June 2018—Vol 33 No 6
ILFRACOMBE VICTORIAN & STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL 13th—17th June
Cover: Grant Stringer Photography, Weddings-Portraits-Family Photo-shoots - Events 07835026749 Design and IT Derek Woodcock and
Suitable for all abilities and age groups!
ILFRACOMBE MUSEUM This month we have unearthed from our archives a photograph taken in Ilfracombe in 1873. A crowd has assembled, and from the ladies’ parasols we can tell it was a warm sunny day. It was taken on Thursday 15th May at the opening of the first pier to be built in Ilfracombe. The birth of this pier was preceded by several years of wrangling over the details, but there was no doubt that the scheme was desperately needed. Before this pier was built, Ilfracombe’s harbour had only its stone quay – Old Quay Head, to accommodate shipping. The area it enclosed was sheltered but small, and did not have any berthing at low tide. By the 1730s this ancient structure was in a poor state, and the whole harbour area was decaying. The BourchierWreys, lords of the manor, paid for several phases of repair, but by the 1860s it became clear to the business people of the town that major improvements were needed. A new type of vessel had begun calling at Ilfracombe since the 1830s – the paddle steamer. Often bringing hundreds of visitors at a time, the steamers had trouble disembarking their passengers onto the quay’s steps or into small boats to be ferried to land. A purpose-built pier was the answer, and it would also allow easier landing of traded goods such as coal, timber, and livestock. All this would be good for Ilfracombe’s growing economy. On top of this, Ilfracombe wanted to ensure it had all the fashionable aspects of a seaside resort, and a pier was, by the 1860s, a desirable feature of a quality coastal resort. So it is fitting that the Board of Trade, once permission had been granted by parliament for a pier in 1870, appointed a renowned pier architect, with the fabulous name of Eugenius Birch. Eugenius, an engineering prodigy in his youth, had by the end of his career built fourteen British piers. His first pier was ground-breaking – Margate pier, built in 1855, was the first to be made of iron and he invented a piling technique that gave great strength. His most famous creations were the West Pier at Brighton, and the North Pier at Blackpool. At Ilfracombe, Eugenius sensibly avoided a typical promenade pier layout, which would have been unsuitable, and instead designed a horse-shoe shaped pier made of timber, pile-driven into the rocks below. The design cleverly enclosed the natural shelter below Lantern hill, which was filled in and created a level space to gather, promenade, and take the sea air. The jetties had several levels of landing stages to take large steamers and smaller vessels at all states of the huge tidal range. The pier was also to be lit at night, making it safer for boats negotiating the harbour. All this, plus the widening of Quay Road to allow for better vehicular access, and the building of toll gates across the pier entrance – 1 penny for a promenade – was completed in less than 2 years at a cost of £8000. There was much gratitude (and probably relief) from Ilfracombe’s townsfolk that Sir Bourchier Wrey had agreed to stand the cost of the project. The opening ceremony was hastily put together, but the Ilfracombe Chronicle recounts the day in glowing terms. Early on Thursday morning a series of gun salutes kick-started proceedings. This nearly ended in disaster when one of the small cannons, unused to being fired more than once in a decade, exploded on its third firing. Fortunately no harm was done. At 2:30pm a procession of town dignitaries, led by Sir Bourchier Wrey and Eugenius Birch in carriages, and followed on foot by ordinary folk, wound its way through the town, past houses decorated with flags. They stopped outside the Britannia Hotel under a triumphal arch, where congratulatory speeches were given. Then there was a chance to tour the new pier for the first time, take in the new views it afforded, and marvel at the solid construction whilst watching the waves crash below. It was universally agreed that the pier would bring prosperity to Ilfracombe, and indeed it did. By the late 1890s large steamers would berth five abreast here, disgorging thousands of visitors. Along with the opening of the Ilfracombe Hotel and the railway station, this pier helped turn Ilfracombe into a one of the most important resorts in the south-west of England. And Eugenius Birch continued to build piers until 1884, when, after opening Plymouth pier, he died aged 65. Some of his piers still survive intact today, such as Eastbourne pier. But many Victorian piers have not fared well and are now at risk or have been lost to fire, storm damage or neglect. The pier he built for Ilfracombe has itself been rebuilt twice since this photo was taken, most recently in 2004. Although Eugenius’ original pier is gone, it is said that the foundations can still be seen at low tide, and our new pier follows the spirit of his design.
Learn more about Ilfracombe’s fascinating history by visiting us – research tickets for our archive cost just £7.50. Visit www.ilfracombemuseum.co.uk for more details. Sarah Hodson, Manager
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Your local community magazine Focus is supplied free by your Advertisers, please support them.
The Focus
Focus is available from the beginning of the month and can be obtained FREE from Kingsley Printers and many shops and outlets in Ilfracombe, West Down, Woolacombe, Berrynarbor and Combe Martin.
