Ottery Gazette ISSUE No110
October 2010
4,000 copies free of charge
WINNER National Parish Magazine Awards 2009
Star performance from Ottery’s Carnival Royalty
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The Ottery St Mary’s Carnival Queen and Princesses are busy visiting East Devon Carnivals with their float called “Starry Eyed�. The unusual float has won 1st Prize at Colyton and
Axminster carnivals and 3rd Prize at Seaton. This year’s float has been wholly created by the teams of volunteers from the carnival committee and families of the girls. The magnificent stars were made by talented carpenter Les White. The carnival float entry is a vital tool for the carnival. It acts as an advert for the Ottery St Mary carnival and as a fund raiser. The money that is raised
when visiting neighbouring carnivals is split between the host carnival and the Ottery St Mary Carnival Committee. This helps to fund the carnival and tar barrel events. Ottery’s Starry Eyed Royals can be seen at Newton Poppleford Carnival on the 2nd October, Exmouth Carnival on 9th October, Honiton Carnival on the 23rd October and at our own Carnival on 30th October.
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Why not get involved in your local Carnival? Carnival Season is now upon us and Ottery St Mary’s Carnival Procession hits the town on Saturday 30th October at 7.30pm. We are currently inviting entries for the local classes.We have a local float class, local walking class for children, adults, pairs, groups and a trade class. Cash prizes and trophies are up for grabs. Just contact Steve Pearcy on 01404 811335 for an entry form. Please get involved. We have strong local support but always welcome new clubs, individuals, families and businesses. It costs nothing to enter and could help promote your organisation or business. The procession is just part of the programme of events that the Carnival Committee have organised for your enjoyment. On Sunday 10th our popular Bingo will be held again at the Football Club. Eyes down at 8.00pm. Transport can be
arranged; just contact Steve Pearcy on 01404 811335. This year’s Carnival Queen and Princess contestants are currently selling official draw tickets and holding cake stalls etc to raise funds for the Carnival. They are: Jadine Dyer, Tania Cake, Jasmine Marshall and Lauren Pearcy. Please help them by buying a draw ticket or a cake! The girls will be crowned at the Crowning Ceremony to be held in the Institute at 2.00pm on Saturday October 30th. The popular Children’s Fancy Dress will also be held at the Crowning Ceremony. We have 5 classes: Boys and Girls under 5, Five years and over, and Pairs/Groups. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th places plus sweets and rosettes for all entrants. Just come in costume and sign in at the Institute on the day. Back by popular demand is our ‘’Guy for the Bonfire Competi-
CARNIVAL CALENDAR 2010 CARNIVAL DISCO FOR KS2 CHILDREN (6-11 years) Friday 8th October at The King of Clubs (King’s Arms) from 6.30 to 8.30pm Entry £2 per child. To include a drink and snack. All children must be dropped off and collected by an adult. DIAMONDOGZ AND SKAPER (Glam Rock and Ska Tribute Bands) Saturday 9th October at The Institute from 7.00pm until late. Tickets £10 from Steve Pearcy (811335) Graham Rowland (814778) or Ottery TIC (813964) CARNIVAL BINGO Sunday 10th October at Ottery Football Club. Eyes Down 8.00pm Transport available – contact Steve Pearcy on 01404 811335
GUY FOR THE BONFIRE COMPETITION Judging at The Institute on Saturday October 30th at 2.00pm The winning Guy sits at the top of the bonfire. Prizes for the most original and best. GRAND CARNIVAL PROCESSION Starting from Finnimore Trading Estate at 7.30pm FIREWORK DISPLAY Land of Canaan at approximately 9.30pm TAR BARRELS - FRIDAY NOV 5TH Junior Barrels start at 4.00pm GRAND BONFIRE - FRIDAY NOV 5TH Lit at 6.30pm on The Millennium Green
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CHILDRENS FANCY DRESS COMPETITION Saturday 30th October at The Institute at 2.00pm. Under 5 boys, Under 5 girls, Over 5 boys, Over 5 girls, Pairs. Cash prizes. Sweets for all entrants.
STRAINS, PAINS AND STIFFNESS? Call
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Anderton and Rowland’s Funfair will be here for both the procession and Tar Barrel night. Of course, as our tradition dictates, the Tar Barells will take place on Friday November 5th starting at 4.00pm with the first junior barrel.A full programme of this year’s Tar Barrel route will be available at the end of October.This is a world famous tradition, unique to Ottery St Mary, and one that the committee is dedicated to sustaining. Our Grand Bonfire will begin to take shape on October 9th and will be lit on Friday November 5th at 6.30pm by our Vice President, Mrs Joyce Lovell. The Majority of our events are free to watch but they do cost a lot to organise. So if you enjoy yourself, please contribute to our collections so that we can do it all again next year! Every little helps. Steve Pearcy. Carnival Secretary
CARNIVAL QUEEN AND PRINCESS CROWNING CEREMONY Saturday October 30th at The Institute at 2.00pm.
CARNIVAL CAKE STALL Saturday 2nd October in the Volunteer Passage at 9.30am
Advice is always available
tion.The winning guy will sit at the top of the bonfire. Prizes for all entrants.Anyone interested please contact Steve Pearcy (811335) and bring your Guy to The Institute on October 30th by 1.30pm for judging at after 2.00pm. Teresa and Peter Young will be judging your efforts. The Queen and Princesses will lead the Procession which starts at 7.30pm from Finnimore Trading Estate and travels up Mill Street, through Broad Street, Jesu Street and disperses in Yonder Street. Entries from across East Devon, South Devon, and Somerset, along with a strong local contingent will be parading through the town for your enjoyment. Please come along and enjoy this community event. The procession will be followed by our grand Firework Display at 9.30pm on the Land of Canaan.
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COUNCIL MATTERS
The September Full Meeting received with regret the news of the resignation of John Harding as Councillor for Tipton St John Ward. East Devon District Council has been informed for the due procedure to be followed before the Council can proceed to advertise to coopt. There are also ongoing vacancies for the West Hill and North Wards. Once again may I please encourage you to consider serving your local community by serving as a Councillor? Further details can be obtained from this Office or do take the opportunity to speak to a current Councillor about what it entails at the monthly Councillors’ Surgery. The September Meeting discussed the idea of the creation of a Drop-In Centre for young people at the redundant toilets in The Old Town Hall at The Flexton. Councillor Giles has successfully bid for a grant from the Devon Safety Partnership for this proposed project. A Working Party has been set up to consider this project which will report back to the next Full Town Council Meeting. Do watch out for the leaflet from East Devon District Council (to be delivered to
each house) regarding its Local Development Framework draft Core Strategy Preferred Approach document. Although this may sound a very dry topic it is very important as it will affect planning policy up to 2026 and beyond. It is being referred to as the “Plan-It East Devonâ€? consultation and you have until the end of November to make your comments. In early September you will have seen in the press information relating to the ÂŁ22,500 held by East Devon District Council which can be spent in the Parish on sport provision. This money has been accumulated from recent housing developments (Section 106 money).You are invited to make proposals as to how this money could be spent by Friday 8th October. Please send your name, the name of your group, your contact details and information on what your proposal is, why it is important to Ottery St Mary Town Council’s Parish, information about other funding you may have and what stage your project is currently at. The Council can then contact you for further information if needed. Please send the information to Ottery Town Council by e-mail
POINT OF LAY CHICKENS LAYING 260 - 300 EGGS PER YEAR
This is a final reminder to those Organisations wishing to apply for a Grant from the Council that your application form needs to be in by 31st October. You can download a copy from the Council website or call into the Office to collect one. If your application is successful, the Grant will be awarded at the Annual Parish Meeting in April next year. This procedure allows the Council to budget more accurately for the next financial year. By the time you read this the September Councillors’ Surgery will have taken place at the Institute as part of the Community Market giving you the opportunity to raise any matters of concern. If you missed it, the next Surgery will be on Saturday 30th October so put the date in your diary now! Also please note that the October Full Council Meeting will be at Tipton St John Community Hall on Monday 4th October at 7pm. This will give those of you in the Tipton St John Ward area a chance to attend the Meeting without travelling into Ottery. Judith Reynolds Town Clerk Council Offices The Old Convent 8 Broad Street, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1BZ Telephone: 01404 812252 enquiries@otterystmary-tc.gov.uk www.otterystmary-tc.gov.uk
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at: mayor@otter ystmar ytc.gov.uk or you can post it or hand it in to Ottery St Mary Town Council, The Old Convent, 8 Broad Street, Ottery St Mary EX11 1BZ. The Council is also interested to hear your ideas on how to recognise the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Once again please contact the Council with your suggestions. Allotment tenants will know that a large part of a tree fell on the bank of the allotments some weeks ago. Landowners Redrow were contacted and the tree has now been removed. As you know, all Council Meeting Agendas are displayed in the Council Notice Boards around the Parish (there are seven in total). Those of you who live in Ottery may have noticed that the board outside Hill House has gone. In fact it has been moved further up the hill and is now on the side of The Old Town Hall near to the steps up to the Library. Some very good news is that preliminary soil sample work for the new footbridge and cycleway over the River Otter is underway. The first meeting of the Community Steering Group for the project is in early October. It is anticipated that work on construction will begin in the Spring with completion in the Autumn of 2011.
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Lots of entries in Ottery Gardening Club Autumn Show The feedback on Burrow Farm Gardens was very good and one of our members took some superb photographs. I understand that the weather was quite kind although there was a shower of rain but it didn’t seem to spoil the visit. Once again we had a very good Autumn Show with plenty of entries and visitors even though the Church Flower Festival was on at the same time. The four judges were Mr. L. Peek (Fruit & Vegetables), Mr. D. Hurford (Flowers) and new for this year Mrs. D. Capon (Culinary) and Mrs. C. Robinson (Homecraft).The results are as follows: Mr. P. Kiddle - Leslie Stark Memorial Cup, National Dahlia Society’s Silver Medal for Best Exhibit and Reserve Best. Mr. B. Godfrey - St. Budeaux Cup, The Autumn Jubilee Cup, Royal National Rose Society’s Bronze Medal & Certificate, National Vegetable Society’s Medal & Certificate, Otter Nurseries Vouchers for Best Exhibit Garden Collection and Salad Collection, RHS Certificate for Fruit Section & Vegetable Section. Mr. J. Dyer - William Gough Memorial Cup, Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show, National
D O G G O N E H A I R Page 4
Chrysanthemum Society’s Certificate for Best Exhibit Classes 10/11 & 12/13, RHS Certificate for Flower Section. Mrs. H. Linton - The Salver for most points in Culinary Classes. Mrs. P.A. Stevens - RHS Certificate for Culinary Classes Mr. David Stevens - RHS Certificate for Homecraft Classes. Well done to everybody and thank you to the many people who set up the Show and put everything away at the end. Don’t forget your tickets for the Bob Flowerdew evening on Tuesday 5th October at 7pm in the Institute. The prices are
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£6.00 for members and £8.00 for non-members. For groups of ten or more the cost is £6.00 each person. Our last trip of the year is to Stourhead on Tuesday 26th October. We look forward to seeing you. On a much more serious note, another three people have resigned from the committee making four in all in the last year. We now feel that unless we have more members to help with the general running and
input of the gardening club we will not be able to continue hi 2011, therefore the gardening club will close. We have had a gardening club in Ottery for many years but unfortunately none of us are getting any younger and we need new blood with younger ideas and suggestions so please do not let the club close. For more information on any of the above and to join the Gardening Club contact Joan Dalton on 01404 815082.
RAF Veterans’ Day at Otter
Otter Nurseries are delighted to announce that WW2 Bomber CommandVeteran Heroes will be visiting their nursery at Gosford Road, Ottery St Mary at 1pm Saturday 6th November. After 70 years of campaigning to have a Bomber Command Memorial,Westminster Council granted planning permission for a memorial to be built in Green Park, Piccadilly, Central London, in memory of the 55,573 aircrew of Bomber Command that gave the ultimate sacrifice in WW2. The deadline for funds is October 2010. To help raise these funds the Veterans of Bomber Command will be visiting Garden Centres all over the country to share their stories and experiences. The Royal Air Force (Bomber Command) give away goodies including flags and badges. On sale we have books about the history of Bomber Command, WW2 aviation Greetings Cards and prints, which the Veterans are happy to sign. The event is from 1.00 to 4.00pm. We advise you to arrive early!
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Consultation plans at least 250 new homes for Ottery Local councillors have urged people to give their view to East Devon District Council, following the launch of East Devon District Council’s consultation for homes and other development over the next 15 years or so. Concerns were raised at a specially convened meeting for councillors and other key members of the community, to discuss what the local development core strategy means for Ottery St Mary, West Hill and other villages in the parish. Anxieties were expressed about the level of homes planned - 19,400. New policies are also introduced, such as the ‘flexible’ built-up area boundary, which we believe could cause East Devon to resemble an urban sprawl in years to come. Around 250 homes are allocated for Ottery St Mary town (surrounding villages have their own allocations) over the 1520 year period, in addition to 180 homes already planned for the town. The document also alludes to future ‘larger scale growth’ for the town. There is also a proposal to water down landscape protection policies, meaning nature reserves such as, Woodbury,
Aylesbeare and Venn Ottery Commons, as well as protected coastline could be built on, if developers manage to convince the planners it is necessary. Other worrying key aspects of the plan include: • No freedom for communities to decide their own futures, which is not in accordance with guidance from central government • A policy of one house = one job. Provision of one hectare of employment land for every 250 homes – leading to new business parks and industrial estates springing up, even in communities like West Hill • Development permitted in the open countryside in and around farms, if there is a ‘proven need’ • No plans to curb building in gardens, despite new Government guidance • A vast network of roads and a large increase in traffic • Lack of clarity about whether the development outside the boundary in towns would then have a further boundary drawn to prevent further development moving towards neighbouring villages
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• Write to East Devon District Council’s planning department, asking that communities should We believe that these propo- be able to decide their own sals would cause communities futures to creep closer together, with If you want to raise the matter the outcome that one of the with other people and organismost beautiful districts in the entire country could, in a few ations, you could also: years, resemble an urban • Write to our MP, Hugo Swire – swireh@parliament.uk sprawl. Clearly, development is nec- • Write a letter for publication essary and must be planned for to your local papers and there is a need for afford- • Write to organisations such able homes in the area. How- as Devon Wildlife Trust, the ever, there is no justification, in Campaign to Protect Rural our view, for building on such England, the RSPB, the National a large and potentially uncon- Trust and the Woodland Trust trolled scale. • Participate in the public The previous Government had meetings organised by Ottery imposed 17,100 homes on East Devon – a figure widely regar- St Mary Town Council ded to be far too high. These • Join Facebook group – ‘Fight targets have now been scrap- plans to turn East Devon into ped and many neighbouring urban sprawl’ councils have since taken the • EDDC also has a Facebook opportunity to decrease their group where you can comment housing figures. Unfortunately, via the discussion page – you EDDC has increased its alloca- can access it through the tion by over 2,000. council link above. Communications from the We don’t believe these plans council on this subject will be should ever become local ‘broadbrush’ and are unlikely planning legislation. You have to refer to the concerns above. until the end of November to We urge you to get involved get involved and give your in the debate. Here’s how: views. • View plans and express your views online at the website Kind regards w w w. e a s t d e v o n . g o v. u k / Cllrs Roger Giles, ldfconsultation2010 or at the Ray Bloxham, David Cox, Council Offices, Knowle, Claire Wright and Jo Talbot. Sidmouth Contact the Councillors by e mail or telephone: Roger Giles roger.giles@devon.gov.uk 01404 813387 Ray Bloxham rbloxham@eastdevon.gov.uk 01395 273438 David Cox dcox@eastdevon.gov.uk 01404 814637 Claire Wright wrightpr@btinternet.com 01404 812531 Jo Talbot jo.talbot@zen.co.uk 01404 814232
LOCAL COUNCILLORS URGE PEOPLE TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON DEVELOPMENT
Dinosaur Day at Ark Pottery
It’s Dinosaur Day at Ark Pottery,Wiggaton, Wednesday 27th October (half term). Come and model a pottery dinosaur! Suitable 8-12 year olds, book early for morning or afternoon session. Coffee and cakes for Mums/ Dads. For more details call 01404 812628 or email: ark.pottery@mypostoffice.co.uk
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At last - a Drop-In Centre for Ottery’s youngsters Young people in Ottery have long complained, with some justification, that there is nothing for them to do in Ottery. Hopefully that situation will change within the next six months. It is quite likely that the long awaited skate park will become a reality by April 2011. I also hope that our young people may also be able to enjoy a drop-in centre in the near future. First of all some history. Ownership of the Old Town Hall building at The Flexton, which houses the Library, recently transferred from East Devon District Council to Ottery St Mary Town Council (OSMTC).Two years before, as an economy measure, EDDC decided to close the toilets at The Flexton. OSMTC felt it was important to keep a toilet open, but felt unable to meet the high cost, which had previously been met by EDDC, of keeping all three toilets open. So there are two redundant toilets. In August I was delighted to learn that a bid that I had made to the Devon Safety Partnership for £3,000 towards the cost of converting the redundant toilets to a young persons‘ drop-in centre had been
successful. For the first time there could be a facility for older young people in Ottery. The money is available until March 2011 – so time is tight. At its September meeting OSMTC agreed to set up a working party to look at how the project might be delivered, recognising that there would be issues to be resolved, such as obtaining planning permission – which would allow people who had concerns about the project, as well as those who supported, it to be heard. Not surprisingly very many young people are already very excited at the possibilities. Of course it is important that the planning and running of the drop-in centre should involve the users – local young people. But a drop-in centre would need to be supervised for the whole time it was open. If you would be prepared to help run the drop-in centre, or to help with the fund-raising necessary to keep it going – please get in touch with the Town Clerk. I really do hope that we can provide this much needed facility for local young people. To do so we do need your help. Roger Giles
Diamondogz and Skaper at Carnival Dance Night
Remember, Remember....
