WI Plea

July 25th 2010 - Margaret Weeks wrote: We have had some correspondence from North Tawton WI with information about two events that they are holding. As we do not have a meeting in August, this is the only way that members can be informed, especially about the August event. They are celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Devon Federation of WI's, with a traditional Tea Party, to which all are welcome. It is on Sunday 15th August at 3pm to 5.30pm in North Tawton Town Hall. There will also be an exhibition of NT members' arts, crafts and memorabilia. Tickets are £5. Please let me know as soon as possible, on 851379, if you would like to go and I will obtain tickets. They are also presenting an Antiques Valuation evening with Christopher Hampton of Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood, Exeter. That will take place on Friday 29 th October at 6.30pm in North Tawton Rugby Club. Tickets £12.50 to include a hot supper, dessert, tea, coffee or soft drink and valuation of one item (extra valuations £5 each). Bring your own wine. There will be a raffle for the Devon Air Ambulance. We can decide on the Valuation Evening at our first meeting in September, but I would be grateful to hear from anyone wishing to go to the Tea Party ASAP.

The Hills are Alive ...

19th July 2010 - Sally Hordern writes: On Saturday night the hills of Exbourne were quite literally alive with the sound of music! A most successful Barn Dance was held at Coxwell Farm by kind invitation of Rob and Janet Phipps. Walter Shortage and his Hosepipe Banned played their hearts out as over 150 adults and children danced the evening away. One member of the band said it was a joy to take part in a real old-fashioned Barn Dance held in a barn on a working farm. A lamb, kindly donated by Rob and Janet, was spit-roasted and a mass of barbecue food was rapidly dispatched! Cakes and ice-cream followed – with the adults enjoying the ice-cream in cones, just as much as the children! The event was held in aid of three Exbourne Community Organisations, the Pre-school, the Shop project and the Playing Field. Committee members of all three groups would like to thank all those who attended the dance, cooked and donated food, helped organise the dance and in particular those who were unable to attend but made some generous donations. A very warm ‘thank you' to Rob and Janet for their enormous generosity and kindness. We hope that the other two and four-legged occupants of the farm were not too traumatised by the event and will continue laying their eggs, producing their milk and peacefully grazing the grass! This was a real across the community event encompassing all ages and enjoyed equally by those who danced and those who just watched. A very big thank you to all concerned. Some expenses are still due in but it is hoped to distribute just under a thousand pounds to the three community organisations.

Jumble raises £500

15th July 2010 - Lorraine Aagard writes: Exbourne once again pulled out all the stops to Fund Raise last Saturday. Our Jumble Sale for Help for Heroes and Hall Maintenance raised £520, which was truly amazing. The Hall Committee would like to sincerely thank all those who helped and supported this event. We had some very good quality stalls, an extremely good Draw and the support we received from far and wide was wonderful.  We are pleased to say that £420 has gone to Help the Heroes and £100 for Hall Maintenance.  We are so grateful for those who support these events, which help keep our Village Hall functioning and also help people who are less fortunate than us.

Visit Shelterbox with the W.I.

July 12th 2010 - Sandra Luxton writes: Exbourne, Jacobstowe and Sampford Courtenay W.I. have arranged an outing on Wednesday 4th.August,2010 to the Shelterbox Charity base at Helston followed by an afternoon visit to Trelissick Gardens which overlooks the Fal estuary and contains a huge array of plant species.  Travel is by coach leaving at 8.30.am, returning by 6pm.    There are a few seats remaining and if you would like to join these ladies and their spouses please contact Margaret Weeks - 851379 or Sandra Luxton - 851261.    Coach travel is £10.50 per head and garden admission to non National Trust members £6.30.per person. 

How much is that Doggie in the Window?

3rd July 2010: Woof Woof greeted WI members last Thursday evening as they entered Exbourne Village Hall. They were greeted by Skye the rescued rough collie who was keen to help tell the story of the Dogs Trust, Founded in 1891, Dogs Trust (formerly the National Canine Defence League) is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK. Their mission is to bring about the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.Each year they care for around 16,000 dogs at a nationwide network of 17 Rehoming Centres. No healthy dog is ever destroyed. They run subsidised neutering campaigns in areas of the UK with the most acute stray dog problems. Education Officers give thousands of classroom presentations every year. Free teaching resources are made available to all schools in the UK. The FREEDOM Project helps pet owners who are fleeing domestic violence by fostering their animals while they start a new life. The HOPE Project gives preventative veterinary care to dogs belonging to homeless people. They advise government on any matters concerning dog ownership. Claire gave a demonstration of how micro chipping is done and Skye kept everyone entertained by woofing instructions on how to fill her toy with food treats!! If you want to find out more go to http://www.dogstrust.org.uk Skye was keen for members to move onto the tea and biscuits in the hope a stray one might come her way!