Deadline: 10TH OF THE PRECEDING MONTH email kingsleyprinters@xlninternet.co.uk or take or send to Kingsley Printers, 52 High Street, Ilfracombe EX34 8LU 01271 863131 Accounts: Cheques should be made payable to FOCUS and sent or taken to Kingsley Printers. Editor: Dave Lane Proof Reader: Don Lawson Distribution: Pete Marnell Advertising and Content: Contact Erica Castle for advertising rates 07984 282 442/ericacastle25@gmail.com
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EVENTS 4 ILFRACOMBE Plenty going on in town in June but first a mention of events from early May. The early May Bank holiday was really busy. Art Trail which ran over the whole weekend was a huge success with over 300 people recorded going through any one venue during the weekend. Many artists have reported their best year ever in sales and local business are coming forward already offering space for artists next year. Having had over 10 new artists this year already new artists are asking to be involved in 2019. Ilfracombe in Bloom raised over £350 for summer planting at their annual plant sale which was part of the Art Trail weekend. On the Sunday the annual Jack-in-the Green Mayday Celebration went with a bang in lovely summer sun. Viewers and participants in the parade will have noticed new costumes and a new giant head. The Mayday organisers have stated that they would like to build more giants in time for next year’s event and to make or acquire new costumes but need sponsorship for materials. The Ilfracombe and District Tourism Association (IDTA) have offered to sponsor a new giant head. Will you be next? If you would like to sponsor our Mayday event getting bigger and bigger each year then get in touch (details below). On 10 June The Big Lunch returns to Fore Street. This is a true community event with food, music and entertainment starting at around 1pm at the bottom of the street. All are welcome and no charge for entry, just bring some food to share and enjoy the company of your neighbours for the afternoon. If you can please bring a few cans or dried food for the food bank. The regular Ilfracombe event Grand Victorian and Steampunk Festival is 13th – 17th June. There will be all the usual favorites; Mayor’s Tea Party, Music Hall, Art and Costume Competitions, Teddy Bears Picnic, Grand Parade, Concerts, Steampunk Tea Dueling and Band, with new events like A Time Travelers Ball with Live Band and Buffet, Pirate Day, Peter Pan Party, Bake Off, Scavenger Hunt and Suffragette March and Rally to celebrate the 100 years Anniversary. Something for everyone and all ages. Far too much to list here and programmes are already available around the town and at the Tourist Information Centre. If you prefer something of an aquatic nature there are two events at the end of the month that will be of interest. The Ilfracombe Gig Regatta is on 23rd June with gigs from around the region racing off the harbour. On 30th June it is the annual Lundy Yacht Race. Ilfracombe Golf Club also have their Open week 9th -16th June. Details ilfracombegolfclub.com or 01271 862176. There are still a few spaces available for food stalls and food trucks at the Marsdens North Devon Street Food Awards on Saturday 7th July. There will also be a craft fair with stalls. On Sunday 8th July the Morris & Friends vehicle show are inviting anyone with a classic or vintage vehicle to join the show. For more details and to join any part of this event please make contact with Events 4 Ilfracombe using the details below. More details on Ilfracombe and North Devon events can be found at www.visitilfracombe.co.uk - follow the links to ‘What’s On’ then ‘Ilfracombe Events’ for Ilfracombe or ‘More Events’ for North Devon. Smaller events can be found on the ‘Ilfracombe Diaries’ also accessed via visitilfracombe.co.uk and up to the day information can be found on the Visit Ilfracombe Facebook page. If you have an event that you are putting on in 2018 then why not get in touch. We may be able to provide support, equipment etc. and tell the Ilfracombe community about it here. To contact Events 4 Ilfracombe email events@visitilfracombe.co.uk or call 01271 863001. You can also leave a message for us at Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre at the Landmark on The Seafront. Why not join us?
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Come support Willow's Wish and On the Doorstep by attending A MAYS ING SUPPORT'S children's fun-day Angie Mays from A MAYS ING SUPPORT has organised a charity day on Saturday June 23rd from 11am-2pm to support these two local charities. On the day there is a two -hour first aid course for children aged four and over. The course is at a discounted rate of £12.50, booking essential. The children will receive a certificate. There will also be sand art, Sarah's messy play, a raffle, food and drinks, cakes, stalls and free play dough and colouring. Entry is free so please come along and support us. A MAYS ING SUPPORT fundraising group started on February 10th aiming to support local causes and charities to enable them to carry on the wonderful work they do for the community. Since starting, the group raised £275.55 in March for The Daisy Garland children’s Epilepsy charity. Mother’s day hampers helped raise £95 for Survivors Alliance North Devon and Willows Wish and In April £388.65 was raised for inspiredbykeira, Bridging the Gap and Survivors Alliance North Devon. In addition, in May a further £75 has been raised for inspiredbykeira to help enable them to reach charity status.
A MAYS ING SUPPORT hopes to raise much more in 2018 so if you have any charities or causes who need my support please let me know on the Facebook page or by email angie@amaysingsupport.co.uk
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FOCUS YOUR TRULY LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE PRODUCED IN ILFRACOMBE CHARLES WILLIAM EDWARD TOLLER MD Grave No AC11 Born: 1859 in Mauritius Died Ilfracombe 1940 IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Charles William Edward Toller was from a family of prominent lawyers, barristers, doctors, surgeons and Armed Forces personnel. He lived at Castle House in the days when he was a Surgeon and General Practitioner in Ilfracombe. He was on the Board of Trustees for the Tyrrell Hospital and a great friend of the Tyrrell Family.
