Issue 18 Woolacombe & Mortehoe Voice

FREE NOT FOR RESALE

Issue 18 June 2019

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

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Front Cover Design: Karen Perry Illustrations

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CONTENTS

4-5 Woolacombe TIC

The team at Woolacombe TIC do an amazing job at promoting and supporting our beautiful part of North Devon. Read more about the work they do, the development of the TIC over the years, and how you can support them.

6-7 Woolacombe Weddings

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As the wedding season approaches, we take a look back at some of the weddings that have happened over the years in Woolacombe & Mortehoe, from the outfits worn to the fantastic gift lists!

8-9 St Mary’s Church

Located in the heart of Mortehoe Village, St Mary’s Church has an interesting history. We take a brief look at some of the things you can see in the church and its history.

10-11 Woolacombe’s development as a holiday resort

The North Devon coast took its time to develop as the popular destination we know it as today, with transport links being difficicult, it would be the boom in roads and rail that made the area what we know today.

12-13 Karen Perry

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Talented artist and designer Karen Perry has done some work for WMV, including the wonderful image of Chapel Hill, Mortehoe that is this issues front cover.

Readers Gallery

A collection of your photos from the Woolacombe and Mortehoe photography group.

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The Pandora Hotel

We take a look at a popular Woolacombe Hotel, The Pandora.

16-17 Museum News

A round up of some the news and events that have been happening at Mortehoe Museum.

18-19 Chichester Hampers

Joseph and Gillian are the people behind this luxury 100% North Devon, 100% plastic free hamper venture, we speak to them to find out more about their products and the ethos behind what they do.

20-21 Smalingstead Gardens

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A beautiful Woolacombe garden, opening as part of the National Garden Scheme to the public to enjoy.

22-23 Magic Lantern Photography

I learn more about the history of magic lantern photography and share some of the Woolacombe and Mortehoe slides that are in the WMV collection.

24-25 North Devon D Day

As North Devon gets set to commemorate this special day, we look at what is happening in the area.

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26-27 Woody Bay, Martinhoe

An interesting history to an area better known today as a National Trust beauty spot.

28-29 Woolacombe Sand Dunes & Porthole Cafe 30-33 Local Events and News

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Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre

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oolacombe Tourist Information Centre has been in its’ current location for 20 years – opened in March 1999 by local MP at the time, Nick Harvey, it is situated in a prime spot, looking down the length of the awardwinning beach, all the way to Putsborough.

A more official TIC started up sometime in the 1970’s, initially housed in the foyer of Hall 70 (now known as Woolacombe Village Hall) and later, back to The Red Barn in a temporary building in the car park. This was run by the Woolacombe & Mortehoe Publicity Association. In 1998, the Woolacombe & Mortehoe Tourism Association was formed, and the new building, to be shared with Mortehoe Parish Council, was purpose built. Funding for the new centre came from grants from the EU, Rural Development Commission, North Devon District Council, and Mortehoe Parish Council, as well as the Publicity Association, Chamber of Commerce, Parkin Estates and Lancaster Holdings, who all recognised the importance of promoting the area and having an Information Centre.

Tourism has played a big part in Woolacombe and Mortehoe’s history and there has been active promotion of our beautiful coastline for many years. We have brochures dating back to the early 60’s, and no doubt they were in existence before then too, bearing in mind that the introduction of the railway from Barnstaple to Ilfracombe in 1847 saw the birth of tourism here. The Woolacombe Bay Hotel was built in 1887, and many more guesthouses and shops followed in the early 1900’s. Things have changed over the years, with the changing demands of visitors, and now the number of apartments far outweigh the serviced accommodation options, although there are still some lovely B&B and Hotels on offer.

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n the last 25 years, whilst I have been involved in TICs (first Ilfracombe for 7 years, and then Woolacombe for 18 so far!) the way in which Tourist Information Centres are run has changed dramatically. From receiving funding to run the centres, including everything from staff uniforms and the annual ‘tool kit’ (a wide selection of reference books, including enormous train and coach timetables!), these days there is no funding to be had, and we have to operate as a business to meet our overheads … a bit of a conundrum when people (both visitors and some businesses) still expect us to offer an information service for free.

The first information service started, we believe, in the 1960’s, when The Red Barn had a dedicated staff member and phone line at the front of the pub to assist visitors in finding accommodation – the idea being that it was in everyone’s interests to have people stay in the village for longer, as The Red Barn, and other businesses would all benefit.

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We live and work in such a beautiful area. It is easy to post images and information about Woolacombe, Mortehoe and the surrounding areas.

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If you call in and see us, you’ll see that we now provide lots of other services that complement the free information and extensive local knowledge on offer – everything from boat trip tickets, discounted attraction admission, Tramper and Beach Wheelchair hire, accommodation booking service, parking permits, buckets & spades, ice-creams, gifts, souvenirs, local crafts, postcards … a one-stop shop for all your holiday essentials … and all crucial in keeping the TIC open!

We are also very fortunate to have some 130 businesses who recognise the need for a Tourist Information Centre, and subscribe as members to generate much needed income for the TIC. In return, we not only promote their business, but the area as a whole. The internet and social media have wiped out the need for a holiday guide, although we do still produce an information pack that we will gladly send out to enquirers.

We spend many hours each week working ‘behind the scenes’ updating the content of the website, especially events and special offers, as well as posting frequently on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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n 2016, we strengthened our links with the National Trust, as they became partnered with us, and helped fund a partial refurbishment of the TIC. We continue to work closely with the Trust, hosting their annual Cadbury Easter Trail, selling Memberships and Gifts, and promoting their events and conservation work through the TIC. In 2018/19 we were proud to be Silver Winners in the ‘Visitor Information Service of The Year’ Category in both the Devon Tourism Awards and South West Tourism Awards – we strive for excellent customer service and it is a pleasure to promote our beautiful corner of North Devon!