It won’t be long before we see the bonfire pole erected on the Millennium Field which signals the beginning of the lead-in to Ottery’s procession and tar barrels. The procession and fireworks are on Saturday October 30th this year followed by the bonfire and tar barrels on Friday 5th November. There are a few changes to the barrel order this year, brought in mainly to alleviate traffic problems during the early evening and crowd congestion later. The roads will start to be closed off from 5.00pm on 5th November but there will be a diversionary route through the town from Sidmouth Road to Butts Road. It wasn’t so long ago that we produced a surplus in our annual accounts and we were able to give money away locally, unfortunately those days have
gone. The high insurance cost means our committee has to work tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds just to satisfy the insurance man, so if you are a business, an organisation or individual taking advantage of the large numbers attending the tar barrels, remember us when calculating your profits. A donation will help towards the ever increasing demands on expenditure. Remember, if we fail to maintain this tradition there is no future income. Finally a thank you in advance to all of you who support this traditional event and to those of you who don’t, shut your windows, close the curtains, turn up Eastenders and it will all be over before you realise it. Have great and safe carnival. Andy Wade President, Ottery St Mary Carnival Committee.
Ottery Carnival Committe have organised another of their now legendary Dance Nights at the Institute, Ottery St Mary on Saturday October 9th featuring a return of the hugely popular Diamondogz and Devon band Skaper, pictured above. You can dance the night away to great glam rock and ska music from 7.00pm until late. Tickets £10.00 from Steve Pearcy (01404 811335) Graham Rowland (01404 814778) or from Ottery St Mary Tourist Information Centre (01404 813964).
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Otter Valley Dental Laboratory WE REPAIR DENTURES IN A FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT SERVICE TELEPHONE: 01404 813967 Page 7
Your Ottery stories wanted for King’s students project Do you have stories of Tar Barrels or Pixie Day? Did you experience life in Ottery St Mary during WWII? Did you attend The King’s School when you were young? Do you know about the myths and legends of the area? Were you living in Ottery St Mary or the local area when you were a teenager? If so, this is an opportunity to help students at The King’s School who are investigating the Ottery St Mary area, collecting stories and making a creative response to their research. As well as a series of events and exhibitions, the work will be collected for posterity to form part of the School ‘Looks Around’ archive. Please come and get involved at a coffee morning on Tuesday 12th October 2010 at The Institute,Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary from 10.00am to 12noon and help the students
learn more about their chosen topics and tell the story of this unique town. Share your memories and knowledge of Ottery St Mary.We would love to see your photographs, drawings, scrapbooks, notebooks, newspaper clippings etc. about these subjects too. Please bring them with you!
Your Story We would really like to add your own story to the archive. This could be about your life in and around Ottery, a work of art, a story you would like to share, an object of some significance, a mystery or a memory… just about anything! So come along and tell us your story! If you are interested in taking part or would like more information, please telephone Ruth Cohen at DAISI on 01392 385214 or contact her by email: ruth@daisi.org.uk
Otter Vale Art Society News After the inspirational demonstration by Stephen Foster who encouraged us to try oil paints without solvents applied with palette knife, we shall enjoy watching Richard Thorne as he paints a landscape with watercolour. The new screen and projector means that we are all able to watch the demonstrators clearly as they create their pictures. All are welcome to the evening at 7.30pm in the Institute, Ottery St Mary. Contact Ann Brown for more details on 01404 814192.
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Elli and Abby’s fruitful fundraising for BMX Park
7 year olds Ellie Thomas and Abby Cobbledick, pictured above, picked raspberries in their school holidays and sold them locally raising £25 which they have donated to the Ottery St Mary Skateboard/ BMX Park fund.This was a very thoughtful and enterprising effort by two Ottery youngsters keen to help a very worthy cause. Every little helps! £5,000 is still required to provide only the very basic requirements of the Park. The girl’s grandmother, Rose Goodland, said “We have the site, now we need the money for equipment. If all the people in Ottery donated £1 each it would be enough to get the project under way. It
needs a concerted effort by everyone to help give the town’s youngsters somewhere that they could expend their talents and energy. Many small towns already have BMX/Skate Parks which are hugely enjoyed by young people. I would be over the moon if we could have one here in Ottery”. Work will begin on the Skatepark at the end of October.This will include the access path, fencing, drainage and general groundworks. Further funding is still required for the ramps and equipment. If you want more information about Ottery’s Skate/BMX Park project call Elli Pang on 01404 812268.
A Silver Medal for Ottery bloomin’ marvellous!
Ottery in Bloom has won a Silver Award from South West in Bloom for our town in the 2010 competition. Chairman Sarah Clarke collected the medal at the Regional Awards Ceremony in September at Bath and displayed it to the team of helpers at the Lamb & Flag. Afterwards Sarah said ’ we were encouraged by a Silver Award last year and have maintained the standard in 2010. The terms of the competition requires not only horticultural excellence but community participation, conservation and sustainability to be demonstrated to the judges.‘ ‘ I am grateful to a number of individuals and groups who have assisted with Ottery in Bloom this and previous years. Thank you to my small committee who organise select and plant the planters are duly proud of their efforts. Without Otter Nurseries who plant the magnificent display on St Saviours Bridge, other businesses that support us and Otter
Valley Rotary who undertake a weekly watering programme we would not be able to compete. Otter Rotters provided some compost and will recycle the plants and compost at the end of the season. Young townsfolk such as the Guides, Brownies and Play Group continue to provide invaluable assistance in many ways. To these and those of you who just tend individual planters as you pass by a big Thank You. ‘ Even though we have only just cleared the 2009 displays our team is already considering the 2010 displays and imput from more individuals or groups will be welcome. Some have already come forward.To achieve a gold award there is be a need for additional support from all of the community, maybe volunteering to water or maintain one small display from June to September.With points awarded by the judges for environmental matters and conservation it is not only green fingers that can help.
France and Germany without Euros The theme for this years Ottery St Mary Twinning Association autumn social evening is France and Germany with food, wine, pictures and entertainment based on the 2010 successful twinning exchanges during the summer Many of those who visited our twin town of Ilsfeld in July and those hosting our friends from Pont l’Eveque in May have interesting tales to tell with
photographs and souvenirs to demonstrate the success of these exchanges. Dates and preliminary details of next years visits will be announced Why not join us on Saturday 16th October at West Hill Village Hall and experience an evening with not a Euro in sight. Tickets are available from the Ottery Tourist office or from any Twinning Committee member
LION’S CORNER In the last issue of the Gazette I mentioned that we would be at Smeatharpe Air Day in August.The day went very well, but I was unable to attend due to family commitments. All in all,August and September have been quiet months for our Lions, but we are looking forward to things warming up in the near future. On Saturday the 9th October we will be pushing a wheelbarrow up and down Honiton High Street. This will be full of goodies in keeping with Harvest Festival time. For the outlay of £1 you will be able to win the barrow and its contents. On the previous Saturday, the 2nd October, our ladies will holding a stall outside the parish church selling home made jams and chutneys. I can recommend the Green Tomato Chutney which was made by my own hands (with a little help from ‘the boss’). On a sad note, I am sorry to report the passing of two of our stalwart members in the persons of Lion Ralph Hibbert and Lion Roland Buckingham. Those of you who knew Lion Ralph will know that he was popular figure, with a strong interest in the community. Lion
Roland had been restricted through age for some time. Now then, how do you feel about becoming a ‘Friend of the Lions’? We are discussing the introduction of a scheme whereby those who have not the time to make a full time commitment to the Lions, can join by the payment of a small annual fee, become a ‘friend’. This will mean that a ‘friend’ will be able to take part in the social side of the Club.You will be informed by way of a newsletter of what we are doing. Just think of it, as a ‘friend’ you will be able to have a friendly game of skittles with us or attend one of our many other social activities. You will be able to request to attend one of our meetings in order to see what we get up to. Some of us usually finish up at the Otter Inn at Weston for a quiet drink after the meeting.Watch this space! The 9th to the 17th October will Lions Awareness Week, when we should all be wearing something to indicate that we are proud to by Lions. That’s all folks for now. I am still at the old number 01404 813513. Bill King
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A warm welcome from Lynn & Paul Thurgate Page 9
Many new mums exhausted when they leave hospital Almost two thirds of East Devon mums are exhausted when they leave hospital after having a baby. That’s the result of a survey just published by campaign group, Honiton Maternity Matters. And a worrying 16 mums (almost half the respondents) then went on to ‘struggle to manage’ or ‘really struggle to manage’ when they returned home. The online questionnaire, which was emailed to more than 2,800 people on the Facebook group ‘Save Honiton Maternity On-site Aftercare’ was aimed at women who had given birth at Honiton maternity unit and the RD&E since transfers from the RD&E and overnight stays ceased at Honiton in February. A total of 39 women responded to the survey – thought to be around half of East Devon women giving birth in that timeframe - which listed 28 questions on local mums’ experiences, including breastfeeding support. Ann-Marie Chapman from Axminster gave birth at Honiton in May. After 48 hours with just a couple of hours sleep and then a difficult first night at home with her new baby, she
was completely exhausted and struggled to cope. She said: “It was really hard. I was utterly exhausted and was extremely teary. I was very lucky and had the support of my husband and parents who looked after my baby whilst my husband and I got little naps.” And due to problems with trying to get a midwife to visit at the right time for help with breast-feeding, Ann-Marie decided instead to turn to her midwife sister-in-law for assistance. Ann-Marie explained: “I had a horrible first night where my baby screamed and screamed but wouldn’t latch on properly. We phoned the maternity unit to ask for advice but I wanted someone there in person. Unfortunately the timing never worked. In the end I had to ask my sister-in-law for help, who is a midwife at Yeovil.” Retired Ottery St Mary GP, John Ackroyd said: “I am not surprised by the results of this survey. A period of rest is very important after childbirth, whether normal or complex, for most mothers. In a community hospital experienced staff are on hand to assist with the practical initiation of breast-feeding and the essen-
tials of baby care. Overnight stays allow this to occur but also allow recovery time from the exhaustion which accompanies many labours.” Claire Wright, Ottery St Mary Town Councillor for West Hill, added: “We had some very revealing remarks which prove that the new telephone advice system is impractical. “Mums need three hands to receive telephone advice on breast-feeding - one to position the baby, one to adjust the breast and another to hold the phone. It’s not fair and it doesn’t work.” Ann-Marie’s experience is typical of the mums who completed the survey, with over half of the women (18 out of 33) not confident about breast-feeding when they were discharged. 13 of those women sought help once they were at home and seven women were visited by a midwife. Three of those seven waited longer than 13 hours to be seen. At Honiton’s maternity unit, women received instant face-to-face help and advice any time of the day or night they needed it. Two women say they gave up breast-feeding due to difficulties. The survey results are published ahead of Devon County Council’s Adults Health Scrutiny meeting debate on maternity services, which takes place next Thursday (23 September) at 10am. At this meeting the scrutiny committee will decide whether or not to endorse proposals to end overnight stays at Honiton maternity unit. Women from all over East Devon took part in the survey but the majority of respondents were from Honiton, with
16 (41%) of replies from the town. Ottery St Mary and Exmouth had six and five responses respectively. All the other East Devon towns had one or two respondents each. Honiton Town Cllr, Vernon Whitlock said: “The results of the survey confirm that the retention of overnight facilities at Honiton Maternity Unit is not just a luxury, but an essential option for new mums. The unit and its staff have established an excellent reputation and provide a vital service which should be retained.” Over half of respondents indicated that they would like to stay at Honiton Hospital for two nights. The most popular reasons for this were rest and breast-feeding advice. Over two thirds of women who gave birth at the RD&E said they did so for medical reasons only. Just two said it was because the RD&E was their first choice. The remainder of women (one quarter) said they gave birth at the RD&E because Honiton maternity unit was closed overnight. Claire Wright commented: “Although the numbers are quite small, one quarter as a proportion is significant and it makes us wonder that if the plans do go through, the numbers giving birth at Honiton would simply dwindle until it was difficult to justify keeping the unit open.” “We are now looking forward to the scrutiny meeting next week, to presenting our findings and hearing the debate. Many councillors expressed concern over proposals at their last meeting on 3 June. We hope the results of our survey will convince them to reject NHS plans.”
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Page 10
‘Show Time’ - Ottery’s Parish Church Flower Festival The banner over the south gate was an indication of the treats in store and on entering the Parish Church there were more banners as well as the first of the ‘trees’ created by the children and young people’s various groups in the church and town. The shows depicted covered a wide variety of musical joys. Carousel ...a merry go round with horses and flowers entwined. Then we had Godspell with the footprints that the children wanted to walk in as they came round. Carol Bennett and her teams had provided us with a real feast of imagination and beauty as well as sustenance for the inner person in the way of excellent refreshments served in the Loft. During the opening times we had a variety of organists playing quietly to enhance the atmosphere and Michael Farley gave a spirited performance of many of the tunes in the shows in his Concert on the Friday evening. Everyone who came had their favourite, possibly depending on personal memories.The Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz, topped by a lovely rainbow decorated the pulpit. Chess was
a striking vision in black and white with a real ‘wow’ factor being provided by the engine in Starlight Express. Can Can and the Rocky Horror show gave amusingly cheeky touches as well as the line of washing in the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers display. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom of the Opera, Gigi and finally Miss Saigon just to name a few of the magnificent displays. The Displays on the Windowsills were much admired too. It is not possible to name all of the shows illustrated but each and every one was a lesson in artistic expression and skilful flower arranging.