He was born in Mauritius in 1859, the second child of Charles Henry and Maria Catherine Toller. His father was with the Commissariat Department for the British Government, he served in Barbados and Mauritius before retiring to his home at Clarence Villa, Ilfracombe. He is buried just a short walk from here with Charles’s first wife Maria Catherine. Grave No N14 Charles’s second wife was Ella Milward who died in 1920 at Castle House and is buried just by. Grave No AC09. He married again in 1921 at Ripon Cathedral to Edith Anne Court from Yorkshire. He was, by all accounts a very popular man, he had been ill for three years which, it is said, he bore with great fortitude and patience. It was reported that his death brought to a close a life devoted to the service of his fellow man and his attributes of surgical skill and exemplary person characteristics will be affectionately remembered by all who were privileged to know him. At the start of his career he was a House Surgeon at St Barts in London and made several trips to South Africa as a ship’s surgeon. He came back to Ilfracombe and practised in the town for 42 years before retiring in 1921. During the war he was medical officer in charge of the Cliffe Hydro which was a hospital for Army Officers. He was a keen sportsman and enthusiastic golfer and was President of Ilfracombe Golf Club for many years. He is buried with his daughter Florence who died in 1912 predeceasing her father by 19 years. The name Toller still lives on in Barnstaple at Toller Beattie, Solicitors.
Sue Garwood and Peter Kirk
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35 YEARS ON—ILFRACOMBE HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT COULD THIS BE THE ANSWER? Report by Alan Kift The Environment Agency recently put a £25,000,000 proposal forward to the North Devon Council as a flood prevention for the harbour area. It would include an outer breakwater to break up the huge Atlantic swells that occur giving an area of calm water within an area of approximately seven acres of anchorage. Further in a smaller breakwater would be built with a lock gate. These plans were proposed by the Ilfracombe harbour Development Group in 1983. Once built it would make Ilfracombe the gateway to the Bristol Channel; the only port of refuge between Portishead and Newlyn. A deep water harbour that could cater for many of the 7,000 boats that use the Channel, a visiting boat of four spends around £1,000 over a weekend. At present the harbour cannot expand, it is full! The vision of the Environment Agency presented to the North Devon Council and Harbour Board recently was a breath of fresh air to those of us who have worked long and hard for many years. Build a breakwater and all will follow, Ilfracombe’s future would be assured, it would start the regeneration of the town and area. All North Devon would benefit! Planned Projects— Outer harbour: New fishing quay, cross channel ferry, 250– berth marine, RNLI lifeboat afloat, hotel. Inner harbour: Apartments. All would be accessed from the south side of the harbour by new road. Funding? There are funding pots available: Crown Estates, National Infrastructure Fund, Central Power Generation, SWWA, DEFRA, Tourism Grants, Environment Agency, Euro Investment Bank. All depends on North Devon Council putting in its land around the harbour. They fully back the building of a breakwater. Let’s go! Imagine tall ships visit. No breakwater, no development. Ilfracombe’s future as top tourism destination in doubt.
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PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS JIM BATES REMEMBERED 5TH September 1925—16th April 2018 James Bates (or Jim as he preferred) was born in Belper Derbyshire and died in Leicester. He spend most of his first 5 years in China where his parents lived in a missionary compound. WWII began when Jim was in his teens. On leaving school in 1943 Jim was of age to sign up in the army but already fired by the ideals he would live his life by, he decided to register as a conscientious objector. He was called before the board to justify his decision and as a result became a Bevin Boy, sent down the mines in the Potteries to keep coal production running. He would often comment afterwards that the Bevin Boys probably just got in the way of the real miners but whatever the truth was, the experience fed his awareness of the social issues and brought him into contact with the lives of working people. After his discharge, Jim started training for the ministry, studying Theology at the University of Bristol and then doing his minister’s training at Didsbury College. It was during this time that he met his wife, Jean. Methodist Ministry candidates were not allowed to marry whilst in training so he and Jean had to wait until 1952 and his ordination before their wedding could take place. They had 65 years of happy marriage. After his ordination, Jim took up a post in circuit in county Durham, serving chapels in several pit villages on the moors above the city. The posting came to a sudden end when Jim got sick with TB 1955. This meant a collapsed lung and a year of convalescence in North Devon at Jim’s parents home. Jim relaxed in the Devon countryside and sketched his way back to health. So began his great love affair with this part of the world.
