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HODDER’S
FODDER
Grass fed lamb and hogget grown
on Penstone pastures
It couldn’t be more local
Normally sold in half-lamb packs, but
happy to discuss your requirements.
Mutton and Red Ruby beef occasionally
available.
Tel: Steve or Rachel
Flavour not air miles
Complementary Therapy Squirrel Lodge, Colebrooke
Indian Head Massage: £12.50
Reflexology: £20
Also Reiki and Aromatherapy
Massage
Tai Chi and Yoga
(individual or classes)
Contact: Diane Shepherd
(VTCT qualified)
01363 85051 / 07565 350457
Alan Brimacombe
Devon Master Thatcher
5 Cross Meadow, Spreyton
Crediton, Devon, EX16 5DX
Tel: 01647 231033
Mobile: 07980 620603
www.brimacombethatching.co.uk
WE’VE GOT IT
COVERED
For more information or to arrange your FREE site
visit, call William & Julia on 01363 84846 or visit
claremontmarquees.co.uk
WEDDINGS, EVENTS,
CORPORATE, BARN
DRESSING, PARTIES
If you would like to contribute to
the magazine, please contact
any member of
The Editorial Team
Deadlines for copy: June edition – 01/05/2017
The Colebrooke Bell Editorial Team
Editorial:
Mary Stephenson 01363 84543
Rosemary Stephenson 01363 84094
Sue Haynes [email protected]
Advertising:
Irene Butt 01363 84646
Diane Shepherd 01363 84051
200 Club:
Elizabeth Jones 01363 84339
If you would like to support this magazine further by either:
Joining our 200 Club or
Placing an advertisement
Please contact the Editorial Team.
Thank you for your support.
ear Readers,
April feels like such an uplifting time of year, with the weather
improving and spring flowers appearing in our gardens,
hedgerows and even on the front cover of the Bell.
This month we certainly have some
uplifting news from the Bells Restoration
Project, which has already raised more
than £5,000 towards refurbishing our
church bells. There is another
fascinating article from Neville Enderson
about little known local celebrities,
Florence and Bertha Salter, aka ‘the
Devon Nightingales’, who were born in Colebrooke and went on to become
international singing stars. Sue Haynes continues her intriguing tour of St
Andrews’ precious artefacts, this time
focussing on the beautiful 15th century font.
It’s lambing time at Higher Penstone and
Rachel Hodder gives us an honest account
of the ups and downs of being a sheep
farmer. Meanwhile in our regular column
from Granny’s Meadow nursery, we learn
about the trials and tribulations of growing
carrots.
There are plenty of things to keep you
busy in the parish this month. If you
fancy getting active, why not come
along to the Ceroc dance workshop on
the 22nd April? Or if you prefer
something more relaxing, Diane
Shepherd is offering evening taster
sessions of her popular Yoga and Tai Chi
classes on Tuesday 25th.
Happy Easter to all our readers
D
APRIL COMMUNITY DIARY Saturday 1st Spring Coffee & Craft event with Ram Roast
Church 11.00 am - 2.00 pm
Sunday 2nd Morning Prayer led by Worship Group Penstone Glade working party
Church 9.30 am Glade 10.30 am – 12 noon
Monday 3rd Yoga Badminton Club
Village Hall 10.00 – 11.00 am Village Hall 7.30 pm
Wednesday 5th Mother’s Union Meeting – all welcome Tai Chi Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls – Club session
Horwell Barton 10.30 am Village Hall 10.00 – 11.00 am Village Hall 7.00 -9.00 pm
Thursday 6th Mobile Library – Colebrooke Mobile Library - Penstone Bell Ringing Practise
Bus shelter 11.40 - 12.00 am Penstone 12.05 – 12.35 pm Church 7.30 – 9.00 pm
Friday 7th Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls – Taster sessions Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls – Club session
Village Hall 2.00 – 4.00 pm Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm
Sunday 9th Family Service led by Worship Group
Church 9.30 am
Monday 10th Badminton Club
Village Hall 7.30 pm
Tuesday 11th Women’s Institute Meeting – all welcome
Horwell Barton 7.30 pm
Wednesday 12th BCP Communion Service Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club – Club session
Church 10.30 am Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm
Thursday 13th Coffee Morning - all welcome Bell Ringing Practise Talk about Palestine – Liz Brookes Hocking
Village Hall 10.00 – 12.00 am Church 7.30 – 9.00 pm Village Hall 7.30 pm
Friday 14th Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club-Taster sessions Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club – Club session
Village Hall 2.00 – 4.00 pm Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm
Sunday 16th Family Service with Eucharist EASTER SUNDAY
Church 9.15 am
Monday 17th Badminton Club
Village Hall 7.30 pm
Weds. 19th Annual Meeting of the PCC – open to all Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club – Club session
Church 7.00 – 7.15 pm Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm
Thursday 20th Bell Ringing Practise
Church 7.30 – 9.00 pm
Friday 21st Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club-Taster sessions Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club – Club session
Village Hall 2.00 – 4.00 pm Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm
Saturday 22nd Ceroc dance workshop Village Hall 7.30 pm
Sunday 23rd Common Worship Eucharist Service Sole Mates
Church 10.45 am Village Hall 1.00 & 2.00 pm
Monday 24th Yoga Badminton Club
Village Hall 10.00 – 11.00 am Village Hall 7.30 pm
Tuesday 25th NEW Tai Chi taster session Yoga taster session
Village Hall 7.00 – 8.00 pm Village Hall 8.15 – 9.15 pm
Weds. 26th Tai Chi Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club – Club session
Village Hall 10.00 – 11.00 am Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm
Thursday 27th Bell Ringing Practise Church 7.30 – 9.00 pm
Friday 28th Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club-Taster sessions Colebrooke Short Mat Bowls Club – Club session
Village Hall 2.00 – 4.00 pm Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00 pm
Sunday 30th Mission Community Eucharist (MCE) Bow Church
New Inn Aids Bell Fund
George and Carol at the New Inn, Coleford, hold a monthly quiz
with the proceeds going to various local charities. This year they
kindly donated some of the
money toward the Bell Fund.
