The Eagle - December 2019/January 2020

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11 December 2019/ January 2020

The Eagle Yarnscombe Newsletter by the Community for the Community

VILLAGE SOCIAL MEDIA

Village Village Hall Social Club Eagle Youth Group Shortmat Bowls

@YarnscombeVillage @yarnscombevillagehall @yarnscombesocialclub @YarnscombeEagle (private group page) (friend request required)

Village Village Hall Social Club Eagle

@YarnscombeVill1 @YarnscombeHall @YarnscombeSC @EagleYarnscombe

Village

@yarnscombevillage

WEBSITES www.yarnscombe.org.uk www.tworiversmissioncommunity. org

EDITORS Pat Hammond

NOTE FROM THE EDITORS So, here we are again; the end of another year.

It’s been a fun packed year with loads of events during 2019 including the Summer Fair (July), Fleetwood Mac (February), decorated flower pots and Cider Walk (August), pop up restaurant (June), Harvest Supper (October) to name just a few.

We have (had) the popular Christmas Fair at the end of November and the (bound to be) well attended Carol Service in St Andrew’s Church on Sunday 22nd December.

What will 2020 have in store for us? One big topic will be Brexit and how it will affect us all living and working in rural North Devon. Only time will tell.

The “Note from the Editors” wouldn’t be complete without a comment on the weather. We have one word “WET”. Seriously, how much rain can those clouds hold!! There are roads around the parish, as well as the B3232 and A377, that have been affected from flooding and debris, some of which haven’t been passable.

Hopefully none of you have sustained too much damage.

VILLAGER NEWS We have two new neighbours in Herds Lane since the last issue.

We send our “Welcome” wishes to the residents in Northchurch Cottage and Normead.

We trust you will be happy in the village.

 The Briars, EX31 3LW  01769 560657  hammondjunction@aol.com

We also have a very special message to one of our villagers. A very Happy 100th Birthday to at Bucks Mill.

All of us in Yarnscombe send you best wishes on your special day.

Sharron Newberry

 Heather Bank, EX31 3LW  01769 561374  yarnscombe.eagle@gmail.com Sharron is also the admin for the Village, Village Hall and Social Club Facebook pages, Twitter feeds and village Instagram account.

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and New Year and we’ll see you in 2020. &

1

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11 VILLAGE HALL & SOCIAL CLUB COMMITTEE 2020/2021

USEFUL INFORMATION Police 101 Non-Emergency Textphone 18001 101 for the deaf, hard or hearing or speech impaired Emergencies 999 Out of hours service call 111. To help you find the right care to meet your needs including the Devon Doctors Service.

Community Support Officer. PFCSO Sandra Brown.

Email: sandra.brown@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk Crimestoppers 0800 555111 Team Vicar: Rev. Paul Bysouth 01271 858888 Methodist Minister: Rev. Robert Hurley 01271 344682 Torrington Health Centre Castle Gardens Surgery North Devon Hospital Torrington Dental Practice Castle Hill Dental Practice Vet – Torbridge Torrington Library Barnstaple Library Ring and Ride Western Power Distribution Emergencies Only (Power Cuts)

Mike Avery Chairperson maveryjk@aol.com 01805 624834 Lesley Latter Vice Chairperson lesleylatter@btinternet.com 01769 560470 Richard Purchase Secretary purchase487@btinternet.com 01271 58472 07712 132969 Sharron Newberry V.H. & S.C. Treasurer victoryhall.yarnscombe@gmail.com 01769 561374 07786 850716 Karen Avery Event Booking Manager maveryjk@aol.com 01805 624834 Mike Passmore Bar Manager

01805 622247 01805 623222 01271 322577 01805 623657 01805 625837 01805 622100 01805 622107 01271 388593 01237 423232 105

mikepassmore1958@gmail.com 07766 084441 Jeff Latter Facilities Manager jefferylatter89@gmail.com 07831 790892 Please note: that phone numbers provided in The Eagle are to be used for village related purposes only.

PARISH COUNCIL Chairman Clerk Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor

Chris Brice Martina Dymond Dan Farr (Snow Warden) Denys Cooke Richard Pengilley Paul Williams Harold Martin (vacancy)

01271 858297 01769 560049 01769 560483 01271 858270 01769 560783 01769 561178 01769 561214

VILLAGE CLUBS Badminton & Bowls Church Warden Harracott WI Secretary Ladies Skittles Men’s Skittles Youth Group

Jay Shaw

01769 560804

Anne Prowse Beryl Sellwood

01769 560014 01769 560219

Margaret Crocker Mike Avery Karen Avery

01769 560714

A big “THANK YOU” to those of you who have signed up already. As a well-known high street supermarket may say “Every Little Helps”.

