Woolacombe & Mortehoe Voice - Issue 17

FREE NOT FOR RESALE

Issue 17 March 2019

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

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S T N E T CON 10

4-5 Morthoe Hotel

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A treasure saved from a domestic waste tip, once was homed in the impressive Morthoe Hotel.

Mortehoe and Woolacombe’s coastline was know for its shipwrecks and the practice of ‘wrecking’ Elizabeth Berry was a Notorious ‘Wrecker’.

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10-11 Coastguard and Rocket Apparatus Woolacombe Dunes

Woolacombe and Mortehoe’s Park Run

coastline has seen many

Woolacombe Dune’s shipwrecks, the team who

welcomes its very own used to work the Rocket

Parkrun, find out more about Apparatus played a

it and how you can take part fundemental role in saving

in what is becoming a popular lives and keeping the coastline

event on the Woolacombe safe. calendar.

8-9 Barricane Beach

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Elizabeth Berry

Barricane is a secluded and much loved cove along the Woolacombe and Mortehoe coastline. It is also a treasure trove of shells and wildlife.

Find out more about you can find here.

12--13 Lifeboat for

Woolacombe

The gift of a lifeboat to

Woolacombe and Mortehoe

came from a group of Bristol

Captains, the launching of the

boat and the celebrations

caused great excitment in 1871.

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23 Beach Beads

24-25 Braunton Burrows

14-15 Reader’s Gallery

WMV launches its new photography groupd, sharing some of the beautiful photos that you hae shared with us.

16-17 Mortehoe Village

With the launch of the new Mortehoe Map, we look at some of the locations you can enjoy and learn a little more about their history.

Renowned America war artist, Olin Dows was stationed at Woolacombe during WW2, his sketches of the training along this coastline showcase some of the events that took place during the D Day training in the area.

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18-19 Olin Dows

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Discover this beautiful North Devon spot.

26-27 Tapeley House

Taking a commanding position

above the Taw Estuary, Tapeley

has transformed over the years

to the house and premaculture

gardens that can be visited today.

WMV takes a look at the people behind the names that are etched onto the Mortehoe War Memorial.

30-31 Whats On

A round up of events

happening in the next three months.

32-33 News

22 Beaford Exhibition

A selection of unseen photots

of North Devon are due to

go on display for the first time.

Braunton Burrows & Marshes As the largest sand dune system in the UK, and the unique maeshes there is plenty to see and do.

28-29 People behind Names

20-21 Watermouth Cove

Woolacombe based Rosemary, shows us some of her beautiful bead and jewellery collection that are for sale locally.

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TH The opening of the Morthoe Hotel, a report in the North Devon Journal.

The charming watering-place of Morthoe has made wonderful progress in popular favour in recent years, and the excellent provision which has recently been made for the accommodation of visitors is believed will further advance its future. The latest addition to the local accommodation is that of the Morthoe Hotel, the handsome structure stands close by the village, and commands magnificent views. With an ideal site, the hotel is complete with all the modern conveniences, excellent management, and a moderate tariff, the Hotel should amply justify the anticipations of the Company which has established it.

The building is three storeys in height; from the front rooms there is unobstructed views of the sea, which breaks on the “rugged rocks within a stone’s throw, while from the side windows Woolacombe Sands and Bull Point can be respectively seen. The 40 available rooms are very conveniently arranged, and provide unusually compact and comfortable accommodation. The furnishing has been carried out by Messrs Maple, London. Great attention has been paid to sanitary arrangements, Messrs Kiell and Son, of Barnstaple, being entrusted with the work in this important department.

I often purchase bits and pieces relating to Woolacombe & Mortehoe, and with an extensive collection of postcards and an increasing collection of pottery items I am always interested in the stories behind them.

I recently purchased this pottery jug, with the wording ‘Morthoe Hotel’ on it. I know that the spelling of Morthoe (without the e) predates 1900, so had a starting point to work from. The person I had bought it from, had actually rescued it from a domestic waste tip, and knew nothing of its history.

The Hotel was formally opened with a banquet given by the Directors. The dinner, which was of a most excellent description, was laid on the spacious and handsomelyfitted coffee room. The menu of: Anchovies; olives, soups, oyster, vermicelli, salmon and lobster sauce, filleted sole.

Sweetbreads and white sauce, stewed kidneys, veal cutlets and ham, boiled chicken, roast ducklings, York ham, fore quarter of lamb, roast beef. Followed by the sweets which included, fruit tarts, golden pudding, wine jellies, mixed pastry, compote of fruit. Ice pudding.

Many people kindly came forward on Facebook to give their memories of the hotel, from more recent years. I then stumbled across this article in a newspaper about the opening of the hotel in 1889.

If you have any information on the Morthoe Hotel , or photographs I would love to hear from you: woolacombemortehoevoice@gmail.com

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L E T O H E O

H T R O M E H

Mr H Sattebly proposed the toast during the evening, “Success to the Morthoe Hotel.” He said the Hotel needed little recommendation at his hands, because, judging from its position and surroundings and the very excellent Board Directors and managing control, it would, no doubt, in a very short time be its own recommendation. There were, however, certain elements of success which might be referred to.

The first was that an establishment of that description should possess the comforts of a home, by which would be understood efficient service, a good cuisine, a freedom from restraint which home comforts always included, and a moderate tariff. As a small shareholder himself, he thought he represented the opinions of others in stating that their wish was not so much for a heavy dividend as that the hotel should be found a means of health and recreation to those who sought for quiet by seaside. It would be a great drawback to its success if the charges were immoderate, after the manner of the Continental hotels of which they had heard so much of late.

There should not be, in fact, sore hearts for slender purses, and he hoped the saying would never be justified in any visitor to that hotel that so comes the reckoning when the banquet’s over. He then spoke of the unrivalled scenery of the place, which, he said, could not be surpassed in the county, while the exceeding purity of the air was established by the fact that it had so recommended itself to Mr Kock and others that they had erected in the vicinity a Convalescent Home. He concluded by advocating energy in the management, combined with patience, and advised all who were interested in the scheme to make the Hotel well-known for the benefit of the public.

