WOODBURY NEWS
APRIL 2020
2
3
APRIL 2020 Woodbury News: Coronavirus We now find ourselves restricted in our normal lives in a way few of us could have thought possible just a few short weeks ago. Governments, organisations, businesses and individuals are having to make unimagined changes in the worldwide fight against this viral enemy. ‘Unprecedented’ is a word not often used, but in the last few weeks it has become the phrase of choice for reports about the pandemic. The crisis has forced Woodbury News to take unprecedented action too. The instruction by the Government to everyone to stay at home has meant that we have reluctantly had to take the decision to suspend deliveries of Woodbury News for the April, May and June editions. The decision has been made to protect the health of all of us, especially the loyal volunteer army of deliverers in Woodbury, Woodbury Salterton and Exton. However, we will be endeavouring to keep in touch through this crisis with our online edition. If you are reading this you’ve already found us. Please spread the word to others that Woodbury News is available online. The easiest way is to go into Google and type Woodbury News - this then brings you to the first entry: Woodbury News - Issuu. Click on this, and you will find all the editions of Woodbury News you want—including this one! Or you can click on the links on Facebook or Twitter. The regular social life of our communities has been put on hold so reports over the next few months will be affected. But we will continue to be part of the community effort in Woodbury that will get us through this. Please keep our editorial team informed of how your particular area is managing to cope in these difficult times by emailing karensquires100@gmail.com. If any readers feel they may be able to help Woodbury News in any way, please contact me at newswoodbury@gmail.com. In the coming months we look forward to reporting and reflecting on the community spirit that will hopefully keep us all safe. Jeremy Boyden (Chairman) Woodbury News is a Private Company Limited by Guarantee No. 5263356
Secretary: Karen Squires, Willowfield, Oakhayes Road, Woodbury EX5 1JT. 233299 Registered Office: Willowfield, Oakhayes Road, Woodbury EX5 1JT. Tel: 233299 Chairman: Jeremy Boyden, Rosemary, Broadway, Woodbury EX5 1NR. Tel: 233072 Editor: Sue Bury, Mayflower Cottage, 37 Greenway, Woodbury EX5 1LU. Tel: 233753 Deputy Editor: Val Arndt, Castlehaye, Castle Lane, Woodbury. Tel: 233175 Subscriptions: Anna Crafer, 15 Haymans Orchard, Woodbury. Tel: 232007
4
EDITORIAL 2020 is proving to be an extraordinary and apocalyptic year – fire (Australia), floods (UK and elsewhere), pestilence (African locusts) and plague (worldwide). The coronavirus crisis is, of course, the greatest current concern. It is affecting us all in its relentless advance, with our living and working habits and social activities having to be changed, curtailed and adjusted. What a cruel irony it is that an infinitesimally tiny micro-organism has been able to wreak such enormous devastation and tragedy upon our fragile planet and its inhabitants in such a short time. An irony, too, that humans, who are predominantly social creatures, are now being forced to suspend all normal interaction. We are also discovering that we need our hands for almost everything! The very good news, however, is that there has already been a huge and heartfelt response to the crisis from our community, with numerous offers of help for those less able to cope. Woodbury Community Matters and the Friends of Woodbury Surgery are coordinating these offers – from shopping and delivering medications, to checking on elderly neighbours and generally keeping an eye on those who might be in need. If you feel you can help in any way, or if you feel you need help yourself, please do get in touch through Facebook or the FOWS phone number 01395 206123, where a large team of volunteers is at the ready! Woodbury Parish has a considerable number of community groups, as well as the churches, and we are certain that help has been, and will continue to be, forthcoming from these sources as well. We already know that there has been a tsunami of support and goodwill throughout our community. Another very different community concern is the increasing volume of traffic in our villages, and the attendant problems, particularly in Woodbury, which has become a heavily-used commuter route. Please see the article on pp. 17&18. Finally, on a lovely, bright, uplifting note, our cover picture shows the Angel that has brought international renown to local driftwood sculptor Brendan Rawlings. Read all about it on p.27.
Readers of Woodbury News are asked to be aware that planned events mentioned in some of the following articles may now not happen.
5 FRIENDS OF WOODBURY SURGERY The coronavirus crisis As we are all aware, the devastatingly rapid spread of this virus has turned all our lives upside down. We are extremely pleased that FOWS has been able to offer help to those in need in our community by being at the coordinating centre of a large network of volunteers. These volunteers are delivering medications to folk who can’t get to the surgery to collect them, doing food shopping and deliveries, and generally offering support to those isolated and housebound. This article was originally to have announced a re-launch of FOWS, in order to comply with up-to-date “good practice” and current legislation. We had planned to hold two training sessions to bring everything in line with new regulations, and had hoped to attract new volunteers to join us. However, all these plans have, of course, had to be put on hold. Meanwhile, the focus for the foreseeable future has to be on helping people through this crisis. We are so gratified by the amazing response from people in all sectors of our village community – they are doing an extraordinary job. If you need help, or would like to offer yourself as a volunteer, the number to call is 01395 206123 Val Arndt
WOODBURY SURGERY From Monday 23 March all prescriptions will be handed out from the dispensary side door. Please do not enter the surgery unless you have been asked to attend by a clinician. For more information or to consult with your docor please go to our website: www.woodburysurgery.co.uk/news/prescription-collection
WOODBURY NEWS 2020 CLOSING DATES 21 APRIL. 19 MAY. 16 JUNE. ALL MATERIAL FOR THE MAGAZINE SHOULD BE SENT TO KAREN SQUIRES, WILLOWFIELD, OAKHAYES ROAD by 19.00 on the closing date, with a name and telephone number, or email to karensquires100@gmail.com
6 WHITE CROSS MISSION COMMUNITY ST SWITHUN’S, WOODBURY WITH ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, EXTON During the vacancy, please contact Administrator Jill Dupain — dupain@ hotmail.co.uk. Suspension of Public Worship - Cancellation of Services at St Swithun’s In light of the government guidance around non-essential contact, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued advice that public worship is suspended, so there will be no services at St Swithun’s until further notice, and the church will be closed. There will also be no services in any of the Mission Community churches until restrictions are lifted. However Revd Nigel will be saying prayers in each of the seven MC churches on Passion Sunday, Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday at the following times: 09.00 Farringdon, 09.30 Aylesbeare, 10.00 Woodbury Salterton, 10.30 Woodbury, 11.00 Exton. He invites you to join him in prayer from your own home at these times. If you need to speak to a priest urgently, contact Jill Dupain at the above email address.
