Sheepwash Chronicle Spring 2016

Issue 115 Spring 2016

Editorial – Your Chronicle Still Needs You!
Thank you to everyone who gave us feedback on our last issue, and an even bigger thank you to all who
have sent us contributions for this one!
Remember, we need your input to make the Chronicle what you want it to be. You can do this in lots of
ways:
Give us your news – what has happened since the last issue, and what will be happening in the
next few months. We want to hear about special birthdays, anniversaries, new arrivals and
departures, forthcoming events - anything and everything that is of interest to you and/or your
neighbours.
Send us a contribution. We don’t want your money! We do want interesting articles, photographs,
drawings, cartoons, jokes, puzzles, poems, and stories – anything that will help to make the
Chronicle a “good read”. We accept contributions on paper, electronically, or even verbally!
Write a regular column. We would love to hear from anyone who would like to write a regular
column on a hobby such as gardening or cooking, or country diary notes, or observations on village
life, or anything else which will give our readers practical advice, or just bring a smile to their faces.
Give us your feedback. For years the Chronicle has been something we’ve all looked forward to
receiving and reading, and we want to keep it that way, and make it even better. We can only do
that if you tell us what you think of it, and give us your ideas.
We will both be delighted to hear from you. Our contact details are on the back cover, so please get in
touch. The deadline for contributions for the next issue is 20 th May, but the earlier you get them to us the
better!
The Cover Photo
The picture of early spring primroses on our front cover was taken by Jo Driver on one of her regular
walks by the river. The pictures on the back cover were taken by Jane Jackson and Chris.
If you take any good pictures this spring, please send them to us – one of them could be on next year’s
cover!
Contents of this issue
Page
What’s Been Happening? 3 If You Are Ever Near Liskeard ... 23
What’s Coming Up? 7 The Bluebell Walk 24
Notices 14 Dates For Your Diary 41
Your Letters 16 Useful Contacts 42
Spring Thoughts 17 Bus Timetables 43
Tales From the Deep Blue 18 Spring Photo Montage 44
Wartime Escape From Paris 20
Page
Deadline for the next issue
Please get all your news and contributions to one of us by 20 th May, to ensure it
is included in the June (Summer) issue of the Chronicle.
2

Lots of things have been going on in the village since the last issue hit the streets.
The Spring Village Lunch
The tables were beautifully decorated for Spring, with plenty of daffodils to brighten the Village Hall.
Despite a few power cuts in the morning, everything went very well, and forty diners sat down to a
wonderful lunch of roast gammon and vegetables, followed by very tasty puddings.
Thank you to everyone who helped with the lunch, provided puddings, and supported the raffle.
The next lunch will be in June. Look out for posters nearer the time!
Anne and Martin Gray
The Table Top Fair
The Table Top Fair in the Village Hall on 20 th February was well attended in spite of the atrocious weather.
Plenty of tea and hot bacon rolls warmed everyone up!
A welcome addition this time were Sally Pooley’s Cup Cakes – long may she bake … mmmmm, delicious!
£105 was raised for Village Hall Funds.
The sale is almost always held on the third Saturday of each month, so look out for posters.
Anne Gray
Village Hall Committee
3

Potholes Annihilated!
For a long time, North Street has had more potholes than flat
surface along its length. But in just three days in February, all
that changed.
In a process resembling scenes from a steampunk movie,
involving flames, smoke, the rumble of heavy vehicles, and the
smell of hot tar, South West Highways transformed what had
almost been like a badly-ploughed field into a flawlessly smooth
surface that is a joy to drive and walk on.
Residents of North Street were impressed with the speed and
efficiency of the crew, and the attention to detail taken in
finishing the road edges – an excellent job!
Paulette was so impressed, she even took a whole series of
photographs to record the pristine view along the full length!
Sheepwash Rainfall
Rainfall in inches January February Yearly Total
2016
Charles, East Street
7.40
5.80
13.20
Graham, Middlecott
7.87
5.27
13.14
2015
Charles, East Street
8.70
4.00
12.70
Graham, Middlecott
7.32
3.40
10.72
We have all complained what a horrible wet winter it has been. In fact, rainfall for the four months from
November to February has been just about average, and certainly not nearly so wet as two years ago - the
winter of the Somerset floods.
What has been really unusual is the exceptionally warm temperatures and the lack of sunshine.
Charles Inniss and Graham Tidball
4

