Serving the Village and Parish of Witheridge

WITHERIDGE VOICE

Winter 2015Issue 23

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Garden Design & ConstructionWalling,Decking & PatiosInterior/Exterior Painting & DecoratingGrass Cutting & TurfingGarden Maintenance & ClearanceTimber Structures & FencingPruning & HedgingLight Digger Work

stoodleigh landscaping07801 442 453 stoodleighlandscaping@gmail.com

Steve King Plumbing and Heating Engineer

All Aspects of Plumbing and Heat Work Undertaken

Natural Gas - LPG - OilInstallation - Maintenance - Repair

35 Years’ Experience

Phone: 01884 798607

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Editor voiceeditor@outlook.comAdvertising voicetreasurer@hotmail.co.ukPhone 01884 860773Editor Carole CampbellTreasurer Jim CampbellChairman Gill ManningSecretary Jess CampbellAdvisor Carol PrynnProofs Committee

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Websitehttps://sites.google.com/site/witheridgevoiceAND www.facebook.com/witheridgevoiceonlinePosters ONE page of A4, LARGE type/ jpeg

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Printed by Burridge Printers 01837 82386www.burridgeprinters.co.uk

Cover Carole Campbellv

Adverts to Spring 20151/6 page box £26, 1/3 page strip ( horizontal or vertical)£42 ½ Page £56, Full Page £102One off for new local businesses £8 ( if space available).

EditorialAs predicted, there were a couple of errorsin the last issue caused by trying to do With-eridge Voice from 6000 miles away. Notleast, was that I totally forgot to credit NoelMcTeague for ALL the photos at the GardenClub Summer Show and the PloughingMatch and Gill Manning for the Church Fetephotos.This issue has more features than usual as itis with great regret that it will be my last asEditor, due to ill health.Thank you Witheridge for being so generouswith your stories. I have loved doing it,listening to and scribbling the stories ofsome wonderful people. Apologies to thosewhose stories have yet to be told.There will be an Extraordinary AGM in thenew year unless someone comes forward towrite the Spring issue. Carole Campbell

ContentsFeaturesCypress HouseTalented KidsIn Another Life- SecretaryAircraft WoodWitheridge ChildcareA Year in Pictures 2015Before the Welfare StateA Slice of Devon HeavenA Good Place 1700 -1900Country Houses in DevonWitheridge Trivia

Regular Welcome to the village Parish Hall & PoliceCommunity NewsLetters To The EditorSJF & ClubsChurchesSchoolsChildren’s ActivitiesSportsSurgery NewsVet NewsIncomers’ Guide RosemoorParish Council

Library & Community InfoQuick QuizWhat’s happening

Page

5,6,71517, 18,19252932,333941,42,4349,516161

9911,13139,21,23,2730,3134,353745,4753535759616162

Witheridge VoiceARE YOU

interested In Witheridgelife, computer literate

(or willing to learn) andhave time to spare?

Due to ill health we need anEditor

To write and produce the magazinefrom Spring 2015

Contact voiceeditor@outlook.comOr phone 01884 860773

HELP available to get goingif needed

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A JOHNSON BUILDINGRenovations, Repairs and Modernisation

Extensions and Roofing

Kitchen and Bathrooms Fitted

Interior & Exterior Decorating

Bespoke projects catered for

References available on request Call Anthony Home:- 01769 550472 Mob:- 07545056229

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Cypress House :A pleasure and a privilege

The Doctor’s HouseIt was a singledwelling withoutbuildings at theback. RobertCoster (Surgeon)lived there in 1841and was succeededby Dr Burrows in1855. In 1868 Dr

Llewellyn joined him and soon after thehouse was divided into two.The name Cypress House first appears inthe 1891 census. By 1895 the outbuildingswere integrated to form a 2 storey westwing on no. 11 and a small extension onno. 9 - the original long-house was nowtwo desirable residences.After The Firs became the Doctor’s housein 1904, retired farmer Henry Besley livedin Cypress House and stayed there until atleast 1924. In the 1930s Mr Burke rentedan outbuilding which came to be knownas the engine room. He installed agenerator to supply electricity to the fewhouseholds in Witheridge that couldafford it. (‘The Electricity Company’ seeWitheridge Voice website). The house was owned by a South Moltonfamily but was always rented out. At somepoint No 11 was adapted for 2 tenants, so

1841

for a while 3 families lived there. It was leftempty after the last tenant moved out in1987 and has been empty ever since.Vandals got in several times and did a lotof damage.

RecollectionsNumber 9 by Terry CumesI was born in the sitting room of number 9in 1957. The house was small but biggerthan anybody else had. The first room hada snooker table and my brother used tostick his cue in the ceiling to get chalk.Mum’s electric cooker was in the cubbyhole next to the Rayburn. We spent a lotof time in the kitchen because the Rayburnwas our only heating. In winter we wouldscrape ice off the inside of the windows.The big sitting room was only used atChristmas when all the family came. It was18 feet long with wooden shutters on thewindows. Mother couldn’t get a carpetwide enough so she put a strip round theedge. We had lino everywhere else.There was a well in the kitchen andanother in the garden but we didn’t usethem. Down the yard there were 2 sheds,a glasshouse and the engine room.Mother’s ‘deep litter house’ was part ofthe engine room. She tried to keepchickens there but they all died of foulpest. There was an archway into a walledkitchen garden and a toilet next to it,which I always thought was a bit strange.Dave, Ros and Rob remember findingbayonets and bullets above the engineroom. The garden was so long you couldplay football and cricket- so much space.It was a wonderful place to grow up.No 11 (from a villager)It was an old house but not bad for thatday. There was an office leading to asitting room facing the street. A passage

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No 9 kitchen and main bedroom

went to 2 kitchens and a conservatory inthe courtyard. The well was enclosed witha partition to dip it from 2 sides.Through  the  2ⁿ� kitchen was a flat roofextension with a balcony on top. The mainbedroom was huge. The balcony lookedright down to the orchard. It had 3bedrooms and a bathroom downstairs - allrather grand.

Renovation and RestorationCypress House looked so sad with its‘Danger Keep Out’ sign, so the appearanceof building materials in late 2014 createda flurry of interest around the village. I metthe site manager Albert Yepremyan in May2015 and he offered to show me round.Albert I had worked on several projects inLondon for the current owner and wasasked to take a look at Cypress House. Ilearned a lot about what needs to be donefrom working on my first listed building inWimpole Street. I am originally fromArmenia so it was interesting to find cobwalls in 400 year old houses in Devon aswe use cob in Armenia today.Getting started

It was a nightmare- No 9 was the worst.The roof was leaking and the joists andpartitions were rotten. Vandals haddestroyed partition walls and lit a fire inthe master bedroom of No 11.

We started on No 9 in November 2014 butearly on we had to reinforce the roof in no11 with steel beams so we could rebuildthe side and front walls of the west wingto make it safe. The building is listed, soeverything had to be approved. When weuncovered the basic structure we found along house one room deep dated 1600splus extensions in 1750 and the 1800s.Strip, repair, restoreI like putting it back. Restoration is aboutattention to detail. I could replace it withsomething new, much cheaper, but that’snot the point of the renovation. It’sexpensive to reclaim original materialsbecause its labour intensive.Floorboards and doors are a lot of work toget them back to a reasonable state. Weuse wood dust mixed with filler gel torepair gaps in the floors where they wererotten: everything is used. We take thedoors downstairs to strip them outside. Weneed to be careful as some of the paint ispoisonous.Cob, lath and plasterAlan (Twyford Lime Products) We repairand restore as much as we can. The gapbetween the 2 corner walls has appearedover hundreds of years as the back wallshrinks and moves back. We put in cobblocks using the original type of cob whichin this case is subsoil + straw.Broken laths are cut back then replacedlike for like with softwood or oak. Weuse lime renderinstead of mudbecause it has to bebreathable for amodern house buteverything has to bedone to cost.

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May 2015 No 9 is now almost finished.The joists are all new; the floorboards arethe originals restored. Roughly 40% of thepartition walls are original as the restwere rotten. The kitchen wall was verycold as it was only one brick thick so hadto be insulated to modern standards.On the landing you can see the originalcob wall that would have been the backof the house but is now an internal wall.The beams in the bedroom were totallyrotten but the kitchen beams andfireplace are original dated about 1750.It was a surprise to walk from a buildingsite into a house that is beautifullyfinished, walls freshly plastered, everyroom gleaming.No 11 The process is the same. Some ofthe curved ceiling joists are original, somewere rotten. We have put it back as itwas.We had to replace the fire damagedfloorboards in the master bedroom. It’sexpensive to get the exact match of widthand thickness - £700 for just 17 boards.The bedroom fireplace was in pieces butwe will repair it and we will put thebalcony back.

Last stop, the engine room and here wasprobably the most unexpected bit of all.A young man was painstakingly workingon a piece of wood supported by an ironrailing with a huge pile of wood in various

states of woodworm infestation and decaybehind him. This bit was destined to bepart of the balcony. ‘Yes’ said Albert. ‘Wereclaim everything.’It was a pleasure and a privilege to followthe rebirth of Cypress House. It deservesto be restored by people who care. Carole Campbell

Number 9

Number 11

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Andrew PrinceElectrics

Electrical ContractorTel: 01884 861648 Mob: 07714 618390

andrewprinceelectrics@hotmail.co.uk

Domestic, Industrial, Commercial,Agricultural

Test and inspection

S.L.PASSMOREPLASTERER

ALL TYPES OF INDOORPLASTERING

PLASTERBOARDINGAND DAMP-PROOFING

OVER 13 YEARSEXPERIENCE

FREE ESTIMATESCall Steve on

01884 881695 07584 284256 Email: stevepass@fsmail.net

John Burd Motor ServicesFriendly and Personal service

General Servicing and Repairs to all makes and modelsBodywork Repairs and Valeting Service

Tyres, Exhausts and BatteriesAir Conditioning and Four Wheel Alignment

Telephone: 01884 861361

Unit 1, Old Market Field Industrial Estate, Witheridge EX16 8TA

DANNY LEACHGENERAL HANDYMAN

SMALL BUILDING JOBS, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

ALL JOBS CONSIDEREDCALL

01884 860039OR

07709 429757

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In Memory of Tony Allinson Dagmar Harrmann (Kingdom) Sheila Plummer Mick Reed Stephanie Smith (Selley) John Sowden Joan Stanley

Welcome to the VillagePatricia and Malcolm Baird

Parish HallThe Parish Hall is bowling along fairlymerrily.We are going to freshen up thedecoration in the New Year andbookings are good, brilliantly lookedafter as ever by Chris.We have been trying to think of thingsthat might benefit various sections ofthe community and so far we have comeup with the Christmas story teller for thechildren. Any ideas for things to benefitthe community will be gratefullyreceived.Contact spicerclare@gmail.comFor those of you languishing in thedoldrums of mid-winter, here is

something to look forward to: OddsocksTheatre Company is coming back with‘Much Ado about Nothing’ on 25 AugustAnyone who came last time willremember how wonderful it was.People who were very doubtful aboutenjoying Shakespeare at all, were reallythrilled with the event, so do pleasespread the word to all your friends andfamily.

