MAY 2008

OUR COVER PICTURE 

At the recent St Swithun’s open day a beautiful display was on show from the Woodbury Woodturners.  There are certainly many very talented persons within our midst, who beaver away quietly in their workshops to produce such fine items.

We have not included an extract from Devon County Council in this issue as there are no points of local interest.  There is one very important general proposal, which readers will have seen elsewhere.  The County Council’s response to Exeter’s attempt to become a unitary authority is to make the counterproposal that Devon itself should be the unitary body along with Plymouth and Torbay.

The advantages of this would be to enhance the role of the parish council and remove a complete tier of bureaucrats, some highly paid, in the district councils.  Council Tax would go direct to Exeter instead of Sidmouth and some annoying disputes would be removed.  Who has not had the buck passed from district to county, or vice-versa when complaining about a hole in the road?  There sometimes seems a desire to score off the other tier, as the Church of England did in Barchester days.  There would no longer be a temptation for councillors to serve at two levels representing the same people - and there are costs in this.

The disadvantage might be to take planning discussions even further from the locality, though councillors from Tiverton or Barnstaple would be no more ignorant of Woodbury than those from Axminster.  This drawback does not seem very important as Woodbury has far more contact with Exeter than it does with Sidmouth.  An alternative might be a super-city along the estuary, but that would leave the residual county with a small population.  East Devon’s proposal for four authorities is a serious alternative to the County plan, with Barnstaple as the fourth centre.  Cornwall is proposing to become a unitary authority, but 130 councillors seems excessive and the savings of £700k not all that substantial.  Certainly change seems likely as we have suffered for many years from governments which cannot distinguish between improvement and change for its own sake, both being subsumed under the umbrella of reform.

Now that so many people own a digital camera and that it is possible to reproduce such excellent photographs in Woodbury News, do email your photos of local people or events to Karen on karen.squires@ukonline.co.uk

The editorial team still need a wider spread of news, particularly about our younger people.  What are you all up to?

Why don’t YOU write an article or send in a photo?  

ST. SWITHUN’S CHURCH ALTAR FLOWERS - MAY 

4 - Mrs E Neather. 11 - Whit Sunday, Mrs D Radford. 18 & 25 - Mrs B Hill.

NEW LIFE - A CELEBRATION OF SPRING

On Saturday 29 March, St. Swithun’s became indeed the hub of our village - a virtual Hub of Activity!  At intervals throughout the seven hours, we welcomed visitors into the Church, Roger Stokes showed slides of ‘Old Woodbury’, sometimes with a commentary, silently at other times.  This gave us the feeling of being in the centre of a thriving, developing community and showed scenes that many people had not seen before.

Between 11.00 and 2.15 Vanessa Rowe, the wife of Reverend Geoffrey Rowe, Donoveen Alcock and our own Director of Music, Nigel Alcock, played music on the organ and this was much appreciated as a welcome background to a happy atmosphere.

Refreshments were served all day, coffee/tea, soup and rolls at lunchtime, and cream teas during the interval in the Band Concert given by Semper Fidelis - which was well received by over 40 spectators.  A quiz, about the Interior of the Church, encouraged people to look closely at individual features of our history.

Woodbury Woodturners, Lace Society and the P’s & Q’s (Patchwork and Quilting) displays gave another dimension to visitors and even a lady from Chagford, who had commissioned the farmhouse kitchen table on which the other woodcraft was arranged, visited our Open Day.  The Easter Garden attracted many appreciative comments.

There was an indoor Lychgate Stall selling cakes and preserves, jewellery and many other wares which maintained good sales throughout the day.

The Easter Bonnet Competition was won by the Mackey boys and Elizabeth Gage won the March Draw for the 100 Club.

The members of St. David’s and St. Ia’s Groups, led by Sue Hudson and including our two Church Wardens Hazel Pyatt and Gordon Davis, had organised this interesting and uplifting event.  They all maintained a great deal of enthusiasm throughout the day.

The Rector and PCC would like to record their thanks to the hard working group of Church members for the wonderful idea and the way in which it was carried out.

