Upload
others
View
1
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
November 2013 Vol. 44 No.10 40p
FOCUS MAGAZINE INFORMATION
Chairman Michael Ayre, Ratcliffe Farm, Raddon.
Secretary Geoff Bulley, 17 Broadlands, Thorverton.
Treasurer Bob Swaffield, Schiehallion, School Lane, Thorverton. Tel. (01392) 860309
Editor Neville Lane, Stable House, 2 The Glebe, Thorverton. Tel. (01392) 861062
Email: [email protected]
Back issues (courtesy of Rob Purvis): http://thorverton.net/focus-downloads.html
Assistant editors Eileen Mason and vacancy
Printers Barrie Phillips and Peter Mason
At the present time Focus is produced each month except one (August) and is assembled by volunteers on the last
working day of the month.
The Editor welcomes interesting news items, reports etc. for publication. Items for inclusion in Focus should be
accompanied by the name of the originator, which may be withheld from print if requested. The aims of Focus are:
To produce a non-political monthly magazine serving the people of the parish of Thorverton, providing
them with information on activities in the parish;
For the magazine to be one that villagers are proud of;
To provide a window for those outside Thorverton to see what the village has to offer;
To promote local businesses through advertising; and
To run at a small annual profit, but with surplus funds put to support village organisations for the benefit of
Thorverton residents.
Items for publication, adverts, changes to adverts, Diary entries, changes to Thorverton Information lists should be
sent to the Editor, preferably as plain text in an email, or as a Word doc file or a pdf file email attachment (to
[email protected]) by the 20th of the month prior to publication please. All items received are
acknowledged, so if you don’t receive an acknowledgment within a few days, please assume not received.
Computer file formats: We prefer plain text files: .ODT files, .DOC files, .RTF files and .WPS files because our
team have software that can read such files. BMP and JPEG files are preferred for advertisements and pictures.
Advertisements and Notices
Poster Type Advertisements: maximum size is half an A4 page. Text for advertisements should be prepared as
near as possible to how it is intended to appear. Pictures must be supplied as required on the advertisement.
COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS
The following advertising charges apply:
Maximum dimensions COST per ENTRY FULL YEAR (11 entries)
Half page 18.2 cm x 12.2 cm £5.00 £50.00
Quarter page 8.5 cm x 12.2 cm £2.50 £25.00
One-eighth page 8.5 cm x 5.8 cm £1.50 £15.00
LOCAL ORGANISATION and CHARITIES ADVERTISEMENTS
COST per ENTRY
Half page £3.00
Quarter or one-eighth page free of charge
Front Cover: Thorverton Montage by John Spivey
The opinions and views expressed by contributors within the magazine are not necessarily those of Focus
producers or of the Focus Committee.
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
1
Editorial
These lines might well have been written from
Manila if I had been relying on Focus writers to
contribute to my safe return home. Not a penny was
given to get me out of the place – or at least, that is to
say that not a penny reached me.
For those of you who are puzzled by my opening
paragraph, I did indeed go on holiday last month - to
France, and a very good time we had there too - and
while I was away the Focus on Thorverton email
address was hacked into. The hacker then sent a
message to all those who were in the Focus on
Thorverton address book – that will be pretty well
anyone who has sent an email in to us over the past
few years – to say that I was “freaked out”, stuck in
Manila and needed money to get me home. Jane
Ristic captures this from her perspective in her article
on page 22. I suppose that I should be pleased that
people were not taken in because they realised that I
would not write such a grammatically poor message,
nor is it likely that I would go to Manila, and if I did,
I wouldn’t describe it as a vacation; and I certainly
wouldn’t describe myself as freaked out.
Anyway, the serious impact of it is not so much
losing all emails ever sent to Focus on Thorverton,
but the fact that I still cannot see any new emails sent
to that account. Therefore, I have created a new
account with the following email address:
Please use this email address in future rather than the
[email protected] address that we
have been using up to now. And please spread the
word because, while I have managed to communicate
with several regular contributors to Focus, there are
plenty more whose email addresses I didn’t have. It is
also timely, I think, to remind senders of material that
I always acknowledge receipt, so if you don’t get an
acknowledgment, you should assume that I haven’t
received your message.
This is a very long-winded way of saying that this
Focus may well be missing several items simply
because I couldn’t see what was sent. If you do have
something that you would still be relevant in
December’s Focus, please re-send it to
Could I draw attention to the notice on page 8 asking
for any interest in spending some Focus funds. We
have money available provided that requests meet the
criteria. We don’t aim to make a profit from Focus
so any funds that we do have above what we might
need for contingencies, we want to put back into the
village. Again, if you have recently submitted a
request by email please send it again as I won’t have
seen it.
I was most grateful to Tim Colebrook for writing last
month’s editorial in my absence. I hope that others
might be interested in writing the occasional
editorial, so if you are do let me know. We need to
keep a certain freshness about the magazine.
Neville Lane, Editor
In this Focus
Editorial ..................................................................... 1 Letters ........................................................................ 2 Thorverton Parish Council ......................................... 4 Notice Board .............................................................. 5 Parish Church Services and News ........................... 10 Parish Letter ............................................................. 12 Baptist Church ......................................................... 12 Mobile Libraries Under Threat ................................ 13 Rainfall Record ........................................................ 13 Six Generations of Fices at Thorverton School ....... 14 Thorverton Country Show ....................................... 14 Thorverton and District History Society.................. 15 TCT .......................................................................... 16 Community Choir .................................................... 16 Post Early for Christmas .......................................... 17 Recipe ...................................................................... 17 Legal Eagle .............................................................. 17 TARTS .................................................................... 19
Golf Society ............................................................. 19 Allison Toogood celebrates a special birthday ........ 20 Poetry (1) ................................................................. 20 The Garden in November ........................................ 21 Nature Notes ............................................................ 21 The Day That Brought Devils of The Worlds
Closer… ................................................................... 22 Further advice on email scams ................................ 24 Poetry (2) ................................................................. 24 Memorial Hall .......................................................... 26 Christmas Craft Evening.......................................... 27 Thorverton Parish Information ................................ 28 Thorverton Organisations ........................................ 29 Doctors’ Surgeries ................................................... 30 Waste Collection Dates for 2013 ............................. 32 Mobile Library ......................................................... 32 Flag Flying days in November ................................ 32 Bus Services ............................................................ 32 Diary 2013 ............................................................... 33
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
2
Letters
From Sally Rookes
Mabs Granger
On 5th September, Mabs Granger passed peacefully
away, aged 93 years, bringing to a close the Sharland
family who farmer Poole for 300 years until it was
sold in 1984. Mabs was the youngest of the family,
seen below in their early years.
Left to right: (back) Jack and Fred; (front) Vera, Win
and Mabs
The family photo in the next column was taken in the
fifties and features Win’s husband, Jimmy, Vera’s
husband, Bill, and children, Martin, Clare, Sally and
Jane. Also included in the family group is Mabs’
life-long friend, etty, and her husband, Colin. Betty
worked for Charlie Hatten at Ratcliffe Farm during
the war. She remained close to Mabs, travelling from
Ludlow to visit her in the Care Home in Crediton.
Very much a part of the later family was Mabs’
husband, Fred. Following the sale of Poole, they
moved to Brampford Speke spending many happy
years at Cob Close.
Fred was a keen gardener and proved a formidable
entrant at the Garden Club Shows. His devotion to
gardening was ultimately brought to a halt by ill-
health. He died of leukaemia in 2009.
Left to right (back) Fred, Colin, Jack and Bill;
(centre) Vera with Sally, Mabs, Betty and Win with
Jane; (front) Martin, Clare and Jimmy.
Fred and Mabs on their wedding day, 4
th June 1968.
From Michael and Tina Ayre, Ratcliffe Farm
Chinese Lanterns
The issues about Chinese lanterns has been well
documented in both the national press and the
farming press. We would like to point out that pretty
as they look when floating in the sky you have no
control as to where they come down. Recently we
picked up 3; one about 20yds from our thatched
house 2 just feet away from our now full barn of
straw.
We live in an area where there are lots of thatched
properties and quite a few barns of straw .In our
opinion they are a fire hazard and a litter problem,
they may say “biodegradable” but that isn’t an instant
process.
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
3
From Ray Mason and Claire, Dinneford Street
We would like, through Focus, to warn all cat owners
in Thorverton, especially Dinneford Street.
Dinneford Meadow is an area where a number of cats
have recently been targeted by someone using an air
rifle. This happened in the middle of the day so is
very unlikely to have been an accident. Our cat was
shot in the eye and as a result of this has had to
undergo an operation to remove his eye. The pain
and suffering caused to him is unimaginable, it has
also caused a great deal of distress to us.
The police have been informed and are taking this
incident very seriously.
From Arthur Marshall, Silver Street
Recently, visiting my wife’s grave, I was very upset
to discover that some grave ornaments put there by
my granddaughter were missing. I find it very sad
that something like this can happen in Thorverton.
I would like to appeal to you. if you did take them,
please return them.
From Julie Cornwall and John Hole, Berry House
We would very much like to thank the staff at the
Thorverton Exe Valley Practice for their help in
recent weeks while my father was with us. Both
John Wride and Lynne Anderson, together with
District Nurses and all the other Surgery staff were
lovely, and provided the standards of old-fashioned
care for which the NHS was rightly famous. My
father’s eventual demise was made considerably
easier due to the care and support that we received
during this difficult time.
More pictures from Thorfest, held on 7th September and featuring a host of local talented musicians (and dancers?):
Liar in the Light (catch them at the Thorverton Arms on 16
th November
Dancing the night away
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
4
Thorverton Parish Council
Report of the October meeting of the
Parish Council
Planning Matters The following planning decision was noted:-
(i) Ref 12/00512/FULL/NMA/split. Variation of condition (2) of planning permission 11/00618/FULL to
allow the substitution of revised drawings (Non-material amendment for the re-positioning of doors and
windows on houses 1 and 2) Bell house, The Bury. Split decision.
Planning applications received to date of meeting:-
(i) Ref 13/01230/FULL. Installation of ground-mounted solar panel array to generate 4kw of pwer. Land at
NGR 292234. Chilton, Cadeleigh.
