January 2021 - Holiday Issue

WOODBURY NEWS

HOLIDAY ISSUE

JANUARY 2021

2

3

JANUARY 2021 EDITORIAL

This issue always goes to print quite early in December, so hopefully you will receive your copy before Christmas. It seems appropriate here to thank everyone involved with the monthly production of Woodbury News – the board of directors, editorial team, contributors, advertisers, printers, readers and, of course, the distributors - for everything they have done in this extraordinarily different and difficult year. As I write this on what will probably be known in the future as V-day, the world’s first vaccination against Covid-19 was given to a 90-year-old grandmother in Coventry, so hopefully in 2021 the future will indeed look brighter. Meantime, please remember ‘Hands, Face, Space’, and abide by the special rules being brought in to allow a relaxation of restrictions from 23-27 December.

Over the Christmas period we will all be missing the traditional large family and friends’ groupings, meals out, carol services and concerts, but our villages have entered into the spirit of Christmas with festive decorations and Living Advent Calendar window displays, and the traditional colourful lights on the Victorian lime tree on the village green in Woodbury. Thanks to an initiative by the Garden Club, there will be solar lights for the tubs in the Arch, and there are similar lights in the churchyard at Woodbury Salterton – many thanks to the Parish Council for funding these.

The New Year is usually the time that Woodbury News readers can expect a visit from their deliverer asking for payment of the annual subscription. But in 2021 we are suspending payment of the annual subscription until May or June. As previously announced, the directors decided to waive payments for six months because of the pandemic disruption over the spring and summer.

It only remains for me, on behalf of the board of directors, to wish everyone a Happy, Peaceful and Safe Christmas, and to send all good wishes for a Healthy 2021.

The cover photo, by Judy Green, shows the post box in Cottles Lane and is the illustration for December in the 2021 Camera Club calendar. It’s not too late to buy your copy (see page 13).

Woodbury News is a Private Company Limited by Guarantee No. 5263356

Secretary: Karen Squires, Willowfield, Oakhayes Road, Woodbury EX5 1JT. 233299 Registered Office: Willowfield, Oakhayes Road, Woodbury EX5 1JT. Tel: 233299 Chairman: Jeremy Boyden, Rosemary, Broadway, Woodbury EX5 1NR. Tel: 233072 Editor: Sue Bury, Mayflower Cottage, 37 Greenway, Woodbury EX5 1LU. Tel: 233753 Deputy Editor: Val Arndt, Castlehaye, Castle Lane, Woodbury. Tel: 233175 Subscriptions: Jeremy Boyden, Rosemary, Broadway, Woodbury EX5 1NR. Tel: 233072

4

ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH, WOODBURY Vicar: Reverend Bill Lemmey 01395 232161 Email: revbillwhitecross@gmail.com Administrator: Jill Dupain dupain@hotmail.co.uk The following arrangements are provisional and subject to any change in government regulations.

SPECIAL SERVICES OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD Sadly, due to current restrictions and health and safety considerations, there will be no Midnight Mass in St Swithun’s this year.

CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas Communion at 18.30.

CHRISTMAS DAY Holy Communion at 11.15.

Wednesday 6 January, Epiphany, Mission Community Evensong at 18.30.

Sunday 31 January, Candlemas, Mission Community Service, time and venues for both of these services to be advised.

SUNDAY SERVICES at Woodbury and Exton 20 December, Christmas Festival of Readings & Music at Woodbury 18.30.

27 December, Holy Communion at Clyst St George 09.30.

3 January, Holy Communion at 11.15. Evening Worship at Exton 18.30.

10 January, Holy Communion at Exton, 09.30.

17 January, Evensong at Woodbury, 18.30.

24 January, Special Ecumenical Service at Woodbury, 09.30.

31 January, Mission Community Service, time and venue to be advised.

There will be an online Zoom service on Sunday 10 January and a Children’s Zoom service on 24 January at 11.30. To obtain a link for this, please email dupain@hotmail.co.uk.

For details of services throughout the Mission Community and those where details are yet to be arranged, please see the church noticeboards and the MC website http://whitecrosschurches.org.uk.

Further information will be available in the monthly Digest. To receive this by email, please send your email address to st.swithuns.digest @gmail.com.

FLOODLIGHTING ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH 28 December - From Katie Clinton. “In memory of Mum, Liz Haynes, the first anniversary of losing her, with much love.”

For your special event, contact Mike Jeans on 01395 232544. Floodlight dedications are displayed on the church noticeboard at the lych gate, and normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

5

BOOK OF MEMORIES Hospiscare (Budleigh Salterton and District) have compiled a book of memories with the names of local people who have died over the past two years. There is a copy in St Swithun’s Church for anyone to view.

The church is currently open on Wednesday mornings from 10.00 - 13.00, and for advertised services.

Sue Hudson FoSS (FRIENDS OF ST SWITHUN’S) Normally FoSS is gearing up for the New Year and its AGM and supper concert. However, 2020 has been a very different year and the AGM, normally held at the end of January, is postponed and will hopefully be held in the spring when we are allowed to return to a degree of normality.

Pat Browne

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

We are not listing any of the anticipated forthcoming events this month, and we will re-consider this decision for future editions of Woodbury News.

6 ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR WOODBURY SURGERY Woodbury Surgery will be closed all day on the following dates: Friday 25 December Saturday 26 December Sunday 27 December Monday 28 December Friday 1 January 2021 If patients need medical attention during this time they should contact 111 or 999 if it is an emergency.

We will remain open throughout the rest of December with our telephone lines operating between 08.00 and 18.00 Monday - Friday.