Why not call in and see us when you are passing?

We are open all year – 7 days a week from 10am- 5pm from Easter to October, and six mornings a week from November to March. www.woolacombetourism.co.uk info@woolacombetourism.co.uk www.facebook.com/woolacombetouristinformation www.twitter.com/WoolacombeTIC Instagram: Woolacombe_tic Online Shop: www.woolacombetourism.co.uk/shop

A look back at some Woolacom With the wedding season in full swing, we take a look at some of the weddings that Woolacombe & Mortehoe have seen over the years. How the fashion have changed, and some of the great gift lists. All were reported in the local newspapers, and make for an interesitng read.

Mr. Butler, toilet set.

Mr and Mrs Ashplant, cushion cover Miss W. Ashford, silver-mounted vases.

Miss M. Sollis, a pair candlesticks.

Mr. and Mrs Manning, Barum vase.

Mr. and Mrs. S. Ashford and family, Barum fern holder and spill.

Master R. Purvey, Barum vase.

Mr. and Mrs. J. Pile, cheque.

Miss D Trevle, bread knife and board.

Mr. and Mrs. Salisbury, rug.

Miss E. Gammon, egg cups, Mr. and Mrs. Butler, pair candlesticks and photo frames.

Mr. C. Bear, letter rack.

Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, biscuit barrel.

Misses Cross, inlaid tea tray.

Miss K. Mole, cruet.

Mr. and Mrs. Burt, cruet.

Mr. W. Cole, cruet.

F. and K. Ellis, crumb brush and tray.’

Miss Davis, butter dish and spoon.

Miss Cole, fish carvers in case.

Mr. and Mrs. Watts, fruit servers.

Mr and Mrs. Row, carving knife and fork.

Mr. F. Nicholls, butter knife.

Miss Horwood, cake knife.

Mr. Coats, salt spoons.

Miss D. West, E.P, candlesticks.

Mr. F. Copp, clock.

Mrs. Redmore, E.P. dessert spoons.

Miss R. Knott, E P. soup ladles.

Bob David and Edward, afternoon teaspoons.

T. Dunn, mustard and salts.

Mr. Balment, honey pot.

Miss Prollins, dessert knives.

Miss Ashford. afternoon teaspoons.

Mr. and Mrs. P. Chugg, dessert forks.

Mr and Mrs. Beer, dessert knives.

Reg , Stanley, and Florrie, table spoons.

Mr: and Mrs. A. West, bolster and pillows.

Mrs. Pike, 2 plants.

Mrs. J. Bradley, pair vases.

Mrs. Fewings, bedroom towels.

Mrs. W. Pile, toilet set

A 1912 Wedding at Woolacombe

A wedding which aroused a great deal of interest was solemnised on Wednesday at St Mary’s, Mortehoe, the contracting parties being Mary Annie, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cowler, of Holmesdale, and Mr. W. H. only son of the late Mr. Tolman and Mrs. Tolman, of Ilfracombe. A large number of relatives and friends assembled in the Church. Mr. J. Cowler (father of the bride) gave away the bride, who was prettily dressed in cream cashmere, trimmed with pearls and lace, and wore orange blossom wreath and veil. She carried a shower bouquet of lilies and tulips. The bridesmaids—who looked exceedingly well in dresses of blue, and black picture hats, and wore gold jewellery (the gifts of the bridegroom)— were Miss Ivy Cowler, Miss E. Tolman, and Miss Emma Ashford. The bridegroom was attended by Mr. W. Gammon, of Mortehoe, as best man. Subsequently there was a wedding breakfast at Holmesdale, and during tbe afternoon the newlymarried pair left amid a shower of confetti and slippers for Plymouth, where the honeymoon is to be spent. Bride’s travelling dress was emerald cloth, with black picture hat.

The bride and bridegroom were the recipients of handsome gifts as follows : Bride’s father and mother, cheque and piano.

Bride’s sister (Miss Ivy Cowler), furs.

John, tea service.

Charlie, silver sauce and mustard spoons.

Bridegroom’s mother, cheque.

Mr. and Mrs Ashford, polished walnut hall clock.

Mrs. Harris, flower vase.

Dr. and Mrs. Young, brass lamp.

Mr. and Mrs Simons, tablecloth.

Mr. and Mrs. Hocking, tablecloth.

Mr and Mrs. Stewart, tablecloth.

Mr. and Mrs. Dyer, tablecloth.

Mr. and Mrs. Winter, afternoon teacloth.

Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt, afternoon teacloth.

Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, teacloth.

Miss L. Granger, teacloth.

Mrs. Shaw, linen pillow cases.

Miss Mole, book table centre.

What an impressive list!

They would not have been short of tablecloths, spoons or vases!

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mbe Weddings 1898 Wedding at Mortehoe Morthoe Church was the scene of a very pretty and interesting wedding on Tuesday morning, the contracting parties being the Rev. Clarence Edwin Ward, and Miss Nessie Coad, daughter of Mr. Richard Coad, of Morthoe, the great Temperance lecturer. The first carriage arrived with the bridegroom, attended by his best man (Rev. W. C. Williams), with Mrs. Coad (mother of the bride), and Mrs. Ward (mother of the bridegroom). The next carriage arrived shortly afterwards with the four bridesmaids, Miss Katie Coad (sister of the bride), Miss Mable Ward (sister of the bridegroom), Miss Restarick, and Miss Gertrude Stanbury. Last of all came tho bride, supported by her brother (Mr. Lawson Coad), who gave her away.

The bride was dressed in a handsome gown of ivory satin, with train prettily made, trimmed with orange blossom and chiffon. She wore a wreath of orange blossom with tulle veil. The bridesmaid, dresses consisted of white spotted muslin, daintily made, and were trimmed with lace plumes and pale blue sashes. They wore white felt hats, trimmed with feathers and velvet of the same colour. They all carried exquisite bouquets, the gifts of the bridegroom.