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The toast was cordially drunk, and in responding Ffinch said he had received letters from the Rev T. W (Morthoe), Mr Borradaile, and Mr Fry (Chairman of the Ilfracombe Hotel Company), who expressed regret at their inability tof attend. Mr Maskelyne, of the Egyptian Hall, London, deeply regretted that he had to leave Morthoe in order to be in London.

The Chairman then remarked that he thought the Hotel was well adapted for promoting the comfort of visitors, the rooms being very conveniently arranged and divided into suites. He paid a warm compliment to the ability of the manager (Mr Clemow), and said he hoped that this would not be the last gathering of the kind in the Hotel, but that gentlemen from the neighbouring towns of Ilfracombe and Barnstaple would often meet there; remembering that the interests the several places were closely allied. He wished particularly to observe that there was no rivalry between this Hotel and the Woolacombe Bay Hotel. Some visitors desired to take up their residence at the top of the hill and enjoy the breezy air, while others favoured the bay and wished to be close to the stretch of sand. Mr Bankkett proposed “Success to the trade of Morthoe.”

The village was a very old one but it was a village still, whose popularity was steadily increasing, and no doubt it would some day grow into a prosperous town. This Hotel represented a good beginning, and he believed the village would rapidly extend its borders.

Woola

Elizabeth Berry - Notorious ‘Wrecker’ The North Devon coast was often named “The Sailors Grave” it was said that sailors would rather drown at sea than come into the shore’s of Mortehoe. There are many unknown drowned sailors being buried in St Mary’s churchyard, however many more were left a sea, drowned at the hands of the wreckers for their possessions. Wrecking is the pratice of taking valuables from a shipwreck which has foundered or run aground close to the shore.

Elizabeth was born in 1798 in West Down, she would marry John Berry in 1819, the family would live in Mortehoe were their life would have been hard, and money scarce for their growing family.

Elizabeth Berry was a notorious ‘wrecker’, she was reputed to have lured ships onto the shore by tying a lantern to the tail of a horse to create the impression of land and safety, once the boats became stranded or damaged, she would drown the sailors by using a pitchfork to hold them down in the sea until they died, she would then take their possessions for her own.

There are many rumours about Elizabeth, but with local families worried about reprise and often actively involved few would ever testify about her actions.

We do know that Elizabeth was arrested in 1850 for plundering the William and Jane brig and given 21 days hard labour for her crimes. She was further arrested for wrecking on Barricane Beach, the report stated “The vessel drove ashore, lost in a dense fog. A wrecker was arrested as she made her way home from this smack which lay stranded at Barricane Beach. The free booter was a certain Mrs Elizabeth Berry. Questioned by the Ilfracombe Receiver about a sack (containing a tub and a bedsack) she was humping along. Mrs Berry’s aggressive and evasive replies set her on a course for the magistrates court, where unable to pay the £1 fine she was sentenced to hard labour with prison discipline with the hope that it will warn her and others against such dastardly conduct in taking away from the unfortunate mariners, especially those lying dead on the shore.

Elizabeth and Johns’ family would eventually leave Mortehoe, with many of the family moving for work in Swansea.

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new weekly, free, timed 5km (3.1 miles) event has started in Woolacombe Dunes in the heart of the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Participants can walk, jog or run or a mixture of all three.

Parkruns have been in existence since 2004 and have enjoyed massive popularity, this event has been created in our village for the whole community to benefit. The weekly free event happens at 9am on every Saturday morning and is completely free of charge.

Those keen to participate or volunteer should head to the parkrun website www.parkrun.org.uk/woolacombedunes to sign up for their barcode (which needs to be brought along to every event). Parkrun is run entirely by volunteers, a team of locals have come together to make it happen but they’re always looking for more help to keep the weekly free event going. You can volunteer every week or even only each month, please get in touch on woolacombeduneshelpers@ parkrun.com or visit the event on Marine Drive.

acombe Dunes Park Run T

he event is open to everyone, from the fittest athletes to those who are looking for a way to gently get themselves active in a supportive and social setting, no matter how long it take you to get round the course you’ll never be last, as one of the volunteers ‘tail walks’ to ensure that everyone gets around okay.

The new route starts on Marine Drive at the height barrier and loops through the dunes and beach which is looked after by the National Trust. Jonathan Fairhurst the lead ranger for the area (and parkrun event director) said:

“ The dunes at Woolacombe are a special place to locals and tourists alike, we love to see people enjoying our places and parkrun offers a fantastic opportunity for people to get active in what is surely one of the most stunning parkrun locations in the world’

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he parkrun will not only help people to get fit but it is also hoped that it will become a real community asset, the weekly event will be a great opportunity for locals to come together regularly and will be followed by volunteers sharing a coffee and brekkie.

Additionally it is hoped that the event will bring visitors into Woolacombe throughout the year helping to support local businesses. Average parkrun attendance during summer months can be anything from 300 participants upwards.

This project has been funded by The National Trust and The North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Sustainable Development Fund (SDF).

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Barricane Beach and it’s hidden gems Situated between Woolacombe and Mortehoe, this secluded cove is an area of special scientific interest due to its geological features.

The best known of these features is the Gulf Stream that carries shells from the Caribbean to its shores, this is something that is not found anywhere else in the country, this along with its exposure to the Atlantic winds and waves, bringing with them an abundance of marine life following stormy weather make Barricane Beach a very beautiful and interesting beach to visit.

If you are visiting the beach in the summer months, the Barricane CafĂŠ is famed for its homemade Sri-Lankan curries, and is well worth a visit, take a picnic rug and a bottle of wine, to enjoy the sun setting on this beautiful beach.

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The Beach and its Shells The beach itself is often described as the ‘shell beach’ owing to its foreshore being covered in cowries and exotic sea shells. The shells are bought from the Gulf Stream and are unique to this beach.

Tusk Shells are marine moulluscs with a terping, tubular slightly curved tusk like shell, that is open at both ends.

