Woolacombe and Mortehoe Voice - Issue 15

FREE NOT FOR RESALE

Issue 15 September 2018

Woolacombe & Mortehoe Voice A magazine for all those who love this beautiful coastline.

Cover Photograph: Alex McCartan 1

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CONTENTS 4-5

Foamlea

6-7

The Witches of Bideford

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Fly like a Bird

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Tour of Britain

10-11

Watersmeet Hotel

12-13

The Royal Charter Storm

14-15

Readers Gallery

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As Beth Smith retires Foamlea from the NGS we take a look at this beautiful Mortehoe garden one last time.

Bideford was the last place in England where the hanging of witches took place. In 1685, three women were put to death on the strength of little more than gossip If you have ever fancied seeing the stunning Woolacombe coastline from a new vantage point, Fly Like A Bird offers a tandem hang gliding experience to do just that.

After a years absence the OVO Energy Tour of Britain returns to

the South West of England on Stage 2 of the course, travelling through Woolacombe.

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The Watersmeet Hotel is an iconic building along the Esplande,

We delve a little into it’s history with the help of local author Sue Hill.

The Royal Charter storm of 1859 defined how we forecast

the weather and storms today. It took many lives along the

British coast, including numerous shipwrecks at nearby Morte Point.

We share some of your favourite images of Woolacombe and Mortehoe.

16-17 Oceanfest 10

A round up of all the fun to be had at this year’s Oceanfest festival held in Croyde.

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Tale of Two Villages

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Barricane House

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The Lancaster Bomber - Borough Farm

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Scarecrow Festival

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1938 Woolacombe Weavers

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Saunton D Day

26 - 27

Quince Honey Farm

The Tale of Two Villages display was unveiled by Ray Parkin,

the display tells the story of Woolacombe & Mortehoe.

Barricane House is a well known building in Mortehoe Village, built in the 1850’s we find out a little more about the people who once lived here.

Borough Farm was the scene of a tragic crash in 1945.

The Tale of Two Potters was the theme for this years Mortehoe Scarecrow which was a great success and a lot of fun.

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A report about Woolcacombe Weaers by the North Devon Journal in 1938.

The annual Saunton D Day event took place in June A fantastic day out for all the family.

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28-29 Birdman

This years South West Birdman saw people jumping from Ilfracombe Pier in the name of Charity! Some fantastic costumes and great team entries in this years competition.

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People behind the Name

The People behind the Names series looks at the names etched onto Mortehoe War Memorial, in this issue we learn more about William John Cousins

32-33 Event

A roundup of events happening in and around the area

33-34 News

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FOAMLEA Beth Smith, owner and designer of these beautiful gardens confirms she is retiring from the National Garden Scheme, and wishes to express her thanks to all who have supported her and Foamlea over the years.

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ome to Beth Smith and her son Tim, the coastal garden has uninterrupted views over Morte Point and for many years has been part of the National Garden Scheme. Since 1927, the NGS have been inviting garden owners to open their exceptional gardens to the public whilst raising money for good causes, each year they produce their yellow booklet of gardens that are open to visitors. A great initiative, which has raised over £50 million for charities across the UK. Foamlea Garden has been part of this fantastic project, helping to raise over £6000 in it’s ten years of opening to the public.

Clifftop house in Mortehoe, has been Beth’s family home since 1949. Beth’s mother cultivated the garden which she mainly used for cut flowers that would be used in the guest house that she ran, until she was in her seventies, sadly when Beth’s mother became elderly the garden slowly turned wild. Following her mother’s death, Beth returned to the house in 1999 where she took on the challenge of rejuvenating the garden and changed it to be the more ornamental garden we see today.

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eatured frequently in high profile gardening magazines and shows, the exposed near vertical cliff garden is full of exoctic plants, that thrive in coastal conditions and with the maritime microclimate producing an incrediable 11 month growing season there is always something to do.

The garden is incredibly steep, and the first task was to stabilise the land, a new stonewall was build in 2002 using slate sourced locally, the structure of the garden then started to take place. Winding paths divide the garden and different colour zones.

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A collection of unusual and familiar plants from around the world make up this stunning garden, rockeries and mixed beds and borders link the slate steps to the pathways, all of which overlook ‘the water feature’, which is the stunning, shimmery Atlantic Ocean which blends into the garden and surrounding landscape. The west facing plot overlooks the Bristol Channel and Lundy Island in the distance, protecting the garden from frost which never settles for long, however plants do need to be tough to survive here, with gales and wind conditions having to be taken into account when choosing plants.

South African plants feature heavily in the garden, with scented geraniums, and iconic red hot pokers, there is even an alpine house displaying South African miniatures.

The garden is also home to the National Collection of Phlomis, with over 40 species and hybrids.

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eth has gained her extensive knowledge and love of gardening from her family, her late husband Leslie had been a keen plants man. The garden at Foamlea has not been designed, but is a series of terraces linked by steps and paths, it is a truly beautiful garden in a stunning setting. We thank Beth for sharing her garden with us over the years and wish her well in continuing her work with her growing collection of species and behind the scenes work carried out by her and her son Tim. A new garden is set to open as part of the NGS in Woolacombe in 2019, watch this space for more information.

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DARK HISTORY

rom the late 15th Century through to the mid eighteenth century, 200,000 people were put to death across Europe on the grounds of witchcraft.

Witch-hunting in England saw about 500 people put to death and reached it’s heights in the 1640s with figures such as Matthew Hopkins gained national notoriety. He claimed to hold the office of Witch Finder General, though no such title was ever bestowed by Parliament.

For anyone familiar with Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’, the way innocent people could be branded by others during the witchcraft craze is clear. But by the late seventeenth century, that craze had faded in England and most trials ended in acquittal, which made the Bideford Trials all the more unusual in that they ended in execution.

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ideford has one claim to fame that some may find discomforting, namely that it was the last place in England where the hanging of witches took place. This happened in August 1682, when three women went to the gallows after being found guilty of witchcraft.