NEWS AND EVENTS Woodbury PCC Monthly Draw - Details from Margo Crundwell 01395 232826. Lych gate Please note there will be no lych gate stall in April. Further information - Digest available in noticeboard by the lych gate at church. To receive this by email, please send your email address to st.swithuns.digest@gmail.com FLOODLIGHTING ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH (suspended temporarily) For your special event, contact Mike Jeans 01395 232544. Floodlight dedications are displayed on the church noticeboard at the lych gate, and normal service will be resumed as soon as possible. FoSS (FRIENDS OF ST SWITHUN’S) Sadly the Spring Concert (25 April) has had to be cancelled. FoSS is proposing to finance work to alleviate the damp problem in the north aisle of the church. Much of the work will include voluntary labour, as and when possible, but there will be substantial material cost. All receipts will be put to good use in maintaining the fabric of Woodbury’s most important historic building. Pat Browne
7
8 WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB March Meeting Tim Ellis has been a horticulturist for over 20 years, owning and running a plant nursery in Launceston, Cornwall. He has moved from Cornwall and is currently living and working in the Exeter area. Tim is passionate about growing perennials from seed and he shared his experience of doing so, and the pleasure he gained from producing and using mature perennial plants that he knew he had grown from seed. Watching seedlings emerge from the soil is always a great thrill for any gardener and, as Tim said, growing herbaceous perennials from seed is a real thrill and it is also one of gardening's great economies. Think how much, on average, we pay today for one potted perennial. He said many gardeners think that growing perennials from seed is difficult but this is not so, if you understand the hardiness of plants and you have the right equipment. The hardiness of a plant is based on its ability to resist adverse growing conditions such as cold, heat, drought, flooding or wind. Tim described, and illustrated, the different climate-matched seed zones of the world, but he added the RHS hardiness ratings were slightly different. When you buy a plant look closely at the conditions it needs for growth. Tim described and illustrated equipment needed for seed propagation. He then talked about other ways of propagation, from the division of plants every three years to taking cuttings, including root cuttings. Other plant parts can also be used. He showed us slides of his garden, attached to his plant centre, with borders of mixed herbaceous plants all propagated in one way or another. They certainly illustrated that with time, knowledge and patience, you could produce a beautiful garden economically. An interesting evening with ideas and advice to use in the future. For obvious reasons we will not be meeting in the near future. I have no doubt that social distancing will benefit many gardens and allotments. We hope that our members and the community will stay fit and healthy. Joyce Jeans Unfortunately our club meetings will not be going ahead for the time being, and the Plant Sale will not take place in the village hall as planned. There may be some plants available for sale in April and May, with careful precautions being taken to minimise contact with the coronavirus, but certainly not at a public event. Further information will be available in due course from Debby on woodburygardenclub@gmail.com and 232462. Debby Mullier
9 WOODBURY FUN DAY - CANCELLED! We are cancelling the Fun Day due to the issues with the coronavirus. 1ST WOODBURY GUIDES Our final meeting for the foreseeable future saw 15 Guides from Woodbury join with many other Guides from Exmouth Division for a sleepover at Flip-Out in Wellington. We were extremely lucky to get this fun event held before Girlguiding announced that all events and Unit meetings were to be cancelled.
