, before the week prior to Christmas. Many thanks.

Audrey Elphick GOOSEFIELD AUTUMN TEA SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER EXTON VILLAGE HALL, 14.30 £2.50 to include mince pie and tea.

Cake and gift stalls and raffle.

EXTON GARDEN CLUB - SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER, 14.30 The Self-Seeding Garden by Katherine Crouch, BBC Gardener of the Decade. Non members £3.

30 WEATHER REPORT The dampness of early September, noted in the August report, certainly continued with a vengeance during the rest of the month; the total was 195mm (4¼ ins). There was a mini-monsoon around Monday 9th, 33mm (11/3 ins), which was followed by 10 days of warm/sunny conditions.

The final 11 days were quite unsettled to complete a wet month overall, exactly the same amount as recorded here at Ebford at the end of September 2017.

So September has been the wettest month of 2019 so far, a more average value would have been 2½ ins.

Norman Cann EXTON VILLAGE FIREWORKS AND BONFIRE NIGHT TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER Gates open at 18.00 in the field next to the village playground.

Admission to include BBQ food £5 per adult, £3 per child 5-16 years, under 5s free. Money raised will benefit the Royal Marines charity and support village events. We look forward to seeing you there.

For more details, contact Debbie on 01392 875238/07779 68639.

OH NO YOU WON’T … OH YES YOU WILL! EXTON DRAMA CLUB ARE PERFORMING CINDERELLA EXTON VILLAGE HALL Evening performances 4, 5, 6 and 7 December with Saturday matinee.

Tickets £10 per adult to include mulled wine and mince pie, £5 for children.

Please come and join us and start the festive season with a bang. Cinderella shall go to the ball.

For further information please contact extondramaclub@gmail.com WOODBURY TWINNING ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS QUIZ 7 DECEMBER, 19.00, WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL £10 members, £12 non-members to include two-course meal and prizes.

Bar. All welcome to this fun, festive event.

Contact: Nita 232314 or Jan 232694.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

From Dr M E Wilson - Traffic in Woodbury We must accept that nowadays we live in a selfish ‘jungle’. Many drivers believe that whoever is on the road ‘owns’ it and this includes the road out of sight around the corner. Also, park wherever is convenient for yourself.

We live at the Woodbury Salterton end of the village where the road curves blindly and is joined by Cottles Lane. Cars speed by dangerously. Early in the year I conducted a mini-survey of neighbours and they, especially those with children, were unanimous about the danger. I might add for the elderly too. Also, traffic speeds downhill from Broadway and Woodbury Road past the village shop. I wrote to the Parish Council and they forwarded my letter to Highways. I have received no replies. The Community Policeman reported that he had driven through one quiet Sunday morning and could not see there was a problem.

Nothing happens to make the village safer. I am told that traffic calming measures can’t be introduced because the village is in a 30mph zone. What about Topsham, which has a 20mph speed limit, and Denver Road which has speed bumps. Some roads in Exmouth have a chicane. Why can’t we do this in Woodbury?

We must make Woodbury safer before there is a serious accident or a death.

Appealing to commonsense does not work in the ‘jungle’ of modern life.

From Jean Carpenter Have you any pelargoniums (geraniums) which you would like to keep for next year? If so, now is the time for some drastic action on them. If they are in the garden, dig them up and bring inside. All the pelargoniums should be cut back to between 3” and 6”, depending on their size – cut above an outward facing bud. Then, take a knife to them and cut the root back back to about half – maybe less if they are large plants. Put into a pot which is just big enough to hold the roots, add enough fresh compost, label them and put in a cool, not cold, place to overwinter. Keep an eye on them during the cold weather. If you are thinking about water, they don’t need much – just a small trickle to dampen them slightly.

The pieces which have been cut off are your cuttings, if you want to increase your stock. Can you remember my instructions from last year? If not, ring me on 232120 and will take you through, or call in at my home, 5 Beeches Close and I will demonstrate to you.

WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB COFFEE MORNING AND PLANT SALE (with cake!)

SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER, 10.00-12.00 CHURCH ROOMS, PARSONAGE WAY House plants and raffle – and maybe a Christmas shopping opportunity?

33 From Debby Mullier Do you believe in fairies?

If you take the trouble to bag your dog’s poo, why do you then chuck the plastic bag in the hedgerows?