Jumble Sale

3rd July 2010 - Lorraine Aagard writes: Next weekend on Saturday 10th July at 2.15 p.m. there will be a Jumble Sale in the village Hall in Aid of 'Help for Heroes' and Hall Funds. There will be all the usual quality stalls, bric a brac, books, produce and cakes, and a good draw, with refresments included in the 50p entrance. All are welcome, and we are looking forward to your support for this very worthy cause.  Jumble accepted after 10.30 a.m. on the day, or before to Lorraine.

Fete Report

3rd July 2010 - Lorraine Aagard wrote: Exbourne was blessed on Saturday 26th June with the most wonderful weather for the Combined Church and Village Fete, it was very well supported and the quality and variety of Stalls was first class. As ever the Scrumptious Tea was enjoyed by all. There was an extremely good Draw, plus a Planter Draw and a Cheese Hamper.  Sincere thanks go out to all who supported us, or helped in any way and donated goods and time on the day and before for setting up. We are extemely grateful, and are pleased to be able to say that the amazing sum of £1129 was raised. For a small Village this is a phenominal amount, so we can only express our gratitude to you all for your generosity and hope you enjoyed the afternoon.

Barn Dance at Coxwell

If you like Barn Dancing, or your children do, then come along on Saturday, 10th July to Coxwell Farm. Rob and Janet Phipps have kindly agreed to hold a Barn Dance in aid of Exbourne Pre-school and the Exbourne Shop project with a donation to the Playing Field Fund. Walter Shortage and his Hosepipe Band will be playing their hearts out – there will be a Ram Roast (kindly donated by Rob & Janet Phipps) and lots of barbecue food followed by ice-cream and cakes (adults may be permitted to partake of some ice-cream if allowed by the children!). There will also be a pay bar for those who get thirsty after dancing. Tickets cost £10 per adult and there are family tickets for £30 (two adults and up to 3 children) tickets include food. Come along – Bounce round the Barn – Live it up on Lamb - Stoke up on Sausages – Dance till the Dew hits the ground! Doors (or in this case the field) open at 6 p.m. on Saturday, 10 th July. Tickets available from the pre-school or the Burrow shop in the village hall. Queries/bookings please ring Lyndsey on 01837 851 217 or Sally on 01837 851 646. See you there!

Fete on Saturday

Lorraine just called to remind us that the Church fete is on Saturday at her place. It's a combined effort by both churches and there will be lots of scrumptious goodies to buy, including local produce, and general fun and games to take part in. The weather should be fine so let's try to beat the massive £1200+ raised last weekend at various other village events (see below).

Angie cr(e)ams them in

In a quintessential cottage garden, with the best Sunday weather so far this year, the generous folk of Exbourne gathered for the great Devon tradition…………. A Cream Tea. The teas were laid on - to raise funds for the Bowel Cancer Charity at Barnstaple Hospital - by Angie Milsom Smith in her garden at Victoria Cottage. And true to Exbourne form and the generosity of its residents over £430 was raised. Angie said “I am so pleased; it has been a wonderful afternoon. I didn't realise I could get so many people in my garden”.

Hospice Friends plan big auction

20th June 2010: More than 70 walkers joined in Exbourne's first 'Big Walk' on Sunday to raise money for the Childrens' Hospice South West. A bright sunny day greeted the walkers at 7.30am for a start at Exbourne Village Hall. The route crossed the fields to Jacobstowe Bridge, then followed the River Okement to Woodhall where it turned back to Exbourne via Farthingland Cross. Back at the Village Hall, hungry walkers were treated to a big breakfast courtesy of butcher A.L. Martin and Sons, Dunn's Dairy and Waitrose. Organiser Mike Luxton, who is also Chairman of the Parish Council, said he was delighted with the response and said that £481 had been raised. The hospice's Belstone Area Group of Friends joined in, in the form of Chairperson Angela Hammond and Committee member Edwina Hill. Angela told us that their group had so far raised in excess of £25,000, with Exbourne and Sampford Courtenay being two of their best supporters. The Hospice funds are well on the way to the £3,000,000 needed to build a third hospice but Angela pointed out that fund-raising won't stop once it's built as an equivalent amount is needed each year to run each of the three hospices. She and colleagues are undaunted by the challenge: "The key is to be creative and keep coming up with innovative ways to raise money," said Robin, Edwina's partner. Angela revealed exclusively to Hatherleigh.net that their next project will be a big auction at Jethro's restaurant in October. "Many great items will be up for grabs," she said: "Table tickets are on sale now and one of the items you can bid for will be a microlight flight alongside a Golden Eagle ... in Devon!" Our picture shows Mike (centre), with Angela (right) and Edwina (left). More pictures here.