The girls had a fantastic evening with a 2-hour bouncing session followed by a film and pizza and then bedding down on the trampolines. Needless to say there was not a lot of sleeping going on. In the morning it was breakfast and a further hour’s bounce before parents picked up some very weary girls. They all agreed that it had been a great event and that they would definitely like to repeat it in the future. Helen Ellis Have you got an interesting photo to illustrate your article? If so, we'd love to see it, but please remember that we need high resolution photos - not too dark, but clear and sharp - as low resolution photos do not reproduce well on non-photographic paper. Please remember to ask permission from any people included in your photos, and that photos of children require parental permission. Send all submissions to karensquires100@gmail.com
10 WOODBURY AND DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Due to the coronavirus the VE Day and VJ Day events are cancelled, as are all future Wednesday coffee mornings - the safety of our members and the wider community is paramount. The Veterans with Dogs Coffee Morning on 29 February was a really interesting event. Thank you to Chrissie for coming; we were able to donate ÂŁ50 to the charity from the event. To contact the branch for help and information, please ring me on Woodbury 232696. Keep safe. Sandra Huish
WOODBURY TWINNING ASSOCIATION Unfortunately, all Twinning events have been postponed for the time being. This includes the Wine Tasting event on 3 April and the visit to Bretteville in May. Events will be rescheduled when it is safe to do so. Any queries, phone Nita 232314 or Jan 232694. Jan Owen WOODBURY VILLAGE HALL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING POSTPONEMENT Due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus, the directors have decided to postpone the Village Hall Annual General Meeting which was to be held on Monday 6 April. A revised date for the AGM will be announced later in the year. Graham Jackson
11 WOODBURY HISTORY SOCIETY At the AGM in February the revised and updated constitution was approved and adopted, and it was agreed that the word “Local” would be removed from the name of the Society. This would allow for a wider and more realistic range of topics to be considered. At our meeting on 5 March, Julian Ware introduced the fifth episode of his histories of eminent families of the parish with a film he had produced, based on the lives of several generations of the Bakers. He showed a fascinating family tale interlocking with many aspects of world history of the last 200 years, both local and international. The last episode of this series is now in production and we hope to see it in 2021. Under the current unfortunate circumstances, it will be necessary and sensible to postpone or cancel future History Society events for the foreseeable future, including Mike Sampson's talk, A Short History of Tiverton, on 7 May, and the proposed summer outing in June/July. Mike has agreed to give his talk on 6 May 2021. I am reluctant at the moment to postpone the remaining talks on 2 September, The Origins of the Parish of Woodbury and its Manors by Gill Selley, and on 5 November The Blackshirts of Devon by Todd Gray. If necessary, we may be able to transfer them to 2021 if the speakers agree, and in fact we already have two further possible talks lined up for 2021. The History Society will hold its next Annual General Meeting on 4 February 2021 and I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Be optimistic and realistic, and look after yourselves and others wherever possible. World History is being made and we are all part of it! Nick Burgess WOODBURY TENNIS CLUB All winter league matches have been completed. Both the mixed and men's teams won their final matches against Exeter Golf and Country club, finishing mid-table with equal numbers of wins and losses. The two captains, Tim Greenslade and Pauline Jones, are to be congratulated on their organisation, ensuring that all matches were completed despite the wettest winter on record, and lately the coronavirus. The summer league programme is currently suspended due to government restrictions. Sadly, the hut and the courts are now closed until further notice. This means that club sessions as well as individual play can no longer take place. For further information contact Pat Browne on 232805, ruthandpatb @aol.com Pat Browne 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.
12 WOODBURY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL Music and Singing Concert We were all treated to another fantastic Singing Concert this term, in which children from Foundation to Year 6 delighted us with their musical talents, from singing and dancing to playing the steel drums. The enjoyment experienced by the children when they sang was clear from their smiles and they relished the opportunity to perform in front of such large and appreciative audiences.
World Book Day On this year’s World Book Day children across the school enjoyed a day devoted to the love of books and reading.
13 Children participated in a range of activities throughout the day, from making spider sandwiches to acting in their own trailer for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, crafting their own books, and entering a competition organised by our Year 6 librarians. The children's costumes were brilliant and so creative; they certainly prompted lots of discussion around the books from which their characters were chosen. Our World Book Day at Woodbury culminated in a used book sale in which, thanks to everyone's generous donations, we managed to raise ÂŁ50, which will be put towards developing our cosy library.
Some children engaged in book crafting activities Gymnastics Competition Twelve gymnasts across KS2 represented the school at the Exmouth Learning Community Gymnastics Competition. It was a great event with 27 different teams taking part across four different categories. Both teams of children did fantastically well, with the Year 5 and 6 team finishing in 4th place in their category and the Year 3 and 4 team finishing 2nd in their category. A huge well done to all the teams involved. Girls Football Years 5 and 6 Seven girls from Years 5 and 6 took part in a friendly football tournament organised by Primary Sports and Education alongside three other local schools. It was their first game together as a team and the first time some of them had played a full football match. Primary Sports were very impressed with the attitude, effort, sportsmanship and skill shown by the girls, who really enjoyed representing the school. 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).
14 Woodbury C of E Primary School cont’d/‌ Quicksticks Hockey Final A group of children from Years 5 and 6 represented the school at the East Devon Quicksticks Finals at Kings School on Thursday. The children performed brilliantly, showing real determination to battle against some very cold weather and some talented opposition. The children did really well to qualify from their group but narrowly missed out on a place in the semifinals.
Maple Class and Radio 4 Children in Maple Class have been reading the book Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World and thinking about what jobs they would like to do in the future. As part of this learning they enjoyed a careers talk from staff at Hi-Line - a tree surgery consultancy, where they heard all about the life of a tree surgeon; many of the children tried on safety equipment to lift the huge six-foot chainsaw! The children asked questions about the job and shared their own experiences of seeing liftaccess platforms and wood chippers.
15
Kirsty from Hi-Line encouraged the girls in the class to consider tree surgery as a career and afterwards several of the children announced that they would like to be tree surgeons when they grow up. Excitingly, BBC Radio were in the classroom, recording the visit and interviewing some of Maple Class for a broadcast in late March. Willow Class Assembly The children of Willow class produced an impressive assembly based on their learning about The Great Fire of London. We were treated to facts, singing, acting and playing of the steel pans. Well done Willow Class. Koreana Sharp WOODBURY COMMUNITY LONG TABLES In aid of FORCE SATURDAY 4 JULY, 17.00 to 22.30 WOODBURY VILLAGE GREEN Purchase a table for ÂŁ20 for 6 people. Bring your own chair/food/wine etc. Decorate your table, gazebo. All tables will be on the village green. Music/entertainment/prizes/band/dancing. Please contact Chris Lear 01395 232772 chrisalear06@gmail.com for further information.
16 WOODBURY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS As part of the celebrations to mark their 100th anniversary, Woodbury WI decided that their bench on the Green Spot needed refurbishing. They asked local woodwork expert, Murrough Macdonald, to undertake the task. To do this he replaced the existing wooden seat and back slats with pieces of fine oak. The side supports and legs were repainted a vibrant red. To complete the refurbishment Murrough carved the relevant dates on the top rail of the seat.