Our dispensary will continue to be open for prescription collections between 13.00 and 18.00 Monday - Friday.

From everyone here at Woodbury Surgery, we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

LONDIS STORE AND POST OFFICE, WOODBURY Normal opening hours Shop - Monday to Friday: 07.30 to 18.30; Saturday: 09.00 to 18.30; Sunday: 09.00 to 14.00.

Post Office Counter - Monday to Friday: 09.00 to 15.00 (though during Christmas and New Year timing may be different).

Opening hours for the shop during Christmas and the New Year Friday 25 December, Christmas Day, closed.

From Saturday 26 to Monday 28 December, 09.00 to 14.00.

From Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31 December, normal hours.

Friday 1 January, 09.00-14.00.

Then normal opening hours from Saturday 2 January until 17 January.

Advance warning: From Monday 18 January for two to three weeks, there will be a total refit of the shop. So that the shop fitters can work safely during this time, there will be shorter opening hours and at times the shop will be closed.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause to our loyal customers.

RECYCLING (Green bins and food caddies) AND LANDFILL WASTE COLLECTIONS Please note the following amendments to recycling and waste collections over the Christmas and New Year period: Usual date Revised date Friday 25 December Tuesday 29 December (plus landfill) Friday 1 January Tuesday 5 January Friday 8 January Monday 11 January Friday 15 January Saturday 16 January (plus landfill) Then as normal from Fri 22 January.

7 WOODBURY GARDEN CLUB Does Spring seem a long way off?

Try taking a stroll round the village to enjoy other people’s colourful or scented winter shrubs and you might just spot some early signs of spring!

Winter jasmine and mahonia, which started flowering in November, should still be around and look out for coronilla – it’s another evergreen shrub with cheerful yellow flowers and you should be able to spot some in gardens in Fulford Way and on the corner of Bonfire Lane.

On Parsonage Way there is an acacia tree, commonly known as mimosa or blue gum, with its fluffy yellow flowers, winter-flowering cherries can be seen around, and the lovely camellias will be showing their faces too. The grey-green noses of snowdrops will be pushing through the cold earth and other bulbs will Coronilla - a plant that brightens up the not be far behind. winter because it flowers from December Look around to see what could through to mid spring. work in your own garden for next Some varieties are scented. winter – the red, orange or yellow stems of dogwood, for example, the white bark of silver birches or the cinnamon-coloured bark of some acers or cherries. Now is a good time to plant bare-root trees, and shrubs of winter interest are also on sale in the garden centres.

You may still join the mailing list for our monthly newsletter - free, noobligation!

Happy New Gardening Year from Woodbury Garden Club.

Debby Mullier Mahonia

8 WOODBURY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL It has been an unusual year to take over as Head of School and not one that we all had planned for! However, as a team we have achieved so much and as a community feel that we have united together. We hope that 2021 brings much joy, happiness, love and laughter to us all and we are looking forward to better times ahead.

Living Advent Window We hope you managed to view the artwork created for the Living Advent Window. The project was led by Mrs Vernon, with children across the school contributing, working hard, painting, cutting and sticking to create the final beautiful nativity scene.

Beech Class Update The children in Beech Class have enjoyed their first term in school. It is lovely to see them running through the gate in the morning, happily saying goodbye to their parents as they skip into class.

They have settled so well and are such lovely members of our school. They enjoy all their learning and have already made super progress by building on the learning they have previously undertaken at nursery and at home.

Whether it be in the mud kitchen, jungle den, the water tray, or our range of other learning areas, they always have such full and busy days. The children have been working very hard on their fine motor skills and phonics, as well as their counting, ordering, problem solving and reading. What an eventful first term at school they have had!

9

Maple Class Update It’s hard to believe that it’s almost been an entire term since we returned to school. It has been a brilliant first term of the year in Maple Class with lots of fantastic learning taking place.

Our topic for the first half term was Inside Out. We learnt all about what happens inside our body, particularly focussing on the digestive system and how we can help keep ourselves healthy. Our topic learning kicked off in style, with the children creating their own models of the digestive system and experiencing first-hand what happens to the food we eat – as you can see, things got a bit messy. We also spent some time learning all about how we move and made our own model skeletons.

cont’d….

10 WOODBURY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL cont’d/...

In preparation for our Roman Invasion topic, the children researched Ancient Roman mosaics before designing and creating their own mosaic tile representing something important to them using clay and painted beans.

Here are a couple of examples of the wonderful work created.

Nativity and Carol Service This year we were unable to hold our traditional Nativity and Carol Services.

However, we improvised and were able to do ‘bubble recordings’ to produce a Nativity – called It’s a Baby – aptly named, as our Year One teacher Mrs Harwood, who led on this, has just left on maternity leave. The children did a fantastic job and each clip has been put together to make a wonderful 20-minute performance, which parents have had an opportunity to view online. Similarly, the KS2 children worked together in their bubbles to perform readings, outdoor singing and a recital of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Again, this has been expertly been put together by IT whizzes and sent out to parents. These performances will be something that they can keep for years to come.

11 Animal Ark Our animal ark is growing as we now have two eight-week-old guinea pigs.

They are currently living with Miss Pyle who is ‘training them to enjoy being picked up and cuddled’; they will be in school in January. Our next step is to get rabbits and chickens. Sully has been busy visiting again this month and likes spending the day curled up on the comfy seat near the radiator in the library. He loves the attention the children give him and visits most of the classrooms through the day, even popping upstairs to the staffroom… he is yet to discover Sully in the Library the hamsters…

Wishing you all a happy, prosperous and peaceful 2021.