01805 624834 01805 624834

If you haven’t signed up yet, it’s very easy and every time you shop online, the Village Hall benefits.

2

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11 NOTES FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL

YARNSCOMBE VACANCIES As mentioned by the editors in the last edition of the “Eagle”, it is of utmost importance that all of us take care when using our roads. Especially this time of year, when roads become treacherous due to extreme weather conditions.

Do you want to be involved in one or more of the various committees/ organisations in the parish?

The parish council is doing all it can to improve the quality of road surfaces. Two of our councillors have met with our Highways Neighbourhood Officer and highlighted the priorities within the parish regarding potholes and general road conditions.

Here are some of the vacancies currently available.

If you are interested in any of these voluntary positions, please make contact with the relevant committee.

Parish Council Councillor PROW (Public Rights of Way) Contact: Martina Dymond (Clerk)

The other vital factor when it comes to avoiding accidents is speed and during our last meeting, the possible use of a Community Speed Camera was discussed. We will need to explore this option further with help and advice given by our local PCSO. Also, we cannot go ahead with this option, unless it has your support. Please let us know your views, on our website (www.yarnscombe.org.uk) you find contact details of councillors and clerk.

Parochial Church Treasurer Contact: Grahame Thomas or Richard Pengilley Village Hall Management and upkeep of the defibrillator.

Contact: Karen Avery or Sharron Newberry

As the next edition of the “Eagle” will be published next year, on behalf of Yarnscombe Parish Council we wish all parishioners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Two committee members Contact: The Committee Social Club Bar Staff – on a rota.

Contact: Mike Passmore

Fingers crossed, the weather is kind to us. As ever, our Snow Warden (Cllr.Farr) is on standby.

Planning: Conversion of redundant agricultural building to residential use Shortridge Yarnscombe Barnstaple Devon EX31 3LJ Ref. No: 1/0773/2019/FUL | Received: Mon 19 Aug 2019 | Validated: Mon 19 Aug 2019 | Status: Application Permitted

FRESH TURKEYS FOR SALE Most of us like to “shop locally”, so how about a turkey for Christmas reared in the Parish?

There are a few left at £6.00 per kilo. They will be dressed ready for the oven.

Call/Text 908313 to reserve yours.

on 07773

3

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

CAN YOU PLAY A KEYBOARD……

COLLECTION FOR THE FOOD BANK

The Yarnscombe Carol Service, which was so well supported last year, is now coming into view again: it takes place this year on Sunday 22nd December.

Please note.

This year St. Andrew’s Church, Yarnscombe will be collecting items for the Torrington Food Bank at their

But there's a problem: the keyboard player, who lives near Okehampton, is unable to be with us this year so we are urgently seeking a replacement. We need someone who can play the standard well-known Christmas carols and hymns in four-part harmony (music supplied) on a keyboard, which we can supply, to support a very small but enthusiastic group of instrumentalists.

Rehearsals are currently scheduled for 7:30pm on the four Tuesdays before the service so there will be plenty of time to "fit in".

Carol Service. If we all bring just one item what a difference we could make. Boxes will be situated in the church porch on the evening of the Carol Service – 22nd December!!

Here are just a few examples of items required: Tins of fruit or vegetables Cereals, sugar Packets of dried food – rice pasta etc.

Canned fish Long life milk, tea, coffee Jars of Jam, Marmalade, pickles etc

If you think you might be able to help, or you know someone else who might, we should be very pleased to hear from you.

For more details please contact

PS. If you are unable to make the Carol Service but would still like to donate there will be boxes just inside the church over that weekend.

Thank you.

(560783).

YARNSCOMBE CHURCH RESCUE GROUP

District Council for Planning Permission to put photo-voltaic panels into the roof gulley (where they will be out of sight) and secondly to South West Water for permission to connect to a supply and to the drains. So, as you can imagine, there is a lot of paperwork flying about just now!

Progress continues in assembling the information needed to apply for permission from the Church of England to make the changes we want to our church. Our thanks go to Sam Woollacott and Martyn Waller for recently giving up their time to provide their expert advice to this process. At the time of writing, we are hopeful that we might be ready to submit our application at the approval meeting in early December.

As we close in on the final version of the plan, there have had to be some small adjustments.

You can keep sight of these by visiting the display easel in the church (which is open every day from sunrise to sunset).

