Can You Help With Our Jubilee Celebrations?

The next organising meeting for our Jubilee planning is to be held on 15th February at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Every villager is welcome to come along and contribute ideas, thoughts and even offer help. There is NO COMMITTEE, save for a Chairman to keep us focused, a Secretary to keep us informed and a Treasurer to keep us in funds! Do come and join in. There will be further meetings on 13th March and 10th April, both in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Jubilee logo: and the winner is ...

The villagers of Exbourne asked children from Exbourne School to design a logo for use on literature and posters for the Jubilee 2012 fundraising and celebration events. The winner was Jemma Young aged 10 (left, with her winning design). Her prize is a family ticket for Okehampton New Carlton Cinema, which is to be presented to Jemma by Olly Brereton who organised the competition. Exbourne has also started a significant fundraising campaign for its celebration of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The first weekend in June is planned to be one of celebration and entertainment!! The fundraising programme included the Barn Dance already held in the Village Hall (see story below). The next dates are the Vinyl Disco on Saturday 11th February, a Jumble Sale on the 18th February and a Bangers and Mash evening on Saturday 10th March, to include a Royal themed quiz. There's also a WI Coffee Morning on Saturday 24th March. All are in the Village Hall. Please look out for details and support these events. (PS: If you want to show your friends and relatives what Exbourne is planning, you can download the full version of the logo by clicking the image above right.)

November EJ Council Minutes on Line

The minutes of the Exboure and Jacobstowe Parish Council meeting held November 30th 2011 are now available here.

Jubilee Fund boosted by Barn Dance

Exbourne Village Hall resounded to the sound of dancing feet and country music at Saturday nights barn dance. It was held to raise funds to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee in June. Mike and Bonnie Stenning organised the evening and are very pleased to report that £250 was raised after paying expenses. Mike said "We are delighted with the response to the evening and to see everyone enjoying themselves" Over 50 people filled the hall dancing to the calls by Jerry and Alison Turner of Chilsworthy. Children through to the more mature joined in and made the evening one to remember. Watch out for the programme of further fundraising events and Jubilee weekend celebrations which will be published very soon.

Barn Dance

A Barn Dance is taking place this Saturday 14th January in Exbourne Village Hall starting at 7.30pm, in aid of the Jubillee Celebrations planned for later this year. It's a 'bring-and-share' supper and a 'bring-your-own' drinks night. Tickets are £5 in advance from either the shop (Friday am) or Mike Stenning - ring 851507. Tickets £6 on the door subject to availability, and £2.50 for children.

The Shop gets its Lid

Despite bad weather and impending holidays, many loads of concrete arrived on site as planned to be pumped onto the roof of The Burrow on the Thursday before Christmas. A couple of tiny glitches did not stop our intrepid builders, who sloshed and squirted and raked for most of the day until the roof was successfully laid. Here for the record is the view over the top (that's the Red Lion behind) as the action took place.

Merry Xmas to all our Readers

With Darlene Love bouncing once more off the office wall here's a simple but heartfelt message from all of us here at hatherleigh.net to readers everywhere: we wish you all a Happy Christmas and everything you wish yourselves for the coming New Year.

To get into the spirit, we went Carolling this week in Exbourne and Hatherleigh. Exbourne proved damp and windy but Carols were duly sung at strategic points around the village. Mince Pies appeared at one point and Jane's hospitality later proved even more welcome, with her Aga being a useful way of drying out damp songsheets. Our first picture left is of her and husband Rod on their doorstep.

Hatherleigh on Thursday proved just as much fun, although it was more difficult to find the choir. Eventually, they were located near the Bridge and we were coerced into joining in along South Street. This was easy at first although the keys seemed to get lower as we went higher! Right is a picture from half way up South Street.

But there was a cunning plan! Waiting for us at the big house at the top was a nice glass of port and we sang carols in Brad's kitchen as a way of saying thanks. A quick trip then across the road (where we embarrassed a former President) was followed by a visit to the even bigger house, where party guests and we gathered round a super Christmas Tree and sang even more heartily, fortified by more food and wine (see left). Thanks everyone! Merry Christmas!

Underground Shop on Target

En route to meet Santa (see below) we stopped off at Exbourne's latest project, the underground shop aka - The Burrow - which is roughly one third way through its building programme. Walls are built and the shop space is now filled with scaffolding as rafters and beams go in to support the roof (see photo). A 300mm layer of concrete will be pumped on top of this on Thursday next week to make the building weatherproof. This will be allowed to 'cure' over the holiday period, enabling builder Mark Hedges and his crew to continue work in the New Year. Mark tells us he's more or less on schedule. The Burrow team say they hope to be opening in time for the Queen's Jubilee on June 4th.

Santa's in The Burrow!