Pictured is George handing a
cheque for £210 to Elizabeth,
Church Warden, and
Margaret a member of the
PCC. We would like to say a
sincere thanks to George
and Carol. The quizzes are
great fun and anyone who
wants to can join in, so why
not come along.
Bell Project Launch Event
Thank you very much to everyone who supported the Bell Project
launch event in February. The wine and cheese party was a great
success and raised £401.32 plus over £1000 in donations. We are
making good progress with our fundraising and greatly
appreciate everyone’s support. Val Pennington
We need to raise a total of £45,000 to refurbish our church bells.
So far we have raised £5,561. If you feel able to help by making a
donation please contact PCC Treasurer Val Pennington on 01363
84250 or visit: www.colebrookebells.org.uk to donate online.
Cheques should be made payable to ‘P.C.C. Colebrooke Parish’
The Bell Ringers practise each Thursday at 7.30 pm and welcome
newcomers. For details please contact Bell Captain Fred Oliver
on 01363 84419
Colebrooke Church Bells
Restoration Project
Photo by Peter Budd
Village Hall News
Village Hall hire charges Event
Session
am/pm
eve
Per Day Regular
user
Use of main Hall, tables, chairs, tea & coffee making
facilities
£20 £50 £8*
Meeting room, tables, chairs, tea & coffee making facilities £15 £25 £6*
Use of ALL Hall facilities and equipment N/A £100 N/A
Weddings – use of ALL Hall facilities & equipment for 3 days
to include set up and clear out days
N/A £300 for
3 days
N/A
Children’s parties – Hall, tables, chairs, tea & coffee
making facilities, toys, climbing frame, mats
£25 N/A N/A
Village Hall
Management Team
Paul Butt
(Chairman)
Tel: 01363 84646
Steve Graham
(Bookings)
Tel: 01363 84309
Improve Your Life with Meditation – Thursdays 7.45pm to 9.00pm a new group led by Jake Cole. For details ring 079 713 26 712 or [email protected] Yoga and Tai Chi evening taster sessions 25th April - A chance to try one of these popular classes. Yoga from 7.00pm to 8.00pm and Tai Chi from 8.15pm to 9.15pm. For details ring Diane on 01363 85051
Pop Up Restaurant 13th May - For one night only the Village Hall will be transformed
into a restaurant, offering a delicious 3 course meal for just £15. Bar open from 7.00pm and meal served at 8.00pm. Book tables of 6 to 10 with friends and neighbours. Or book a place on the locals table if you are coming alone. Places limited so please book early via Irene or Paul Butt on 01363 84646 or [email protected] Menus will be distributed later.
Forthcoming Events
13th April: Coffee Morning 10.00 – 12.00 am. Everyone is
welcome to drop in for coffee, cake and a chat! Cost £2.00 If
you need a lift to get there, or know of someone who does,
contact Paul Butt to make arrangements.
13th April: Talk about Palestine by Liz Brookes-Hocking 7.30
pm. Free entry. Bar. See article later in magazine
22nd April: Ceroc dance workshop 7.30 pm £10 pp, couples
& singles welcome www.cerocdevon.com
25th April: Tai Chi and Yoga taster sessions 7.00 pm and
8.15pm
13th May: Pop up Restaurant 7.00 pm
4th June: Big Sunday Lunch
Find us on
Colebrooke Village
Hall
*reduced rates may mean whole day events take precedence.
Non-profit making community & Church events will be looked at on a case by case
basis
THE DEVONSHIRE NIGHTINGALES
Many people will be unaware of the fact that in Colebrooke cemetery lie
two Colebrooke celebrities of international repute. The sisters Florence and
Bertha Salter were farmers’ daughters born at Broomhill Farm in 1870 and
1872. Florence and Bertha first performed in public in 1890, when they
gave a concert at Crediton Town Hall which was a great success. Then, at
the suggestion of Mr Jekyll of Exeter, who had given them singing lessons,
they went to Brussels to study. They performed in Brussels in 1893 before
Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium and her daughter Princess Clementine.
The sisters also performed at Biarritz, in front of, amongst many other
celebrities, King Oscar of Sweden. This concert resulted in glowing reports in
the French press. One report said:
“This concert surpassed anything we have had the chance of listening
to before in Biarritz. The Misses Florence and Bertha Salter possess vocal
organs of exceptional merit. The high and sweet soprano of Miss Florence
Salter stood out in delightful contrast to her sister's perfect deep contralto
notes, the two voices harmonising most charmingly. They sang with
unceasing verve throughout and the audience were enchanted, and
enthusiastic applause greeted them at the finish. These talented ladies sing
with equal facility in several
languages and their
pronunciation is faultless. It was
indeed a treat to hear this perfect
style of singing, instead of the
objectionable tremolo so much
cultivated by the French school”
During the next 20 years they
travelled widely throughout Britain
and became known as “The
Devonshire Nightingales”.