As well as works permission from the C of E, we are also having to apply firstly to Torridge

4

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

SERVICES IN YARNSCOMBE

FROM THE RECTOR

DECEMBER 2019

I’m a ‘Summer’ person. I love some warmth in my bones and a good game of cricket! But there is one thing guaranteed to cheer me up in the middle of a cold dark winter, other than a Test Match Special commentary from the Caribbean, and that’s Christmas. Yes, it is a bit of a long slog for a clergyman… especially now Christmas starts in November! By Christmas day I generally can’t face another mince pie (although my ability to put away a second piece of stolen often remains undiminished). But I wouldn’t miss Christmas for the world.

Date Time Advent 3 15th 6:30pm Advent 4 22nd 6:30pm

Service Holy Communion Carol Service

CHURCH ROTA – DECEMBER 2019 Readers Cleaners Mrs S Harris & Mrs G Harrison Flowers Mrs S Harris

Christmas is of course one of the three main Christian festivals, along with Easter and Pentecost (Whitsun). The celebrations of Jesus birth sets off a series of seasons and special days in church during which we follow the life of Jesus through his childhood, adult teaching and healing to his death, resurrection and ascension to heaven. I never cease to be amazed that in Jesus God has revealed himself to humanity, and that in Jesus God has reached out to me with his love and brought me into a relationship with him closer than that of parent to child or husband to wife.

Readers Cleaners Mrs S Harris & Mrs G Harrison Flowers Mrs S Harris Readers Cleaners Mr M & Mrs C Wyatt Flowers All together for Christmas Readers Cleaners Mr M & Mrs C Wyatt Flowers All together for Christmas

But I also love Christmas because I get to welcome many people into church who I don’t see so much during the rest of the year, or I’m even invited to special events in the community.

I get to share something of God’s love shown in the tiny baby lying helpless in a manger. Please do check out what’s going on around the local churches and make the most of the Christingles, crib service and carol services.

HOME GROUP YARNSCOMBE WILL BE BACK IN JANUARY AFTER A BREAK FOR ADVENT @ The Old School House

And on behalf of the ministry team may I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

revgaryowen@gmail.com 07947 358050 01769 560792

Meeting on the 1st and 3rd Monday

6th JANUARY 2020 at 3:00pm 20th JANUARY 2020 at 3:00pm Contact

560204 for more info.

5

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

Bar Staff Wanted Programme of events: Pilates, stretch and relaxation Classes Monday Tuesday 9:00am – 10:00am 9:00am – 10:00am 10.15am – 11:15am 10:00am – 11:00am (Beginner) 6:00pm – 7:00pm 7:00pm – 8:00pm (Men’s Class)

Movement & Meditation Classes

once a month 7:30pm – 8:45 pm

We always need volunteers to help with the running of the Social Club bar.

16th January 2020 Dancing Drum Journeying

once a month 7:30pm – 9:00pm

You would be required to serve behind the bar on a Saturday night on a rota basis and occasionally at private hire events.

23rd January 6th February All sessions are pay as you go. Booking essential as small groups

** One 2 One Sessions** **Pilates** **Shamanic Healing** To Book contact

Are you interested??

on 07896 326024 or

Please contact

email sue.spiritunleashed@gmail.com For more information see www.spiritunleashed.co.uk

on 07766 084441.

NORTH DEVON RAMBLERS

Monday 30th December 2019 From 10:00am

Yarnscombe Village Hall

You are welcome to join the ND Ramblers on their New Years Eve-eve walk around the parish. The distance is approx. 5.5 miles

Friday 13th December Doors open at 6:30pm Eyes down at 7:30pm

The route starts at the Village Hall Car Park, then onto Three Gates Cross, Oaken Hill Bridge, Sherwood Green, Lee Cross, Langridgeford, Court Barton and back to the hall. Mostly lane walking – Green Lane, bridleway with some pull ups.

Meat and fruit prizes.

Christmassy theme prizes.

Special Festive Raffle.

Donations of £1 to take part.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!

Please contact

6

on 07720 203737

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11 AGM – VILLAGE HALL & SOCIAL CLUB

THE BIG QUIZ: SEASON 4 ROUND 2

The AGM of the Village Hall and Social Club held at the end of October saw a re-shuffling of some of the officer roles within the committee, with three resignations and two new members.

The Officers are noted below and included on page 2 of The Eagle each issue.