Flowers were strewn in the path as the bridal pair left the church, and rice and confetti were thrown in showers as they entered the carriages. The village was gaily decorated with flags and bunting. On returning to Woolacombe, the party were photographed, and afterwards sat down to an ample and varied vegetarian wedding breakfast, which was much enjoyed, the novelty of a vegetarian wedding breakfast adding considerable interest to the proceedings of the day.

The Vicar proposed the health of the bride and bridegroom, testifying to the esteem in which, from his personal knowledge of several years, the bride was held, and from what he had seen and heard of the bridegroom, he felt assured that the union would prove a happy one. The bells rang out merrily at intervals during the day, and the happy pair left in the afternoon for London.

Friday 27 January 1939 WOOLACOMBE FAMILIES UNITED The wedding took place at Woolacombe Methodist Church on Thursday, of Mr. Frederick Ernest Simpson, of Barton Road, Woolacombe, to Miss Ruth Pile, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Pile, The Barton. Woolacombe. The Rev. F. C. Diffey officiated, and Miss Ellis, at the organ, accompanied the singing of the hymns.

The bride, who was given away by her father, was attired in gold embossed “satin, cut princess lines, with a small train, and long tight sleeves coming to a point over the hands; her veil to match was held in place by a coronet of tinted orange blossom and miniature lillies. She wore a gold necklace (the gift of the bridegroom) and carried a bouquet of pink carnations and trailing fern.

She was attended by her cousin, Miss M. Pile, who wore gold taffeta, cut on princess lines, with full skirt and long puff sleeves; her head-dress was a Juliet cap, and she carried posy anemoes. After a reception at the Barton the happy couple left to spend honeymoon on the South Coast, the bride travelling in brown Llamovel-curl coat, green angora frock and matching hat. The bride’s gift to the bridegroom was a bookcase. The bridegroom gave the bridesmaid a navy blue, calf handbag.

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Among the presents received was a Pyrex dish on a silver stand, from the Methodist choir, of which the bride was a member.

St Mary’s Church, Mortehoe S

t Mary Church in Mortehoe is very much the village focal point being a much photographed and loved part of the village. The original Norman Church was a very simple rectangle shape and over the years has undergone numerous additions, now having the status of a listed building. The church itself was built in the 13th Century, and is considered to be a good example of a Norman Church with a barrel roof and Norman architecture.

Fishes abound on some of those pew end carvings, but there is only one ‘kangaroo’. To us today the strange animal appears much more like and old drawing of the “leviathan” of Job or like a sea serpent than a kangaroo!

But local tradition will persist in the belief that the sculptor, whoever he was, in his own time meant this for a picture of what animal; therefore it is always called ‘kangaroo’

Pew Ends

Standing proudly in the church is the De Tracy tomb, which has caused many conversations and speculations as to who is buried there. The legend is that it contains the body of William De Tracy, infamous with the murder of Thomas Becket. It is believed that despite the stories, that the tomb is in fact that of one of the former church rectors who died in 1320 and had the same name. The mystery continues, some believe that on returning to the area De Tracy did become a priest and is buried in the church with his wife and daughter, others report his restless soul haunting the beaches of Woolacombe.

The pew ends in St Mary’s are quite stunning, as they are all carved depicting different symbols or scenes. (A collection of photographs showing the pew ends can be seen on our website.) Some of them show traditional religious symbols of the Crucifixion, whilst others have initials and more simple carvings. An interesting article in the North Devon Journal in 1902 examines the use of animal carvings in churches, in particular those in St Mary’s, Mortehoe: “Then let us mention the carving of an animal, which has given rise to more contention, most probably than that of any other such subject in any church. We refer to the sculpture known as the ‘kangaroo in the church at Morte-Hoe. This country church has become noted for this quaint carving. It adorns the end of one of a series of pews.

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De Tracy Tomb

The tomb has a thick slab on the top of the vault, surrounded by Saxon letters, and a full length body of ‘De Tracy’ engraved on the top showing the figure in robes and holding a chalice in his hands. Around the vault are sculptures, showing nuns, the crucification and a coat of arms.

Chancel Arch & Stained Glass windows Selwyn Image was an important British artist, producing stained glass windows, furniture and illustrations amongst other things. He was responsible for one of the stained glass windows in the church as well as the stunning chancel arch, both giving a good example of the breadth of his design and use of colour.

The Chancel arch was added in 1905 with the mosaic being unveiled on Easter day. Given by Dr. Longstaff of Twitchen, in memory of his wife, the striking mosaic shows ascending angels flanking representations of Lamb and Cross in the centre.

The North Devon Journal, in April 1905: “A very beautiful addition to the objects of interest in the Church was dedicated on Easter Day. A splendid mosaic has been erected over the chancel arch as a memorial to the late Mrs Longstaff who was such a good patroness of the Church and did much for its adornment. The mosaic which is much admired for its simplicity and dignified beauty, was designed by Mr. Selwyn Image and carried out by Messers. Powell of London. It represents the Lamb of God, with figures of angels offering crown and orb, and holding emblems of blessing and peace.

The artwork showing Images plans for the arch can be seen at the William Morris Gallery, who he had a long connection with the arts and crafts movement and a particular friendship to the well known William Morris.

Selwyn’s connection to Mortehoe was bought about by his friendship to the Longstaff family who lived at Twitchen House, where another of Selwyns stained glass windows can be seen.

Bell Tower & Bell Ringers The tower was build in 1270, with a second bell being added in 1432.

In 1887 a new roof was made for the bell tower, making it higher and giving room for a sixth bell, which was paid for

by Dr Longstaff In 1938 the Mortehoe Bell ringers claimed a record in regard to their length of service, having rung the bells at Morte-Hoe Parish church for periods from 30 to 50 years with a total number of years service being 280.