The misfortunes of those three women from Bideford began in July 1682, when one of the town’s shopkeeper’s, Thomas Eastchurch, reported to some of the town’s constables that Temperance Lloyd had been practising witchcraft. Temperance was subsequently arrested and locked up in an old chapel before being taken before the justices to answer for her crimes.

Temperance Lloyd, Mary Trembles, and Susanna Edwards were put to death on the strength of little more than gossip.

Their execution highlighting a tragic period in the countries history. It was a time when women who lived on their own, or were old and perhaps a little eccentric, were vulnerable. It was a time when an insect bite could be taken as a mark of the devil and where a cat or magpie seen at someone’s house would be taken as the sign of the diabolical at work.

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The actual charges she faced were listed as ‘suspicion of having used some magical art, sorcery or witchcraft upon the body of Grace Thomas, and to have had discourse or familiarity with the devil in the likeness or shape of a black man.’ The evidence against Temperance was thin in the extreme. For example, Grace Thomas was convinced that Lloyd was responsible for her illness simply because she had been so relieved when Thomas had regained her health.

Y: THE WITCHES OF BIDEFORD Other ‘evidence’ included that fact that a magpie had flown to Thomas’s window. The evidence may have been thin, but when Lloyd was questioned by the justices on July 3rd, she confessed to the charges and effectively sealed her fate. She stated that she had in fact killed three people and blinded another.

The case against the other two women, Mary Trembles and Susanna Edwards, was triggered after a local women, Grace Barnes, blamed Trembles for her illness. She was subsequently arrested, as was Edwards, who had been begging for food along with Trembles.

Once again the evidence against the two women was little more than gossip, over-heard conversations and marks on their bodies. But once again the women did not put up a strong defence of themselves. Trembles blamed Edwards for luring her into witchcraft and eventually Lloyd was drawn into the case, being blamed by Edwards. Public opinion at the time also saw Lloyd as the one who had effectively debauched the other two.

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he actual trial of the three women took place in Exeter on 19th August 1682, with the dubious evidence arrayed against the women. That evidence may have been limited, but hysteria of the times gave it added credence and the women’s appointment with the hangman was ensured when they readily admitted their own guilt.

The executions took place on 25th August at Heavitree, which is just outside Exeter.

It was a public event, with children sitting on the shoulder of their parents to get a better view and clergyman loudly berating the women for their crimes. The gravity of their situation must have suddenly hit home to the women, as they stated their innocence and denied the charges against them. But it was too late and their sentence was carried out.

Temperance Lloyd was the last to be executed. The Sherif asked whether she believed in Jesus Christ and Lloyd replied: “Yes, and I pray Jesus Christ to pardon my sins.” And then the noose was placed around her neck and she left this world, taking with her the reasons why she had confessed to a crime she could not possibly have committed.

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hy did women not declare their innocence before and why had they so readily admitted to their crimes in the first place? Were they incapable of grasping what was happening, did they revel in their notoriety, or were they simply unable to deal rationally with the irrational situation they had to deal with?

The witch-trial period was a dark chapter in our history.

It was a time when women, and it was overwhelmingly women, could face the death penalty for being different, old, foolish or eccentric. It was a time when the power of gossip, hearsay and jealousy could be enough to leave you facing the death penalty.

A plaque commemorating the deaths of the three women can be viewed on the wall of Rougemont Castle in Exeter.

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Fly like a bird Have you ever fancied seeing Woolacombe from a different perspective?

Fly Like a Bird offers you the chance to enjoy a Tandem Hang Gliding experience above Woolacombe or Putsborough, where you can take in the stunning views below whilst soaring above like a bird.

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ly like a bird offers Hang Gliding experiences for individuals or groups of people, it is an unforgettable adventure, that allows you to see the stunning North Devon coastline from a truly unique vantage point.

hen Sam returned to the UK he became a committee member of the Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Sam completed his Dual Air Experience rating in 2014 and passed his Senior Air Experience exam in the same year. Sam is now the Chief Flying Instructor for Fly like a Bird.

Flying over a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you will watch the world go by beneath you, whilst you glide around the sky, amongst the birds! The flight allows you to enjoy the truly spectacular views of the coastline and surrounding area’s

The Fly Like a Bird Hang Gliding experience gives you a truly unforgettable adventure, it starts with an introduction to the flight you will be taking, you will then take off for a fantastic flight that really does provide you with a memory of a lifetime.

Fly like a bird pilot, Sam Jeyes has been flying Hang Gliders since the age of 18 and not only has a passion for flying he also has a wealth of experience.

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ith Sam’s guidance you will soon be soaring in the air, Sam makes you feel reassured throught the experience, explaining what to do, and how things work, he will put you at ease with his patience and sheer love of what he does. You will even have the chance to add the option of sharing your experience on a personal DVD of the sights from your flight.

Sam started flying in Wiltshire where his love of Hang Gliding started, following his degree in Leisure & Tourism management he spent some time in France, where he taught activity sports. Sam would go onto spend 12 years living in Canada, where he ran his own business and developed his flying skills further.

www.flylikeabird.co.uk 8

Tour of Britain Stage 2 - North Devon

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he Tour De France (TDF) is the biggest annual sporting event in the world, but not everyone knows that Britain has its own ‘Tour’, a race that has been running since 1945. Through it’s history it has gone through numerous name changes, and is currently known as the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain with this year’s event starting on 2nd September and covering 1,140 kilometres. The route runs from Pembrey Country Park on the Carmarthenshire coast in South Wales to the streets of Central London, via Devon, Bristol, Warwickshire, Cumbria and Nottinghamshire.

After a year’s absence the OVO Energy Tour of Britain returns to the South West of England on Stage Two. Day two of this year’s race will depart from Cranbrook, and finish in Barnstaple, who last welcomed the race back in 2012.

Stage 2 features barely a metre of flat road all day, which means it will be a tough day in the saddle for all the riders.

Tough climbs early in the stage could pose problems and split the race up early, but the crucial factor will be the steep and narrow climb of Challacombe Hill. Taking place on Monday 3rd September, the second stage of the route will take in Ilfracombe, Woolacombe and Croyde, the world class cycle race will take in some of the area’s beautiful countryside, not to mention some very step climbs!