We hope that this is only one of the ways in which the church and its community can be of service. Many of the flower displays were created by people from other churches and the
wider community to whom our thanks must be expressed as well as to our own ‘in house’ flower arrangers.What will we do next time we were asked. Well, you must wait and see! Half a Sixpence
The Rocky Horror Show
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Lord Coleridge heads up New Spanish Courses at Coleridge Memorial project Council Offices under way At its recent meeting, the CMP committee was advised that the Lord Coleridge has agreed to become the Project’s Patron. Chris Wakefield, chairman of the Memorial Project summed up the committee’s delight at this development. “Lord Coleridge has been a key supporter and enthusiast for the Memorial Project right from the start.We are confident that such distinguished patronage will carry us a great way further than we could otherwise have expected, and we are very grateful for his continuing commitment”. The committee was also briefed by John Pilsworth on progress with various funding bodies, and on progress with a new report commissioned from Tourism Research Solutions in Plymouth on the potential economic and social impact on Ottery of the memorial.This will be available for the next bid to EDAONB’s Making it Local Fund which is pencilled in for mid October. Another step forward was the news made available at the meeting, that Ottery churchyard has emerged as a favoured option for the location of the new memorial. It appeared many times in the February 2010 public consultation docu-
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
ment as a prefered location and recent discussions, initiated by the CMP’s treasurer, David Roberts, have made it clear that there is considerable support for the idea from the Church authorities. The option of Canaan Way has been retained for the time being, but the significance of the Church for Coleridge is immense and the committee is anxious to see the churchyard option developed. The Project continues to look for celebrity supporters to join ex poet laureate Professor Sir Andrew Motion and Coleridge Biographer Richard Holmes who both sent letters of support for the first MIL bid. There is more information on the Coleridge Project website www.coleridgememorial.org.uk. or you can contact the Hon Sec on 01404 812737.
It is time to dust off your dictionary, textbook and notes. A new range of Spanish courses has now started at the Council offices. The programme has been tailored to cover the needs and requirements of those who have contacted us and expressed an interest in learning the language and also those who, over the last two years, have attended the Spanish courses offered and have progressed in their knowledge of the language and their communication skills. Monday – 7.00pm to 9.00pm – Hablando En Espanol – A course for students with a good knowledge of the language wishing to improve their conversational skills. Want to learn how to speak like a native? Then this is the course for you. Tuesday – 7.00pm to 9.00pm - ¿Como Se Dice….? – A course for absolute beginners specifically designed to enable you to learn quickly with a minimum of effort. Just as we do in Spain. Wednesday – 10.00am to 12.00pm – El Toro Dos – A course for students at intermediate level. The saga of “El Toro” will continue during this term and we will be able to finally know who “El Toro” is. Wednesday – 1.00pm to 3.00pm – No Comprendo – A beginners course for those wanting to take it easy at “siesta time” but still learn quickly. Wednesday – 7.00pm to 9.00pm – Puedo Hablar Espanol – A course for students at intermediate level. Just the course for those wanting to consolidate their knowledge of the language and discover how much more they know. Free coffee and tea facilities during the two hours sessions. We provide all the material necessary during the course. Recordings from TVE (Spanish television) will be shown periodically using the audio-visual facilities at the Council Offices. Competitive fees. For more information please contact Josefina Gori at 01297 23777 / 01404 811583 / 07941459441 or e-mail: ftnsy62@aol.com
Art Workshops at Ottery Council Offices ART APPRECIATION AND IMPRESSIONIST PAINTINGS - ONE DAY WORKSHOPS
The Ottery St Mary Heritage Society
Anniversary Lunch in celebration of the birth of
Samuel Taylor Coleridge Poet & Philosopher
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Do you want to know more about art and the Impressionists and Post Impressionists? Then come to the Council Offices and let’s look at some pictures and begin to discover the joys of 19th century and 20th century paintings with our well known lecturer in History of Art, popular art historian and experienced art tutor Annie Pollard, who will take you through the wonders of the art world in the interesting workshops shown below. Thursday 28th October, Saturday 20th November, and Thursday 9th December from 10.00am to 3.30pm. Entry £35.00 which includes coffee and lunch at the local pub. For more information email: apollard002@myguide.net or call 01297 444719 (10.00am to 7.00pm week days only).
Jesmond, Ridgeway, Ottery St Mary EX11 1DT
Talatones Handbell Ringers West Country Embroiderers We had a very enjoyable time at Payhembury part of which was the lovely cup of tea and biscuits they gave us. Perhaps they will invite us again? We are practising different pieces of music now so that we can enlarge our repertoire for future bookings. Our next booking will be at the Priory in December and there are other venues in the pipeline. Perhaps our playing is getting better or people have bought themselves earplugs, either way we love playing the bells so why not come and listen and see what you think. All are welcome and if you would like any extra information please contact Joan Dalton on 01404 815082.
WCE held their AGM on Monday 6th September.The Representative, Ann Holden, reported that the year had been busy and successful.The next year’s programme was discussed and notice given of an exhibition to be held in the Institute. The next meeting on Monday October 4th will be a lesson on making Biscornu, a form of canvas work. Anyone interested in joining the group, or coming to see what we do, please contact Pat Snelling on 01404 81222651 to make arrangements. The group meet on the first Monday of the month at The Institute, Ottery St Mary.
It’s going to be a fun October at Escot!!
Halloween at Escot Camp Wild On line booking is now available for our exciting residential and day Halloween Camp. Activities include: star gazing, bat detecting, nature craft, pumpkin carving, night hikes, campfires, trick or treat treasure hunts, wild boar and otter feeding, nature craft, dream catcher making, folklore stories, tracking, pumpkin pie and toffee apple making, face paints, spooky feasts, apple bobbing, and much, much more… See www.escotcampwild.co.uk or call 01404 822 188 for full details. But be quick, it’s filling fast.
Tasty Towers - how high can you go? The Chocolate Horizon October brings the promise of one of the sweetest events in Escot’s calendar: Chocolate Letterboxing!!! Readers may already be familiar with this choccy challenge which is an established favourite of the Devon Celebration of Food festival. For a small extra charge, gardens visitors receive clues for a special kind of treasure hunt for hidden
ink stamps that take you all around Escot’s beautiful gardens, maze and woodland. Everyone finding their hidden stamps receives a chocolate prize! Chocolate Letterboxing takes place daily throughout Choctober. N o booking needed: just turn up and full Escot letterboxing instructions are given. Happy hunting!
It’s October and so at Escot it must be time for Tasty Towers. On Sunday 5th October, teams compete for the Tasty Towers Challenge Trophy. It’s quite straight forward, simply build a tower as high as you can – but using only spaghetti and marshmallows! It’s all great fun for charity and choccy prizes abound. If you’d rather watch without taking part, that’s no problem. Just come along: there’s no charge for spectators and the more the merrier. But if you’d like to take part (there are separate prizes for adult, children and family teams) then please pre-book to reserve your starting time. Just email info@escot-devon.co.uk or call 01404 822 188 for more information. We even provide the spaghetti and the marshmallows in return for just a small contribution to the Tale Valley Trust, our local community charity. Page 13
Concert in aid of Cystic Fibrosis raises £1,300!
The concert held in the Parish Church and organized by Ben Scott raised the magnificent sum of £1300, which was presented to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust last Sunday at the 9.30 a.m. Service. Ben and his friends have shown how using our own local talent other people can be helped. Also the audience on the evening, without exeption, said how much they had enjoyed the concert, especially the musical talent of a number of young people, from the age of seven! Photo by Phyllis Baxter.
Ottery Mens’ Forum There will be two talks during October. On Wednesday 13th October Miss P Salter will give a talk entitled ‘Italy’ illustrated with slides. This is an open meeting when ladies are welcome. On Wednesday 27th October Dr G. Wilkins will give a talk on ‘The Exploration of Space’ illustrated with slides. Meetings are held at The Institute, Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary. Doors open 2.30pm for 3.00pm meetings. Further information from the Secretary Harry Phillips, Tel: 01404 814524.
EAST DEVON BRANCH www.eastdevoncats.com
All our cats and kittens are flead, wormed, vaccinated, microchipped and, if over 5 months old, neutered. We also help with neutering costs for the kittens we home. BEN (pictured) is very friendly and affectionate 4 year old black & white boy who is staying at our foster home near Tipton St John. 01395 577334 TINA is a friendly 11 year old tabby girl who is also staying here 01395 577334 RUBY is a very pretty and friendly 4 year old brindle/tortie girl who is staying in Aylesbeare. 01395 233494. SNOWDROP is a sweet and gentle 12 year old white girl who is also staying here. 01395 233494 SMOKEY is a lovely friendly 15 year old grey & white boy who is staying at our foster home in Sidford. 01395 515601 BASHER & CRASHER are lovely, very friendly 5 year old black and white brothers who are also staying here. 01395 515601 HAKA & DANTE are very friendly 14 week old white & black siblings who are staying near Colyford. 01297 22085.
These are only a few of the cats in our care who are looking for homes. If you do not see the cat for you, please call 01404 811089 For more information and for General Enquiries call 01404 811089. For Neutering Advice and help with Neutering Costs for those eligible Call 01297 22085 If you have lost or found a cat please call - 01297 21610 Page 14
Ottery St Mary Chamber of Commerce News
A word from the new Chairman Marc Perkins As one reaches their “middle a guest speaker for 20 minutes. years” many questions spring All invitations, reminders of to mind as to what is life all meetings, events and minutes about? Two questions in partic- will be sent by email. If you ular, specific to me and the haven’t recently been asked for Ottery Chamber of Commerce your e mail address, please have recently been asked: send it with any other details ‘What’s the purpose of it?’ and to our new secretary, Sue ‘When did I get to be so old to Tallack at the address below. be the chairman of anything?’ What can you do? Get inThe second question is easy to volved!! Whether you have a answer, I just did! business or not, you’re very The first is more challenging. welcome. Improving the town I’ve lived in or very close to we live in is in the interest of Ottery for 40 of my 46 years. everyone. At Chamber meetIt was and still is a great town. ings we can and do get involvBut, commercially, it’s on the ed with all aspects of town life slide. None of us want to see – come and have your say and empty shop fronts.We all know then help us to act on it. that “making a buck” is getting On a personal note and one more difficult of late and so I’m sure I share with many, I what to do? For my part, I will must thank Vivienne Abbott for strive to put energy into our a job well done as outgoing bi-monthly meetings. They will Chamber Chairman. start at 6.00pm sharp at the Tumbling Weir and will be done Marc Perkins – Chairman by 7.00pm. Each meet will have marc@perkinsltd.eclipse.co.uk Please send your e mail address and any other details to Secretary Sue Tallack at: osmchamber@btinternet.com
Petition to stop Nationwide Office closure in Ottery Many Ottery residents who are customers of the Nationwide Building Society are concerned that their local branch within the offices of Easterbrook Eaton Ltd, 8 Jesu Street, is facing closure on December 31st 2010. The branch provides an invaluable service to local residents.Those who have no means of transport will find it particularly inconvenient living in a rural area. However, all may not be lost. If you feel strongly about the closure you could sign a petition to the directors of Nationwide to request a reversal of their decision. This is available at several shops around town including Ottery TIC and Ottery Office and Computer, Mill Street. Those who shout loudest are the first to be heard! The petition has NOT been initiated by any members of staff of Easterbrook Eaton Ltd. It is a measure of concern by local customers who may be forced to take their business elsewhere if the closure goes ahead.
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D.I.Y. TIP OF THE MONTH
BY CHRIS ABBOTT
Exeter University students visit Ottery St Mary
My toilet isn’t flushing properly This month we cover the lovely subject of toilets.We often have customers in Abbott’s asking us why their toilet will not flush. The reason usually for this is that the diaphragm washer inside has become brittle and broken. This washer causes a vacuum when you pull the handle that moves the water from the toilet cistern to the pan. It is only a small piece of flat plastic so the good news is that it is relatively inexpensive for a new washer. The bad news is that it is a nightmare to get at, as the washer is at the bottom of the syphon unit. To change it, first of all, it’s a good idea to turn the water off and remove as much water as possible from the cistern.Then you will need to un-hook the handle mechanism, and unscrew the syphon unit from the flush pipe below. Then remove the entire syphon unit and you’ll find the washer is located below this. But if you have a closed couple toilet i.e. one where the toilet cistern sits on top of the pan, it is a bit more tricky. As you have to remove the whole cistern unit, just to get to the darn syphon, just to change a washer. Talk about a bad design! As you can probably guess, my toilet as home is a closed couple one, and it is
an annoying pain in the arse to change the washer.To do this first of all turn off the water, and again remove as much water as possible from the cistern. Then disconnect the mains water inlet pipe from the cistern, unscrew the two wing nuts on the underside of the cistern, as this will release the metal plate that connects the toilet pan to the toilet cistern. Now remove the two screws that hold the cistern to the wall and then the entire cistern unit will come away from the pan and the wall. Then as above, unhook the handle mechanism and then unscrew the syphon on the base of the cistern to remove the syphon unit to get to that annoying flat plastic washer that you need to change. When you come to put it all back together the closed couple units have a rubber washer between the metal plate and the toilet pan, which is strangely called a doughnut washer, as it is doughnut shaped but it looks a lot less appetising. It is always a good idea to change this at the same time as it never seals as good once it has been removed. As they have gone to the hassle of removing the syphon unit many customers, replace the complete unit as it is quite inexpensive. But we stock both the complete unit or just the washers so the choice is yours really.
The ten Exeter University students pictured here with Mayor Glyn Dobson paid a visit to the town in September. They are working on a project researching East Devon towns and enjoyed exploring Ottery St Mary’s places of interest.
Full Monty Breakfast Brunch Halloween Special in Payhembury The Full Monty Breakfast Brunch Halloween Special will be held in Payhembury Parish Hall on Sunday 31st October. Meals served from 9am to 1.30pm (extended time). Adults: £4.50, kids: £1.50. Free tea and coffee as usual.All proceeds to the Cancer Support Group FORCE. Come and sample the best breakfast in Devon. For more information please telephone Mrs Pat Holdaway on 01404 841816 or e mail patholdaway@btinternet.com
Is there a DIY problem, that you would like to see answered in this column? If so or if you have any other comments relating to this column visit the Tip of the Month page on the all new Abbotts website www.abbottsdiy.com Special offer on engraving for October. Name & date only £5 with this ad. z Clock and Watch Repairs free no obligation estimates z Watch Battery Supply and Fitting Service.
Tel: 01404 813088 11 MILL STREET, OTTERY ST MARY E mail: baytreeshoerepairs@googlemail.com Web: www.shoerepairsdevon.co.uk Page 15
Our Saturday walk in September started at Sticklepath. Due to holidays and other commitments there were only four to enjoy the delights of the River Taw and numerous Dartmoor Tors. From Sticklepath we followed the path alongside the river through woodlands and Belstone Cleave to the village of Belstone. Passing the pub and the church we followed the road on to the moor. Leaving the track we made a beeline up Belstone Common through granite rocks. Close by, on Belstone Common, sits the Nine Maidens stone circle consisting of 16 stones. Legend has it that the maidens danced on the Sabbath and were turned into stone. It is claimed that the stones come to life every day at noon to enjoy a dance and that after the dance the stones do not quite regain their original positions and that each day this can be detected. We continued up Belstone Common past Belstone Tor to cross Irishman‘s wall at the summit. This wall was built by Irishmen in an attempt to enclose a section of the common but was promptly attacked by the folk of Belstone to ensure the common remained open. The wall was never rebuilt. We then made our way to Higher Tor to join the track to
Ottery Walkers News
Oke Tor then down to Steeperton Gorge to cross the River Taw for our picnic lunch. Upstream is the Knack Mine so called as the crushing or stamping was known as knacking and when the mine worked was knacked (now worn out or tired knackered). Leaving the sheltered spot by the river we made our way to Steeperton Tor where it was decided to take a short cut through very rough reed grass and after a struggle we reached Wild Tor and then at last on a track which followed to Hound Tor (not the one that is by
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Haytor) and down to White Moor stone circle which comprises of 16 stones in a circle of 66ft diameter. There could have been more but the locals could and did remove stones for building. South East of the circle is a 5½ foot standing stone at the junction of three parishes. This stone could have been part of the circle and
moved to mark the spot because it was at hand. Leaving the stone circle and passing Little Hound Tor we followed a track through marshland to reach Cosdon Stone Row, known as the cemetery. This runs for some 150 yards East to West implying an alignment with the rising and setting sun and comprises a dozen or so stones of unequal shapes and size. At the western end is a kistvaen which is a burial box consisting of 4 small slabs topped by another slab and earthed over which would have contained the cremated remains of a body. From here we followed tracks and paths between stone granite walls going down a steep lane to reach the road back to our car, some feeling rather tired but having enjoyed the walk. Why not join us for one of our forthcoming walks. All walks meet at the Land of Canaan car park at 9.00am. Share cars to start of walk. For further information and a programme of walks, please contact Barbara on 01404 814204 or Trevor on 01404 811830.