Gillian Pyle, Head of School

WOODBURY NEWS NEEDS YOU!

Many community organisations have to rely on only a small team of enthusiastic volunteers to keep afloat. Fortunately, Woodbury News has a large community-wide web of volunteers who ensure it is posted through your door every month. We have nearly 40 deliverers and a management board of eight directors who keep things ticking over, including editor Sue Bury and Karen Squires who puts all the pages together. We are also fortunate to have so many long-term advertisers who realise how important it is to be part of our community.

As reported last month, this year has seen the retirements of four of our directors after years of service. This means we need to look for new talent in the community - people who feel they could really help us move forward into the, hopefully, post-Covid world.

If any reader now finds they have a little free time to get involved with one of the country's longest running community magazines, please get in touch with me.

Jeremy Boyden, Chairman (email: newswoodbury@gmail.com or ring 01395 233072)

The Woodbury News attempts to represent a variety of views within the community, but does not accept responsibility for anything but Editorial comment. While it may publish unacknowledged material, nothing is included unless the Editor knows the name and address of the author(s).

12 WOODBURY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE In spite of being in lockdown, the stalwart ladies of Woodbury WI have been busy crafting handmade decorations for the WI Christmas tree on the Green Spot.

In previous years we have held jolly workshops where, sustained by tea and cake, WI members have produced colourful decorations for the tree; last year it was woollen pompoms.

The decorated tree on the Green Spot.

Making pompoms in 2019.

If you walk past this year’s tree you will see a colourful medley of handmade decorations brightening up the Green Spot - a reminder that, although we may not be meeting in person, we are still a community of women committed to supporting our village in whatever way we can.

WOODBURY NEWS CLOSING DATES 2021 19 JANUARY. 23 FEBRUARY. 16 MARCH. 20 APRIL. 18 MAY. 15 JUNE. ALL MATERIAL FOR THE MAGAZINE SHOULD BE SENT TO KAREN SQUIRES, WILLOWFIELD, OAKHAYES ROAD by 19.00 on the closing date, with a name and telephone number, or email to karensquires100@gmail.com

13 On 4 December many WI members lined the route taken by the funeral cortège for WI member, Betty Woodruff, as it drove slowly through the village, pausing at particular areas associated with Betty’s life in the village.

Members of Christ Church stood by their church, RBL members waited near Long Meadow, and other people stood outside the Community Centre where Betty had links.

Many WI friends waited by the WI bench at the Green Spot next to the newly decorated Christmas tree, where last year Betty had made colourful pompoms for that tree. Many people were pleased to demonstrate their affection for Betty in this way, as the funeral service in St Swithun's was limited to family members only .

Betty was a very active and committed member of the WI in spite of increasingly limited mobility.

She enjoyed the fellowship of the monthly meetings, craft sessions and the Friday coffee mornings; she was also a dedicated Book Group member, making detailed notes about the chosen book and expressing her thoughts about it. Members loved her stories about her younger days, her childhood and her life in Wales. She always had a tale to tell and she will be much missed when WI activities resume.

In affectionate tribute to our friend Betty, the WI supplied the flowers that decorated the church for the funeral and President Lin Milsom-Ashby (at the service as Church Warden) read out moving memories of Betty sent by fellow members. We used to tease Betty and say that she was our youngest member at 23 (she had a leap year birthday) and our oldest at 92! We will miss her hugely.

Sending all our members, former and present, best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a more hopeful New Year.

Lin Milsom-Ashby, President

CAMERA CLUB CALENDAR The Woodbury Camera Club calendar 2021 is still available price £6. It can be purchased from Rook Pie, Sue Hudson (01395 232203) or from members of the club.

Sue Hudson

14 WOODBURY AND DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION It is with very great sadness that I have to report the passing of Betty Woodruff, a member of our branch, and one of the last veterans with memories of the Second World War — a truly lovely and interesting lady.

Ralph Cox, Devon County Standard Bearer, was able to come and parade the Woodbury and District RBL Standard, and dip it as the hearse passed by at the bottom of Long Park. The weather was dry and cold with a little sun.

We were outside due to the coronavirus and unable to attend the church service in St Swithun’s.

The Poppy Appeal has been so very generously supported and donations are still coming in. To date, Woodbury and District has raised £2,129.15.

Thank you all for your generosity.

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Concert Band were hoping to play Christmas music on 19 December - but sadly this has had to be cancelled.

Wishing you all a safe and peaceful Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

Sandra Huish

WOODBURY TENNIS CLUB The Tennis Club is back operating again. Because we are under Tier 2 regulations all play is possible. As we have to obey the rule of six, club sessions are limited to twelve players (six to a court). This procedure will continue until restrictions are lifted.

The club AGM will take place on Wednesday 3 February at 19.30, probably via Zoom. The committee proposes that subscriptions remain unchanged, but those members who were unable to have full use of the courts this year will be entitled to a reduction. The club hopes that normal play will be permitted in the summer and that we should be able to field three league teams. The junior coaching programme, with coach John Wingate, should be able to proceed during the summer term.

Pat Browne

15

WOODBURY SALTERTON NEWS HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Festive Windows This year people were invited to decorate their windows to brighten the village and bring some festive cheer. The theme was Joy. It was organised by Debbie Jung on behalf of the PCC and entrants were invited to make a donation to church funds. Entries could go up during December and the PCC will allocate a prize for the best entry after 19 December.

Here are some photos of some of the early entrants.

A Tree of Light Our thanks to the Parish Council for their kind donation of Christmas lights to brighten the village.