The newly refurbished Church Rooms was the venue for our April meeting.  Chris had organized a Chinese Evening and had arranged an assortment of dishes from Little China on the Arch.  The room had been laid out like a restaurant with candles on the tables and low lighting to create just the right atmosphere.  It was a lively and noisy evening and the food was delicious, quite a success enjoyed by everyone.

The month before some of the group had been to the Northcott Theatre to an afternoon performance of The Mikado, which was well worth seeing.

In May we will be doing a walk, leaving The Arch at 6.30pm for a meal at the Tally Ho pub off Topsham road after a walk by the river and canal.  Please ring Judy Vallance if going - 232880.  This will take place on Tuesday 6 May as the Monday is the bank holiday.

Anyone interested in coming along to our meetings/outings can get more details about the group from Chris Lear on 232772.

THE SAD AFFAIR OF THOMAS SPENCER AND ANNIE BRENT  by Gill Selley  

Miss Johnson and Elizabeth Spencer outside Oakhayes House c.1888	Two or three years ago I wrote an article about the death of Annie Brent’s second  husband, Thomas Spencer, who was drowned when the ship he was travelling on  foundered on the rocks off Auckland in New Zealand.  I have recently been contacted by Thomas Spencer’s great granddaughter in Auckland who has given me more  information about the connection with Woodbury, and sent me a selection of family photographs.
Miss Johnson, Mary Clark and Elizabeth Spencer outside Oakhayes House c.1888	Thomas Spencer left New Zealand and travelled to England with his wife Elizabeth where they lived with her sister, Mrs Mary Clark, at The Lodge, on the Strand in Topsham.  They were great friends of a Harriet    Johnson, a wealthy unmarried woman, who lived in Oakhayes House in Woodbury – pictures left. When Thomas’s wife died in 1890 the family story goes that Harriet set her cap at Thomas, but was the loser in a love    triangle to Annie Brent (widow of Dr Brent).
	Harriet moved away from the area and Thomas married Annie Brent in 1892 in the parish church of Woodbury and settled in Sydney Lodge on Broadway with his new wife – picture (left) shows Thomas in the conservatory / green house at Sydney Lodge (now called Bixley Haven).  Mrs Clarke did not like Annie and, according to the family, was the cause of dissent in the marriage, in consequence of which     Thomas and Annie separated.  Thomas boarded the brand new ship the Wairarapa bound for New Zealand in the autumn of 1894 in order to sell his businesses and be with his children – two months later he was drowned.  The family still blames Mrs Clark for his death, though it is possible that Annie Brent Spencer’s narrow life in Woodbury and extreme evangelicalism were a factor in the separation

WOODBURY LADIES CORK CLUB

The Club are holding their annual outing on Saturday 5 July.  We are going to Totnes to catch the cruiser to Dartmouth then the train to Paignton finishing with an evening meal (menu to be arranged), anyone wishing to join us please contact Mrs June Barlow 232207.

The children really enjoyed their special trip on the train from Topsham to Exmouth returning on the boat along the River Exe.  Accompanied by staff and parents they set off in sunshine and although a bit windy on the boat, they had a lovely time.  This concluded their exploration of the topic ‘transport’.  The new topic will be ‘out and about’, giving the children opportunities to explore their local environment, with walks and activities around the village.

Our Easter sponsored walk along Budleigh Salterton seafront managed to raise just over £100, so was a worthwhile venture despite the downpour!  A bit thank you to all children, parents and sponsors of the event.

Our next fundraising event will be a ‘Bring and Buy’ sale of good quality used children’s toys and books to raise funds to stock our new Literacy and Numeracy trolley.  This will take place on Saturday 24 May, 9.30-11.00.

Maytree is a thriving Pre-School, held every term-time weekday morning (and Wednesday afternoons) in Woodbury village hall.  We have over 30 children attending a varied number of sessions and have strong links with the Primary school nearby.  Our excellent group of staff run the pre-school day to day, supported by a committee of parents.

Places are now being allocated for summer and autumn terms 2008, so please contact our Chairperson Kate Coldrick for more information or to arrange a visit - email: maytreepreschool@googlemail.com or 232472.

MAYTREE MINIS

Do you have children aged 6 months to 3 years?

Would you like to come along to a new group in Woodbury?