Saturday Walks (about 10 miles) 2nd October ~ details to be advised 6th November ~ Chardstock to Smallridge. Optional pub lunch Thursday Walks (5 to 6 miles) 7th Oct. - Woodbury to Lympstone and Exton (Exe Valley Way). 21st Oct. - Broadhembury area. Optional coffee at Gliding Club. 4th Nov. - Stockland area. 18th Nov. - Silverton area.
EAT OUT from AT THE
£5
TALATON INN Tel: 01404 822214
Menu changes weekly Choose between 4 main courses and 3 desserts or coffee. Served Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 2.00pm Bookings advisable Where are we? Follow the old or new A30 to Fairmile junction, and follow the signs to Talaton. Cheers!
Inner Wheel Club News
The Inner Wheel year has got off to a flying start with our new Club President, Jill Cobley, at the helm. In July we visited the Exeter Hospiscare which was truly uplifting – even though we all thought we knew of the care and support provided by Hospiscare it was amazing to learn of the various projects, fund raising ideas and future plans.The evening was finished with a sumptuous supper at Jill’s house and raised £176 for Hospiscare. In August we were involved in the Honiton Show where we hosted a “How Many Balls?” competition – balls of all sizes were crammed into a standard tractor cab and people were invited to make a guess for £1 (donations for Shelterbox). At the end of the show the cab doors were opened and there was a mad dash by the children for the balls, chaotic but very funny! This month we joined with Otter Valley Rotary Club for a visit to Beer Caves – what a hidden treasure right on our doorstep! The underground quarry first worked by the Romans, supplied stone for 24 cathedrals including Exeter and St. Pauls, parts of Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle. As well as a place of refuge and worship Catholics during times of persecution, it also assisted smugglling and helped in the struggle to survive in days gone
by – there are tales of human endeavours a-plenty! John, our inspiring and knowledgeable guide has lived in Beer all his life and has past family members who actively worked the quarry caves.There simply isn’t room enough here to describe just how wonderful these quarry caves are…if you haven’t visited Beer Caves then make it a must for the future. For our regular Club meeting (held 3rd Monday each month) we were invited to take along a item which we believed represented a significant moment in our lives. What secrets our members have! Items ranged from an English/French dictionary stitched by one member’s father whilst held as a prisoner at the infamous Stalag camp in WW2, to a Neolithic pebble, an invitation to the 1961 Christmas Ball at Buckingham Palace, vintage clothing and various family photos and memorabilia. A really fun evening which enabled everyone to share treasure memories and items. Looking forward we have our 8th Annual Quiz in aid of Hospiscare (see separate item) – we hope that many of you reading this will come along and join in this fun evening to help raise funds for really great local charity. More news in future Gazettes! Sue Hulley Club Correspondent
News from Ottery Tourist Information Centre
October already! We have enjoyed a lovely summer this year that has brought us many visitors to Ottery from all over the world. They have delighted in visiting our wonderful Parish Church with all that it has to offer. They have appreciated the friendleness of everyone they have met within the town, particularly in our local shops. We are ticket agents for National Express Coaches, Sovereign Coaches tours, also Hotel Bookings at Heathrow and Gatwick Airport. New leaflets are now in on Cycling in Devon - Tavistock, Exeter, Exmouth and much more. We also have new walking brochures. New bus and rail timetables will be available shortly.We hope to have the new 2011 Ottery St Mary Calendar on sale by the end of October. Do call in and see us at The Tourist Information Centre - we’re here to help you. Telephone 01404 813964. YOUR EVENTS URGENTLY WANTED Your events are urgently required by October 10th for December 2010, January and February 2011 for listing in our ‘What’s On’ and for the many magazines that wish to list them. Please e mail your details to: info@otterytourism.org.uk
Antiques Challenge Evening On Tuesday 7th September in the Institute, nearly sixty people took part in an unusual antiques evening produced jointly by West Hill Branch Conservatives and Bearnes, Hampton and Littlewood: Auctioneers and Valuers.While sampling a free glass of wine and subsequently a light snack, guests were able to view ten selected antiques. After which the team of three experts told stories and valued each item in turn, with guests being invited to choose the true version. One person managed to score nine and two eight out of ten, each receiving a bottle of champagne as a reward together with much applause, as everyone had enjoyed the evening.
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Inner Wheel Club of Otter Valley
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Ottery St Mary Scout RIOT (Return Ilsfeld Ottery Tour) 11pm on Monday 23rd August saw the start of OSM Scout & Explorers best ever adventure which ended in the early hours of Wednesday 1st September. This was the RIOT (Return Ilsfeld Otter y Tour) – an international camp but with a difference – to share a camp, adventures and cultural exchange with Scouts in Ottery’s twin town of Ilsfeld in Southern Germany. Last year the German Scouts visited Ottery St Mary for a week of joint activities and this was the return visit. It may have taken 18 hours travel to get there, including an overnight ride in the coach but any hope that the young people would sleep was crushed early on when they just wouldn’t stop talking. The campsite itself was laid out by our German hosts in the usual fashion for their culture, utilising the famous black round communal tents. This was a novelty for our group as we have traditionally travelled light with smaller 2-4 man tents. Our contribution was a marquee which we put up the day after arrival along with the erection of the tallest flagpole we had ever seen. The marquee would prove to be a saviour on more than one occasion. After the flag raising ceremony
the group headed off to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at a local swimming pool which boasted fountains, gardens, several flumes and a Naturists Zone. This last area was carefully avoided by our shy contingent and one of the leaders (Nick Rosen) ensured this was the case by patrolling it at regular intervals.Then back to camp for welcome speeches by Thomas Knödler, Ilsfeld’s Bürgermeister and local vicar which was followed by a delicious hog roast before retiring to the campfire and thence to bed. The next day saw us drive to Bregenz in Austria for one of
the highlights of the trip – white water rafting.This was 4 hours of sheer delight watching leaders Chris and John demonstrating how to capsize a dinghy at every obstacle and corner of the river. The Scouts had a variety of different sized rafts from single seater up to an 8man monster.The day was very hot and the river very cold and our rafters could either burn in the sun or freeze in the water. All of the youngsters took the plunge, whether it was a deliberate manoeuvre such as getting the boat trapped on a small weir and having to abandon ship or a simple over-
exuberance when paddling through rocks. An exhilarated but tired crew returned to the camp, ate, lit a fire, sang a few renditions of ‘American Pie’ and then dragged themselves to bed. Then it rained. Then it poured. At 1.30am our marquee proved instrumental in rescuing the Scouts when a freak storm hit the camp and the German tents had their Achilles heel exposed – too easy for high winds to blow through! At daybreak the inside of the marquee resembled a refugee camp. Not one Scout complained – they just got on with things.
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Spirits were soon raised with the presentation of breakfast – a traditional Bavarian treat with weisse-wurst, sweet mustard, giant pretzels and beer. Fortunately for the Scouts, the Germans have a marvellous non-alcoholic drink made from molasses called ‘Kinderbier’ – it went down a treat. This was a great start to our Stuttgart day, where the shopping and Mercedes Motor Museum was enjoyed. We returned to camp in time for it to start raining again but it did relent long enough for the young people to enjoy another German Scout
tradition – night hiking with flaming torches. Dampness the following day soon gave way to warm weather and this proved the perfect opportunity for a rematch of the World Cup encounter between England and Germany. The English Scouts took no prisoners and the 10-nil scoreline may have had something to do with the average age of the German team being 25% less than the English. No matter, the world was put to rights. Whilst this was happening the rest of the group enjoyed washing their clothes by hand
Extract of comments made by the Scouts, Explorers and Leaders who attended RIOT 2010 I have some good memories of the swimming pool and the big chains on the water slides and also singing around the camp fire. Sarah I absolutely loved the camp and seeing everybody a year on and meeting new people. I made friends with Felix, Max, Annika and Sarah. Beth This trip has been one of the best experiences of my life. Sam I was very worried about going to the Germans house. Lisa and her family were very nice and I liked her pig! Jemima Overall an amazing trip! White water rafting & the theme park were amazing. Made some great friends. Artie The highlight of the RIOT trip for me was spending the time with such a fantastic group of young people many whom I knew as cubs. Fiona (Leader) The rafting was really funny watching Chris and John fall out of their raft every time they went down a rapid! Maya I loved the German scouts and the way we had to protect the camp and also the swimming pool & Stuttgart. Josh Every single person was well behaved and a pleasure to be with. I have enjoyed the week. Chris (Leader)
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and took the opportunity to build their own mini-deckchairs, decorating them with their own designs. This proved a real hit with some highly creative artwork going into the canvas paintings. After several hours of sanding, drilling, screwing and painting it was time for a wide game in the forest which saw Ilsfeld and Ottery Scouts mixed in equal measure to smuggle delicate items to a safe spot deep in the woods without getting ambushed by suitably camouflaged Leaders in combat fatigues. This was followed by dinner, the usual campfire and bed just before it started raining again. The rest of the trip was taken up with a visit to the famous Ilsfeld Woodfest, enjoying host family lunches, joining in the Ilsfeld parade, spending a day at Tripsdrill, a local theme park with a huge wooden rollercoaster amongst the many
rides and finishing with a relaxing day at a nearby town with an interactive science museum. Our departure at 5.30am on the Wednesday was a sad one but filled with many great memories: the night-time visits of the ‘wild boar’; watching an Alpine Horn Band perform in front of us; the horrific noise of an unknown Scout leader’s snoring; creating new friendships which will endure and pulling together when the going got tough at the river and when the storm hit in the early hours of the morning. The experiences of our young people will remain with them forever but none of this would have happened without the hard work and dedication of a team of volunteers and the funding support of organisations such as the Pain Trust, who generously subsidised the Scouts and the Ottery Scout Group is indebted to them and other organisation who kindly supported them with grants from Ottery Town Council, the Twinning Society, Norman Family Trust and the UK German Exchange. All that is now left is to plan the next Ottery-Ilsfeld Scout event to further strengthen the links between the youth of each town. This story is set to continue......... Bruce Harvey ASL – Ottery St Mary Scouts
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FROM THE CHURCHES FROM THE CHURCHES IN OTTERY At the recent CTIO meeting we discussed the findings of the small group that had been commissioned to look into the pros and cons of going ahead with our Youth Worker project. Mac Dick had convened the group and he brought its recommendations. A Community Profile will be undertaken which will involve consultations with local people of all ages and in particular our young people’s views will be encouraged through their organisations and the schools. CTIO has some funds for this and the churches are looking for support too. It will be necessary to have a survey of this kind if we are to apply for grants in the future as grant making bodies tend to insist on this as part of an application. Do please join in when this Community Survey is being done to give your views and we trust your support.
SALVATION ARMY By the time this is read we will have celebrated our Harvest. Our special guests were Majors John and Lorna Smith from The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters in London. Major John, however, is no stranger to Ottery as, during his training to be a Salvation Army Officer in the 1970’s, he spent four months as leader of The Salvation Army here. Part of my role, in addition to that of Minister of The Salvation Army worship centres in both Ottery St Mary and Exmouth, is supporting the work of The Salvation Army and the wider Church in responding to major incidents. During the last month this role has taken me to Exeter Cathedral and the Met. Office and, in October, will see me at Police Headquarters. On average The Salvation Army responds to a major incident in Devon once a month, often supporting the fire service with our mobile canteen. Dare I say that Christmas is coming. It seems to me that Christmas comes more quickly every year.We will be holding our usual range of special events during December. For many years The Salvation Army, initially in conjunction with ITV This Morning, has had a Christmas Present Appeal to provide gifts for people who wouldn’t receive much at Christmas. Over the last few years Superdrug has acted as collection point for gifts; this has meant that Ottery has been unable to participate, although gifts have been distributed here. If any local business would be willing to act as a collection point please let me know. Steven Watson. Captain Corps Officer,Tel: 01404 812159
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NEW LIFE CHURCH New Life Church celebrated its 5th birthday in September.The occasion was marked with a family fun day, with bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle course, bungee run and plenty of games, not forgetting great food and good company! The church first met at Escot Village Hall, we then moved to the New Life Chapel on Yonder Street.The church soon outgrew the chapel and our Sunday service met at the Primary School for a year, before finally going to our current home of the Kings School.The church continues to be lively, friendly and family-focused, making Christian teaching relevant to people from a wide cross-section of ages and backgrounds. Visitors are always welcome. ‘Groundbreakers’, our kids club for children aged between 7 – 10 years, is now running for the Autumn term at the New Life Chapel on Friday evenings, as are our mid-week home groups.The Youth Group, for 11 – 18 yr olds, continues to meet every Friday night at 7.30pm. If you want to know more about New Life or any of our activities contact Bruce and Heather Talbot at info@newlifeottery.org.uk or check out our website www.newlifeottery.org.uk.
UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
In the last days of August we managed to alter our church routine.‘Not the Men’s Breakfast’ proved to be an enjoyable curry night. Some of us worked up an appetite playing table tennis before enjoying the hospitality of Colin and Chris I’Anson.With the Pakistan flood disaster fresh in our minds, Anitra Lockwood updated us on the problems in the north. £110 was collected for Dr Haroon’s Christian hospital to aid local victims. On Bank Holiday Monday we walked to Escot Park through sunny meadows to enjoy a picnic at the home of Judith Webber. Last year’s walk had been cancelled because of wet weather.At Cadhay Bridge we spotted the familiar egret and a kingfisher keeping company with a large family of ducklings. Further survey work of the URC buildings occurred in the summer. For some years the condition of the church hall roof has caused concern and we are now awaiting quotations for a major refurbishment. Hall users will be notified of any disruptions in good time. The popular harvest supper also changes this autumn. Instead we plan a ‘bring and share lunch’ on Sunday October 3rd.The 10.30am service, to which everyone is warmly invited, will be led by the children’s team. Gifts of dried goods (eg cereals, pasta, sugar, toothbrushes) and good clean children’s clothes will be taken to the Haven of Hope Orphanage in Romania later in October by Aid to Eastern Europe.