Mermaids Purses are the egg cases of dogfish and skates.

The parent fish attaches these egg cases to objects such as seaweeds growing on the sea bed. Empty egg cases from which the baby fish have hatched out, are often found washed up on the beach.

The Cliffside The Cliffs are made from Morte Slate which can be seen in many locations locally both in it’s natural form and in use as a building material. The lych gate at Mortehoe St Mary’s Church was erected in 1886 by James Bale and Henry Watts, some of the local inhabitants remember the slate being cut from the rock on the south side of Barricane. The regular appearance of the rocks around the pools would indicate cutting rather than the action of the sea.

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The slate is grey with white quartz veins. The quartz is more resistant to erosion than the slate. The white quartz veins are formed when sandstone is forced into the cracks of the rocks and then compress. Fossils can be found between the layors of Morte Slate which have been broken off by the waves to expose them.

The Rockpools, Wildlife, Flora and Fauna The nature of the jagged slate, dep crevices and gullies make an ideal home for rockpools. Here are some of the things that can be found whilst rockpooling and enjoying the beaches wildlife: Wildlife Moon Jelly Fish Rock Pipit Robin Blackhead Gulls Herring Gulls Shags Oystercatchers Common Mussels Blue Rayed Limpet Sea HareDahlia Anemone Dog Whelks Barnacles

Coastguards and Rocket Apparatus Woolacombe and Mortehoe’s coastline have had many shipwrecks over the years. The coastguards have played an important role in protecting the people that found themseles in trouble.

Henry would spend many years, developing many ideas, the rocket apparatus would be an early form of the late Breeches Buoy and would go on to be used by many coastguards.

The first records of the rocket apparatus at Woolacombe are incomplete, however the first entry in the Rocket Apparatus Records book is dated 1890, and details a wreck that happened on June 23rd at 03:00 in the morning. At this time there were only two coastguards and a team of eighteen volunteers. A mounted messenger would be sent to Ilfracombe to notifty the Divisional Officer and a signal was fired to notify and summon the team to assist. The horses would then be fetched from North Morte Farm to pull the equipment along the cliff top and towards the ship that was in distress.

The rocket apparatus used a firing rocket that went over to the shipwrecked vessel, then a chain was used to remove any crew and passengers by a chair one by one. One of the lines was attached to a mobile pole in a cart which would often be pulled by men or horses and the other was attached to the ship.

The Rocket Apparatus was first developed by Henry Trengrouse, who on witnessing a shipwreck and the loss of over 100 people’s lives, decided to dedicate his life to developing a means of saving the lives of those who had been shipwrecked.

The Mortehoe coastguard consisted of 20 men until 1950s, they would use their rocket apparatus on many occasions to save the lives of those who became shipwrecked along the coastline, they had four practices a year, whereby the coastguard team would take two carthorse out onto Morte Field, which pulled the rocket apparatus along, the practice lasting about two hours was a big occasion.

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The rocket apparatus team would have a day and evening practice, and at the time with only a hurricane lamp for the evening practice conditions were hazardous and required volunteers who knew the terrain and local environment well.

Ray Easterbrook in his book ‘My life in Morte’ described later events as “ a rocket was fired, pulling a line across the rocket pole (which represented the ships mast), the hauser was then pulled across by men representing the ship’s crew, and a ‘breeches-buoy’ was hauled across to bring back imaginary shipwrecked mariners. For this drill, men were paid half a crown 2/6d. The coastguard in those days did not do cliff rescue only shipwrecks.

Thomas Parker served as a member of the crew of the old Woolacombe Lifeboat. During the great war he served his country as a coastwatcher at the look out station near Mortehoe and a tablet paying tribute to his efficiency and fine service was erected at the station by the late Mr Pickering of the Castle, Woolacombe. He was also the holder of a silver medal, awarded by the Board of Trade for his long service in connection with the rocket life saving apparatus.

There have been many accounts of how the Rocket Apparatus saved lives on the Woolacombe & Mortehoe Coastline, here are just a few: Friday 26th January 1894 Heroic conduct of a coastguard Just before noon a message was received by the Coastguard that a French Brig, ACL had become shipwrecked. During the fog in the night she had run on to Woolacombe Sands, and at daybreak the crew were seen making signals of distress. The local coastguards deployed the rocket apparatus to the shore and after some difficulty threw a line over the vessel and succeeded in rescuing the crew. The master preferred to stay on board. The vessel was heading to Cardiff from Bordeaux.

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Thursday 13th January 1916 In exceptionally boisterous weather, the steamer “Newtown’ (bound from Oporto, Portugal to Newport, Monmouth with a cargo of pitwood) ran aground on Barricane Rocks. Captain Rees, of Cardiff (who was in command of the ship) and a crew of eighteen hands were rescued amid exciting scenes by the rocket apparatus.

Distress flares had first been noticed shortly after 2am, and Mr John Dyer, the Coastwatcher, at once notified the lifeboat authorities.

Mr Dyer next promptly proceded to the point nearest the distressed vessel with the rocket apparatus, having very soon the assistance of a most willing band of helpers.

Three attemps were made to fire the rocket apparatus, in the first two the line was carried away by the wind over the masts of the vessel, but the third was more successful, the line being secured to the steamer. The crew made up of, eight Englishmen, including a lad of sixteen who was making his first voyage, one Dutchman, three Russians, five Arabs and one Maltese all made it to land safely.

THE LIFE-BOAT FOR MORTHOE, 1871

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orthoe Bay, Morte Point, Rockham Bay, and Bull Point, have an evil repute in the sailors’s log. It has been buoyed with such warning as might serve to caution ships making for the Bristol Channel to give it wide berth and rather anchor at Lundy than risk too close an acquaintance with Morte Stone, or Woolacombe Sands, there is now to be stationed there a life-boat.