It was decided to use the lights on one of the yew trees in the churchyard because that is fairly central to the village, so that as many people as possible could enjoy them.

16 WOODBURY SALTERTON NEWS cont’d/…

We have a Village Shop again!

The Digger’s Rest has opened a shop selling bread, milk, groceries, fruit and vegetables etc. This is a valuable resource for the village and we encourage everyone to support it. The last shop in the village closed 22 years ago.

An old horse chestnut tree on The Plantation was cut down on 8 December.

There had still been some life in the top of the tree and it had flowered in the spring, but the photos show it had rotted away in the centre of the trunk.

17 THE WOODBURY SALTERTON DUMBUTU LINK "Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go.

They merely determine where you start."

Nido Qubein 2020 was the year that we celebrated 30 years of a successful cultural and development link with Dumbutu village in The Gambia, West Africa. We celebrated in our hearts, rather than on the village green as we had hoped. In this challenging year, the long-standing link between our two communities has never been more important.

In December, our committee decided to hold the first ever virtual Annual General Meeting, and we reviewed the events and progress of the past years whilst making plans for how we can best serve our friends in The Gambia.

Families, communities and entire countries have been brought to their knees by this virus, and its social and economic impact will continue to be felt for years to come. While new and active cases in The Gambia have steadily declined since a peak in August, the loss of trade and tourism income will undo much of the positive progress that has been made since the ousting of former President Yahya Jammeh in 2017.

Following government regulations, classrooms had to close their doors for seven months starting from April of this year. It is a great shame that the children of Dumbutu have missed out on so much education, but it has been reported to us that a thorough protocol of masks, handwashing and temperature checks has allowed the school to function safely since its doors reopened in November 2020.

Although plans are in place to provide additional lessons for students to make up for lost time, social distancing regulations have halved class sizes - effectively doubling teachers’ working hours - and made these make-up classes unlikely to take place.

Cont’d/...

18 THE WOODBURY SALTERTON DUMBUTU LINK cont’d/...

Schools in The Gambia need to start from Term 1 and social distancing policies divide classes into two daily shifts. As such, school safety and operation policies are under review by the government.

The Link’s Contribution A large and varied selection of English books has been sent to the village which are now safely in the hands of the school, and the education sponsorships have been received by the bank in The Gambia’s capital, Banjul.

We are looking to invest further in the women’s vegetable allotment to further support agricultural development. As the water table drops underneath The Gambia, the soil becomes more saline which dehydrates crops. Rice is harder to grow and the villagers rely more and more on their vegetable crops. With the planting season approaching, we are hoping to fund support measures including repairs to the fences to protect from wildlife damage. In addition, we are monitoring any emerging requirements, and hope to invest in more agriculture and education development initiatives in the coming months.

Departures and New Members I would like to take a moment to thank Leo, Ann and Gill, who have recently left the Link after years of dedicated support and selfless effort.

Now, we are looking for new members to join the Link. The available roles offer the opportunity to further support our friends in The Gambia and are critical to the future of the Link. If you are interested in helping the cause, please email our secretary Brenda at mrandle200@gmail.com.

With more exciting projects in the future - made all the more important as we move past 2020 - I encourage anyone who would like a more active role in the charity to step up and get involved. There are many ways to help out.

For example, if you have experience with Excel, you can join in and help with our accounting. Or if you have some design experience, you can help put together our notices and announcements. Even if you have no background in supporting a charity, we would be grateful to have new supporters and committee members to attend meetings, share ideas and contribute to discussions. To those of you who have been pitching in and supporting our operations – thank you!

As ever, we are seeking sponsors to support the education of our friends in Dumbutu. An annual sponsorship is typically just £25 a year. Alternatively, quarterly, monthly, or even one-off donations can make a real, meaningful impact in someone’s life. If you have someone in your life who is impossible to buy gifts for, you could always donate in their name instead!

19 Glasses contributions We are also looking to set up a shipment of reading glasses to the village – any old sets you have in your cupboard would be great. Or if you would like to purchase a handful of pairs from your local chemist for different strengths and ages, these would be greatly appreciated. We ask that you consider donating a protective case and cloth with each pair so their new owners can treasure the life changing gift for longer in the harsh environment. We are grateful for all the love and support that has been extended to the villagers in Dumbutu, who send you all their good wishes.

May 2021 bring you good fortune and health.

Gemma Bennett Chair of the Woodbury Salterton Dumbutu Link gemjoyben@hotmail.com

EXTON WALKERS’ NEW YEAR VISIT TO THE MARSHES OF EXMINSTER

by Brian Wood (From their records, edited a little to disguise persons.

We took advantage of the Topsham Ferry that ran regularly at the time.)

The first day of a year of yore, Of Exton walkers, half a score Set out to cross the mighty Exe, Steering in between the wrecks Of glorious ships, all now long gone, Determined they would not add one.

We dodged around to keep feet dry.

But soon, relieved, we breathed a sigh As harder ground came to prevail, When crossing over road and rail To Exminster. A charming spot On that we all agreed. God wot.

Some walkers were a trifle nervy That on this voyage we might get scurvy, Or fall beneath tempestuous waves To early end in watery graves.

Not used to boats, they put too high The dangers that the sullen sky And minor wintry gales forbode.

And soon with ease across we rowed.

On by the Swan’s Nest public house.

There’s nothing here to raise a grouse.

But marsh birds, just their cup of tea, Their sponsors, the RSPB. And past the Turf, for winter shut, Whereby our chance completely cut, To get outside an early quaff.

Too big to cry, too sad to laugh.