S. Yeo and W. Watts had never failed to ring out the Old Year, and bring in the new one in their 50 years of service.

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Woolacombe Develops as a holiday resort

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he first new resort to emerge on this coast was Woolacombe.

In 1888 it was reported that a hotel and several lodging houses had recently been erected overlooking the magnificent beach and a large estate was being laid out for development, Woolacombe started to grow rapidly.

In 1896 a guidebook stated “ About eight years a go a farmhouse and two workmens cottages were the only buildings in this township, now it possesses a really first class hotel, there are numerous terraces of private boarding houses as well as shops and a post and telegraph office, and the place is growing yearly.

The holiday industry was generally slow to develop on the North Devon Coast, the landscape of the area mean that for many it was hard to get to, and it was only the weathly or those who would cope with arduous trip by horse and carriage that would venture to this part of the country. Ilfracombe was the only watering place to emerge in the period up to 1788 and even then early growth was hesitant and stunted.

A report stated that a new watering place was emerging in the northern extremities of the county. It announced that visitors were arriving at the little seaport ‘for the benefit of the air, salt water and to spend part of the summer season’. It went on to claim ‘of the very many persons who have frequented Ilfracombe for their health, during the summer season for the years past, but one had died.

Yet it listed to names of only ten holidaymakers present at the resort that season!

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n 1789 the Reverend John Swete made his way there on horseback from South Devon. In his journal he gave a comprehensive account of the town’s economic activities, noting that its coastal vessels were kept busy transporting coal from South Wales to Cornwall and then returning to Neath and Swansea with copper and tin. It was noted that the town only had one bathing machine, suggesting that it was not the thriving coastal resort it claimed.

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n 7790 John Savage, a mariner was driven by a storm to Ilfracombe, which he described as poverty stricken. In his memories he gave an account of farmers from the towns labouring to cultivate the rocky slopes of the surrounding hills, while in the valleys millers struggled to make a living grinding grain in dilapidated water mills.

By 1900 the visitor numbers had increased to 3,409 and were many more than those recorded at any South Devon watering places. Yet the visitor lists also reveal that at this resort visitor numbers dropped substantially on either side of the August peak. Ilfracombe by this time attracting a higher proportion of less affluent visitors than any other Devon resort and many of these people had just one or two weeks holiday with pay each year As transport networks improved, more people started to visit. It would be the arrival of the train line in 1854 that had the greatest impact opening up North Devon to visitors as well as increased trade links.

The day tripper became more popular, with visitors being able to go to Ilfracombe, Mortehoe or Woolacombe relatively easily.

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Some of the stories from people visiting the area: Monday 30th September 1867 Walked to Combe Martin by Watermouth. Got caught in the rain, could get nothing to eat at Combe.

Went from thence to Berrynarbor, a pretty village perched on the ridge of the hill with a fine church tower rising up from a belt of trees. We had some bread and cheese to eat.

The view from the summit was indescribably glorious. Morthoe just visiable between the hills on our right. Morthoe rock, or the Morte stone, black, ominous rugged rising among the waves in the frong, behind a valley running inland bare and anked on our left a vast expanse , the eye roving over Woolacombe Sands a fine reach two miles long to baggy point running far into the sea.

1970

Thursday 1st October 1867 Had a good lunch and started at 13:30 for Morthoe, passing through Lee. The coast scenery was very fine. Lost out way once or twice but finally reached our destination. Had some bread, biscuits and beer at a comfortable little Inn. Afterwards looked over the Church. Sauntered to the top of a neighbouring cliff.

A lovely memoir of family holidays in 1970’s detail a trip to Woolacombe for a two week holiday in a caravan. The family leaving their home at 09:00 in the morning, and not arriving until 17:00 to their caravan which they described as spacious and comfortable with all the mod cons. Woolacombe Holiday memories – Sue White At Woolacombe Beach they sat on polythene bags on the wet sand and had to pay two shillings to park in the car in the car park nearby.

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It was good to see that postcards were on 4d each and they sent some to their friends and also their grandparents from whom they had received ÂŁ20 by post, a lot of money in those days which helped to boost the holiday fund. The sandy beaches were a great attraction, especially to the boys and gave them many hours of enjoyment.

The home-made ice creams from Hockings Vans, an old Morris Van nearly 34 years old went down very well with all of them.

Karen Perry Illustrations

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Hello I’m Karen from Karen Perry Illustrations and I love to draw.

Inspired by my Grandparents to put pencil to paper drawing is a true passion of mine. Throughout the years drawing never left my side and I made the decision to go to University as a mature student and achieve a First Class Honours Degree in Art and Design. Since my graduation I’ve worked hard to push my passion to become my business.

Freelance designing saw my work shown at trade fairs across the globe and my designs were purchased by fashion and interior houses from New York, Paris, London, Italy and Japan.

Taking a step back I decided to build my own brand and Karen Perry Illustrations was born.

Everything I create starts with a hand drawn picture which then evolves into cards, family & pet portraits, personalised prints, cartoon illustrations and commissioned pieces.

Capturing that special moment in line and ink, it’s what I do.

www.karenperryillustrations.com karen@karenperryillustrations.com

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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.

Richard Walden‎

Marion Callaghan Allan Collins

Marion Callaghan

Catherine O’Mara‎ 14

Hotel Pandora Pandora House Hotel was built in the 1930’s and is believed to have been the first purpose built boarding house in Woolacombe. It was built in the newly cut out Springfield Road, known as Well Field at the time.

The hotel was built for the Fisher family, with their son Ben recalling many memories of his time living in Woolacombe and the Pandora Hotel.

Ben recalls when war broke out in Woolacombe, “the start of the war was a strange time, September 1939 was the end of the summer season and the visitors had all gone home. They were long, sunny days and war seemed very distant. I remember going home from school one lunchtime I saw three army lorries full of soldiers; I ran all the way home to tell my father that I had seen the lorries and that they were full of German soldiers and that we were being invaded. My father reassured me that the were not Germans”. It wouldn’t be long before 3 evacuees, girls came to stay with the family.