Highways Matters
The Chairman reported that he and the Chairman of Brampford Speke Parish Council had written separately to
DCC about the impact of the closure of Hulke Lane. C/Cllr Squires informed the Council that DCC Cabinet was to
consider the problem the next day, but warned that further action seemed unlikely, given that the road was still
subject to slippage.
The problem of the repeated flooding of the road roughly between the entrance to the Glebe and the entrance to
Broadlands had been referred to DCC by a resident. DCC was understood to be investigating the issue.
Recreation Ground
Quotes were to be taken from local tradesmen for the repair of the wooden steps on one of the items in the play
area. Cllr Sims undertook to provide the Council with details of the cost of suitable gym equipment at the next
meeting.
Reports
No formal reports were presented at this meeting, but D/Cllr Deed informed the Council that the proposal for the
Eastern Urban Extension of Tiverton had been rejected by the MDDC Cabinet.
PCSO Anna Roberts was unable to attend the meeting , but had, as usual, provide up-to-date crime figures for the
previous month. Two crimes had been reported to the police, including the theft of a grave ornament from
Thorverton churchyard.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the Parish Council takes place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 12th November 2013 in the Memorial
Hall. An agenda is displayed beforehand on the notice board in School Lane.
Library Services
Although not discussed at the last meeting, residents should be aware that DCC is running a public consultation
exercise on planned cuts to the mobile library service, including a proposal to further reduce the number of visits
the library makes to the village. Please look out for details at libraries and also on the DCC web site. Closing date
for responses is 30th November.
Jane Lane, Parish Clerk
Telephone: 01392 861062, email:[email protected]
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
5
Notice Board You are invited to a
Travelling Trends
Fashion Show
At the WI Hut
On Tuesday 19th November
Have fun and help raise funds
Tickets £4 – to include free glass of wine or soft
drink – on sale from October
Contact Barbara on 860878
Can you afford not to come?
Mum and Toddlers/Baby Group
Held at the Memorial Hall, Thorverton
Every Wednesday morning 9.30-11.30
cost £2.00
this includes a tea or coffee, a snack for your
little one, toys, activities and friendly faces!
If you want any further information please call
Wendy Coles on 01392 861283 (Toddler Rep)
Sylv and Anne’s
CHATTER CAFÉ
2-30pm to 4-4/30pm
Every Monday at the WI Hut
(Excluding Bank Holidays)
Tea/Coffee 50p
Slice of cake 50p
Meeting others Free
Fun /laughter Free
Waitress service Free
Washing up Nil
Yearly party Free
Thorverton Church Consort Practices
Thursdays In church from 7:45 to 9 p.m.
Thursdays from 7.45 to 9 p.m. in church
November 7th and 28th (Christmas I)
December 5th (Christmas II), 12th (Christmas III)
and 19th (Christmas IV)
December 22nd, 5 pm Carol Service
Thorverton Church Junior Consort
practices
Mondays from 3.30 to 4.30 p.m.
In school unless otherwise stated.
November 4th and 25th
December 9th and 16th (in church until 4.45 p.m.)
December 22nd Carol Service at 5 pm
We welcome new members to both Consorts.
Further details from Mary Thomas 01392 860730
and Heather Kershaw 01392 860419
TAG Thorverton Art Group
FRIDAYS FROM 9:30
@ THORVERTON MEMORIAL HALL.
NEW MEMBERS VERY WELCOME
TRIAL WEEK FREE - JUST TURN UP!
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
6
Thorverton Post Office & TCT
newsagents/stationers
Quarry Car Park, Lynch Road
Thorverton 01392 860455
offering a very wide range of post office services,
newspapers, magazines, stationery, posting and
packing materials, laundry service, photocopying –
service with a smile!
Mon – Fri 9.00 – 5.30 (closed 1.00-2.00) Sat
9.00 – 12.00
Sun 9.00 – 10.30 TCT paper shop only
SILVERTON LINK UP
Voluntary Drivers Scheme for Wyndham House and
Exe Valley Surgeries Patients
The VOLUNTEER DRIVERS are
Jean Hawkins 860849 John Kiely 861545
Doreen Beer 860731 Stephen Roach 861042
Mary Smith 861916 Dave Sleep 860678
LINK UP service takes patients with medical
appointments from home to surgery or hospitals in
the area.
If you require transport contact one of the drivers
mentioned above, giving them as much notice as
possible.
If you use the service a realistic donation towards the
drivers’ expenses would be appreciated.
Payment is paid direct to the driver who issues a
receipt.
It may not always be possible to arrange a lift, as all
our drivers are volunteers and cannot be expected to
turn out on every occasion, although they will do
their best.
Roger Higman (Link Up co-ordinator) 860571
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
7
Charity Quiz Nights at the
THORVERTON ARMS
3rd November
for Children’s Hospice South-West
1st December
for St Petroc’s, Exeter
2nd February
Thorverton Pre-School
Teams of up to 5 £1 per person to the named charity
7 for 7.30pm start
If any village charities would like to be the
named charity, and add to the funds raised
by running a raffle etc., please contact us.
Also...Local musicians playing
Sat 16th November
Liar in the light
Sat 23rd November
Roger Styles
Thorverton & Exe Valley
Community Choir
Travel the world in song – African, Hawaiian,
Maori, Japanese, English & more.
Cant’ sing? No problem
Can’t read music? No problem
A love of singing is all you need
No age limit. Everyone welcome
Drop in for a taster
Venue: The Exeter Inn Dates: Every Tuesday 6 to 7pm (Term Time)
Anne Vardy 01392 861184
Email: [email protected]
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
8
Do you need funding for the benefit of the village?
Focus has money available for groups or individuals
for funding towards activities or equipment that
would benefit villagers.
We take into account the number of potential
beneficiaries, particularly whether they are villagers,
and also the match funding contribution.
Please make any applications to the Editor, Neville
Lane.
Mediaeval Craftsmen and their Ancient
Carvings in Stockleigh Pomeroy,
Thorverton and Shobrooke
A talk by Dr Todd Gray
Stockleigh Pomeroy Village Hall,
Saturday 9th November 2013 at 7.30 pm.
Tickets £5.00 to include a glass of wine/soft drink
and nibbles
Proceeds will be donated to Stockleigh Village Hall
and St Mary’s Church
Tickets from Rosemary Meikle 01363 866303or John
Wilkins 01363 866887
A candle–lit service of Taizé music with silence,
reflection and prayer
THORVERTON PARISH CHURCH
Sunday, November 24th
at 5 pm.
Everyone is most warmly welcome
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
9
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
10
Parish Church Services and News
NOVEMBER 2013 SERVICES & INFORMATION
The Netherexe Parishes - A Mission Community in the Diocese of Exeter
Sunday 3 November 2013 All Saints Sunday
08:00 am Holy Communion [BCP] Newton St Cyres DC
10:00 am Service With A Smile ☺ Brampford Speke Lay-Led 10:00 am Holy Communion [C] Poltimore JD
10:00 am Service of The Word Cadbury DC
10:00 am Service of The Word Stoke Canon Lay-Led
10:00 am Holy Communion [C] Thorverton DD
03:00 pm Baptism Brampford Speke DC
05:00 pm Service of The Word Newton St Cyres JD
Sunday 10 November 2013 Remembrance Sunday & Trinity 24
08:00 am Holy Communion [BCP] Thorverton DD
10:00 am Holy Communion & [C] Stoke Canon JD & H Whitty
Act of Remembrance
10:00 am Service of Remembrance Thorverton DD & AA
Joint with Cadbury & Baptist Church
10:50 am Service of Remembrance Brampford Speke Lay-Led & Baptist Officiant
Joint with Baptist Chapel
10:50 am Service of Remembrance Newton St Cyres DC
10:50 am Service of Remembrance Poltimore SS
10:50 am Service of Remembrance Upton Pyne LF
11:15 am Service of Remembrance Rewe A Simmonds
06:30 pm Evening Prayer [BCP] Huxham AA
Monday 11 November 2013 Armistice Day
11:00 am Act of Remembrance Rewe War Memorial [Green Lane]
11:00 am Act of Remembrance Thorverton War Memorial [in churchyard]
Please note these are open-air services
Sunday 17 November 2013 Trinity 25
09:00 am Holy Communion [C] Brampford Speke DC
10:00 am Holy Communion [C] Cadbury DD
11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Rewe DC
05:00 pm Holy Communion [C] Stoke Canon DD
Sunday 24 November 2013 Sunday before Advent [Christ the King]
09:00 am Holy Communion [C] Huxham DD
10:00 am Holy Communion [C] Newton St Cyres JD & AA
11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Upton Pyne DC
05:00 pm Taizé Prayer Thorverton DC & AA
Wednesday 27 November 2013
09:30 am Holy Communion [BCP] Thorverton JD
Sunday 1 December 2013 Advent 1
10:00 am Service With A Smile ☺ Brampford Speke Baptist Chapel Lay-Led
Christmas Tree Festival in Brampford Speke church
10:00 am Holy Communion [C] Poltimore DD
10:00 am Service of The Word Stoke Canon Lay-Led
10:00 am Family Service & Holy Communion [C] Thorverton DC
Advent Wreaths
11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Rewe JD
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
11
05:00 pm Evening Prayer [BCP] Newton St Cyres DD
Services in the Netherexe Parishes Your parish churches aim to provide a variety of service types to meet the needs of the whole community. Most Sunday
services except those early in the morning include hymns and music. Everyone is welcome at all services
Service With A Smile These Family Services are designed for all ages and with the needs
Brampford Speke & Stoke Canon of young children especially in mind. They are informal and contemporary in
style often including a children’s activity at the beginning; without communion
And Family Service Thorverton & Services usually last about 35 minutes and are followed by refreshments
Newton St Cyres . .
Holy Communion [C] Traditional service in contemporary language [one hour]
Holy Communion [BCP] Traditional service in traditional language [one hour]
Service of The Word [SW] Morning or Evening Service [without communion] in
contemporary language, often Lay-Led
Morning Prayer [BCP] Traditional Morning Service [Mattins] from the Book of
Common Prayer [about an hour]
Evening Prayer or [BCP] Traditional Evening Service from the Book of Common
Choral Evensong Prayer [about an hour]
Daily Morning & Evening Prayer in the Netherexe Parishes
For daily services the format is generally Book of Common Prayer at Thorverton and Common Worship elsewhere, and the
timing is about 20-30 minutes. All are welcome.