The other side, a coffee cup Was there to keep our spirits up, Before a trek onward up North, Whence from the motorway came forth A traffic din of constant whooshes, Soon slightly muffled by some bushes.

The flat terrain today seemed good, Though recent rain created mud.

The towpath then gave nice perspective Of the east bank. In mood reflective, We gazed upon this panorama, Quietly. We’re not for drama.

The ferryman, soon on his way, Said “Fares for charity today”.

So with a righteous sensation We made a reasonable donation.

Envoi At Passage House, two steps away, Convivial lunch rounds off our day.

20

EXTON NEWS ST ANDREW’S CHURCH EXTON CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES 25 December, Christmas Day 09.30 Family Holy Communion.

SUNDAY SERVICES 3 January, Epiphany - Evening Service, 18.30.

10 January, Baptism of Christ - Holy Communion, 09.30.

Please look at the church noticeboard for confirmation of all services.

CHRISTMAS FOOD BANK CONTRIBUTIONS We would like to thank everyone in Exton village who so generously donated food and Christmas treats for the Exmouth Community Larder, particularly this year as there are so many more families needing help. You will have brought much needed cheer and hope to many people.

Joe Roderick has now taken the last of your donations to Exmouth to be distributed in time for Christmas.

A BRIEF JOURNEY THROUGH THE HISTORY OF EXTON THE OLD NURSERIES, EXTON (PART 2) Until the Beeching cuts we regularly sent boxes of carnations by train to Barnstaple and Sidmouth, but by then we had a van, so started to deliver to several florists in Exeter. Many of our customers collected their flowers from the nursery, but the bulk, of course, was sold at the shop in Exmouth.

We were still serving some of our long-standing customers up to the time we closed. We were also sending flowers to Manchester market at least twice a week. Whilst talking to a florist from Manchester at an Interflora conference, he told me he couldn’t afford our carnations as they always sold at prices too high for his trade to warrant them.

The original shop in The Strand Exmouth

21 Mum had run the shop since 1936 and in February 1943 Exmouth was badly bombed. It was a Friday lunch time and the shop was flattened. In Exmouth there were 19 casualties. Thankfully Mum sensed that there was something wrong when she heard gunfire; the train at the station had been hit. Luckily Mum had moved all her staff to the back of the shop, which was the dairy with a separate entrance into a side street. But she was very anxious because my young sister Phyllis had not called into the shop as usual on her way home from school in Exmouth to Exton. She had that day gone straight to the station and was on the train that had been hit. Luckily no-one on the train was hurt, having been told to lie flat on the floor. Local children had school in the morning and the evacuees in the afternoon. Mum rang home to see if Phyllis was safe and to ask Dad to find a new shop. The next day the shop opened in Millers Garage, now the indoor market, and by Monday they had obtained a lease on an empty butcher’s shop in Rolle Street. Just like the Windmill Theatre in London, we never closed. It would take more than Hitler to keep my mother down. Strangely, the shop was at 16 Rolle Street and the previous one had been 16 The Strand.

As well as being good at growing plants, Dad was a self-taught florist.

When I left school in 1947, having been trained by him, I continued in his footsteps and eventually took over. Like my Dad and me, my brother Bill also came into the business straight from school.

How times have changed: my girls all went on day release courses at Plymouth College to gain their certificates.

It was certainly easier by the time I finished. No more mossing wire frames and wiring every flower; oasis changed all that and it was a much cleaner and user-friendly job. No more chilblains!

Like everywhere else there were many changes over the years, such as having a horse and cart and employing about six staff.

By the time we had finished we had two vans, a tractor and only three staff at the nurseries. There were of course more at the shop.

The boiler did not need stoking late at night and most of the watering was done by automatic The Florist Shop in Rolle Street irrigation. Sterilising the soil was also done from the main boiler. cont’d/...

22 THE OLD NURSERIES, EXTON (PART 2) cont’d/...

Up until my Dad died aged 84, he was very much involved in the nurseries, still sowing cyclamen seeds on Christmas morning to start flowering the following July, as well as keeping an eye on me at the shop.

My brother Bill needed a hip replacement in1987 and we couldn't just shut down when dealing with growing things.

So he and I decided, with Mum’s agreement, that we should sell the shop so that I could spend my time working at the Eileen’s retirement from the florist shop in Rolle Street 1987 nurseries. They closed at Christmas 1989, as it would not have been viable without the family working 24/7, nor was it suitable to sell as a going concern.

Eileen Pratt

ROUND AND ABOUT

WELCOME A warm welcome to George, Samantha and their puppy Jasper, who have moved to Woodbury Salterton from Lympstone.

Several new families have moved into Town Lane in the last few months.

We would like to welcome them and hope that they will be very happy living in Woodbury: 8 Pollybrook: Angela Lewis and Keir Sutton and their little girls Loretta and Yolanda. (The previous owners, Belinda and Leigh Russell, have moved to Budleigh).

Tresalmer: Kay and Mike Rocks. They are pleased to be near their daughter at Exton.

Oaklea: Daniela and Nigel Wood, who moved from New Zealand two years ago.

Langley House: Lesley and Paul Chudleigh. They previously lived in Exeter. Lesley enjoys playing tennis.

CHRISTMAS WISHES Anna and Paul Crafer wish all our friends in the village a Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2021 full of health and freedom. We will be making a donation to RD&E Charity.

23 DEATH Betty Woodruff Betty was born in Leyton, London, on 29 February 1928 (a leap year baby) and lived in London during her childhood, teenage and young adult years along with her younger brother. Betty lived through the Second World War in London and was (for a while) evacuated to Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. As part of the war effort, Betty started work at a young age at Halex Plastics, a firm that carried out government work throughout the war years.