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They would not stay long as the hotel would soon be taken over by the American Army. He recalls during the second world war ‘The troops moved in. We had to remove all our property from the main part of the building into store in the garage. A small area was sectioned off for our private use. It was later used as a small military hospital for the troops stationed in Woolacombe.

After the war the hotel slowly got back to normal.

An advert for the hotel in 1965 proudly says that the hotel was built and established in 1931, and the visitors book gives proof of genuine satisfaction

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Bull Point Lighthouse - Tractor and Trailer Safari Tuesdays: To Bull Point with the Mortehoe Museum Team Adults £6.00, Children £3.00

Dates: 28th May, 23rd July, 30th July, 6th August, 13th August, 20th August a Times: 10:30, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 18:30 (the 18:30 does not apply to May

Please call 01271 870028 or email bookings@mortehoemuseum.org.uk to che

Take the tractor and trailer out to Bull Point with the Mortehoe Museum team been a lighthouse here since 1879 as after numerous bad storms, and wreckers aground, many ships were wrecked along this coastline. The current lighthous in 1972. Enjoy the dramatic views as you drive down towards Bull Point and about this unique place.

Museum’s exciting future - extension plans approved Exciting times for Mortehoe Museum as plans have been approved for the extension to the existing building to house the Coastguards Wagon cart as well as allowing additional space for exhibitions and a viewing gallery. The extension will be in keeping with the tradiftional style of the existing building.

Plans are available online, and further details about our fundraising efforts will be available soon!!!

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Volunteers are very important to our continuing success as a local museum and registered charity.

Mortehoe Museum is free to visit. We are a charity run museum and we do rely on your support so do ask for donations in our collections milk churn which can be found by the museum entrance.

We require a strong team of volunteers to help advise and guide throughout the year, both as front of house and behind the scenes. Becoming a volunteer is a great way to support the Museum, as well as gain new experiences, new skills and socialising with like minded people. Volunteers are a vital part of our museum and help in a variety of roles.

Mortehoe Museum is looking for new volunteers to join our team. If you have a morning/ afternoon to spare once a week or just a few hours every now and then we would love to hear from you. We offer full training for the front of house roles, which includes welcoming visitors and operating the till in the shop.Â

Keep up to date with the museum and see some of our collection by following us!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #mortehoemuseum

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Chichester Hampers

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hichester Hampers are a luxury hamper company, promoting their 100% plastic free and 100% North Devon sourced products and packaging to a very receptive market.

I had the pleasure of catching up with Joseph and Gillian who launched their new business in September last year, both living in the beautiful village of Woolacombe they were keen to share a little bit more information about their delicious products and the birth of their company.

The name Chichester Hampers has been inspired

by Lady Roasalie Amelia Chichester whose family, until her passing in 1949, owned the majority of Woolacombe’s land and estates including for many years Woolacombe’s golden beach. As a result of the Chichester family building and owning many properties in Woolacombe most of their delicious products are prepared in the very houses that Lady Chichester’s family built and owned.

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oth Joseph and Gillian are passionate about locally made and sourced products and they are keen to reflect that in everything they do.

Their range of hampers contain everything from locally sourced chocolates, Woolacombe made sweet chilli chutney, award winning fudge and locally produced marmalade to name but a few.

Following a successful online launch, and a subsequent stall at the Twitchen House Christmas market, their hampers have become ever more popular, with the launch of new lines, including a wedding hamper. They are engaging with local visitors and residents alike.

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he duo are passionate about preserving their beautiful surroundings and marine life, and have committed to preparing their hampers as completely plastic free. They want to showcase how alternatives to plastic can be used, and demonstrate this with their cardboard hamper boxes, glass containers and the use of greaseproof papers for perishable products. They also offer a local collection service for their packaging to be recycled.

For those who want to order one of these hampers, ranging from their ‘Cookie mug’, The cookie box or one of their silver and gold hampers to name a few of the products available they offer a nationwide delivery services, or free local collection at Woolcombe Tourist Information Centre.

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For more information about Chichester Hampers, and to order some of their fantastic products

www.chichesterhampers.co.uk 19

Samlingstead Garden

Samlingstead Garden public Open Day for the National Garden Scheme - An organisation that supports Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Parkinson’s UK, MIND, Macmillan, Qni, carerstrust,Perennial national charities

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y wife Marion and I have been coming to North Devon since 1990 and Marion visited as a young teenager several years before that. We used to come on holiday twice a year at Easter and October half term prior to us retiring in 2016. We have been at Samlingstead for over three years and whilst we loved the house we bought, the garden had even more potential, for two enthusiastic gardeners. Since buying the property we have created an orchard with 15 fruit trees, eleven apples, two pears and two plums. We took down a pig-sty and recycled the timbers (old railway sleepers) to make raised beds for growing fruit and vegetables (we call it the “Allotment Garden”). The garden has been developed as a series of “rooms” with the cottage garden the first garden having those lovely plants like roses, delphiniums, lupins, azeleas, lilac, cameleas and bulbs in Spring. From there we pass round the house to the patio garden with a Fatsia Japonica in one corner and bulbs in Spring followed by annuals in Summer, the house is defended to some extent from the Atlantic Winter gales by a mature line of conifers. Moving further round there is the rear garden which has a Fig tree and an area near the back door where we grow our herbs for use in cooking, sage, chives, rosemary, mint all seem to thrive in this “sun-trap” area.

Heading up the garden we have designed and built an area we call the “Swallows” garden as we regularly have visitors in early Summer that nest in and around the gardens. The beds are full of bulbs in Spring (daffodils and tulips) along with wallflowers that Marion grows from seed in the Autumn of each prior year.