Cutting of the ribbon
Last of the Summer Wine (aka Livvy, Lin and Pat) Watched by fellow WI members, try out the newly refurbished bench. longest-serving WI member Pat Holland cut the ribbon to recommission the bench. Members Jill, Jenny, Sandra, Margo, Maggie and Ann hope that villagers waiting for the bus or resting after a walk will enjoy the bench for many years to come. Lin Milsom-Ashby
17 WOODBURY TRAFFIC CAMPAIGN Living in Woodbury between the city of Exeter and the sea at Exmouth has its advantages, but that also means we are used as a main through route to villages and towns in the surrounding area. We are an escape route when the A376 is blocked by an accident or there is heavy traffic. Our main road is a magnet for the 'racers' who use it to impress their mates and also for the occasional drunk driver. During rush hours and the holiday seasons, our small village can get very busy with all manner of cars, lorries and everything in between. The volume of traffic has been rising gradually in the last few years and so has the damage caused by speeding, and disregard for local residents. This is not just on the main road but also within the village, with its narrow lanes. Four cars and two vans have been written off in the last 24 months. Three of those cars, in just one year, were owned by me and this is why the Woodbury Traffic Campaign came about. After my third vehicle was wrecked on Broadway, I knew it had to stop. I put it on the Facebook group, sent emails to all the papers, with only one picking up initially. But then the BBC became interested and asked for an interview with residents. This was pre-recorded and then followed by another live on air. We even made The Metro newspaper in London with 1.4 million readers. This drew attention to our issues, so much so that Simon Jupp MP rang me personally and this spurred me on to keep going. Meetings with Parish, District and County Councillors have followed, and we have gained their support, as long as what we do is legal. Speaking at the last Parish Council meeting I then decided that a leaflet drop to the whole village would be a good idea. Volunteers came forward to help and the response has been extraordinary. Cont’d/...
18 WOODBURY TRAFFIC CAMPAIGN cont’d/... The residents of Woodbury have so many concerns, and reports are still coming in thick and fast. In order to keep people, property and vehicles safe in Woodbury, we would like a complete review of signage, speed signs and pavement gateways into the village. The Speedwatch campaign in the village, now well supported, is not connected to my campaign, but we are hoping to connect the two groups with support from the police and residents. I was hoping that we would be able to hold a meeting soon but because of coronavirus, this has been put on hold for now; but many have connected digitally and we are still here, still campaigning and won't stop. There is an online petition at petitiononline.uk/A Safer Woodbury, and a paper petition in Londis. If anyone knows of any persons without access to the internet, please send me their address, as I am also doing a paper version of a newsletter and will happily keep them updated. Contact Kim Bates co-ordinator on 07450 001665 or email Woodbury TrafficCampaign@yahoo.com. Also Facebook: A Safer Woodbury; Twitter: @asaferwoodbury. Please join us for the safety of the village. Kim Bates
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
WOODBURY NEWS is available online and via Facebook and Twitter.
19
WOODBURY SALTERTON NEWS HOLY TRINITY - NO SERVICES It is with great regret that we accept the instructions of the Archbishop of Canterbury that there will be no services in church during the coronavirus crisis. This means, sadly, that we cannot celebrate Easter. Revd Nigel Mason We are also very sad that we will not be able to say a proper thankyou and farewell to Nigel, and wish him well in his new post. We are so very grateful in this church for his ministry and great kindness to us all and his support for the School. An Act of Kindness from School Children The children in Class 1 were discussing with their teacher Mrs Jennie Tweedy the news that due to the coronavirus, people over 70 years are having to stay at home. They started to think about the effect that this would have on some of their own family members and their neighbours and the conversation led to thinking about who their neighbours were. The children came up with the idea that they would like to make some cards, with pressed flowers on the front with the message inside ‘We are thinking of you and send our love, thoughts and best wishes.’ I was asked to suggest some possible recipients. Here is the card that they sent to me. Katharine Wheeler A Coronavirus laugh On BBC lunchtime news the announcer said: ‘Anyone over 70 with underlying health problems or pregnant is advised to stay at home.’ Scarecrow Event Quiz By popular request I have been asked to run a summer quiz as a fundraiser for our church. I connected it to the Scarecrow Challenge, hence the title. Copies of the quiz are £2 each. If the Scarecrow Event is able to go ahead on Sunday 14 June I will have some for sale then, but I am also selling them now. Please phone or see me if you would like to support this. Thank you. Katharine Wheeler 01395 232009.
All regular events like WI and church coffee mornings are cancelled until further notice.
20 WOODBURY SALTERTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE The speaker for our March meeting had to cancel two days before our meeting so President Gill Bricknell expressed heartfelt thanks to Andy Lewis for stepping in at such short notice. He gave a talk with slides on Sustainable Gardening - managing our gardens in an environmentally friendly way. Andy has just completed a three year course at the Royal Horticultural Society and obtained his Masters qualification. He has worked as head gardener on a private estate and is now working for the National Trust. Andy outlined many of the measures that he and the National Trust are taking: mowers powered by Aspen2 fuel, a machine which burns weeds in paths rather than using spray, battery-charged blowers and hedge cutters, non chemical sprays, peat-free compost, wooden plant labels, hazel, birch or willow twigs instead of bamboo canes to support plants (no need then to tie them up as they attach themselves to the twigs), Slug Gone wool pellets and biological control of pests like whitefly. He also told us which local garden centres stock some of these products. Members also enjoyed his lovely photos of flowers and plants. Katharine Wheeler WOODBURY SALTERTON VILLAGE HALL The committee of Woodbury Salterton Village Hall would like to thank the Parish Council for the grant they supplied for the replacement of the front door of Woodbury Salterton village hall. The hall is a great asset to the village and is a great space for community and private events. Sadly, the following regular groups will be on hold until restrictions are lifted: Community Coffee Morning - first Monday of the month 09.00 to 11.30. Woodbury Salterton parent and toddler group - Monday mornings 09.00 to 11.00. Woodbury Salterton WI - second Wednesday of the month 19.30. Whist - third Tuesday of the month 19.30. Louise Lee
Suspended until further notice
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. ÂŁ2 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.