Occasionally they would visit the
continent where they still retained
their popularity. Neither sister
married and in the 1901 census
they were living at Lower
Porchester St, Hyde Park Square,
Paddington. They were described
as “classical vocalists”. By the
1911 census they had moved to Elm Park Mansions, Park Walk, Chelsea.
and were described as “professional vocalists”.
The last record of a concert by the sisters appears to have been one given
in aid of the military hospital at Colchester in September 1917.
They continued to live in
Chelsea until the 1930s when
they moved back to Devon to
live in Dawlish. Florence died
there in 1942 and was brought
back to be buried at
Colebrooke with a request to
be buried as near as possible to
her parents, who were buried
just to the northwest of the
church in the old churchyard,
on the site of the Old Bell Inn.
Florence was buried in the
cemetery by the hedge
adjoining the church path.
Bertha later moved away from
Dawlish and at the time of her
death in 1959 was living at East
Wyke, South Zeal, near Okehampton. She was also brought back to
Colebrooke and, in line with her wishes, her grave lies as near as possible to
her beloved sister. Both graves have identical granite kerbing surrounds
with lead lettering as follows:
FLORENCE SALTER “Singer” born February 2nd 1870 died October 6th 1942
And on the foot
“Glory be to God on High”
BERTHA SALTER “Singer” born May 24th 1872 died March 13th 1959
And on the foot
“And one clear call for me”
The inscription on the foot of Bertha’s grave is the second line from Alfred
Lord Tennyson’s famous poem “Crossing the Bar”. This poem had been set
to music by various composers including Sir Hubert Parry (of Jerusalem
fame) who was a great admirer of the sisters. Programmes of the time
reveal it was a favourite in Bertha's repertoire.
Neville Enderson
Inside St Andrew’s
Babies have been baptised in the font of St Andrew’s since the fifteenth century. It is of
carved Beerstone, decorated in the predominantly vertical lines of the early
Perpendicular style. Beerstone, quarried near Beer in Devon, is a creamy-grey fine
textured form of limestone. When first mined, it is relatively soft
and easily cut, but hardens upon exposure to the air.
The font is typically octagonal in shape, due to the belief that
eight sides recall the eighth day – the first day of resurrection. St
Augustine wrote of “the Day of the Lord, an everlasting eighth
day” while St Ambrose suggested a font be octagonal
“because on the eighth day, by rising, Christ loosens the
bondage of death and receives the dead from their graves”.
This symbolism fits with the belief that baptism is the beginning of
a new life for an infant, becoming part of God’s family. The
eight sides consist of carved square panels, alternating with
depictions of shields and quartrefoils or four lobed shapes. The bowl of the font sits
above a tapering stem with panelled sides on a moulded base,
decorated with floral designs.
The remains of the staple and hinge fastening of a former cover are still
visible on the font. The existing font cover, however, is thought to date
from the early 17th century Jacobean period, although some believe
the cover pre-dates the font and is a particularly fine example, being
ribbed with an ogee, or curved, profile. The cover is topped by a
carved wooden double-faced figure - initially thought to be a minor
cleric - dressed in an amice or linen cloth worn over the neck and shoulders, under an
alb or linen robe, tied at the waist with a rope girdle. During later renovation work by
Harry Hems of Exeter, decorative wings were added in the mistaken belief the figure
represented an angel. The font covering is operated by a late
Victorian chain and counterweight in the form of a gilt brass crown.
The font was moved to its present position at the west end of the
nave in 1895 when renovations of the church were carried out.
Although it is likely it began its life here - the west end being the
accepted location for a font within a church - it previously occupied
a position near the North Aisle. The year 1832 can be found carved
into the font, this being the year a gallery was erected over the west end of the nave,
which may indicate the time the font was relocated to the North Aisle.
The font at St Andrew’s has a long history of serving the parish through baptism and
continues to do so today. I am delighted to know that the names of my two
grandchildren are also permanently recorded in the baptismal register for people to
read for the next 500 years. Sue Haynes
Views from Higher Penstone
THE START OF IT ALL – LAMBING
“It’s just a car trailer with a roof.” Was Steve’s tongue firmly in his cheek? Probably. He
said he was going to buy a small trailer to help us move on Army postings but he came
back with what, even I knew, was a livestock trailer. That was the start of it all. Next
came sheep and then all the paraphernalia that goes with them, and then a tractor.
How many other Army families had to consider where to keep their sheep when they
were posted?
So here I am, pulling on my waterproofs for the fourth time today (and yes, I do know
that they make me look like a 1960s astronaut walking on the moon in a Michelin man
outfit!) so I can see if either of my long-overdue ewes is lambing.
Despite the early morning and late night checks, lambing is my favourite event on our
small farm. Steve is the farmer of the two of us – usually I just follow in his wake, try to
stop too much mud coming into the house and, as his best friend, tell him when he
smells particularly “farmy”. However, despite not really being a farmer I have picked up
some lambing experience over the years. It is a cliché but witnessing a ewe give birth
and seeing the lamb have its first feed is a humbling experience. It really does make
the hard work worthwhile.
