May Pump By Neil Price, Co-Editor

April 24, 2008: The May 2008 Pump is here

Bridge opening 1st May 2008 By Neil Price, Co-Editor

April 18, 2008: on 1st May 2008 Stu, Ann and sue are very happy tio say a big hello to you all The Bridge Inn will be opening on Thursday 1st May and we very much look forward to meeting you all. As you would have all seen the Pub has had a lot of refurbishment inside and out and we hope you will enjoy the warm and friendly hospitality. We are currently looking for a Chef, kitchen and part-time bar staff and a cleaner please ring 811850 for further details. Interviews from the 22nd April

Can you identify this church? By Geoff Hodgkinson, Co-Editor

April 14, 2008: An email from Bob Kellock arrived today with the following plea for help: "I have been going through some old family photos and came across the attached picture of a car with a church in the background. My parents lived variously in Dowland, Dolton and Brandis Corner before moving to Hatherleigh where I was born, in Montague House, in 1935. Do you, or any of your colleagues, recognise the church?" Click the pic to see a larger version which we've processed to bring out more detail. Or, click here. Email editor@hatherleigh.net if you can help.

Doris Found! By Neil Price, Co-Editor

April 12, 2008: The spirited cycles carried their offspring up the hills and delivered them safely to Hatherleigh where the George opened it's doors with a cool pint. The cycles encouraged the walkers from Tavistock as they trekked the 30 miles without complaint, all for Doris. Doris a young girl from Kenya was caught up in the “Troubles”, an innocent child who fled during the recent unrest after the recent elections, during which the her school was destroyed. The group of gallant walkers and cyclists were walking to recreate the school in Kenya called the Imprezza School (find out more by clicking here) and they need help. We are now worried that our house prices are dropping. But at least we have houses and food. Lucky us! Doris and her relations are not so lucky. Doris has been located amongst the devastation of the last few months. Thank You. Doris could be your daughter. The t-shirt says ... Read the full story

Auditor sought ... and a meeting By Geoff Hodgkinson, Co-Editor

April 8, 2008: This nice colurful poster landed in our inbox today from Exbourne and Jacobstowe Parish Council, which is looking for a a new auditor. If you fancy helping your local community why not give Peter Savage a call? Click the pic to download a larger version of the poster. The Annual Parish Meeting is to be held on May 28th at Exbourne Village Hall starting at 19:30. All parishioners are encouraged to come along. If you have any items for the agenda please let Peter Savage know at least 2 weeks before the meeting (see poster for phone number).

Dan, the fish man, returns to the sea. By Neil Price, Co-Editor

April 3, 2008: Dan a favourite character of Hatherleigh Market is heading back to the sea on the on the Ocean Challenge. RNLI volunteer and local fish merchant, Dan Garnett from Clovelly is planning an extraordinary sailing adventure that he hopes will benefit both him and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). He's taking part in the final leg of a round-the-world yacht race! In 2008 he will be joining the Clipper fleet in the Caribbean and racing first to New York and then across the notorious North Atlantic to Liverpool. Dan will be at sea for 50 days and will sail more than 5,000 miles. Dan is hoping to prove that despite turning 50 this year, he's got plenty of fight left in him. He also hopes that the intensive training he will have to put in for the Clipper 07-08 race will inspire others to give to the RNLI's Train one, save many crew training ... Read the full story

Radio for Dennis By Geoff Hodgkinson, Co-Editor

April 1, 2008: Dennis Bater tells us that he is due to make an 'appearance' on Radio Devon's early morning show on Friday to talk about his new book. He's been asked to attend at 7.30am, so expect him 'on air' being interviewed by host Dominic Busby sometime between then and Judi at 9.

The Oboe Band By Neil Price, Co-Editor

March 31, 2008: The four talented musicians that are The Oboe Band, an Ensemble in Residence at the Royal College of Music, gave an outstanding performance of classical music at the Community Centre on Saturday evening, 29 th March. The programme contained a wide range of works including pieces by Handel, Purcell and Bach. Their rich and varied repertoire was enjoyed by an audience of nearly 100. An example of their music can be heard at www.theoboeband.com/music/purcellbouree.mp3 . Alan Beaman

Court Leet and Court Baron By Neil Price, Co-Editor

March 26, 2008: Our Lord of the Manor of Hatherleigh – Deb Laing-Trengove held her Court Leet and Court Baron in the George Hotel on 25 th March. Present were Steward – Geoffrey Cleverdon, Bailiff – Jerome Toomey, Tithing Man – Brian Abell, Treasurer – Sue Gill, Town Crier – Ros Chard, Scavenger and Pig Driver – Ro Skelton, Sealer and Searcher of Hides – Jake Skelton, Bill Poster – Richard Chappell. Gary Bush was appointed the new Portreeve and Russell Molyneux was appointed Reeve. Jane Fawcett represented the Ale Tasters. Also present were visiting Manorial dignitaries from Newton Abbott. After the appointment of a Jury of local residents several Plaints and Presentments were discussed, including improved signage around the Town, fouling by dogs and the introduction of a local green compost scheme. The conclusions of the Jury were that with regard to signage, local businesses and organisations might be approached to help fund the project. On dog ... Read the full story

Even more about 'Hatherleigh' By Geoff Hodgkinson, Co-Editor

March 25, 2008: Our contact at Pindar supplied this information: "The Hashim family who owned the fleet through their company Boston Putford and Boston Offshore were from Devon originally I think and they changed the names of their boats to the names of Devon villages. Our original name was the Suffolk Punch and there were other horse names such as Suffolk Colt. The Hatherleigh had sister ships called Umberleigh, Winkleigh, Chudleigh and other 'leigh names. We bought her after the rules governing oil rig standby vessels changed and the Boston fleet was sold on or scrapped." FOOTNOTE: It's worth checking Boston Putford in G*****, in particular this link. AND, is this another part of the story? AND here's another pic! AND FINALLY! (PS: G***** 'hatherleigh trawler' for lots more).