Morning Prayer is said on Mondays at 9.10pm in Stoke Canon church (during the school term, this takes the form of
Collective Worship for Stoke Canon C. of E. School); on Tuesdays at 9.00am in Stoke Canon Chapel; In Thorverton at 7.30am
on many weekdays and at 9.00am on Saturdays. For a list of the days this month on which Morning Prayer will be said at
Thorverton, please see the notice posted in the church porch at Thorverton and on the website [go to churches section then
select Thorverton]
Holy Communion [BCP] is celebrated on one Wednesday in each month at Thorverton at 9.30am; please see service details
above for this month’s date
Evening Prayer is said on Tuesdays at 6.00pm in Rewe church and on Thursdays at 5.00pm in Newton St Cyres church.
Variations: None
Who’s Who …..? Abbreviations Key
DD The Revd Preb Douglas Dettmer Rector 01392 860332
SS The Revd Preb Sue Sheppard Associate Minister 01392 841284
JD The Revd Julia Dallen Assistant Curate 01392 861145
DC The Revd Dave Carrington Assistant Curate 01392 841672
AA The Revd Andy Atkins Assistant Curate [3 month placement]
LF Mrs Laura Ford Reader-in-Training 01392 841753
Family Services of the Word marked ☺ are led by Lay Teams. For more information about the Netherexe Parishes please see
www.netherexe.org or contact:
Mrs Margaret Lowe [Administrator]
Tel: 07594 714590 - Tuesday & Thursday [08:30 – 16:30]
Email: [email protected]
Correspondence: The Netherexe Parishes, PO Box 734, Stoke Canon, Exeter, EX5 4WP.
In Touch: Each month we publish details of all church services, events and activities in our information leaflet called “In
Touch”. It is free and printed copies can be found in all of our churches but it is also available on-line from our website at
www.netherexe.org or if you would prefer to receive a copy by email, simply send your details to our Administrator
Margaret Lowe at [email protected] and you will be added to the monthly email distribution list.
Would you like a lift to church? May we offer you a lift to the parish church or to a joint service elsewhere?
For transport to Sunday services from locations in Thorverton parish, please ring Steve Rendell on 01392
860780.
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
12
For transport to weekday Holy Communion at Thorverton please ring Margaret Turner -Warwick on 01392
861173
For transport from locations in Newton St Cyres parish please contact Mrs Charlotte Dyer on 01392 851618
For transport from Rewe parish please contact Guy Sheppard on 01392 841284
Parish Letter So……how was October for you? For me it was
indeed a memorable month beginning with a Harvest
service in Thorverton and ending, (just as I write this
letter), with a Harvest supper in Rewe which was a
lovely evening of good food and good company. I
would like to add my personal thanks to all of those
across the Mission Community who worked so hard
to ensure that all of the Harvest services and
suppers/meals went so smoothly. I’m sure that all of
those who attended the Rewe evening will be pleased
to know that Joab cooked and ate the carrots he so
proudly won during the auction of Harvest food.
During October I was also invited into four of the
local schools to share in their Harvest Festivals and
assemblies. This was a real privilege and I was made
aware once again of the energy and enthusiasm
young people have and the dedication and
commitment of their teachers. This Mission
Community is extremely well blessed with some
outstanding schools. My time in the Netherexe
community has really shown me how much I enjoy
working with schools and young people, something I
will ensure to continue to do in my future ministry.
And now as autumn moves on we come to
November, with a season of remembering. On the
10th we have in mind those men and women who
gave their lives in the service of this country
particularly in the two World Wars but also in other
conflicts and “we will remember them” in a special
Remembrance Day Service. The best way of
honouring their memory is, I think, to do all we can
to make peace and justice a reality for everyone
today; whilst ensuring that we care for those men and
women who return home with both physical and
psychological scars.
Sometimes it is easy to think that in November the
Church might seem to share the autumnal gloom by
only spending time considering death and the
remembrance of those who have died in ‘All Souls’
Day’ and ‘Remembrance Sunday’. But this is far
from the truth. November is the month of the
‘Kingdom Season’ which begins with the celebration
of ‘All Saints’ (the triumph of Christians over death
through Christ) and ends with the triumphant keeping
of the ‘Feast of Christ the King’ in which His
Lordship over all creation and over all authority and
power is proclaimed. These are celebrations of light
which mean that we don’t need to rage against death
because it is the gateway to life and light eternal, and
we can put up with the darkness and bleakness of
autumn because soon we shall be celebrating the
coming into our world of Jesus Christ!
‘in him was life, and the life was the light of all
people. The light shines in the darkness, and the
darkness did not overcome it.’ (John 1:4-5).
God bless,
Andy Atkins
Situation Vacant
Thorverton Church is looking for a cleaner.
This involves vacuuming and dusting so that the
Church looks good for everyone who steps inside.
This may be as often as an hour and a half a week or
as little as an hour and a half a month.
This is a voluntary position. Please phone Tina on
860434 for details and offers of help.
Baptist Church Dearly beloved brethren (and sistren), the Scripture
moveth us in sundry places...
Back in the July/August edition of Focus I wrote
about a television programme by Melvyn Bragg on
William Tyndale. Just a few days ago, as part of his
"In Our Time" series on the radio, Lord Bragg was
back on air to present a discussion on the Book of
Common Prayer which was equally illuminating and
is the starting point for my reflections today. Before
you ask why a Baptist is writing about an Anglican
treasure let me say that a Baptist too can very well be
a lover of the English language, fascinated by our
ecclesiastical history and impressed by the influence
the BCP has had on our national life and culture over
the centuries.
I love the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations and have
just been studying it. Here are the results of my
research: a massive 50 pages devoted to Shakespeare;
42 to the Bible (Authorised Version); and, in third
place, 17 pages to the Book of Common Prayer, that
is to say 412 quotations. These include: Give peace
in our time, O Lord; Grant that this day we fall into
no sin; Lift up your hearts; Those whom God hath
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
13
joined together let no man put asunder; In the midst
of life we are in death; Earth to earth, ashes to ashes,
dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the
Resurrection to eternal life - and hundreds of others,
which have become part of the fabric of our language
and enriched it immeasurably.
The first edition of the Prayer Book came out in 1549
after years of religious tension, and was partly a
reaction against breviaries, missals and manuals
written "in a tongue not understanded of the people."
It was compiled by Archbishop Cranmer, who would
have remained a fairly obscure Cambridge don had it
not been for his inspired proposal that the question of
Henry VIII's divorce (referred to euphemistically as
"The King's Great Matter") should be referred to the
universities of Europe. This first version abolished
some ceremonies while retaining others. It reduced
the influence of the cult of the saints. Among its
doctrinal reforms was the eucharist to be considered
rather as a feast of perpetual memory than a
sacrificial act. The role of the priest changed; he was
now to receive the communion in both kinds together
with the laity. But the whole enterprise was a
compromise and everyone recognised that it could
only be temporary. In 1552 a much more openly
Reformed version came out, one whose Protestant
theology appealed to the Continental reformers. But
it only survived some eight months! On the
accession of Mary it was banned and only restored, in
a slightly modified version, by the Elizabethan
settlement of 1559.
Over a hundred years later, following the "late
unhappy confusions", a new Book of Common
Prayer was produced in 1662 which, despite all
attempts at modification, stood for more than 300
years until the Alternative Service Book of 1980.
In spite all the refurbishments over the centuries, the
foundation of the Book of Common Prayer remains
as a monument to the genius of Thomas Cranmer. In
essence, Cranmer was not a worldly churchman or a
politician, although he learned how to work for many
years as the king's loyal servant and executor. He
was above all things a scholar who devoted the
greater part of his day, even as Archbishop, to study.
No wonder he became such a master of English
prosody.
A great survivor under Henry, favoured during the
short reign of Edward, Cranmer ultimately perished
as one of Mary's victims. The story is well known of
how in 1556 he reluctantly abjured his Protestant
faith but then at the very moment of his public
humiliation went back on what he had said and at the
stake thrust into the flames the right hand that had
signed his abjuration.
Whatever our denominational background, all
Christians who love the English language have
reason to be grateful to this quiet scholar.
Maurice Harrison Mobile Libraries Under Threat
Some Devon communities could lose their mobile
library service in council cutbacks. The county
council wants to cut 69 "underused" stops from the
service with fewer than three people turning up. It is
also looking at reducing the frequency of the service
from fortnightly to every four weeks. The change
would reduce the council's spending by £200,000 a
year, contributing to the £110m cuts the council faces
over the next four years.
The council has launched a consultation on removing
69 stops from its service, affecting 160 mobile library
users. They will make a decision in December and
any changes will start next year. It is not clear what
impact there might be for the service that covers
Thorverton, but if we want to retain such services we
must use them and lobby effectively. Younger
people may not be aware that currently the mobile
library stocks children’s and teens’ books. They also
have talking books, DVDs, and will order anything
that you want - and they don’t charge fines.
Rainfall Record After the driest summer in Thorverton for at least ten
years, October has been considerably wetter,
recording 144 cm (about 6 inches in old money) of
rainfall over the first 25 days as compared with just
104 cm in June, July and August put together.
September recorded 73 cm this year, very close to
recent average for Septembers in Thorverton.
The total recorded for the three summer months was
the lowest for at least 10 years – only 2005 comes
close – and there was 406 cm recorded over the same
three months in 2012. You probably remember it as
having been a wet summer last year. In 2013, June
recorded 16 completely dry days; July 23 and August
18. September was closer to average with 14 dry
days recorded.
As always I am grateful to Gus Christianson for his
recordings and also to Tony Vooght for his historical
records.
Neville Lane
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
14
Six Generations of Fices at Thorverton School The latest Fice to attend Thorverton School is
William, who started on 9th September 2013. He
follows his sister Chloe who had started in 2009.
Before then, both of their parents, Samuel (1982-89)
and Nicola (1986-91) had attended Thorverton
School. The next generation back was Alex Fice
(1955-62) and before him, Constance Fice (1936-45)
and before her Verna Fice (1915-21). Representing
the sixth generation back was Samuel Richard
Burlance Fice, who is William and Chloe’s great-
great-great grandfather. He was born in 1867 and
started at Thorverton School in 1876 having
previously attended a dame school in the village
called Court Hayes along Common Lane. When
William leaves – scheduled to be in 2020 – the
association with the school will have extended to 144
years and, who knows, in years to come it might
extend beyond that.