If so why not come to Maytree Minis.  We run every Wednesday morning in term time, 9.30-11.00 at The Church Room, Parsonage Way, Woodbury.

We have a different theme each week (toys, colours, bath time, transport etc.) and begin with a sing along session followed by a story, snack and craft.  All this for only £2.50 per session!

Please feel free to join us any Wednesday, or for more information ring Kate 232472 or Sarah 232631.  We look forward to seeing you.

By the time you read this, weather permitting, the season will have started with non league matches against Kentisbeare and Budleigh.  Prior to this in April a good number gathered on a snowy day for the club sponsored walk which will have helped raise money for the club and for Hospice South West.  Thanks to all those who took part.

Our pavilion is now ready for the new season and thanks are due to St. Swithun’s PCC for the loan of Church pews which now adorn the ‘long room’.  Unfortunately we have once again been troubled with vandalism in the form of graffiti to the back wall of the pavilion and by someone driving across the outfield.  We hope that the new gate, a joint venture with the Parish Council, will reduce the chances of further damage.  Our thanks are due to Councillor Mike Gooding for his help in the construction of the fencing and gate entrance.  The gate will remain open on match days and for practice sessions and there will continue to be pedestrian access.

Junior cricket has started once again on Monday evenings for boys year 7 and below and girls year 9 and below and on Tuesday evenings for boys year 8 and above and girls year 10 and above.  We have had a good response and are close to closing the books and running a waiting list.  To check the current position please contact Martin Cooke (270544) for Monday nights and S. ‘Chalky’ White (268039) for Tuesday nights.

If you are interested in joining the club then please contact the Chairman Tim Greenslade (232767) or turn up for one of the practice sessions on Wednesday evenings at 6.30 at the ground in Town Lane.  We welcome new members and would be pleased to see you.  For more information about the club you can also access our website at www.woodburycc.co.uk

You are also welcome to come up to the club and enjoy the cricket.  Senior home matches in May are as follows:

May 3 - 1sts v Halberton 2.00.  10 - 2nds v Upottery 2.00.  11 - Club v Long Compton 2.30.  17 - 1sts v Yelverton 2.00.  24 - 2nds v Kentisbeare 2.00.  27 - Club v Westbrick 6.30.  31 - 2nds v Countess Wear 2.00.

WOODBURY SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB

Woodbury Short Mat Bowlers won the Teignbridge “Fours” Tournament on Saturday 5 April.  36 teams took part.  Woodbury’s June/Edwin White, Arthur Cuff and Janet Davis (Skip) bowled to a close finish, needing three shots on the last end of their last game to win.  Woodbury’s Janet Davis (Skip) commented “too close for comfort”.

Woodbury Village Hall.  7.00.  6, 14, 20 & 27 May.  3, 11, 17, 24 June.  1, 9, 15, 22, 29 July.

Our President, Sue Bury welcomed members and gave news of various forthcoming activities including the Spring Council meeting.  Ann Williams was congratulated on her entry of a beautiful needlecase at this meeting, and Sheila Mills won the flower of the month.  Following refreshments, the speaker, Chris Griffiths was introduced.  He has been the district manager of Exmouth Citizen’s Advice Bureau for sometime but has now become district manager of the Citizens’ Advice Service East Devon (CASED).  He told us that the first CAB ever was opened in 1939 and the first one in Exmouth was opened in June 1960 in the Sailors Rest.  It now takes place in the Town Hall from 10.00-12.30 and 2.00-4.00 Monday to Friday with 23 trained advisers involved.  Help is given in many subjects i.e. housing problems, social problems, health, legal problems, income tax etc.  Home visits can be arranged if necessary.  A £50,000 budget is funded by the Devon County Council and East Devon District Council.  No-one under 23 years is asked to be a volunteer and 70 years is the norm for retirement.

Donoveen Alcock thanked Mr Griffiths for the most interesting and helpful talk.  The next meeting on 8 May is about the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary when the speaker will be Carol Housell.  Visitors are very welcome.