There are also some large perennial shrubs such as Hydrangea, Vibernum and Cornus and there are some fruit and vegetable beds, too. Moving back down the garden we have the “Summer house” garden which has several trees along with borders for sweetpeas and dahlias. Beyond this is the “Orchard garden” which not only has the fruit trees but also more fruit and vegetables planted in its borders.

Finally, for the energetic there is the field garden a 500 metre walk around 4.5 acres where we have planted 2,300 hedgerow plants having received a grant from the Forestry Commission and these plants comprise, Quickthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple, Crab Apple, Hazel and wild cherry.

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or the Open Day on the 13th April we had 60 visitors and generated a donation of £260 to the NGS, it was our first try so we were very pleased with the interest and generosity of our visitors. We have two gardening groups coming in June and our final open day for 2019 is on 6th July; 12.30 to 4.30pm. Over April, May, June and July the gardens all transform from the youth of Spring to the maturity of Summer, we hope the colour, sights and sounds will be amazing.

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The Magic Lantern Camera

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I was lucky enough to add some magic lantern slides of Woolacombe and Mortehoe to my collection recently.

The images included a wonderful picture of the Woolacombe Bay Hotel, Barricane Beach, Woolacombe Beach and Bull Point Lighthouse. I was interested to find out more about this method of photography.

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ntellectuals from many cultures had experimented over the years with image projection and the relationship between the human eye and the physical principles of light.

It would be in the 1600’s that a Dutch physicist, mathematician, astronomer and inventor Christian Huygens who is better known for founding the wave theory of light and discovering the true shape of the rings or Saturn, would construct the first working magic lantern in 1659.

The early magic lanterns consisted of at least a source of light, a lantern slide and a projection lens. Later with advancements they would contain more components but these were at the core of their working.

Technical advances and different required uses of the lantern meant that manufacturers produced variations on the original design, with each trying to rival previous versions.

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anterns were made in all sizes, from small ones for children to larger versions used for education and theatrical production, however all were made from wood, usually mahogany, and contained brass accessories and controls.

The name Magic Lantern derived from the early audiences as they felt that the experience of the lantern lead them to see devils and angels mysteriously appear on the walls as ‘if by magic.

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The earliest known lantern show was in Salem, Massachusetts in December 1743, however numbers to these shows were often low as the images being projected were of poor quality.

By the 18th Century the magic lantern was a common form of entertainment and education used throughout Europe.

The glass slides used with the magic lantern were initially printed on strips of glass usually oblong or square, with the later slides using transfers and a lithograph process.

DEVON D-DAY North Devon played an important part in the events of D-Day. The 2019 Devon D-Day programme is a summer long commemoration of the American GI’s who were stationed in North Devon from 1943-1944.

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Bringing all of the activities and events together, a new World War II heritage trail will link towns, villages, coastal heritage sites and museums, enabling visitors to tour all of the important locations during a stay in north Devon. An illustrated booklet will accompany the trail and be available from museums, visitor centres and Tourist Information Centres across the area.

Along Saunton beach on the weekend of 15th and 16th June, a large-scale living history event will bring the story of D-Day to life. Re-enactors in a ‘Little Normandy’ camp will create a German bunker and trench system, while a ‘Little America’ American camp will have stations along the beach, representing the engineering and 22nd infantry units that trained in north Devon. In ‘Little Britain’, reenactors representing the Women’s Auxillary Air Force will set up a radar map room. A finale will feature an assault on the German defences of Little Normandy by GI re-enactors.

For the first time, 2019’s commemoration at Saunton Beach will include a new educational day on Friday 14th June, inviting schools to learn about the key role that north Devon played in preparing for D-Day.

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evon D-Day in 2019 is a summer-long commemoration of the American GI presence in north Devon in 1943-44, during the preparations for the D-Day landings of World War II. 10,000 American soldiers were stationed on the north Devon coast as World War II moved towards its final months, using the area’s beaches, estuaries and sand dunes to perfect an amphibious assault capable of overcoming the ‘Atlantic Wall’ – a network of heavy fortifications all along the coastline of Germanoccupied Europe.

As Engineer Lieutenant Colonel Paul W Thompson, the person chosen to organise the soldiers’ training, recalled: ‘ “If Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton, surely the sands of the north Devon beaches contributed importantly to the success of the assault over the Normandy beaches’.

During 2019, 75 years on, the experiences of the GI’s and the North Devon communities they lived amongst will be marking this anniversary.

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Woody Bay Martinhoe - a journey back in time W

oody Bay, once known as Wooda Bay, is a hamlet located along the North Devon coastline, within the Exmoor National Park, between Lynton and Combe Martin. Sweeping in a magnificent curve, it is a beautiful spot to enjoy some of the wonderful landscape the area has to offer, including waterfalls and caves.

The parish records date from 1632, and show the area being known by a variety of names, until eventually Woody Bay stuck. It’s history was manily agriculture and labouring, however in 1885 a solicitor from Orpington had much grander plans for the area and hoped to take some of the visitor trade being built up in Lynton and Lynmouth.

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n 1885, the Manor of Martinhoe was bought by Colonel Benjamin Lake who quickly set about developing the area as an exclusive tourist resort, hoping to compete with the nearby Lynton & Lynmouth.

Mr Benjamin Greene Lake was featured in the Bury and Norwich post in 1889 in their feature ‘Celebrity at Home’, this gives a wonderful insight into this man and how he lived at the time, detailing his ‘rural residence’, as he also has a home in Chancery Lane in London as well as that of his ‘coastal home’ at Martinhoe. ‘The ivy clad building gives home in its garden to Daniel and Sarah the priory peacocks, with China roses and white clematis clambering over the deep bay windows’, give an instant insight into the way Mr Lake lived. They go on to report that he is here much of his time, when he is not at his ‘Devonshire home at Martinhoe, where he lives when he hoists the flag of the Royal Victoria Yacht Squadron on his boar ‘the Doris’ and cruises up and down the Bristol Channel.