Samuel Richard Burlance Fice (1867-1939)
Verna Fice
Alex Fice
Thorverton Country Show
We have a number of events organised as the dark
evenings approach. This summer we started a
monthly Bingo on the first Tuesday of each month, in
the Memorial Hall. The next Bingo session will be
on 5th November, eyes down at 7.30pm. We are also
holding a bumper Christmas Bingo on 3rd
December.
Come and join us for a fun-filled evening with some
great prizes!
We are also holding a Holly Masquerade Ball on 30th
November from 8pm til midnight. Tickets are
available from the Thorverton Arms or Exeter Inn, or
phone 860069 or 860088. Tickets are £12.50 in
advance or £15.00 on the door and include a free
glass of bubbly. With live music from Taylor and the
Made Gentlemen, the Masquerade theme promises a
great evening’s entertainment.
We are also planning another Family Fun Day for
2014, and any surplus we make from the various
events we organise will be donated to local
organisations. Look out for more details after the
Fun Day next June.
Caroline Taverner
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
15
Thorverton and District History Society
Mark started by saying he was wary of talking about
Devon as his audience often knew more that he did
about the county.
Population has an effect on settlements, as does
market prices. The early phase saw local production
and markets but by the 18th century, a national market
existed. By 1870 markets had become international.
In 1086 the south west was sparsely populated
compared to the south east.
In the Domesday book there were an estimated 9,000
settlements in Devon and 1,500 in Cornwall. Our
own local Ratcliff Farm is mentioned in the
Doomsday book. In 1086 half the land was known as
waste – it was of poor quality and had low intensity
use.
A charter in 1205 allowed deforestation apart from
Dartmoor and Exmoor. New farms were created to
work this new land. By 1300 the south west land
pattern is beginning to emerge. Many villages in the
middle ages were surrounded by open fields
operating shared farming on a strip field system. The
strip field system shared the risks of crop failure as
your strips would not be next to each other but
scattered around the open fields. They were usually
long and thin, possibly because the oxen used for
ploughing didn’t like turning around.
These strip fields can be seen on early maps and
some can still be seen today, even in the nearby
village of Brampford Speke. Braunton Great Field is
another example still in existence. The
infield/outfield system was another method of
farming and crop rotation.
1348 saw the Black Death and within 2 years half the
population was dead. This led to wholesale
abandonment of some villages and settlements.
The 1730s saw the Parliamentary Enclosure Act and
many hedges were created. These were typically
stone banks topped with trees. As the population
grew, so did enclosure. 1866 saw the first statistics,
known as the 4th June Returns.
In the 13 and 14th century the crops grown were
mostly oats, wheat and barley and the yields were
relatively high. By the 17th century Oliver Cromwell
spoke highly of agriculture in the south west and the
quality of husbandry and soil improvement. By the
18th century the pace of agriculture was accelerating.
There were major changes in farming practice and
mixed farms were developing.
In the south west these changes were slower as the
land was heavier and the climate supported good
grass growth. Land between Exeter and Tiverton was
described as being very rich.
In 1801 Britain was at war with the French so a crop
census was undertaken to see what was being grown.
More wheat was being grown but the reliability of
the census was questionable. The census was done by
clergymen and returns may have been economic to
avoid paying tithes.
More potatoes were grown in Cornwall to feed the
miners and in mid Devon pasture changed to arable.
Cereal prices fell because of cheaper imports but the
effect in the south west was not as bad as in the east
of the UK. Frozen meat from abroad also had an
impact of prices. In the period 1870 – 1914 the
mainstay was dairy farming and this was helped by
the advent of the railways – produce could be
transported to a greater market. Pig production
increased as they were fed off the milk by products.
Market gardens increased in the south west due to the
climate, good soil and railways.
The depression in the 1930s saw depreciation in field
quality but the Second World War had a great impact
with large increases in production – farmers were
compelled to plough more land and produce more
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
16
crops. A labour shortage led to more machinery and
between June 1942 and June 1944 the numbers of
tractors in Devon doubled.
Orchards have almost gone now, cattle and pig
numbers are constant but there is an increase in
sheep. Since 1945 there has been an increase in
forests in the South West, especially around
reservoirs.
The landscape is an old one, but has been adapted
over the years to reflect changing needs and the ebb
and flow of farming.
Robert Turner
TCT Thorverton Co-Operative Trust - supporting
Thorverton Post Office
Thank you to the 196 of you who have paid £5
subscriptions to TCT for this financial year and also
to those who made donations as well. We have many
new members but would very much welcome the
other fifty per cent or so of Thorverton’s population
too! Most of us believe that having a post office here
in our village is very important, indeed it’s the local
bank branch for some people. And even if you don’t
feel the need for the post office, I know that many of
you really value being able to buy newspapers on a
daily basis.
Our post office and the TCT shop only just manage
to keep afloat so your subscriptions, donations and
continued custom are absolutely vital. Takings in the
post office and shop show considerable seasonal
variations so sometimes balancing the books can be
tricky. We are also still short of staff especially to
cover illness absences and holidays. Could YOU
spare an hour or so of your time occasionally to help
us keep the TCT business and therefore the post
office going?
The TCT AGM is coming up – Wed November 20th
7.45pm at the WI Hut. Everyone is welcome to
attend although only TCT members can vote at the
meeting. Please come along to show your support,
receive the TCT Council’s and our sub-postmaster’s
annual reports, ask questions, give ideas and
comment.
Christmas is coming so do please use our post office
for your postage and packing needs as well as buying
Christmas cards, gift tags, wrapping paper and
calendars from us. We will also be supporting
Hospiscare again this year by stocking their
Christmas cards and diaries. All of the profits from
those go to the charity, a cause dear to many of our
hearts. Christmas items should be available from the
beginning of November from our shop and I will also
be selling them at the ‘Big Breakfast’ Sat markets in
November and December.
Christmas present ideas and services available at the
post office include Moneygrams which enable you to
transfer money to another person here in the UK and
abroad, One-4-All gift cards which can be spent at
over 70 different retail outlets and Itunes vouchers -
do ask for more information at our counter. If you are
going to be posting parcels and packages for the UK
or abroad, do check in advance about prohibited and
restricted items. Rules have changed recently about
what you can post so it’s worth making sure before
you wrap everything up!
Did you know that you can now book National
Express coach tickets at our post office? There’s also
a new lottery, The Health Lottery and buying tickets
for that gives us premium income. You can top up
your mobile ‘phone, pay all sorts of bills at the
counter, use the post office to access some banking
services especially cash withdrawals, get foreign
currency, open and use savings accounts, bonds,
ISAs, choose from a range of insurance policies.
Please ask – you will probably be surprised about
what you can do here in your village.
Finally a request from some of our customers who
have difficulty in getting to the post office door when
using walking sticks and buggies: if you are parking
your car at whatever time of day or night, please can
you leave enough space for them to get to the shop
door without having to circumnavigate too much of
the car park therefore running the risk of overturning
or stumbling into a puddle! Thank you.
Heather Kershaw 01392 860419
Chair and Membership Secretary TCT Ltd
Thorverton Post Office 01392 860455
Community Choir See Notice in Notices section.
Dates as below:
Nov 5th
, 12th, 19
th and 26
th and December 3
rd, 10
th
and 17th. All from 6-7pm at The Exeter Inn
Anne Vardy
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
17
Post Early for Christmas
Recipe
Most of the recipes we have published in recent
months have been provided by Sustainable Crediton,
but, with us having temporarily lost email contact
with that group, this month I am printing one that I
have just used to produce some chutney. I cannot yet
tell you how good it is, but a licking of the bowl
yesterday suggested that this is an excellent spicy
chutney, representing a good way of using up any
apples and courgettes that you have. The recipe
appeared in the booklet of Thorverton Recipes,
published a few years ago now. My copy has a well-
used look about it! – Ed.
Courgette Chutney
Ingredients
[In practice you may not have all of the ingredients,
but this is one of those chutneys where precise
ingredients are not essential]
3lbs courgette (the recipe suggests marrow or
chutney), peeled and diced
3lb cooking apples
8oz onions
1 large garlic clove, chopped
4oz sultanas
4oz raisins
4oz dried apricots
4oz preserved ginger (or 1 tablespoon ground ginger)
2oz chopped blanched almonds
4 tablespoons mustard seeds
1 tablespoon chillies, seeds removed and finely
chopped, or ground chilli powder (I don’t recommend
using anything like this amount of ground chilli
though!)
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1½ pints malt vinegar
5 tablespoons whiskey
1 teaspoon nutmeg
3lbs sugar
Method
Prepare all of the ingredients and put them into a
large pan, bring to the boil and simmer for about 2
hours, stirring occasionally, until thick almost like
jam. Spoon while still hot into prepared jars with
vinegar proof lids. This makes about 7lbs and is best
left for a few months to mature.
Pamela Palmer
Legal Eagle
In August of this year, Michaella McCollum from
Dungannon Co Tyron and Melissa Read from
Glasgow were arrested at Lima airport after their
luggage had been searched and found to contain
cocaine hidden in food packs.
Michaella and Melissa reportedly told Peruvian
authorities that they had been working in Ibiza and
did not meet until they were both kidnapped at
gunpoint and forced to travel to Majorca. They
claimed that they were then sent to Peru and forced
by the gang who had kidnapped them to carry the
drugs in their luggage.
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
18
Presumably on the basis of advice received Michaella
and Melissa have now entered pleas of guilty to the
charges brought against them. If accepted this will
result in an automatic reduction in the time that they
will be required to spend in prison from 8 years six
months to 6 years six months. It is also likely that
part of that time will be spent in Britain.
However, had Michaella and Melissa persisted with
their inital, ‘we were forced to do it‘, response they
would have been pleading the defence of duress by
threats.
So, how do the courts in this country respond to such
a plea?