The procession arrived at the Zoological Gardens in Clifton, where the ceremony of launching took place in the artificial lake. Mr. W. P. King made a vigorous speech at the “giving away “ of the boat. The seamen from Bristol, he said, know full well of the dangers of the beach, and, anxious to rescue those wrecked, have been doing their utmost to collect for the lifeboat to be placed on Morte Bay.

The boat itself, is the gift of the Bristol captains in the African Trade who have “ clubbed together,” for theirs and others’ lives imperilled on the rugged coast. On Saturday the presence of the boat at Bristol gave occasion for grand holiday, at which thousands of people turned out.

The boat has been named the Jacka-Jack, so called after the African station where the movement was first originated about four years ago.

They have also contributed towards the boat-house that has been erected Morthoe for the life boat .

No doubt they would be glad to have such a boat as Jack-a-Jack, but the difficulty is that no such Christian spirited and self-devoted people could be found as we have on the coast of Devon to take their share in the work of benevolence.

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grand procession was formed of sailors, soldiers, and civilians.

The lifeboat herself, hoisted on her transporting and launching carriage high above the many-headed crowd, formed the focus of the picture, with Union Jack, ensign, and National Institution flag flying, and crew with their cork life-jackets on, their “peaked oars,.”

The boat-carriage was horsed by a team of splendid draught horses, which drew the eight or ten tons weight up Parkstreet with comparative ease. The public “ reception “ given to the boat was certainly a most gratifying one.

Captains sailing from Bristol to the coast of Africa, as none of them never hope and few expect to be placed in such circumstances as to need the assistance of the lifeboat Jack-aJack. They feel that it belongs to the position that the African trade holds in Bristol (more ships go out from Bristol to Africa than to any other part of the world) to place a lifeboat on the coast of Morte Bay. Amidst ringing cheers the ceremony was completed. Rockets were sent when the launch was completed, and a salute was fired from the guns of the Artillery Corps, the multitude which must have numbered many thousands, then left the Gardens.

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riday, the 17th of March, must henceforth be reckoned one of the red letter days the history of the village of Morte. It is presumed that there has not been so large a number of persons there at one time for many years.

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The gift of a lifeboat, presented shipmasters and merchants of Bristol to be stationed at Morthoe, has caused a great deal of excitement, in the usually quiet hamlet and culminated on Friday as general holiday among the inhabitants, who flocked to the shores of Woolacombe to witness the first landing and launch of the Jack-a-Jack.

Numbers of sightseers were observed wending their way westward causing one to fancy that it was ‘race-day ‘ somewhere.

On arriving at the lifeboat station at Woolacombe, the transporting carriage for the boat was found ready on the launching ways front of the boat-house. This building is of a substantial nature, and is of the pattern now generally adopted at all stations under the control of the National Lifeboat Institution.

The somewhat strange name of Jack-a-Jack had been given to the boat at the request of the donors and was so given reason of its being the name of part of the African coast retorted to by traders chiefly of Bristol.

The National Lifeboat Institution now has boats within the neighbourhood, one at Ilfracombe and the one they had come to see.

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he photograph of the boat and crew, together with members of the committee and others was then taken by the Messrs. Catford after which the boat was launched and pulled a short distance seaward.

There was some difficulty experienced with the horses as they objected to the water, and the crew had eventually to jump out and launch her themselves, assisted by the bystanders. The water, with the exception of a small breaker, was perfectly smooth.

At about 2.30 p.m. the Morte and Ilfracombe rocket carriages, appeared on the scene, of Morte being manned by members of the Morte Volunteer Life Saving comapny, whilst the coastguard, command of Lieut Williams, worked the one of ‘Combe.

The former came directly to the beach, whilst the latter took up ground on the grassy point to the right. Shortly after this the boat rapidly pulled towards the intended landing place, and at exactly 3.30 the new boat first touched what must henceforward be called her own ground.

When the boat was fairly rehomed, the carriage Capt. Ward made a short address to the bystanders. He said that before re-launching the boat it would be as well to say a few words reference the origination of her presentation.

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t this the scene of her first landing they were assembled to witness. It is a matter of regret that at present there was not sufficient number of skilled boatmen living in Morte to form a crew, but that the llfracombe men were all times willing to come should their services be needed. Many vessels as they were doubtless aware had been lost in that locality.

The Bristol shipmasters had now therefore liberally defrayed the whole of the cost not only of the boat, but also of the building a boathouse amounting altogether to considerably over ÂŁ700, thus leaving the locality responsible only for the future maintenance of the boat and he (Capt. Ward) did not doubt, that the inhabitants of Morte and the surrounding district would do their part.

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Whilst the boat was afloat the crews the rocket apparatus under the command Lieut. Williams, fired several rockets with the line attached seaward, and the whole process, showing the means by which life is saved with this excellent invention, was practically illustratad, several youngsters making an ariel voyage from the cliff to the beach, very much to their own delight and the amusement of the spectators.

The boat was now replaced on her carriage and conveyed to the boathouse, after which cheers and were given for the boat, the donors, Capt. Ward, Local Committee and Sir Bruce Chichester who had most geuerously presented land for site for the house, and material for its construction.

The

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.

Tracey Hallows

Allan Collins

Louise Turner

Nannette Shepherd 14

Marion Callaghan

Rowena Marsh

Lyndon Slack

Annie Humphries 15

Mortehoe Village Mortehoe is a pretty village, standing proud at the top of Chapel Hill, overlooking Woolacombe and the Bristol Channel in one direction, and Lundy Island in the other.

First mentioned in the Doomsday book it was little more than a farm, however the 13th Century saw the establishment of a Parish Church and the Hamlet of Mortehoe started to develop.

Chichester Arms It is thought the Chichester Arms would have once been the Church House, where parish gatherings would have been held, it would have been here that the helpers would have brewed ale and overseen events. It was not until much later that the house became ‘The Chichester Arms’ as a public house as we see it today.

Mortehoe benefits from it’s location along some spectacular coastline, those who enjoy to walk, can enjoy some stunning coastal paths. A nice walk is to Bull Point Lighthouse.

Mortehoe has a good selection of pubs and cafes to enjoy a drink and refreshments.