After retirement Jim took up what he always regarded as his second career. He and Jean returned to North Devon moving to Ilfracombe where they bought their retirement home. Here they became deeply involved in the local community. They volunteered with the probation services, joined the U3A (University of the Third Age) and took part in local arts projects. They were active in the local church and volunteered at the Museum. During this time, Jim developed his interest in architecture, producing a series of At the end of their time in Durham, Jim’s daughter, drawings of the Buildings so Ilfracombe, accompanied by Caroline had been born and she was followed by her articles on their history. These appeared as a regular brother, Andrew three years later. Jim’s first posting after feature in Focus and were reproduced in two books of that his recovery was to a Methodist boarding school in name. Jim continued to preach, taking services at different Canterbury, Kent College where is was chaplain for six years. Jim who loved Church architecture, took pleasure in chapels in the area at least once a week. He also shared living in Cathedral cities and would often boast that his two lent services at Ilfracombe Parish Church (Holy Trinity) for several years and delighted in preaching from the same children had been born in two of the greatest, Canterbury pulpit as Charles Kingsley. and Durham. From Canterbury he moved to London and began the longest posting of his career at Southlands Teacher Training College in Wimbledon. Although he sometimes wondered if he would be moved back into circuit, he became so specialist at his job, offering ministry to students, teaching religious studies and supervising students on their teaching practices, that he stayed there until retirement in 1989—a period of 27 years, During this time he flourished. Something of renaissance man, he turned his hand to an astonishing range of activities. He had a deep caring for people and offered support, warmth and wisdom to the generations of students who passed through the college.
In 2001, following a fall, Jim’s health began to deteriorate. He and Jean moved to Horsham and although he was still keen to be active, Jim was finally forced by this limited mobility and his increasing deafness to retire. With periods in and out of hospital, he repeatedly fought back to health through sheer determination and a love of life. In the end though, he was at peace with his death. He would say he had had a wonderful life and ready to go.
Jim was a man of passions. Politically active and concerned with world events, he believed in justice and worked for the advancement of the best aspects of what it means to be human. His views took into account complexity. He hated dogma and was always ready to question and reconsider his position in the light of dialogue. Jim used his creative talents in making posters and He loved the visual arts and relished visiting galleries or displays, writing poems and arranging services watching television. He produced many paintings and incorporating the latest folk rock songs. He engaged enthusiastically with the move to teaching World Religions. drawings himself. He loved the countryside and walked miles over the Devon hills and swam in the sea all He helped to organise and host visits from young people brought over from Northern Ireland to get a break from ‘the summer. More than anything though, he lived a life devoted to the service of his Lord. He spirituality focused troubles’ staying in the college over the holidays. He took on caring for others, challenging them to live better lives male parts in the college plays in the days when it was a and speaking to the needs of the poor and oppressed. He women’s college. He was always busy and always had inspired many and his legacy continues to offer that time for people. inspiration.
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Community Announcements CAPSTONE LADIES CLUB
Our April meeting was held on Monday 23rd.members agreed that we should make donations to Ilfracombe in Bloom, Focus Community News Magazined and lay a wreath on Remembrance Sunday. We also agreed to go to the Golf Club for our Christmas meal and thought that the Naked Cake would be a good venue for our July afternoon tea. We welcomed Sara from the museum and her presentation was “Curious Ilfracombe in eight objects”. The museum is self-funded through the shop and events, it is inspected every three years and houses 28,000 objects. Object1 was a fragment of a German bomber from Lundy Island. During the Second World War two German planes came down on Lundy, the first in March 1941 and the second on 1st April in the same year. Object 2 was a lead crystal paperweight depicting the Ilfracombe Hotel from circa 1880. It was the first purpose built hotel in the town and opened May 1867. It was built in advance of Ilfracombe being a busy resort and therefore a risk. Object 3 was an albino house sparrow. The Victorians had a passion for collecting especially curiosities. Taxidermy is a controversial subject but can be used to show what we should not do in order to preserve species. Object 4 was a printing block for 1937 air mail Lundy stamps. The currency was “a puffin” = 1penny. Lundy has the oldest “local stamps” in the world. Object 5 was Daniel Benhams diary from 1849. He lived and worked in London but came to Ilfracombe for the summer season and one entry covers the time when in 1852 there was an outbreak of cholera in the town due to an insufficient sewage system. Many visitors left the town on steamers. Object 6 was a model of Lloyds 2 lifeboat in a bottle. This was a pre-runner of the Spirit of Derbyshire and