The tour is due to arrive in Ilfracombe at 14:18, they then climb the hill to Mullacott roundabout before turning towards Woolacombe, passing the Pink House, and Fortescue Arms, heading past Woolacombe Sands and taking the hill down towards The Red Barn where they are expected to reach just after 14:30, before starting that step climb up Challacombe Hill and turning towards Georgeham.

Because road racing is done on public roads, it is one of the few sports that allows the public virtually unlimited access to events. Rolling road closures along the route will typically come into action 15 to 20 minutes ahead of the lead riders, so if you want to watch the race, make sure you get in place in plenty of time.

Interest in the UK is sure to be high given Geraint Thomas’s victory in this year’s TDF, the sixth British winner in the last seven years of that event. British success in our own tour has not been so spectacular, with only two home riders successful in those seven years, Steve Cummings in 2016 and Bradley Wiggins in 2012.

www.tourofbritain.co.uk

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The Watersmeet Hotel

by Susan Hill

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ind this lovely, gracious hotel at the far end of Woolacombe’s Esplanade, facing due south, with its grounds running down to Combesgate Beach. It occupies an unrivalled location, open to the south to Baggy Point and Hartland Point beyond, with some views westwards to Lundy on the horizon and glorious sunsets.

Strictly speaking the hotel is in Mortehoe, for it is on that side of the stream that flows down through the Combesgate Valley from Twitchen, emptying out onto the beach below.

On the ‘Woolacombe’ side of the stream and adjoining Combesgate Green, is a small public garden area known as ‘Cowler’s Garden’ – including many large ‘gunnera’ – a plant resembling giant rhubarb.

Charles Cowler, proprietor of Cowler’s Garage, was Head of the Home Guard during the Second World War; he was also the choirmaster of Woolacombe’s St. Sabinus’ Church for more than forty years.

From the western side of the hotel’s front lawn, a path and private steps lead down to Combesgate Beach.

Old maps name the area between it and Grunta Beach as ‘Grunta Pool’.

At one time there was a gate across the road at this ‘Watersmeet corner’, dividing the two villages. Also, the clifftop road was deemed to be unsafe and in 1925 a new road was built further away.

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he story of the Watersmeet Hotel started shortly before the First World War with a very astute lady, Adelaide Chugg, nee Huxtable, who had married a gentleman farmer, John Chugg, from West Down.

With the farm business failing, Mrs Chugg, having seen that wonderful south-facing spot at the bottom of Mortehoe hill, sold the farm and had the hotel built. Her grand-children remembered that they were tasked to carry hundreds of stones up from the beach to make a drive, and rocks for the garden.

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The years between the First and Second World Wars were highly successful for the hotel, and members of Adelaide’s family visited for all the holidays – Easter, Summer and Christmas. Dockings, the chauffeur, would meet the train and drive them to the hotel in the family’s car. At Easter the children were sent up into the hills to fill baskets with primroses, which were put in large bowls on the big oak chests along the hotel’s hallway.

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small hotel brochure from the time included this verse:

Rest and comfort, peace and pleasure Ozone borne on every wave, All that heart and mind can wish for, All that appetite can crave; Wild and rugged rocky passes.

Hills that tire yet ever please; Scenery beyond description Sands of gold, and silv’ry seas – If you seek this combination, Feel resigned through rain or shine?

Trust yourself to north-east sheltered Rock- and sea-girt “WATERSMEET.”

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efore WWII the kitchen had been renovated, and a huge Aga stove installed. A new wing was built on the east-facing side – this being the ballroom and additional bedrooms above. Then everything changed when WWII broke out, and when the Americans arrived in 1943, Mrs. Chugg quickly arranged for a girls’ independent school, Bartrum Gables from Broadstairs in Kent, to occupy the hotel. Members of her family moved a few yards away to two houses they also owned. They were all to see thousands of English and American troops take over nearly all the hotels and practice the invasion of France on the beaches and sea-craft.

It was an amazing sight.

The Chugg family sold the hotel in 1948 and since then it has been extended to include, for instance, the Pavilion Restaurant and an indoor swimming pool. It is now a luxury 4* hotel.

One week, my parents came to stay for a few days. I was so excited that I climbed out of a downstairs window to greet them and was caught by our Headmistress, Miss Crittall (we called her Critts). She was a very large lady and seemed enormous to me. I was scared of her. Her sister, Miss Olive, was a slimmer, gentler version who seemed to wear olive-green a lot.

She taught us Divinity – a sort of R.E.

One of our teachers left to get married and to go and live on However, the story of Adelaide Chugg Lundy which we thought very romantic and adventurous. I carries on to this day with her greatremember the beauty of a storm grand-daughters and other members out at sea, watching the sheet of her family continuing to visit lightening from our dormitory Mortehoe and Woolacombe. window. Lots of rabbits used to he stories of evacuees continue to play on the grass and I enjoyed watching them too. I remember, fascinate me and I have accounts too, spray from the waves forming from pupils at other schools, all of balls and blowing all over the which are part of the overall jigsaw road and into our faces when the of life in Woolacombe and Mortehoe in the years of the Second World War. weather was windy and wild.

Please email me at susancon.hill@ Our War effort was collecting a btinternet.com if you would like to special seaweed at low tide and read more. putting it into sacks, as it was used for penicillin to grow on.

Some memories follow from one ex-Bartrum Gables pupil, written in Our matron was a kind lady called 1993: Mrs. Clarke who used to kiss us goodnight and maybe made up a “I remember the summer when some of us stopped at school here for safety little for our parents who lived so far away. during the summer holiday. For eight weeks rules were kept to a minimum Now, so many years later, it is good and we had a lovely time searching to see Woolacombe and Mortehoe the rockpools, which in those days, so unspoilt and to have a happy were teeming with little shrimps holiday in “my old school”. which we fed to the many-coloured sea anenomes. I also learnt to surf with a wooden belly-board.