It has been sheltering and refreshing visitors just about every day since then. They continue that tradition of good food, drink and hospitality and everyone takes a lot of pride in what they do.

A print of the attached map of Mortehoe and sketches of the individual buildings will be available online at www. woolacombemortehoevoice.co.uk as well as in a number of local shops.

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Mortehoe and all its beauty Mortehoe Museum The museum was once the Town Farm’s ‘cart linhay, a cart shed that had one side open (the side with the windows in the museum). When the museum first opened it was called the ‘Mortehoe Cart Linhay Heritage Centre’.

The museum is the perfect way to find out more about the area’s heritage.

St Mary’s Church

The Ship A’Ground

In 1200 the church was a simple rectangle shape, as the original Norman Church, it later had a tower built and additional features and areas built. In 1857 the church underwent a major restoration and in 1905 the Chancel Arch mosaic was added, being revealed on Easter Sunday to the congregation.

The Ship A’Ground, used to be three cottages, known by many as ‘the cottages on the rock’. In the 20th Century a conversion took place when it became the public house as we see it today.

The lych gate, built by local men, Henry Watts and John Bale was erected in 1886, made in slate from Barricane Beach and a few years later in 1900 the churchyard was closed for burials when the present cemetery was opened. The June edition of the magazine will have a full feature on this beautiful church that dominates the centre of the village as a much photographed and loved focal point.

One of the cottages (at the far left, as you look at the building), today is home to the ice cream sales and seating area, however it used to be home to George Connibear, a local baker in the village.

The Ship A’Ground is a welcoming family pub .

The pub is spread across 2 floors with ample room for large parties to sit together. There is free WiFi and well behaved dogs that are kept on a lead are welcome throughout the pub.

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Olin Dows A United States Army artist who served during World War II in Woolacombe

“Images are my language” Olin Dows 1963

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Olin Dows was born in 1904 in New York, educated at Harvard’s Department of Fine Arts and later at Yale’s Students League. By his own admission he wanted to paint from when he was 12 years of age and throughout his life would achieve this dream. During his years attending Harvard (1922-25) he studied art, architectural drawing and portraits - the latter being a skill that would set him up for his future career.

He was appointed to be the head of a group of artists who would go on to serve in England. Stationed in Woolacombe, his North Devon assignment was to document scenes of basic training and American troops preparing for combat.

When the Second World War swept across the globe, Olin became a war artist and was one of the few artists commissioned by the American War Department to create drawing impressions of both combat and noncombat in various parts of the world. He would go on to serve in Europe from 1942 until the end of the War in 1945.

Enlisting in the US Army in June 1943, Olin was stationed in Maryland and sent to Officer training school. But he willingly gave this up to become a war artist in Europe.

Woolacombe beach was used by the US Assault Training centre, to train soldiers in the art of amphibious assault tactics. All they learned there would be put to use when they were thrown onto the Normandy beaches on D-Day, 6th June 1944. Those training exercises were captured in Olin’s work ‘On the way to the assault boats, ‘LST landing training’ and many others.

As he went into battle himself in Normandy, Olin was reported to have taken with him a notebook, a fountain pen, a camera and a carbine. He stayed with his division as it fought through France and Germany, before it finally linked up with the Soviet army.

Following the war an exhibition of his work titled ‘The Army at War’ toured the United States.

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WATERMOUTH COVE Located between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin, Watermouth is a pretty inlet that forms a natural harbour.

This pretty cove that is sheltered by a natural breakwater and overlooked by the stunning Watermouth Castle, the area is home to many rare marine species and a number of boats now moor here making it a very pretty place to visit

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Watermouth Castle was built in 1825 by Arthur Davie Bassett for his bride Harriet.

Arthur had inherited the Watermouth Estate and much of Berrynarbor, from his father Joseph Davie Bassett, who had died at the age of 82. The castle is a Grade II listed building, it had additions made in 1845 when Arthur instructed a Plymouth architect, to complete the interior of the castle. The family apartments, kitchen and dairy indicated that around 40 domestics were employed to run the estate.

Arthur, his wife Harriet, and their four children (2 girls, 2 boys), would live in the Castle, before it was inherited by his son Reverend Arthur Crowforth and his son-inlaw Charles Henry Williams.

Watermouth Castle was vacated by the family in 1916 when it was used as a convalescent home for Army Officers wounded in the First World War. It was shortly after this time, that the family started to sell the estate, which had become to difficult and expensive to run.

Storm in a teacup Storm in a Teacup is a 1970 boat that has been rescued and turned into the delightful ‘boat cafÊ’ overlooking the harbour. With a cosy seating area inside and plenty of outdoor seats, and deckchairs it is a pretty location to enjoy some of the delicious homemade cakes and light lunches.

During the Second World War it was used as the HQ for P.L.U.T.O (pipe line under the ocean). PLUTO, was designed to supply petrol from storage tanks in southern England to the advancing Allied armies in France in the months following D-Day. In 1942 a long term trial of PLUTO, with a prototype pipeline stretching from from Swansea oil refinery via the Bristol Channel to Watermouth Bay near Ilfracombe in North Devon.

In 1942 most of the Castle contents were sold. When the last family member died in 1943 the Castle began to decline and was eventually sold. The last descendent of the Basset family moved from Watermouth Castle to Scotland around 1945 and the castle then had a number of different owners. During that time very little changed to the building and gardens and as a result they began to deteriorate. It was in 1977 the castle was bought by Richard Haines, who with a lot of hard work turned it into the attraction that we see today.

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New Exhibition Reveals Unparalleled Photographic Archive of James Ravilious and Roger Deakins

A selection of previously unseen photographs of North Devon by the revered photographer James Ravilious and Oscar-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins are to be displayed for the first time.

HERE: Uncovering North Devon opens at The Burton at Bideford on 4 May and will offer the opportunity for visitors to explore the Beaford Archive - an unparalleled record of North Devon.