Think of the footpath wardens, farmers, council workers and – yes – me, a gardener – when their equipment gets covered in your dog’s poo because you couldn’t be bothered to take it home. Don’t you care that a horse can be killed by inadvertently eating a poo bag with his grass? Don’t you care that a cow can lose her calf because you left the bag in a field which was cut for winter feed? Don’t you believe David Attenborough when he tells us how dangerous plastic is to wildlife? Please – use a council bin or put it in your own grey bin at home. Your actions matter!

ROUND AND ABOUT

DEATHS We are sorry to report the death of John Henry Glanvill on 9 September aged 89. John was brought up on St John’s Farm, Exmouth. He attended the Beacon School and the Grammar School. Rejected by the Navy as he was colour-blind, he spent a year at Cannington College, Somerset before a career in farming ending at Rydon Farm, which he took over from his grandmother. The family have held it since the eighteenth century. He married Dorothy in 1954 and they had four children.

John was a keen supporter and office-holder in the NFU and on retirement entered local government at both county and district which he was Chairman of Devon CC. As churchwarden, he raised £110,000 to restore the tower of St Swithun’s, where his funeral was held on 24 September and was attended by his large family and many friends and colleagues. We send our condolences to Dorothy and the family.

We are sorry to report the death of June White on 10 September after a long illness. We send our condolences to her four sons and extended family.

June Jackson was a twin in a family of eight. She attended Bishop Blackall School and Whipton Brethren Chapel, where she was married. Her husband worked for Clinton Devon Estates and they settled in Woodbury. Their home was brightly decorated at Christmas. June joined Broadway Chapel before it moved to Christ Church in 1969 and found there her spiritual and social life, especially after she was widowed in 1978. She was keen on sport, including short mat bowls, and used to win the mothers’ race at Woodbury School sports. A large congregation celebrated her life at Christ Church on 25 September, with tributes from her son Paul and Carolyn Fulls.

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Plans are well underway for a repeat of last year’s event. The aim is to light up Woodbury with many windows, to be revealed nightly from 1 to 24 December at 18.00.

If you would like to include your window, please email wlac2019@yahoo.com. Maps will be available from mid-November from Rook Pie, The Maltsters and Christ Church, priced at £2.00.

GOLDEN-OLDIES CHARITY COMING TO WOODBURY A charity that brings songs and smiles to older people is coming to Woodbury village hall on Friday 8 November.

The Golden-Oldies Charity, fondly just referred to as ‘Goldies’ and with Sir Cliff Richard as its Patron, started in the Bath and Bristol area 12 years ago.

Founder Grenville Jones, a well-respected west country choir leader, had seen for himself how singing brought joy to so many people through his many choirs. Grenville is always anxious to point out however that the charity he started, Goldies, is not a choir, but singing the popular memoryevoking hits of the 60s and onwards lies at the heart of all it does.

Grenville took the first four daytime singing and activity sessions for isolated lonely people himself. Ten years on the charity now runs over 150 sessions across England and Wales. For thousands attending, Goldies is a highlight for them and the only time that they enjoy the company of others.

An introductory session led by Mark Hansford will take place at Woodbury village hall from 10.30 Friday 8 November. “It will be great to bring our songs and smiles to Woodbury and I look forward to meeting everyone.”

Come and join us for a sing-a-long and a cuppa after.

Vicki-Jo Eva, Activity and Volunteer Co-Ordinator: Healthy Neighbourhoods, Budleigh Health and Wellbeing Hub THANKS A big thank you to all those who took apples from the basket outside Broadway House and donated to Force. You raise £119.17!

Sally Bull and Liz Ollerenshaw

35 CHANGE OF DELIVERER The Directors of Woodbury News extend their thanks and very best wishes to Liz Hanes for all her efforts in delivering the magazine over recent years.

Liz is unfortunately unable to continue, and we thank Ruth Prouse for very kindly agreeing to take over deliveries in the Greenway area.

WOODBURY WIDE AWAKE PROGRAMME Thursday 7 November 19.30, Woodbury Village Hall.

Shared meeting with Woodbury History Society Wild days and Medieval knights – Talk by wildlife broadcaster Andrew Cooper about the history and wildlife of the secret valley of Haccombe in South Devon where Rev Keble Martin was Arch-priest – living and painting there for many years.