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My name is Jens Münker. I am from Germany and this is actually a last attempt to find some old friends of my family.

Their name is Glasby, Peter, Barbara, Sue, Andrew and Chris. Peter and Barbara used to own the Homestead holiday cottage, first lane on the left going down Chapel Hill from Mortehoe to Woolacombe.

However, they seem to have sold the cottage several years ago.

My parents (Horst and Gisela) and I spent six weeks of summer vacation at Lundy House Hotel every year from at least 1978 to 1989 and had made good friends with the Glasbys during that time.

After not having been to Britain for 30 years, I am currently spending a fortnight’s holiday at Lundy House Hotel again.

Unfortunately, all attempts to find out from the internet or from the few ‘old’ locals still around where the Glasbys have moved to or what their surnames might be after marriage have been unsuccessful.All I can remember is that Chris used to live in Birmingham and was a member of the TR Register driving a Triumph 4 or 5 at the time. Sue had worked at Castle Rock when that was still a nursing home.

The Royal Charter Storm The Royal Charter storm, was the largest storm of the 19th Century, taking place between the 25th October-26th October 1859, it is believed to have caused 325 shipwrecks, along the west coast of Britain alone and 800 in total.

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n the night of the 25th October 1859 a severe and slow moving storm hit the British Isles with devastating consquences. The Storm would be known as ‘The Royal Charter Storm’, named after a steam clipper who on approaching the end of her voyage from Melbourne to Liverpool was driven ashore on the coast of Anglesey, where she would be smashed to pieces in the storm causing the tragic death of 450 people.

The SS Royal Charter was a modern vessel, built for passenger service between Britain and Australia, she could accommodate 600 people in luxury and was considered to be very fast, making the long voyage in just under 60 days. On the day in question she was carrying a crew of 112 and 371 passengers, many of whom had been gold miners, who having had success in Australia were carrying large sums of gold on this voyage home.

The Royal Charter reached Anglesey on the 25th October, when a storm was first indicated and the weather started to deteriorate. The tradgedy of this was observed by those on shore, and was depicted in Charles Dickens ‘The Uncommercial Traveller’ following a conversation he had with eye witnesses.

This horrific storm also signalled the start of weather forcasting as we know it today, as more attention was given to storm warnings and predicting weather in an attempt to reduce the loss of further lives. Robert FitzRoy, founder of the fledgling Met office had previously been known to collect data and charts to predicte weather along the British Coastline, his predictions would be developed from a Storm Warning service to a weather forecast as we recognise today.

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orth Devon had never experienced such a devastating gale, the day before the storm a number of experienced Ships Masters who saw the risk that lay ahead sought shelter and anchorage between Baggy and Morte Point.

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However on the 26th October 1859, 8 shipwrecks would happen at Morte Point, these would be the ‘I’ll Try’, ‘Matthew Thompson’, ‘Rose’, ‘Thistle’, ‘Hannah’, ‘Clara’, ‘Ann’, and the ‘William Robertson’.

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he Thistle, was a brig carrying coal from Cardiff, having left at 6am on the Tuesday morning it would arrive later that afternoon in Woolacombe, where she lay at anchor until midnight. To prevent the vessel from foundering on the rocks, the Captain gave the orders for hoisting the top sail. The wind was blowing North West, where there was a heavy gale and the ship foundered within a few minutes.

The crew had now launched the ship’s board, but the water was rising so high, that the boat filled instantly and finding it impossible to reach the shore the crew took refuse to various parts of the rigging. At 8am on Wednesday morning she was left high and dry on the sands the crew being still in the rigging in an almost exhausted state, only four people survived.

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aptain William Drake of the ‘Rose’ recounted to a newspaper reporter the loss of his ship and the men onboard. The Rose had left Newport on Tuesdsay morning anchoring in Mortehoe later the same day, between 8-9am, the wind veered suddenly to the north west, the Schooner remaind here until midnight when she parted her first chain, and then the other at 3am when she was driven ashore on the dangerous reefs on the rocks. The Master reported that he ‘clasped his arms round it and struggled with the waves, the sea dashing over me repeatedly about 20 feet high. I remained some hours in this position and daylight approaching, I clambered up the side of the cliff, and got to this place.’ The remainder of the crew lost their lives on this night.

Morte Point has seen many tragic shipwrecks, this particular evening saw some of its worst loss of life and tradegy. More information on local shipwrecks can be found at the Mortehoe Heritage Centre.

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Readers Gallery

We love to share your photographs of Woolacombe and Mortehoe. If you would like to have your photographs included, please email to woolacombemortehoevoice@gmail.com or use #wmvphoto on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We also have a facebook group for Woolacombe & Mortehoe photographs that you can join.

Donna Gray

Julie Chambers

Alex MacCarten 14

Nick Thatcher

Paul Perry

Judy Lea

Alan Thornton 15

North Devon hosted another fantastic three day event at this years sold out GoldCoast Oceanfest festival, now in it’s 20th year this small, family friendly festival never fails to impress, with a great lineup of bands and competitive beach sports, all happening with the stunning Croyde beach as its backdrop.

Although Oceanfest is a relatively small festival, there is still plenty to do, the main stage had some great bands playing a variety of music over the weekend, the smaller Haze stage provided a mix of acoustic bands, comedians and musicians. The food tent saw local chefs doing cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend, whilst those wanting to sit back and take some time for themselves could enjoy the comfy sofas and free wifi whilst looking over Croyde beach , or perhaps pop along to the tea tent, for a cuppa and a slice of cake!

Aside from the fantastic music, Croyde beach hosted a number of sporting events including the third day of the English National Beach Soccer championship. The hosts, North Devon, kicked off the event beating Portsmouth 3-1. It would be Eastleigh Spitfires and the Isle of Wight who would end the day overall winners.

For those seeking a day of summer revelry and decent tunes, coupled with a fantastic line-up of DJs, Friday night at Oceanfest had it all on offer.