On buying Martinhoe, he instantly mortgaged the estate for £25,000 to settle a debt he had incurred when buying shares in the Kent coal industry, this wrecklessness would see him flounder to his eventual downfall some years later

He initially started a road building scheme to ensure that visitors would be able to reach his new resort. He built a 16ft wide road from Hunters Inn to Wooda Bay over the common to Martinhoe Cross and a further road to join the cliff road. He continued with his work, converting the manor house into the Wooda Bay Hotel now known as the Martinhoe Manor, with additional plans to build houses and a post office, as well as a new golf course at Martinhoe common.

In 1894 he set about plans for a grand to pier, initial plans were restricted by Colonel Lake’s financial problem, however on the 15th April 1897 the pier was completed and officially opened. The pier hoped to provide access from coastal steamers. The opening ceremony was marred with bad weather, and a low tide meant that the first planned steam ship to dock was unable to stop which was an issue for future landings, and subsequent plans were developed to extend the pier. A pier was finally built in 1895 as part of the proposed Woody Bay tourist resort.

It began to break up in storms during 1899 and 1900 and was pulled down in 1902, but stone foundation blocks and iron girder bases are still visible.

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n October 1900 the London Bankruptcy Court revealed that he was in over £200,000 of debt. At the time of his trial, Lake was a respected man, chairman of the law society and a Devon JP the revelation of his financial affairs caused a great sensation.

Lake appeared before the magistrates court at the Old Bailey in London. He was charged with alleged extensive misappropriation of trust funds. He denied any knowledge of the misuse of the funds and blamed everything on his cousins book keeping, The jury only took 15 minutes to deliberate before the return a verdict of guilty on three of the charges on which he had been accussed. He would be sentenced to 12 years penal servitude for using his client’s savings, however he only served a few of these, dying aged 70 in 1909 following an early release from Parkhurst prison in 1908 on the grounds of ill heath having only served 7 years of his sentence, of which most of this had been spend in the prison infirmary suffering from a heart condition.

Woody Bay is now owned by the National Trust, a beautiful area that is home to rare flora. For more information about the area, visit their website.

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Woolacombe Sand Du W

oolacombe dunes, better known as Woolacombe Warren are a wonderful backdrop to Woolacombe’s golden beach. The sand dunes have been much documented and used during WW2 training, with some of concrete blocks that were used as dummy landing crafts still being visible here, although now overgrown, there is also evidence of Woolacombe’s old golf links course, which was in use here until 1939.

The creation of sand dunes requires the right weather and geographical condition, the first process of dunes forming requires the movement and weathering of the sand behind the shoreline, windy weather is also required to transport sediment. As the wind blows along a beach it will transport material.

Larger pieces will form a ridge, once there is a stable angle the sand will stop slipping and the dunes begin to form.

Sand dunes will be formed over many years and can be a wonderful environment for wildlife, as well as protecting the inland areas from severe weather.

The dunes at Woolacombe developed from sediment eroded during the last glaciation. This was deposited at sea and then gradually brought ashore, where it was picked up by onshore winds blowing across the beach at low tide, and deposited as dunes behind. Dunes tend to migrate inland but the dunes at Woolacombe are backed by the steep seaward face of Woolacombe Down, a fossil sea-cliff dating from a period of higher sea level.

The idea of introducing these beau improvement of the plant and wild that are encouraged by the cows g

The cows are kept in a specified ar an invisible fence system. The her to a radio signal emitted by a cable cable an alarm sounds on the colla over the invisible fence line they w them going any further. This meth veterinary groups to ensure that it

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oday the dunes can be enjoyed To access the dunes you can e them from the beach. At Enricos c left as you reach the beach, you w system at this point. If you walk al the dunes, during your walk look o the pretty summer flowers in bloom can print on their website that show for.

For the more active The dunes are he National Trust now look after the dunes, one of the ways that they have Dunes course. Started in 2017 the developd the wildlife and protection of this area is with the Implimentation every Saturday at 09:00. The 5km of a herd of red cows grazing here in the winter months. During the winter running on a mixture of stone trac months Woolacombe Warren becomes home to a herd of large red cows. considered one of the harder park

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unes

utiful cattle to the dunes is to assist with the dlife species that can be found amongst the dunes, grazing habits.

rea of the dunes, unable to roam on the beach by rd of cows are fitted with a collar that responds e buried in the dunes, as the cows approach the ar. The cows are trained to know if they continue will receive a pulse from the collar which deters hod has been vigorously tested and monitered by is safe and continues to be so.

Jim Coslett and Beth Newsome are the caterers who bought us the award winning, Seadog foods, and are now running the Porthole café and kiosk in partnership with the National Trust on Marine Drive, Woolacombe.

d by anybody who wishes to walk amongst them. either follow the paths from Marine drive or access café, take the left path alongside the stream, turning will start walking along the bottom of the dune long the beach you will see a path cutting up into out for the beautiful heathers and gorses as well as m. The North Devon AONB have a leaflet that you ws the full circular walk with things to look out

Overlooking the beach the views are stunning, opening in April, the café has an indoor seating area with panoramic views over the coastline looking towards Lundy Island.

The café sources as much as it can locally, recently serving delicious asparagus from Braunton in it’s classic pea and mint salad, as well as a range of cakes, pies, snacks and lunches.

e now also part of the Park Run Woolacombe popular Woolacombe Dunes Park Run takes place m run takes place along the dunes and Marine drive cks, sand dunes and sand its quite a challenge, runs to do.

The café has a strong plastic free ethos, they don’t offer plastic take away cups, instead they offer their customers a chance to borrow their china mugs or to buy reusable drinking cups. As one of the plastic free champions for Woolacombe they ‘ aim to minimise our footprint as much as possible’.