Having said that, I do have some experience although I know only too well that a little
knowledge is a dangerous thing. I have the “lambing box” ready: lots of lubricant and
plastic gloves (don’t ask!), iodine, thermometer, lambing ropes, old towels, a stomach
tube and colostrum just in case. I have emergency phone numbers to hand and I have
re-read the Manual of Lambing Techniques, some of which make my eyes water.
Our flock is small – Steve has 33 ewes to lamb and I only have 6. Mine are Portlands, a
rare breed, prettier and more polite than his. It is much easier to know which of mine is
which, as their horns are conveniently
all different. I do prefer not to let my
Portlands mix with his sheep if at all
possible. Despite the small numbers,
over the years, our sheep have
presented us with a variety of
challenges at lambing so our fingers are
crossed for lots of healthy twins
popping out with two front feet first.
You would be surprised at how many
variations to that textbook arrival even I, with my limited experience, have seen.
Time to pull on the waterproofs again. I hope the ewes have decided to get on with it
at last!
Rachel Hodder, Higher Penstone Farm
COLEBROOKE PHONE
CASCADE
To be kept informed of local bad weather warnings, flood risks, blocked roads, crime risks or other emergencies why not join the Colebrooke Parish Phone Cascade system?
To join the cascade just give your name, address, landline no & email address to Tracey
Bragg using any of the following means:
Email: [email protected] Text: 07783 268315
or drop details in at Colebrooke Mill
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Margaret and Terry Armstrong
Margaret and Terry Armstrong lived in Penstone for forty years. They met when they
were 14 on the bus to school and were married in 1955.
Terry dreamed of building his own house and in 1976 they
bought a large plot of land in Penstone and, with the help
of their son Michael, built their own bungalow, Penstone
Ridge. As keen gardeners the two of them could be seen,
wearing matching overalls, working together on their
beloved garden; Terry doing the vegetables, Margaret
dealing with the flowers. Terry was trained in plasterwork
and taught it in Exeter. Margaret was a gifted seamstress
and embroiderer. In the top right hand corner of the
Penstone Patchwork in the church, on the small square
representing summer you can see the lace butterflies she
made by hand. In 2013 Terry was diagnosed with Alzheimers and Margaret cared for him
with great patience and love until he needed specialist care and moved into a residential
home at the beginning of 2016 where he died in July. Despite the loss of the love of her
life, Margaret continued with her gardening and joining in with village events. She
attended yoga and tai chi sessions at the village hall and always had a ready smile and
laugh. Tragically, she fell ill in early December and went rapidly downhill until her death
on 19th January, 2017. They were a devoted couple, cheerful and kind neighbours and
part of the fabric of Penstone. Mary Stephenson
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cover photo by Charlotte Turner
A Message from Colebrooke Church
CONFIRMATION
AT ST
ANDREW’S
If you are an adult or a
young person aged at
least 11 years, attend
services and would like
to explore and develop
your faith, have you
considered taking a
confirmation course?
Please contact Lindsey
Starrs for further
details: 01363 877221
.
Dear Friends,
When you read this we will be coming into the last
weeks of Lent, culminating in Holy Week. What a contrast of emotions Holy
Week invokes. It begins with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm
Sunday through to the horrors of the crucifixion on Good Friday and ends
with the most joyous day in the Christian calendar, Easter Day, when Jesus
rose from the dead, thus promising us eternal life with Him.
Christians in the Early Church were accused of turning the world upside
down, by insisting that Jesus rose from the dead, even though they had
seen him die. Their own lives were transformed by this and they took every
opportunity to declare that Jesus was their Saviour and Lord.
From this tiniest of beginnings the apostles took their beliefs throughout the
Roman Empire and far beyond and it is still happening
today. Last century the African Church grew from 9
million to 541million members and some say that China
will soon have more Christians than any other country,
despite religion being officially repressed.
This Easter Day the vicar will begin our service with the
cry, ‘CHRIST IS RISEN’ and we shall reply ‘HE IS RISEN
INDEED’. We, too, can turn the world upside down by
taking our faith out into the world and sharing the most
wonderful of truths, that Christ is always there for us
whenever we need him. Try it and see! May God draw
you to Himself this Eastertide and give you his blessing.
May I wish all of you in our wonderful parish a very
Happy Easter.
Elizabeth Jones
St Andrew’s Church Spring Coffee & Craft
event PLUS
RAM ROAST
Saturday 1st April 11.00am – 2.00pm,
Ram Roast served from noon
Spring themed crafts, plants, refreshments and more!