Our Community Shop and Post Office
We’d like to say a big THANK YOU to Christine and Roger White and Anna Jones for helping to get the shop
off the ground again in 2001, and for successfully keeping it going for the past 15 years.
We wouldn’t have a shop now if it wasn’t for these folks – they’ve put in hours and hours (and hours and
hours) of work over the years, both in the shop and behind the scenes.
Any modest early profits made were either reinvested in the fixtures, fittings, and maintenance of the shop,
or carried forward into later years to offset losses made when trading became more difficult.
THANK YOU again, enjoy your (soon to be found) free time, and we’ll look forward to seeing you in the
shop and Post Office, but this time on the other side of the counter!
* * *
Following the open public meeting held on 17 th February, a new Shop Team has been formed, and many
welcome offers of help came from the floor.
The shop will remain open!
Hopefully, the Post Office will too. Caroline has stepped forward to take on the role of sub-postmistress if
Post Office Limited agrees to us keeping the Post Office.
In terms of staffing levels, all will hinge on whether or not the Post Office continues - there will be a Plan A
and a Plan B.
Frank Cheshire is staying on to help Caroline and the new team, who are Simon and Helen Crossley, Bruce
Knight, Vinny, Sheila Fox, David Manning, Michael Francis, and Alison Ansell. Linda Trace and Paul Wheeler
have also offered to help.
This new group of people will help Caroline with buying stock and running the shop, with stocktaking, the
annual accounts and VAT, the PAYE system, cashing up, banking, and cleaning the shop, volunteering as
shop assistants, and all other aspects of running the shop – no doubt there are things that we’ve missed.
We still need more people to help by volunteering as shop assistants.
Being a shop assistant is actually good fun, you get to meet a wide range of people from the village and
around and about, and we won’t throw you in at the deep end – we’ll show you how things work, and work
with you while you get the hang of it. Let us know if you’re interested, please.
Simon Crossley and Alison Ansell
Our Community Shop
Far from the supermarkets stands OUR SHOP;
So close to hand, and cheerful, serving all
Who cross the threshold, never down to fall
Unless to stumble o’er the generous crop
Of goodies on display, for all to find
By careful search, since items are not
Always instantly to hand but a lot
Hide on the floor, ‘til fortune ever kind
Brings them to light. Oh! Happy Day indeed!
Dear Caroline, dear Christine and dear Rog
To whom our cries for help ought we to plead?
The SHOP as part of Sheepwash must not fall
Into the hands of greedy companies.
Sheepwashians! Cry, ‘Save our SHOP’ for All!
Raymond Snow
Mayfly Cottage, South Street
5

Our Newest Sheepwasher
Albie Gray Knight was born at 5.08 a.m. on 6 th January in Exeter
hospital. He weighed in at 8lb 9oz.
He now lives very happily in North Street with his Mum and Dad,
Nikki and Bruce.
Welcome to the world, and to the village!
See page 18 in this Chronicle for an insight into Bruce’s world of
work, underwater in the North Sea.
Dick Whittington and his Cat
The annual trip to the HATS Pantomime in Holsworthy
took place in February this year, and as usual a good time
was had by all. Charles delegated responsibility for the
coach load of 29 souls to John Newcombe, who took to it
with his usual cheerfulness - he even managed to count us
correctly both on the way there and back! Thank you,
John. Also many thanks to the Bridgeland Trust, and, in
particular, Charles Inniss for the organisation.
This year’s production was distinguished by a very strong
singing cast, who all gave their best in solo or chorus
numbers. As ever, the staging and costumes were
excellent - of a professional standard - and the music was
well led with skill by the “orchestra”.
A look at the programme will tell you how much effort goes into the Holsworthy panto, not just from the
cast, but also from the production team of over fifty people. Well done HATS!
Scene setting at the beginning of a panto can be very difficult, and there was little booing or hissing at the
Baddy (Queen Rat) throughout the whole first half. In fact it only really came to full life when the chorus got
stuck into a lively rendition of “OOM PAH PAH”.
The storyline is Dick Whittington (Hannah Cook) and his cat seeking fame, fortune, and a girl in London
(ending up as Mayor), being let astray by baddies (Rats in this case), but Dick and his cat defeat the Rats
and love conquers all.
There was a lot to admire about the show, the singing in particular. There were particularly good
performances from Colin Burton as Sultan Peppa and Crispin King as Captain Cutlass.
In the second half the pace was much better, and special mention must be made of Lesley Wonnacott’s
portrayal of Queen Rat.
The songs really came into their own in this half, with Michael Jackson ‘s Bad being well done by Queen Rat
and Rats. In the finale, with It’s a Good Day and Don’t Stop Me Now, the entire cast got us all singing away.
As ever, the production signed off with a rousing rendition of the National Anthem.
Great fun as always. I am sure we will all be back next year to see what HATS put before us.
David Manning
6