As with our brothers and sisters in the other churches our harvest may well have taken place by the time you read this. We continue to support the St Petroc’s centre in Exeter which caters for homeless people. Our Flower Festival ‘SHOW TIME’ was a great success and a magnificent achievement by the creators of the displays. Shows such as Gigi,The Sound of Music, Godspell, Carousel and so many more gave us a feast for our eyes and imagin-ations. The children of the local schools, young people’s organisations and our children’s church craft groups had made their contribution in the manner of collages of flowers and hangings illustrating Cats and The Lion King, suspended from trees specially
THE PARISH CHURCH designed for the purpose. The scrumptious refreshments were gratefully consumed and everyone who gave towards these or helped in serving them is to be congratulated too. Carol Bennett the Co-ordinator and her teams again gave us a feast of delights...so a big thank you to each and every one of them. Visitors from far and wide in our country and from abroad enjoyed their trip to the Festival and it again put our town and community on the map. The concert by Michael Farley was of his usual high standard and the Songs of Praise service rounded off our Sunday worship appropriately. This is always one of our big fund raising events as well as being a contribution to the life of
THE METHODIST CHURCH
Blackheath Common
Our Senior Steward completed her sponsored cycle ride from London to Paris, and at the time of going to print, had raised over £1000 for the Classic FM Music Maker’s Charity. Meg returned home with both her bike and health intact. Paris Meg’s own camera was not in working order for the trip, and she was indebted to Reg Ammon for the loan of his little ‘point-and-shoot’ which she used for the accompanying pictures. Unfortunately, despite being told the clock and date were not correct, Meg forgot to put them right before setting them to record on the pictures. So the dates are running 12 hours adrift, and the first image was actually taken on 1st September, as the group assembled on Blackheath Common at 5.30am (!) - while the second records the somewhat triumphal entry into Paris on 4th September. A very interesting chapter in her life now closed, Meg would like to thank all those who supported her with encouragement and financial support during this Adventure. Meanwhile the fellowship begins to plan a winter programme of meetings and looks forward to the celebration of Harvest on 17th October. By the time this magazine appears we will have hosted the CTIO evening service, with a recorded interview with Bono and hope that some of the Ottery people who don’t normally worship regularly anywhere may have been amongst the audience on that occasion. Our regular Sunday Worship is at 10.30am and all are welcome.
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the town so our gratitude to everyone who donated so generously. We now return to the reordering of part of the interior of our church building and look forward to the installation of the new heating system, a new venue and layout for the shop and increased flexibility in how we can use the building as a community asset in a wider variety of ways.The Dorset Aisle looks very imposing now the space has been cleared and of course it would not have had pews there when it was first built so we are returning to our former history! At half term on Tuesday October 26th at 10.30am there will be
Children’s half Term Craft workshops in the Loft and the Church for ‘Pottery Painting’. A cost of £2 per item painted with refreshments included. Under 8’s must be accompan-ied by an adult. The 8s and over please register on the day. The previous Craft workshops were so popular that we are repeating them with Pottery as the medium this time. Soon we will be having the Remembrance Service: as things are in the field of war today it becomes more and more poignant and our young people see that it is even more relevant to their generation than before. Do come along to join in this service that honours those who have given their lives for their country in times past and today.
ST ANTHONY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH By the time this Gazette goes to print the Pope’s visit will have been completed. This has been a wonderful opportunity for us to be encouraged in our Catholic faith and to share with other churches and faith communities, both locally and nationally. Four members of the parish made the journey to participate in a Papal Mass.We shall look forward to hearing all about it from them. In October, the Children’s Liturgy Group will be organising an Auction of Gifts and Promises.This annual event always proves popular. ‘There’s more to it than Fish on Friday: A brief look at life through a Catholic Lens’, by David Wells at St Anthony’s on Mondays October 4th and 18th and Thursdays Oct 7th and 21st at 7.30pm with coffee on arrival. During the sessions David will take a brief look at what makes us Catholic. It is designed for both those who are curious but not committed as well as those who might like to look with fresh insight at the tradition they are already part of. Come and enjoy! Our parish hall is well used. Perhaps any ladies would like to join us for Keep Fit on Friday mornings at 10.15; whilst there is a continued open invitation to join us for Mothers’ Prayers every Thursday morning from 10.30am. Sue Wakley-Stoyle
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The Cheese and Wine Evening at the Cricket Club was a lovely evening. I was a little concerned that the sale of tickets was down but as it happened we had to search for extra tables and Chairs. The selection of cheeses bought from Joshua’s were the best – Cornish Yarg, Quicks Cheddar, Sharpham Brie and Devon Blue. A variety of breads from Millstone Bakery and a choice of Australian and French Wines from Chris Piper made it a very local evening enjoyed by everyone. Our next event is the Autumn Fayre held in the Institute at 10.00am on Saturday 16th October. This is an early Christmas event so please come along and make a start on your Christmas shopping. I promise there will be no mince pies! All the tables have been allocated so it promises to be a morning with lots of interesting tables selling their handicrafts. On 30th October we will be meeting all our friends at Whimple for a Coffee Morning in the Victory Hall at 10.00am.
The full range of Christmas Cards, Calendars and Diaries will be there as well as our hospice table of gifts and many other stalls including our famous cakes. Members of our Group attended a Volunteers meeting at the Institute. This was held mainly to explain the value of Volunteers and for everyone to meet each other and talk over fund raising ideas. To bore you with statistics – they raise in excess of £1,000,000 per annum. The specialised nurses divide into five clusters: Mid Devon, Exeter, Budleigh/Exmouth, Sidmouth and East Devon. East Devon covers Seaton,Axminster, Honiton and Ottery St Mary. The total number of patients in 2009-10 was 1975 (1815 if these cared for within their community via their GP’s and Nurses). The remainder referred from the RD&E. There is to be no increase in Government funding next year so 75% needs to be raised from public funding. If anyone would like to learn more about the finances we can chat about it at our fund raising events.
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We have a large programme of events in the next couple of months: Friday 12th November Inner Wheel Quiz at West Hill. Our popular quiz master Roland Saunders will be setting the questions. This is always a very popular evening so please look out for the posters. Teams of 4-6 must register in advance with Linda Shingler on 01404 811384 email linda.shingler@btinternet.com Cost £5 per team member, to include refreshments. Saturday 13th November Coffee Morning, at St Michael The Archangel Church, West Hill for 10-00am. Friday 26th November Gifts and Promises Auction at the Football Club, Ottery St Mary. This event is shared with Ottery Carnival; the catalogues will be available
before the event showing some very good gifts and promises to be auctioned by Roland Saunders. Saturday 4th December Christmas Coffee Morning organised by Ros and Dave Monday 6th December Tree of Light 2010. - at Ottery Church. 7-00pm. The special Tree of Light will again be in Exeter this festive season. Each light on the Tree is dedicated in memory of a loved one. Giving a donation, making a dedication and recording it in our Book of Memories is simple by post or phone. You will be able to see your dedication in the Book of Memories at the Cathedral and at the Churches where the Services take place.We feel very privileged this year that a Service is being held in our beautiful Church.
Volunteers wanted for Help Scheme nail cutting service
Ottery Help Scheme run a volunteer nail cutting service at Ottery Hospital, and we are looking for volunteers. Are you a retired nurse or care home assistant, or a trained nurse at home with a young family? Could you spare a few hours a week to help. This is a new and much needed service for older people who cannot care for their own feet and have no willing or able relatives or friends who can help them. Our clinics are run on a Thursday morning. You will be fully trained and supported by an NHS Podiatrist and will be working as part of a team of volunteers. If you are interested please contact Pat Lane or Jane Ross on 01404 816700 or email: info@helpscheme.eclipse.co.uk.
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Hospiscare Shop News
OTTERY SILVER BAND DIARY The Band were overjoyed to play to a sellout audience at the Summer Concert and Cream Tea held at the Tumbling Wier Hotel on the 22nd August.The event was in association with the Rotary Club of Otter Valley who later presented the Band with a cheque for £300. We thank them very much indeed for their kind support and everyone else who attended the concert. We trust you enjoyed the music and the wonderful Devonshire Cream Teas supplied by the Tumbling Wier Hotel! We look back on a successful and enjoyable summer season and would like to express special thanks once again to Mary Moore and Harry Phillips, our weekly volunteer box collecters at Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth. The Band would dearly love to be able to replace five of the band instruments,one of which is over 60yrs old! The £300 raised at the Cream Tea Concert and proceeds from the collections will make a start towards this ambitious goal. As you can imagine the cost of instruments are very high but it would be fantastic for the Band to be able to provide these new instruments to encourage players and improve the band, and most importantly of all, keep the tradition of Brass Banding going well into the future! For Gazette Advertising call 01404 815111 or e mail otterygazette@yahoo.co.uk
We have now settled back into our practice room and have been playing through some new music and even some Christmas arrangements have crept into the packs! Our next engagement is at the Ottery Church on Sunday 3rd October where we will be playing at the Evening Songs of Praise Harvest Festival at 6.30pm.We then look forward to the Ottery St Mary Carnival at the end of October when we hope for dry weather for our march up through the Town! A date for your diary is Saturday 11th December. This is the date of our Christmas Concert to be held at the Institute Hall, Ottery. The concert has traditionly been on the Sunday however we had a request this year from Father Christmas (who makes an appearance at our concert)to change to the Saturday as apparently he has double booked!! We will bring you further details regarding tickets next time. The Brass Class have been doing very well and some of the youngsters will be travelling to Bideford with Gail to take part in a Solo and Quartet Contest on the 6th October. We wish them luck and will let you know how they all got on. If you are interested in joining the main or training band we would be very pleased to hear from you. Please contact Brian Baker(Main Band) or Verity Baker (Brassclass) on 01404 814502.
Hello everyone, well what can I say apart from a massive thank you for all your continued support. We have been inundated lately with lots of wonderful donations from you of lovely clothes, lots of men’s things, toys and bric-a-brac. Please keep your donations coming. I am even accepting small items of furniture and electricals now. Remember - if you are a UK tax payer then you could Gift Aid your donation. This means we can claim an extra 28p in the pound from the Government that is all extra revenue for the Hospice. If you already are a Gift Aider then no doubt you have just received a letter from the Hospice telling you how much extra revenue you have helped us secure. Thank you so much. I would especially like to thank you for the fabulous Vintage clothing we are having in as well. There has been a lot of interest in our Vintage rail here in the shop. There have been lots of 70s parties happening and not so long back a 70s wedding. I have been trying to ‘rent’ things out, so it makes it a bit easier on your pocket and you’re not left with an item of clothing you’ll never wear again. If you are looking for an item of Vintage clothing then
come in and take a look. I don’t always keep all of it out on the shop floor as I have so much of it, but if you are looking for a 50s, 60s, 70s, or 80’s piece then please ask. We are always happy to help. You may notice that some of our Vintage items may have a few marks on, or may be ripped or a seam may have come undone. This is because some of the Vintage clothes I have are over 20 years old, and have been well worn and well loved. I do try and price accordingly. We sometimes have things left behind in the shop after it has been paid for. On 4th September someone bought a Harry Potter game for the PC and left it on the counter. It is still here if the person bought it would still like it! I’m still look-ing for new Volunteers, on Monday and Friday afternoons. Please come to the shop and ask for me Tracy (manager) or Carol (assistant manager). I would also like to say another thank you this time to all my fabulous volunteers.Thank you all very much for doing extra and for going the extra mile for me. It’s always so appreciated. Thanks again and look forward to seeing you in the shop. Tracy Spencer, Manager
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Self Hypnosis for Childbirth Childbirth is generally regarded as an inevitably excruciating experience. But it doesn’t have to be like that. Hypnosis can provide a powerful technique for a pain free birth. In the early 1800s eminent physicians performed operations, including amputations, using hypnosis to provide anaesthesia, but the technique fell out of use following the development of chemical anaesthetics. However, in 1955 the British Medical Association approved the use of hypnosis for hypnoanaesthesia in pain management in childbirth and surgery. In the months leading up to the baby’s birth, trained hypnotherapists can help mums-to-be to use the power of hypnosis to ease the birthing experience. Through the use of self-hypnosis, incorporating relaxing visualizations and appropriate suggestions, a drug and pain free birth is possible in all normal circumstances. Self-hypnosis courses are available for individuals, couples or groups of mums-to-be. For details contact Deborah Pearce HPD, Clinical Hypnotherapist, on 01404 813388 or 07939 840788, email dpearcehypno@supanet.com
PRECIPITATIONS As I mooched about the garden Only the other day All around fell still and silent, Banked clouds reflecting grey. And I always think at such times Of fields so long ago, When the small birds stopped their singing And we shoulder-armed our hoe, To make for the nearest shelter As we looked up at the sky, And waited for a visitor That shortly would pass by. And as I mused on those days; Let memories enfold, The wife ran out in spotting rain And went back fully clothed. Derrick V. Rugg
Coles Furnishers 11 SILVER STREET, OTTERY ST MARY (Opposite Lloyds Bank)
Wool Berber Carpets For fully fitting. One of the leading manufacturers of all wool berbers are offering a special promotion price on five of their ranges! We are pleased to be able to offer a 10% saving on our normal prices on these qualities for orders taken during October and November! Please ask for a free quotation
Craftworkers! Our WOOL SALE starts Thursday 7th October! Discontinued shades of Sirdar, Rowan, Patons and Stylecraft together with lots of other bargains for craftmakers!
FURNISHINGS Fabrics, Wools and Crafts - 01404 812991 LEISURE WEAR Our shop in The Square - 01404 812421 Page 24
Readers Write Cyclists - Pavements are for People! Dear Sir, I write to inform Gazette readers that the R.N.I.B is campaigning on behalf of visually impaired persons nationwide to make it easier for us to navigate roads and pavements by requesting the public to remove obstructions. The Campaign Officer for the West Country visited me last week and has undertaken to work with the Town Council and Devon County Council on matters such as parking on pavements, wheelie bins etc. on pavements,‘A’ boards outside shops, and overhanging shrubs etc. all of which make mobility difficult for the visually impaired. I am concerned with the matter of cycling on footpaths, which increases the hazards we have to cope with in our already stressful lives, and have written to the Headmistress at the King’s School to remind pupils that this is an offence and punishable by a fine. At the Parish meeting at the Institute last April, I raised this matter with the Town Council and was assured that they would campaign on behalf of Vision Om, the Group I formed in 1999 for blind and partially sighted people in Ottery and District. I was also encouraged by the support of the general public at this meeting for they too were concerned on their own behalf, so I am asking ALL cyclists, please be aware of the needs of others and to remember that “Pavements are for People”. Sincerely, Mrs Anne Decent
Sausage and mash supper and two Masquerade plays On this it’s fourth successive year, Masquerade will present another evening of entertainment starting with a Sausage and Mash Supper, plus dessert, followed by two contrasting One Act Plays. Beginning with ‘Drinking Companion - an unsuccessful seduction attempt, observed with humour and perception by Alan Ayckbourn. With the second play, Stop and Run, a comedy by Diana Raffle, Eileen returns from holiday with Raymond, a blind Bingo Caller. Her daughters are worried as the couple plan to marry in just a week’s time. Is Raymond only after her
money? Will Eileen find real happiness? Dates and venues are Friday 12th and Saturday 13th November at Tipton Community Hall. Friday 26th and Saturday 27th November at St. Francis Hall,Woolbrook. Supper will be served at 7.00pm sharp (Vegetarian option available) Tickets available from Ken Davis on 01395 568578. All proceeds from these events are donated to FORCE, the Exeter based Cancer Charity, which cares for sufferers and carers alike.
To advertise in the Gazette call 815111
PEARSONS NEWS 5-7, Silver Street, Ottery St Mary Telephone: 01404 812649 OWNERS IAN & KAREN PEARSON Daily Paper delivery to Ottery St Mary, West Hill, Payhembury, Feniton and Aylesbeare. Large Range of Greetings Cards and Stationery Cigs and Tobacco, Boxed Chocolates and Gifts Stamps - Phone top-up - National Lottery
Busy Otters Playgroup News
We would like to give a huge welcome to our new children who have started with us this term.They are helping to fill the gap left by a large number of leavers who went up to the big school (Ottery St Mary Prim-
ary). Numbers are up this term, so much so that we can now offer on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning sessions, lunch clubs and afternoon sessions. This years AGM has been scheduled for Friday 8th
October at 7pm at the Old Boys School. It is an obligation that a parent of a child attending the Pre-school also attends the AGM. Official business usually takes less than an hour. We then retire to the pub.We look forward to seeing you there. Lots of you will know, but for those who don’t, we are looking forward immensely to our ‘Big Move’ scheduled for January 2011. Our new building, situated at Ottery St Mary Primary School, is coming on in leaps and bounds as you will see by the photo. The walls go up this week, yippee! You can keep a track of the build and lots more on our new website www.busyotters.co.uk Also on our website are our fundraising events. On Sunday 17th October we have an
Autumn Shopping Extravaganza again at the Ottery Football Club at 7.00pm. Stalls cost £10. Queries to Lorna Brice-Nye on 07956672463 or lornski_b@hotmail.com. BOSS nights (Busy Otters Social Scene) are ongoing and posted on the website.We had a marvellous Quizine night at the Lamb and Flag over the holidays and look forward to our next one in October. Anyone connected to Busy Otters is welcome to come. Numbers are appreciated again contact Lorna Brice-Nye for details. Top secret plans are afoot for this years’ Carnival entry, Parents and Carers keep your eye out for notices. Anyone who can offer any help with logistics for our move or the carnival please let us know. There is a contact form on the website.