The evening got going with the DJ, producer Jaguar Skills taking to the stage, best known for wearing a balaclava whilst performing , he still manages to maintain his anonymity whilst getting the crowds going 16

with his playlist of varied and remixed hits, next to take to the stage was the electronic music producer Dimension, followed by Turno both of whom saw the crowds dancing and getting in the mood for the Friday night finale with BBC Radio 1 DJ Mistajam and ending with the biggest drum ’n’ bass act this country has ever produced, Chase and Status.

Saturday was a more laid back day, festival goers were treated to a mix of beach sports, food demos or music from the Haze or main stage. The sun managed to stay out long enough for picnic blankets to be placed in front of the stage, whilst pints of Thatchers appeared in the iconic GoldCoast glasses.

For those at the main stage the afternoon kicked off with North Devon’s own Sam Green, followed later by London artist Emily Capell and Rothwell who both eased the crowd into an afternoon of laid back music. As the evening grew a little colder, the crowds gathered ahead of the much anticipated, and rare festival appearance from the headling slot, Jess Glynne who certainly did not disappoint with her high energy set, accompanied by backing singers and a brass section.

Sunday saw the festival coming to a close with another great day of bands, ending with Toploader and Razlorlight stealing the show, whilst the rain tried to hold off a little longer.

Razorlight ended the weekend singing their hit ‘America’s.

We look forward to seeing you next year, 21st-23rd June 2019.

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The Tale of Two Villages

Woolacombe & Mortehoe The village of Woolacombe shares its heritage with its sister village of Mortehoe, a history reaching back far beyond the recorded beginnings of our civilisation.

The outdoor display can be found at the entrance to beach, near the stream slipway. There are benches available, and once you have read the display boards you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful views of the beach.

On the 9th June 2018, Ray Parkin of Parkin Estates unveiled the ‘Tale of Two Villages’ which celebrates the history of the two villages through the ages. Ray commissioned the display which offers people a chance to learn more about the villages and their development to the destination we know today, the display depicts the history in words and images, which are hand drawn onto ceramic tiles that have then been inserted into slate.

Woolacombe Beach is privately owned, originally owned by the Chichester family the beach and some of the surrounding land was purchased by Stanley Parkin a friend of the family. Today under the name of Parkin Estates, locally born Ray Parkin is the current chairman making it the 2nd generation of family ownership.

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Barricane House, Mortehoe Barricane House in Mortehoe is believed to have been given it’s name as it was the closest a horse drawn carriage could get to Barricane Shell Beach before there was a road to follow. Home to the Conibear family and its descendants since the 1800’s the house has a prominent position in the village square.

Samuel Conibear was a local blacksmith and built his home on the grounds of the former Barricane Tea rooms, he would live here with his wife and four daughters running it as Barricane Inn before he took over the running of the Chichester Arms. At some point Samuel was asked to become the landlord of the Chichester Arms.

The story is that in doing so he let the licence of Barricane lapse and was sacked by the brewery having removed the competition in the village. Thus Barricane Inn became Barricane House and a guest house.

Barricane House was extended to include the three storey building alongside it, and the building that is now the Village Stores, these were known as Barricane House 1, 2 and 3. Samuel and his wife, Sarah lived in the orginal house, the second was left empty and the third was run by Samuel’s daughter, Eva, as a lodging house and grocery store.

One of it’s interesting guests would be the Victorian artist Walter Sickert who stayed with the Conibears in 1875 on his return home he sent the family a letter with a drawing he had done of Morte Church. The Conibears have a connection to the Church as we see it today, as in 1883 Samuel Conibear made the ‘lofty, ornamental and substantial weather vane’ that is on the tower of the church which had been a gift of G. B. Longstaff of Twitchen house.

Barricane House was past to Samuel’s daughter Mary (who married Philip Gammon) and then Mary and Philip’s son, Arthur Samuel Conibear Gammon, and then to George Arthur Goodin Gammon.

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When Philip married Mary, her father Samuel, to ensure his future son in law had bought a proper diamond engagement ring, he used it to write his signature on a pane of glass in the kitchen, it is still there today.

DODGE, DUNKESWE The Lancaster Bomber that

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n May 8th 1945 Nazi Germany surrendered and the Second World War in Europe came to an end. With the fighting over, there was no longer a requirement for hundreds of thousands of Allied soldiers to be stationed abroad. This left military planners with another complex problem: how to get those soldiers back home.

The logistical operation to bring British soldiers back home was a huge one, especially given the state of the roads and railways in Europe. With shipping also tied up, bringing the troops home by air was an option that had to be considered. This led to ‘Operation Dodge’ being instigated, part of which which involved an airlift of soldiers from the 8th Army, which had fought in North Africa.

The biggest problem facing planners was a lack of civilian air transport. However, there were huge fleets of bombers available, as they no longer had to fulfil their design purpose. Some of these aircraft were operated from the RAF station at Dunkeswell in Devon.

The airfield at Dunkeswell, close to Honiton, was opened in 1943, during the Second World War, as RAF Dunkeswell. The station was originally planned as a RAF Fighter Command, then a RAF Coastal Command airfield, but was transferred for use by American units.

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n 16th December 1945 an RAF Lancaster, with a crew of seven, took off from RAF Dunkeswell and headed toward Egypt. Unfortunately, while the aircraft was over Ilfracombe, one of its engines caught fire. The pilot decided to feather the engine, a procedure that involves shutting it down and turning the propeller blades to create minimal air resistance and thus less drag.

With three working engines the Lancaster carried on towards its destination. But then a second engine developed problems, resulting in the decision to turn the aircraft around and head for home. The engine problems resulted in the aircraft gradually losing height and when it was over Lee Bay it became obvious to the crew that a forced landing was going to be necessary.

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ELL AND DISASTER Crashed at Borough Farm

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he Lancaster came down in Borough Valley, close to Borough Farm. The pilot was killed in the crash, but the other six crew members survived, even though some were seriously injured. Farm workers Thomas Huxtable and Cecil Marsh were among the first people on the scene, helping to pull the surviving six crew members from the wreckage.