ODDSOCKS Theatre CompanyMUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Friday August 25�� 2016

St John’s Fayre -Lighting the Christmas TreeAt the Carol Service in the church, followed by the switch on ofthe Christmas tree lights in The Square on December 5��,families, neighbours, children and friends came together to singthe traditional carols, including The Twelve Days of Christmas.We jostled out into the Square on a clear, dry evening, Alex andJosh switched on the lights and the village children were keento meet Father Christmas who will be visiting again soon!The committee are preparing for SJF 2016 to be held onSaturday 25�� June. We are delighted to have new people on the committee andsad to say goodbye to Chris Kershaw, Ken & Desni Botfield and Mary Stanbury whohave worked hard for SJF over a number of years. More helpers are alwayswelcome. Whatever your talents and curiosities, please do get in touch. SJF Committee

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COSWAY SOFT FURNISHINGS

www.coswaysoftfurnishings.co.ukContact Sarah on 07701 062902

Handmade Curt ai ns, R oman Bl i nds& Acce ssori e s

Design Service AvailableMeasuring Service

Highly Experienced MakerCurtain Alterations Undertaken

Friendly & Approachable

Handmade Curtains, Roman Blinds& Accessories

Alan ThomasPainter &Decorator

Interior/ExteriorDomestic & Commercial

13 Butts Close, WitheridgeEX16 8AJ

Tel No 01884 861092Mobile 07713545772

Email: alanthomas.decorator@yahoo.co.uk

One of Devon’s most r espect ed i ndependen t f uner al d i r ect or sFami l y owned by Ryan and M el an i e Squi r es

Tr ust ed for mor e t han ei gh t decadesL ocal provi der s of Gol den Char ter Funeral Pl ans

11 Wellbrook Street, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 5JW. Tel. 01884 25255627 Higher Street, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 1AJ. Tel. 01884 839556

171 Pinhoe Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 7HZ. Tel. 01392 252556Opening in 2015 29 Exwick Villas, Ex wick, Exeter, Devon, EX4 2AS

Vi si t www.wh s qu i re s .c o .u k f or fur t her i n for mat i on

From tr adi ti on and i ntegr i ty comes peace of mi nd

WAL T ER H . SQ U I RES & SO N3rd Gener ati on Fami l y Funer al Di rector s, Est. 1933

S

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Community News 1Witheridge Primary School raised£141.25 for Children in Need.

Christmas Market The market washeld in the church again this year whichlooked absolutely beautiful.The fair raised in excess of £300 forchurch funds.

Witheridge Pre-School Fairraised £215 for preschool funds.Thank you for your support.

Santa comes to Witheridge thanks to Witheridge Preschool

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Neal MillerChimney Sweep Services

Full Public Liability InsuranceMember of the Institute of Chimney

Sweeps

Tel: 01884 861396 07821 602154

GSGarden Machinery

for New and UsedRide-ons, Mowers,

Chain saws,Brush Cutters etc.Service and Spares

Tel. 01398 3244550r 01884 860537

D. CHAPPLEJoinery

Est. 1983HARDWOOD WINDOWS

& DOORS

UNITS 1,2 & 3 TOLL GATE COURT

MARKET FIELD IND. EST.WITHERIDGE

Tel/Fax 01884 861221

EAST WORLINGTONPRE-SCHOOL

We welcome all children aged 2 to 5, Mondayto Friday from 9 -12 noon with an optionallunch club until 1pm. If you would like toknow more give us a call on

We also run a Tums2ToddlersGroup on Tuesdays 2:00-3:30pmFor details contactAngela 01884 861371

www.eastworlingtonpreschool.co.uk

Fully qualified and insuredtree surgeon.All aspects of tree, hedgeand fence work.Seasoned barn stored logs for sale.Friendly, reliable and tidy.

Tricia StoneCasual Labour, Admin,

Carer, Cleaning, GardeningIroning, NVQ3TASewing, Writing

A-Z if you need a temp to fill in4 sickness or holidayGive me a call01884 860324

Quick Learner, Hard Worker

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Community News 2

NEW WEBSITEThe lead up to theChristmas season isone of joy formillions of parents and grandchildren butif you are a Grandparent who is notallowed to have contact with yourgrandchildren, the memories of happiertimes are tinged with sadness and regret.If you know someone in this position,please let them know about our group.Just sharing the pain can be beneficial.www.devongrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Gloria & Bernie Little

LOVING WITHERIDGEWe have been living in Witheridge for 9months now and this is the friendliestvillage I have lived in.  I have wonderfulneighbours in Ansteys Court who haveall made us very welcome and amamazed at the number of people whostop to say hello when walking throughthe village. Thank you for making us feelwelcome. Rachael, Sam and Ben

Letters of a political or defamatory naturewill not be printed. Max 80 words.

Letters to the Editor

Knights of Witheridge TractorPush in aid of ‘A Lift for Poppy’

A Lift for Poppy The RocknRollevening was great fun and raised£130. The Taun-Tones and The ExmoorRebel were brilliant.

MATHS TUITIONDoes your child need extra help

with their Maths?For more information, please contact:

Jane WalkerBSc (Hons) MathematicsQualified Teacher Status

Tel: 01363 877247Mob: 07866 502267

Email: jane.ml.walker@gmail.com

Tutoringfor all agesup to GCSE

Be AWARE and VIGILANTThere have been reports of 2 incidentsin Barnstaple of attempts to get youngpeople into a car or van by a man 30-40years old, dark hair (bald on top) raggedbeard, wearing very dirty jeans andstriped jumper smelly and unkempt. Theman has been seen driving a silver Fordcar and also a white Transit van. Thepolice are aware.In Chulmleigh there was an incident 7years ago where a man of the samedescription attempted to pull studentsinto a white van on 2 separate occasionsoutside school time.

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The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, PuddingtonA warm welcome, a friendly face and service with a smile!

Website: www.theoaks-bed-breakfast.co.ukTel: 01884 860005

Ensuite rooms

TV/Tea & Coffee Facilities

Lovely unspoilt viewsAmple Parking

WitheridgeNewsagentsThe store that sells more

Opening TimesM-F 7.00 am-6.00 pmSat 7.30 am- 6.00 pmSun 7.30 am-1.00 pm

Peter: 01884 860815 16a The Square

Thank you for your

continuing support

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Talented Kids: FootballI enjoy football because I like scoringlong shots and free kicks, penalties andgoals. I’ve played for Witheridge,Moors, Twyford, Halberton, SouthMolton and Exeter Academy.I’ve won 8 tournaments. Three of thetournaments had 20 teams, one had 40and the others had 180 teams.I’ve played football since I was 3 yearsold and I’m 10 now. My dad playedwhen he was younger and he managedthe same team. My favourite team isSouth Molton because I’ve been therethe longest.I play for South Molton and ExeterAcademy at the moment. I have playedfor them both for 2 years.I play at Exeter Academy on Mondays.There are 5 age groups. On a good daythere will be about 18 boys practising inthe U10s. I play centre-mid. I think I’vescored over 200 goals.I would love to play for a team likeBarcelona or Man City but I wouldn’tmind playing for Exeter! Will Panchers

Talented Kids : CricketI enjoy cricket because I love hittingfours and sixes which I find really fun. Ialso love catching people on theboundary and running people out. I playfor Witheridge Cricket Club which is onour land about half way up our lane.I started playing when I was 7 and I’m11 now. I’ve been Captain in manymatches and we’ve won a lot of them.We practise every Monday in thesummer.Cricket training is the best bit. We dohandball with tennis balls and games likecricket rounders – that’s rounders witha cricket bat and stumps.Last year I played with a soft ball butnext year I will be old enough to playhard ball. It’s better because you getpadded up to bat.

I am really a batter but I’m quite goodat bowling. I can do medium pacebowling but not spinning yet. I’ve scoredabout 300 runs in matches. I look for aspace between the fielders to put theball into but you only get a certainnumber of balls so most people justsmash it to ‘cow corner’ to get a 6.Cricket is just for fun for me and it keepsme fit. Jacob Cole

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Clean Sweep

Tel: 01884 - 821297 or Mobile: 07773 - 618524

West Ridge Veterinary Practice

www.westridgevets.co.ukProviding complete veterinary care for your pets,horses and farm animals throughout Mid Devon

We care for your animals as much as you do!