21 WOODBURY SALTERTON CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Spectacular Scientists Woodbury Salterton School entered a competition and were lucky enough to win a day of science fun with Wonderstruck. The day included a demonstration of some amazing science tricks including shooting rockets, exploding Rice Krispies and propelling a four-wheeled vehicle carrying one of the children along the village hall floor. The children also built their own rockets in small teams which they then tested in the Glebe field. Some went so far they had to be retrieved from the next field! Later they used kits to build wheeled go-karts propelled by motors and finished the day by holding a competition to see whose was the fastest. In another lesson, Class 2 investigated the composition of different types of sand; thanks to Mrs and Mrs Rorke for the samples. They also continued on their curriculum theme of Rocks, Rumbles and Relics by making volcanic explosions. After watching a demo, the children came up with their own scientific questions that they wanted to investigate such as “If we add more vinegar will the explosion be bigger?” They then wrote a prediction, and carefully planned their experiment so that everything stayed the same except for the one item that they changed. Class 1 donned lab coats and became coastal creatures scientists. They looked carefully at the creatures and discovered how mackerel, squid and lantern fish have special features to help them survive in the sea. Class 1 are also learning all about bread. So far, they have investigated the different ingredients, tasted lots of different types of bread and made their own butter. The nursery children have also had fun playing with dry and then wet flour, and are looking forward to making their own bread. HOPE The value this half term is HOPE and, in these uncertain times, this seems very apt. The children were visited by Livi, the Families’ Worker from Christ Church, Woodbury, who spoke about God’s promise to look after us and that this can give us hope and help us in times of worry. The children considered things that grow, like a sunflower, and how this plant does not have worries because God has a plan for it. Livi gave the children a sunflower to watch it grow so as it grows taller, it will remind us that if we have hope, we will not need to worry. Creation Station worked with Years 4 and 5 on this theme. Cont’d/...
22 Woodbury Salterton C of E Primary School
cont’d/…
The children thought about the hopes they have for the future and created time-capsules to keep them in. The time-capsules were then collected together to create a mobile that we have hanging in our classroom. AnnMarie from the ICE Team came to speak to the children about the value of hope in the story of Noah. She spoke about the symbol of the dove and how this represents hope and that a rainbow is a symbol of God’s promise that such a flood will never happen again. 40 Acts This half term, we have been running a 40 Acts club on Monday lunchtimes. The weekly activities have been chosen by some Year 6 pupils from the 40 Acts of Kindness chart. The children have been considering all the things that they are grateful for. Two Year 6 children led Collective Worship and the girls explained why we have Lent and inspired the other children to participate in the 40 Acts of Kindness. One of the acts the children chose to focus on was to be generous with their words and pay compliments to each other. The children enjoyed writing a compliment in a letter either for someone in school or for someone special and leaving this written compliment for them to find as a surprise. Why not join in and try this act of kindness yourself? It will make both you and the receiver of your compliment feel really happy! Courageous Advocacy Continuing on this theme the children have been thinking of love for others. Class 1 have been thinking about the message of Jesus to ‘Love our neighbours.’ They thought about who our neighbours are and some have written prayers in the class reflection space. The School Council and Ethos Group led collective worship on the theme of ‘Why it’s a good idea to support charities.’ They talked about our plans to raise money for Christian Aid at our Easter Coffee Afternoon, our Sport Relief fundraising efforts and our successful toilet twinning project last term. We have now received two plaques showing our toilets, which are on display in school. The Year 6 children were invited to be delegates at Devon Schools Fairtrade Conference and met Sarah and Ernest who are cocoa farmers from Ghana. They talked about their farms and the work involved in growing and harvesting cocoa pods. The children learned about the challenges faced due to environmental factors, in particular the effects of global warming. The children learned about how Fairtrade helps not only to ensure that farmers are paid fair prices for their cocoa beans, but also puts a stop to child labour.
23 The children were presented with a sapling to plant, which will grow into a Bird Blossom tree. After watching Newsround and reflecting on current affairs around the world, the children in Class 2 asked if they could organise an event to raise money to sponsor a koala in Australia. They decided to hold an Australian non-uniform day, a cake sale and an art competition in order to raise vital funds to help the koalas affected by the bushfires. We are very proud of their initiative and their willingness to want to help others. Our theme this year for World Book Day was to come dressed as a word. What fabulous costumes we had! We thought about words we could use to describe reading. There was a long list including: fun, adventurous, imaginative, interesting, mysterious and inspiring.