there has been a lifeboat in town since 1850. The coastline and currents around here can be very dangerous and many lives have been saved by our brave lifeboat crews. Object 7 was ladies rubber bathing shoes from 1930’s. The Victorian town was popular as a bathing spa but ladies rarely went far into the water and beach clothes covered the whole body. The shoes are an example of purpose made bathing clothes. Object 8 was a piece of the deck of HMS Hampshire , a lightweight armoured cruiser which in 1916 was carrying Lord Kitchener to Russia when it hit a mine. Only 12 people survived but one of those who perished was Charles Henry Barbeary of Ilfracombe. The Competition was won by 1st Chris Stockwell, 2nd Jan Cross, 3rd Joyce Johnson. Flower of the Month 1st Cecily Challacombe, 2nd Patt Nott, 3rd Margaret Burden. Raffle was won by Di Wood and Janet Sanders. The next meeting is on the 25th June and the speaker is a member of the Coastguard. Diana Wood ILFRACOMBE & DISTRICT COMMUNITY MINIBUSES If you have difficulty in getting around, we have wheel-chair accessible minibuses that will pick you up at your door and take you into Barnstaple town centre or Sainsbury supermarket alternate Thursdays, 31st May, 14th and 28th June and alternate Fridays to Barnstaple Town Centre and Tesco on 8th and 22nd June. You will have 2 hours there and cost is £4 return, door to door. We pick up in Ilfracombe, Hele Bay, Berrynarbor and Combe Martin on the way. Contact Dee Rogers on 01271 855950 to book (leave message on her answerphone and she will get back
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to you). On Wednesday 6th June, the "Going Out and About" group will be going to The Flower Festival in Crediton; minibus cost is £10. Contact Shirley Jones on 01271 863630 if you would like to come along. Shirley Jones
TORRS LADIES
Our May meeting was mainly devoted to a Bring and Buy sale. After a short meeting for the formal club business everyone was keen to seek out the bargains which included books, bric a brac, plants and cakes. The afternoon ended with a very welcomed cup of tea. Vida told everyone of our plans for our July outing. We are going to the “old vicarage gardens,” St Brannock's Road, on 9th July at the usual time 2pm . Lawrence Butler will provide afternoon tea and refreshments with a quiz and lawn croquet laid on for our entertainment. Indoor seating available if needed. Members can bring a guest, tickets will be available at the June meeting members £3.50 guests £4.50. Rachel Holmes is our guest on Monday 11th June. Rachel will be telling us about the Regen Link Befrienders Service. The meeting at our usual venue Brookdale Church hall starts at 2pm, visitors are always welcome. Jenny Hodson
Community Announcements North Devon Relate Barnstaple by appointment Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday daytime and evenings. Contact 0300 7729 681 or via the website www.relate-ed.org.uk
provided. Bring your own lunch. Contact Brenda Keeble 01271 267583 for details. Ilfracombe Church Bellringers Holy Trinity Church ringing practice 7-8.15pm Wednesdays. Contact Tony Watts Tower Captain 01271 867350. New members welcome.
Ilfracombe Bridge Club meets twice a week at West Down Village Hall. Monday 2pm-5pm and Thursday 10am1pm. Contact Allan 01271 855810 or Jim 01271 329623 for details of location. MONDAY Befriender Coffee Mornings 10.30am-12noon for over 65s at Encounter Church. Drop in for tea, coffee and homemade cake.
THURSDAY Befrienders Activity Afternoon for the over 65s meet Thursdays at the Tyrrell Hospital 2.30-4pm.Teacakes and tea to finish. Contact Rachel for a programme 07818 650 566.
St John Ambulance Badgers aged 7-10 years meet Mondays in the Trinity Rooms 6pm -7.30pm. Contact Chrissie Morrison 07932 441 602 for details.
Table Tennis Friendly Group for the slightly more mature meet Thursdays 2pm-4pm at Ilfracombe Table Tennis Club, Fore Street. Bats etc provided.
Ilfracombe Chess Club meets at the Wellington Arms in Ilfracombe High Street from 7pm. All welcome. Contact Bob Lock 01271 862662 for details.
Ladies who enjoy singing meet Thursdays in the Guild Room beneath Emmanuel Church 2-3pm. Contact Beryl for details 01271 866582.
Second Monday of every month Sunflowers Book Reading Group meet at Grass Roots Café, Ilfracombe High Street from 10.30-11.30am. Collect your book then talk about it the following month and pick up a new title.
Ilfracombe and District Youth Band ‘Blazing Sounds’ meet Thursday evenings at Ilfracombe Academy. New members welcome. Contact Bandmaster Emma 01271 867713 www.blazingsounds.org.uk
TUESDAY 361 Energy CIC Clinic 10am-1pm Transform4Work, Unit 1The Candar, Ilfracombe 01271 599361.
SATURDAY Ilfracombe Food Network Weekly Pop-up Store intervening goods and products which would otherwise be disposed of every Saturday 9-10am at Belles Place, Lee Place, Ilfracombe. Bring a carrier bag and pay as you choose. Volunteer your time, skills or pop a monetary donation in the bucket to Belle’s Place. All welcome.
Ilfracombe History Group meets at Ilfracombe Museum for coffee and a chat about local history 10.30am-12.30. June meetings are Tuesdays 12th and 26th. Cost is a yearly ticket for the Museum giving you free entry to the Museum all day, every day plus £2 for coffee and biscuits.
Waste Not Café every 2nd Saturday of the month at Belle’s Place 11.30-1.30pm. Pay as you can. Food is donated from local supermarkets and shops which would otherwise go to waste.
Games Galore Is a social group for people who enjoy playing board games. Meet Tuesdays in the Lantern Centre Club Room 1.30-3.30pm. Cost £2 per session. Call Irene 07588 359 834 for more details or just pop in.