The essence of the defence is that the accused is told
to commit a crime, is told that if he fails to do so then
he, a family member or someone he feels responsible
for, will be immediately killed or caused serious
bodily harm. The accused’s will is overborne by the
threats and he goes on to commit the offence that he
has been ordered to commit.
Duress by threats is a true defence in the sense that
the accused does commit the actus reus and has the
mens rea for the offence but is excused because the
law recognises human frailty.
The availability of the defence has been the subject
of much discussion in the courts. These deliberations
have lead to the establishment of the criteria for the
defence, although one or two areas remain uncertain.
The accused must honestly and reasonably believe
that unless he commits the crime as ordered the threat
of death or serious person injury to himself, a
member of his family or someone for whom he feels
a special responsibility will be carried out.
The offence must have been committed as a direct
result of the threat although the threat does not have
to be the sole reason for committing the offence.
These are the subjective elements of the defence.
The objective elements are that a reasonable person
would have responded to the threats as the accused
did, and would have committed the offence; and
there must have been no opportunity for evasive
action which the accused might reasonably have
taken in order to avoid the threat.
The ‘reasonable person‘ referred to above is sober
and possess reasonable fortitude. To what extent
might other relevant characteristics of the accused be
taken into account? In Hasan [2005], the House of
Lords held that the ‘reasonable person‘ is a person of
the same age and background as the accused.
‘Background‘ includes gender and recognised mental
illness.
The question of the immediacy of the threat and the
effectiveness of steps which might be taken to avoid
it were considered in Hudson and Taylor [1971],
the accused, two teenage girls, Linda Hudson and
Elaine Taylor, called as prosecution witnesses gave
false evidence because they had been threatened with
serious physical injury by a gang if they told the
truth. A member of the gang was sitting in the public
gallery during the trial at which the girls gave their
evidence. Following their conviction for perjury an
appeal was lodged at the Court of Appeal. The Court
allowed their appeal; the defence of duress should
have been put to the jury. If the girls had sought
police protection it would not have been effective
enough. The Court also held that the fact that the
threat could not be carried out immediately was
irrelevant. They had to make up their mind there and
then whether to commit the offence while the threat
was still operating.
The part of the judgment dealing with the immediacy
of the threat has since been called into question by
the House of Lords in Hasan [2005]. The House held
that the decision in Hudson and Taylor [1971] was
too favourable to the accused. The House ruled that
the accused must believe that the threat will
materialise immediately or almost immediately.
Two further limitations on the availability of the
defence remain to be considered. The first of these is
that the defence is not available to a person charged
with murder, attempted murder or treason. Nor is the
defence available to a person who associates with
others where he foresaw or should have foreseen the
risk of being subjected to any compulsion by threats
of violence.
Invariably this will result in those who associate with
others who are engaged in criminal activity being
denied the availability of the defence. However, it
was pointed out in Ali [2008] that friends,
acquaintances, or even relatives who are not
criminals, may nevertheless be the type of people
who might one day compel a friend, acquaintance or
family member to commit a crime. If the person so
compelled foresaw this, or ought to have done so, the
defence will not be available.
Next month we will begin to look at inchoate
offences, namely, conspiracy and attempts to commit
crime.
Clive Hamblin
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
19
TARTS Thorverton Amblers Ramblers and Trampers
Future walks and events
Saturday 2nd November - shorter walk led by Jean
Saturday 16th November - Dartmoor walk led by
Graeme
Saturday 30th November - walk led by Heather and
Royston
Saturday 21st December - shorter walk led by
Caroline followed by the Christmas meal.
All walks meet opposite the church at 0930, and are
suitable for dogs unless otherwise stated. Shorter
walks are usually 4 – 6 miles in length and longer
walks 6 – 9 miles, however precise details of each
walk (length, gradient, lunch information etc) will be
displayed approximately a week before the walk in
the Old Post Office Window and on the village notice
board. If you would like to be included on the email
list contact Caroline (01626 865465) or Graeme
(860203).
Caroline Prince
Golf Society Sunday 29
th September.
The weather was overcast with the threat of rain so
only 8 brave golfers turned up today. As it happened
the golf was concluded in the dry.
We had joint winners today with very good scores of
21 points each. They were Chris Harlow and Dave
Whalley. There was a 2 shot handicap reduction for
them both. In third place was John Mann with 19
points which also gave him a 1 shot handicap
reduction.
There were several Donna-Y nominations, a close
second was John Mann’s failure to notice one of his
playing partners accidently pull out and drop a £10
note. We made a doctor’s appointment for him. The
winner was Dave Whalley who managed to leave his
putter on a table by the cafe. This was discovered on
reaching the first green. Luckily he was in a group
that included John Mann who had 2 putters in his bag
and lent his spare one to Dave. On this green and the
next the putts were short or missing, and then John
explained that this putter was not used to a player
holding it in two hands!
Friday 4th
October This was a GSPOT away day when 12 members went
to take on the challenges of Holsworthy Golf Course.
There were individual and team awards. The winning
team comprised of John Mann, Chris Harlow and
Paul Richards who came in with a score of 76 points.
The individual winner was Steve Gidley with 34
points, second was Chris Harlow with 31 points and
joint third with 30 points were John Mann, Geoff
Bulley and Phil Beasley. Bringing up the rear with 21
points were Kevin Stone and David Harlow(who
managed to fail to score on 6 holes from the 9th.)
There were several nominations for the Donna-y
trophy but the winner was John Mann ho had to
leave the course after 5 holes for an urgent call of
nature. They used to call him trapper Mann....
Sunday 13th
October
We had a turnout of 11 players today, the fair-
weather players are beginning to stay away now.
The winner was Chris Harlow with a magnificent 23
points which earned him a handicap cut of 3 shots.
He is now down to a handicap of 14 which is an
impressive reduction this year of 8 shots. He is also
comfortably in the lead on our golfer of the year
competition.
Runner up was David Harlow with 18 points and
joint third with 16 points were Phil Beasley and John
Mann. The rear gunners this week were Phil Oram
and Sheila Ball.
There were several nominations for the Donna-y
trophy ranging from David Harlow nearly going into
the pond on the 4th whilst playing his second to the
8th, Phil Beasley playing 4 shots in the rough having
declined a drop, and then picking up his ball, but the
winner was Jim Chappelle who was proudly showing
off his newly acquired electric trolley. As he
approached the first tee he realised he did not know
how to stop it so ploughed into the other players bags
before somebody came to his assistance. Obviously
more complicated than flying a helicopter....
Sunday 20th
October
Not an official GSPOT outing, but a golf day with
lots of friends and guests and a party afterwards to
celebrate Jim Chappelle’s 70th birthday. The golf
was interrupted by a thunder storm that
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
20
inconveniently decided to make a noisy and wet
appearance.The winning team comprised Scott
Hasler, Paul Richards and Andy French with the
runners up being David Harlow, Chris Harlow and
Rhys Roberts.
Individual winner was Jamie Chappelle (I did hear
the word nepotism mentioned in the bar!) the runner
up was Colin Anderson who also won nearest the pin.
Nigel Augstburger won the longest drive. The event
was ably managed by Bob Hyde.
There was then the party in the Exeter Inn followed
by some sore heads in the morning. Congratulations
Jimbo from all the gspotters.
The dates arranged for November are Sunday 10th
and Sunday 24th. December dates are Sunday 8
th,
Sunday 22nd
and Boxing Day 26th. There will also be
a 4 club competition on New Year’s Day. All
aspiring golfers welcome, details from the Exeter
Inn.
G S Potter
Allison Toogood celebrates a special birthday
Photo by John Spivey
The Gillbards’ puppies
Photo by Jane Lane
Poetry (1)
Autumnal farewell
Sparkling dewdrops, jewel the grass
In October’s lingering sun
And hanging from the herbage
Is fine lace by spiders spun.
The rich tones of the autumn
Have tinted leaves on bush and tree,
Nature’s painted landscape
Is beautiful to see.
Blackbirds in the orchard
Are gorging every day
Enjoying the fallen fruit
Before its swift decay
The rich gold of rudbeckia
Draws butterflies to feed
Midst a tapestry of late blooms
Which promise next year’s seed.
Doreen Beer
Thorfest again
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
21
The Garden in November If like me you haven’t had any spare time, this is my
excuse, to get out into your garden, you will be
amazed at the jungle in front of your eyes. How it
does this, I don’t know. One moment it looks quite
well behaved and tame, the next it seems totally out
of control and wild! November can be a time of
catching up if the weather is kind or the temperature
can drop like a lead balloon and give you an early
taste of winter. Therefore you would be wise to get
on with your garden jobs earlier than later in the
month.
Now is the time to remove any plants that need to be
brought inside before the frosts damage them.
Dahlias will benefit from lifting and storing through
winter. These are tuberous plants and although they
will overwinter, you will only have them around for 2
or 3 years before the frost and slugs wear them down.
If you want to enjoy your Dahlias in the garden for
years, they need to be dug out of the ground and
brought inside and the stems cut to about 23cms
[9in]. Clean off the soil carefully and thoroughly
around the tubers; an old toothbrush is ideal for this
job. Once clean, it is easy to see if there is any
damage to the tubers; remove any that are damaged
or look non-productive. The tubers are then turned
upside down to drain. After a few days, store the
tubers in a box, resting them on newspaper or a little
dry compost and store in a frost- free area. Light is
not a problem and last year the Knightshayes Dahlia
collection overwintered, resting on canes supported
by bricks, allowing plenty of air to circulate around
them. This construction was arranged on a bench in
the glasshouse which was kept at frost-free
temperature. It proved to be a useful arrangement as
it was easy to check them for the white fungal growth
which can appear if they are not properly dried or the
atmosphere is too moist or they haven’t got sufficient
air circulation around them.
Large-flowered hybrid tea roses and floribunda,
cluster-flowered, miniature and standard and modern
shrub roses can be pruned this month. However there
is always a chance of a bitterly cold winter so to
avoid taking chances, wait until early March. To
reduce wind buffering, cut back any over long stems
by half. Another shrub that it is worth taking this
precaution with is Buddleia. Cut back any long stems
by a third and then prune back to a framework in
March. In Devon we usually get away with pruning
Buddleia now but as with roses you take a chance!