For more information about our school visit our website or better still book a school tour. Clare Rooke, Chair of Governors, Pebblebed Heath Federation
WEATHER REPORT February treated us to a return of English monsoon conditions, with also the strong winds of Storms Ciara (days 9 and 10) and Dennis (15 and 16), the latter providing 2 inches of rain. The total for the month at Ebford was 156mm (6 inches), well above the 20 year average of 68mm. However, February 2007 (177mm) and also February 2014 (165mm) were similarly about two and a half times above the average. Earlier in the month the two days before the arrival of Ciara were fine and calm, showing the better conditions that can be associated with the lengthening days of February. Norman Cann
24
EXTON NEWS ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, EXTON Services at St Andrew’s Church are suspended at this time, and the church will be closed. Exmouth Community Larder needs our support more than ever. In lieu of donating food, please send your cheque, payable to The Salvation Army, clearly marked ‘Exmouth Community Larder’ on the reverse, to: Exmouth Community Larder, c/o Salvation Army Hall, Sheppards Row, Exmouth EX8 1PW Exton Village Events are organising village support. If you need any help or can help others please contact Debbie Kearey 07796 86539. Message from ESTUARY LEAGUE OF FRIENDS We are following government guidelines and are selfisolating. If you are ill or have an underlying health condition and are unable to get out, we would like to let you know that we are here to support you. Please call us on 01392 879009. The sort of things we are able to help with are: picking up medication; requests direct to pharmacies can also be made; picking up shopping; posting mail; urgent supplies; dog walking and a friendly phone call. CORONAVIRUS IS CONTAGIOUS. PLEASE TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION TO ENSURE YOU ARE SPREADING ONLY KINDNESS. AVOID PHYSICAL CONTACT (2M DISTANCE). Wash your hands regularly. Items may have to be left on your doorstep. A QUIZ FROM THE EXTON LADIES GROUP Enjoy having a go. Answers next month: SWEETS AND CHOCOLATES: eg. 1. Sly giggles = Snicker. 2. High class thoroughfare. 3. Money making royalty. 4. Dark Occult. 5. Mother’s local bar. 6. Clever folk. 7. Various assorted items. 8. Sport for Princes. 9. Good children get these. 10 Feline favourite. 11. Garden flowers. 12 Small Girls toys. 13 Dairy product. 14 Arrange marriage partners. 15. Edible fasteners. 16. Wobbly infants. 17. Talk quietly. 18. Big bus. 19. Gem Orchard. 20. Spin around the tree. Look out for some more next month. Audrey Elphick
25
26
ROUND AND ABOUT THANKS Thank you for your lovely cards and gifts brought to me during my recent stay at the RD&E hospital, and also for your kind phone calls and emails sent to Debbie during my stay. Having been out of action for ten days, I would now like to say a big thankyou to all of the many hundreds of you who have bought my book, and for the lovely comments I have received — great comfort whilst having had four stents fitted. The consultants, doctors, nurses and entire staff of Taw Ward at the RD&E were absolutely magnificent in every possible caring and comforting way, and I will be more than grateful for the rest of my life. I know that without their help I would not be writing this. Love and best wishes to you all. Kilve Marchant CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2020 We had intended moving to a delivery-only collection this year. In view of the current restrictions, we shall not collect at all this year but hope to restart in 2021. The income to Christian Aid for their vital work will be badly affected this year, so please do donate directly to them instead. Carolyn Keep NANCIE GRIST - CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE POSTPONED In light of the government guidance around non-essential contact, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued advice that public worship services in churches are suspended until further notice. Sadly, the service to celebrate the life of Nancie Grist did not take place on Monday 23 March, although the private burial did. The Celebration of Life service at St Swithun’s will be re-arranged for a later date. Peter and Christine Grist
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.
27 BRENDAN’S ANGEL Brendan Rawlings first got hooked onto the idea of driftwood sculpture when he saw a driftwood shark sculpture in a shop window. Baulking at the price being asked, he was persuaded that he could do it just as well himself – and so the journey began. Having arrived back in the UK with his family after a gruelling stint working in the commercial and gaindriven environment of Dubai, which left him frazzled and burnt out, he decided he needed to turn his hand(s) and talents to something completely different. He had always been creative and imaginative, and he really wanted to work in a way which would be based on an alternative ethos: re-generation not consumption; sustainability not extinction; giving back not taking; re-utilising not junking. What started out as a very modest enterprise, with small driftwood wall sculptures created in his garage, has now turned into a much larger concern, with free-standing sculptures being commissioned and sent all over the world. The real break, though, came with the success of his Angel (featured on the cover of this issue). This sculpture has earned Brendan coverage on major TV, radio and press platforms, as well, of course, as a significant social media following. The Angel has been dubbed the Angel of the South, but Brendan calls it My Guardian Angel. His Angel has visited beaches around the country, raising funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and was scheduled to be in attendance at the Oxford/Cambridge boat race — now, of course, cancelled. Is it masculine or feminine and does it matter? Angels are either, or neither. Apart from being incredibly beautiful, the Angel is, above all, strong. The Angel has given comfort to many people in distress: those grieving from loss, bereavement, sadness, tragedy. The Angel also brings joy and wonder to those who see it. See more of Brendan’s work on his website: www.zenwooddesign.co.uk Val Arndt
28
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
From Mary Connick Hello, I am Mary Connick and I used to live in Gilbrook, Woodbury, years ago (1980s). I helped with a Bunty Brighouse project to produce an illustrated map of Woodbury as it might have been laid out in mediaeval times. I did not keep a copy and would love to have one again. If you can provide any further information, please contact me. maryeconnick@gmail.com. From Barbara Woolley John Wynne Way Paul and I have been organising a walk in memory of John Wynne planned for 9 May, but due to the coronavirus, we have had to postpone it. I would like to encourage anyone who can to support Hope4Kibera, as the virus is also a huge problem there, by donating or registering their interest. Please email me barbarawoolley2@yahoo.co.uk. I will keep our community updated as soon as I can. From Gordon Davis The disruption to our lives from coronavirus continues to escalate, causing mayhem and stress. However, there is one piece of very good news that has happened in the last few weeks. Woodbury now has its own proper mobile signal—well, it does if you are on O2 like me. I returned from holiday at the start of March to find max signal bars on my phone: the last link had been made to the new aerials in the church tower. Hurrah! This affords me the heady delight of being able to send texts and speak to people on my phone from the comfort of my armchair, when previously it was an ‘arm out of the bedroom window’ job. Amongst all the chaos that life has recently thrown at us, this silver lining has come just in time!