NOTICE FROM WOODBURY C. OF E. PRIMARY SCHOOL

You may be aware that Woodbury C of E Primary School is currently over-subscribed.  In order for us to plan ahead for admissions for the next 5 years we need up-to-date figures of all the babies, toddlers and pre-school children in Woodbury planning to come to Woodbury School.  If you haven't yet completed an expression of interest form, please could you collect one from the school office and return as soon as possible.  Any queries please telephone the school office: 232614.

On 7 April we were entertained by Mr Nicky Heal from Bridgwater - a very talented and confident 18-year-old who passed his NAFAS demonstrators exams at the age of 16.  His mother is a demonstrator and Nicky started arranging flowers when he was just three years old, winning a World National Flower Competition when he was only 12.  His demonstration was entitled Pots of Fun and he used a variety of containers: the first, a tall galvanized pot filled with pink hellebores and purple tulips against a background of blue/grey conifers and willow spheres.  Then an oblong basket was filled with colour - 2 pots of grape hyancinths, tall blue hyacinths grouped among arum lilies and mini yellow gerberas and lilies through the centre; white sisal was woven through low down to look like a misty morning.  Another arrangement in a South African chicken basket contained yellow alstroemerias and orange gerberas and tall leaves were knotted at the ends to look like chicken heads.  All his arrangements were impressive with well prepared flowers and foliage.  He also passed on lots of tips while demonstrating which was much appreciated.  This was a demonstrator we shall look forward to seeing a lot more of in the future.

New members and guests are always welcome at our meetings which are held on the first Monday of each month in the Village Hall at 2.15.

12 May  Mrs Janice Cock of Braunton demonstrating In the Melting Pot.

  2 June Mrs Alice Foster of Kingsbridge demonstrating Fact and Fantasy.

There were two meetings for the Garden Club this month, a talk in the village hall, and a visit to the R.H.S. Show at Cardiff.

At the first meeting, John Kennaway, from Escott gardens showed us various slides of different types and sizes of water gardens.  His extensive knowledge of pond design and general care of water features was very informative.  Mr Kennaway then answered questions.  It was apparent that many members have water features in their gardens, and we all learnt from the wide range of questions and the straight forward and helpful answers.

Later, on 19 April, a party of Garden Club members boarded a coach in the Arch at 9.30 for a visit to the R.H.S. Show at Cardiff.  It was disappointing that this Saturday was wet and colder than earlier in the week.  The rain persisted throughout our visit, not ideal conditions to inspect floral exhibits in the marquees, or to plod through the mud to see the Dr Who Tardis and children’s garden exhibits. The weather and over-crowding in the undercover café area naturally had an effect on our enjoyment of the day.  Even so a good many plants were carried back to the coach for the journey home.

13 May Dana Assinder will talk and show slides on Sustainability.

17 May Plant Sale, 10.30.  Free entry.

NEED HELP OR ASSISTANCE AROUND THE HOME?

Age Concern Exmouth has a home support service for people who may find some household tasks getting a little more difficult.

Getting the shopping down can be a real effort.

Looking after a loved one takes its toll so a bit of free time to yourself can help enormously.

All Home Support staff at Age Concern Exmouth are caring and honest, all have been Criminal Records Bureau checked.

You may only need a one-off assistance; however we can provide weekly, monthly or a frequency of your choice.  Even if you’ve had building works we can come in and tidy up for you.

Ring Kath Smith (Home Support Manager) 271242 now to arrange an assessment visit or an informal chat.