Entry free for History Society members, £3 for non-members. No need to book.

Tuesday 12 November 19.30 at the Church Rooms, Woodbury.

Biodiversity life stories – people and plants:reconnecting with nature through the power of the oral tradition – Talk by Sam Bridgewater, Head of Conservation and Wildlife at the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust. Presentation and conversation based on oral history recordings about plants and their uses.

Entry by donation. No need to book.

Friday 22 November 19.30. Woodbury Village Hall.

With Friday Night Flix – short film by Jemma Cholawo and Andy Price, with local residents remembering Keble Martin, and reflecting on ecological change since his time.

Saturday 23 November 10.00-16.00, Woodbury Village Hall.

Wildflowers – Weeds or Wonders? Celebrating Woodbury's natural environment – Final festival exhibition and event.

Entry by donation. Family friendly, with refreshments and free local wildflower seeds. Full details on the website.

Sunday 24 November Church Service at St Swithun’s, Woodbury.

A short celebration of the life of the Revd William Keble Martin, led by Carolyn Keep. Breakfast from 09.30, service at 09.50 – for all ages.

Full details of all events are on the website https://www.woodbury-wide-awake.co.uk/

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When we launched Wild-Woodbury on 1 January 2016 we intended to foster a general trend of habitat improvement which would be a benefit to all of the wildlife within the Parish. We did however identify five specific targets that we considered needed particular attention, and strategies to help them thrive in the future. We are incredibly lucky to live in an area where we are surrounded by numerous creatures that are absent in many parts of the country. We must however be aware that much of our local wildlife is at tipping point and, even though we have small populations present, species could easily completely disappear from the landscape within a matter of weeks if things go wrong for them.

When we started out we targeted five groups of animals that needed particular attention: Hedgehogs Woodbury and Exton had fairly good hedgehog populations in 2016 (and they still have them). Woodbury Salterton has historically had a good hedgehog population but for some unexplained reason the population seems to have undergone two massive declines.

Many hedgehogs disappeared in 2009, and the remainder disappeared completely around 2012.

We started the Woodbury Salterton Hedgehog Project in 2018 with the intention of creating a better environment and carrying out a reintroduction programme. This project is still ongoing and we have had promising results.

Garden Birds Most species are in decline due to a combination of factors.

Changes in building practices have meant that they cannot nest in our homes.

Changes in farming practices mean there are fewer hedgerows for them to nest in and the widespread use of pesticides means that there are less insects for them to eat. It is important that we grow the correct plants and flowers in our gardens to attract insects and provide berries and seeds for them to eat.

Supplementary feeding is great but a garden naturally full of seeds, berries and insects is what they need to survive. It is also essential we retain all our remaining hedges and plant more of them, as without cover the birds are vulnerable to predators and have nowhere to build nests. A flock of sparrows can't build their nests in a fence. Installing nest boxes in the correct locations will help increase numbers if there is suitable habitat available for foraging, but this is just a sticking plaster solution.

Bees and Bugs The decline of butterflies, bees, beetles, earthworms and such like has been massive over the last couple of decades, nearly all due to the excessive use of pesticides and weedkillers. We are rapidly losing the foundation of the food web. The knock-on effects are applicable to all of the animals right up to the top of the food chain.

37 We have provided numerous bug hotels and tried to make people aware of the devastating effect that the use of garden chemicals has on all wildlife.

Bats After many years of significant decline, bats have been given the highest levels of legal protection. A number of conservation programmes are turning the tables for some species. We are incredibly lucky in the Parish to have a great range of species here and we are doing everything we can to help them thrive. We have rescued numerous bats that were unwell or had been injured by domestic cats. They have been treated and rehabilitated by specialist licensed bat carers and successfully released back into the wild.

Owls The Parish of Woodbury is lucky in that we have a number of tawny owls in the area. We have rescued orphans that have not been able to be returned to their nests and we have introduced more that have come from rescue centres. Barn owls are also present in the area and we have provided several new nest boxes at a number of locations. Little owls have also been heard locally and we have installed a number of specially designed nest boxes to help them thrive.