FORTHCOMING EVENTS We are not listing any of the anticipated forthcoming events this month, and we will re-consider this decision for future editions of Woodbury News.
29
RSPB AYLESBEARE COMMON As always when the end of our winter habitat work is fast approaching, the past month has been a busy one for our Aylesbeare team. Along with our scrub clearance work – the removal of the encroaching tree species we mentioned in the last issue – we have been focusing on maintaining the access tracks across the Aylesbeare and Harpford Commons and at our Fire Beacon Hill reserve outside Sidmouth. This has involved widening the tracks in many cases and carefully removing large overhanging limbs. Although much of this work is done to allow horse-riders and our tractors and vehicles to navigate safely around the sites, it does have the more important outcome of improving the access for the fire service in the event of an emergency. We have also spent several weeks re-widening many of the firebreaks we have created across the heaths in past years, where gorse and small trees have grown up and rendered them too narrow or enclosed. While these firebreaks won’t prevent a fire from starting, if a fire does happen to break out on the heaths (we hope that it won’t) in dry summer weather, they should prevent the fire from spreading too far and allow the fire service to contain it more effectively. The work the fire service does with us to work towards hopefully limiting severe heathland fires is invaluable. We also have a big thanks to say to the local scouts who joined one of our regular Sunday work parties – everyone did an excellent job in clearing a large dense section of holly on Aylesbeare Common. While we all love holly – especially around a certain time of year that it’s probably too early to mention – when it grows in large stands it creates such a thick understory that very little light can reach the ground and other plant species struggle to grow there. Selectively removing or thinning the holly opens up areas to allow other plant species to colonise, subsequently supporting a larger number of animal species, particularly our more specialist heathland invertebrates which can’t tolerate the thick shade that a dense holly stand creates. Finally, we have a new warden for the RSPB Aylesbeare team starting with us after Easter. He comes to us from the National Trust in Mid Devon and brings a wealth of practical knowledge that will no doubt benefit the wildlife of the Commons immensely. Ellie Woolway, Devon Reserves Administrator Exe Estuary (01392 833311) & Aylesbeare Common (01395 233655) Eleanor.woolway@rspb.org.uk. Mobile – 07834174541.
30
Clinton Estates to trial ideas for future UK farming and environment policy Our rural landscape and its managers will face significant changes over the coming years, not least of which is the uncertainty around the scale and targeting of future farming and wildlife support, post-Brexit. Challenges include the phased reduction of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), which has supported agriculture for many decades. These payments will be reduced from existing levels today to zero by 2028. The publication of the government’s 25-Year Environment Plan and policy changes in the forthcoming Agriculture Bill suggests that future financial support for farming from government will be based on a clear demonstration of public benefit, described as “public money for public goods.” In 2018 Defra announced that they were looking to trial and test new ideas for an Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) between 20192021. These ELMS trials will help shape the replacement for existing farming and environmental support. Clinton Devon Estates was keen to influence thinking on this and we submitted a proposal to use parts of the Estate, the first based around the River Otter and the other at Beer, to codesign alongside stakeholders and farmers what a future ELMS might look like. With support from the Westcountry Rivers Trust and the Centre for Rural Policy Research, Exeter University, and a broad array of civic and environmental partners including parish councils, East Devon AONB, the Otter Valley Association, Budleigh Health Hub and the Environment Agency, we have now begun a two-year project to design bespoke schemes for these two local catchments. We hope this work will show how it is possible to support the local farming industry and economy whilst enhancing what is currently most cherished about our local landscapes and wildlife. Key features of the trial include: ensuring that management plans for individual farms complement others in the catchment whilst supporting agricultural productivity and innovation; reducing environmental risk; maximising wildlife, supporting habitats and other ‘ecosystem services’; increasing local understanding and support for agriculture and farmers whilst adequately rewarding farmers for the many public benefits they provide. Countryside Learning in all seasons Despite the cold and wet end to winter, plenty of requests for educational visits meant that over 300 primary school pupils, from across Devon, visited
31 Otterton to take part in activities at the mill and along the river. Those learning about food and farming, took part in activities to explore the crops and other food produced in the Otter Valley and saw where for centuries wheat has been milled into flour. Others studying rivers started the day at the mill and then followed a walk downstream to Ottermouth, spotting signs of human and environmental change, including the most recent signs of beaver activity. Drake’s School at East Budleigh welcomed David White to showcase his amazing photographs of village wildlife. Each class also took part in activities to learn how to encourage and watch common birds in their school and gardens. Devon Birds kindly donated £100 for bird feeders, seed mixes and books to support the children to identify and learn more about their local birdlife. Kate Ponting, Countryside Learning Officer kate.ponting@clintondevon.com 01395 443 881 CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: FORCE CANCER CHARITY FORCE Cancer Charity has regretfully announced the temporary closure of its Support and Information Centre in Exeter. The decision to close its Support Centre in the grounds of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital was taken after consultation with clinical staff at the RD&E. This follows the first reported cases of coronavirus/Covid-19 at the hospital. The charity will continue to offer telephone and video-call support to local people affected by cancer. All support services at FORCE’s weekly outreach centres in Okehampton, Tiverton and Honiton were also stopped with immediate effect, but chemotherapy treatment will continue as normal in all three towns for now. People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment may be among those at particular risk from coronavirus. FORCE will be regularly updating its website - www.forcecancer charity.co.uk - with news of how to access whatever support is available. The numbers you may need FORCE Cancer Nursing Team: 01392 406151 Psychological and emotional support: 01392 406168/406169 WOODBURY NEWS to your door … Under normal circumstances, Woodbury News is delivered each month direct to your door. However, this delivery service has been temporarily suspended, although we plan to continue to produce the May and June issues online only. See page 4 for details.