Each year in celebration of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell’s birthdays on 22 February, Guides worldwide hold a Thinking Day.  This year the WAGGGS initiative was ‘Girls worldwide say think about water’.  Woodbury Guides had an informative and activity filled evening based on the theme of water.  Some of these activities included a quiz in the form of a game, apple bobbing and tasting water from different areas.  The evening raised £26.50.  At the end of the evening each girl took home a bottle of water to drink and then fill with loose change, with the aim of raising sufficient money for the installation of a rope pump for a village of 200 people in Madagascar.  We have raised virtually £200 which exceeds our target of £167.  Thank you to the families and friends who helped us by giving their change; we will now be able to help the less fortunate people of Madagascar.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE  In April Exton WI hosted the Estuary Group Meeting, opened by Group Secretary Sue Densham, who welcomed delegates.   Exton President Pauline Sturtridge introduced representatives from Exmouth, Heavitree, Lympstone, Withycombe Raleigh and her WI, each of whom gave a resume’ of their group’s activities throughout the year.  WI Advisor Mary Andrews spoke of forthcoming events.  Janet Williams a Ghanaian milliner, who had trained in London, New York and Australia, was the first speaker of the day, .  She demonstrated the blocking techniques which are the basis of all hats and talked about the materials used.  Her talk ended with a display of her stunning creations.  Following a splendid tea provided by the Exton ladies, the assembly was highly entertained by Mr Raymond Budd’s Reminiscences of a Black and White Minstrel.  His singing career had begun as a boy in the Church choir prior to eventually joining the BBC.  During the war, he sang in Concert parties, entertaining troops and afterwards, with the George Mitchell choir and in the very famous Black and White Minstrels Show, one of the most successful programmes of all time, working with many famous people.  Mr Budd kept his audience spellbound, interspersing his talk with recordings, jokes and anecdotes as well as singing many well-loved songs in his fine tenor voice.  The competition for a black and white hat was won by Lympstone, whose entry was decorated with recyclable materials.

EXTON GARDEN CLUB  Miranda Allhusen, County Organiser for the National Garden Scheme, enchanted Exton Garden Club members with wonderful photographs of many of the gardens in Devon, both large and small that are opened to the public at various times during the year.  The National Garden Scheme came into being in 1927 to raise money for charities primarily nursing charities.  Originally 600 gardens were opened to the public and the entrance fee was £1.00; Sandringham was one of the first gardens to be opened.  Today the entrance fee is usually £3.50.  The charities now supported include nursing, caring, and gardening charities and over the years more than £40 million has been raised.  Gardens opened for Charity are listed in the national Gardens Scheme's "Yellow Book".  There is a special smaller edition for Devon which gives details of the 152 gardens that will be open in 2008.  Most of gardens are privately owned, and in her presentation Miranda showed a selection of gardens from cottage gardens to arboretums; specialists plants or shrub gardens; water features, sculptures and some with amazing views of the Devon coast and countryside.  As County Organiser, Miranda is very familiar with the gardens and is able to give real insight into their special features, areas of interest and, in some cases, their quirkiness.  Inspired by her talk many club members will be spending the summer months travelling the Devon countryside to visit their favourite gardens, including perhaps, Miranda's own garden.

KNITTERS  We already have knitters in Exmouth, Woodbury and Otterton knitting garments for the Premature Baby Unit, which are always very  much appreciated.  If anyone would like to knit for this worthwhile cause, please contact Ada Follett 01392 874596 or Juliet Limb 01392 877584, or give a donation to buy wool or, if you have any balls of wool lying around, we would be pleased to receive them.

EXTON DRAMA CLUB staged two One Act Plays in mid April.  The first, The Walking Dead by Michael Lambe, was a series of events in a remote village on All Souls’ Night, ably directed by young Gabriel Casey, whose debut with us was as one of the Seven Dwarfs in a pantomime some years ago.   Beryl Bolt’s and Pat Cusa’s portrayals of eccentric ladies were very convincing and Freddie Bolt’s silent walking corpse was chilling.  Young actors Kirstie Balko and James Litchfield did well in their roles as a couple making desperate attempts to keep in touch with reality whilst bizarre events unfolded around them.  The redoubtable Freddie Bolt not only designed both sets and took a part in the first play, but also directed the second which, in total contrast, was a French farce, Breakfast for One by David Foxton.  Dustin Sanders, another ex-pantomime junior, gave a performance as an earnest young man-about-town caught up in an hilarious series of misunderstandings and double-entendres.  Katie Jones’ interpretation of a feisty maid was beautifully crafted, as were David Hacking’s irascible husband to Yvette played by the very talented Audrey Moynehan, always a joy to watch, whilst David Snell’s convincingly drunken tramp provided more merriment.

This was another first class evening’s entertainment provided by Exton Drama Club, and congratulations go to all concerned.

TAI CHI  Are you interest in Tai Chi a gentle form of exercise to music?  If so, lessons are available at St. Andrew's Hall, Exton on Tuesdays.  For further information contact Gina Parkin 01392 875430 or Ada Follett 01392 874596.