Monday 28th May Lee Spring Fair 2pm. Memorial Hall and Meadow. Games, stalls, music, refreshments.
Musical Memories is a social singing group for people with Alzheimer's, dementia and memory difficulties plus their carer/companion. We meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesday in the month at the Vision Centre, Slade from 2-4pm. Come and join us for a singsong and some fun. Ample parking. Contact Hazel 01271 863944 or Margaret 882927.
Wednesday 30th May Ilfracombe Museum 10.3012.30pm. Half term children’s' activity with a seashore theme. £2 per child. Wednesday 30th May Ilfracombe Pensioners Social Club meet at The Osborne Hotel 2 - 4 pm to hear Helen talk about Training Guide Dog Puppies. Entrance is £2 to include refreshments and raffle. The Community minibus is available door to door for £2.50 return.
St John Ambulance Cadets aged 10-18 years meet Tuesdays in the Parish Church Trinity Rooms, 7-8.30pm. Contact Sue Ayre 07980 182 317. Ilfracombe Male Voice Choir for gentlemen who enjoy singing, meet every Tuesday at 7.15pm in the Guild Room Emmanuel Church on the seafront. Contact Jan Cross 01271 866215.
Friday 1st June Royal British Legion Ilfracombe Branch monthly meeting at the Sandpiper Inn, The Quay, lfracombe 7.30-8pm. All old and new members welcome. Ex service and non-service personnel very welcome.
Songwriter’s Workshop at The White Room Tuesdays 79pm. An evening exploring the method and proceeds of original song writing, varying themes each week. Contact Dan 07711 803 811.
Saturday 2nd June Ilfracombe Farmers Market 10am12 at the Lantern Centre, High Street. Fresh local and organic produce and crafts. Refreshments. New traders welcome. Details 01271 864621.
Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes Capstone Lodge 4027 (Buffs) meet in the Lodge Room at 7.45pm. Lapsed members especially welcomed back. Contact Brian (Secretary) 01271 373137.
Saturday 9th June Ilfracombe Victorian Week Peter Pa Party 6.30pm Sherbourne Lodge, Torrs Park. Fancy dress for all. Contact Jedda 07828 427 973.
WEDNESDAY Life Drawing at The White Room Wednesdays 7-9pm. Easels and charcoal available. All welcome. Contact Dan 07711 803 811 or just come along.
Saturday 9th June Shammick Acoustic Open Night, Pack o’ Cards, High Street, Combe Martin 8pm. Wednesday 13th June Ilfracombe Museum 10.30 12.30pm. Victorian coffee morning and craft demonstration free admission.
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Watercolour Workshop every 2 Wednesday of the month at Lee Memorial Hall, Lee EX34 8LN. Refreshments
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Community Announcements Wednesday 13th June Ilfracombe Pensioners Social Club meet at The Osborne Hotel 2 - 4 pm for a programme with a Victorian theme. Entrance is £2 to include refreshments and raffle. The Community minibus is available door to door for £2.50 return. Thursday 14th June Ilfracombe Museum 7.30pm. Evening talk by John Burch of ‘Combe Rail ‘Ilfracombe Railway Line Past and Present’. £3 per ticket. Saturday 23rdJune Shammick Acoustic The Teacups in concert, Pack o’ Cards, High Street, Combe Martin 8pm. Wednesday 27th June Ilfracombe Pensioners Social Club meet at The Osborne Hotel 2 - 4 pm for Fun Bingo. Entrance is £2 to include refreshments and raffle. The Community minibus is available door to door for £2.50 return.
ILFRACOMBE TOURIST INFO CENTRE
2018 monthly Sunday car boot sales Now on the seafront Sellers from 9am Buyers from 10am Open until 4pm Future dates: June 24th, July 22nd, August 26th September 9th and 23rd
We have a vacancy for somebody who is able to communicate clearly, efficiently and effectively by email, phone and verbally, with good literacy and numeracy skills, the ability to access and utilise information online. Organised, self-motivated with an eagerness and willingness to learn new things, flexible and adaptable as required to work 12 hours a week including some weekends to start as soon as possible. Working alongside volunteers, in a small friendly office, promoting Ilfracombe, selling gifts and tickets, finding and giving visitor information and stocking gifts and leaflets. Apply in writing with CV to Marie Mason, Tourist Information Centre, The Landmark, The Seafront, Ilfracombe EX34 9BX Or by email to:- marie@visitilfracombe.co.uk
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Cost £8 per car, no charge for buyers Any other info contact Julie 01271 867076
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS Focus is pleased to welcome the long-awaited return of the Mayoress’ Diary which originally started as an idea by the Mayoress in 2004/5 Dressing up as Mayor by Amanda Gartshore There were strange happenings in Ilfracombe at the end of April.Rumours on social media started circulating that the then Deputy Mayor, Val Gates, had disappeared and might have been kidnapped. This was followed by tales of people being bitten and infected by zombies in the town.