5 Chapple RoadWitheridgeEX16 8AS01884 860236

Popes LaneSurgeryLapfordEX17 6PU01363 83317

HillmansWinkleighEX19 8HJ01837 83240

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In Another Life :Secretary and Author

By Catherine (Paddy) & Kjelde Andersen

Paddy I grew up in London where mymother worked in Fleet Street. She didn’thave much energy left for us in theevenings so my brother would ask me forstories. That’s how I started creatingcharacters – for him and later for mydaughter.I was always a secretary. It was a goodcareer for girls in those days. I was just 21when I married Jim, my first love. Webought a shop and Post office in Caterham6 years later which we ran for a gruelling10 years but within 2 years of selling it, hedied of cancer. He was only 49 and I wason my own with our daughter Joanne.Saudi Arabia 1974-1976Before she went off to university, Joannecontacted Lister’s Agency to find me a jobso she wouldn’t worry about me - Lister’srecruit for all over the world! My feetdidn’t touch the ground- despite not beinga bit adventurous, I found myself on theweekly flight to Saudi Arabia. What onearth was I doing?I was employed by ARAMCO (ArabianAmerican Oil Company) working for anArab called Raouf Abdul Abul Hamayal.We lived in a huge American camp whichwas more comfortable than living out inthe desert. Like most expat communities,our social life revolved around the campand the people we worked with.There’s a sect of Arabs who are short instature and Roauf’s wife Faridah was tiny-under 5 feet in her platform shoes! Herfather was the interpreter for King Faisal(who was actually shot while I was there).Everyone was paid in kind- goats, camels

or strips of landand she becamem i l l i o n a i r e s swhen oil wasfound on her bitof desert. Shewould oftencome for a chatat the end of theday. They loved

me and I loved them.Owen In 1974 I met Owen Smith, aCanadian geologist on a 2 yearsecondment to study the Rub’ al ‘khalidesert. He was keen to get married, whichwe did in January 1975, although we hadto go to Bahrain for a Christian ceremony.Owen travelled a lot for his company anda few months later we flew via Beirut,Rome and London to Houston. It was herethat he collapsed with pneumonia, thenhe collapsed again when we got to hismother’s home in Calgary. He died of adeep vein thrombosis 4 days after we flewback to Saudi. We had been married forall of 8 months and 18 days!My boss Raouf was really helpful but I hadto take Owen’s body to Calgary where Istayed for 4 months and worked forImperial Oil. Canada wasn’t for me thoughso I went back to Saudi Arabia. I rememberone of these small Arabs greeting me with‘Two husbands have died! The 3�� one willbe very suspicious!’Kel In 1976, my dearly beloved Kel cameout to Saudi. He was ‘Servorg’ personnel(service organisation) for one of the manycompanies servicing ARAMCO. Servorgsdidn’t live in the American compound orhave our facilities and we were warnedthat they befriended English secretaries

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to get inside the camp! It was amusing, ifsomewhat true!My friend Liz and I organised a socialbrunch for new arrivals and Kel was oneof them. So now he had my name to getthrough the gate! It worked both waysthough as women weren’t allowed todrive in Saudi. I wasn’t too keen on gettinginvolved again, but when Joanne came onholiday, Kel offered to take us to the beachand to Hoffuf camel market. We married6 years later.Kel I had spent the previous 3 years in theArctic working among the Inuits for theAmerican Airforce, so I came from 40Cbelow to 40C above in Saudi Arabia. Wewere building a GOSP (Gas/Oil Separationplant) as they had just put in a bigelectricity station. I had a gang of mostlyYemenis building a town called Jubail inthe Eastern Province.1976 To NorwayI worked for Norsk Hydro while Kel was 3miles down the road doing oil derivativesie products from oil. Oil exploration wasjust starting in the North Sea and therewere 11 companies from Australia, S.Africa, Holland, Denmark, Finland and UK.It was my job to take notes of all themeetings. It was my worst job ever. I wasthe only female English speaker; it was theworst winter in years and my office was a

portakabin! It’s a small world though. Oneman recognised me from Saudi as ‘thewoman whose husband died.’Kel In the oil community you run intopeople time and again in differentcountries. We get to know one another,like a big family.1978 Saudi Arabia

Kel was sent to the Red Sea area to do allthe electronics for a posh hotel. It was theonly domestic job he ever did. I wasworking mornings only and created asocial club for a contingent of Geordies. Iwas their Jeddah Angel!1979 SudanKel They grew the finest cotton in Sudanbut nothing was developed. I was theoverseer for a project sponsored by theDanish government to develop industrieswith 5 manufacturers involved. A lot ofmoney was spent to get it going but it allfell apart which was very disheartening.

Norsk Hydro - where I worked!

Jeddah - our flat and looking down fromthe balcony - goats and rubble!

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UK 1979-1993 Wales then ReadingKel I was travelling all my working life andspeak 5 languages. I was brought up on afarm in Denmark and I didn’t want to farm,I was an engineer. In Denmark an engineerhas to be willing to travel or you get thebasic jobs. In the 70s I spent some time inGermany working for Siemens, then I waswith Foster Wheeler writing softwareprogrammes for the purchase ofequipment. In 1993 they sent me to the USto write software for the parent company.

America 1993-1995When I accompanied Kel to America, I hadno idea what it would be like outside thebig cities. We were 60 miles inland fromNew York living in a 200 year oldconverted Presbyterian church in thesmall New Jersey town of Asbury.I couldn’t believe America was so basic.It’s difficult to imagine that there were nobuses, no trains,, nothing much at all.I took our dog Max for a walk every daywhich was considered rather odd. Nobodywalked anywhere. One day six childrenwho lived in School Street were watchingme. They were interested in me and madea huge difference to my life in America.Writing a Book: ‘The HetheringtonWomen’ is about 5 women from differentbackgrounds who all lived in America inthe 1800s and whose lives become

intertwined. I was fascinated by thehistory of Asbury but there was little leftof it from the 1800s. I began researchingAmerican history in that era and criedwhen I read about the black slaves. Thehistory is correct but the characters arefictional. Writing became my relaxation.All Roads Leads to WitheridgeWhen we returned to UK, my daughterhad arranged a list of properties for us tolook at in Devon. We saw this bungalowright in the bottom corner of Brooke Roadand Kel said ‘This is it. I don’t want to lookat anything else.’Before we left America we had to have ourlovely old dog put to sleep as he wouldn’thave coped with 6 months in quarantine.We had only been in Witheridge a fewweeks when we came across an Airedaledog tied to a post outside Safeway. Hebelonged to Josephine, a teacher inTiverton, and we became very goodfriends through her dog.She asked to read my book: apparently itwas too good not to be published and sheset about contacting a publisher andpushing it for me.It finally went into print in 2014. I wantedit to be in one volumebut they said it wastoo long. There aremistakes in it that Ididn’t write which isa little annoying.I have no plans towrite any more. Mystories are all written and mygrandchildren are all grown up. Kel and Ihave been in Witheridge 20+ years.It’s been a convoluted road to Witheridgebut a good one. We love it here. Paddy

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Highly recommended local out-side caterers

Weddings, Cocktail parties, Birthdays, Hog roasts andSummer balls

A personalised event management service, equipment hireWaitress service and licensed bar.

Please contact Sally or Suzie onwww.relishcatering.co.uk

email: relish.goodfoodcompany@gmail.com

Need to rejuvenate old metal?We provide a variety of services ranging from powder coating to hotzinc spray and shot blasting. We keep a range of about 100 colours instock, and most are exterior polyesters, which provide excellentdurability and colour retention on gates, railings and garden furniture.

Telephone 01884 34506Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 8 am to 5 pm or Friday 7 am to 1 pm

Email: coatingsupplies@aol.com www.industrialcoatingsupplies.co.uk

Units 1 + 2 Simmons Place, Kingsmill Industrial Estate Cullompton EX15 1BH

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Highly recommended local out-side caterers

A personalised event management service, equipment hire

Witheridge Ladies’ ClubIn September our speaker was Jeremy Savage,Optometrist, who gave an illustrated talk oneyes. He showed images of the eye in differ-ent stages of health and spoke about advance-ments in optical medicine.In October our guest speaker was George Wil-liams who, as always, gave us plenty to laughabout. We were told of the time he was a nurse at Broadmoor Hospital and theexploits of both patients and staff.In November we enjoyed a demonstration on Christmas floral decorations fromone of our members, Pat and picked up some really good tips on how to enhanceour homes at Christmas time. The Ladies’ Club also has a book club, craft club andluncheon club. Why not come and see what we do . A warm welcome awaits you.

United Churches Luncheon ClubWell, despite a shaky start when one member was takenill, the Club’s Christmas Lunch was served. A traditionalroast turkey with all the trimmings followed by a choiceof puddings was enjoyed by 40 people although severalregular members were unable to attend through illness.

New members are most welcome. If you live on your own and would like a homecooked meal at a friendly club, ring Annis 860 398 or Yvonne 860 012 to book ameal. Transport can be provided if necessary. Yvonne Childs, Chairman

Knights of WitheridgeWEBSITE www.knightsofwitheridge.org.ukI have finally managed to complete the Knights’website. Please add to your favourites and gothere occasionally to see future events. You canalso join us, help us, contact us or apply for afunding form through it. Past events will beshown through photos. Please send any photosfrom our events to witheridgesirs@aol.comPlease could people in the village log onto the web site and insert your e-mailaddress so that we can send you information about future activities. In return youwill be entered for a DRAW to win DINNER for TWO at The Mitre Inn.GAZEBO TENT 3m x 4.5m for rent within an area of 5 miles of Witheridge. Formore details, please register your interest on the web site. Fred Hanbury

KOW Quiz evening

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w:framesfromtheattic.co.uk t:01363 877830

Have your picture or photograph mounted & framed insomething unique- antique, vintage, or pre-loved modern.Or choose a frame to make a mirror, pinboard or chalkboard.Look at the shop online or call to visit the workshop.Located in between Black Dog and Morchard Bishop.

Would you like to reduce the price you pay for your heating oil?Then join us and receive your discounted oil through your

local oil buying co-operative when we order in bulkon behalf of our membership every month of the year

For further information and a membership form either:e-mail us at: wopecnet@aol.com

go onto our web site at: www.wopec.netor telephone for a friendly chat: 01884 861186

23

Monday ClubAn excellent Christmas meal, shared by most of the MondayClub members, finished another very good year for the club.Amid the chatter and laughter we discussed next year’sprogramme which hopefully includes coach trips toBlackdown Nurseries and Taunton, St Fagan’s in Cardiff,Weymouth,  Buckfast Abbey and Dartmoor, Dawlish and Teignmouth and of course,our mystery trip known only to Jimmy. We are working our way through a list ofvery interesting speakers but they are not confirmed yet.Please contact Val for any information or membership forms: phone 860709The Monday Club AGM is on Feb 8th at 2-30pm in the Rest a While Centre.Please join us and see what a grand lot we are. You will be made very welcomeand the cup of tea is excellent. Val

Bingo Come and join us. You will get a warm welcome. Wehave an assortment of prizes as well as a raffle. The next Bingoon January 15�� will be my last. I am handing over to MarionCrane as we are leaving the area in the new year.Thank you to everyone. Ken Botfield

vAlt. Tuesdays in the Rest-a-While 7:30pm

Little Dart Singers We are singing group based in Witheridge. We needmembers who enjoy singing and can commit to one evening a weekand to the 3rd Sunday each month.We occasionally sing with other local churches. John Harrisv Practice Tuesdays 7:20pm Witheridge Parish Church

The Bell Ringers St John the Baptist Church Witheridge.The Bell Ringers meet every Friday evening at 7:15pm for 7:30pm inthe Belfry.