There are lots of things happening over the next couple of months.
Sallyann Barham
Sallyann’s daughter Hayley has posted the following message on Facebook:
On Saturday Spencer and I received the awful news that our Mum passed away. As it is the 21st century we
thought the best way to notify as many people as possible about her funeral in a short space of time would
be to announce it on Facebook.
Mum's celebration of life will be at Barnstaple Crematorium on Thursday 31 st March at 12.20 p.m.
Bright colours to be worn please, to match Mum's personality.
There will be family flowers only with any donations that would like to be made to Age Concern UK c/o
Norman Lock & Son, Black Torrington. XOX.
Our Visit to Windsor Castle
Sheepwash Ladies Skittles
Several people in the village have said they would
like to see the DVD of our visit to Windsor Castle last
September, when Charles attended the investiture
ceremony to receive his MBE from Prince William.
We are arranging a little do in the Village Hall on
Friday 8th April starting at 7.30 p.m. to show
the DVD and talk about the day.
All are welcome so please join us to recall and
celebrate a memorable occasion! There will be
some light refreshments.
Charles and Muriel
At the time of writing we have only a couple of matches left to play before the end of the season. We’ve
enjoyed lots of very good evenings, even though the scores haven’t been very high!
Unfortunately, we’re struggling to get enough players for our next season, beginning in September, so if
anyone would like to play, you would be made most welcome - it would be a great pity if this turned out to
be our last year just because we don’t have enough players. We are a friendly group of ladies of all ages,
and we look on our skittles evenings as times of good fun!
Each team plays with six people, and ideally there will be a pool of eight or more players per team, so not
everyone is required to play every Thursday (September to March). We would really love new players to
come along – no experience necessary.
If you would like to give it a try, just get in touch with either Sheila Fox (231649) or Helen Orr (231199).
Helen Orr
Don’t forget to visit our website – www.sheepwashchronicle.org
7

What’s Happening in the Village Hall?
Back by popular demand!
Saturday 21 st May at 8.30 p.m.
Big Al and the
Wild Strawberries
Tickets are £8 per person
(which includes nibbles and a pasty)
All proceeds from these events will go to the Village Hall, apart from the Barn Dance, where the proceeds
will be split between the Village Hall, the Community Shop and St Lawrence Church.
For more information please speak to Anne or Denise, and look out for future posters and details in the
Chronicle.
Anne and Denise
Bring your own drinks
Raffle prizes welcome
Tickets can be obtained from Anne on
01409 231231
This was a sell out last year so don’t delay
in buying your tickets!
EVENTS TO PUT IN
YOUR DIARY
Saturday 21st May
Big Al and the
Wild Strawberries
Saturday 4th June
Wine & Wisdom
Saturday 6th August
Stick the Fiddle – Barn Dance
(there will be a marquee in the park)
Saturday 22nd October
70s Disco
Saturday 3rd December
Games Night
(with fish and chips)
Plant Sale at the Table Top Fair
Jan Burden will be raising money for the Community Shop by holding a Plant Sale at the Village Hall on
Saturday 16 th April from 10.00 a.m. until Noon.
Contributions of plants for sale will be very welcome.
Please label plants clearly and take them to Jan and Jeremy’s house (called The Village House) in East Street
in advance of the sale.
Deadline for the next issue
Please get all your news and contributions to one of us by 20 th May, to ensure it
is included in the June (Summer) issue of the Chronicle.
8

Puddle-jumping in Pizzendown
The little village of Pizzendown on Dartmoor is officially the wettest place in Devon.
Instead of letting this rainy state of affairs dampen their spirits, the villagers choose to celebrate their
sogginess with an annual puddle-jumping competition, which this year is being held on the first Friday in
April.
Over the years, the event has developed from a simple leaping and splashing activity to a proper
competition with complex judging criteria and its own strange vernacular for the various stylistic moves,
successes, and failures – a clean jump over a large puddle is called a “flair loop”, whereas too much limb
movement while in the air will be marked down as a “poor flail”, and landing with a splash on the edge of a
puddle is a “lo pro fail”.
But only a very few real enthusiasts take it that seriously. Although there is an overall champion, the judges
also award spot prizes to any participant of any age who catches their eye – a toddler can win a prize for
creating the biggest splash, and a pensioner can win one for an unusual use of a walking stick!
You don’t need to understand all the terms or the subtleties of the rules to enjoy the spectacle or have a go
yourself – it’s really all about having fun in spite of the wet weather.
Flora Poil, last year’s overall champion, executes
a perfect “flair loop” during her winning run.
Everyone can join in – even the crowd control
officers!
Last year’s overall champion, Flora Poil, said, “I’ve lived in Pizzendown all my life, and I’ve always enjoyed
this – it’s the one day in the year when you can be a complete fool. Everyone who can should come along
and be a fool for a morning!”
Even if you think you don’t want to join in, the sight of several hundred people of all ages and abilities
leaping and laughing and splashing over and into the puddles along the course around the village is bound
to make you smile and laugh along with them – and probably decide you will join in after all!
So pack your wellies into the car and head over to Pizzendown on the morning of the first Friday in April –
it’ll all be over by noon, so an early start is advised.
It’s definitely worth the trip - because there’s nothing more powerful than a smile to brighten up the early
April weather!
Chris Bell
Don’t forget to visit our website – www.sheepwashchronicle.org
9