A surprise quest walked into The Burrow Community Shop in Exbourne this morning and proceeded to hand out gifts to children from the Exbourne pre-School who had fortuitously gathered there just minutes earlier! Santa left his reindeer outside the Exbourne Village Hall and we got a unique shot of him entering the building, which we'll publish sometime soon. Inside, shoppers and coffee drinkers looked on in amazement as he sat himself down on the stage and called up each child by name to receive a present. He then went walkabout and we snapped him talking to 94 year old Marguerite Woodward from Belstone, a close friend of Sally Hordern, one of the driving forces behind The Burrow underground shop which is now being built in the village (see story above). That's her on the left, with Sally's husband Hugh on the right. The Burrow serves excellent bacon and egg sandwiches and is open three times each week to shoppers, including every Friday morning. It will move into the new underground shop (see above) when that's finished sometime around June 2012.

Candlelight Christmas Carol Serivce

On Monday 19th December at 7.00pm there will about 50 minutes of congregational and choir singing together with some Christmas readings in St Mary's Parish Church Exbourne. All re welcome and there will be no collection. Do come and join us and soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Please note: The date given in the Parish Pump is incorrect.

Council Minutes for October online

The October minutes deal with finance, fences and a Jacobstowe bus shelter, amongst many other items. Read them here.

Santa asks Kath what gifts to bring

Exbourne, Sampford Courtenay and Jacobstowe WI had a Christmas stall at Charter Hall, Okehampton on 26th October, courtesy of Okehampton Rotary Club at their Christmas Coffee Morning. They raised just under £115!! There was good WI fayre on sale, with chutneys, jams, and Christmas mincemeat, Christmas presents for all the family and a lucky dip at 50p a go. Jane Stewart Exbourne, Sampford Courtenay and Jacobstowe WI President said "We are truly grateful to Okehampton Rotary for giving us the opportunity to raise much needed funds and we say a huge 'thank you' to them. Also a big 'thank you' to all our members who helped in all sorts of ways to make the morning such a success" It was a busy morning for all the stalls, with great coffee and mince pies on offer along with entertainment which included of course Santa, who visited the WI stall and asked their longest serving member, Mrs Kath Neno, what she wanted for Christmas!

September Council Minutes online

Covering playing fields, weathercocks, speed limits and lots more besides. Find the minutes here.

Pudding Day for WI

The sun shone and the WI cooked................ puddings!! The bunting looked a treat and the tables were decked with flowers, folk came and ate cream teas and bought puddings............... WHY? The Exeter Leukaemia Fund (Elf) launched a Pudding Day in Devon for 2011 and Exbourne Sampford Courtenay and Jacobstowe WI ladies responded by holding their own event on behalf of the fund. Cream teas were enjoyed and pudding bought, crumbles, pies and bread puddings, profiteroles and trifles were all available with cakes and shortbread too. Along with really good bargains of good quality bric a brac. Nearly £340 was raised and a good afternoon was had by all. Mrs Neno, the longest serving member of this WI Branch, said "I have thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and I am pleased is was so well supported". Mrs Neno's Daughter, Margaret, died of Leukaemia two years ago to the day of the Pudding Day fundraiser, held County wide by Exeter Leukaemia Fund. The WI Brach wishes to say thank you to every one who attended and to those who made donations.

Margaret Ride Raises £658

For the second year Margaret Weeks completed a Sponsored Bike Ride in aid of BBC Radio Devon's Air Ambulance Appeal. Starting from Okehampton Railway Station she continued along the Granite Way to the Castle Hotel at Lydford, then returned along the same route a distance of 20 miles. She was accompanied by husband Dave and for part of the trip by Roy her collie dog. The picture shows the trio arriving at Meldon village. Margaret has been pledged £658 for this worthy charity. Grateful thanks to everyone for their generous support.

Flu Jabs on the 11th

Flu Vaccinations will be taking place on TUESDAY 11th OCTOBER, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the Village Hall. All patients of Okehampton Medical Centre over the age of 65, plus carers and those with specific problems, are invited to attend. Please support our Medical Centre staff and save yourself having to travel to Oke. Tea/Coffee/Biscuits provided.

English Heritage Open Day

Exbourne Local History Group participated in its second English Heritage Open Day project recently. The theme this year was "Exbourne 100 years ago". The Lord of the Manor's record book was available for inspection together with Parish and Parish Council minute books. Extracts from Church death, birth and marriage records from 1906 - 1914 were exhibited. 1911 George V Coronation mugs were also on display. Children from the Church of England Primary School, under the direction of the Head Teacher, Mrs Julie Luckhurst, re-enacted a 1911 lesson during the afternoon (see picture right). Refreshments, including cream teas, were served by ladies of the History Group. The event was appreciated by those who attended, including visitors from neighbouring parishes.