The Beaford Archive captures life in rural Devon dating back to 1890 and provides a fascinating view of the region’s land and its communities. Photographs from Chulmleigh to Woolacombe, Hatherleigh to Westward Ho! and many places in between reveal a region at a time when farming practices, land management and the shape of rural communities is in a process of change.

In addition to viewing the photographs, visitors will be able to listen to a range of vivid interviews with people who live and work in North Devon. Each of them connected to the photographs in some way, the interviewees offer a fascinating insight into the heritage of the region with subjects including farming, family life, work and community celebrations.

Sophie McCormack, Project Leader for Beaford says: ‘This exhibition is the culmination of almost three years of exploration with the Beaford Archive, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and an opportunity for us to look to our past to consider our future. The Beaford Archive is something that will continue to grow as we document our lives now for future generations. Along with the photographs and oral history interviews, the exhibition includes responses from children and artists we’ve worked with who have been inspired by the collection. We really hope that visitors will share their thoughts and add their voice to this ever-evolving record of North Devon.’

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My name is Rosemary, I was born in Sydney Australia, moved to the UK North Devon 1987. I run a business called Fudgies Bakehouse in Woolacombe where we sell lots of Pasties and freshly made Baguettes, great ice-cream and fudge and a little bit of jewellery which is made by me.

I began making Jewellery just over 10 years ago. I was inspired after meeting an English lady in Tobaggo. I loved the jewellery she wore to discover she made it all. She taught herself. From that moment I decided I would love to start a new hobby making jewellery. My work is Fudgies my hobby is making jewellery. I do it for the love.

I started with beading working with pearls, ceramics, glass beads, crystals, semi precious gemstones and shells. I have recently started working with Precious Metal Clay 99.9% fine silver. My most recent desire of learning is Sterling Silver. I have so much to learn and expand. Its all so very rewarding. I just love learning and creating.

I call myself Beach Beads.

www.beachbeads.biz

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Braunton Burrows are the largest sand dune system in the UK and are home to an array of diverse plants and species.

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he Burrows themselves are approximately 1000 hectares, and are divided between the dunes which are the high ground areas and the slacks on the lower ground, they border the three and a half mile stretch of Saunton Sands.

Part of the North Devon Area of Natural Beauty and part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve it puts the nature reserve amongst many famous locations such as the Okavango Delta in southern Africa, Mount Vesuvius in Italy and the Danube Delta in Eastern Europe.

The Burrows are named after the large number of rabbit burrows that can be found here, and have been declared Britain’s first UNESCO Biosphere reserve due to their diversity of rare flora. The rabbit burrows on the dunes, and through their grazing they have greatly influenced the vegetarian and shape of the dunes. The sand dunes are stabilized and held in place by the root system provided by the creeping plants vegetation through their grazing.

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t is home to over 500 species of plants, best seen in June and July when the majority of plants are flowering. It is also home to a wide range of other animals, including hedgehogs, wild mink, shrews, voles and field mice. An array of butterflies can also be seen here, with over 33 species being counted.

The area also has a close association with World War II when the burrows were used by the American army when they formed an Assault Training Center to train in preparation for the D Day invasion.

During 1943-44 the sand dunes saw over 10,000 American Soldiers train along this stretch of land. The events are now marked each year by the D Day event which takes place on Saunton Sands and gives a small insight into the events that took place here.

The Burrows, owned by Christie Estates, are accessible all year.

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Braunton Marsh

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raunton Marshes are a collection of separate pastures, that represent a unique microsm of rural life in North Devon. The marshes were enclosed in 1811 for cattle to graze, a practice which still continues today.

The Marsh is one of the few remaining marshes to be managed by an independent Internal Drainage Board.

The pastures are characterised by their flat areas interspersed with slow flowing (above) Round linhay building freshwater channels, this alone is a beautiful place to visit and see the swans gracefully gliding along them, or watch the abundance of birds and wildlife that call the marshes home.

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he marshes started out as a tidal saltmarsh, it then developed with a creation of embankments and the (above) the enclosed pastures pastures being enclosed, the following 200 years saw them being reclaimed from the sea to create the areas as we see being used today.

Also seen around the marshes are the linhay buildings, of which there are still about 30 to be seen, most iconic are the round buildings which are now grade II listed, although a little dilapidated they make a wonderful place to see.

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Tapeley House and Gardens Tapeley Park holds a commanding position above the Taw estuary, overlooking some fantastic views across Bideford Bay. The house and gardens are open to the public to visit, and during the year host a number of events including outdoor theatre and music.

The estate is of medieval orgin dating back to the 14th century, however the current estate as we know it was built in 1704 by the Cleveland family. The legend goes that William Cleveland a Scottish born Royal Navy commander, sailed along the Torridge estuary and saw the large farmhouse in the distance and instantly declared it as the house for him, William would go on to buy the farmhouse and build a grand new home on the land. The house would go on to be further developed and altered during its history.

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The house was later passed on to the Christie family through marriage, they drastically changed its appearance first with a Victorian brick façade and later when Augustus Langham Christie married Lady Rosamund she would be instrumental in further changing its appearance.

Rosamund commented on first seeing the house in 1881 that it was: ‘a Georgian stucco house, very plain and rather dreary in appearance, for many of the front windows had been blocked and the sunk apertures painted black with half drawn paint blinds, cords and tassells, looked very dull’. Lady Rosamund would be at the centre of changing the house to how we see it today, Lady Rosamund wrote: ‘came to live at Tapeley about four years after my marriage. The house had been restored and altered by my father-in-law. It had fallen into a bad state of repair. The stucco, on the library side had been replaced by red brick with white brick lines and the parapet removed to give place to a sloping roof. He was most forbearing in allowing us to call in the leading Queen Anne architect of the day to restore the house.

The gardens are an important part of the Tapeley Estate, a mixture of Italian inspired terraces, kitchen gardens and in more recent years a permaculture garden.

Hector has always been environmental conscious, having protested against GM farming amongst other things, the estate is very much run with sustainability at its core, it is pesticide free, and has a thriving permaculture gardens. Hector is passionate about the rural way of life, a farmer by trade he has a very strong and passionate outlook on his beliefs.