Introducing 2018/19 Mayor of Ilfracombe Val Gates and Mayoress Amanda Gartshore Events reached fever pitch on the evening of 20th April when a group of zombies burst out of Ilfracombe and North Devon Sub Aqua Club and there she was in the middle of things, in ripped and bloodied clothing and covered in bloody bite marks. From Victorian Week to Ilfracombe Carnival, we have a fine tradition of dressing up in Ilfracombe but dressing and parading round town as a zombie was possibly a first, even for us. It provided some great publicity for Ilfracombe Film Festival and helped create a memorable event in the town and a call to do it again. As the new Mayor, you may see Val in her in zombie form again. Personally, I am looking forward to taking part in civic events that involve normal dress and possibly a fancy hat. I wonder if we could get away with dressing as zombies for Victorian Week?
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EVANS BODYSHOP Car Body Repairs est.1949 6a Northfield Road Ilfracombe 01271 862889 Insurance repairs MOT and rust repairs Low bake oven facilities—No VAT
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FOCUS YOUR TRULY LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE PRODUCED IN ILFRACOMBE SHAMMICK ACOUSTIC
I’m sitting here in the midst of a stunningly beautiful Bank Holiday weekend, which is in itself a cause for celebration. Fingers crossed that it lasts a while, and that we can look forward to a flaming June! Certainly we have much to look forward to at Shammick Acoustic that month, starting with our usual 2nd Saturday Open Night on the 9th.
Open Nights are about whoever comes along, with anyone and everyone having a chance to ‘sing, say or play’ whatever takes their fancy. If you’re a musician and you don’t want to play solo, there’s often a chance during the break for a bit of a jam session. Anyone is welcome to come along, and although encouraged to participate, they won’t be pressurised to do so – you’ll be just as welcome if you just want to listen. It’s held in the 'museum' of the pub, so there's no need to compete with bar noise. There’s no admission fee, although the pot is passed around for contributions to the club’s expenses.
And on Saturday 23rd June, we have the exceptional quartet of a capella singers, The Teacups, who have been a sensation wherever they have performed. Comprising the talents of four graduates of Newcastle’s Folk and Traditional Music degree course, this group has been singing up a storm across the UK circuit during the past few years, with acclaimed performances at Shepley, Beverley, Warwick, Sidmouth, Whitby and many other top folk festivals, as well as in Europe. One of their number, Alex Cumming, is no stranger to Shammick Acoustic – in fact, he regards it as one of his favourite clubs – having performed here with Nicola Beazley and with James Finlay. Now living in the US, he is a multi-talented performer and workshop leader in both countries. Kate Locksley, concentrates on songs and singing, whether it be with The Teacups, the all-female a capella trio Wychwood, or with the folk trio Night Fall. Rosie Calvert is another multi-talented person who teaches, composes, makes and plays instruments as well as singing, and performs with female trio Speldosa and in a duo with the other member of The Teacups, Will Finn, who she describes as ‘awesome’. As a whole, The Teacups provide “a proper feast of English folk songs sung with intelligence, heart, and soul.” Shammick Acoustic is a not-for-profit organisation. More information can be found on the website at www.shammickacoustic.org.uk, or contact Tom or Barbara Brown on 882366, or by e-mail at contact@shammickacoustic.org.uk.
League of Friends of the Tyrrell Hospital Open Day to Celebrate 70 years of the NHS and 45 years of the League At the Tyrrell Hospital, Ilfracombe Free Admission Saturday 7th July from 11am until 4pm Stalls, raffles, tours of the Hospital, blood pressure checks, equipment demos and much more! Refreshments and lunches available
Please join us to say thank you to our wonderful health services and their staff 15
FOCUS YOUR TRULY LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE PRODUCED IN ILFRACOMBE
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FOCUS YOUR TRULY LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE PRODUCED IN ILFRACOMBE BUTCHERY IN ILFRACOMBE Retailers of non-perishable goods have a hard enough time organising suitable stock supplies, writes Focus contributor Neil Holloway, for perishable goods retailers the situation is much more difficult. A section of Victorian retailers solved the very modern problem of ‘Just in time supply’ with some Ilfracombe lateral thinking. Butchery is a complicated business, requiring not only preparation skills but sharp administrative abilities to ensure the product is available in the best condition. Some local families co -operated to provide supply side control for their products. One of the early pioneers were the Trebble’s. In the 1880s as farmers in Rackenford they suffered a huge blow with the death of the head of the family Henry, leaving widow Eliza, three sons and a daughter. The law of the land did not allow their land to be reassigned to a woman so a pragmatic decision was made. The sons were more interested in the butchery side of farming rather than arable or animal husbandry. The decision was made to relocate to the boom town of the seas, Ilfracombe, then in the grip of rapid growth and prosperity after the opening of the branch line in 1874. By 1891 the family were based at 10 Church Street moving to number 9 then number 1. Somehow, around this time land was obtained in the west wilder valley from the end of the current Brookdale Avenue to the junction of Langleigh Road and Broad Park Avenue to become know as Trebbles field. This became a holding base for animals bought from farms as far away as Blackmore Gate and walked to Ilfracombe. After resting up the animals were slaughtered at a timing that suited the individual