Mission Community Services, April 2017 * Church 2nd 9th 15th 16th 23rd Bow 10.45 CWE 10.30 FS WG 17.00 CWE 10.30 MP WG
Clannaborough 9.30 Matins 9.30 BCP 9.30 BCP
Coldridge 10.30 MP WG 10.45 MP WG 10.45 CWE 10.45 CWE
Down St Mary 16.30 EP WG 9.00 CWE 11.00 CWE 10.30 MP WG
Knowle 9.00 CWE 10.45 CWE
Lapford 9.30 MP WG 9.30 MP WG 9.00 CWE 9.00 CWE
Morchard Bishop 10.30 MP WG 10.45 CWE 17.00 CWE 10.30 FS WG
Nymet Rowland 8.15 BCP
Zeal Monachorum 10.00 MP WG 18.30 CWE 17.30 CWE 18.30 EP WG
Contact details for St Andrew’s Church, Colebrooke Team Vicar Rev. Lindsey Starrs 01363 877221
Church Wardens David Pennington 01363 84250
Elizabeth Jones 01363 84339
Flowers Val Pennington 01363 84250
Mothers Union Val Pennington 01363 84250
Bell Captain Fred Oliver 01363 84419
PCC Lay Chair Sue Haynes [email protected]
Colebrooke Church Diary, April 2017 Sunday 2nd 9.30 am Morning Prayer Service (MP) led by our Worship
Group (WG), followed by refreshments Sunday 9th Palm Sunday
9.30 am Family Service (FS) led by Worship Group (WG), with our Junior Choir, followed by refreshments
Wednesday 12th 10.30 am Book of Common Prayer (BCP) Service led by Rev. Lindsey Starrs – a short spoken Communion Service
Sunday 16th Easter Sunday
9.15 am Family Service (FS) led by WG with our Junior Choir, followed by a short Eucharist led by Rev. Lindsey Starrs
Sunday 23rd 10.45 am Common Worship Eucharist Service (CWE) led by Rev. Anthony Gearing
Sunday 30th Mission Community Eucharist (MCE) to be held Bow Church. For details please refer to ‘Cross Country’
*These times may be subject to change. For a definitive list of services, please refer to the
‘Cross Country’, copies of which are available through the church wardens
Palestinian Life Under Military Occupation – a talk by Liz Brookes-Hocking
On Thursday 13th April 7.30pm at the Village Hall
Last year Liz Brookes-Hocking spent 3 months in the West Bank (also known as occupied Palestine) as a human rights monitor. Liz first visited Israel as a student, just a couple of years after the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, where she worked on a kibbutz north of Galilee and travelled around for two months. While in Jerusalem she met young
Palestinian refugees, living on the occupied West Bank, who told her their families had been refugees since the 1948 Arab – Israeli war. She promised then to talk about their plight on her return home. But she never did because she didn’t know how. Last year she got the opportunity to go back to witness and report on the effects of the Israeli military occupation on daily life in the West Bank. Now her task is to tell that story, nearly fifty years after she knew there was a story that needed telling. Entry to the talk is free and everyone is welcome.
Meet on the last Sunday of each month.
We offer a choice of short walks, 2-3 miles, as well as longer routes of 6-8
miles, so there is something to suit all ages and fitness levels. Walks start and end at the Village Hall – with a
welcome cup of tea and cakes!
Our next walk will be held on Sunday 30th April 2017, meeting at the Hall at
2.00 pm for the short walk and 1.00 pm for the longer route
For more details please contact Diane Shepherd
01363 85051
Easter Brainteasers 1. Who wrote the poem ‘Daffodils’?
2. Why are there traditionally 11 balls of
marzipan on a Simnel cake?
3. Easter Island is a dependency of which
country?
4. Which country introduced Easter Eggs?
5. What is the flower associated with
Easter?
6. What is the alternate name for Palm
Sunday?
7. Which famous playwright was born and
died in April?
8. Which Saint’s Day is on April 23rd?
9. What is April Fool’s Day called in France?
10. Which ship sank in April 1912?
Answers are elsewhere in the magazine
“SOLE MATES”
COLEBROOKE
WALKING GROUP
Perhaps the best known April Fool’s Day
prank is the story broadcast by BBC
Panorama in 1957, when a very young
Richard Dimbleby revealed the wonderful
world of Swiss spaghetti trees to millions of
deprived and hungry post-war Brits.
APRIL FOOL’S DAY
The origins of April Fools’ Day are uncertain, but one theory is that it began
in 1582, when France adopted the
Gregorian calendar. Before this time, New
Year’s Day fell on 25th March rather than 1st
January. Those who continued to
celebrate the old New Year at the
beginning of April were called “fools” by
their early adopting contemporaries. Even
before this transition, the New Year had
long been associated with the term “fool.”
In medieval France, the Feast of Fools fell
on 1st January. At this popular festival hijinks
abounded: Christian ritual was burlesquely
imitated, a fake pope was elected, and
high and low officials swapped jobs for a
day. Feast of Fools was likely modeled after
the similarly themed pagan festival
Saturnalia.
As this French tradition died out during the
16th century, a new one sprung up in the form of April Fools’ Day, or All
Fools’ Day. In France, the fooled party is called the poisson d’avril, which
literally means “April fish.” The customary prank involves pinning a paper
fish, also called the poisson d’avril, to a friend’s back. This is not the only
April Fools’ custom involving paper and backs. In Scotland, April Fools’ Day
is called Gowkie Day—gowk is another name for the cuckoo, which is a
common symbol of the fool. The pranks continue into 2nd April, Taily Day,
when friends traditionally attach a “kick me” sign to their friends’ backs.
Other countries have their own customs: Brazil celebrates 1st April as Dia da
Mentira, or “Lie Day,” in which people try to fool their loved ones for
comedic effect. Though not directly related to April Fools’ celebrations, in
northern India people throw coloured water and powder on others as part
of the Hindu festival of Holi,
which generally falls in
February or March. One Holi
tradition is strikingly similar to
the now defunct Feast of
Fools; for one day people
playfully trade caste, status,
gender, and age roles.