Buckland Filleigh
Cider & Pasty Walk
A guided walk is being held on
Sunday 17 th April 2016
1.30 for a 2pm start at Buckland Filleigh Hall
Approx 2½ hours
Adults, children, and well behaved dogs on
leads are all welcome
Drinks will be provided at the halfway point,
pasty on return at the village hall
Adults - £5 / Children under 10 - £3
For further info and to book your place for
catering numbers
Please call Vron – 281535 / Adrian 281558
Merton Vintage and All Classic proceeds Vehicle to the village Rally hall
Sunday 1 st May 2016
11.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
See over 100 Vintage and Classic Cars, Motorcycles, Tractors
and more.......
1950 OB Bedford Bus Rides Arena Events Cream Teas
Rolls Royce Rides Repto Bug Man BBQ and Bar
Craft Stalls Art Exhibition Local Produce Stalls
Fairground Rides Live Music Hockings Ice Cream
Admission: £3
Under 16’s: £1
Under 5’s: FREE
A GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT – NOT TO BE MISSED!!
For more information regarding this fantastic event in it’s 8 th Year contact:
Vehicles – Tony: 01805 603400 Stalls, etc. – Janette: 01805 603604 email: mertonrally@googlemail.com
Merton is on the A386 between Torrington and Hatherleigh
10

Hatherleigh Cricket Club Season 2016
New Players, Helpers, and Supporters always welcome.
After last year’s highly successful season, in which we finished strongly in the Devon League “A” Division,
and won the North Devon Sunday League for the second year in a row, everyone at Hatherleigh CC is
eagerly looking forward to the new season.
The longer evenings enabling net practice to begin outdoors (on Tuesday 29 th March); the smell of new
mown grass; linseed oil on bats; the sound of leather on willow; all of this heralds Spring, with Summer not
too far round the corner.
This year Hatherleigh CC have engaged the services of another New Zealander, Mattie Thomas, to help the
1 st XI establish themselves in Devon League ”A” Division and hopefully go on to Premier League Cricket in
the near future. Like Carl Schwarz, Mattie is a well-qualified coach, and we are expecting him to help with
all areas of the coaching set-up, particularly the Ladies and Junior sections.
In 2016 Hatherleigh have decided to expand to three teams in the Devon league on Saturdays and two
teams in the North Devon League on Sunday. This is in addition to the midweek evening league- the
Buckley Cup in T20 format. With several midweek friendlies, mainly against touring sides, there is always
something going on at the club.
We are always looking for new players of all ages, experience and ability. If you do not wish to play
we would love you to come and support - you will be made most welcome. Bar facilities are available on all
match days and practice nights throughout the season, and the club’s teas are legendary if you fancy an
afternoon watching with refreshments to boot.
Watching cricket at Hatherleigh on a lovely summer’s afternoon or evening is a pleasure not to be missed!
Women/Girls
The women/girls teams mainly play on Sundays, with practice on Monday nights at 6.30 p.m. All are
welcome.
Last season the 1 st team went unbeaten throughout the season, so they have a real challenge to keep up
that standard.
Juniors
Junior coaching and matches make up the full picture of this thriving community club. Junior cricket
practice is as follows:
The 8 - 10 year old group will meet every Saturday from 10.30 a.m. until 12 noon.
The 11 - 15 year olds will practice every Friday from 6.30 p.m. until 8.30 p.m.
Formal registration for all ages will be at 6.30 p.m. on Friday 15 th April. Please come along and see if
cricket is for you - we are sure you will enjoy it. For more details please contact Charles Inniss on 01409
231237.
And it all begins ...
The season gets going formally on Saturday 16 th April with a fixture away at Shobrooke Park (wonderful
setting near Crediton), and from then on every weekend at Hatherleigh.
Pick up a full fixture list at the Community Shop, or from Charles Inniss or myself. We would love to have
your support.
Let’s hope for a great summer!
David Manning
01409 231176
11