Mandy to climb Kilimanjaro National Womens’ Register for The Magnolia Incentive Local resident, Mandy Parker of Toadpit Lane, West Hill, is attempting to climb Kilimanjaro in order to raise funds for the charity she co- founded in 2003; The Magnolia Incentive. The charity provides financial and pastoral assistance to Exmouth Community College pupils as they pursue their higher education studies. The 14 day trip will see Mandy and 5 friends trek along the Lemosho route for 8 days in order to reach the summit on her 41st birthday. Upon her return to Arusha she is going to meet with a local orphanage and primary school to discuss setting up a permanent “gap year” project that The Magnolia Incentive hopes to oversee. Mandy is hoping to raise £5895 (£1 for every metre climbed) and if she is successful in reaching this target a local resident has pledged to match this amount. “I’ve never undertaken anything like this before” said an excited Mandy” It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work training and fundraising. It is also a wonderful opportunity to raise the profile of The Magnolia Incentive and raise money for a fantastic group of young people. I would be really grateful for any support given” If you would like to help please go to www.justgiving.com/MandyParker1969 and make a donation. If you would like further information on the work of The Magnolia Incentive please visit our website at www.themagnoliaincentive.org.uk
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The National Women’s Register (NWR) is a National organisation for lively minded women, and is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. The Ottery St Mary Group meets on the first Monday of the month in the comfort and security of members’ homes and our topics avoid domestic issues and challenge your intellect. Our annual programme means that we have animated discussions, some based on our own research and what we find interesting. Subjects can be anything from stress management to transgender issues; current affairs or controversial idea; all will widen your horizons and we aim to generate stimulating topics. Our celebratory meeting will be on 4th October, but for further information please call: Brenda on 01404 814520 or Sue on 01404 815303.
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Claire’s cut flowers are fresh from The Flower Field I started my business, The Flower Field, just a couple of years ago after finding it virtually impossible to source traditional cottage garden flowers that were British grown such as cornflowers, love-in-amist, larkspur and dahlias for a friend’s wedding. The more I looked into it the more I realised that the British cut flower industry had become sadly depleted over the years with many of the old growers retiring, and with the massive competition that comes from the Dutch flower industry meant that younger growers were unwilling to continue. So, having worked in horticulture all my working life and having a lifelong love of flowers, I retrained in floristry and it then seemed the natural thing to do to start a cut flower business. It can be incredibly hard work but the pleasure that I get from being at the field just after dawn on a summer morning carrying arms full of flowers is one of the greatest joys of the job. I grow under glass and outdoors on a small ¾ acre site in Venn Ottery. Everything is grown pesticide and artificial fertiliser free and with minimum input wherever possible. Although I grow under glass, I don’t heat as I feel it is important
to keep The Flower Field’s carbon footprint to a minimum. I pick very early in the morning to ensure super fresh flowers. Many flowers are sold within just a few hours of picking and I feel this gives them such long vase life, especially when compared to flowers that have been flown to the auction houses in Holland from all over the world and then trucked to the UK. At markets my flowers are always very popular with customers and I am constantly delighted when customers come back to tell me how long their flowers lasted. I grow colours and varieties that appeal to me and love the wonderful scents that are often lacking in so many supermarket
flowers. It is the old fashioned look and the scent of my flowers that appeal to my customers. It is amazing how a bunch of sweet-peas or lilac can send so many people back to childhood memories of their parent’s and grandparent’s gardens.
Flowers for weddings, bunches of flowers and weekly flower buckets are available from the site in Venn Ottery and periodically from the Ottery Community Market. See my seperate article below about a new site. Claire Gilles For more information call 01404 814173, mobile 07964 586464, e mail info@theflowerfield.co.uk or visit Claire’s website at www.theflowerfield.co.uk
Claire needs new local site
I will have to move from my present site in Venn Ottery at the end of the growing season and try as I might, I can not find a small 1-2 acre site to rent in or near Ottery. I am hoping to expand the business next year in both retail and wholesale and I have had many requests
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to send my flowers out by post. There is such a demand for my flowers and if I cannot find any land then I will have to hold back my plans and possibly fold the business. If anyone can help me or point me in the right direction I will be happy to talk to them. Help please!
New poetry book to benefit Ottery Heritage Society Last month saw the launch of a third book of poems by popular local writer Betty Williams MA. A researcher and teacher of European languages, her retirement has provided the opportunity to devote more time to her writings, many of them inspired by her interests in travel, literature and the romantic poets. Born in Derbyshire, Betty, pictured above, was educated in Nottingham, read French at Somerville College, Oxford, and after gaining her degree taught in the UK and then Tournon-sur-Rhone, France . From Head of Department at Chesterfield St Helena School , she moved to Luton High School where, in charge of modern languages, she taught French, Italian and Spanish. Close friends since their time at Oxford together Terry Williams and Betty were married in 1966, and, with educational changes, Betty moved to Luton Sixth Form College, the first of its kind to be established in the UK. They retired to West Hill, in Devon, in 1987. Terry died in 2003. Asked where she draws inspiration for her writings, she says, “they come from life’s
experiences, perhaps journeying to far off places, or from domestic observations, they can spring from moments of pure happiness to deep melancholy, from philosophical to whimsical and,” she adds mischievously, “they can on occasions break the taboo of including the odd poem about my friends.” Betty is donating the proceeds from all three of her books, ‘Then and Now’, ‘Hereafter’ and ‘Moreover’, in support of the Ottery St Mary Heritage Society. Copies can be purchased from The Curious Otter Book shop, Ottery St Mary, and the Ottery Tourist Information Centre or by calling 01404 814044.
Support Ottery’s Help Scheme at October Market Shoppers will be able to support Ottery’s Help Scheme at October’s market, to be held on Saturday 30th October, by buying raffle tickets for prizes donated by the stallholders. New food stalls selling certified organic beef and lamb, beautiful cupcakes made in Ottery, and fresh bread are proving to be very popular at Sustainable Ottery’s monthly Community Market. The stalls are a welcome addition to the thriving market, which already sells locally produced, organic fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs and
egg products, a huge selection of preserves and chutneys, apple juice and home-baked goods. All this food is produced within 5 miles of Ottery! There is also a Traidcraft stall, which sells those other essential staples, such as tea, coffee, rice and dried fruit, which cannot be grown locally. These Fairtrade goods are sold at a price and in a way that benefits the producers in the developing world. This month’s market takes place Saturday, 30th October 9.30am – 12.30pm at the Institute in Yonder Street.
Ottery Cardmaking Club
Liz and Helen would like to welcome all new members and all the ones that have been with us from the start.We have just held our 4th Card Making Club meeting and our membership is steadily increasing. So all you budding card makers, whether you are male or female and would love to join us at our next evening, we would advise you to contact Helen to ensure that we always have enough materials for everyone that comes along. Once again everyone made fantastic cards with this month’s project being Waterfall Cards. Watch out readers, one of you could be receiving one in the post!! Our next Card Making Club is on Friday 15th October from 7pm - 9pm at Coleridge Preschool. The project will be ‘Hunky Dory’ Don’t know what this is? Come along and find out! There will also be some materials and cards for sale. Minimum age is 9 and under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Helen on 07907584517 or email her at helen36kk@fsmail.net.
Every Sunday at The King’s School main hall at 10.30 For a time of worship, teaching and Sunday School groups for the children. Also midweek home groups and a Youth Group meets every Friday night at the Chapel in Yonder Street. All are welcome to come along to any of our meetings. For more details do contact Bruce and Heather Talbot on 01404 850900 or email info@newlifeottery.org.uk New Life Church is part of Churches Together in Ottery.
www.newlifeottery.org.uk Page 27
Folk Music with The Claque at Payhembury Parish Hall
Get the balance right!
Supporting the British Heart Foundation
The Claque, an excellent group of unaccompanied folk singers (Tom Addison Barry Lister Dave Lowry Sean O’Shea) will appear at Payhembury Parish Hall at 7.30pm on 23rd October at 7.30pm. Their material is drawn from the British Isles and almost all is traditional. The Claque sing regularly at Exeter Folk Club and more widely in the UK. Tickets - £6 for adults, £3 for under 16s; family £15 (two adults, 2 child) – are available from John Somers (01884 277390 or j.w.somers@ex.ac.uk). Audience size limited to accommodate tables on which a complimentary bread and cheese supper will be served. Licensed bar; supporting acts. Proceeds in aid of Tale Valley Community Theatre. Tickets will be available on the door, but we may be sold out and it would help us with catering arrangements of you booked in advance. “They’ve all been singing for very many years in various guises - solos, duets, trios - and now, at last, as a quartet. And what a splendid quartet they are sounding now!” See ‘The Claque’ at the Cheltenham Folk Festival at http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNS144PKTXI&feature=related
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Can you believe it’s bewitching month already and the nights are drawing in (rather too quickly if you ask me). The change is all to clear with the chill in the air and the trees losing there leaves, the flowers hiding away again until next spring. The other thing that is changing is our name, we will no longer be using the heading Salsasize, we shall be now using the title Dance’a’size. So here’s an idea, why not make a choice to pass the darker nights quicker by coming and joining us at one of our OHL exercise classes. OHL (Ottery Healthy Living) has been running in Ottery St Mary for over two years,Whimple for nearly two years and our latest class in Talaton is proving to be a hit too. We have decided for several reasons to change our exercise class name from Salsasize to Danceasize. The main reason being that we find Salsa steps can be limiting and can get a little repetitive. Being able to add a few different style dance steps i.e. Rumba, Cha Cha, bachata to name but a few, we can create a better
challenge and added movement. The music also makes a big difference whilst you are danceasizing. Many different tunes which are upbeat and fun (not necessarily fast) it is the beat of the music that we exercise to, so whether it is latin salsa, reggaton, Tom Jones or Michael Jackson all our music is used to co-ordinate each routine taking you from slow, through to medium and on to slightly faster. Each person works at there own level in a wonderful fun atmosphere. Although a level of fitness is required it is very important that we understand over time the more you exercise, the fitter you will become and healthier you can feel. Exercise has proven to bring down blood pressure reduce stress levels helps to maintain or lose weight and can also be associated with a better clearer complexion. Win, win really! With the British Heart Foundation Literature always readily available and your choice to change your lifestyle, Dance’a’size is a must try. As we are a pay as you go with no routines to learn, the recipe is just right. Although no partners are required, you will need a standard level of fitness, comfy clothes and smooth soled footwear. You can come along to any of the classes and see for yourself how much fun getting back into shape can be. All this whilst raising much needed funds for the British Heart Foundation. See you soon! Michele
YOUR LOCAL DANCE ‘A’ SIZE CLASSES Whimple 7.30 - 8.30pm Ottery 8.00 - 9.00pm Talaton 10.00 - 11.00am For Further Information call
Mondays Victory Hall Tuesdays Old Boys School Wednesdays Talaton Village Hall Michele on 07984 869498
RAYMOND OSBORNE BSc. Hons. (Psych.) London N.D. D.O. B.R.C.P.
Diplomas in Osteopathy and Naturopathy Cranial Sacral Therapist, Kinesiologist OTTERY ST MARY, EXETER, WELLINGTON, MORETONHAMPSTEAD For bookings and information, daytime or evening
Home: 01647 441204
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22 Fordlands Road, Mortonhampstead TQ13 8LR e mail: raymond.osborne2@yahoo.co.uk www.raymondosborne.co.uk
This firm has a clear vision for Ottery
Opticians Brian Knapman and Eiohn Hayes have joined forces to create Knapman Hayes, opticians specialising in home visits. Brian, who has been in optics in Torquay since 1961, disposed of his practice in 1988 and subsequently started a domiciliary service for patients who are housebound and unable to visit a high street optician. Knapman Hayes expanded into Ottery St Mary some time ago and even though the firm is based in Torquay,
Eiohn lives in Chudleigh so visits to the town are well within reach. There is no charge for the eye examination or visit if the patient is over 60 or registered as housebound, and spectacles are free if the patient receives income support or pension credit guarantee credit. Brian said: “The main problem we find is that people are unaware that this service is available, and seem very surprised when they discover they can have
their eyes tested at home, free.” “We are not in competition with high street opticians as we only do home visits. In fact, several local opticians already use our services for their own patients.” Eiohn explained: “We offer a complete service. If spectacles are needed, we supply them from a large selection of modern frames, both metal and plastic, and some designer frames. We deliver and fit all our spectacles so there is no need for the patient to have to leave the house. And if we are unable to visit ourselves, our colleague Kathy will come to visit you for any alterations or adjustments.”
Knapman-Hayes are based at 9a Ilsham Road, Wellswood, Torquay, telephone 01803 294418, and they would welcome any enquiries from people living in Ottery St Mary and environs. Please contact them soon for further information or for an appointment.
EYE EXAMINATIONS IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME If you are housebound or unable to visit an Optician, Brian Knapman or Eiohn Hayes will visit you. The visit and sight test are FREE if you are over 60 or on Income Support.
We offer a complete visiting service with a large selection of modern and some designer frames.
Your spectacles are FREE if you receive Income Support or Pension Guarantee Credit
FOR A FULLY PROFESSIONAL SERVICE, PLEASE CONTACT BRIAN KNAPMAN or EIOHN HAYES
Telephone: 01803 294418 (24 hour answerphone) 9a Ilsham Road, Wellswood, Torquay TQ1 2JG
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This year’s Beautiful Days Music Festival, held at Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, over the weekend of 20th – 22nd August, was another sell-out success attracting over 12,500 visitors from all over the UK who enjoyed an extravaganza of fun and fantastic music. And this year the rain held off until Sunday afternoon so there was no mud! Performances were held at the Main Stage, The Big Top, the Little Big Top, The Bimble Inn and Dirty Davey’s Bandstand. Headliners included Mancunian band James, and Beautiful Days
hosts The Levellers who closed the festival on Sunday night. There were many more bands and musicians too numerous to mention here, along with famous DJs, poets and stand up comedians. Beautiful Days is a safe, friendly, family festival held in the beautiful setting of Escot Park with lots of entertainment and attractions for children. The festival enhances local tourism and brings a great deal of business to the Ottery area. People travel here from all over the country and some combine the festival with a holiday in East Devon. Many local businesses enjoy the custom of festival goers. “Beautiful Days
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have redefined the way festivals should be run”, a statement made by Virtual-festivals.com, describes how professionally the festival is organised. As it improves year on year it will continue to bring benefits to the Ottery St Mary district. Top: The Main Stage. Above: Headliners James, who have evolved from their Manchester Hacienda days, played to an Old Trafford sized crowd on Saturday night. Right: Charismatic vocalist Koolant has filled the void left by the late Bob Marley with The Wailers who headlined on Friday night.