Rosemary Stephenson
MEET ALL THE LOCALS AT THE
MONTHLY QUIZ!
Book a big or small table for
BIRTHDAYS
ANNIVERSARIES
CHRISTENINGS & WAKES
FAMILY GET-TOGETHERS
or an
EVERYDAY TREAT!
and for your extra guests,
six lovely B&B rooms,
rated “Excellent” on Booking.com
01363 84242
EAT, DRINK, SLEEP
J Wood Veterinary Surgeons. 24hrs emergency service. RCVS accredited practice. Silver cat accredited clinic. Providing a professional,
personal and caring service for your pets.
01363 772319 www.jwoodvet.co.uk
18 High Street
Crediton EX17 3AH
Devon
01363 776677
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Thoughts from the Meadow April and it’s full steam ahead. It sometimes feels like everything in the garden is trying
to grow, both the good and the bad. Perennials that are in growth can be split and
divided, potted up to make new plants or just split up, replanting the vigorous growth
from the outside of a clump, composting the rest.
If I can I like to start most of my veg and ornamental plants in the glass house under
protection and then move them to their final growing place, but some need to be direct
sown (sown in the place where they are to grow to maturity) and object to any kind of
root disturbance, and so my yearly battle of the carrot begins. Last year my veg patch
was invaded by rabbits which destroyed everything planted out. My raised bed in the
glass house produced our only carrots and I had to spend most of my spare time fencing
and building a path around the outside patch to keep the enemy at bay. But even without
the bunny threat I can struggle with carrots, they just taste too good to too many
beasties. I talk to other growers who also find carrots a struggle and often the comment
is that they don’t germinate, I think they do germinate, and quite readily, but often they
are nibbled off before the emerging seedlings are noticed. Good pest control is
important. Then, if you can keep slugs and snails at bay, along comes the carrot root fly
and reduces your hard-won carrots to a mass of gooey tunnels. So, I do grow my outside
carrots under what the trade calls a ‘floating cloche’ basically a sheet of horticultural
fleece over the crop. This not only protects from the dreaded fly but helps with
germination by raising the soil temperature. My father in-law, a very traditional and
accomplished veg man, who I am sure cringes at my carrot growing attempts, always says
you should walk over your emerging carrot seedlings to keep the fly away. Not sure how
that works, but as I struggle to get them to seedling size it would cause me pain to then
walk on them.
My favourite annual, which I sow a lot at this time,
is Cosmos bipinnatus, a large daisy like flower
which comes in a whole host of colours and once it
starts to flower will keep going until the first
frosts, if it is dead headed. It fills those spaces in
the boarder and helps to feed the bees and
butterflies.
Any hints on raising carrots would be gratefully
received, the quirkier the better. Please send them to me at
Simon O’ Sullivan, Granny’s Meadow Cosmos bipinnatus
COLEBROOKE PARISH COUNCIL
The deadline for the April edition of the Colebrooke Bell was the 1st March and so
the information about what happened at both of the March meetings will be in the
May edition of the Bell. The information about what happens at the May Council
meeting will be in the July edition of the Bell. The draft minutes of the meetings
will however be available on the Council website the week following the meeting.
Dog Fouling
The Council has continued to receive complaints about dog fouling at the back of
Bellingate. MDDC sent out their Dog Warden to investigate in February and he
placed three additional signs around the area to encourage dog owners to behave
responsibly. He also talked to one of the residents. The signs read ‘CLEAN IT
UP – MID DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL – FINE £1000’. Unfortunately the sign
attached to the footpath sign at the entrance to the footpath was found soon
afterwards trodden in to the footpath itself. MDDC take dog fouling very seriously
and, if the dog owner can be identified, will visit the person and impose the £1000
fine. The Council needs residents to identify the person or persons concerned.
You can report dog fouling here:
http://www.middevon.gov.uk/eworks/dogfouling/dogfouling.asp. The Council is
aware that there are other areas in the parish where dog fouling is a problem.
Please report it to the Parish Council and to MDDC. It is an offence, where a dog
defecates, for anyone in charge of a dog to fail to remove dog faeces immediately
anywhere within Mid Devon in any public place or on any land where the order
applies.
Free Fire Checks
Devon and Somerset Fire Authority offer free home fire safety checks, and after
that you may be offered a visit. They will provide advice and a free smoke
detector if required. If you would like a free check ring 0800 05 02 999.
Colebrooke Bus Shelter
The Council’s Asset Management Committee has arranged for the old bus shelter
to be taken down. Once the base has been levelled, a new one will arrive. So, by
this April edition it will hopefully have arrived!
Life Line
MDDC provide a lifeline alarm service to enable you to get access to help and
support 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. It is available to all residents of any
age. It works via a special alarm connected to the telephone line. Help can be
summoned by pressing a button or pendant. MDDC will send someone to show
you how it works. There is an installation fee and a quarterly charge which they
say are competitive. If you want to know more ring 01884 234383
Crediton Community Transport Association
The Council supports this Association with a grant each year. It runs a Crediton
Voluntary Car Scheme that was set up in 1989 to provide lifts in cars for frail,
elderly and people with disabilities. Transport is provided by volunteers using
their own cars. Passengers may bring an escort free of charge. Fares are
charged at 55p or 90p a mile. The Association also provides a wheelchair
accessible car, minibus hire, long term wheelchair hire, accessible transport to
health, and Crediton Ring and Ride. To access this service ring 01363 773303
Monday to Friday 9.00 – 4.00 pm.