Fauré in St Mary's

19th June 2010: Gabriel Fauré's Requiem is an emotional and complicated piece of music but the Choir of St Mary's in Exbourne performed it like professionals!, writes Pam Hodgkinson. Pie Jesu, sung by Manda King, brought tears to one's eyes with its pure beauty. Musical Director Pauline Savage and the choir worked hard and tirelessly to give such a delightful performance, with Christine Cleverdon as organist. The whole seven movements, with solos by Bill and Jennie Sutton-Coulson enthralled the audience and we look forward to the choir's next performance. The Requiem was played at Fauré 's own funeral in 1924 and his music has been used countless times in TV programmes (e.g. Morse). But in Exbourne it was not the end of things! Following the church experience, choir and audience decamped to the Village Hall for refreshments and a more light-hearted set of popular songs, including Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah and a rousing California Dreamin', reprised as an encore to complete a fine evening.

A Garden Party Rag Man !

In the June sunshine in a wonderful Devon Garden the verbal competition was intense. Amidst the fundraising by the WI a wordy competition was afoot. And the rivalry for winning position was feisty! With all the ladies engaged in entertaining their guests it was left (mainly) to the men to compete for the coveted prize. The competition was devised and set up by Mrs Ethel Nancekivell - and her skill at making the competition tough is legendary! A keen eye and a master of the anagram was needed. As competitors fought it out amongst the borders and shrubs, trying to identify the jumble of species the crucial element was knowing your birds, flowers and animals. Set on tag of white, blue or yellow card, the key was to unravel the anagram written on each. There could only be one winner, and there really could be ONLY one winner, and with great fanfare it was announced! Our own dear, revered and adored co-editor - Mr Geoffrey Hodgkinson! In an interview following the presentation Mr Hodgkinson sat stunned and amazed at his accomplishment. "Did I really win?" he cried: in fact he cried it again and again! He was assured that he had and was awarded with the pen with which he had written his winning answers, plus a notebook in which he could record his achievement! It would be safe to say that he left the event shaken and maybe a little stirred. Here's Geoff with Ethel Nancekivell. And, here's a group shot of the Exbourne WI members who attended.

Social whirl!

Exbourne folk who awoke successfully Monday knew they had survived one of the most hectic social weekends in the village for years. The annual WI Garden Party and a choir concert on Saturday were followed by the Big Walk on Sunday morning, lunch at the Red Lion for helpers and then Cream Teas at Angie's during Sunday afternoon. When we left Angie's the talk was of an informal barbecue during the evening! Reports, including pics, shortly.

50 Years' of playing

Mrs Edna Guy of Exbourne has played the organ at the Methodist Chapel in the Village for over 50 years. Her marriage to Mr Edwin Guy took place at the Chapel in 1949. She began playing there after he sons had started school and the Reverend Sharrat was in post. Back then there were four organists, including Edna, and they took it in turns. "My most favourite hymn was Thine Be The Glory, I love that hymn" she said. Edna has played for at least nine Reverends and an uncounted number of Pastors ... for Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms as well as Sunday Services and other special occasions. By the beginning of 2010 Edna was the only organist from the original group of four left playing. Edna said "I really enjoyed every time I played". Most grateful thanks must go to Edna for all her time and service for the Community of Exbourne. With over 50 years of service it must count as some kind of record.