butcher’s trade requirements. By the Edwardian era, the Trebble’s were linked to the Chapple butchery family, probably by marriage and all three sons ran butchers’ businesses in the High Street. A falling out with Isaac’s slaughter house, then based behind what is now Turners, the Trebble’s used Mogridges slaughter house, off Northfield Road behind Mogridges shop that is now Seventh Heaven, the building only demolished last winter. The eldest son, WE Trebble was a Councillor for 23 years and Chairman of the Urban District Council in 1932. Apples don’t fall far from the tree and WE’s grandson John also followed a distinguished career in local government, not as a councillor but as an officer being Chief Executive of Scarborough District Authority. Our current Deputy Mayor Steve Trebble is the great great nephew of WE Trebble. Another Trebble John’s sister Margaret, although a resident of Vancouver for over three decades, plays a part in Ilfracombe’s history. She was the first ever pupil of Miss Walter’s Mayfield Kindergarten, opened after Hereford House school in Torr’s Park closed in the early 50’s. Being a couple of months young, I soon took my place as the second pupil. Other butchers who took up the idea of controlling supply were Smith’s based where later the Barclays Bank traded and Andrews, later Turton’s founded in 1855. John Smith owned Mullacott Farm and saw an opportunity to build profits by opening a retail unit. The holding land used by Smiths became Meridian Place owned by the Smith family. Along with the Tunnels Beaches until the mid-20th century. The family of John Smith and his son Disney no longer trade as butchers but as retailers. The line continues through SJ Smith’s daughter who married Glanville Pedlar and through to today and Nick and Helen. Before arriving in Ilfracombe via Kent, the Turton’s were a well established and well connected Lancashire business family with their own family crest. The slaughter house at Turton’s then Andrews, was at the rear of the eastern part of the premises. The photograph provided obviously by Mike Turton, shows a ghoulish crowd awaiting animals heading for slaughter after being rested in the field at the top of Cow Lane, an obvious piece of road naming. Note the location of the eastern banks, the first one to be removed followed by the Central Bank opposite Dicken’s causing the bank of steps to be built to provide access to the Baptist Church. As Nick Mollart outlined recently in his museum talk, the banks provided either a base for horse cabs or a high level pathway. Over the country supermarkets are forcing many long established butcher shops out of business. We are lucky to have good traditional butchers shops in ‘Combe but as with all retailers, ‘Use them or lose them,’ it’s the same with all facilities but I’m pleased to report a surge in Bowls Club membership applications since a March Focus piece highlighted how and why locals should become involved. Awareness via the Focus obviously works! Neil Holloway
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FOCUS YOUR TRULY LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE PRODUCED IN ILFRACOMBE Researched in 2010 by the late John Woodcock from the North Devon Journal up to 1870 when the Ilfracombe Chronicle/Gazette was published, copies of which are available to research by appointment at Ilfracombe Museum. 3rd November 1853 Our Emigrants.—News has just been received from two large families, one of which sailed to Australia in the spring of the year, the other to Canada later in the season. Nugent, who occupied for some years Lastone Cottage and cultivated a small farm, found that he could not get on with his large family and small holding, finally resolved to go forth on the world’s great pilgrimage. He set forth to that chief centre of attraction, Melbourne, in Victoria. He carried with him letters of recommendation from Mr. Bligh to a cousin of his, a merchant at that place, who immediately employed him at £3 a week. Nugent has a family of five children, which serve to assist his fortune. The eldest boy, a fine fellow of about 15, gets 25s a week, with bed and board in the same establishment. The other children, capable of working, are eligible to similarly advantageous employment. The other family alluded to is George Beer, our old police constable. He went to Canada not being entitled to a free passage to Australia, and after a lengthy, stormy and ill-conditioned voyage—the supply of food not being the most select nor the most liberal—they arrived safe and sound to their intended port. They were landed at Quebec, but their destination was for Hamilton, Upper Canada, 600 miles to the west of Quebec, which distance was traversed by steamer in five days. Arrived at Hamilton, he tells us—“I went to market and saw some farmers about work, and got very good encouragement, for I met several of the old country. I might have gone to work for the Corporation of the city at 3s 6d a-day for two years. The foreman of the works is an Englishman, and the foreman of the masons is a native of Chittlehampton, near Barnstaple, so we soon got acquainted. You can get mutton and lamb for 3d per lb. Butter 1s, potatoes 9d per peck, &c., House-rent is dear. I have got two small rooms for the present at two dollars a month, paid in advance. There was no grate or stove, I had to buy one before we could go in, which cost me £2.” Just let us ask when a labourer in this country will meet with the offers which this stranger has made to him the first week of arrival. “Dear Friend,” it is Mr. Toms he addresses, “I had an offer to rent a farm from a man I met in the street on Friday, but I told him I did not want to rent for the present; then he offered to take me in by the share, he to find farm and stock, and I to find labour and then go shares in the produce. A farmer offered me 100 dollars for the year, and some of the town told me I ought to have taken it, that when we come into the country first
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