Parish Council E Mail Alert Data Base
The Council receives information on a regular basis about services and
developments that affect the parish. This can be road closures, local
consultations, local problems/complaints and urgent notices eg. Avian flu notice.
The Clerk would like to hear from anyone in the parish who would like to be kept
up to date with this news. Please email the Clerk and she will put you on the
email database.
Reporting a Problem
The DCC’s ‘report a problem’ web page
https://new.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem/ allows you to report
all kinds of problems with the roads, hedges, lights, vegetation, drains, flooding
etc etc. It is very easy to use and if you go on to the site and the problem has
already been reported it is important that you add your name to it. The more
people report the same problem the more attention it will get. In the near future
the system will also alert you to what is being done about the problem. It is in
everyone’s interest that we all use this site!
The Parish Clerk is Diane Shepherd, Squirrel Lodge, Colebrooke, Tel 01363
85051 [email protected]. If you have a comment about
the parish please contact the Clerk, the Cllrs or use the contact form on the
website. The Council wants to hear from you!
The Clerk is also available on the first Tuesday of the month from 10.00 –
12.00 am on 01363 85051/07565 350457.
The next meeting of the Parish Council is on 16th May at 7.30 pm at
Colebrooke Village Hall. All welcome!
Club News around Colebrooke
Colebrooke Mother’s Union
This month’s meeting is on Wednesday 5th April at Horwell Barton at 10.30 am, followed by coffee and cakes. Our talk will be on:
Faith in Action
Everyone is welcome to come along!
Contact Val Pennington 01363 84250 for further information
Colebrooke Women’s Institute
Not just jam & Jerusalem!
Meetings held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month
NEW MEMBERS April is our AGM & Resolutions Meeting
WELCOME at Horwell Barton
For more details please contact Bobby Murphy 01363 84895
New Members
Welcome!
COLEBROOKE SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB
Club Sessions: Wednesdays & Fridays 7.00-9.00 pm
Free Taster Sessions: Fridays 2.00 - 4.00 pm
at the Village Hall
For more information contact Fred Oliver 01363 84419
or visit: colebrookeshortmatbowls.co.uk
Colebrooke Children’s Choir
No experience necessary No need to read music
The choir is open to ALL
Tel: 01363 84094
Come along and try it out!
Tuesdays, 5.30 pm
The Old Vicarage,
Colebrooke
PENSTONE GLADE NEWS
Here are some dates for your diaries about
events taking place this year in Penstone Glade.
Please remember that although it is known as the
Penstone Glade, it is there for the whole parish to
enjoy so everyone is welcome at all or any of the
events.
Sun 2 April Glade Working Party 10.30 am -12.00noon
Sat 24 June Mid-summer picnic
Bring food and drink to share,
barbecue will be lit
5.00 pm
Sat 7 Oct Apple pressing - picking at 10.30am
pressing at 12.00-2.30pm
Sun 15 Oct Glade Working Party 10.30am-12.00noon
Thurs 21 Dec Winter Solstice 3.30pm
The Glade working parties, although intended to carry out general
maintenance on the Glade, are always sociable affairs with copious
quantities of coffee, tea, biscuits and chat - so do put on your wellies and
gardening gloves and join us.
Answers to Easter Brainteasers 1. William Wordsworth 2. To represent the 11 apostles at the Last Supper 3. Chile 4. Germany 5. Lily 6. Passion Sunday 7. Shakespeare 8. St George 9. Poisson d’Avril (April Fish) 10. Titanic
COLEBROOKE BELL 200 CLUB
If you have enjoyed your new parish magazine, please support us by joining our 200
Club. For just £10 per year you could have the chance to win £10, £20 or £30 each
month, with an additional prize of £70 each quarter.
Your contribution will help fund our magazine, as well as giving you the chance of a
monthly ‘windfall’. And remember – you can buy as many chances to win as you
wish! To join, please contact:
Elizabeth Jones: Tel: 01363 84339 [email protected]
Cheques payable to ‘Colebrooke Bell’ or a/c 30337562 s/c 30 80 37
MARCH’S WINNERS
Quarterly draw: Fred and Agnes Cook £70
Number 58: Mark Flawn £30
Number 39: Marjorie Hockridge £20
Number 83: Bobby Murphy £10
The next quarterly draw, with an additional prize of £70, will be held
in June. Don’t forget to buy a ticket!