"Exciting week" for WI

Exbourne, Sampford Courtenay and Jacobstowe Women's Institute report that is was an exciting week.  Four members travelled to Cardiff to the Annual General Meeting of the National Federation of Women's Institutes.  It was held at the Cardiff International Arena and was attended by around 5,000 members from across the country. Along with the business of the day, Adoption of Accounts, and Annual Review the Appointment of Auditors Presentation of awards and an update on the work at Denman College there was the vote on the Resolution on Public Affairs Issues.  Last year this was a SOS for honey bees which urged the Government to increase funding into research into bee health. This year the resolution was:- "This meeting urges HM Government to introduce clear and mandatory country of origin labelling on all meat, poultry and fish products sold in this country".  It was carried with over 6,000 votes For!! and 58 Against.  Members were urged to lobby their local MEP's about the crucial issue as there is to be a vote in the European Parliament on 14 June 2010. The speakers for the 2010 AGM were: Gwen Parry Jones, about her life as Heysham 1 power station Director and information on Nuclear power; Lee Durrell, the wife of the late Gerald Durrell. She is a naturalist, author, zookeeper and television presenter and she spoke about conservation and the zoo in Jersey; Tim Smit the Chief Executive and co-founder of the Eden Project and discoverer of the Gardens at Heligan.  He talked about motivation his team and his approach to life;  The Rt Hon John Bercow MP Speaker of the House of Commons who through video link said that "The Women's Institute is more in touch with modern Britain than the House of Commons". The final guests were the Choir Only Men Aloud who had the audience on their feet with applause.  They joined members in singing Jerusalem, Land of My Fathers (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau) and the National Anthem. Additionally at their monthly meeting at Exbourne Village Hall, the speaker was Nicky Craig, Beekeeper (pictured), on keeping and looking after bees.  It was very interesting and informative talk, outlining everything to do with the bee, hives and the problems faced by beekeepers currently.  She was sincerely thanked by Mrs Pearl Ayton, President.

£500 raised for Hospice by Coffee

Okehampton Town and Country Ladies Group report that they held their Annual Coffee Morning in Exbourne Village Hall on Thursday morning, 3 June.  This was in aid of the Children's  Hospice South West.  Angela Hammond (pictured) representing the Hospice had a table of products to sell on its behalf.  The T&C Ladies filled the hall with plants and cakes for sale and held a raffle to raise funds for this very worthy cause. Lucky entry tickets had been sold prior to the event, and were available at the door. Over a hundred were sold and the lucky winner was Mrs Pearl Ayton from Exbourne, who won a basket of vegetables and included a chicken for roasting to make a full meal for two. The raffle was very popular and a wide variety of prizes were given away. The final figure has yet to be confirmed but the coffee morning raised well over £500!!  This does not include monies raised by Angela with the Hospice products. Angela said "I am absolutely delighted with what the ladies have raised, it has been a very successful morning" The Okehampton Town and Country Ladies group meet monthly, at the Ockment Centre, and they a wide variety of speakers and subjects.  Coming up they include, Antiques, Butchery and the Prison Service. If you wish to find out more, or become a member, please contact Nancy Cleary, Chairman, 01566 783100

Tiny Teds join Police

Fun loving 0-5's welcome for a morning of playing, making and creating. On the last Saturday of every month 10-11.30am at Exbourne Pre-School, Methodist Chapel Hall, Fore Street, Exbourne. Check www.exbournepreschool.co.uk for session details. Dads....give Mum a break and come and join in. Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Carers are all welcome. Suggested donation of £2.00 per family. Next session Saturday 26th June. The theme ... ’Emergency Services’ – including a visit from a lady police officer. There will be goody bags & stickers for the children, plus the chance to dress up, & climb aboard a Police Land Rover! All this plus much more!

Shelterbox Visit for WI

Mrs Pearl Ayton, President, Exbourne Sampford Courtenay and Jacobstowe Women's Institute tells us: "Mr and Mrs Tim Townsend Green have invited the Exbourne Sampford Courtenay and Jacobstowe Women's Institute to hold a Garden Party in their garden at Southey Farm, Sampford Courtenay on Saturday 19 June at 2pm. The proceeds will be divided between Shelterbox and the WI. Mrs Pearl Ayton, President, said at the WI monthly meeting "We hope to raise a substantial sum and our members will be visiting the Shelterbox premises in August when they will be presented with the proceeds" As well as being able to explore the wonderful gardens at Southey, there will be cakes and plants on sale as well as a raffle. Any contributions would be most welcome and will be received on the day."

Exbourne Local History Group News

The Buildings Working Group: Sue Rose, Gaye Langham, Nick Kenealy and Geoff Hodgkinson are, initially, researching the history of 12 houses in Exbourne. Each one was linked at some point to a trade or business. They are:

• Parade Cottages, Holmeswell, Ruddle House,
• The Tumbles, Pentice Lane, The Downs and Town Living,
• Elm House, Parade House, Higher Town Living,
• Wilhay, Guy's Bakery, The Bible Chapel

It is planned that information discovered will be highlighted for a guided walk and display to be held on Saturday 11th September 2010, in Exbourne, as part of our participation in 'English Heritage Open Days'. We do hope that both the current and previous owners/occupiers of these houses, (as well as anyone who may remember them when they were business premises) would be willing to share their information and memories with the Group. This will complement the research the group are already carrying out. If you can help, do please get in touch, with the Group Secretary, Rose Williams by phone 01837851426 or email rosewilliams26@btinternet.com