 

PARISH CLERK  Please note that David Atkins will be the acting Parish Clerk in the absence of Belinda Price with effect from 5 March 2008 for approximately 8 – 9 weeks.  All communications should be directed to David at the address below until further notice.

Mr David Atkins

Acting Clerk to the Council

Potters, Lympstone Road, Lympstone.  Tel: 01395 264003

e-mail: dgapotters@tiscali.co.uk

 

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Two more in the  series of Woodbury photo booklets have been produced by Roger Stokes from photographs held in the Woodbury Photographic Archive. Book 5 contains pictures of the schools and pupils of the Parish, and Book 6 is based on Woodbury Salterton & Exton. They are now available exclusively from Woodbury Hardware, and £1 from each book will be given to a Woodbury charity. These will be limited editions, so get yours now before it’s too late! Still a few of all the series left!

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DEATH  William Henry Whitley  The funeral of Bill Whitley, who died at the age of 89, took place in All Saints’ Church on Monday 14 April.  He lived in New Way, Woodbury Salterton for fifty–four years, referring to it as his ‘Little bit of heaven’.  He had a career in the navy, having started as a galley boy just before his 15th birthday, and served in the war, when he survived being torpedoed and was awarded the Imperial Service medal.  He then worked on the railways, helping to lay the lines between Taunton, Bristol and Exeter.  He became a fitter at the Marine Camp, Lympstone, doing plumbing, repair and maintenance.  He married Jessie in 1944 at Clyst St. George Church.  When Jessie became Caretaker/Cleaner at Woodbury Salterton village school, Bill helped her with maintenance jobs, coal for the fires and emptying the lavatory buckets into the cesspit in the field next to the school.  He also helped maintain the school swimming pool when Geoff Dearnley was the Headmaster.  He had a love of clocks and took over from Stan Baker the task of winding daily the school clock and maintaining it, learning by experience how to repair it when necessary.  He did this on a voluntary basis for 35 years, climbing the 12 steps to the clock tower – more than a total of 12,000 times!  He even wound the clock on Christmas Days and his son-in-law accompanied him to do this on the day his beloved wife died in November 1990.  When the clock hands needed adjustment he would climb up the narrow chimney-shaped void with his feet on either side of the wall to reach them.  He was able through contacts with his work as a fitter at the Marine Camp, Lympstone, to make or mend parts for the clock, thus saving the school any maintenance costs.  The village depended on his faithful service to maintain the accuracy of the clock, on which many relied when catching the bus etc. and the school clock, with its bell sounding out the hours over the village was – and still is – a distinctive and integral part of village life.  When the clock was automated in September 2001, Bill was given the honour of switching it on.  The school placed a brass plaque on an inner wall with the inscription ‘Clock maintained and wound daily from 1966 to 2001 by Mr W.H.Whitley’.  Looking at it, Bill commented ‘It’s part of our life’ and he was very much part of village life.  For many years he decorated the Christmas tree in church in memory of his dear wife.  He received an invitation to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his considerable service to the community.  He reluctantly declined to attend as his eyesight was so poor but greatly appreciated the honour.  We extend our sympathy to his daughter Tina and all the family, which includes grandchildren and great grandchildren.

BIRTH  Congratulations to Vera Doran on the arrival of her 10th grandchild.  Lily Ann Sparks  was born on 13 March, a sister for Joseph.

Best wishes and congratulations to her parents Shaun and Sarah, who were married in Holy Trinity Church, Woodbury Salterton.

THANKS  I read with interest the recent tributes paid to Gill Selley on her retirement as Secretary of Woodbury Local History Society and should like to add my own.