November might give you one last opportunity to cut
the lawn but only do this if the weather is kind and
dry. Set the mower to its winter height. There will be
plenty of leaves to collect this month and they make
excellent compost if just stored in a black bin bag for
about a year. Make a few little perforations in the
side of the bag and leave it alone. Splendid! Nature
will do all the work for you and produce a very
friable dark compost.
In the veg. garden, plan ahead with your rotation and
leave a good layer of well composted manure or
garden compost ready on the site of next year’s
potato bed. There is no need to dig this in until next
year as the worms and the frost will play a part in
breaking down the soil and the worms will work the
compost into the ground. My over-wintering onions
are planted now but if you are still keen to plant some
it’s not too late as long as you get them in soon. Next
year’s main onion bed is also having a layer of
compost and will be planted with sets in early
February, weather permitting. The other rotation plot
will contain the beans and peas, so again more
compost. Peas and beans are collectively called
Legumes and they all respond well to rich soil. This
can be garden compost or manure. The only plot that
must be compost free is the root plot. Rich soil
encourages forking and too much top growth and not
enough root, so be mean! You can roughly dig this
plot over and the frost will do a good job at breaking
up the soil.
Whatever jobs you chose to tackle, Neville, don’t
leave it too long before you get started. Very good
advice and I must try and follow it!!
Happy Gardening.
Lorraine Colebrook
Nature Notes
We are now in the last third of autumn. There are
plenty of fungi around and fieldfare and redwing
should have arrived here to take a share of nature’s
bounty.
Fungi are notoriously difficult to identify but the
unmistakable Shaggy ink cap or Lawyer’s wig has
popped up in our garden again this year. It can be
found on lawns, on roadsides and recently disturbed
ground. As it matures so the flesh on the cap breaks
up to look scaly and untidy and the rim of the cap
begins to liquefy and turn black and this is where it
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
22
gets its name. Another fungus to appear on our hedge
very close to oak and fir trees is Penny Bun, also
known as Cep. When it newly appears its cap looks
like it has been dusted with flour which gradually
disappears as the cap expands. In Ashclyst forest
with TARTS we saw many fungi including parasol
mushrooms, small puff-balls and Russula species.
I recently dipped into two books, The Countryman
Gardening Book 1973 which contains articles of an
older age. The other book is A Pocket Book of
British Butterflies and Moths and other Winged
Insects first published in 1938. They both mention
the Humble Bee, which I have never heard before
and I suspect is due to my age. Charles Darwin and
others around his time would have called them
humble bees, so named due to their humming sound
in flight. During the early 1900s the name gradually
started to change to bumble bee in recognition of
their clumsy flight on little wings compared to body
size and shape, bumbling around from flower to
flower. In the first great 20th century book on the life
cycle of the bee by Frederick Sladen published
in1912 he refers to them as humble. By 1959 when
the next great book on the subject was written by
John Free and Colin Butler the name had changed to
bumble for ever.
At Broadlands there are two Indian Bean trees
Catalpa bignonioides which at their flowering time
in July attracted so many bumble bees and many
were found to have died and lay beneath the trees.
Apart from fertilized female bumble bees, the rest of
the colony will die by the time cold weather sets in.
Male bumble bees die much earlier, after mating and
not being allowed back into the colony and I think
these may be the bees found dead beneath the Indian
Bean trees. This species of tree is recommended by
the British Beekeepers Association as useful to bees.
It not only provides pollen but also secretes nectar
from its leaves which is most unusual. This tree is a
native of the south eastern United States of America
originating mainly from Mississippi and Alabama
and a small area of Georgia and Florida. Its Native
American name is Catawba and is still referred by
this name in some areas of the United States. The
main native tribes from this area were the Chickasaw,
Choctaw, Creek and Natchez. Native Indians used
leaves and bark of the tree to make medicines.
The weather has remained fairly mild and we have
enjoyed some warm, sunny and calm days this
October. A walk down the garden has been met by
tremendous humming coming from the canopy of our
Eucalyptus niphophila (Snow Gum) which is in
flower. This is another tree recommended by the
British Beekeepers Association. It is apparently a
slow growing species, more so than E gunnii, the
eucalyptus commonly grown. We planted our snow
gum in March 1991 and it had already been cut back
by Martin Ivall several years ago and has grown that
much again. It does not seem slow growing to me. I
used binoculars to see what insects were up there and
spotted honey and other bees, small tortoiseshell and
red admiral butterflies and even a dragonfly hawking
among the foliage. I wish a bee could label a jar with
a list of all the plants it visited to make up the honey,
it would be astonishing.
Further down the garden I wandered, peering into the
hedge and trees as I went that I didn’t notice
something furry until it thumped in disgust at my
intrusion. I chuckled to myself as wild bunny
scampered up into and along the top of the hedge.
Walking back up through our fruit trees I picked up a
small fluffy sparrowhawk feather, a good days nature
spotting.
There must be plenty of wild food for birds at present
because there is very little activity at our bird feeders.
Even hedgehog has not been seen since my last
report. On one of the sunny days there was comical
activity in the bird bath though, when a great deal of
splashing caught my attention. Sparrows were taking
a dip but then I saw a male blackcap in it, body
stretched nearly horizontal, bill thrust towards
sparrow and robin perched on the rim. As is his way,
he takes an aggressive stance to whosoever dare
muscle in on his bathtime.
Many thanks to Tony Vooght who gave me details of
the bees and their association with the Indian Bean
trees.
Jenny Garne, 01392 860875
The Day That Brought Devils of The Worlds Closer…
It is Thursday morning, September 26th. The deadline
for my commissioned article on Autumn (a Sunday
paper customer, not Neville) has been extended until
early today following negotiations with Eileen. I
knew she was in charge because Neville, esteemed
editor, was gallivanting with Jane in France. Or so
we were led to believe.
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
23
Article finished, I began to email it to Eileen at
focuson Thorverton.Com or whatever it is. Ah. An
email from Neville. Strange.
Dear Reader (s) I opened it. This is what I read, with
rising concern. I reproduce it as it was written.
From: Neville Lane
To: janeristic <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, 26 September 2013, 7:13
Subject: Sad Trip....Neville Lane
I'm writing this with tears in my eyes, my family and I
came down here to Manila, Philippines for a short
vacation.unfortunately,we were mugged at the park
of the hotel where we stayed,all cash and credit card
were stolen off us but luckily for us we still have our
passports with us.
We've been to the Embassy and the Police here but
they're not helping issues at all and our flight leaves
in few hours from now but we're having problems
settling the hotel bills and the hotel manager won't
let us leave until we settle the bills. Well I really need
your financially assistance..Please, let me know if
you can help us out?
Am freaked out at the moment!!
Neville Lane
Yes, there are so many obvious clues (could he have
been drowning his sorrows in the hotel bar?) but you
must remember that my mind was on my overdue
deadline. I replied immediately, without thinking,
because I am a cyber innocent. Then I read it again
and a sense of unreality crept in so I rang Eileen.
Peter had done the same as me and also opened it. I
dropped the article round on a memory stick and
found Eileen deep in conversation with technical help
trying to limit any possible damage. As she said,
“Can you imagine Neville with tears in his eyes?”
Within the hour the village was alive with the news.
The Post Office was aware, (yet another gentleman
had been in to ask about it), Tim Colebrook, Richard
Lane, Rob Purvis - who knows who else.
Following lengthy consultation I was assured that I
could not compromise my computer merely by
opening an email as long as it had no attachment. So
I opened the reply.
Jane,
Glad you replied back to my email...All I need is
just £1,690 and you can have it wired to me via
Western Union. Here's my info below:
Receiver's Name: Neville Lane
Receivers Location: 141 Salcedo St, Legazpi Village
Makati, Metro Manila 1229 Philippine.
As soon as it is done, kindly get back to me with the
confirmation number. Let me know when if you are
heading to the WU outlet now???
Neville Lane.
I did not reply but turned to Rob to ask what to do.
After all, who would not open email from such a
trusted source? Are there any clues I did not pick up?
Should I change my password (I did anyway but is
there any point)? Not only that but did they know that
Neville was on holiday? How did they do it? Rob?
(Rob here) Sadly, this is a common scam. It all starts
with someone first finding an email address, and then
correctly guessing the password for the account. The
email address is included in every edition of Focus,
and since we have editions on a website, then that
email address is easy to find. Another way to find
email addresses is for some other email account to
have been compromised, and that account's contacts
list is then available to the scammer. In the case of
this attempted scam, I suspect that one of the Focus
contact's has a compromised email account.
The second step, namely guessing the password, was
in this case rather easy because the password for the
Focus email address was very easy to guess – and I
hope that in future it will be more difficult, because
we don't want this happening again.
Once the account has been taken over, the scammer
immediately changes the password so the original
owners cannot log in again. Then the account's
contacts list is used to send out the scam emails as
shown above.
Since anyone receiving one of these email thinks it
comes from the original owner of the account
(because the name and email address are as
expected), then human kindness can take over, and a
reply is sent. This reply is picked up by the scammer
and the process continues, next asking for money to
be sent to a “wire” account. Apparently such
accounts (normally Western Union, as in this case)
are easy to set up anonymously.
In some ways it is fortunate that this has occurred as
it has given us the opportunity to inform readers of
Focus about these scams, and how to detect them.
The wording of the emails is not always the same,
but they are similar. I showed this to my son, who
had a similar email apparently from someone he
knew well. He didn't send money, but did waste some
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
24
on phone calls to the British Consulate in Italy to see
if there was any way they could help.
Read the text of the email again, and notice the
spelling and punctuation mistakes, and language that
Neville would not use. Beware of similar emails in
future. Just press the Delete key on them.
Jane Ristic and Rob Purvis
Further advice on email scams The recent loss of the Focus email account has
prompted me to write a bit more about computer
security, in particular, how to recognise a "Technical
support" scam. You may have already encountered
one of these, and hopefully you haven't fallen for the
attempt to get you to pay for the so-called support on
offer.
The scam normally starts with an unsolicited phone
call from someone claiming to be from "Microsoft
support" - be aware thought, Apple users, there is
now Mac-related equivalent scam being employed.
The caller says something along the lines of them
having become aware of a problem with your
computer (sounds feasible - a "problem" could be
anything really), and could the caller please connect
to your computer, or have you run something on the
computer to confirm the error message.