32
BUSINESS ADVERTISEMENTS MATHS TUITION: Experienced, female Maths teacher available to teach primary to GSCE level maths, 11+ and SATs prep. Now providing virtual tutoring and online support. Reasonable rates. Jane Moffatt on 07730 877889 janepmoffatt@gmail.com. (3/12) ALTERATIONS TO LADIES AND GENTS WEAR, MADE TO MEASURE CURTAINS AND ROMAN BLINDS, ALTERATIONS TO CURTAINS. Contact Shirley on 01395 223523. (5/12) COMPUTER REPAIRS AND UPGRADES; Broadband and wireless connections; Data recovery and backup; Windows, iPads and Apple computers, Virus and spyware removal; No fix no fee - Evening visits to suit you. Contact: Mark Doyle 01395 233694. (8/12) ELECTRICIAN James Sliman Local, reliable, fully qualified and experienced. NAPIT registered and insured. From a socket to rewire 01395 276323 07866 313812 www.jslimanelectrician.co.uk. (8/12) WOODBURY HOLIDAY HOME TO RENT in centre of village. Luxury accommodation for 4 people, 2 en-suites, parking, courtyard garden. Weekly holidays & short breaks. www.woodburyholidays.co.uk 01579 350365. (8/12)
WE ARE POSH NOSH! With over two decades of experience in the catering industry we are at the forefront of special occasion and event catering in Devon and the West Country. We are committed to providing first class cuisine with outstanding levels of service. Phone: 01392 444877 or email: info@posh-nosh.co.uk. (9/12) EXE CLEANING & DOMESTIC SERVICES All types of cleaning and other chores around your home. Call 01392 879592 (3/4) SCIENCE & MATHS TUITION Science KS3-GCSE, A Level Chemistry. Maths 11+, SATS Preparation and GCSE. Maria McGlashan Bsc(Hons) PGCE QTS. www.spacetolearnscience.co.uk 07760 443536 (12/12) EXE INTERIORS & HANDYMAN SERVICES for all home improvement requirements inc. painting & decorating, wall & floor tiling, bathrooms & kitchens, handyman service. Call Sean 07967 777396. (10/12) RUBBISH REMOVALS Domestic and Commercial. Environment Agency licensed. No job too small. Tel: 0800 335 7610 / 07979 841376. www.rubbishremovalsexeter.com. (11/12) PROPERTY MAINTENANCE – James Waddell Interior & Exterior, Carpentry, Flooring, Fencing & Gates, Plumbing, Decking, Bathrooms & Kitchens, General Repairs. Free Advice & Estimates 01395 263496. (10/12)
33 cont’d/... 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. (11/12) 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 (11/12) 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). (7/12) MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER - providing services such as nail cutting, corn and callus removal, thickened nail reduction. For appointments please call 01392 949030 (5/12) 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. (2/24)
34
WOODBURY GARAGE Local family business
MOTS SERVICE REPAIRS ALL MAKES & MODELS ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS
The Arch, Woodbury EX5 1LL woodburygarage@hotmail.co.uk
T: 01395 233004 M: 07527 125956
35
Woodbury Salterton Village Hall Hall –Tables and Chairs, Well equipped kitchen with cooker and fridge, crockery and cutlery inclusive in hire. Modest Rates. For bookings please contact:
Pat or Gill Bricknell 01395 232463
Woodbury Village Hall Hall and two meeting rooms, Fully equipped kitchen WIFI, sound system and projector Available for: Dances and Parties Meetings and Classes Exhibitions and Craft Fairs Badminton, Plays, Business Lettings For bookings please contact: Robin or Marian Lennox Tel: 01395 232126 email:- woodburyvh@gmail.com www.woodburyvillagehall.org.uk
36 Further to many recent enquiries:
Robert Miller Local Painter & Decorator of many years, is still in business. A lifetime of experience! All painting and decorating jobs considered. Contact Bob on
01395 233773 or 07800 854839 THORNS COTTAGE, WOODBURY
37
Welcoming New Patients A friendly, caring practice providing the very latest treatment techniques, in a relaxed setting:
Routine dental care with oral health assessment
Cosmetic dental treatments including whitening, implants, veneers
Crowns made on the day of your visit, with no need for impressions!!
Facial Rejuvenation treatment Discreet clinics now available. Speak to our friendly team.
Tel: 01395 442552
www.budleighdentalpractice.co.uk
38
Woodbury Dance Studio RAD BALLET Grades and Majors
Children from 2½ years Principal: Mary Griffiths ARAD, MA(Oxon) Tel: 01395 271249 marygriffiths@hotmail.com www.woodburydance.co.uk All classes at Woodbury C of E Primary School
T.D. BUILDERS General Quality Building Service * New builds & Extensions * Brickwork & Block work * Rendering & Plastering * Drives & Patios * All types of building work undertaken !! FREE ESTIMATES
01395 233995 or 07751 738092
39
40
WOODBURY SALTERTON
W.S. TAXI 1 - 8 People LOCAL & LONG DISTANCE