Charity Knitting In September, we were able tosend 16 blankets to the Petroc Centre for the home-less, along with other items. We have also submittedblankets, jumpers, hats and scarves for the Knitting forPeace charity based in London. These have gone to arefugee camp in Kurdistan, where last winter manypeople died of the cold.Thank you knitters, your work makes a difference. Eileenv Alternate Thursdays in the Rest-a-While 2:15 - 4pm Dates Jan 14, 28 Feb 4,18 Mar 3 17 31 April 14 21

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Ø No need to book a tee timeØ Relaxed dress codeØ Clubs, bags and trolleys for hire.Ø Light meals & refreshments available

18 Holes £10 ~ 9 Holes £7 ~ Reductions for Juniors For further information contact: Jeff & Davinia Thorne

LEIGH ROAD – CHULMLEIGH-DEVON-EX18 7BL Tel: 01769 580519 website www.chulmleighgolf.co.uk Email chulmleighgolfcourse@outlook.com

Chulmleigh Golf Course18 Hole Pay and Play Course

Central Stores● In- Store Bakery● Groceries● Fresh Fruit & Veg● Paypoint● Cash Machine● Lottery● Newspapers

Beer Cellar Post Office●Access Post office transactions during all shop hours●Access all services as before except Premium Bonds

Shop & Post Office Hours 06:00 to 21:00 7 days a week

25

Aircraft Wood RememberedIn the autumn issue’s article ‘Restoringthe Pond’ Geoffrey Cox mentionedAircraft Wood and how the names ofthe aircrew, killed when their planecrashed, had been carved into a tree bythe crash site. That tree had been cutdown some time ago when the woodwas replaced with firs.Geoffrey and I thought it would befitting to replace those names, so I wenton the internet, knowing only thelocation and that it was probably aBlenheim bomber.In 1939/40 the Blenheim was almostobsolete and was slow in comparison tothe newer German fighters and losseswere high. The obvious searches,‘Blenheim crashes’ and ‘crashes inDevon’, produced nothing.On the possibility that the plane waslocally based, I looked at the operationalreports of the 3 Devon airbases- onceagain nothing but I did discover thatWinkleigh was the base used by theSpecial Operations Executive for flyingagents into and out of occupied France.I then found a site showing the Roll ofHonour of airmen who had trained atRAF Halton. It listed a few Blenheimcrashes, so worth taking a look.One was in 1940 ‘near Exeter’. Havingread quite a few crash reports, theyreported the crash site location quiteaccurately, usually within ½ a mile.I wasn’t hopeful, but as it gave theplane’s ID number. I used it in anothersearch and up popped the crash report:Location – near Witheridge, Exeter.

It was all there. Squadron, date andcrew names.I did searches of the crew and on thepilot search found a photo showingsome Blenheim bombers lined up - an

OK photo I thought, but I had better.Then I noticed the ID number of thefront plane: L6782. It was the plane thatcrashed at Bradford Pond. What are thechances of that?It all took place on the evening of August24/25�� 1940. This was the same nightas the Germans’ first attack on centralLondon. The plane was flying out of abase in Hampshire on a night fighterpatrol. The cause of the crash isunknown, but they had earlier askedExeter airbase for permission to land.This had been denied as there wereenemy aircraft overhead. They camedown at Witheridge a little later.I passed the names on to Geoff and hewill put up a new memorial to them inAircraft Wood.

Sgt Cyril Haigh (pilot) 26 Sgt John Gordon Fletcher 20 LAC Albert Lawrence Austin 25

604 Squadron 25th August 1940Of the aircrew in Bomber Command atthe start of the war, only 10% survivedthe conflict. On average crews wouldfly 8 to 12 missions before being shotdown. Brave boys indeed Jim Campbell

26

27

Witheridge Garden Club 2016Chairman Kit James Show Secretary Paul Kelly1st Meeting Wed Feb 24 Parish Hall 7pmSpring Show Sat April 16 2:30 pmShows are open to ALL, schedules available at the Newsagent.Entries can be left at the Newsagent until Wed 13th April 5pm

Witheridge Community CompostingGreen garden waste will be collected again from March 2016. Thecost of this service is £8 per year. We collect trailer loads of gardenwaste, £10 for members, £15 for non members. We also sell finishedcompost at £1.25 /bag delivered in the village, or collect at £1 /bag.Volunteers still needed. We meet on  Mondays and Thursdays 9:00 -12:00.You need to be fairly fit, but most of us are in our late 60's, some in their 80's andstill going. Tools and training provided plus coffee and sometimes cake!To order compost phone Greg Henderson 860819v Green garden waste collected Thurs mornings from March 2016

Rest-a-While The Rest-a-While is for ALL of Witheridge. Morepeople are coming in and finding that they get a warm welcome butwe have plenty of room for more. Are you new to the village? Comeand make friends in the Rest-a-While.Queenie Pyne retired after long service as a Trustee of the Rest-a-While. We thankher for all her hard work in making the Rest-a-While such an asset to the village.RAFFLE Last Friday in the month, open to ALL. Please come and join us.Open Mon – Sat 10-12 (Closed only Christmas Day!) Eirene 860163

Witheridge Art GroupWe are a group of like minded people who enjoy an eveningof drawing or painting and sharing our hobby. Some of ushave had tuition and we all help each other when asked.We charge just enough to cover expenses: £5 per year mem-bership, and £1.50 a week subs. We have room for newpeople and welcome new input. Eileen Curtis 860564

v Wednesdays Parish Hall 7:30pmBy Eileen Curtis

AllotmentsWinter is here and it’s time to tidy up and get ourselvesready for next year. Bring on the Spring! For availableplots please contact Sam 01884 861 527

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Newhouse Farm CottagesQuality self-catering accommodation in Devon’s Heartland

Open all year for long or short-breaks

Nine beautifully converted, well equipped Grade 2 listed stone barns with a choice ofaccommodation ranging from a one bedroom cottage with a four poster bed through

to our spacious five bedroom barn sleeping ten.

Take a stroll through 30 acres of flower-filled meadows, heated indoor swimming pool,games room and ‘Hayloft’ private function/dining room.

Newhouse Farm, Witheridge, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8QBTel: 01884 860266 : E-mail info@newhousecottages.com

or visit our website at www.newhousecottages.com

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A Vision forWitheridge Childcare

It was a vision I’ve had for a long time: tooffer the childcare available in othercommunities. It came about as I wouldpass Witheridge parents taking theirchildren to childcare in Rackenfordbecause that was all there was.Old and new premises The old buildingwas never very good but it allowed us toexpand from a ‘pack away’ into apermanent home. It deteriorated quitequickly despite the efforts of volunteersand staff to patch it up. When theChildren’s Centre closed, the building weneeded was suddenly right on ourdoorstep and we applied to Devon Councilto take it over. It seemed a long processbut was probably less than 12 months.Moving out Unfortunately it was thepre-school’s responsibility to remove theold building and for health and safetyreasons we had to employ a contractor todo it. Just sorting all our resources took awhile!Moving in: The biggest challenge wasremoving the huge conference desk in theoffice then creating a space for the under2’s, a room for groups and anoffice/meeting room. We took helpwherever we could get it - parents, familyand friends came on 2 weekends inparticular to paint everything in sight.Little people Our accreditation wasextended for under 2s several years ago

so we just needed a room, cots, buggies,high chairs, some furniture and playresources! Although a lot of the staff haveworked in day nurseries, we haveemployed an additional person withresponsibility for the under 2’s room.Open all year Moving away from schoolterms mainly affects two of us. We arehoping that having holidays like normalpeople will be a positive.The funniest thing: We hear some choicephrases including some unsavourylanguage! A child was role playing ‘goingto Butlins’. “Did you go to Minehead?” Iasked. “Holiday in my head! I can’t go toholiday in my head!”Paperwork, stresses and rewards It’seasier to say what paperwork we don’thave to do! We have to have forms foreverything and evidence to prove it! Itcan be stressful making sure all areas areadequately staffed and that we arefinancially viable, but the rewards arekeeping contact with ‘our’ children andknowing that our service allows parentsmore choices of employment.A bright future I hope it will continue togrow and prosper, offering care andsupport so ‘our’ children thrive in ahealthy, stimulating environment.Finally, I really do want to reiterate howgrateful we are to all who support ourevents. This additional income has hugeimpact on the setting as a whole.Paula Hallett (Questions by C Campbell )

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Witheridge Parish ChurchWeatherOne of the most common topics of conversation worldwideis the weather! The weather plays a huge part in oureveryday living. It is how we identify the seasons; manypeoples' jobs depend on it; it has a bearing on our moods;it even determines what we eat and wear and many of ouractivities.Throughout our lives we encounter situations and circum-stances which could be described like the weather as 'roughand stormy times' or 'rainy days' when we feel as though 'dark clouds' are hangingover us. There are also ‘bright sunny days' when we enjoy 'calm and peace'.Whatever 'weather' we are facing today, be it turbulent or tranquil, there is oneconstant in life: God! He is always there, watching over us, caring for us and lovingus. Unlike the weather, He never changes. So whatever life brings, know this, Heis the same, yesterday, today and forever! Seasonal thoughts by 'Ben' HuddlestonI wish every reader and their families a very happy new year.May you enjoy bright sunny days! Adrian

Roisín Walsh - soprano Jonathan Oliver - actor Martyn Noble - organ

Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder Horovitz’s Lady Macbeth -Berlioz’s La Mort d’Ophelie - Shakespeare’s Richard III...