During the course of many years, the house in Mr John Belcher’s hands assumed its present appearance. We were unable to do the alterations all at once as we could not have faced the expense, and at the outbreak of the Great War ,the library side remained in dilapidated stucco.

The builder, being aware that we had the plans, approached us to undertake the work on account of unemployment in Bideford. It proved one of the best strokes of business as well as a charity, for the cost was very slightly higher than before the war, and ever since would have cost much more.

He stipulated that only married men should be employed. My husband never grudged money spent on the improvements or the adornment of Tapeley and the estate that he loved so dearly.’

Following Lady Rosamund’s death in 1936 the house was used for evacuee children during the second world war, and for a short period as a hotel. The house remained in the Christie family with another Rosamund calling it her home during the 70s-80s, where she would open the house and the garden to the public, running it all herself from taking guests around to making the cakes and tea.

The Christie family have lived here for more than two centuries, with its current owner being Hector Christie.

Hector used to run the house as a new age centre before it was taken on

by Ruth Watson in the popular C4’s ‘Country House Rescue’ and became the house and garden as we see it today.

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Inspired by the work of Robert Hart, the permaculture gardens is now over 20 years old. The garden use’s vegetables and fruits for eating, as well as using to produce fuel, or ingredients for medicine or making clothes. Everything is done without the use for chemical fertilisers or pesticides and follows the ideas of living in closer harmony with nature by minimising the use of environmental resources.

Surrounding the house, the gardens are a mix of formal and informal, both are worthy of visiting.

One of the oldest features are that of the Italian terraces which are planted with species of plants that are quite rare to Britain. Within the gardens there are a number of Italian inspired sculptures, statues and obelisks as well as tunnels of greenery and garden seats that allow you to enjoy the views.

People behind the Names Richard James Trebble 1926-1945

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ichard James Trebble was born in 1926 to Arthur and Minnie of Woolacombe. The family lived at WaveCrest.

Richard along with his friends, Ray Easterbrook, Alf Yeo, Jeff Skinner and Jack Watts joined the Marine Cadets, which they attended in Ilfracombe each week. Richard gained some publicity in the local press when he was awarded the Flight Lietenant, Michael Potier Memorial Prize: “Woolacombe is proud of Cadet Richard Trebble on his being awarded the Flight-Lieut. Michael Potier Memorial Prize as the outstanding cadet of the year of Ilfracombe No. 722 Squadron the Air Training Corps. Mr. S, B. Tatton (head master of Ilfracombe Grammar School, to which the A.T.C. is attached said that Richard Trebble was a foundation member of the school Flight. He came in at the start and had proved himself to be one of the most loyal Cadets, having to make his attendance from Woolacombe.

Despite travelling difficulties. Trebble had been most regular in attendance, had gained his proficiency certificate and had been promoted to the rank of sergeant. He was keen and cheerful lad, and had carried out his duties in a manner that was a credit to himself; he was great asset to the Flight. Having been accepted by the R.A.F. for aircrew duties, he was now awaiting his call-up. The prize was presented to Sergt. Trebble by the donor. Mr. O. E. Potior, who congratulated him on the success of his training and wished him the best of luck when he joined the R.A.F.”

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adly only months later Air Gunner Richard Trebble was lost at sea on the last day of war, he had been officially reported missing during a routine flight. The Lancaster Bomber was on a local familiarisation flight lasting only 2.5 hours, the details of what happened are not known, however the seven airman on board were reported missing.

Richard is believed to have been tragically lost at sea on his first flight on reconnaissance over the North Sea

In 1946 Mr & Mrs Trebble received an official communication from the Air Ministry “in view of the lapse of time and the absence of further information regarding your son Sergt. R. J. Trebble, since the date on which he was reported missing we very regretfully conclude that he lost his life and death has now been presumed for official purposes to have occurred on 30th October 1945.

In 1946, the North Devon Journal contained a memorial to Richard: “Fond remembrance of Sergeant Air Gunner Richard James Trebble, Royal Air Force, who failed to return from a practice flight on the 30th October 1945. In June 1948, a reredos, altar, altar cross and candlesticks were dedicated at St Sabinus Church, Woolacombe in memorial to the men of the parish who lost their lives during the second world war. The candlesticks were a memorial to Richard Trebble and Derek Worth.

Of interest, Richard’s brother Hugh also served during the war years, causing the family much distress and concern when they did not hear from him for some time, it was later learnt that he had been taken to a prisoner of war camp by the Japanese.

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n 1944, they received the happiest news to start the new year, in the form of a postcard from their son, Hugh who had been serving in the RAF and had been taken a prisoner of war. Before serving, he had worked as a reporter with the North Devon Herald, this postcard was the first written message that his parents had received from him. It had been written a year previously. “My health is excellent, I am constantly thinking of you. It will be wonderful when we meet again. Good-bye, God Bless you. Don’t worry about me. I hope all is well. My love to all; keep smiling’ A further letter sent in 1945, was sent from a Bombay hospital:

“After reaching hospital he was delighted to find placed on his bed half a dozen copies of the Journal Herald! They provided much needed tonic after so long in a Japanese prisoner of war camp,” he stated “much to my surprise, in one of the editions I found that I was in the news, mention of the fact that I had been released from the Japanese.

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Whats On

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th March Big North Devon Wedding Show

The finest wedding exhibitors Devon Cornwall have to offer at the North Devon Wedding Fair and Show. Come and meet 70+ of Devon and Cornwall’s best wedding suppliers. www.thebigsheep.co.uk

th April Stone wall rebuilding Mortehoe

Do some Family Volunteering in Mortehoe this Easter Holidays with the National Trust Rangers and have a go at Dry Stone Walling! Tools, equipment and training are provided to ensure you have fun in a safe environment. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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th April Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt in Woolacombe

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th March Surf Ball

Join us for a night of eating, dancing and inspiration. Featuring Pro-surfer Andrew Cotton and Devon’s premier party band. To book tickets call 01271 347232 www.northdevonhospice.org.uk

What have the bunnies been hiding in the Woolacombe Sand Dunes?! This trail takes you on adventure around Woolacombe Warren to find the clues and pick up your Cadbury chocolate prize. Pick up your trail map from Woolacombe TIC. £2.50 per child. www.add details

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th April Meet the Star Wars Characters

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stMarch Mothers Day Crafts, Arlington

Treat Mum to a delicious high tea at Arlington Court this Mother’s Day - with a selection of homemade cakes, scones and sandwiches.