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OTTER DAZE
MUSIC FESTIVAL
OTTERY ST MARY FOOTBALL CLUB Saturday 28th August The day went well on Friday with the construction of stage and the setting up of the beertent, however we had a call from one of our bands, Monkey Funch, that the lead singer had fallen ill.This presented us with a hole in the line-up but we were hopeful we could cope by asking the other acts to fill in. The sun was shining as we put together last minute touches on the Saturday morning. We suffered another set back as the PA suppliers were delayed but after some tense times we had PA up and running. The First act was Dave Somers, on acoustic guitar doing mixture of R&B, and Folksie stuff. Dave received several encores, especially from the other musicians who were happy soaking up the sunshine and a beer or two on the patio. Next up was Sam Riley, again on acoustic guitar doing a
selection of quirky covers from various genres of artist. Sam managed to get some dancing started amongst the girls. Far too early for men to start thinking about that stuff! The volume and the visuals then moved up a gear as ‘That 70’s Band’ took to the stage. Resplendent in multi coloured wigs, flares and tank tops, the band did a repertoire of Mud, Sweet, T Rex, Slade and much much more. Great fun and more encores. The next act was Rob Edis, singer/songwriter doing folk, country and R&B stuff. Rob has a good voice and kept the audience entertained, even though the weather had begun to cool down rapidly by now as the Sun disappeared behind the clouds. Because of the drop in temperature the next act moved indoors. Jeffi and Rob doing various R&B, folk, and country
covers entertained the crowd indoors whilst the DJs were mixing it in the rapidly cooling outside as the sun set and the stage lights lit up the decks for those still braving it out on the patio. Our last act of the day was Sound of the Sirens, giving a fantastic, raunchy, blond, sexy performance of all sorts of stuff to cap off the day. John Clarke says they were “Almost as attractive as That 70’s Band!”. Sorry John they just nudged it mate!! Apart from the music we had an inflatable assault course, that was popular with both kids and adults alike. The Ottery St Mary FC Youth coaches staged some time-trials that resulted in a tag-team wrestling match. The car-smash went down well with the kids, and the car was well and truly finished off by
the Tipton FC lads later in the evening. We had face painting and painting competitions looked after by the Busy Otters playgroup. It was a great a day once again, and we look forward to making it bigger and better next year. Bill Hayes
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For a friendly and efficient local service contact us on 01404 812555 or call in at 8 Jesu Street, Ottery St Mary (also at Old Fore Street, Sidmouth - 01395 516658) For further information see our website at www.easterbrooks.co.uk We are also agents for the NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY where we offer an excellent customer service Chartered Accountants - Registered Auditors
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Ottery Cricket Club youngsters continue to thrive Ottery St Mary Cricket Club recently celebrated another successful season of youth cricket as many of the 100strong junior section plus parents, friends and club officials gathered at the Salston Field clubhouse for their annual awards night. At the youngest age group, U10 soft ball, a glut of players necessitated the club running two teams under rookie coaches John Mutter and Ian Jeacock. Wining half of their eight matches, the A side improved markedly during the season. Charlie Olive’s developing batting and excellent attitude in encouraging his teammates won him the batting award whilst the steady line and length of spinner George Mutter claimed the bowling trophy. An enthusiastic all round performance secured the Manager’s award for William Pitcher. The B side also had a mixed season during which their collective focus gradually improved and the fielding, which claimed no less than 18 run outs, eventually became excellent. A fine eye clinched the batting award for opener Tom Peters whilst paceman Tom Jeacock frequently shook up the opposi-tion in claiming nine wickets and the bowling award. Tom Simmons received the Manager’s award.
U-11 hard ball pairs manager John Tierney described his charges efforts as “A nearly season in which we lost in a lot of close finishes”. They did, however, defeat eventual champions Budleigh Salterton in a match which saw bowler of the year Zak Hawes claim 511.Top run scorer Harry Peters, who sometimes stepped up to the full U-11 team, claimed the batting award whilst dead-eyed fielder Tom Conway received the Manager’s trophy. The U-11s, under joint coaches Will Katene and Rob SouthallBrown, enjoyed a terrific season, winning nine of their eleven league matches and
Di and Roger Shenton welcome you to
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losing in the cup semi-final to eventual winners and league champions, Budleigh. Katene paid tribute to the leadership of skipper Joe Henkus, who also captains the East Devon U-11s, and vice-captain Ollie Reed. The latter plus Billy Rudolph and Ben Phillips also represented the full county side. Batting award winner, Rudolph, posted 230 runs in eight innings, being dismissed only once, whilst Ollie Reed’s 18 wickets secured the bowling award which was tough on Henkus who actually claimed one more wicket! Charlie Wright’s tremendous all-round season – 161 runs, 9 wickets, 2 stumpings and 5
catches – landed him the Manager’s award. Coach Steve Loud attributed his U-12 side’s excellent season to hard work during winter training sessions. In a very strong league, Sidmouth, Budleigh and Seaton were all thrashed by a side boasting not only four county players, but real strength in depth.Well lead by Dan Pyle and, in his absence, George Southall-Brown, the team showed real progress in all three facets of the game.The sound technique of opener George Hoult, who retired undefeated on six occasions to average 73, won him the batting trophy whilst Tom
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Gurney’s rapidly improving left arm spin clinched the bowling award. Manager’s award winner and regular no.3 batsman, Harry Conway, also enjoyed a terrific season, posting six undefeated innings and the season’s highest individual score of 56 not out vs.Topsham. Youthful coach John Phillips paid tribute to his U-15 squad in having “The get up and go to make this season so worthwhile” and also to fellow youngster Alex Clements for his enthusiastic assistance. Seven matches produced only one defeat and a particularly creditable draw against Sidmouth. Billy Reed’s consistent scoring landed him the batting award whilst eleven wickets at 21.75 saw the bowling trophy go to fiery pace man John Buckland. Johnny Golder’s terrific commitment was rewarded with the Manager’s trophy. U-17s coach Keith Biggs highlighted the progress made by many of his charges during the season, observing: “A number of the U-17s have developed into talented cricketers and considering how many teenagers I regularly find myself playing with in the 2nd XI, perhaps my nickname of ‘Granddad’ is justified!”. Jack Pritchard, in the 1st XI and Alex Thurgate, George Biggs, Matt Reed, Louis Biggs, Alex Tubbs, Sam Loud and Nick Mansfield
in the 2nd XI, all successfully made the transition to senior cricket. Middle order batsman and brilliant outfielder, Reed, claimed the batting trophy whilst emerging all-rounder Tubbs, who ‘hits the deck hard’, took the bowling award. Louis Biggs’s general commitment to the club as well as his markedly improved batting and keeping won him the Manager’s award. In emphasising the Club’s ethos of encouraging cricket to be played in the right spirit, Chairman Rob Bradshaw-Smith labeled the Club’s young players as: “A fantastic advertisement for Ottery St Mary Cricket Club”.The contribution of many U-15 & U-17 players in helping coach the younger players was also acknowledged and special awards were made to retiring Junior Section Chairman Keith Biggs and Club Welfare officer, Emma Webber. The evening was concluded by the presentation of the fielding trophy to Will Tyers, the Chairman’s trophy to highly promising U-12 spinner Tom Gurney and the Colt of theYear award to Alex Thurgate, the rapidly improving 16 year old left hander who has established himself in the Men’s 2nd XI and posted a match winning maiden league fifty in the home fixture with Barnstaple & Pilton. Ian Townsend
GRANDISSON ARCHERS NEWS A ‘Grandisson’ Day Out
A grand day out – well, a morning the for members of Grandisson Archers! Fellow Grandisson Archers gathered for a woodland Game Shoot (of the artificial target variety) at Escot, near Ottery St Mary. With great weather, the turn out was very good with over 14 archers in attendance. After about 2 hours the results were in. Lawrence Wonnacott 1st and Geoff Webber 2nd in the Hunting Tackle class, Norman Tucker 1st and Neil Channing 2nd in the Primitive Bow class. Ken Wilkes 1st and Aaron Webber 2nd in the Beginners/Juniors/Ladies class. The most notable archer was Ken Wilkes (pictured above) who only having just completed a series of training sessions with Grandisson Archers won not only his class but also the coveted Stag Tankard (kindly donated by Brian Cooper) as well, not bad for a beginner!! The prizes for these winners were all cuts of meat so following the tradition of a woodland meat shoot. If you are interested in taking part in traditional archery then why not visit our website grandissonarchers.co.uk or phone the club’s Chairman on 07739 034 347.
Ottery Youth Football Club Ottery St Mary Youth Football Club formed four new teams this week for the coming season. The under 8s who will be coached by Ben Smit. Two under 10s teams called the Ottery barrelers and the Ottery canons who will be coached by Matt bull, all three will be playing in the Exeter and District Youth league.Also a new girls under 11s team coached by Holly Daly, who will be playing in the Devon Girls league.The coaches were overwhelmed by the response on signing on day and couldn’t wait to kick off the new season in September. There are spaces at most age groups and anyone wanting more information on any of the Ottery Youth teams please check the website at www.otterystmaryfc.co.uk/youth.
Christine Ashby SOLICITOR
Local solicitor offering a friendly and professional service Wills and probate, Inheritance tax planning, Administration of Estates, Trusts, Powers of attorney, Long term care, Member of Solicitors for the Elderly 61 Mill Street, Ottery St Mary Telephone: 01404 814303 E mail: mail@christineashby.co.uk Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
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Page 33
Rotary Round-Up NEWS FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF OTTER VALLEY
August was a bit of a hotchpotch month for the Rotary Club of Otter Valley. Like most months, it started with a Business Meeting followed, for the second meeting, by a visit from our new District Governor, Carole Angliss. She opened by encouraging the club to embrace Rotary’s new task – “Building Communities – Bridging Continents”. This was rather like preaching to the converted, since the role of every club is to support its local community, something that Otter Valley does very well. She then moved on to the eradication of Polio, and encouraged us to support Bill Gates and Rotary Inter-national’s initiative, pointing out that there were now only three cases in Nigeria and twelve in India. Sadly, every time we seem to have succeeded, one of those cases goes to another country and another outbreak occurs. We seem to have been on the brink of eradicating this dreadful disease for the past ten years but never quite making it, however much cash we throw at it; a point made by several members.
She then moved on to encouraging us to recruit more members, at least three. Unfortunately, she had not done her homework and was rather taken aback when we told her that we had already exceeded that figure; she then quickly shifted to “mentoring and retention”. After some words on Interact and Rotoract, which is particularly suitable for graduates, she concluded her talk by exhorting us all to attend the next District Conference which would take place on 26th/27th February 2011 in Dawlish Warren. Our third meeting featured one of our own, Rotarian Geoff Hawes, talking about “Public Protection” or “Child Protection” as it used to be known. It now covers anyone who has suffered at the hands of a violent offender or a sex offender. He opened his talk with the fact that 1 in 6 children are abused and of those 50% never complain although that figure is now improving.The first time that any positive action was taken over such matters was the Sex Offenders Act of 1997. This act required all sex
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offenders to be registered; it allowed them to be put on a Sex Offenders Prevention Order which required them to be photographed and to report if they intended to move in any 7-day period. He illustrated this with the case of Jason Swift. Cooke, the abuser, who travelled with a fairground, used assistants one of whom gave Jason 50p to go to Cooke’s caravan where he was abused, killed and then buried in Essex. In 2002/3 this act was superseded by the Public Protection Act. The aim of this act was to track offenders, of which there are now some 40,000 in this country – frightening isn’t it? This came about due to several serious events in the years between 1997 and 2002; the murder of Sarah Payne, where Whiting, a known sex offender, was arrested but no evidence could be found until his van was discovered. In his van, the police found Sarah’s hairs which led to his conviction; the Soham Murders, again Ian Huntley had a history but this did not come to light until the court case. After the case, the Bechard Inquiry was set up; this uncovered the fact that Huntley had been investigated by Humberside Police but as nothing was proven, the records were destroyed so “no trace” was found when enquiries were made. Police forces now share all information to avoid a repeat of such an occurrence. Geoff then covered Operation Ore. In 1999, the US Postal Service noted that a man and his wife were making large sums of money. During the investigation, which showed that they were paedophiles, more than 2000 British Credit Card details came to light. It took three years for the British police forces to work through this list and produce a comprehensive catalogue of paedophiles.
He went on to cover the Criminal Justice Act 2003 which drew the Police, Probation and Prison services together to deal with these matters. This was followed by the Sex Offences Act 2003 which consolidated previous legislation and added new offences. He went on to cover Risk Assessment in prison, multi-Agency meetings, Public Protection Offices, Internet offending and women who offend against children. He was constantly asked questions as he progressed, so great was the club’s interest in the subject. Finally, the President had to cut him short or else he would have had to go on all night; in short, a first class talk. Sadly, for our next meeting we had been unable to get a speaker, so our President had decided that we should have a fellowship evening. To ensure that everyone spoke to more than two people, we all had to move tables between each course. Although our President’s instructions were quite clear, being Rotarians some went where they liked and chaos ensued. That said, I believe the object of the exercise was achieved! On Sunday 22nd August, the club had arranged a Soiree in the gardens of the Tumbling Weir and invited the Ottery St Mary Silver Band to play. The club has supported the band for many years but not had a specific event to help them recently, so Rotarian Nick AggManning proposed this event and acted as MC on the day. It started at 3 pm and finished at 5. The cost was £5 per head and included a Cream tea; there was also a raffle the proceeds of which went to the band. It was open to both Rotarians and the general public and was very well attended; subsequently, the club was able to hand over a cheque to the band for £300.
CHIROPODIST (PODIATRIST)
The Ottery Foot Clinic DENISE MARTIN
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H.P.C. REGISTERED 16 Mill Street, Ottery St Mary EX11 1AB Telephone: 01404 811234 Mobile: 07722 148511
Page 35
OTTERY FOOTBALL CLUB NEWS Looking back at September The First team have started with mixed fortunes, having played 6, won 3 and lost 3. If we continue to perform as we did in beating Exeter Civil Service away then we will surely be in the right half of the table at the end of this season. Our Youth section continues to thrive, with the new U8s and U10s getting to grips with league fixtures.We have a large number of players from all our age groups attending Exeter City School of Excellence training on Monday nights.This extra coaching is a great help in bringing the standard of all our kids to the highest we can give them. Summer skittles has now finished, with the ‘Wanderers’ finishing on top of the tree. I know a couple of teams, including mine, had unplayed fixtures, but they wouldn’t affect the final standings I am told.
Upcoming Events
Dates for the diary. The next Carnival Bingo night is Sunday 10th October. Doors will be open for a normal 7.30pm start. The Bingo night in September was completely full so do come early to get a table. The Busy Otters playgroup have fundraising Nights in October, as do the Carnival committee. Keep an eye out for posters or ring the Club to get any confirmed times. How to contact the Club Come along and visit, whether you are into Football or not. The Club has Pool Table, Darts Board & Bar. If you have young kids, bring them along if you want somewhere to relax in a child friendly atmosphere. Better still get them involved in their Youth Age group if they like the idea of playing.The Club
The Court
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is open from Wednesday to Friday from 7pm, and on Saturdays is open all day from 12.00 midday. Sundays the Club is open from 12.00 midday till 6.00pm. The Football Club has two rooms available for Private Parties, Christenings, Wedding Receptions, Events or Business Meetings daytimes or evenings. To enquire on availability, and discuss your requirements for catering or bar contact us ring Colin on 01404 813539. If you wish to advertise via the Club, or sponsor a team or match, then see the website www.otterystmaryfc.co.uk/ ottery_st_mary_afc.htm .
And Finally
For all you parents who watch football on the top pitch on Saturday or Sunday mornings,or in mid-week, good news. Certain teams are planning to have tea, coffee and other refreshments available from
the cabin. Our own U12s parents and coaches have been able to take advantage of this new venture, and very welcome it proved too. If you are interested in helping out with making this work for your kids team then contact your coach to see if they already have anyone looking to do the same. If not then volunteers will I’m sure be welcome. Anyone who is interested in getting involved behind the scenes, get in touch by ringing the Club or by asking to talk to a committee member if you are down at the Club itself.We are always looking to welcome new social or committee members to the Club and there is always more than enough work to keep us all happy!! If you are interested then ring us on 813539 or just come down and ask Colin behind the bar to grab a committee member for you to talk to. Bill Hayes
Thanks for sponsorship Ottery St Mary AFC would like to thank Andrew Walker and Lamb Hill Garden Machinery for sponsoring the club through the purchase of track suits shown in the photo above. Without generous sponsorship and help from the likes of Andrew and his company, this club would not exist. Brian Barnden Chairman
Eunice Weddell MCFHP. MAFHP.