SERVICES DIRECTORY Doctors Chiddenbrook Surgery, Threshers, Crediton, EX17 3JJ Tel: 01363 772227
Bow Medical Practice, Iter Cross, Bow, EX17 6FB Tel: 01363 82333
Newcombes Surgery, Newcombes, Crediton, EX17 2AR Tel: 01363 772263
Dentists Wisteria Dental Practice, Western Road, Crediton, EX17 3LT Tel: 01363 773377
Crediton Dental Care, 110 High Street, Crediton, EX17 3LF Tel: 01363 772020
Park House Dental Practice, 3 Union Terrace, Crediton, EX17 3DY Tel: 01363 777202
Pharmacists Crediton Pharmacy, 19A High Street, Crediton, EX17 3AH Tel: 01363 773030
Lloyds Pharmacy, Threshers, Crediton, EX17 3JJ Tel: 01363 772841
Boots, 126 High Street, Crediton, EX17 3LQ Tel: 01363 772062
Vets Jonathan Wood, Barnstaple Cross, Crediton, EX17 2EP Tel: 01363 772319
St Boniface Veterinary Clinic, Exeter Road, Crediton, EX17 3BN Tel: 01363 772860
Police Tel: 101 (for all non-emergencies) Email: [email protected]
Parish Council Clerk: Diane Shepherd Tel: 01363 85051 [email protected]
Mid Devon DC Tel: 01884 255255 Email: [email protected] www.middevon.gov.uk
Devon CC Tel: 0345 1551015 Email: [email protected] new.devon.gov.uk
Local MP Mel Stride Tel: 01392 823306 / 0207 2197037 email: [email protected]
Emergencies Environment Agency Floodline: 0845 9881188
Water leaks/burst mains: 0800 1691144
Gas Emergency: 0800 111999
Electricity failure: 0800 6783105 www.westernpower.co.uk
Highways: roads/lights/potholes: 0845 1551004
new.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem
Safeguarding concerns & Social Services: 0845 6000388
RSPCA: 0310 1234999
BUS TIMETABLES
669 (Tuesdays only) South Zeal - Crediton 677 (Fridays only) Zeal Monachorum - Exeter
South Zeal Oxenham Arms 09.15 Zeal Monachorum 09.12
Whiddon Down 09.22 COLEFORD 09.27
Hittisleigh Cross 09.30 COLEBROOKE CHURCH 09.32
Crockernwell Shelter 09.45 Yeoford Mare & Foal 09.40
Cheriton Bishop School 09.47 Raddon Down Cross 09.45
Yeoford Mare & Foal 10.02 Crediton High Street 09.55
COLEBROOKE CHURCH 10.10 Exeter Bus Station 10.20
COLEFORD 10.13 677 (Fridays only) Exeter - Zeal Monachorum
Crediton St Saviour’s Way 10.22 Exeter Bus Station 13.20
Crediton Morrisons 10.27 Crediton High Street 13.45
669 (Tuesdays only) Crediton – South Zeal Raddon Down Cross 13.50
Crediton Morrisons 12.15 Yeoford Mare & Foal 13.55
Crediton St Saviour’s Way 12.35 COLEBROOKE CHURCH 14.03
COLEFORD 12.44 COLEFORD 14.08
COLEBROOKE CHURCH 12.47 Zeal Monachorum 14.23
Yeoford Mare & Foal 12.55
Contact details for bus operator:
www.carmelcoaches.co.uk
Cheriton Bishop School 13.10
Crockernwell Shelter 13.13
Hittisleigh Cross 13.26
Whiddon Down 13.33
South Zeal Oxenham Arms 13.40
.
COMPUTER PROBLEMS?
Friendly, helpful support for
crashes, virus, email,
MS Word,
internet connections,
networking, printers, tablets,
websites etc.
Reasonable rates for all individual users and small
businesses. Please ring Richard on
01363 85154
Tranquil Holiday Cottages
near you
Plum (sleeps 2) and Apple (sleeps 4)
Elley Farm
Colebrooke
To view property or book, visit:-
www.devonshirecottageholidays
or Tel: 01326 573808
M J BRAGG & SON LTD
Colebrooke Mill, Colebrooke, Crediton, EX17 5JL
Tel: 01363 84121 Mobile: 07970 823617
PLANT HIRE CONTRACTORS ESTABLISHED
OVER 40 YEARS.
All types of excavations undertaken, landscaping, ponds and
conservation works, drainage, site works etc.
No job too big or small
Free consultation
Competitive rates
Experienced in all aspects of domestic
and industrial site works
Excavators 3 to 23 tons wheel digger,
tractors and dump trailers,
dumpers, compactors
Period furniture restored to its former glory
Even after 15 years in this job, it is still difficult to answer the question ‘What are the
most popular pieces of antique furniture we sell?’. Tables, chairs, bookcases, desks
and chests of drawers are always asked for, but with so many different sizes, styles,
colours and woods, it’s a bit of an educated guess when we are out buying. All we
can do is follow current trends and what customers are asking for at the time. At
present, lighter coloured furniture with natural finishes are in demand. Age is not as
important as the use and practicality of the piece.
One of the first lessons I learned when starting out was that furniture in need of
restoration sold considerably cheaper at auction – the more work needed, the
cheaper it was! So I quickly learned as much as I could about the restoration
business, building up experience the more pieces I worked on (burning all the
mistakes!). One of the pleasures of the job is that it takes you up and down the
country when delivering and we get to meet all sorts of people. We have sold to
Mariella Frostrup and Ronnie Woods as well as local people. We are always pleased
to show customers the furniture we have for sale at our warehouse in Coleford.
Philip Burrow, Higher Living Antiques, Bolts Farm, Coleford, Devon, EX17 5DD
Tel: 01363 84330
HIGHER LIVING ANTIQUES
www.higherlivingantiques