We are also working on two new target groups that are highly endangered: Great Crested Newts (and other Amphibians) and Dormice. We hope that both of these groups are still present in the area. They are highly protected and special licences are required even to carry out surveys for them. We have been lucky enough to have been given lots of help from a number of experts, and financial support from Woodbury Parish Council and the AONB. The response and support for our work has been immense. We have forged alliances with many local and national wildlife groups, schools and community groups. All of the above projects are ongoing and over the next few months we will be explaining more about each group of animals and what we are doing to help them.

Please let us know about any wildlife sightings, using the contact details below. Photographs (no matter how poor) are very much appreciated and the information you give us helps us to build a better understanding of the way the local wildlife is faring. If you have an area where we can put up any form of box or shelter, or somewhere that we can plant wildflower seeds, please let us know. If you have space for a hedgerow or a tree (or have an existing one that needs some attention) we can help.

Remember the saying - “We don't own the planet, we are just looking after it for future generations.�

Without your involvement many species will become extinct very soon and your grandchildren will only be able to read about them in books. If we all get involved we can make the Parish a better place in our own lifetime and not leave a legacy of ecological destruction.

Tony Bennett Tel: 07971 082384. info@wild-woodbury.org Website: http://www.wild-woodbury.org/Facebook: Wild-Woodbury

38 CLINTON DEVON ESTATES Ash dieback, Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, is a fungal pathogen, believed to have originated from southeast Asia, that has been devastating ash trees across northern Europe. First identified in Poland in 1992, the fungus spread westward across Europe, arriving on the east coast of UK in 2008. It was also introduced on imported ash planting stock and distributed widely across the country from the late 1990s, and foresters recognised it as being present in the west country since 2012. Our first sighting was in woodland near Woodbury only three years ago and it is now widespread throughout the Estate, especially on roadside trees where the transport of fungal spores on air movements from vehicles played a role in the initial spread.

The speed of decline of an infected tree is influenced by it being repeatedly exposed to the fungal spores and to other stresses, such as drought or waterlogging. Our experience in the Lower Otter valley is that it is pretty swift, with trees in severe decline and requiring removal on safety grounds within two years of first infection.

Taking action now is a priority as a significant complication is the speed at which ash timber with this disease degrades and loses its strength. Trees with advanced infection, often compounded by secondary infection with honey fungus, are highly dangerous to fell with a chainsaw as they can collapse on the feller. There have already been tragic incidences of this and new mechanised approaches of dealing with this challenge are being developed.

Learning from experiences of dealing with ash dieback in the eastern counties, Devon County Council convened an Ash Resilience Working Group to get ahead with the planning and logistics of what will be a major challenge for the County’s transport infrastructure. The Estate has been playing an active part in both this and the Landscape and Environment Resilience Group to plan and advise on the what we replace ash with and how we do it. A wealth of useful information has been produced by these groups and can be found on - www.devonashdieback.org.uk/.

Ash is a significant landscape tree across the Estate especially within hedgerows. Following the loss of elm from the valley in the 1970s, the Estate encouraged the leaving of hedgerow coppice shoots to grow on to recruit into hedgerow trees. Much of what has succeeded is ash, as elm regrowth succumbs to the cycle of Dutch elm disease and oak, beech, sycamore and maple to the ravages of grey squirrels. This is particularly noticeable on the home farm where the hedgerow treescape is defined by 200-year-old oaks, planted as part of the wider Bicton Parkland designed landscape and 30-40-year-old ash coppice groups.

The landscape will look very different when the ash is removed, and we have started a long-term planting programme for replacement hedgerow trees.

39 With an eye on climate change the Estate is using a range of native, resilient species from southern Europe, such as sweet chestnut and turkey oak. Whether this wider range of species survives to help create a more resilient landscape will greatly depend on effectively controlling grey squirrels, an altogether bigger challenge for the future of our trees than ash dieback.

John Wilding, Head of Forestry and Environment RSPB AYLESBEARE RESERVE Summer comes to an end, rain falls and nights draw in. Here at Aylesbeare there are many things still happening to keep us all busy; firstly we welcomed a new residential volunteer, Jen, who has settled in well and has been completing all her training courses. The archaeology project uncovering and preserving the Pebblebed pavements has started and the areas are now uncovered and the area prepped. They will undergo testing so that we can learn all about their history and replicas created nearby to preserve the originals. These will then be covered up for ultimate protection from the elements.