Exbourne Charity Walk

Mike Luxton writes: "On Sunday 20th June there is an opportunity to enjoy an early morning leisurely walk in company through the attractive scenery of Exbourne and Jacobstowe parish, indulge in a social breakfast and, more importantly, financially assist a long standing and deserving children's charity - the Children's Hospice S.W. Starting at 7.30.am from the village square, walkers will cross countryside towards Jacobstowe where they will meet the river Okement. Turning right along the river bank to Woodhall they then turn right again, and so back to Exbourne village Hall for an English breakfast. The walk should take just over an hour. Children and dogs under control welcome. The walk is free but there will be a charge of £5 per head for the meal (children under 5 free). This is a 'first' for Exbourne, so please help us make it a success. A.L. Martin & Sons, Waitrose and Dunns Daries are ensuring that every penny raised will benefit the Hospice. If unable to participate but wishing to donate contributions may be passed to the undersigned. Join us for breakfast even if you can't join us for the walk. Tickets from Margaret Weeks 851379 or Mike Luxton 851261.

Cream Teas on Sunday

Angie Milsom Smith writes: "Come and enjoy an afternoon in a wonderful Devon Cottage Garden. Treat Dad (and Mum) to a Cream Tea on Sunday 20th June. In fact everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a Cream Tea at Angies, Victoria Cottage, Duck Lane, Exbourne. Cream Teas, with home made scones, will be available between 2pm and 5pm at a cost of £3.50. There will also be plants for sale. All proceeds to  Bowel Cancer, Barnstaple Hospital. More than 37,500 men and women are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK every year, making it the third most common cancer.  It is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK. 97% of all diagnoses are in people over the age of 50 but 90% of cases can be treated successfully if diagnosed early. Come along and support this worthwhile cause. Directions: If you face the front of the Village Hall in Exbourne, Duck Lane is on your right; Victoria Cottage is just past the orchard on the left of the lane.".

Jacobstowe raises £623 for Olli's adventure

David Weeks wrote: "Parishioners of Jacobstowe organised a Coffee Morning on Saturday in Jacobstowe Church to raise funds in support of local lad, Oliver Hancox, who is to make an attempt to sail across the English Channel.  Olli's challenge is to raise £10,000 for Cancer Research UK in memory of his Dad who died of cancer in 2008.  The coffee morning was a fantastic community event which was also supported by people from outside Jacobstowe. Button holes were sold, there was a competition to guess the weight of a home made fruit cake, a large cake stall, plus the usual other stalls helped make the morning a huge success.  A magnificent sum of £623 was handed over to boost Olli's target.  I big 'thank you' is extended to all who supported this event."

Thanks from Thailand

Greg Player, Practice Administrator Phangan Animal Care (PAC) has sent his thanks to Freddy Mabel and Baggy, Jane and Angie and their supporters in Exbourne who raised a fantastic £227 (nearly 12,000 Thai baht) to support the care provided at the centre. The money was raised by siblings Freddy and Mabel (both Terriers) and Baggy a Labrador in a sponsored walk from Broadwoodkelly to Exbourne in April this year. Greg wrote: "The money will make a huge difference - this donation alone is more than we had in the whole of March! So its really appreciated. The average cost of treatment for an animal here is around 400 Thai baht (cost of medicine etc). Therefore, your donation will allow us to treat about 30 animals. I'd just like to thank you all personally for raising such a huge amount of money and it will a great help to all the Cats and Dogs on the Island. A big thank you again. Greg and the PAC team." Greg is shown here left, with Sam Cutts who presented the money on behalf of Exbourne.

Tiny Teds Saturday Fun Session

Diana Clough, Exbourne Tiny Teds Parent & Toddler Group Leader, writes: "Funloving 0-5's are welcome to come along for a morning of playing, making and creating on the last Saturday of every month at 10-11.30am at Exbourne Pre -School, Methodist Chapel Hall. Mums, Grandparents and Carers are all welcome. Dads....why not give Mum a break and come and join in too! Suggested donation of £2.00 per family is all we ask in return. Our next session is on Saturday 29th May titled 'Monster Fun'. Check www. exbournepreschool.co. uk for session details. Or 01837 811 202.

Exbourne & Jacobstowe's Community Market

May 12th 2010, Keri Quertier writes: The Exbourne & Jacobstowe Community Association are holding the first of their bi-annual community markets for this year, on Saturday, 5 th June from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Exbourne Village Hall is the venue for the famous Big Breakfast and the market. Come along and have an early summer browse through a variety of stalls selling locally produced meat, cakes, pies, vegetables, delicious chocolates, jewellery, pottery, local crafts and stained glass. Everybody welcome.