Wednesday 23rd March 2016at 7.00 pm

St John the Baptist Parish Church WitheridgeIn support of the Rest-A-While Day Centre

WitheridgeTickets: £15 reserved £12 unreserved

e-mail grallum@networksong.com or phone 01884 860132

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Exeter CathedralChoir

in Witheridge

Choral Evensong

Wed March 6th

The Winter SeasonSt John the Baptist Church Witheridge

Worshipin the style of Taizé

‘He who sings prays twice ‘Andrew Maries

3pm PracticeSun Jan 24 5:15pm A Concert of

Music forTrumpet and

Organ

Trumpet Crispian Steele-PerkinsOrgan Ian leGrice

Contact Val Dickinson 01884 860709

A Musical Talkon

Medieval PeriodWind Instruments

Jonathan Weeks Pipe and Taborer

Sat Feb 20th 4pm

Methodist ChapelRev John Wiltshire 01363 877281

Sunday Services 11am (Except Churches Together service -see noticeboards)

Women's Fellowshipv 1st Thurs in month from March - December 2:30pm

St John the Baptist Parish Church Rev Adrian WellsMorning Worship and Communion Services start at 9:30am

Tu Jan 5 United Churches Luncheon Club Parish Hall 12 for 12:30Su Jan 24 Taize Service Parish Church 5:15 pmTu Feb 3 United Churches Luncheon Club Parish Hall 12 for 12:30Su Feb 8 Plough Sunday Service TBAW Feb 10 Ash Wednesday Holy Communion Parish Church 7pmTu Mar 1 United churches Luncheon Club Parish Hall 12 for 12:30Su Mar 6 Mothering Sunday Service Parish Church 9:30amSa Mar 12 Mad March Sale Church Rooms 10 -12W Mar 23 Easter Concert Parish Church 7pmTh Mar 24 Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Service Parish Church 7pmFr Mar 25 Ecumenical Good froday Walk of Witness from Parish Church 9:30amFr Mar 25 Meditation on the Cross Parish Church 2-3pm (TBC)Su Mar 27 Easter Day Service (Times TBC via church noticeboard)

Note : All dates are subject to change. Please check the church notice board

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A Year in Pictures 2015January to May

33

A Year in Pictures 2015June to December

Photos courtesy ofCarole Campbell,Noel McTeague,Emma Wilson

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Witheridge C. of E. Primary School

Class 1 Learning LadybirdWow! The 1st term for our new Reception children

has flown by so fast but what a lot of fun and learning we havepacked into it. The topic for this term was Let’s Get Moving.. Wefocused on our bodies and what we can do to keep healthy. Wethought about exercise and what we eat. We counted heart rate,walked around the village to pick blackberries and used applesfrom our outside area to make yummy fruit slushies.We received a letter from Pat, the Witheridge cow,who wanted to travel the world. We helped herdecide where to go, mapping out what transportshe could use to get there, what she might need topack and what she can do to make new friends.She sent us letters helping us understand moreabout the countries she visited. She sent a recipefor ratatouille from France,which we made andenjoyed, and helped us to learn words and phrasesin French. She sent us German food to try and wemade our own German castles.For our stall at the PTFA Christmas Fayre we made Christmascakes and had great fun designing and decorating them.

We supported ourfriends the BeautifulBees as characters inthe nativity play. Wegot ourselves into role as soldiers, sheep andangels and worked hard to remember thewords of the songs.

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East Worlington Pre-SchoolWorking together as part of the foundation unit withthe school, we have been learning about othercountries- their animals, customs and stories. We haveenjoyed making new foods and playing travel agentsin the role play area.We also learnt about Autumn using the leaves, seedsand fruits we collected in craft work and painting. To finish the term, we joinedwith children in KS1 to perform the Nativity ‘A Miracle in Town’ followed by a partyin the hall and a visit from Father Christmas.We had a very successful Christmas fair at The Thelbridge Cross Inn. Thank you toeveryone who supported us in any way. Contact 01884 861 722 or see websitev East Worlington TUMS 2 Toddlers Tues in term time Acorn Rm 2-3:30pmv Sat Feb 6�� East Worlington PTFA Jumble Sale Witheridge P. Hall 2pm

Witheridge Pre-schoolThe Autumn term has been very busy. We have nowestablished our ‘Bumbles baby room’ where we are ableto offer year round care for children under the age of 2.Our change of premises has led to new challenges but thechildren are happy to have re-established the ‘mudkitchen’.We have spent time linking our Super Hero theme thishalf term with transport so we have been able to exploremany ways of travelling, linking this in with a trip to Tiverton Museum to see theinfamous ‘Tivvy Bumper’ steam train. The children were very excited to be able totry on the driver’s hat and blow the whistle. Paula Hallett

Witheridge Parent, Baby & Toddler GroupWe are a parent led group. Our name ‘Bumps & Beyond’ isdesigned to invite all parents and carers to join us frompregnancy right up until school age. Each week we have adifferent craft activity, baby area, song time, snacks anddrinks.Thanks to a generous grant from the Knights of Witheridgewe purchased great ride on toys suitable for age one andabove, new role play toys and improved the baby corner.From Wed 6�� January, we will have a Bookstart Corner for4 weeks thanks to Sophie from the Children’s Centre.Contact Denise Henson denisehenson@me.com or 861 365.v Wednesdays Parish Hall 9:30 – 11:30 am £1.50

Our Christmas party

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DIANNE LEACH Nail & Beauty

Manicure – PedicureAcrylic Nail Extensions

Gellux - Waxing Lash and Brow Tinting

Swedish massage Indian Head Massage

Spray TanningNail Parties

Gift Vouchers Available66 Butts Close, Witheridge, Tiverton

Tel: 01884 860039Mobile 07513 497300

All types of interior andexterior maintenance.

Kitchen and bathroom fitting. Gardening and fencing.

Free quotations, fully insured with references.

Call Trevor BroderickTel: 01884 861159 Mobile: 07979 914791

Email: silverhaul@hotmail.co.uk

PCBCONSTRUCTIONCONCRETING,GROUND WORKS,

SUPPLY & ERECTTIMBER & STEEL BUILDINGS

AGRICULTURAL, INDUSTRIAL,EQUESTRIAN

GENERAL BUILDING WORKPAUL: 07728492327

01884 861697EMAIL: PCBCONS@GMAIL.COM

ACCESS PHYSIOTHERAPYSusan Bennett

MSc MAACP MCSP HCPC reg

With over 30 years experience offerstreatment for

Aches, Sprains, Strains, SportsInjuries, Back, Neck and all Joints

Daytime, Evening and Weekendappointments available.

Telephone for Appointment01769 580513

37

Witheridge BrowniesDuring last term the Brownies worked hard to gain their Toymakerbadge. They enjoyed making shadow puppets, Christmas treedecorations, jigsaw puzzles and designing outfits made from binbags!

Our Brownie unit continues to thrive. We now have twenty fun loving Browniesand three fantastic young leaders. Young leaders are older Guides and Rangerswho come along to assist at Brownies. They offer support to new Brownies andtake the lead in running games and activities. The Brownies love them!

Witheridge GuidesThe Guides have been busy working in patrols to gain badges andGo for Its. The Bumblebees earned their Craft badge where theymade clay ornaments, decorated candles and candle holders andlearnt cross-stitch and printing. .

The Dragonflies earned their Party Planner badge. They had to plan a menu, makedecorations, organise activities and prepare the food. We all had a fantasticevening of fun, food and games.The Parrots earned their Performing Arts badge. They had to plan, write andperform a play, prepare all the backdrop and scenery and make puppets to performa puppet show.The Polar Bears earned their Passion for Fashion Go for It. They created mobilephone cases and new outfits from recycled clothing, put on a fashion show usingtheir own clothing, questioned the ‘norm’ when discussing the stereotypical fashionmodel and discussed issues around body confidence. Guides: aged 10-14 yearsWebsite Brownies & Guides www.girlguiding.org.uk

Children’s Activities Brownies With. School Tu 5:30pmGuides With. School Tu 7:15pmTaekwondo Parish Hall Mon 8:00pm Fri 6:30pm

Youth Club Church Rooms 1st & 3rd Th 7pm

DIANNE LEACH

38

Chartered Physiotherapist

Colette Frost BSc.(Hons), HCPC, MCSP

Premises in WitheridgeOr Home Appointments

Tel: 01884 860361Mobile: 07971297877cf.nimbus2000@post.com

Over 15 years experienceNeurological ConditionsMusculoskeletal ConditionsSports InjuriesBalance Problems

Fully qualified ElectricianAll works undertaken.

Fully insured and guaranteed

NAPIT and UKAS registered

39

Life before the Welfare StateWe think of looking after thedisabled and unemployed as part ofthe post-war welfare state, but theidea of looking after the poor andinfirm dates back many centuries.In 1388 laws were passed to makeeach parish responsible for thosewho, because of age or infirmity,were incapable of work. There wasno state aid and each parish had to raiseits own finance, although ‘vagrants’could be sent back to the parish of theirbirth.In 1547 a law forced the parishes toerect cottages for the ‘impotent poor’and in 1597 the parish was required totax every inhabitant and occupier oflands to pay for this.This was a costly business and in 1662 alaw passed which stipulated that anynewcomers likely to be a burden on theparish could be removed upon theorders of 2 Justices of the Peace if acomplaint was made within 40 days ofarrival, provided they had not rented ahouse worth at least £10 a year.In those days the parish really meant thechurch and the village’s 8 poor houseswere built next to it. They weredemolished around 1840 to make wayfor the new turnpike road from SouthMolton. None of the people living in thecottages just prior to demolition wereliving in the village when the 1841census was taken. It’s possible theywere moved to the South Moltonworkhouse, which was to house thepoor of a group of parishes.

Another aspect of parish welfare wasknown as an ’Illegitimacy Bond’. At thefirst sign of an unmarried woman beingpregnant, she would appear before theParish Poor Law Overseers and bequestioned under oath for the name ofthe child's father. The alleged father wasthen brought before the parish andrequired to "post a bond" for themaintenance of the illegitimate childuntil they were 14. The parish constablewould implement this order and if thefather defaulted, they would serve himwith a warrant and his possessions besold towards the debt. If he did not havethe money, his father could guaranteethe bond. If the woman refused to namethe father, she, her father, or anotherperson could post the bond. However, ifthe woman refused to name the father,or to post the bond, she could beimprisoned. Without this bond to coverthe cost to the parish of rearing thechild, the burden of maintaining singlemothers on the parish poor rate wouldoften have resulted in attempts toremove the offending parties from theparish. Jim Campbell

Sketch circa 1835 showing the end of thePoor Houses and the old church steeple

40

Paula ColeSeamstress

Alterations, Repairs and muchmore...