Betty was a Boys’ Brigade team leader and an active member of her local church - in fact, she maintained a religious connection wherever she lived.

Betty married Ronald Willisson on 23 January 1954, and had one daughter Carol, followed by grandson Stephen, granddaughter Natalie, three stepgrandsons and five great-step-grandchildren.

Betty was a widow for many years and filled her days being a WRVS canteen lady at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and also helping with the local clothes bank distribution. Betty eventually found somebody else to share her life and his name was John Woodruff. They lived in South Wales for 12 years, but following John's sudden death, Betty moved to Woodbury at the grand age of 80 to be close to her daughter and family.

As throughout all her life, Betty joined the many clubs and groups in Woodbury, namely WI, RBL, Gardening Club, History Club, Woodbury Community Club and Centre, Christ Church, and she attended events held at St Swithun’s.

Betty was treated to being elevated to celebrity status on VE Day this year when her neighbours decorated her garden, and a small child in the neighbourhood made her a special poster.

Her daughter Carol would like to extend a huge thankyou to all those at the many clubs that Betty joined who made her feel so welcomed and accepted within the Woodbury community during these last 12 years. Carol also offers her heartfelt gratitude for the warmth that she has felt from the Woodbury community, following her mother's passing.

Carol Royal WOODBURY SALTERTON HAS A SHOP IN A PUB! Many thanks to Dan and Arwen of the Digger’s Rest for providing yet another amenity for the village.

Editor’s Note : In order to maximise submitted copy and photographs into Woodbury News, it may be necessary to reduce the size of some items.

The Editorial team will attempt to do this as carefully as possible.

24 WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS From the editor: I was thrilled to have heard a recent piece of Christmas music sent to me by a friend. When I discovered its source was in Woodbury village, I contacted our local Coldrick family and asked for some more information. Thank you, Lizzie, for the following piece and the wonderful music: ‘Although I'm pursuing a career in Natural Sciences, music has always been a large part of my life. I was a chorister for five years in Exeter Cathedral Choir, and I've been a member of Isca Voices since my choristership ended. When lockdown happened in March this year, all live music performances were no longer possible and concerts had to be cancelled. In their place, I started to become involved in creating virtual performances where each performer records their part individually and they are then combined using music technology. My brother (who was also a chorister in Exeter Cathedral Choir) and I teamed up with Oscar Gibbons (another former chorister who lives in Woodbury!) to arrange, compose, record, edit and produce music videos that we posted to YouTube throughout lockdown and over the summer holidays.

You can see these videos on Oscar's YouTube channel at https:// www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ6VRQoVAyixJKKSrzXrUlg. The music video of We Wish You A Merry Christmas was created by Oscar and me as part of The Maynard School's series of Christmas musical celebrations. I'm honoured that the Lord Mayor of Exeter has chosen it to be part of his Christmas speech and charity appeal this year!’ Lizzie Coldrick The Coldrick and Gibbons children have made a fundraising music video that was released on 9 December.

It is raising money for the Global's Make Some Noise appeal, which supports local charities helping people cope with the effects of coronavirus on their lives and communities. The words for the carol were written especially to convey peace and hope at the end of this pandemic year. The music video can be found at https://youtube/ EzB2TT9OkQk and the fundraising page for donations is at https:// makesomenoise.enthuse.com/pf/carol-of-the-bells-2020.

25 19TH CENTURY NEWSPAPER REPORTS In these rather grim times a little bit of levity from old newspapers In 1817 the Exeter Flying Post reported that ‘a person residing at Guernsey, who has made several trips across the channel of late, in a vessel from that island, always carried his bedstead ashore on his arrival, till suspicion was excited that this piece of furniture was not a mere sleeping partner. On its way to the ship from Stonehouse (Plymouth) last week it was seized, and upon examination, found to contain lace, stockings shawls etc to the amount of £300, the posts and legs being hollowed out for their reception. On the following day the ship also was seized. This bedstead, it is said, has often been landed at Portsmouth, Weymouth, Torbay, and Plymouth etc – the owner pretending to travel for his health.’

In 1818 James Richards (aged 20) a cooper of Exeter, was married to Miss Stone, a blooming damsel (aged 72) at St Olaves in Exeter. The tender bride was conveyed to the church in a sedan chair, the better to conceal her maiden blushes from the prying eyes of curiosity.

NB: there is no record as to how long she survived her marriage or what she was worth.

In 1833 Woolmers Exeter newspaper reported that on a Sunday morning in July ‘a monkey belonging to a medical gentleman from this City, broke loose, and after wandering about for a short time, rambled into the Cathedral during the 7 o’clock morning service. The liberated quadruped got behind the altar, and pushed his dingy head through the carved work in sight of the Clerk, when the terrified man, supposing it to be a visit from some evil spirit, ejaculated with trembling gravity: “In the name of the Lord why dost thou trouble us?”

The brute scampered off leaving the clerk and the congregation in a state of considerable alarm, and afterwards seated himself behind the monument of General Simcoe, with his paws encircling the neck of the statue of the General.

The monkey then found its way into St Sidwells, where he was surrounded by a party of young ‘Grecians’, and captured, but he contrived again to make his escape, Memorial to General Simcoe cont’d/...

26 19TH CENTURY NEWSPAPER REPORTS cont’d/... and paid a visit to the village of Whipton, from whence he travelled the next morning to the Cavalry Barracks. Having gratified his curiosity by taking a peep at the evolution of the gallant first Dragoons, he made his exit, and has not since been heard of.’

NB: ‘Grecians’ was the name applied to the people of St Sidwells.