A second round of public consultations at Fire Beacon Hill has been completed and we can now review the feedback and start to formulate clear plans to take the enhanced grazing area to the next level. It involves the combining of land across multiple organisations to create one larger grazing area, allowing us to more organically manage this beautiful wood pasture habitat. To find out more about the project habitat, please email FBHconsultation@rspb.org.uk. The cattle that reside at Fire Beacon Hill have gone back to the farm for the winter and we are preparing the site for the ponies that will forage a different selection of species of vegetation over the winter.

We have also been attempting to increase the abundance of bees and butterflies by spreading the cuttings of local wildflower meadows onto our road edges and grass verges, as well as across some of our sites to encourage new wildflower meadows in the spring. Finally, we have been removing the excess wood off Venn Ottery Common to fuel our biomass boiler at our yard and offices. This allows us to be nearly 100% self-sustaining over winter and minimises our ecological impact.

We are looking forward to the winter months when more hardcore practical management and site improvement is possible, and there are winter events across Devon, such as the Avocet Cruises, which run from Topsham. If you would like to know more about what events are happening over winter, take a look on the RSPB website.

Ellie Woolway, Devon Reserves Administrator, 01395 233655 Eleanor.woolway@rspb.org.uk

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41 RUBBISH REMOVALS Domestic and Commercial. Environment Agency licensed. No job too small. Tel: 0800 335 7610 / 07979 841376. www.rubbishremovalsexeter.com. (6/12) PROPERTY MAINTENANCE – James Waddell Interior & Exterior, Carpentry, Flooring, Fencing & Gates, Plumbing, Decking, Bathrooms & Kitchens, General Repairs. Free Advice & Estimates 01395 263496. (5/12) SYNERGI EVERTHING PLUMBING AND HEATING For all your plumbing and heating needs. Large or small jobs at fair prices. Boiler servicing, repairs and care plans. Local, reliable and efficient. Gas, Oil, and LPG. Tel Synergi 01395 542226. www.synergisw.co.uk. (6/12) BOO TO A GOOSE THEATRE Award winning, interactive children's shows for stress free parties with puppets, games & face painting. Reliable, trustworthy. DBS. www.bootoagoosetheatre.co.uk 01395 233874 (6/12) ROOFING Woodbury based RWI Roofing Specialising in Slating, Tiling, Re-Roof, New Roof, Repairs, Guttering. For a friendly, reliable service call Ray 232926, or 07988 691051 (As recmd in OurLocalExpert.co.uk). (2/12)

Your Woodbury News representative will be visiting you in the New Year to collect your annual subscriptions.

If you could have the correct money - £6.00 in an envelope with your name and address on this would be very much appreciated.

Thank you for subscribing to Woodbury News.

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS * See page 35 for Woodbury Wide Awake events.

26 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct.

International Horse Trials, Bicton Arena.

Exton Halloween Walk.

Closing date for receipt of applications for grants from Woodbury Parish Council (see page 26) 1 Nov. Maytree Pre-School Fashion Show, 19.30, WVH. 2 Nov. Coffee Morning, 09.30, WS church.

5 Nov. Exton Village Fireworks from 18.00.

7 Nov. History Society meeting with WWA. 19.30, WVH (see page 35) 8 Nov. Introductory session to Goldies, 10.30, WVH (see page 34) 9 Nov. Coffee Morning in aid of Hospiscare. 09.30-12.00. WVH. 9 Nov. Talk by Mark Lovett, 19.30. Holy Trinity Church, WS. 9 Nov. Classics Galore Concert for FORCE. Great Hall, Exeter University (see classicsgalore.co.uk for more information) 9&10 Nov. Art Exhibition EX10 Studio. 10.00-17.00. Colaton Raleigh VH. 10 Nov. Remembrance Sunday Service on Woodbury Village Green from 14.30.

11 Nov. Remembrance Day service at the War Memorial, Woodbury Village Green, 10.45.

12 Nov. Garden Club Winter Cheer, Spring Tonic WVH 19.15.

13 Nov. WS WI Christmas Crafting Workshop. WSVH, 19.30.

14-16 Nov. Warehouse Relocation Sale. 10.00-16.00. Silverthorne Designs, Unit 2a, Mill Park, Woodbury Salterton EX5 1EL. 14 Nov. WWI Fairgrounds at War. WVH, 19.00.