Chairperson Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer Bar Manager Facilities Manager Event Booking Manager

Round 2 of the Quiz League saw ten teams taking part with a dead heat for first place between Still Leavers & Remainers and Barton Hall Again – the former winning the tie-break question. It was wonderful to see so many packed into the social club; congratulations and a huge thank you to all who took part.

Our thanks go to both Issy Passmore and Martyn Waller who have been on the committee for a number of years. Your efforts and support to the Village Hall and Social Club have been very much appreciated.

We do have room for more teams (just!) and we’d love to have you join us. If you don’t have a team, we’ll find you one! Next is the traditional Christmas quiz, with extra prizes, on Saturday 21st December at 8.15pm in the Victory Hall. Please feel free to dress up!

Our two new members include Sue Kilby and Terry Fairbrother – welcome aboard.

We are looking forward to 2020 with the continuation of the quiz league and any other events. That’s where you, the villagers, come in.

League Table as at 2330 on 16/11/2019 Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Team Barton Hall Again Still Leavers & Remainers The Outsiders Roz, Tim & Friends Insiders The Newbies Very Trying Rock Bottom Boris Touched My Thigh Norfolk & Chance

Mike Avery Lesley Latter Richard Purchase Sharron Newberry Mike Passmore Jeff Latter Karen Avery

What would you like to see in the hall?

Pts 19 15 15 13 8.5 8 4.5 4 3.5 1.5

Please contact any committee member with your ideas – we will consider (almost) anything!!

Also, don’t forget to donate to the Village Hall when shopping online by using https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/yarn scombevillagehall/. It’s free to you and we receive a %donation.

First quiz of the new year will be Saturday

January 18th.

7

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

DECEMBER & JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

Ethan Hole – 12 years old Elis Evans – 1 year old If you would like your child’s birthday mentioned in the Eagle, please let us know. It’s a great treat for them to see their name in print!!

8

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

CHRISTMAS IN YARNSCOMBE

9

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

10

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

11

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

Yarnscombe Village Hall

12

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

NATURE NOTES While England has been experiencing exceptionally wet weather, Scotland has had dry, crisp, sunny days. I had the good fortune to spend a fortnight there and noticed how well tended the land looked, with the corn beginning to show and the trees still in their beautiful autumn colours. Travelling up to Perth, one day, I saw a group of Whooper swans in a field with some of them flying overhead. They occasionally breed in Scotland but, more often, they are winter visitors. They have long, slender necks and this distinguishes them in flight from the wild geese which I also saw when up North. These are smaller and stubbier but both species tend to fly in a V-formation.

The birds which we are accustomed to seeing here in England are the Mute swans which, as their name suggests, are less vocal than other swans, although their wings make a loud singing note in flight. They may be seen anywhere, but generally near sheltered lakes and coastal areas. They used to be highly valued as a source of luxury food and were eaten right up until the mid-20th century, particularly in some Oxford and Cambridge colleges. The Crown retains the

right to ownership of all unmarked swans on open water, although the Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset claims an exception granted by Queen Elizabeth I. The swannery, behind the western end of Chesil Bank, has existed probably for over 600 years and is the largest gathering of swans in England, containing between 600 to 1000 birds. They are attracted by the eel grass which grows in the area, and they are a major tourist attraction, well worth a visit.

Some forecasters are predicting a cold winter.

Perhaps we should welcome this. Cold winters, late springs and warm summers favour our wildlife. Hibernating creatures stay put instead of waking too early; birds nest at the right time; flowers bloom and migrants arrive when they should. But all the evidence points to a rapid change in climate; droughts in some parts of the globe, floods in others. However, it is not all bad.

We have gained some bird species that have moved north and perhaps we may see others, such as bee-eaters and hoopoes.

Happy Christmas to everyone!

13

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Each February we ask all households for a contribution of at least £5.00 to cover the production and printing costs of The Eagle.

Unfortunately, printing costs did increase during the year – but this still means you get each issue for the bargain cost of 45p each month.

We will attach to the next issue of The Eagle a small brown envelope that should be delivered to either of the editors or given to Barry, the postman who is willing to pick up any from “out of the village” locations.

If we don’t receive your contribution after a couple of months, we will assume that you no longer wish to receive a copy of The Eagle.

We’d also like your feedback and comments about The Eagle over the last twelve months.

Is there anything you would like included? Is

there anything you would like to change? Please let us know.

ADVERTISING COSTS These prices are for 12 months advertising in The Eagle.

1/2 page £30.00

1/4 page

£20.00

Partial year prices are available—contact us for details.

Advertisements are renewed in February each year. If you’d like to include an advert, please contact either of the Editors.