What they then ask you to do is nothing that will
reveal problems. It will probably be to get you to
display some low-level system messages that look
unintelligible to you, and are therefore scary. The
caller will say these messages prove your computer is
infected with a virus, but they can sell you a solution
that can immediately be applied.
If you fall for this, then you will either allow the
caller access to your computer to install some
software, or you will download some software which
you install yourself. Either way - the caller or you
have probably just infected your computer with a
virus that wasn't on there before.
PLEASE - don't fall for these scams.
This (http://blog.malwarebytes.org/tech-support-
scams/ ) is a very good page describing, in greater
detail, what I have written above. Take some time
and read it. Become more computer literate so that if
you get one of these out-of-the-blue phone calls, you
will know it to be nonsense, and just put the phone
down.
Rob Purvis
Poetry (2) In last month’s Focus I missed a line out of Doreen’s
poem (very sorry, Doreen), so reprint it below:
Beards
So many lately to be seen,
That requested I have been,
To put into verse, "The beard"
(Unpopularity not to be feared;)
For while a hundred men might wear them
Another hundred cannot bear them.
And many ladies that I know,
Would surely hesitate to bestow
A kiss, upon a bristled face,
In fact might feel it a disgrace
And think the grower of such hair,
Couldn't make the time to spare
A few minutes every day,
To shave unsightly hair away.
When I was a youthful seventeen
No young men this age were seen
With half their faces hairy;
(In fact we thought beards scary!)
Now men in their middle ages,
Swiftly seem to turn life's pages
And look older by some twenty years,
With greying beards from chin to ears,
While smart young men in other ways
Will grow a beard for college craze;
Yet often hide a handsome face.
With these words I plead my case,
Reduce the beards - be smooth, look clean
And among the smartest you'll be seen.
Doreen Beer
PS To those who feel my words offend,
Supply your verse - the beard defend,
There are two sides to every story,
So if you're bearded, flaunt its glory!
One person has taken up Doreen’s challenge and I
print her rhyme in support of beards on the next page
- Ed.
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
25
On the Benefits of Beards
Some question the value of men’s facial hair,
Proposing, perhaps, that it shouldn’t be there,
But, dare I suggest that beards have their places,
Even upon the most handsome of faces?
So please find below in two or three samples
How well-whiskered men may lead by example:-
Leonardo da Vinci, clean-shaven when young,
Believed he would probably get much more done
If he could but make longer the hours of each day,
And, in radical mode, threw his razors away.
Thus freed from the daily palaver and trouble
Of trimming his side-burns and clipping his stubble,
He threw himself into his work with great zeal,
Including anatomy, down to the heel,
And painted and pondered and wrote copious notes
On all sorts of subjects from warfare to boats,
Inventing a flying machine and a bike,
(Of which no-one living had yet seen the like)
All this he completed, purely by saving
The time that he’d previously spent upon shaving!
A friend knew a man whose beard was so old
It was found to contain a rare species of mould
And declared, after tests on its likely appliance,
To be of great interest to medical science.
After months of experiments - mainly on mice,
Who’d been brought up entirely on basmati rice,
It produced, in the lab, a new antibiotic,
(Along with some bath oils and perfume exotic)
A success in the on-going fight against germs,
(It destroyed also head-lice and quite a few worms)
It would not have been found if, just on a whim,
That man had decided his beard to trim!
A committee of experts, advising the nation,
On flora and fauna and land conservation,
Had thought for so long how to make more effective
Their bio-diversity scores, by directive,
That spiders had taken to spinning their silk,
On top of the rule book, and things of that ilk.
After months of debating each gentleman wore
Luxuriant whiskers, right down to the floor!
Then the beard of the Chairman was found to enfold,
Three great-crested newts and a natterjack toad!
Four orchids, a dormouse, a butterfly rare,
Ten glow-worms, a hedgehog, the form of a hare,
And then was discovered - a joy to relate,
A great horseshoe bat and his amorous mate!
The beard was referred for complete preservation
(In line with the usual strict regulation)
And a man from the ministry said, with a cry,
“I shall have to declare it a Triple SI!*
As you know, you can’t ditch it, or hedge it or trim,
Or remove from your beard any item within!”
The committee ecstatic – its work was now done,
(Although for the Chairman it wasn’t much fun)
I relate this to show you how lack of a razor
Can even our wildlife and countryside favour.
Just one other instance of how chins hirsute
May have the advantage –it’s not in dispute -
We all know that now we must tighten our belts
And keep ourselves warm with more scarves, gloves
and felts,
For the PM advises we must insulate
And suggests, (from his offices warmed by the state)
That we put on more jumpers or otherwise toil
To pay for price rises in gas and in oil.
Now given the properties thermal of hair,
It is clear that additional layers may fare
Quite well in the battle to keep out the cold
And thus I suggest - if I may be so bold -
That men have the option of warming their chests
With an extra-thick beard on top of their vests.
(And just one more point – no need to be chary –
Some ladies quite simply prefer their men hairy!)
Jane Lane
*Site of Special Scientific Interest
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
26
Memorial Hall
Plans and drawings by Mike Baldwin that were on show at the recent public meeting concerning the developments
planned by the Hall Committee. The project proposal will be submitted to the planning authority shortly. The
Committee is grateful to Mike for all his help in drawing up these plans.
1. Overall Plan
2. The Elevations
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
27
3. Interior with rafters exposed
Christmas Craft Evening
Christmas Craft Evening
Friday 6 December 2013
Due to its success last year, we are holding this year’s craft evening in the Memorial Hall for more space. Come
along and create a festive wreath or table decoration and have a glass of mulled wine. Bring your own holly, ivy,
other foliage – candles and oasis are available to buy on the night.
This year we are delighted to also be offering a Christmas shopping experience, as we welcome Divine of Chagford
(jewellery, scarves and accessories), Neal’s Yard, Usborne Books and a number of other quality local craft
suppliers selling products such as handmade door stops, cushions, children’s bags and other great gifts. So come
along and be creative, and stock up with some great Christmas presents all under one roof! Wreath making
instruction from the talented Elspeth Holmes starts at 8pm and doors open at 7.30 pm for some shopping. In
addition to mulled wine, the bar will also be open during the evening for further refreshments.
Tickets cost £5 (to include a glass of mulled wine) and are available from pre-school. Email
[email protected] or ring 861707 or see a member of the committee for more details or to order
tickets. Proceeds go to Thorverton Pre-school (registered charity 1033176).
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
28
Thorverton Parish Information AIR AMBULANCE EMERGENCY - QUOTE NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE RECREATION GROUND - Sheet 192 SS 923019 MEMORIAL HALL FIELD - Sheet 192 SS 926019 Carers' Support Group Anne Higman, Wyndham House Surgery, Silverton. 860034. Meetings - 3rd Wednesday of month, Wyndham House, 2.30-4.30 p.m. Church (C of E) The Revd. Douglas Dettmer, The Rectory, Thorverton. 860332 The Revd. Sue Sheppard, Associate Minister, Autumn Haze, Rewe, 01392 841284 The Revd Julia Dallen Assistant Curate Tel 01392 861145 Email: [email protected] Mrs Margaret Lowe, Administration Manager, 07594 714590 [email protected] Church Wardens Edwin Greed, Fortescue, Netherexe. 841231. Consort Mary Thomas, 1 The Glebe, Thorverton. 860730. P.C.C. Treasurer Jean Brown, Rydal Cottage, Bullen Street. 861176. Friends of Thorverton Parish Church Trust Royston Kershaw 25 The Glebe 860419 Church (Baptist) The Revd. Maurice Harrison, 01884 258599. Secretary Phyllis Langdon, 860932. County Councillor Margaret Squires District Councillor Cllr. Mr. R. M. Deed. 01392 861258. Doctors: Thorverton/Silverton Dr Jon Wride & Lynne Anderson / Drs O'Brien, Ziegler & Keysell Electricity (Western Power) Report a loss of power: 0800 365 900 Bill Enquiries: 0800 365 000 Street lights 0870 556 1851 Friends of Thorverton & Silverton Surgeries Christine Walker, 881501 Gas Emergency 0800 111999 Leonard Trust Chairman: R Hughes. Secretary: Mrs. E Hughes, 3 Dinham Mews, Exeter EX4 4EF Library (Exeter Mobile) Alternate Thursdays , 16.05 to 16.55 in Quarry Car Park Member of Parliament Mel Stride By writing:Mel Stride MP House of Commons London SW1A 0AA
By phone:02072197037 By email:[email protected] Newspaper Reporter Jane Ristic, 53 Silver Street, Thorverton. 860054 Parish Council Chairman Cllr. Stuart Crang, Parish Clerk Mrs Jane Lane, Stable House, 2 The Glebe, Thorverton. 861062. Parish Council Meetings 2nd Tuesday of month, at The Memorial Hall, 7.30 pm. Parish Allotments Contact the Parish Clerk - 861062 Parish Council Notice Board Situated in School Lane, opposite the Thorverton Arms. IMPORTANT!- PLANNING APPLICATION NOTICES ARE DISPLAYED HERE Planning notification applications at http://data.gov.uk/apps/planningalerts alert via email when a planning application is published in one’s street, neighbourhood or wider area.
Pension Service PO Box 93, Plymouth PL6 5WJ. 0845 60 60 265
Police Non-emergency number: 101. Post Office Portacabin (TCT Ltd) Quarry Car Park, Thorverton EX5 5NG Tel: 860455 Mon. to Fri : 9 am-1.00 pm., 2 - 5.30 pm. Sat: 9 am.-12 noon Sun: 9 - 10.30 am for newspapers only Business Manager: Jan Hamilton 07764461575 Chair and Company Secretary: Heather Kershaw, 25 The Glebe, 860419 Public Telephone Kiosk Opposite the Church, outside the Bell Inn, Dinneford St. Thorverton C of E Primary School (Part of the Exe Valley Federation)
Executive Headteacher Mrs Heather Perry 01392 250821 Head of Teaching and Learning (Thorverton) Mr Olly White 01392 860374 School Governors:
Chair: Bryony Gilbert 01392 851360 Vice Chair: Sarah Crawford 01392 860295 Clerk: Jessica Benger 07795 515048
School P.T.F.A. Chair: Katie Vanstone 860978, Secretary: Hannah James, 86107 Treasurer: Carole Pearn South West Water 24 Hour Emergency: 0800 169 1144. Helpline: 0800 169 1133. Thorverton Millennium Green Trust Chair: Dame Margaret Turner-Warwick, Pynes House, Silver Street 861173. Secretary: Lin Balkwill 860663
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
29
Thorverton Organisations Amateur Dramatic Society (TADS)
Chairperson: Colin Marshall, Vice Chair: Simon Ette, Treasurer: John White, Secretary: Alison Marshall. For meetings and events contact Colin Marshall on 01392 861228
Art Group Barrie Phillips, Crossmead, School Lane, Thorverton. 860529 Meet Fridays during term-time at the Memorial Hall, 9.30 am-12.00. Arts Exchange Becky Stannard, 7 The Glebe, 860737.