Patronal Festival

May 5th 2010, Sally Hordern writes: "For hundreds of years St Mary's Church has been the heart of Exbourne so we are having a Celebration in worship and song. Everyone is most welcome to come along to our annual PATRONAL FESTIVAL marking the founding of the Church, its dedication to the Virgin Mary, and its links to the school and community of Exbourne. The Festival is on Sunday, 30th MAY at 11.00am. Officiating will be Rev. Philip Sourbutt and Prof. Michael Winter. St. Thomas's Church Choir and St. Mary's Church Choir will be in attendance, along with Choir Leader Pauline Savage and Organist Christine Cleverdon. There will be a Buffet Lunch afterwards in the Village Hall. Tickets in advance for the buffet lunch from Sally Hordern 01837 851 646. Please book by Tuesday, 25 th May - £10 per person, including a glass of wine. Residents of Exbourne, Jacobstowe, Meeth, Northlew, Hatherleigh, friends, relatives and visitors – ARE ALL WELCOME. We hope to see you there!"

Jacobstowe Boy sails for £10,000

David Weeks wrote: 14 year old Oliver Hancox from Jacobstowe is attempting to become the youngest person to sail single-handed across the English Channel.  The 115 mile crossing from Plymouth to Roscoff is planned for later this month in a 5 meter Silhouette Mk 11 Hurley called "Cariad" which in Welsh means "Love".  Oliver hopes to raise £10000 for Cancer Research UK in memory of his father, Neil, who died in 2008. Oliver said, "Cancer affects so many people and I hope to raise £10,000 for Cancer Research, as well as boost awareness of the charity and its work. My Dad  always loved adventure and this seems to have been passed down to me." Residents of Jacobstowe say: "Oliver is an inspiration and we are very proud of him" - and are organising a Coffee Morning to help his target. It takes place in Jacobstowe Church on Saturday 15 May from 9.30am to 12 noon.  There will be a cake stall, raffle, bric-a-brac, etc.  Further details of this event from Heather Edwards on 851 388.

A Close Run Thing

April 28th 2010: Exbourne WI reports that it was a close finish in the Group competition of local WI's. Exbourne, Jacobstowe and Sampford Courtenay WI came 2nd, with Iddesleigh winning top slot. The competition was hosted this year by Iddesleigh WI and the talk was by Mr Donnie Campbell about the Jurassic Coast. Sadly the group of WI's has dwindled to just three: included with the others already mentioned is Bratton Clovelly. Hatherleigh, Inwardleigh and Monkokehampton used to be involved, and it is still called the 'Hatherleigh Group'. The coveted prize for winning WIs in competitions is an embroidered banner, made by the WI's and dating back some years. It is framed to protect it. As Iddesleigh also won last year the banner stays in its pride of place in their village hall! The competition items were:- A sculpture in driftwood no taller than 18 inches, a seaside photo in hand decorated shell frame (any size) and an individual fish pate. Iddesleigh scored 23 points, Exbourne 21 points and Bratton Clovelly 16 points. Pictured is the EJ+SC entry.

New Head

The Governors of Exbourne Church of England Primary School are delighted to announce that they have appointed Mrs Julie Luckhurst as the new head teacher. She will take up the post in September. Mrs Luckhurst is currently a deputy head in Exeter and before that was head at West and East Putford.

ELH takes off

April 27th 2010 - Margaret Weeks writes: A well attended meeting of the Exbourne Local History Group took place in the village hall on Tuesday 20 April.   The chairman welcomed everyone and the guest speaker was from the North Devon Museum, Julian Vayne.   He gave a very interesting talk about the Explore North Devon website, which the group will be able to use. After tea and biscuits, the business was dealt with, which included reports on the recording of local residents, the records of listed buildings in the parish and provisional details of the Heritage Open Day, which takes place on Saturday 11 September. The next meeting will be held in the village hall on Tuesday 18 May at 7.30pm. New members are most welcome to attend. The group are looking for photographs of local events and memorabilia. Photographs will be scanned and the originals returned to the owners within days. So anybody with connections of Exbourne, both past and present, please telephone the group secretary, Mrs Rose Williams on 01837 851426.