Can we thank you for your support for our local community newsletter. Keep up the good work and we hope that you continue sending items to include each month. &

14

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11 DEFRIBILLATOR

Dial 999 if you suspect Someone is having a cardiac arrest.

The Ambulance service have details of our defibrillator, the location and the code to open the cabinet and should tell you when you ring them (the defibrillator is in the entrance to the Victory Hall).

The village Youth Group is still up and running on alternative Friday evenings during term time.

The group meets in the Village Hall between 7pm and 9pm and costs £2 per child; there is also a tuck shop. Activities can be planned for the evening or if you’d like to go along and share your hobbies or stories, please get in touch.

Children of all ages are welcome; under 8’s to be accompanied by an adult. A minimum of 3 adults to be at the Hall for the group to run.

It would be great to see you on 6th December and after the Christmas break starting on 17th January.

Keep an eye on the Youth Group Facebook page for updates.

The defibrillator has to be kept in a temperature-controlled cabinet to prevent deterioration. If you need to access the defibrillator the code to the cabinet is

0000  (four zeros) followed by the Tick This will unlock the cabinet. The defibrillator is automated and can be used by anyone and is self-explanatory. Once you open the lid to the defibrillator and turn it on - please listen carefully and follow the voice instructions. (Do not use in wet conditions) If you do need to use the defibrillator, please let us know on 01805 624834 as we will need to replace parts and ensure it is working.

MB FIREWOOD Well-Seasoned Dry Logs – Barn Stored Also: Tree Felling/Forestry Work Undertaken. Standing/Fallen Timber Bought.

Contact: MARTIN BRADBURY 01769 540563 / 07974 176963

Email: mbfirewood@gmail.com 15

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

There will be a meeting of the PCC at Rooks Farm, by kind invitation of Rosemary Woollacott, on

Tuesday 21st January 2020 at 7:30pm.

Please forward items for the agenda to me by 14th January.

16

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

LOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

17

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

NEW PROJECT LAUNCHED FOR GREAT TORRINGTON AND 16 VILLAGES A new local pilot project, Torrington 100, will aim to help connect people across Torrington and its surrounding villages by finding out what activities are already on offer and whether village residents would like help to develop or add new ones to those they already have.

The project is supported by Torridge Volunteer Service, the NHS, the Care Forum, The Plough Arts Centre and Great Torrington Town Council who all work together to try and improve the quality of life for local people. An exciting launch day has been held with people aged 375 years taking part in free activities at The Plough Arts Centre.

The first part of the pilot project is to meet with villagers and learn as much as possible about skills and resources that the village already has.

A get- together for people from different villages was also held, to meet one another and share information, challenges and hopes for the future.

I recently visited Yarnscombe Parish Council to introduce Torrington 100 (what a fantastic village hall you have!) and hope to meet with other village groups to talk about the project and how we may help. If you would like to get in touch it would be great to hear from you and perhaps visit your group in Yarnscombe.

In the meantime, wishing you all a lovely Devon Christmas!

Community Developer, Torrington 100. catherine@ttvs.org.uk 07939 154 436

18

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11

MOBILE LIBRARY

Village Hall car park Monday (unless specified) mornings between 11:00am and 11:40am 16th December We are waiting on a decision about the future of the Mobile Library Service from Devon County Council after a consultation exercise earlier this year. As this is the case these timetables are provisional and may change, but we will advertise well in advance if they do.

19

VOLUME 36

ISSUE 11 RUBBISH DATES – DECEMBER 2019

VILLAGE HALL DIARY The Social Club bar is open every Saturday and Monday evening between 8:00pm and 11:00pm

REGULAR EVENTS Men’s Skittles (Sept– Apr) Monday Summer Skittles (Apr– Aug) Ladies skittles & Tuesday badminton Wednesday Short Mat Bowls Thursday Short Mat Bowls (7:30pm) Friday Yarnscombe Bingo (alternate) (7:30pm) Anyone wishing to book the hall for a function contact Karen Avery (Booking Secretary) on 01805 624834.

RUBBISH DATES – JANARY 2020

BINGO DATES Listed below are the next few dates for the bingo.

December

January

February

13th

10th

7th 21st

Christmas 24th Bingo Doors open at 6:30pm.

Eyes down at 7:30pm • Meat and fruit prizes.

• Raffle.

These timetables only relates to those properties served by Torridge District Council (there are 6 properties in the parish covered by North Devon District Council which has a different rubbish collection timetable)

E V E R Y O N E W E L C O M E !!

20