TEL: 01884 860964

Email: paulacole14@gmail.com1 Melhuish Close Witheridge Tiverton

Devon EX16 8AZ

HAPPY PAWS PET SITTING &DOG WALKING

SERVICE

v Trained Animal Welfare Assistantv Cattery & Kennel experiencev Full Public Liability Insurancev Basic Disclosure Certificatev Cat & Dog sitting- daily visits and attentionv Administer any medicationv Feeding, cleaning litter trays, play, exercise.v Keeping your pet happy & contentv Peace of mind - your pets are in safe hands

Contact Tina 01884 861759 or 07956250129www.happy-paws.info

for Under 2’sFull time Care7:45 am- 6pmTailored to each child’s needs

The Hive, Fore Street, Witheridge EX16 8AHwww.witheridgepreschool.btck.co.ukSituated on the primary school site

Entrance behind Sports Club01884 861784

2-5 yearsAll aspects of tree surgery

Stump RemovalCrown Lifting and Crown Reduction

Hedge Cutting Grass CuttingTurfing

All types of fencing

Grounds and Garden Maintenance Wood Chip, Seasoned Logs

NPTC Qualified to British Standard 3998Private and Commercial CustomersFully Insured Free Quotations

info@fourseasons-treeservices.comwww.fourseasons-treeservices.com

Oliver Vernon Bycott Farm, Halberton,Tiverton, Devon, EX16 7AU

01884 820839 07766168162

41

‘A Slice of Devon Heaven’Newhouse Farm Cottages

Newhouse was a dairy farm until thelate 1980s when Chris and AlisonLawrence converted some of the farmbuildings into 7 self catering holidaycottages with the help of CheffingsBuilders. They named all the cottagesafter trees, except for the formerpiggery which was called Trotters.

When Geoff and Rosemary Brookingbought Newhouse in the late 1990s,they converted the largest barn into a 5bedroom holiday cottage. The nextowners, Simon and Carmen Pont, stayedfor a couple of years and concentratedon updating the farmhouse.We moved to Newhouse in May 2004with Dave and Rita. Keith had taken

early retirement in 1994 and we wereall looking for a change of scenery anda new challenge.After viewing properties for severalmonths, we fell in love with Newhouseand its location and we could see thepotential to improve and expand thebusiness and moved in 3 months later.We were thrown in at the deep end withour new venture as a week after movingin, we were full for the half term holiday.Luckily we must have done somethingright because some of those families stillvisit us now.Getting startedWhen we took over the business, guestsbooked directly through an agent whodealt with all the administration andpayments so the first contact guests hadwith us was when they arrived for theirholiday. Although a website had beencreated, the internet was still fairly newand people didn’t really use it to bookholidays back then.After a couple of years the decision wasmade to discard the agent and relysolely on bookings through internetmarketing, recommendations andreturning visitors. This direct approachcreated a much more friendly businessas we built up a rapport withprospective guests directly before theyarrived.Improvements and MaintenanceWe’ve continued making improvementsto Newhouse with help from Bill Barnettand Mark Quartly from Cheffings, whoare still working here after more than 25years. Kitchens and bathrooms havebeen replaced along with carpets, beds

Beech 1985

Beech, Cedar, Larch cottages 2015

42

and furniture - the list goes on and onand on!The Linhay

One of the first projects was to apply forplanning permission to convert thedilapidated linhay into a cottage withfull accessibility.It was re-built using its original stoneand roof trusses. We sourced the extrastone to finish the building from thequarry at Newhouse and with the helpof water diviner, Cyril Cole, the borehole was sited in the best possible spot.During the building works we found agranite stone engraved by RalphBrendon who had lived at Newhouse forover 50 years. We made sure this pieceof history was used in the building andit takes pride of place on the side of TheLinhay. The renovation took about a

year and the first guests stayed there in2008.The Function RoomThe next big job was converting the oldhayloft into a function room so thatguests had somewhere to meet formeals and parties. It’s very well used byguests, especially on Christmas Day, butalso local groups and companies use itfor meetings, seminars and team-building days throughout the year.Pond, walks and groundsExtending the pond was another largeproject. Newhouse fields are certifiedorganic and have abundant wildlife.Guests are always excited to spot a hare,deer or badger but not so much thelong-eared bats!

Changing with the timesOver the years, we’ve seen a hugechange in people’s holiday needs. Manyfamilies still want the traditional week’sholiday from Saturday to Saturday butmid-week breaks and long weekends aregetting more and more popularespecially for friends or families whowant to stay together to celebratebirthdays and anniversaries. So we nowoffer short breaks of 2 or more nightsthroughout the year and we now have

43

a huge variety of guests staying with us- people visiting friends and family in thevillage, church groups, yoga retreats,reunions, people needing respite andsports club tours.Stresses and rewardsThe responsibility of running holidaycottages can sometimes be verystressful but the rewards are plentiful.This is a beautiful part of the county andwe are very lucky to live here. We havemade many friends and enjoy meetingour new guests and welcoming backreturning visitors, their children and ofcourse their pets – dogs, cats, rabbitsand a parrot or two have all holidayedat Newhouse! We’ve had a few stressfulchangeovers but the one which springs

The gate into The LinhayThe lane to Newhouse in Spring

to mind was a few years ago when wehad about 3 feet of snow overnight justbefore the guests arrived for theirChristmas holiday. Thanks to DonaldHarris and his tractor, the driveway andcar park was cleared in time but theircars got stuck along the lane in snowdrifts and ditches. John Martin savedthe day by pulling and pushing cars outwith his tractor – probably the best startto a holiday in the eyes of the children,but not so enjoyable for the parents!Yet more snow fell throughout theweek, but the thaw arrived just in timefor the changeover day with theChristmas guests leaving and the NewYear guests arriving without the need ofa tractor.An ongoing storyA home requires constant maintenance,so you can imagine that with 9 holidaycottages and leisure facilities, there isalways something requiring attentionand every year we plan newimprovements. Some of these are largeprojects, such as the refurbishment ofthe swimming pool while some, such asreplacing the crockery, are not so large.Every day however, there’ll be adripping tap, broken appliance orblocked sink somewhere which needsfixing. Newhouse is still a work inprogress with a long and ever growing‘To Do’ list, but with the help of ourfabulous helpers, we do manage to tickthings off the list. Doreen & Keith Jenkins

Photos Doreen Jenkins & Carole CampbellTitle: ‘A Slice of Devon Heaven’ was oneof the comments in the guest book.

44

Witheridge Parish Hall

What would you like to do in the Parish Hall

THIS COULD BE:INDOOR SPORT

A WEDDING

A JUMBLE SALE

A CHILDREN'S PARTY

A CONCERT

A MEETING

OR ALMOST ANYTHING YOU LIKE

£15 an hour

including the use of china and cutlery.

(Negotiable for clubs and charities)

**Children’s parties ( Junior school age) HALF PRICE**

To make a booking or for further information telephone

Chris Kershaw on 01884 860208(weekdays between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm please)

45

Chris Kershaw on 01884 860208

Witheridge AFC1st Team As with everything, all goodthings come to an end with Witheridgelosing to Hallen 1-0 in a very tight FAVase encounter and then to WimborneTown 3-2 after being 2-0 up at half timein the FA cup.On the league side of things, the resultshave improved, maybe due to not beingdistracted by cup games, withWitheridge sitting mid table. Havingplayed fewer games than most, theyhave a good chance of pushing on upthe table.2nd Team With the 2nds it's a bit of areversal to last season’s start with themsat 2nd from bottom in the League. No

Witheridge Sports ClubMon 7:00 – 11:00 (skittles at home)Tues 7:00 – 11:00Wed 7:00 – 10:00Thurs 7:00 – 11:00Fri 7:00 – 12:00Sat 12:00 – 9:30Sun 12:00 – 7:00

doubt the manager will hope they pickup points soon as at the moment theleague is very tight and a couple of winscould make all the difference.3rd Team In their 1st season togetherthe 3rds have made a good start to theirseason. They look like a capable sidewith a promising future after some verygood results. They are quite a youngteam, barring a few players, so all creditto them.As we now have 3 senior teams, thereare matches from 2.15pm mostSaturdays, so why not join us to cheerthe boys on and maybe even take in areal ale and pasty at half time.Look forward to seeing you. Paul Rich

1st Team 3:1 loss to Exmouth at 3:20pm!

We meet in the ParishHall twice a week

throughout the year. Club shoes and woods areavailable for those who have not played before.The first three evenings are free, then a greenfee of £2.50 per session and a subscription of£20.00 per year.Short mat bowls is open to residents of Witheridge and surrounding villages.Children over 10 and under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.ACTIVELY SEEKING NEW MEMBERSv Tuesday & Thursday 7pm for 7:15pm start Greg Henderson

Short Mat Bowls

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The Mount Pleasant Inn has been a popular meeting place since the1700’s when the weary traveller would stop for a rest.The pub was once an ostler’s house and the restaurant was ablacksmith’s forge. Anne and her family have been opening the doorsat The Mount Pleasant for 28 years this year. So if you are travelling byfoot, car, bike, tractor, horse or steam engine you are all welcome torest and refuel as many have always done.

For all enquiries call01884 860271

www.mpli.ltd.uk

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The Badminton Clubmeets in the Parish

Hall on Mondays from2-3pm, £2.50 persession.We can providerackets if needed. Wewelcome all ages and

abilities. For safety reasons childrenare not allowed. Greg Henderson

Badminton Table TennisCome and join ourfriendly small group foradults aged 16 or over.