Monthly meetings in members' homes at 8.00 pm. Association Football Club Chairman: Andy Harris, 01392 851664, Secretary: David Gregory, 2 The Orchard, Brampford Speke, 841803. Bridge Circle Graeme Culshaw, 3 The Glebe, Thorverton 860203. Meets 1st/3rd/5th Thursdays at the W.I. Hut from 7.00 p.m.. Brownies Contact Hannah 07925 981786 or Lisa 860609,
Meet Fridays during term-time, 5-6.30pm Thorverton School Hall. Clarinet Group Contact Peter Mason 860727. Meets every Thursday morning. Cricket Club Chair: Charles Kislingbury, Secretary: M C Denford, 14 Moorlands, Tiverton EX16 6UF 01884 255076 Fixture Sec: J Meredith, 190 Mincinglake Rd, Exeter EX4 7DS 01392 272504 Focus Magazine Chair: Michael Ayre, Ratcliffe Farm, Thorverton. Editor: Neville Lane, 2 The Glebe, Thorverton. 861062. Secretary: Geoff Bulley, Broadlands, Thorverton. Treasurer: Bob Swaffield, Schiehallion, School Lane, Thorverton 01392 860309 Friends of Silverton & Thorverton Surgeries Coffee Mornings in the Lamb Inn, Silverton. Held at 10-12 noon on the last Thursday of every month except December Golf Society Players of Thorverton Care of Exeter Inn, 01392 860206 Guides Contact Lisa 860609, Meet Wednesdays during term-time, 7-9pm Memorial Hall History Society Chair: Barrie Phillips, Crossmead, School Lane, Thorverton. 860529 Programme Secretary: Beryl Coe, 5 The Glebe, Thorverton 860876. Ladies Group Meet 2nd Thursday of month, (Venue and time - see Focus Notices). Memorial Hall Committee Chair: Mike Shelton, Tel: 861027, [email protected]
Treasurer/key holder/bookings: Jeff Grace. tel. 860489. [email protected] Secretary: Roger Fieldhouse. tel. 860768. [email protected]
Memorial Hall Market 2nd Saturday of the month, at the Memorial Hall, 9.30 - 11.00 am. Thorverton Pre-School Rachel Mildon (Chair) - 861707 / [email protected] Mon 9.am-11.45am, & 12.45pm-3.15pm & Lunch Club 11.45am-12.45pm, Tues/Weds 9.am-11.45am & Lunch Club 11.45am-12.45pm, Thurs 9.-11.45am; 12.45pm- 3.15pm & Lunch Club 11.45am-12.45pm. during term-time, At Thorverton Primary School site Thorverton Ambling, Rambling and Tramping Society (TARTS)
Caroline Prince 07749 775304 or Graeme Culshaw 860203 See notices of walks in Old Post Office Window Bullen Street.
Toddler Group Contact : Wendy Coles 861283 Wednesdays at the Memorial Hall, 9.30 a.m.-11.30. Rainbows Contact Jean 860105 or Penny 861136, Meet Tuesdays 3.45-4.45 Thorverton School Hall Royal British Legion Chairman/Hon.Sec. P Furneaux, Hillcrest, Thorverton 860227,
[email protected] Hon. Treasurer: Alex Fice Women's Institute Secretary and Bookings: Sue Maguire 01392 860631 W.I. Meeting. 1st Tuesday of the month at the W.I. Hut, 7.30 pm. Whist, 4th Tuesday of the month, at the W.I. Hut, 7.30 pm. W.I. Market & Coffee 4th Saturday of the month at the W.I. Hut. 10.00 am. to 11.00 am.
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
30
Doctors’ Surgeries
The Exe Valley Practice
Dr JON WRIDE and Dr LYNNE ANDERSON
The Surgery, The Berry The Surgery, 3 Coach Road
THORVERTON EX5 5NT SILVERTON EX5 4JL
Tel: 01392 860273 01392 860176
Fax: 01392 860654 01392 861598
www.exevalleypractice.co.uk
Opening times
GP on duty Thorverton Silverton
Monday Dr Anderson 08:30 – 18:00 08:45 – 12:30
Tuesday Dr Anderson 07:30 – 18:00 Closed
Wednesday Dr Anderson am Dr Wride pm
08:30 – 17:00 14:30 – 18:00
Thursday Dr Wride 08:30 – 19:30 Closed
Friday Dr Wride 08:30 – 18:00 08:45 – 12:30
Surgery times
Thorverton Silverton
Monday 15:00 – 17:15 09:00 – 11:45
Tuesday 07:30 – 11:30 15:00 – 17:00
Closed
Wednesday 09:00 – 11:00 15:00 – 17:45
Thursday 09:00 – 11:15 16:00 – 19:00
Closed
Friday 15:00 – 17:30 09:00 – 11:30
There are no surgeries on Saturday or Sunday, but a doctor will be on call for emergencies only on 0845 6710 270
REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS (Monday to Friday) – You can request your repeat prescriptions by calling our
dispensary on 01392 861622, or by using our online repeat prescription request www.exevalleypractice.co.uk.
Please note that 48 hours notice is required for all repeat prescriptions.
We accept credit\debit card payments for prescriptions
We now operate a home delivery service for housebound registered patients. Please contact us on 01392 860273 for
more information.
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
31
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
32
Waste Collection Dates for 2013
Generally on Mondays unless stated
a) Recycling and brown bins b) General refuse
Nov 4th and 18
th Nov 11
th and 25
th
Dec 2nd
, 16th and 31
st (Tuesday) Dec 9
th and 23rd
Mobile Library
Thursdays, fortnightly, from 16.05 - 16.50 in the Quarry Car Park by Thorverton Post Office.
November 7th and 21
st
December 5th and 19
th
Flag Flying days in November Sunday 10
th Remembrance Day (2
nd Sunday in November)
Thursday 14th Birthday of Prince of Wales
Wednesday 20th Her Majesty’s Wedding Day
Saturday 30th St Andrew’s Day
Bus Services Turner's Tours / Carmel Coaches (bus 678) Mon-Fri. 10.09 from The Berry and the Baptist Chapel.
Return 13.35 from Exeter bus station, Stand 5.
Stagecoach (service 55B) Mon-Sat (except Bank Holidays)
To Tiverton: 07.55, 10.10, 12.10, 14.10, 16.10, 17.29 (this is the 155 service; on Saturdays it is the 55B and runs at
17.10), 18.10 from The Berry and Broadlands.
Return from Tiverton Bus Station: 07.40, 08.35, 10.45, 12.45, 14.45, 15.55 (Mondays to Fridays term-time only),
16.45, 17.45.
To Exeter: 08.05, 09.00, 11.10, 13.10, 15.10, 16.20 (Mondays to Fridays term-time only), 17.10, 18.10 from The
Berry and Broadlands.
Return from Exeter Bus Station: 07.30, 09.45, 11.45, 13.45, 15.45, 17.05 (this is the 155 service; on Saturdays it is
the 55B and runs at 16.45), 17.45.
Stagecoach 55 service runs pretty much every half-hour in each direction along the Exeter-Tiverton road, stopping
at the Thorverton turn (the Ruffwell). Please consult Stagecoach 55 Group timetable for details of this service.
Stagecoach free service to the Co-Op, Broadclyst, from Broadlands on Tuesdays 9.20am.
Stagecoach offers a variety of concessions for regular commuters, shoppers, children, students and jobseekers as
well as one-day unlimited-use Explorer tickets. Further details from Stagecoach: 01392 427711 or 01803 664500 or
www.stagecoachbus.com or www.devon.gov.uk/devonbus.
Devonbus Timetable Information: call Traveline 0871 200 2233 Timetables available at the Post Office
Focus on Thorverton Vol. 44 No10 - November 2013
33
Diary 2013
Please notify FOCUS Editor of additions or changes.
(Email: [email protected] or phone Neville Lane on 861062)
NOVEMBER
Sat 2nd
TARTS walk, meet opposite parish church, 9.30am (see page 19 for dates of other walks)
Sun 3rd
Charity Quiz Night, Thorverton Arms, 7.00 for 7.30pm
Tues 5th WI visit to Quicke’s Cheeses, Newton St Cyres, 11am, lunch in Crediton
Community Choir, 6- 7pm at The Exeter Inn (and every Tuesday at the same time)
Bingo, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm
Sat 9th Saturday Market, Memorial Hall, 9.30-11.15am
Tues 19th Travelling Trends Fashion Show, WI Hut, 7.30pm
Wed 20th TCT AGM, WI Hut, 7.45pm
Fri 22nd
History Society, Shackleton’s Amazing Antarctic Adventure by John Dike, WI Hut, 7.30pm
Sat 23rd
WI Christmas Coffee Morning and Market, WI Hut, 10-11.30am
Sat 23th Exeter Male Voice Choir – Concert, Parish Church, 7.30pm
Sun 24th Taize Service, Parish Church, 5pm
Sat 30th Holly Ball, Memorial Hall, 8pm
DECEMBER
Tues 3rd
WI Christmas Flower Decoration Workshop and Christmas Tea, WI Hut, 2pm
Christmas Bingo, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm
Fri 6th Christmas Craft Evening, 7.30pm
Sat 7th Coffee Morning in aid of Exe Valley Practice, WI Hut, 10.00-12noon.
Sat 21st WI Coffee Morning and Market, WI Hut, 10-11am
JANUARY 2014
Fri 24th History Society AGM and speaker (to be announced), WI Hut, 7.30pm