19 Nov. FoSS Autumn Concert with Exeter Singers. 19.00. St Swithun’s.

19 Nov. Whist Drive. 19.30. WSVH. 19 Nov. Woodbury Village Golf Society AGM, 18.30 for 18.45. The Maltsters.

21 Nov. WSWI Coffee Morning. 11.00. The Digger’s Rest, WS. 22 Nov. Friday Night Flix, 19.30 (doors open 18.45) WVH. 23 Nov. Goosefield Autumn Tea. 14.30. EVH. 23 Nov. WWA Exhibition on the local natural environment. WVH. 23 Nov. Exeter Male Voice Choir Charity Concert. 19.30. St Peter’s School, Exeter. (07733 135711) 23 Nov. CVCS Concert. 19.30. St Margaret’s, Topsham. 01392 271858.

24 Nov. CVCS Concert. 19.30. Holy Trinity, Exmouth. 01392 271858.

25 Nov. Friends of Woodbury Surgery AGM, 14.15, Church Rooms.

26 Nov. WS WI lunch, 12.30. Venue to be arranged.

27 Nov. RBL AGM, 10.30, RBL Room, WVH. 29 Nov. Official Launch of Hope4Kibera, WVH, 19.30.

43 30 Nov. 30 Nov. 30 Nov.

12 Dec. 13 Dec. 15 Dec. 16 Dec. 18 Dec. 19 Dec. 22 Dec. 27 Dec.

Exton Garden Club. The Self-seeding Garden. 14.30 EVH. W/Salt Holy Trinity Christmas Bazaar. 10.00-12.00.

Garden Club. Coffee Morning/Plant Sale, Church Room, 10.00 – 12.00.

Garden Club Coffee Morning and Plant Sale.

Christmas Bazaar from 10.30. WSVH. Exton Drama Club Cinderella, EVH. Twinning Christmas Quiz and meal. WVH. 19.00.

Coffee morning with bacon butties. WS church.

Woodbury Tennis Club supper, Church Rooms.

Garden Club. Christmas Floral Decoration. 19.15, WVH. WS School Carols and Nativity Service, 18.00, Holy Trinity Church.

WWI Christmas Craft. WVH, 19.00.

Children’s Film Night, 17.30. Holy Trinity Church, WS. Carols on the Green.

Carol Service, 18.30, Holy Trinity Church, WS. Carols Around Woodbury.

WS School Christingle Service, 14.30, Holy Trinity Church.

Carol singing around WS village.

Friday Night Flix, 19.30 (doors open 18.45) WVH.

2020 14 Jan. 25 Jan. 11 Feb. 25 April

Woodbury Garden Club. Foliage in the garden. 19.15, WVH FoSS AGM and supper, St Swithun’s.

Woodbury Garden Club. AGM 19.15, WVH. FoSS Spring Concert.

30 Nov. 30 Nov. 4-7 Dec. 7 Dec. 7 Dec. 10 Dec. 10 Dec. 12 Dec.

NOTE TO CONTRIBUTORS FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM We are most grateful to all contributors for sending in copy and photographs for inclusion in Woodbury News. Without your efforts, our monthly publication simply would not exist.

However, please may we remind you to help us by sending in your contributions by the closing date, and even more importantly, before the deadline of 19.00 on that day.

If you are not yet on the list of people who have already provided me with their email address so that I can send you a reminder each month, please do so now. This arrives in your inbox one week before the deadline. Emails go out bcc, so no-one knows who else is on the list.

Sue Bury (Editor), suebury@aol.com

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WOODBURY NEWS ADVERTISING RATES

SMALL ADS: (3 lines) private £2.00. (3 lines) Business £5.00 (£50.00 p.a.)

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

To: Karen Squires, Willowfield, Oakhayes Road, Woodbury EX5 1JT Tel: 233299 karensquires100@gmail.com The Woodbury News accepts no liability for:- i) Any claims made by the advertiser; ii) Any errors or omissions in the advertisement as submitted by the advertiser;

iii) Any legal action as a result of the advertisement.

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Woodbury 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 GARAGE Local family business

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

Woodbury Dance Studio RAD BALLET Grades and Majors

Children from 2½ years     

MOTS SERVICE REPAIRS ALL MAKES & MODELS ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS

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

T: 01395 233004 M: 07527 125956

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

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WOODBURY SALTERTON

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

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