50 Years of Weeks

April 15, 2010: Jane Stewart writes: You know when Spring is on its way when Dave and Margaret Weeks appear at your door collecting the Cancer Research UK envelopes. What you may not be aware of is that they have been doing it for 40 years!! To mark this amazing achievement they have been presented with badges to mark their 40th year. During the 70's, their collection typically raised £50. Back then Margaret would ride to the outer reaches of the Parish by horse; now she travels on foot or by bike! This year the total raised was £576, to which Gift Aid will be added. The Cancer Research Campaign Committee for Okehampton and District was formed in 1955. Local Parishes were asked to join in and that is when Mr and Mrs Lewis Weeks, Dave's parents, started the collection in Exbourne Parish. Therefore, the collection in Exbourne has been undertaken by the Weeks family for well over 50 years! Later the Cancer Research Campaign joined forces with Cancer Relief and the Charity became the one we know today, Cancer Research UK. Okehampton and District currently raise, annually, around £6,000 from collections and legacies.

Global Gourmet Evening

April 18, 2010: Sally Horden writes "On entering the marquee, a glass of wine and various nibbles greeted guests arriving for a gourmet evening of food from around the world. They were then ushered into the Village Hall which was decked with various flags representing the countries whose food they were about to taste. A packed hall was treated to a most amusing monologue by Maggie Brady. She then introduced the five chefs using a variety of titles which surprised the chefs themselves! Guests then partook of dishes from Morocco, Hungary, Spain, India, Greece and Russia. The tickets said eat as much as you like, and everybody did – coming back for second, third and even fourth helpings. The desserts were as varied as the main courses and Olga Brereton cooked Russian Oladyees on the spot, served hot with local honey and sour cream. A light-hearted quiz followed the meal. The magnificent sum of £660 was raised by the event. The Exbourne & Jacobstowe Community Association would like to thank all those who attended and supported the evening, special thanks to the cooks and those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and in particular to Maggie Brady who compared the evening so well. The next event to be organised by the Community Association will be the Community Market on Saturday morning, 5th June. Please come along and support your local producers."

Two Villages Walk

April 10, 2010: Jane Stewart reports: The Annual Two Villages walk between Broadwoodkelly and Exbourne took place on Saturday 3 April. The weather was kind on the first three and a half mile leg from Broadwoodkelly to Exbourne, and a feast of delicious homemade food awaited the walkers at Exbourne Village Hall ..........plus the all-important cup of tea!! However, whilst tucking into their lunch the heavens opened and the Exbourne to Broadwoodkelly leg proved very damp all the way. All the effort was rewarded, however, by splendid home-made creams teas at Broadwoodkelly Village Hall. The Annual Walk was started to forge links between the two villages and although there were fewer walkers than in previous years - probably because of the weather - old friendships were renewed and new chums made. Both Village halls benefited from the funds raised by the wonderful food provided by both villages.

Farm Crisis Network

Jane Stewart reports: The Farm Crisis Network (FCN) has been working in Devon for over 12 years, and gained a huge amount of experience and profile through the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in 2001. The Devon FCN is co-ordinated by Brian Warren, a dairy farmer from Crediton, and it has one of the highest workloads in the country.
FCN began its work in 1995. It is a UK network of groups of volunteers drawn from the farming community and rural churches. FCN volunteers are there to 'walk with' and support farming people and families as they seek to resolve their problems, whatever they may be. Brian came to the April meeting of Exbourne, Sampford Courtenay and Jacobstowe WI to give a detailed talk about the work of FCN. He outlined the facts behind working in farming today, and the difficulties farmers and their families face.
During his talk Brian explained that FCN provides pastoral and practical support to farming people during periods of anxiety and stress. Much of the work goes on quietly, and with little recognition, but its value cannot be over-estimated. The health, lives, families and the futures of many people are intact because of the care, support and friendship they have received from an FCN volunteer.
He continued with an invitation "In 2010 FCN is planning to have stands at The Devon County Show, The Mid Devon Show and Okehampton Show. Please drop by to say hello and have a cup of tea".
The WI Members showed great appreciation of the work of FCN. Mrs Ethel Nancekivell gave the vote of thanks and expressed empathy with the plight of the farming communities.
The Emergency Helpline number of the FCN is 0845 367 9990. Their web site is www.farmcrisisnetwork.org.uk and the Devon page for local information is www.farmcrisisnetwork.org.uk/Devon

No Bong!

Lorraine. Agaard, Churchwarden of St. Mary's wrote: "The Clock in Exbourne is not strking on the hour at the moment, due to an electrical fault that Smiths of Derby will rectify when they come to do the Annual Service soon. it is still strking on the quarters! Sorry for any inconvenience."