In 2003, I was asked by Mrs Templer’s daughter, Jenny Kyle, if I would write a short piece about Woodmanton Cottage for the Woodbury News.  This seemed somewhat daunting until I approached Gill Selley for any information she might hold.  Her help and hospitality were unstinting and she very kindly provided me with a typed chronological history of the property itself dating from about 1840, together with earlier land records dating from 1605 relating to the immediate vicinity.  Mary Middleton had also provided me with her personal memories of the cottage and some photographs taken just after the Second World War.  On looking through some papers recently, I suddenly realised that, although I had acknowledged Mary Middleton’s kindness in supplying such helpful information, I had only acknowledged Gill’s contribution in my covering letter to David Keep and not in the article itself.  I should like to take this opportunity of rectifying that omission and thanking Gill wholeheartedly for all the time and effort she put into helping me complete the task.  Dawn Perkins

NOT TO BE MISSED! ‘The Burial at Thebes’, the ultimate ancient Greek Soap Opera!  To be performed in the grounds (or inside in case of poor weather) of Farringdon Church, 20 – 24 May, 7.30 + Saturday matinee 2.00

Seamus Heaney, the Nobel prize-winning poet made his acclaimed translation of Sophocles’ great tragedy ‘Antigone’ in 2004 to mark the centenary of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre and has given his blessings for our local production.  You think that Greek Theatre is not for you?!  The Farringdon Society of Arts production will be set in the 21st century, exploring many powerful themes including relations between young and old; the cult of celebrity; and the inevitable fall which often accompanies power (think Bush and Blair!).  The main action concerns the young and passionately idealistic Antigone, who is determined to observe the burial rites on behalf of her deceased brother, rites expected by the Gods.  This brings her into conflict with the tough laws of Creon, who has forbidden the ritual.  The characters include, amongst others, a despotic leader, a young Goth, an ‘It’ girl, a droll guard, and a blind seer.  In addition there is a chorus of around who represent, amongst others, celebs and paparazzi. 

To book ring 01395 239181 or email fsadevon@hotmail.co.uk.

TOM TREADS THE BOARDS! 

Woodbury-born Tom Stokes was in the spotlight at the Exeter Northcott Theatre  during the week 12 – 19 April.  Aged only 11 years  he co-starred with David Youll, in the part of William Beech, in the Northcott Young Company’s musical   production of Goodnight Mr Tom.  This is a sad story of a small evacuee boy sent to live in the country at the start of World War II.  He gets befriended and brought up by “Mr Tom” (David Youll), an elderly widower.  With a total cast of 53, the whole production was brilliantly executed.  They performed mostly to full houses including two matinees.  Tom attended an audition for the part in early January, was successful, and had been rehearsing several times every week since then.  Prior to this Tom had never been heard to sing anything, but to the astonishment of his parents and grandparents mastered his several solos in the production with ease.  Tom’s worst moment was when he was told that his lovely mop of hair had to be transformed into a 1940’s short back and sides!  Children and adults from all over Devon took part in this production.  The Northcott is to be commended for the work they do with them.  However, the theatre needs your continued support, so go there when you can or it could be lost. (See Northcott link in Contents menu for what's on)

   

Photo by Alan Winn

NORTHCOTT THEATRE       Tel: 01392 493493

6 - 17 MAY  DANCE       20 - 24  THE ENGLISH GAME

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WOODBURY ARTISTS EXHIBITION  Woodbury will be holding an Exhibition of Arts and Crafts at the Church Rooms, Greenway, Woodbury on Saturday 3 May from 10.00-4.00.

Roger Hann, the organiser and artist, says: “Woodbury has some very talented artists and at the first exhibition there will be paintings of seascapes and landscapes, encaustics wax paintings, woodturners who craft local wood into wonderful works of art.”  This exhibition will be held on the first Saturday of each month and with new and exciting artists who will be exhibiting their work.

All exhibits on show will be for sale and a donation will be made to St. Swithun’s Church.

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From Philip and Joan Hodge

Shortly after our letter appeared in last month's Woodbury News we learnt that our granddaughter had been found a place at Woodbury School.  Whilst we are delighted with this news it does not alter the views expressed in our letter in that the situation should not have arisen in the first place, and we understand that other families still have problems.

We would like to thank friends and neighbours for their support.

From Julie Donohue, Sages Lea

With reference to the dog mess along the plantation in Woodbury Salterton, yes it is a problem and as a conscientious dog owner I am embarrassed by the behaviour of those who are not.  However, if the anon lady who complained about it was to leave her car where she is supposed to (The Diggers Rest car park) and not in Sages Lea she would: a) not have the dog poo problem, and b) not snarl up the bottom of our small residential road.