FOOT HEALTH PROFESSIONAL Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals
The Court is a gracious caring home providing warmth, companionship, and safety.
Call 01404 822632 for more information Page 36
VISITING PRACTICE
Telephone: 07949 660 624 (OTTERY ST MARY)
Keeping in Harmony
Ottery Bowls Club Finals
Sustainable Ottery is offering a new cultural experience again in the town with a day of harmony singing. Following on from the successful launch of African Drumming in the Spring there is now an opportunity for singers, both experienced and novice to have some fun. Experience the joy of singing together in glorious 4-part harmony in a day of fun, funky and soulful song. On Saturday November 6th, Pete Linnett of the Natural Voice Practitioners’ Network will be running a day of harmony singing for all in the Old Boy’s School Hall. Everything is taught by ear, so there’s no need to read music or have previous experience. Pete says “I run community choirs, where the emphasis is very much on singing for pleasure. It’ll be a day of accessible vocal music from various traditions, including Gospel and South African. It’s a great thing to do together and needs no special training!” “By bringing this sort of workshop to Ottery we are able to have some fun, make new contacts and friends and reduce the need to travel elsewhere for our cultural fun. Instead of twenty people maybe travelling to a choir in another town we will bring one person to the town who can make it all happen” said Clive Essame of the Sustainable Ottery steering group. The day runs from 10.30am to 4.00pm and costs £20 for the day. Enquiries - call Pete Linnett on 01297 445078 or email: petelinnett@naturalvoice.net
DRUMMING UP SUPPORT
Following a successful move to the Station Youth Centre the Sustainable Ottery African Drumming workshops are looking ahead to two more workshops. The first is on Saturday 23rd October and the second on Saturday 20th November. Beginners are welcome in time for a 2pm start with more experienced drummers at about 3.30. Drummers of all ages are welcome, it was particularly pleasing to see two young men of primary school age joining in last month, and more youngsters are welcome. Each half of the afternoon costs £7.50 with a reduction for primary age children. Some of the group will be performing in public for the first time at the Autumn Fest at the Institute, with ideas already being put forward for more public appearances next year. If you want to find out more please contact info@sustainableottery.org.uk or 01404 814217, or just turn up on the day. Drums are available for loan.
We knew the end of the Bowling season was approaching when the Club Finals took place on two Saturdays in August this year. The results are as follows: John Ward is the winner in the Men’s four wood singles for the Men’s Championship. The runner up was Eric Saunders. Dot Luff won the Ladies four wood singles for the Ladies Championship. The runner up was Ann Howells. John Pethick was the winner in the Open four wood singles for the Club Championship beating John Ward.The men’s three wood singles was between father and son William and Jamie Taylor, the result went in favour of son Jamie. In the mixed triples Jo Sarton, Terry House and William Taylor beat Freda Hunt, Maggie Beighton and Harry Channon. (Freda Hunt replaced Joan Saunders in the Final as she was unwell). The men’s two wood singles winner was William Taylor who beat Norman Lawence. The Ladies’ two wood singles winner was Valerie Kille who beat Freda Hunt. The nominated mixed pairs Mike Smith and Sharon Kenny beat Norman Lawence and Maureen Phillips and the Otter Trophy went to Jamie Taylor who beat Mike Smith. Photo shows John Pethick, Club Champion, being congratulated by Maggie Beighton, Club Captain.
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Otterycard Offers for October ROBERTS - 10% OFF Torches and Hi-Visibility Waiscoats. TUMBLING WEIR HOTEL - 10% discount off A La Carte Meals. (excluding functions and light lunches). DOWNS MOTORS - 10% discount on new Unipart batteries DEVON TILES - 10% OFF all Roca and Roman showers. MILLSTONE BAKERY - Draw every month for a voucher for a 8” round celebration cake valid for 3 months. Watch the blackboard for other great Otterycard offers. C H SALTER - 10% OFF servicing on all Citroen, Peugeot and Renault Cars. OTTERY HEALTHSTORE - Come and see our store promotions DILLY’S FLORISTS - 10% OFF Artificial Flowers. COLES FURNISHERS - 5% OFF Rugs. OTTERY OFFICE & COMPUTER - buy Zebra Gel Pen - Get Zebra Retractable Pencil FREE!
What’s On at Otter Nurseries
Kid’s Halloween Skeleton Workshop Monday 25th October - Friday 29th October 2:30pm - 4:30pm. Keep the kids entertained this half term with local entertainer Colin John and his cheeky Charlie the monkey. Watch them make a skeleton mask to take home with them and play a game of pass the parcel! Advance tickets are now on sale at the tills in the main shop, for only £3.75 each - includes refreshments. Gifts for Gardeners: Monday 15th November - Tuesday 30th November. FREE EVENT. An exciting and NEW event for Otter! Come to Otter and find a superb display of gifts, in the plant centre, that have been specially chosen to give you inspiration when trying to find the ideal present for the keen gardener in your life. From plants to gardening tools you are sure to find the perfect gift for Christmas!
The PRIORY
R ESIDENTIAL C ARE H OME
AJ’s Big Band - back in the mood at Axminster
Following the success of their big band dance night at Axminster Guildhall last year, the popular 17 piece will be returning on Friday 15th October. Dance enthusiasts can look forward to another packed programme of great music from this acclaimed band, guaranteed to get everyone onto the dance floor for an exciting evening of waltzes, quick steps, latin, jive and much more. The event will also feature songs from A.J’s stunning vocalist Paula Mitchell. Ticket £12.50p. can be purchased from Archway Bookshop, Axminster. Tel. 01297 33595 or hoteline 01392 411194.
Whimple Primary School Christmas Craft Fair
Whimple School Christmas Craft Fair will be held at Whimple Victory Hall on Saturday 6th November 2010 from 1.00pm until 4.00pm. Please join us for a fun afternoon browsing the craft stalls. All proceeds will be donated to Whimple Primary School. Relax with a cup of tea and piece of home made cake.There will be lots of great Christmas present ideas and a raffle with lovely prizes. Entry is Free. If you would like a stall please contact Cathy Sharkey on 01404 822939 or Tracy Bunkum on 01404 823057
Fashion and Textile Show
There will be a Fashion and Textile Show held at Feniton Village Hall on Saturday 2nd October 2010 from 1.45 to 5.00pm. Join us for afternoon tea and homemade cake in aid of the NSPCC. Enjoy a Fashion Show, starting at 2.30pm, and a unique shopping experience featuring these local hand-crafted goods: ‘Overly Gorgeous’ by Julie Trickey - handmade clothes for size 16+.Anne Penfold:Textile Designer/Maker - Handmade bags and accessories. Touch of Class - Handmade jewellery. Tickets £5.00 including tea and cake.For more information and ticket enquiries call Julie Trickey on 01404 850768 or visit www.annepenfold.co.uk or www.overlygorgeous.com
Remembering the Lives of those who have died A simple service will be led by The Rev’d Preb. Simon Franklyn on Sunday 31st October at 3.00pm in the Parish Church All are welcome
* Professionally trained, genuinely caring staff * En-suite rooms - Lift to all floors * Special diets catered for * Short stays / Respite or long term care * Your favourite furniture welcomed
Why not drop in for a friendly chat and speak to our manager Margaret?
Call us on 01404 812939 10 Paternoster Row, Ottery St Mary Page 38
R.J. GOMM
CARPENTR Y AND JOINER Y ARPENTRY JOINERY AIRS AND MAINTEN ANCE REPAIRS MAINTENANCE REP Wardrobes and Bedroom Furniture Vanity Units and Bathrooms. Kitchens Fitted Doors and Windows supplied and fitted Book Cases made and fitted FREE ESTIMATES GIVEN Telephone: 01404 811420 Mobile: 07775 700535
What’s On in October Ark Pottery. Open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm. 01404 812628 Cadhay House & Gardens. Open each Friday in May and late Spring Bank Holiday, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. From 2pm to 5.30pm. For more information contact 01404 813511 Escot Gardens, Maze & Park Open all year. See the Otters, Red Squirrels, try the Drop Slide. Watch the Falconry displays. Contact 01404 822188 for more information about a great day out. 1st Fri Ottery St Mary Farmer’s Market. Hind Street Car Park 9.00am to 1.00pm 2nd Sat Fashion & Textile Show. Feniton Village Hall Tickets £5 available from Coles Ottery St Mary 2nd Sat Ottery St Mary Hospital League of Friends Coffee Morning at Ottery St Mary Hospital. 10.00am to 12 noon 2nd Sat Ottery Social & Charitable Association Curry Lunch West Hill Village Hall. 12.30pm Tickets £8.50 from Information Centre. 2nd Sat Volunteer Inn Courtyard - raising funds for the Carnival Royalty – 9am to 12noon. Lovely homemade cake. 2nd Sat Autumn Fest – at the Institute 7.30pm. Sustainable Ottery presents an evening of World Music. 3rd Sun Choctober Letterboxing throughout October at Escot. Sunday Tasty Towers. An afternoon of competitive marshmallow and spaghetti tower building. 01404 822188 3rd Sun Ottery St Mary Parish Church Family Communion 10.00am – followed by a free lunch & the 2010 Welly Olympics at Ottery Cricket Club 3rd Sun Ottery Parish Church Harvest Songs of Praise with Ottery Silver Band -Local Young Farmers - Parish Church Choir at 6.30pm followed by light refreshments 5th Tues Ottery St Mary Gardening Club evening. Institute. 7pm Bob Flowerdew talking about ‘No Work Gardening’ Tickets £8 from Joan on 01404 815082 6th Wed Wynn’s Coach Trip to Street / Wells. Leave 9.15am Cost £10. Contact 01404 813542 9th Sat Yonder Close Social Club Coach Outing to Salisbury Market. Price £10. For more details call 01404 812798 16th Sat Ottery St Mary Parish Church Coffee Morning. Feoffee Rooms. 10.00am Continued next column
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Sustainable Ottery Fungi Foray Day. 10.30am. For more information contact 01404 814217. 16th Sat Ottery Twinning Association Autumn Social Evening at West Hill Village Hall 7.30pm. Tickets £8 including supper. 19th Tues Heritage Society evening at The Institute 7.30pm. A talk on the history of the Tar Barrels. Speaker Andy Wade 23rd Sat Sustainable Ottery Good2Drum at The Station Youth Centre £7.50 per session. Please book on 01404 814217 25th Mon Happy Halloween at Otter Nurseries. 2.30pm 4.30pm 29th Fri Children’s Fun Halloween Workshop. Tickets £ 3.75 each 27th Wed Dinosaur Day at Ark Pottery. Come and model a pottery dinosaur! Suit 8-12 year olds. Call 01404 812628 for info. 30th Sat Carnival Day in Ottery St Mary. Starts 7.30pm from Finnimore Trading Estate. Grand Firework Display Land of Canaan at 9.30pm. Come and support your Carnival. 30th Sat Ottery St Mary Community Market. 9.30am to 12.30pm At the Institute Yonder Street.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE The next meeting of
OTTERY ST MARY TOWN COUNCIL will be held at 7pm on Monday 4th October 2010 in Tipton St John Community Hall, The following meeting will be held on Monday 1st November 2010 in the Council Chamber, The Old Convent, 8 Broad Street, Ottery St Mary The Agenda for these meetings will be displayed on Parish notice boards and on the Council website www.otterystmary-tc.gov.uk at least three clear days before the meeting Members of the public and the Press are welcome to attend as observers
SITUATIONS VACANT COLES FURNISHERS Ottery St Mary, require a
SALES ASSISTANT WITH AN INTEREST IN SEWING AND KNITTING FOR THEIR CRAFT DEPARTMENT Written applications would be appreciated to: Coles Furnishers, 11 Silver Street, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1DB
SKIP DATES The Skip will be available at The Land of Canaan Car Park on the second Sunday of each month during 2010. Next dates: October 10th, November 14th. DEADLINE FOR THE NOVEMBER EDITION OF THE OTTERY GAZETTE WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER, 2010
idolatry and the body of christ Is the teaching from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 to be given at a gathering of Christians on Sunday 31st October at 3.00pm at The Institute, Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary. Further info: telephone 813417 after 6pm or visit www.otteryreformed.freeola.net
The Reformed Church has no connection with Churches Together in Ottery
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Independent Financial Advice
October is the busiest month of the year for publishers who are busy releasing all their new books in time for Christmas so the shop is bursting with far more new books than we can possibly mention here.We have selected just a few of the highlights for a special mention below but do come along for a browse if you want to see all the great new books on offer! First up we have Nigella Lawson’s new offering ‘Kitchen’ which accompanies her 13 part TV series showing on the BBC. As usual she will be concentrating on fabulous feel-good food to make life less complicated and more pleasurable If you like the look of her recipes then you can get the book from us for less than half price at just £12.99 against a cover price of £26.00. Moving on to another big name Stephen Fry has just released his autobiography entitled ‘The
Fry Chronicles’. It tells how he arrived at Cambridge on probation, a convicted fraudster and thief, an addict, liar, fantasist and failed suicide convinced at any moment he would be found out. Instead university life offered him love and friendship and a chance to stand on the stage and entertain. The story then continues with how he began to make his presence felt and to become the Stephen the nation knows (or thinks it knows). This is a book that is not afraid to confront the aching chasm that separates public image from private feeling. In hardback with a cover price of £20 we have it on special offer at just £9.99. On the science front Stephen Hawking’s new book is just out. ‘The Grand Design’ addresses the most fundamental questions about the origins of the universe and of life itself, once the province of philosophy these questions now occupy the territory where scientists, philosophers and theologians meet – if only to disagree. This book presents the most recent scientific thinking about the mysteries of the universe in language marked by both brilliance and simplicity. In hardback with a cover price of £18.99 we are offering it for just £9.99.
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Turning now to the desire of many of us to live a simpler, greener life father and son Dick and James Strawbridge share everything they have tried and tested on their smallholding in Cornwall in a new inspiring and practical book titled ‘Practical Self Sufficiency’. Inside there is something for everyone to try – traditional crafts and cheese and bread making sit alongside
21st century techniques for reducing waste and harnessing wind and solar energy to power your home. This is a large and beautifully illustrated hardback with a cover price of £20 but we are taking £5 off to make it just £15 so come and have a look! The Curious Otter is available for orders and enquiries on 01404 814469.
Hosts urgently wanted for young French visitors The Louvigny and Feniton Twinning Assocation urgently requires hosts for the young people of Louvigny, France, for Thursday 28th October to Monday 1st Nov 2010. Our twinning friends in Louvigny have several young people who wish to come over to east Devon during the autumn half term, and - so far! - we only have 2 hosts!! Come on everyone - let’s give these young people a real British welcome and give them the opportunity to see this beautiful part of our countryside.The twinning Association provides and pays for the daily trips and events. Please contact Daphne Searle on 01404 851359, Mobile 077912 53606 as soon as possible or email, daphne_searle@hotmail.com
To advertise in the Gazette call 815111
Need a Plumber? Local plumber/gas engineer offers a reliable and efficient service. Services include: z Bathrooms and Kitchens z Tiling and Maintenance z Boilers and Central Heating z Gas Appliances z Gas Safety Certificates z Emergency Repairs z Solid Fuel and Renewables For quotations and fair rates Call Paul Kent on:
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(Ottery St Mary)
The Ottery Gazette is typeset, printed and published by the proprietors: John Gaffney Design and Print, The Old Town Hall, The Flexton, Ottery St Mary Devon EX11 1DJ Telephone 01404 815111 email: jongaffney@hotmail.com The newspaper title ‘Ottery Gazette’ and all artwork contained therein is protected by copyright, 2009.
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