Various updates from Lorraine

Phew! Lorraine Aagaard has been busy (as usual!) She sent the Flu story above and asked us to publish the following:

Bike and Stride: On Saturday 10 th September, Martie the dog and owners, who took part in the Devon Historic Church Trust's Bike and Stride Day, which raised £198. There is still time to sponsor if you wish. The Church is grateful for this support as a few years ago they provided a grant to help restore the Stained Glass Window in the Church.  Well done Marti.

Harvest Supper: Saturday 17th September saw Exbourne celebrate its Harvest Supper, the evening being rounded off with a cheerful singing of The Ten Days of Harvest in rounds. On the Sunday we celebrated our Harvest Service with visiting preacher Rev. Suzanna Metz who preached on 'The Harvest in Rural Areas'. The Choir sang a Harvest Anthem. Our thanks to those who decorated the Church.

Exbourne Village Hall: There's a Jumble Sale on Saturday 1st October at 2.15 p.m.  Have a good clear out before the Winter, and then come along to grab a bargain, a cup of tea and a chat with friends whilst waiting for the Draw.Usual stuff; donations on the day from 10.30 a.m. until 12 noon. Proceeds to Hall Funds for much needed maintenance. The Hall had a recent Enviromental Health Officers visit and passed with flying colours, which is a credit to all who help to keep it looking and being as clean as it is. Thank you for your support in hiring the Hall and  helping to keep it open. We hope next year to have a Grand Refurbishment Plan.

Board of Business? There is a board in the Hall for all local Business's but it is very out of date. Please let Lorraine have a short resume of your business so we can get it updated.

July Council minutes

Online now here. They include financial stuff, an update on roaming dogs, an MID for some major works and an update on the proposed playing fields crossing.

Burrow pix on line

More images of the Ground Breaking ceremony are here

Angie Digs to Victory!!

An Exbourne gradener has won a major Trophy at a local show after many years of trying. Angie Milsom Smith exhibited many winning entries in the annual Iddesleigh Show on Bank Holiday Saturday, beating last year's winner, Graham Ward, to the prized cup. She had a place in almost every category she entered and won an additional cup for winning the flower section. Her outstanding results meant that she had the most points for the whole show. Angie said "I have submitted entries for 7 years and I am delighted to have won the trophy at last" There was an excellent turnout despite the unseasonal weather and competitors showed some remarkable produce and flowers. Additionally there were preserves and cakes, photography, needlework and crafts and children's competitions.

The Burrowing begins

Cloudy skies and a gentle south westerly breeze did not stop more than 40 souls witnessing the Blessing for the Breaking of the Ground on which (actually under which) the new Exbourne shop known as The Burrow will be built. The first sods - actually three in all - were dug by the Chair of Exbourne and Jacobstowe Community Association Ltd (EJCAL) Marie Winkler (left) Priest in Charge of Hatherleigh, Meeth, Northlew, Jacobstowe and Exbourne the Reverend Ruth Hansford (right) and Methodist Minister Reverend Philip Wagstaff following the blessing by Ruth and a short speech from Philip. The EJCAL Committee have worked for 9 years to raise money for the project so this is the culmination of a lengthy and sometimes arduous process. The work of building the Burrow now lies in the hands of Builder Mark Hedges Construction Ltd. It's estimated that it will be completed in 36 weeks which should mean the underground shop will be open for the Queen's Jubilee on June 4th 2012. Pictures online here. UPDATE: Sally Hordern, one of the founders of the underground shop concept, asks us to add the following: "Can you mention that David Fisher of Plunkett was present. He and his organisation have been particularly helpful and have bent overbackwards to help sort out some of our problems. They have given us a grant of £20k and have been wonderful in extending their deadline for us."

100 years ago

For the 2nd consecutive year the Exbourne Local History Group is participating in the English Heritage Open Days. The theme this year is "Exbourne 100 Years Ago". The event takes place in Exbourne Village Hall on Saturday 10th September from 11.30 am to 6 pm. Admission is free. There will be various records on display from the Parish Council, Church and School dated around the period of 1911. Other exhibits include various censuses and extracts from local papers of that period. The Head Teacher of the School has agreed to arrange for some pupils to perform a re-enactment of a 1911 class during the day. Hopefully there will be some local photographs and memorabilia from King George V Coronation which took place in 1911. Light refreshments will be available from mid-day and cream teas will be served from 2.30pm onwards. ELHG welcomes visitors, especially those with some past connection with Exbourne.

The Burrow is being dug!

The Exbourne & Jacobstowe Community Association Limited are delighted to confirm that, after nine years of fundraising, the Burrow build will start on Monday, 5th September.  There will be a small ceremony of blessing by the Rev. Ruth Hansford and the Rev. Philip Wagstaff at 11 a.m.  You are warmly invited to come along to the ceremonial first dig, which will be followed by refreshments in the Village Hall.