In December 1840 Woolmers Exeter newspaper published a letter about the stamps for the new Penny Post.

‘Adhesive Stamps: It cannot be too generally known that the very numerous cases of cancer which have lately prevailed are attributed by the faculty and scientific men, to moistening the adhesive postage stamps with the tongue or lips. A little new milk is much preferable, and also causes them to stick faster particularly on glazed and smooth letter paper. This would seem to be another reason for having nothing to do with these adhesive stamps.’

NB: Evidently the gum used on the first stamps of Great Britain was invented in 1837 by Rowland Hill. It was called cement and was made from a mixture of potato starch, wheat starch and acacia gum.

In 1865 a reporter for the Exeter Flying Post described Charles Hawkins, a labourer from Woodbury, as making himself ‘too jovial at Easter and whilst he was “serpenting” home he staggered against a policeman who brought him to book for it – this pleasantry cost poor Sir Roland Hill Hawkins 14s 6d.’

NB: Drunkenness (and the results of it) was one of the commonest misdemeanours in Woodbury according to the magistrates, and was frequently reported in the newspapers.

At this period Woodbury had two pubs, the White Hart and the Globe, as well as a beer house in part of the Beals cottages; Exton had a cider house in a former farmhouse which, by 1870, had a licence and was known as The Railway Inn (later Puffing Billy); Woodbury Salterton had a cider house converted from a farmhouse which became known as the Salterton Arms; there were also licensed premises in Gulliford and Ebford. Plenty of establishments in the parish to over-indulge!

Gill Selley

27

What a year we have had so far! During the first lockdown, back in March, wildlife rescue centres were not allowed to utilise the army of volunteers who normally look after the sick animals in their care. Vets could only offer a skeleton service and did not have enough capacity to take wild animals.

During the spring and early summer, many people were spending more time outdoors and started to find sick and injured animals needing help. We had calls from people on a daily basis asking where to take sick animals and we had nowhere to send them. It was a very distressing time and we decided the only thing to do was to take as many of the animals ourselves. We sought advice from vets and rescuers that specialise in wildlife and soon had a team of people helping us by giving consultations via Zoom. Before long we had a large collection of animals that were being referred to us by animal sanctuaries and vets. We had some fantastic results over the last few months.

We have rescued and treated many different species, including badgers, bats, swans, hedgehogs, birds and mice. It soon became clear we needed specialised equipment and we held an appeal that raised the funding to enable us to purchase an incubator and to pay for drugs.

As the number of animals coming into our care continued to grow, we decided to create a “Nightingale Wildlife Hospital”. We started an appeal to raise the £1,000 needed to purchase the holding pens and scientific equipment we desperately needed.

New holding pens and the incubator

Cont’d/...

28 WILD WOODBURY cont’d/…

We were fortunate to receive a very generous donation from the Woodbury Living Advent Calendar and the Woodbury coffee morning organisers. This has enabled us to complete the first phase of the work. We are now able to treat and rehabilitate animals in Woodbury rather than putting them through the trauma of transport to rescue centres in other areas. The appeal is still ongoing.

Hand feeding for the sparrow Minnie the woodmouse

Walter the pigeon

One of our sick hoglets

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who made donations and supported us during the year, including all our foster carers without whose help we could not have been so successful.

If you would like to make a contribution towards our appeal, please contact us directly or go to our “GoFundMe” Wild-Woodbury Animal Treatment Centre appeal at https://gf.me/u/yki8t5.

29 If you have any questions please get in touch with us at info@wildwoodbury.org or call Tony Bennett on 07971 082384.

Please join our Facebook group: Wild-Woodbury and check out our website http://www.wild-woodbury.org to find out more about what we are doing to help our local wildlife.

Tony Bennett Tel: 07971 082384 info@wild-woodbury.org Website: http://www.wild-woodbury.org/ Facebook: Wild-Woodbury

WEATHER REPORT The extra lockdown month of November was rather boring weatherwise as in other ways. Rainfall at 67mm (2.6 inches) was very much below the 20year average of 93mm, here at Ebford.

Most of the rain fell during the second week of the month, with 18.5mm recorded on Saturday 14th. Colder, more seasonal conditions are now approaching, as I write at the beginning of December.

Norman Cann WOODBURY NEWS to your door ‌ If you are a new resident to the area, or would like your Woodbury News to be delivered To your door monthly, just call Jeremy Boyden on 233072 and he will put you in contact with your local deliverer.

Any queries regarding delivery of Woodbury News within Exton should be directed to Audrey Elphick on 01392 876909.

Have you got an interesting photo to illustrate your article?

If so, we'd love to see it, but please remember that we need high resolution photos - not too dark, but clear and sharp - as low resolution photos do not reproduce well on non-photographic paper.

Please remember to ask permission from any people included in your photos, and that photos of children require parental permission.

Send all submissions to karensquires100@gmail.com

30

WOODBURY NEWS ADVERTISING RATES SMALL ADS: (3 lines) private £2.00.

(3 lines) Business £5.00. (£50.00 p.a.)

DISPLAY ADS: £17.00 ¼ page (£185 p.a.)

To: Karen Squires, Willowfield, Oakhayes Road, Woodbury EX5 1JT Tel: 233299 karensquires100@gmail.com

The Woodbury News accepts no liability for:- i) Any claims made by the advertiser; ii) Any errors or omissions in the advertisement as submitted by the advertiser; iii) Any legal action as a result of the advertisement.