All equipment is supplied and we offertea and coffee too. Come along and passan enjoyable hour. All levels of ability,from beginners to Olympic contenders,are most welcome. GregvFriday 11:00 - 12:00 in Parish Hall

Witheridge Golf SocietyHeavy rain in the period prior to the dayof the Christmas Trophy at Waterbridgeon  2ⁿ� December saw very muddyconditions for the players. On the winningteam were Chulmleigh golfers MikeBanks, Mike King, Mike Merrigan andTerry Rowland. The wooden spoon trophy

was retained by Andrew Clark, Norman James and Dave Arnold.New members are always welcome. Contact Andrew Clark 01884 860612or email astonguy@tring92.f2s.com. Andrew Clarkv Next meeting Wednesday 9�� March

TennisWe are slowly improving theappeal of the tennis club and hopeto finish the landscaping in the

Spring. The next job will be to improve the clubhouseitself by getting some cupboards fitted! We are stillplaying all winter, so do make the most of the courtwhen the weather is fine.The photos show the ‘before and after’ access to thetennis courts.THANK YOU Knights of Witheridge for their do-nation, which made this possible. Vine Spragg

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Food Served 7 days a weekEnglish breakfasts

Morning coffeeLunches

Bar snacksReal Ales

Afternoon teasCream Teas

Evening mealsSunday lunches

FunctionsWedding receptions

Birthday partiesBuffetsDiscos

A warm welcome awaits youTel: (01884 860316)

www.thelbridgexinn.co.uk

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Witheridge, a good place to be :Health 1700 - 1900

Physicians, surgeons and apothecarieswere around from the 1500s. Trainingwould have been by apprenticeship, butit wasn’t until the late 1700s thatmedical training was on an officialfooting. Dissection was part of medicaltraining so doctors knew about thehuman body, but medical knowledgewas basic and diagnosing and treatingdisease was very hit and miss.People didn’t yet understand theimportance of hygiene- many womendied in childbirth, extracting a toothcould be a killer and instrumentsweren’t sterilised, so major surgery wasextremely dangerous.Most doctors only dealt with thewealthiest people. Barber surgeonswere cheaper so were called on to pullteeth, lance boils and set broken bones.Letting of blood was common andapothecaries prescribed traditionalremedies and potions. An advert in anewspaper in 1751 claimed that Viperdrops would cure ‘boils, weakness,inability, wastings, lowness of the spirit,cramps and tremblings’ and more.Towns and cities grew enormously in the1700s as people came to the towns tofind work. Poor families were oftenliving in just one room with no fresh airor sanitation. Water was contaminatedwith raw sewage and garbage was leftrotting in the street.In London, 1 in 5 children died beforetheir 2nd birthday and infant deathsreached 75% when epidemics struck. Inthe towns contagious diseases like

cholera, smallpox and typhus coulddevastate families in days.By contrast, life in rural areas was muchbetter. Most people in Witheridge hadaccess to a well and a pit toilet. Thewater wasn’t polluted and there was nosewage running down the streets.Houses were much less crampedcompared with the towns. The averagehousehold in1851 was 4 in Witheridgeand 6 in Barnstaple.By 1832 local boards dealt withoutbreaks of cholera and by 1840 it wascompulsory to be vaccinated againstsmallpox. From 1866, local authoritiestook on responsibility for sanitation butrural areas were excluded until 1872.Those with the least immunity weregreatly at risk. In 1830 31% of deaths inWitheridge were children under 5 butnationally this was a whopping 50%.Measles was the major killer althoughchildren also died from diarrhoea,whooping cough, croup and smallpox.People in rural areas believed diseasewas in the air and as they knew verylittle about the transmission of infection,it’s interesting that they weren’t farwrong.

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Fully Insured, Interior & ExteriorPainting & Decorating,

Patch Repairs, Tiling, Guttering

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Special Rates For Senior Citizens

Contact Wayne on :TEL: 07741087156or 01363 877760 Or visit our website

www.wpequalitypaintinganddecorating.co.ukwww.shopwindowcleaning.com

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A good place to beWitheridge seems to have always had agood complement of doctors possiblybecause it offered an escape from thehorrors of the towns.From 1840 to 1880, Witheridge wasserved by Robert Coster and PhilipFurneaux Haley ( listed as surgeons), DrBurrows and Dr Llewellyn and EdwardElworthy and Henry Pullen ( druggists).Both doctors were well respected. At DrLlewellyn’s funeral he was described asa man who was admired by all, not leastfor his kindness to the poor. He was attheir call in all weathers and all time ofthe day and night and this was evenwhen he knew that they were too poorto make even a small payment.There were some hazards though.Farming was a dangerous occupationand without antibiotics and anti-tetanus, even minor accidents could befatal. People still cooked on an open fireand children were especially at risk ofburns and scalds. By 1900 death rates inover 14s were improving as dietsanitation and medical care improved.Medicines were available from theapothecary (chemist) but they wereexpensive.Herbal folk remedies were cheaper andpoor families still preferred to use an

untrained ‘good wife’ to look after themother in childbirth as she would alsodo the washing and feed the family.There were no cottage hospitals butpeople in Witheridge were fortunate asWilliam Chapple (who came from thevillage) had been Clerk of Exeter hospi-tal for 38 years and in recognition of hisservices, several beds were available forWitheridge’s sick.

South Molton Sanitary Authority wasnow actively involved in public health.In 1897 the wife of a man with smallpoxwas accused of 'exposing clothes in apublic place without disinfecting them.'From 1890, doctors lived in Lawn Cot-tage or Cypress House. The Firs wasbought by Dr Leach in 1902 and becameknown as ‘the Doctors House’.In 1898 there was an outbreak of influ-enza in Witheridge. It could be a seriousillness for poorer people who wouldthen often get other diseases and takea long time to recover but by 1900 lifeexpectancy and people’s general healthwas improving. Carole Campbell

Information The British library www.bl.ukThe Book of Witheridge and Witheridge His-torical Archivewww.witheridge-historical-archive.com/

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01837 82386We are the printers to call

Digital & lithographic printing

Leaflets flyers menus bookletsCards tickets stationeryCarbonless business formsA1 & A2 posters & banners

T Shirts & hot foil gifts

www.burridgeprinters.co.uk

Oil, Gas & LPG Installations Bathrooms & tiling Oil boiler servicing & repairs

Trading for over 25 years

01884 860971 – 07702 032409 Nomansland, Tiverton

Barber ShopOld Market Field Ind. Est.

Shop adjoining Leach BrothersTraditional Haircut For Men &

Boys

NO APPOINTMENTSTel 01884 861120Opening Times

Tuesday- 12am - 6pmSaturday- 8.30am - 2pm

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A View from the SurgeryNew Computer System We are planning the migration to anew GP computer system to go live on January 26�� 2016.There will be a lot of work before that to ensure a smoothtransition and in January there are likely to be some changesthat affect our normal surgery operation, so keep an eye outfor notices giving more information. We will try to keep the impact on patients to aminimum, but in the event of delays or computer problems, please bear with us!Festive Season: Alcohol Limit consumption to 3-4 units/day for men, 2-3 units/day forwomen and have 2 alcohol free days a week : a 750ml bottle of 12% wine 9 units, apint of beer 2-3 units or more and 25ml of 40% spirit 1 unit.Even small amounts of alcohol will slow your reactions and impair your judgement.There is no way for you to accurately judge what your blood alcohol level is. The legaldriving limit in England and Wales is 80mg/100ml of blood, but only 50mg/100ml inScotland.There are no remedies that will make you sober more quickly. Use a taxi or nominateddriver to keep yourself and others safe or wait at least 12 hours after drinking beforeyou consider driving, longer if you have been drinking heavily. Drink water or non-fizzydrinks between alcoholic ones and have a pint of water before you go to bed to helpkeep you hydrated. For information on staying healthy at Christmas go to

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthychristmas/Pages/HealthyChristmashome.aspxThe GPs and staff wish you a Happy, Peaceful and Healthy 2016.

Vet News from West Ridge VetsIn December, we are still experiencing mild wet

weather which presents a challenge for our live-stock. This is the ideal climate for pneumonia, partic-ularly in calves, as when the cattle are brought in towinter housing, bugs spread more easily. Lots ofviruses and bacteria cause pneumonia in cattle.Some of the most common are Parainfluenza 3 (PI3),

Pasteurella species and Mycoplasma.As with any disease process, prevention is better than cure, so our challenge as vets isnot only to successfully treat a case of pneumonia, but to advise farmers on how toprevent it occurring in the first place. One case of pneumonia in a calf could cost afarmer up to £250 per animal in medications, loss in growth, increased time to calvingor finishing for meat. Pneumonia as a calf can affect how much milk a cow gives twoyears later!We can vaccinate against pneumonia but dry, clean housing with good air flow canmake a huge difference. Several of our clients use calf jackets so it can put energy intogrowing and staying healthy, not just keeping warm. So next time you see a calf wearinga coat, you know the reason why! Claire

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37 West Street

Witheridge

Tel:

01884 861232

The

Village

Hair

Shop

BEV & JOHN WILSONTelephone: 01884 860678

TURN UNWANTED ITEMS INTO CASH

We BuyGlass - Jewellery - Watches - Medals

Gold – Silver - Old Books etc

ANYTHING INTERESTING CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTE

MILLMOOR Free Range EGGSVery Large

LargeMedium

Trays of 30 also availableCall: 01884 861737

Why not come and learnTaekwondo?

All ages and abilitiesImprove your fitness

Learn to defend yourselfImprove your self confidence

Fight your way to fitnessCompetitionsHAVE FUN!

First 2 lessons freeNO SIGN UP FEESNO CONTRACTS

NO MINIMUM TERMExcellent value for moneyPrices start at £30 /month

Family discounts!WITHERIDGE PARISH HALL

MONDAYS 8 pmFRIDAYS 6:30pm

Contact WAYNE SIBTHORPE

5th DAN INSTRUCTOR07827 44252401363 773047

55

There must be something about living inDevon that gets local people writing!At Witheridge Church Christmas Fair, I gottalking to Hugh Meller about his newbook. Hugh spent 26 years working for theNational Trust in Devon where he wasresponsible for its historic buildings. After15 years of research, his book ‘TheCountry Houses of Devon’ describes over400 of Devon’s most notable countryhouses.Each house is described in detail: theirowners, the estates, the architecturalhistory, ancillary buildings and gardens areall included whilst old and newphotographs, drawings, maps and plansillustrate the text.The book took so long to write that hisoriginal publisher went out of business but

then the family got stuck in to help- Janewith the publishing, Claudia with technicalissues and an old friend with the design.At last Hugh’s book is published in 2hardback volumes with 1,204 pages andover 1000 illustrations- cost £80. Theauthor is delighted that it was written,published, printed and bound in Devon.It takes a huge effort to produce a labourof love such as this. These beautifulbooks are worth a look. Carole Campbell

www.theblackdogpress.co.uk

The Country Houses of Devonby Hugh Meller 2015

Witheridge Trivia by Jim Campbell

When the bungalows on Brooke Road werebuilt in the 70s, this area and the adjacentstreets was originally called the Lawns Estate.