Archdeacon at St Mary's for Palm Sunday

The Venerable John Rawlings, Archdeacon of Totnes and Professor Michael Winter were outside the Red Lion bringing together the Congregation for the procession from The Red Lion to St Mary's Church. Amanda the Donkey, on loan from the Rademaker family, led the procession with The Choir and Congregation following carrying branches of laurel. Palm crosses were blessed during the service and given by the Archdeacon to everyone as they left the Church.

Playing Field AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Exbourne Playing Field Association will be held on Wednesday 5 May at 7.30pm in the village hall. At recent meetings the Association has not been quorate and so important decisions regarding the future use and development of the field have had to be postponed. Also, if the meeting is not quorate, then the annual report to the Charity Commissioners cannot be filed and the Association will be in default. Under the Articles of the charitable trust, which governs the field the Association Committee must have representatives from the Parish Church, the Methodist Church, the School, the WI and the Parish Council. The sports teams originally named on the Articles no longer exist and the Committee is proposing that the Articles be amended to reflect more accurately the modern Exbourne Community with representatives from the Pre-school, the shop, the pub and the village hall. Such decisions cannot be made unless the AGM is quorate. Please make every effort to attend the AGM and support the Committee in making the best use of this outstanding facility.

Margaret Weeks reports:

March 24th 2010: The Pre-school held a successful Saturday Cafe in the village hall on Saturday 13 March.   There was a good selection of food, including soup, quiches, jacket potatoes, ploughmans and a huge selection of desserts.  This was all for £3.80 per person.   Children from the primary school and Okehampton College acted as very proficient waitresses. A well attended service was held in St.Mary's Church for Mothering Sunday.  The service was conducted by Dr.M.Winter and the choir was in attendance.  Posies were presented to the ladies, with extra ones for other ladies in the village.  Mrs P.Ayton was presented with a surprise bouquet of flowers in appreciation for all she has done as a member of the PCC for so many years. Tuesday 16 March saw the second meeting of the newly formed Exbourne Local History Group in the village hall. The meeting was chaired by Nick Kenealy (treasurer), in the absence of the chairman. It was decided to try and record some of the memories of the older residents and also research the history of the old buildings in the village, as a start to their researches.  The North Devon Archive at Barnstaple are being very helpful with the loan of recording equipment and advice.

Tiny Teds Toddle into Exbourne

March 11th 2010: If you are a parent with a toddler and want to join a band of happy smiling faces once a week, think about the new TINY TEDS toddlers group in Exbourne. This off-shoot of the Pre-School group was launched just three weeks ago and now meets every Wednesday morning in the Methodist Church Hall. Nine toddlers already attend each week but there's lots of room for more. Tiny Teds offers fun and activities for the 0-5 age group and is attracting young Mums and their offspring from as far away as North Tawton. It's not only the Tiny Teds themselves who have fun: Mums and Carers were also enjoying themselves when we visited this week. Di Clough, their leader, is a member of the Pre-School Staff and is very experienced, with an excellent Ofsted report. Di also organises a Saturday Fun Session on the last Saturday morning of each month: surely a time for Dads to join in and give Mum some time off. We heard a rumour that Bacon Butties are on the agenda!!! For more information visit Exbourne Pre School Photo shows Danny Quartley (L), Jessica Warren (C)and Jeremy Young (R), with Tiny Teds leader Di Clough behind.

Mothering Sunday at St Mary's

The Mothering Sunday service at St Mary's in Exbourne was conducted by Michael Winter and attended by a good-sized congregation. Michael charged the youngsters in the congregation to define what our Mothers do for us. An array of suggestions were forthcoming - including cooking and cleaning - but undoubtedly the top thought was "loving us". Thanks were given to Mothers that we have lost and those that are still among us and posies were blessed and distributed by children from the congregation to all the ladies. Thanks were expressed to Lorraine and Daphne for all their hard work in putting the posies together. All things Bright and Beautiful, Make me a Channel of your Peace, Father in Heaven and Tell out, my Soul, the Greatness of the Lord were sung by the very good sized congregation. It was a United Service with the Methodist Chapel. Members of Jacobstowe Church attended also, due to Rev Ruth Hansford being ordered to take rest prior to her maternity leave. Our photo shows local mother Sue Eustace with her daughters Shona and Rebecca outside St Mary's at the service. Services next Sunday will be held at St Mary's and at the Methodist Chapel, both at 11 a.m.

Pearl's long service appreciated

During The Mothering Sunday Service at St Mary's Exbourne a presentation was made to Mrs Pearl Ayton who had retired form the Parochial Church Council at the AGM. She was sincerely thanked for her long service and wished well for the future. The congregation joined in the appreciation by a round of applause.