One of the aircrew to be seriously injured was Warrant Officer Lawrence Moore, the co-pilot. The extent of his injuries resulted in him losing a leg and being hospitalised for three years.

Following his recovery, he remained in contact with the people who had helped save his life and returned to the crash site several times. (above) Laurie at 19

Mortehoe Heritage Museum have a collection of photographs and audio recollections from those who witnessesed the crash to the memoirs of Lawnrece Moore when he returned to the site some years late with his wife.

More can be found online or by visiting the museum.

www.mortehoemuseum.org.uk

(above) C ourage Photo Cre at the Scene of th e dit - Mort ehoe Muse Crash um

years

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MORTEHOE SCARECROW FESTIVAL

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he theme this year was the ‘Tale of Two Potters’, Harry and Beatrix, seeing the village become home to some wonderful scarecrows.

North Morte Farm’s fantastic Harry Potter and his bubbling cauldron won first place in the publics vote, followed by Future Farms colourful and adorable Peter Rabbit, which could be found in St Mary’s Church.

or those who have a soft spot for the old favourite characters from the Beatrix Potter stories, Mrs Tiggywinkle and Benjamin Bunny could be seen at Mortehoe Museum. Tabitha Twitchit and her three kittens took up residence at Town Farm House, whilst Jemima Puddle duck in her shawl and blue bonnet greeted visitors at the church lych-gate. Piggling Bland and the two bad mice could be found in the church porch, whilst Mr McGregor complete with his garden and knitted vegetables (personal favourite as this was the WMV entry!) could be found inside alongside Mr McGregors own scarecrow. The rather cute Mrs Rabbit peaked out of the Fish and Chip shop window alongside Jeremy Fisher at the Rockleigh. Squirrel Nutkin and Johnny Town Mouse could be found along the North Morte Road.

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or Harry Potter fans, Voldemort could be found at Miss Fea’s café,whilst Draco Malfoy could be seen flying from his broomstick on the carpark (somewhat sinisterly as the evening grew darker!). Mortehoe Post office became home to Dumbledore, whilst Dobby sat outside the Village Stores staring at passers by.

The Chichester Arms made a fantastic Sirius Black who peered out of their window as a dog.

Moaning Myrtle was hidden away at Phares Cottage, complete with her toilet! The colourful and bead adorned Professor Trelawney was in the church, with Hagrid for company, whilst Ron Weasley, and Professor McGonagal could be found on the road to North Morte Farm.

The event raises money for local charities and organisations. We look forward to seeing you for the next one!

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A little history...

For thousands of years Scarecrows have been used to protect crops from crows. The Egyptions are believed to have used the first scarecrows to protect the wheat fields along the River Nile from flocks of quail who would eat all the crops, these were made from wooden frames covered in nets.

In 2,500 BC Greek farmers carved wooden scarecrows to look like the Gods who were thought to be ugly enough to scare birds away, whilst in Germany the wooden scarecrows were carved to look like witches.

It is then thought that immigrant farmers in the United States made scarecrows called bootzamon who were thought to look more human, and were always dressed in clothes with a red handkerchief around their necks, they were used in corn fields to protect the crops. Scarecrows are still used today to protect crops

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1938 Woolacombe Weavers A report in the North Devon Journal

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he girl weavers of Woolacombe find their craft slimming.

“Weaving exercises so many muscles,” explained greyeyed brunette Miss R. Woollan.

“You are always moving legs and arms. Glade here almost fades away when we are working at full winter pressure.”

She had nodded at her partner, Eton-cropped, curly haired Miss Glade. The partners met at Reading University. The speaker was studying design there, hoping later to take a job in London; Miss Glade was doing craft work. When the latter went to Woolacombe, Miss Woollan joined her for holidays. That was ten years ago, she stayed to become partner in the little weaving business that her friend had just opened.

Now the friends run their own little bungalow. Together they plan the budgeting, Miss Glade gardens while her friend rides on the golden sands for that is Miss Woollan’s chief hobby. From June until September they open their little shop, doing their weaving in the early mornings and evenings. When Woolacombe’s population shrinks from several thousand to something like 800 they give the whole of their time to work in their bungalow studio.

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iss Woollan is the “dressmaker.” She fashions skirts and designs colour schemes as well. Jumpers are knitted to match these skirts. Four or five local girls knit for the partners, and some of the work is sent as far afield as Yorkshire. Several knitters work without patterns. Miss Woollan sends them a sketch; back comes the complete jumper days later.

People are no longer content to go forth in shapeless tweeds and woollens, I learned from Miss Woollan.

“Tweeds are sent away for pressing and shrinking, because the modern wearer will not tolerate skits that go baggy.”

She told me. “ There are some women of course, who insist on buying their tweed just as it comes from the loom. They like the smell of it, but three weeks wear shows their folly.

It soon loses all shape.” Riding coats and house coats, these are popular new ideas with the buyers of hand woven tweeds. “The things people demanded ten years ago they would not look at today,” stressed Miss Woollan.

“Women have a far better sense of colour and design now.”

She is no advocate of vegetable dyes. “ We have tried them, but it is impossible to repeat dyes exactly, and people dislike buying something and finding they cannot match it later on,” she continued. “ We use ordinary wool for our weaving and Scottish oil thread for the weft (cross thread).

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ocal girls are slow to take interest in weaving. It was the only women’s craft I could discover in Woolacombe. Why I imagined you’d have long waiting lists of would be students,” I exclaimed incredulously.

Miss Glade smiled. “People here live for the summer visitors,” she told me. “When the season closes, they want a rest and a holiday. After the New Year, they ‘spring clean’ against the next summer.

Even the weavers forgo summer holidays for the visitors sake. They usually manage a few days at Christmas, they told me in contended chorus. Then they tour the country in their baby car. “ We never miss the British Industries Fair of course, “ they added. That is where they find new ideas for the next season.

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Saunton Sands D Day Event 2nd - 3rd June

n 1943–44, thousands of American GI’s descended on the village of Braunton to train for the D-Day landings amongst the dunes of Saunton Beach.