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Star Wars fans will be excited to hear that Storm Troopers and other characters from the legendary films are coming to The Milky Way Adventure Park over the Easter holidays. www.themilkyway.co.uk

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th May Ilfracombe May Day

A fun parade in Ilfracombe to celebrate fertility and bring in the summer. Mustering from 10.45am in Wilder Road Car Park they parade through the High Street, Fore Street & St James Place ending at the Clapping Circle above Wildersmouth Beach where they dance the May Pole then ‘Jack’ will be stripped of his leafy coverings to welcome the Spirit of Summer.

Everyone is welcome to join or watch the May Day parade – just turn up and if possible wear something green. For more details contact Events 4 Ilfracombe or the May Day team at maydayilfracombe@gmail.com www.visitilfracombe.co.uk

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th May Spring Design for Living Fair, RHS Rosemoor Treat yourself over the Bank Holiday weekend with a visit to RHS Garden Rosemoor’s Design for Living Fair, Supported by Helpful Holidays, where you can browse among stalls of beautiful and unusual hand-crafted items for the home and garden or pick up a tasty treat. This three-day fair showcases a wealth of West Country creative talent. www.rhs.org.uk

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th May Ilfracombe Scrumpy Run

The Scrumpy Run is organised by the Vintage Motor Cycle Club – Devon Section when some 40 or so riders set off at 11am following a suggested route over Exmoor to a lunch time stop before returning to Ilfracombe for the presentation of prizes.

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th May Clovelly Seaweed Festival

Quay kitchens will be serving a variety of dishes. Stalls will be selling a range of seaweed products and arts and crafts.Plus live music, street entertainment, craft activities, workshops, talks and demonstrations. www.clovelly.co.uk

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th May Celebrating Bees, Arlington

Learn more about our amazing bees.

Get top tips for how to make your garden bee friendly, join in with the Great British Bee Count, make homes for bees and have a go at making your own bee mask. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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 Calling all Poets – your poems are wanted.

Sue Hill from Barricane Books & The Woolacombe & Mortehoe News is hoping to put together a small volume of poetry and prose about our lovely ‘top corner’ of North Devon, linking with the 60th anniversary celebrations for the AONV (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Beaford Arts will be supporting local events as part of a ‘Celebrate your Heritage’ community based project.

Santa Stroll a great success The Santa Stroll was a fantastic spectacle on Woolacombe Beach, as Santas took to the sands to stroll, walk, run in aid of the Woolacombe and Mortehoe Hospice Support Group.

The total raised was a wonderful £1,860.16, The Santa Stroll will be back in 2019, dates to be announced. If you are a business and would like to sponsor this event then get in touch with the organsiers

If you would like to contribute, whether you are a resident or visitor, with your feelings about Woolacombe and Mortehoe, please submit your poems and prose to Sue to be considered for inclusion.

Whatever your age, and whether poetry (ryming or blank verse) or prose, your contributions are invited. Please email your poems/prose to susancon.hill@bt internet. co.uk by the end of April.

Another Award for Woolacombe TIC The Woolacombe & Mortehoe Tourist Information Centre had another successful evening at the South West Tourism Awards at Bristol Aerospace last week, bringing home another Silver Award for Visitor Information Service of the Year 2018/19.

The Award was given for our Customer Service, judged as ‘Outstanding’, and for our dedication as ‘proud Ambassadors for Woolacombe and Mortehoe. We love our beautiful villages and coastline and love to be able to share our knowledge and experience with visitors!

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Please support North Devon Hospice and Big Breakfast 2019!

Mortehoe Scarecrow Festival We are excited to announce the theme of this year’s Mortehoe Scarecrow Festival, which is being held on Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August ... drum roll please ... Musicals from Stage & Screen! Which characters will you be hoping to see in scarecrow form?!

Some of the choices are: Aladdin, Annie, Bambi, Beauty and the Beast, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Billy Elliot, Cabaret, Camelot, Carosel, Cats, Chess, Chicago, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Dumbo, Evita, Fame, Frozen, Grease, Guys & Dolls, Hair, Hairspray, High School Muscial, Jesus Christ Superstar, Jungle Book, The King and I, Kiss me Kate, Lady and the Tramp, Les Miserable, Lion King, Mamna Mia, Matilda, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, Rocky Horror Show, Saturday Night Fever, Shrek, Tommy, West Side Story.

For more information get in touch with Rachel Zeale, 01271 870553 or rachel@woolacombetourism.co.uk

Mortehoe Museum opens for New Season

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Red Barn, Woolacombe Saturday 2nd March 9.00am-11.30am Come and enjoy a tasty Big Breakfast. including tea/coffee and toast. Vegetarian option too.

Ilfracombe Yacht Club Saturday 16th March 9.00am-12.30pm £6 donation for a delicious Big Breakfast. Vegetarian option too.

Kentisbury Village Hall Sunday 17th March 9.00am-11.30pm Choose your own delicious Big Breakfast; £6.00 suggested donation.

Please phone 01271 882487 to book or everyone welcome on the day.

You can be sure of a warm welcome, so please support our generous Big Breakfast organisers if you can. The money raised through Big Breakfast, which is generously sponsored by Phillip Dennis Foodservice, will help North Devon Hospice care for local people who are suffering from the impact of cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. All hospice services are provided completely free of charge, but it costs over £5 million each year to care in this way. For other Big Breakfasts in North Devon and Cornwall borders, please visit our Big Breakfast webpage on www.northdevonhospice.org.uk

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