BUSINESS ADVERTISEMENTS ALTERATIONS TO LADIES AND GENTS WEAR, MADE TO MEASURE CURTAINS AND ROMAN BLINDS, ALTERATIONS TO CURTAINS. Contact Shirley on 01395 223523. (1/12) EXE INTERIORS & HANDYMAN SERVICES for all home improvement requirements inc. painting & decorating, wall & floor tiling, bathrooms & kitchens, handyman service. Call Sean 07967 777396. (7/12) CARPENTER Chris Isaac Property Maintenance, Kitchens, Doors, Flooring, Fencing, Fascias/Guttering, Tiling, General Repairs. Free Estimates. Reliable tradesman. 07855170674/01395233933 chrisisaaccarpenter@gmail.com. (9/12) WE ARE POSH NOSH! With over two decades of experience in the catering industry we are at the forefront of special occasion and event catering in Devon and the West Country. We are committed to providing first class cuisine with outstanding levels of service. Phone: 01392 444877 or email: info@poshnosh.co.uk. (6/12) SYNERGI EVERTHING PLUMBING AND HEATING For all your plumbing and heating needs. Large or small jobs at fair prices. Boiler servicing, repairs and care plans. Local, reliable and efficient. Gas, Oil, and LPG. Tel Synergi 01395 542226. www.synergisw.co.uk. (8/12) MATHS TUITION: Experienced, female Maths teacher available to teach primary to GSCE level maths, 11+ and SATs prep. Now providing virtual tutoring and online support. Reasonable rates. Jane Moffatt on 07730 877889 janepmoffatt@gmail.com. (12/12) ACCOUNTS AND TAX SERVICE Sole Trades, Partnerships, Limited Companies and Personal Tax. Full range of advice. Fixed fee plans and free initial consultation/quotation. Wheelers Accountants Tel: 233184. (11/24)

31 RUBBISH REMOVALS Domestic and Commercial. Environment Agency licensed. No job too small. Tel: 0800 335 7610 / 07979 841376. www.rubbishremovalsexeter.com. (8/12) COMPUTER REPAIRS AND UPGRADES; Broadband and wireless connections; Data recovery and backup; Windows, iPads and Apple computers, Virus and spyware removal; No fix no fee - Evening visits to suit you. Contact: Mark Doyle 01395 233694. (5/12) PROPERTY MAINTENANCE – James Waddell Interior & Exterior, Carpentry, Flooring, Fencing & Gates, Plumbing, Decking, Bathrooms & Kitchens, General Repairs. Free Advice & Estimates 01395 263496. (7/12) ELECTRICIAN James Sliman Local, reliable, fully qualified and experienced. NAPIT registered and insured. From a socket to rewire 01395 276323 07866 313812 www.jslimanelectrician.co.uk. (5/12) WOODBURY HOLIDAY HOME TO RENT in centre of village. Luxury accommodation for 4 people, 2 en-suites, parking, courtyard garden. Weekly holidays & short breaks. www.woodburyholidays.co.uk 01579 350365. (5/12) ROOFING Woodbury based RWI Roofing Specialising in Slating, Tiling, ReRoof, New Roof, Repairs, Guttering. For a friendly, reliable service call Ray 232926, or 07988 691051 (As recmd in OurLocalExpert.co.uk). (4/12) MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER - providing services such as nail cutting, corn and callus removal, thickened nail reduction.

For appointments please call 01392 949030 (*)

WOODBURY NEWS is available online and via Facebook and Twitter.

32

T.D. BUILDERS General Quality Building Service * New builds & Extensions * Brickwork & Block work * Rendering & Plastering * Drives & Patios * All types of building work undertaken !!

FREE ESTIMATES

01395 233995 or 07751 738092

33

Woodbury Salterton Village Hall Hall –Tables and Chairs, Well equipped kitchen with cooker and fridge, crockery and cutlery inclusive in hire.

Modest Rates.

For bookings please contact:

Pat or Gill Bricknell 01395 232463

Tel: 01392 795689

Woodbury Village Hall Hall and two meeting rooms, Fully equipped kitchen WIFI, sound system and projector Available for: Dances and Parties Meetings and Classes Exhibitions and Craft Fairs Badminton, Plays, Business Lettings For bookings please contact: Robin or Marian Lennox Tel: 01395 232126 email:- woodburyvh@gmail.com www.woodburyvillagehall.org.uk

34

35 Further to many recent enquiries:

Robert Miller Local Painter & Decorator of many years, is still in business.

A lifetime of experience!

All painting and decorating jobs considered.

Contact Bob on

01395 233773 or 07800 854839 THORNS COTTAGE, WOODBURY

Welcoming New Patients A friendly, caring practice providing the very latest treatment techniques, in a relaxed setting:

 Routine dental care with oral health assessment

 Cosmetic dental treatments including whitening, implants, veneers

 Crowns made on the day of your visit, with no need for impressions!!

Facial Rejuvenation treatment Discreet clinics now available.

Speak to our friendly team.

Tel: 01395 442552

www.budleighdentalpractice.co.uk

36

Woodbury Dance Studio RAD BALLET Grades and Majors

Children from 2½ years Principal: Mary Griffiths ARAD, MA(Oxon) Tel: 01395 271249 marygriffiths@hotmail.com www.woodburydance.co.uk All classes at Woodbury C of E Primary School

37 Africa / Asia / Australia USA / Canada / NZ South America / Antarctica Discuss your travel plans with the award-winning experts

Nomadic Travel 25 Gandy Street Exeter Tel: 01392 221199 Email: info.nomadictravel.co.uk

www.nomadictravel.co.uk Independent travel agents Established 1999 100% Financial Protection ATOL T7452

38

39

40