On Saturday June 2nd & 3rd, 2018, Devon D-Day stepped back in time to commemorate this period in its history with its annual Saunton Sands D Day event.

Saunton Sands played a very important role in the Second World War, as did much of the North Devon coastline. When it was realised that the incoming troops to Britain from America had not received enough training ahead of the invasion of Europe, and with only a few months to go before the attack was planned, an urgent solution was required, this came in the form of the American Training Center (ATC).

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oon the beaches of Georgeham, Putscborough, Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe became training grounds as part of the American Training Center.

The annual D Day event, is an informative and enjoyable weekend hosted on Saunton Sands. The 2018 event was no exception. Saturday saw over 140 WW2 vehicles driving along the beach with the added visual of a DUKW in the sea. Visitors to the beach were able to watch a variety of living history displays and re-enactments giving the visual story of what happened on these beaches.

Those who stayed for Saturday evening were given a wonderful performance from the Military Wives Choir.

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truly amazing sight was seen on Sunday with 10 Piper Cubs and an Auster landing on the beach. The First Wave 44 living history group gave some stunning re-enactment demonstrations throughout the day, portraying the 146th Enginner Combat Battalion who served at the U.S Assault training Center and landed on Omaha beach.

The 75th Anniversary of D Day will be held in 2019 on the weekend of 1st-2nd June on Saunton Sands 25

Quince Honey Farm Stuck for something fun and different to do in North Devon? Look no further than Quince Honey Farm, located in North Road, South Molton

Attracting 46,000 visitiors a year I was keen to take a look for myself and see what Quince Honey Farm had to offer.

Quince Honey Farm was established in 1949 by Scotsman George Wallace. Starting with only 2 hives of honeybees, George had become fascinated after reading about the craft whilst serving with the Parachute Regiment in WW2. After gaining practical experience of bee keeping in Yorkshire, George moved to North Devon to live with his father at ‘Quince Cottage’…thus ‘Quince Honey Farm’ was born!

In 1959, the business was moved to North Molton in the Old School.

George’s sons (Paddy and Jon) became involved during the early 1970’s and by 1978 the business was relocated to ‘The Old Workhouse’ in South Molton. At this point, George had fulfilled his ambition to create the largest Honey Farm in Great Britain!

The site, being much larger, allowed the family to create a ‘Bee exhibition’ with an array of displays and mechanical observation hives to both educate and share the love of honey production with everyone!

Throughout the 1980’s, everyone worked hard to make the exhibition the most extensive of its kind in the world. By the 1990’s, Quince branched out creating other honeybased products such as skincare, Honey Marmalade (Absolutely beautiful on hot buttered toast!), along with chutneys and mustards (All are now sold in the shop, where you can taste test the products for yourself) I was lucky enough to spend a day at Quince Honey Farm meeting some of the friendly staff, including George one of the beekeepers and given the chance to learn first hand what happens in the day of a beeper and what this attraction has to offer visitors.

The exhibition is known as ‘Bee World’ and provides a real insight into the life and work of the honeybee and gives the opportunity to view millions of bees as they produce honey in the 18 colonies is really fascinating to see.

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The informative bee keeper display, sees a hive taken down to examine the layers of ‘bee society’ and the hunt for the queen! There is also the chance to be a beekeeper for the day. Candle rolling, guided tours are all provided and most exciting of all…Honey tasting! Let the children visit the ‘Play Hive’ with it’s nets to climb in and slides to enjoy….or just relax in the café with some delicious Honeycomb ice cream.

You will not fail to be captivated by the displays it is also worth checking out the various events that are run throughout the year. (See website for new and forthcoming events) With the success of Quince Honey Farm, plans have been given the go ahead to move and expand the facilities, with the first phase set to open in 2019, at their new site alongside the North Devon link road, and final completition set for 2020.

The new site will function as a working honey farm and tourist attraction offering a new orchard, flower meadows, exhibition, education and visitor centre as well as onsite holiday accommodation.

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I enjoyed the trip to Quince Honey Farm and it’s obvious the hard work and love that has been put into this wonderful place. Whether you have an interest in bees or beekeeping, or you simply have a ‘sweet tooth’ you must pop along and say hello! I look forward to visiting the new site in 2019 and writing about the attractions new home.

South West Birdman The Round Table hosted another great birdman event in Ilfracombe on Saturday 11th August. The event has been running for more than 10 years in Ilfracombe and see’s competitors jumping off the pier in an attempt to fly, before crashing into the sea.

Despite the rainy weather, plenty of people still turned out for the days events and to watch crazy aviators in costume throw themselves from the pier.

As well as the main flying event, the South West Birdman competition event also includes a live music stage, food and drink stalls and a craft and charity stand area. The day ended with a fantastic fire work display

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People behind the names William John Cousins 1884-1917

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illiam John Cousins was the eldest son of William and Charlotte Cousins, born in Mortehoe in 1884.

His records show that during his time in active service he would be hospitalised on the 22nd January 1916 with influenza, transferred later for convalescence and returning to service later he was again admitted to hospital for a further injury on the 14th April of the same year, this time taking six days to recover before returning to the battlefield on the 21st April 1916.

William’s parents married in Lee on Christmas Eve 1878, they would only spent one week apart during their long marriage. William and Charlotte had twelve children, all but one were alive when Charlotte died in 1878, the only one to have died was their eldest son William who was killed in action during the first world war. During the war five of their sons had served, two with the Australias, one with the 1st Life Guards, one with the R.A.F and one with the R.F.A

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illiam would serve until he was wounded on the 26th January 1917 in France where he was admitted to hospital for injuries to his hands, being transferred by ambulance train to Boulonge on the 31st January, he would die of his wounds on the 9th February.

His family would receive the news soon after, with his father receiving his sons only possessions of some letters, photos and a prayer book.

William signed up for service on the 25th September 1914, he was older than most when he signed at 30 years of age initially joining the 57th Battalion of the Australian Infantry, described at the time of his enlistment as being 5ft 10 with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and black hair.