From Gill Selley

Could I thank the farmer who so kindly scattered all the manure all along Greenway in Woodbury.  I was able to fill a wheelbarrow with the amount that was deposited between Bonfire Lane and Mirey Lane.  Perhaps next time he will give me his itinerary, as I should very much like to fill several barrows for my allotment.  Though I am grateful to him, I should imagine that some elderly people and parents are cursing him for the dirty smelly mess brought into their houses on shoes and pushchairs.

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The end of an era!  The lone pine, which has dominated the horizon on the southern edge of Aylesbeare Common, finally succumbed to the wind on the night of 10 March.  It was the last of a clump standing on top of a Bronze Age tumulus, and had been dead for more than fifteen years.  

In 1880, Lady Rolle decided the Commons were a bit flat and open and started planting groups of trees.  Her aesthetic locations included Four Firs, The Beacon, The Tumuli, Diamond, Warren and Lookout Copses and the clump on Aylesbeare Common, where she chose Scot’s pine to suit the thin, acid soil.  We don’t know how many she had planted there, but a local resident remembers back in 1967 that there were 15 trees in the clump.  A photograph taken in 1985 shows three trees with live crowns and some broken stumps, but later photos show that by 1988 the last pine was already alone and in 1992 the top was looking straggly and sparse and that is probably about when it died.

Myths will always accumulate around prominent trees: local stories that it was used as a sailor’s landmark are a bit puzzling and perhaps poetic licence has crept in.  However, one attempt to cut down the dead pine was called off on pain of cursing by “the white witches of Aylesbeare”, as reported in Andrew Cooper’s book East Devon Pebblebed Heaths!

Of course dead wood is a marvellous wildlife habitat so, as it was no danger to the public, it was left to stand for as long as it could.  But on the night of 10 March it finally fell.  Even now it will still be a home, and food source, to fungi and insects that will, in turn, feed the heathland animals and birds.

The winter jobs are over on the Heaths and vegetation management takes a back seat as the breeding seasons gets into full swing.  The end of March is the legal cut-off date for heather burning, and most other activities finish by then to give the wildlife the best opportunity.  The cattle are the only management tools now being used to control the habitats.

  The summer migrants are just beginning to arrive: sand martins were first to get back from Africa last month, closely followed by swallows and house martins (both seen on 10 April).  The warblers are starting to tune up after their long migrations – willow, sedge, white throat, black cap and chiffchaff have all been heard (though the last two are starting to stay over winter and save themselves the long journey).

Green-veined white, brimstone, orange-tip, small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies have all been spotted on the wing and the reptiles are beginning to be seen about again – though slow worms and adders were spotted on a particularly sunny day while we were still counting the winter-visiting snipe on 3 March!

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I forgot February weather which it did not deserve as it was a cheerful month with two spells of wall to wall sunny weather and low rainfall; however because I cannot remember much detail here are just the basic readings: 26.7mm of rain (1.05ins = 41% of average), max/min temps 13C/-5C.

March was a complete contrast and threw everything at us.  With depressions coming from the Atlantic one after the other hardly a day went by without rain, giving us 112.5mm (4.43ins and 147% of average); with this came severe gales on two occasions each of which blew down more of our garden fencing; sunshine was rare and the max/min temperatures were 15C/-3C; barometric pressure was exceptionally low on the 10th with mine reading 28.8ins.  Happily I got the patch dug over and last year’s compost worked in during February.

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3 May          Exhibition and Sale of Paintings.  Church Rooms.  10.00-4.00.   

3 May           Teak Garden Furniture Sale.  Exton Village Hall.  9.00-4.00.

  6 May         Connections.  Walk and Meal.  Meet at the Arch 6.30.

  8 May         W.I.  7.30.  W.V.H.  The Donkey Sanctuary.

  9 May         Woodbury School PTFA 70’s/80’s Disco.  7.30-12.00.  W.V.H.

10 May         Exton Garden Club Annual Plant & Produce Sale.  10.00-12.00.

10 May         Woodbury Rainbow/Brownie/Guides Jumble Sale.  1.30-3.30.

11 May         Park Close Social Club.  Trip to We’ll Meet Again show.  2.30.

12 May         Floral Arrangement Society.  In the Melting Pot.