On average it only snows inWitheridge on 7 days a year.

Historical interest or just been there a while?

The parish has 68 ‘ListedBuildings.’ Some go backover 500 years. The young-est is the red telephonebox, which only dates from1936. It was designed espe-cially for the Silver Jubilee ofKing George V. The most un-

usual is perhaps an outside toilet atTracey Lodge dating from the early1800s.

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The Mitre Inn, 2 The Square, Witheridge

Andy, Barbara welcome you to our traditional village inn, serving an excellentselection of good quality home-made dishes.

We are proud to have been awarded the 'Trip Advisor Certificate ofExcellence for 2015' courtesy of our customers reviews.

vSunday Roast Lunch £7.25 pp includes a choice of Exmoor beef and anotherwest country meat, pork, turkey or lamb, plus a large selection of vegetables

and roasties. Treat yourself to dessert for an additional £3.75.v

We also cater for weddings, celebrations and buffets with seating for up to 34in our restaurant and additional places in the bar area.

Please contact us if you would like to find out what we can offer you.v

Take-away Menu also available.Have you tried our beer battered cod chips and pea puree yet?

Available to eat in or take away seven nights a week, lunchtimes too.v

Bed and Breakfast rooms are available from £50 for a single room and from£60.00 for a double room.

vTo book a table or a room or for any other queries

Telephone 01884 861263Email the.mitreinn@mail.com

Website www.themitreinn-witheridge.co.uk

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Incomer’s Guide :RHS Rosemoor -early Spring

Distance 28 miles Time 50minsDirections: Take Tiverton road out ofWitheridge. Just outside the village takethe right fork towards Thelbridge B3402Follow the signs to Lapford.Turn left at A377 then follow signs forB3220 through Winkleigh. Keep going toright turn onto A3124 Torrington.Destination on the left. EX38 8PHAvoid Devon lanes : 40 miles 1hr 10minWitheridge -S. Molton --> - Barnstaple--> A39 Bideford --> A386 Torrington.Open: all year except Christmas DayApril - September 10am - 6pmOctober - March 10am - 5pmLast entry is one hour before closing.Tickets: Adults £8.95 Children 5 - 16years £4.50 Family 2+2 £22.80Parking : 40-60m from garden entrance.Toilets: lotsFood Hot & cold food, Sunday carveryShop - gifts and plantsDogs: Assistance dogs ONLY.Accessible Formal Garden, Lady Anne’sGarden, fruit and veg garden. Limitedaccess to walks. Wheelchairs andmobility scooters can be booked. Phone01805 626810

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South Coombe Country Cottages Set in a beautiful location with an indoor swimming pool

South Coombe is the perfect location for a quiet getaway. Its tranquil rural setting and country charm make it an idyllic place to stay. With its indoor swimming pool complex (comprising sauna, gym and games room as well as a 10m x 5m pool), guests can relax and take some healthy exercise inside or out.South Coombe offers high quality cottages that sleep from two to six peoplewith one cottage having wheelchair access. The cottages are less than a mileaway from the pubs and shops in Witheridge village.

South Coombe FarmWitheridge

Tel: 01884 860302

Email:stay@southcoombe.co.ukWeb site: www.southcoombe.co.uk

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Chairman: Cllr J Harvey Witheridge Parish CouncilCouncil News

www.witheridgepc.org

News in Brief (Further information on the website)Community Defibrillator – Update – The defib. has arrived and the cabinet is

due to be fitted on the public toilet block wall opposite theNewsagents over the Xmas period. In the New YearAwareness Briefings will be organised for anyoneinterested in the project/use of the equipment. Watchwebsite & noticeboards for date.

Twinning – Cambremer would like to re-start the twinning arrangement withWitheridge. We have received one local expression of interest to date are theremore ? Please contact the clerk.New Memorial Bench – In memory of Frank Housam a new bench has beenlocated in Fore St. where the old telephone box was removed.Council Works – The Parish Council has now taken on weed spraying as theCounty Council implements further cuts in its budget. We have also replaced allthe missing/damaged timer bollards in The Square. Footpath 17 will have stilesreplaced with gates shortly to improve access for all. Options to update the toiletblock are being explored.Playgrounds – Over the next few months the Parish Council will install new playequipment at the Parish Hall children’s playground and teenager/adult “outdoorgym” equipment at the Adventure Playground.Councillor Vacancy – If you are interested in co-option please contact the clerk.

Council & Committee MeetingsMeetings are held at the Parish Hall Committee Room, North Street, Witheridge. Un-Scheduled meetings are advertised separate to this notice. Residents can makerepresentations in writing to the clerk or in person verbally during the public session at thestart of a meeting.Agendas (with planning applications for consideration) are published at least three days inadvance on the council web site together with minutes of meetings. Planning applicationsreceived after agenda publication will be dealt with owing to a 21 day limit on the councilresponding to consultations from the Planning Authority (NDC). The parish council is onlya consultee, and does not determine applications. Paper copies are available on request.A full list of councillors and their responsibilities can be found on the website.

2016 Meeting ScheduleJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

7 4 3 7 5 2Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

7 RECESS 1 6 3 1

Contacting the Council:- Tel: 01363 460046 | Email: parishclerk@witheridgepc.org

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PETE GOWENPAINTER AND DECORATOR31 Broomhouse Park, Witheridge,Devon EX16 8HB

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING AND DECORATING

Email: petegowen543@btinternet.com Telephone: 01884 860860 / Mobile: 0780 3748518

Rockhaye Cottage Bed & BreakfastOffering Peace & Comfort in the Witheridge Countryside

Having a family ‘get-together’ and can’t fit them all in? For a solution log onto our website for further information www.rockhayebedandbreakfast.co.uk

Telephone: 01884 860578

Toshiba v Linsar v Sony TelevisionsSatellite and Digital Installations

Desktops v Laptops v Printers v Upgrades v Virus RemovalWiFi v CCTV v Business & Domestic Installations

01884 8603269 Church Street Witheridge Tiverton EX16 8AP Email: stoneman.tv@btconnect.com www.stoneman.co.uk

61

Community Information N Devon

Library 2015 Monday 4 weeklyWitheridge Week 3

Jan 18 Feb 15 Mar 14 Apr 11 May 9Witheridge The  Square 14:00 - 15:00Witheridge  School         15:05 - 15:50WRVS Home Library Service. For anyonephysically unable to reach a library.Phone 01392 384315Citizens Advice Bureau 01884 234926North Devon Councilww.northdevon.gov.uk 01271 374 776

RECYCLINGSouth Molton Recycling StationRd

R at junction into S Molton, 1st left )Apr- Sept Th 9-5, Sat& Sun 10-6

Oct-Mar Th 9-4:30 Sat&Sun 10-4:30Tiverton Recycling Approx 2 miles fromTiverton on A396 Bickleigh on RHS.Apr - Sep M-F 9- 5 Sat&Su 10-6

Devon AdoptionEvery child deserves a permanent home that makes them feelsafe and cared for. You can adopt if you are single, over 40, gay,

unemployed or have a disability. Prospective adopters need to be� Over 21 Able to make time for a child. Patient, flexible and energetic� Determined to make a real difference to a child throughout their life.

The process should take no more than 6 months including training and checks.EMAIL: adoption@devon.gov.uk PHONE : 0345 155 1076

1. Also called Alligator pear2. Leghorn is a breed of3. Suffolk punch is a breed of4. Another name for ascorbic acid5. Scrabble letters worth 106. Shinto religion practised in ...7. Royal residence in Norfolk8. Stars on EU flag9. Toy on a string10. Real colour of an aircraft black box

11. Clean beach award12. Crop, yellow flow-ers in May/June13. Crop , lilac flowers14. Colour NY taxi15. Bridge links Walesand Anglesey16. Bridge continuously needs painting17. Pirate flag18. Old name for Sri Lanka19. Tournament just after Queens20. Fish eggs

QUIZ ANSWERS1 avocado 2 chicken 3 cart horse 4 vitamin C 5 Q & Z 6 Japan 7 Sandringham8 Twelve 9 yo-yo, kite, puppet 10 orange 11 blue flag 12 oil seed rape 13 borage 14 yellow15 Menai Bridge 16 Forth road bridge 17 Jolly Roger 18 Ceylon 19 Wimbledon 20 roe

62

63

Ian BostridgeMaster Thatcher & Traditional Builder

All your thatching and building needs under one roof !For advice and quotations with no obligation contact me on

01884 861500 or 07734904898 or i.bostridge@talk21.com

M.C.COLE

Domestic Heating& Plumbing

01769 550867

Repairs, Installations,Bathrooms & Kitchens

(including tiling)

Devon Physiotherapy At HomeIn Pain? Can’t drive?

Can’t face the journey to a clinic? Sit back and relax, let the physiotherapist come to you

For fast effective physiotherapy treatment in the comfort of your own home

Telephone: 0797 4910719 Kathy Gardner M.C.S.P. Chartered Physiotherapist Registered with the H.P.C.

www.devonphysiotherapyathome.co.uk

West Middlewick Farm

We have five spacious log cabins, with fantastic viewsavailable all year round.We welcome visitors for a week booking or short breakssubject to availability.Each log cabin sleeps six people, including a double roomwith en-suite and all the home from home comforts.Warm and cosy with central heating and an added logburner.Pets welcome in three of the cabins with enclosedgardens.Also available: B&B, camping, caravans, log pods

West Middlewick FarmNomansland

web: www.farmholidaysdevon.co.uke-mail: hello@farmholidaysdevon.co.ukTel: 01884 861235