Further information and to read William’s service records please visit: www.woolacombemortehoevoice.co.uk

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Whats On

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rd September Clovelly Lobster & Crab Festival

Clovelly celebrates its famous lobsters and crabs sustainably caught by its fishermen with a great day out for all the family. www.clovelly.co.uk

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th September Arlington Court Heritage Day

Enjoy free entry to Arlington Court and the Carriage Museum www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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th September Ilfracombe Triathalon

This event is open to all levels, Swim 400m in sheltered harbour sea swim, 25K hilly cycle and a 6K mixture off and on road run. www.ilfracombetri.co.uk

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th September The Big North Devon Wedding Show Meet the finest wedding exhibitors Devon & Cornwall has to offer at the annual show with over 60 wedding suppliers. www.thebigsheep.co.uk

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th September Ilfracombe Bike Show

Ilfracombe will see the return of the Bike Show on the seafront. With over 250 motorbikes on display, this is a great event. www.visitilfracombe.co.uk 32

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th October Celebrating the harvest

Enjoy the best of the season with magnificent displays from the kitchen garden, recipe suggestions and family activities. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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th October Apple Day

Clovelly holds its second apple day with lots of crafts and activities. There will also be live music, apple bobbing and much more. www.clovelly.co.uk

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th September Autumn Gala

Several engines in steam, marquee attractions, real ale, and much more. www.lynton-rail.co.uk

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th October Halloween Hocus

Families are invited to enrol in a very special school for witches and wizards. www.themilkyway.co.uk

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Star Wars fans will be excited to hear that Storm Troopers and other characters from the legendary films are returning once again to The Milky Way over the October half term.

Remember, remember the 5th of November - Bonfire and Burgers – Fireworks and Fun; The BIG Sheep in Bideford will be the best place to celebrate this year’s Guy Fawkes evening on Saturday 5th November.

Dig out your woolly hats, scarves and gloves, wrap and warm and enjoy the heat from the BIG Bonfire!

Toast your marshmallows, spin your sparklers and tilt your head up high to see the BIGGEST and BRIGHTEST fireworks around!

www.themilkyway.co.uk

www.thebigsheep.co.uk

th October Wine Man’s Bluff

Enjoy a fun night with friends and sample six delicious wines from different counties and see if you can guess which of our panelists is telling the truth who is trying to baffle you with bluff!

This is a fund raising event sponsored

by Tesco Bideford to raise funds for Tesco’s chosen chairties of the year; North Devon Hospice. Tickets cost £10 per person and include a selection of cheese and six wine samples.

Adults over 18 years only. www.thebigsheep.co.uk

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th November Bonfire Night at The Big Sheep

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th October Star Wars Day

If you have an event you would like to list on our calendar and in our magazine, please get in touch: woolacombemortehoevoice@gmail.com

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Local NEWS Woolacombe author Veronica Henry has released her latest book, A family Recipe.

Having found an ancient family recipe book, Veronica found the inspiration for her latest novel, which is a feel good tale and a great read! The little box that sat on her parents kitchen shelf, is now in her Woolacombe home and contains decades of family history all told through the recipes insides. The little yellow box holds recipes written by family members through the years, reflecting changes in trends, tastes and family favourites, now marked with wine stains, grease marks whilst cooking this little box of invaluable memories provided the inspiration for Veronica to write her latest book.

In a recent interview for the Daily Mail, Veronica said “The box on my shelf contains so much more than receipe card; it contains wisdom, and glamour, and hospitality, and security, and history. But most of all it contains love.”

Her book is available to buy now … I have my copy and thoroughly enjoying it!

North Devon AONB marathon and Half marathon 750 runners took part in what has become known as one of the most challenging events in the UK. The marathon route takes in some of the North Devon’s stunning landscapes covering multiple terrains, , giving runners a gruelling challenge to the finish line.

The marathon is hoped to raise over £30,000 for good causes Keith MacIntosh of Wimbledon Windmilers was awarded first place with a race time of 3:23:58, with John Parker of Cheltenham Harriers Running Club taking first in the Half Marathon with a finish time of 1:27:15 The 2019 Marathon will be the 30th June for further information visit the North Devon Hospice Website www.northdevonhospice.org.uk 34

Appledore Carnival Appledore’s annual Carnival has been taking places since 1903 and is a major event for Appledore.

This years carnival was hailed a great success with a fantastic and varied collection of floats taking to the streets, decked with banners and some fantastic costumes. From Suffragettes to sea creatures there was plenty to be seen. The days events finished at the Beaver inn for an after party

Mortehoe Heritage Centre Coast Guard Wagan A new initiative to build an extension to house the wagon has been started. Outline approval from the National Trust and AONB have been given and an initial submission to the local planning department has met with positive comments. Our next stage is to submit an outline planning application.

The building will extend out from the museum for a distance of 7 meters and will be approximately 4.6 meters wide, a viewing gallery will be build and a lift installed to enable disable access to the upper level. It will be finished in a traditional style to match the original, as this is the main thrust of the planner’s views. Some funding has already been offered to a successful scheme, and the trustees hope that residents will give their efforts support.

Further information will be shared as it is available

Michael Palin, is one of the many impressive speakers and authors who will be attending this years Appledore Book festival. Michael Palin has choosen the festival to parade his latest book, Erebus, just eight days after it has been published, it is a major coup for the festival and marks a popular return for the former Monty Python star.

Palins book about HMS Erebus comes out on September 20th, and Appledore is the first book festival on his tour list. Festival Director, Miche Tompkins said “The Appledore Book Festival has built up an excellect reputation with publishers and authors and as a result, we continue to attract some of the best talent within the literary world. “

My Secret Place Ruth Cooper

I must walk down to the sea today, To where the seagulls fly I’ll find my spot to watch the waves, And let the world go by, I must walk down to the sea today, And feel the salty air, My secret place that’s only mine, I know it’s always there, I must walk down to the sea today, And let my mind be free, It’s only here I loose myself, And feel I can be me!

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WMV is please to be attending a number of the excellent talks and will include a full review in the December magazine.

Contact Us Contributio

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