Pop along if you are in Marine Drive, ideal for those doing the Woolacombe Dunes park run!

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Whats On

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June D Day Marking the site where 10,000 American GIs trained for D-Day, Saunton will host the largest living history event the southwest has ever seen. Lots to see and do, Saunton D-Day is a free public event. www.sauntondday.co.uk

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June National Sandcastle Competition The North Devon Hospice National Sandcastle Competition has been resurrected after several dormant years....It is coming back.....Bigger.....Better.....At it’s new home.....WESTWARD HO! www.visitwestwardho.co.uk

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June Grand Victorian & Steampunk Festival Fundraising throughout the year to produce a programme with a little bit of everything from the sublime to the unusual.

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June Marathon

The toughest and most beautiful race in the UK. The Woolacombe marathon and half marathon is run is aid of The North Devon Hospice www.northdevonhospice.org.uk

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July All things Morris

There will be plenty of Morris activity to see and do over the weekend.

Starting at 11am and there will be dancing all afternoon and Sunday also sees our classic & vintage vehicle show

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rd August South West Birdman

The South West Birdman competition sees crazy aviators and would be pilots hurl themselves off Ilfracombe Pier into the icy waters below – all hoping to “fly” the furthest and be crowned champion of the event.

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This legendary sporting race will see a beautiful collection of sailing vessels race rom Ilfracombe around Lundy and back again.

The Big Summer Bash came to Braunton in the summer on 2017 and has been a storming success ever since !

50 mile race starting at 8am from Ilfracombe to and around Lundy Island. Now in its fifteenth year, a vigorous and exhilarating day’s sailing is anticipated.

www.gingermonkevents.co.uk

July Lundy Yacht Race

rd August The BIG Summer Bash

Organised by Ilfracombe Round Table the day-long event attracts thousands of people to the town and raises money for local worthy causes.

As well as the main flying event, the South West Birdman Competition, the event also includes a live music stage with great music throughout the day, a mixture of food, craft & charity stalls, children’s entertainment and much more besides.

www.visitilfracombe.co.uk

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th August Mini Madness Mini cars, all different, create an amazing spectacle at the end of their Annual Grand Tour.

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July Woolsery Agricultural Show

Woolsery Agricultural Show is integral to summer A fun-filled day packed with a programme of activities. Classes include crafts, cattle and sheep, together with horse and pony competitions .There will be a dairy marquee with yoghurt and ice cream making and the chance for children to “milk a cow” along with competitions. You’ll find bustling trade stalls offering locally made crafts and food with fairground rides and a bouncy castle for the children.

There’ll also be a fast and furious inter hunt relay and to finish the day, a parade of vintage farm machinery. www.woolseryshow.org.uk

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August Mortehoe Scarecrow

Mortehoe Scarecrow Festival returns in 2019 the themse musicals of stage and screen.

Great fun for all the family, raising funds for local organisations.

The Grand Tour brings the locals out in their thousands into the streets to watch the Minis go by. It takes about 15/20 minutes for all the Minis to clear an area, one after the other. The event takes in some fantastic countryside and has some breathtaking stopping points.

The final resting place is Ilfracombe and what a sight to behold, not to be missed. www.visitilfracombe.co.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

Anchors Aweigh made another donation to Devon Air Ambulance Trust of just over £3000 Anchors Aweigh at The Red Barn,Woolacombe, with landlord Gus Ashford (right) presenting the fantastic amount collected in the last twelve months, to Val Drew, local representative for Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Anchors Aweigh are very pleased to have raised over £3000 this year which brings the total amount raised in the past few years to over £10000.

Mortehoe’s Rockham Beach inaccessible: due to a rockfall underneath the beach access steps, they are currently unstable and so will be closed until further notice. We are waiting for an assessment and will keep you updated.

St Sabinus Appeal In 2020 the Church will be celebrating its 110 years since the foundation stone was laid by Miss Rosalie Chichester.

The architect who inspects the church every 5 years has identified the condition of the church roof as a major cause for concern. The Cornish Treborough slate tiles have become soft and flaky causing the tiles to slip as the nails wear through them.

The success of this project will be the support that the church receive. Further information about the church and how you can help will be available in the Woolacombe & Mortehoe News.

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Mortehoe Scarecrow Festival

2nd-4th August

The 2nd-4th August, is set to be another fun weekend when Mortehoe hosts its annual Scarecrow festival.

This years theme is the Musicals of stage and screen. If you would like to be involved or would like a stall at the event, get in touch with Rachel at Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre, Rachel@ woolacombetourism.co.uk or call 01271870553.

West Country Bullie Bash This year West Country Bullie Walks held its 8th Bullie Bash at Easewell Park. This year we had over 230 Bull Terriers attend and raised £6000.00.

This will be used to help pay the vets bills of Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers in UK rescues. Bullie Bash 1 was attended by 8 Bull Terriers and we have seen it grow year by year.

In the 8 years we have raised around. £25,000.

This year we had a trade stand from Holland, an artist from France and a Bull Terrier from USA who is travelling Europe. Sadly this was the last Bullie Bash to be held in Woolacombe. We would like to pass on our thanks to all that have made us feel so welcome. The local community, The Fortescue, The Ship Aground, The Chichester Arms, The Chippy in Mortehoe village, the Village Store and the local B & B’s

Hankies were needed at Richard Bass’s #DevonDDay talk last night! Russ Allen from Georgia, USA, was in Mortehoe purely by chance when he saw a poster for the talk.

Russ graduated from West Point Military Academy – the same as Col. Paul W Thompson who set up the Assault Training Center in North Devon. Russ had an emotional thank you for the people of North Devon on behalf of his predecessors. #DevonDDay is supported by Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants and North Devon Coast AONB Sustainable Development Fund. More information: www.assaulttrainingcenterfriends.co.uk 33

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