Quiz Nights at the Half Moon
Quiz nights at the Half Moon are normally held on every second Sunday in the month, but in February that
would clash with Valentine’s Day, so the next two quizzes will be held on 10 th April and 8 th May.
It only costs £2 per person, and all of that goes to fund village activities. It’s a real fun quiz, so come and
have an evening of pure enjoyment!
Sheepwash Snooker Club
Perhaps those of you who have recently moved into the village are unaware that we
have one of the best full-size snooker tables in North Devon.
The Snooker Room is situated at the rear of the Village Hall. The club needs more
members so that the facility is used more regularly. The table is always available for
use, and in the winter we enter two teams in the local snooker league.
If you would like more details, or even better would like to come and have a game,
contact the Secretary, Charles Inniss, on 01409 231237 or e-mail charles.inniss@btinternet.com.
Members practice every Sunday evening, so why not come along and join us. We look forward to seeing
you!
Charles Inniss
Play Table Tennis in the Village Hall
We have everything you need for a game of table tennis in the Village Hall. Only £5 for an hour.
Great exercise and family fun.
Phone Sheila on 231649 or Anne on 231231 to book.
Mobile Library
The mobile library now calls once a month. It arrives in the Square on a Tuesday at 1.55 p.m. and
departs at 2.40 p.m.
The next dates it will call are 5 th April and 3 rd and 31 st May.
Food Bank Donations Welcome
A Food Bank box is situated at the back of St Lawrence Church. Tins of soup, baked beans, tomatoes, fish,
meat, fruit, etc. will be gratefully accepted for people in crisis.
PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ANY PERISHABLE FOOD.
All the items donated will be taken to Torrington for distribution.
Deadline for the next issue
Please get all your news and contributions to one of us by 20 th May, to ensure it
is included in the June (Summer) issue of the Chronicle.
12

Easter Services in Sheepwash
Easter Sunday 27 th March:
Good Friday 25 th March at 10.00 a.m.
The “Procession of the Cross,” beginning in the
Baptist Church, then to St Lawrence Church, into
the Square, and finishing in the Methodist
Church.
Saturday 26 th March at 8.00 p.m.
Easter Vigil at St Lawrence Church.
11.00 a.m. Methodist Church.
2.45 p.m. Baptist Church
6.30 p.m. St Lawrence Church
Church and Chapel News
All are welcome to join in these Services
St LAWRENCE CHURCH service times are displayed on the Church Notice Boards and the shop
window. The Torridge Team LINK magazine is produced every month and is available in the church.
METHODIST CHURCH news and information about services can be found on Chapel Cottage’s garage
doors, adjacent to the Church in South Street. We meet for worship most Sundays at 11.00 a.m. - a warm
welcome to all.
BAPTIST CHAPEL Our usual Sunday service is at 2.45 p.m. – see the noticeboard for further details. On
the first Sunday of each month (except November) we meet with the Anglicans and Methodists for a joint
act of worship. You would be most welcome to join us at any of these services.
Friends of St. Lawrence’s Church
For more information about the Friends of St Lawrence’s Church, phone me on 01409 231680, or email
Martin at martinwarren535@btinternet.com.
Mike Ritson
Making Money From Used Stamps
Even in this electronic era of emails and texts, we all still receive letters, many of which have stamps on
the envelope. These stamps are still valuable, even though you can’t re-use them to post another letter
– philatelists all over the world are keen to collect them.
There is a box in the community shop where you can deposit your used stamps. All stamps deposited
there will help raise funds for the Children’s Hospice South West.
So please save all your used stamps, and drop them into the box next time you’re in the shop. All
contributions will be very gratefully received, and this simple act can achieve a lot of good!
Don’t forget to visit our website – www.sheepwashchronicle.org
13

Our New Community Support Officer
PCSO Emma Tomkies will now be the Community
Support Officer for Sheepwash parish, as well as other
Holsworthy Rural Areas.
She has been a PCSO for Holsworthy Town for the last
six years, and has recently swapped areas with PCSO
Mark JAMES due to a role change.
Emma is more than happy to attend any meetings and
events that you would like her to, and can offer free
security and safety advice for a wide range of
audiences, or just a chance to meet your local officer.
If you would like any attendance or contact then
please feel free to contact her - PCSO 30538 Emma
Tomkies via 101 (non emergency number) or
30538@dc.police.uk.
She is looking forward to meeting all the residents of
Sheepwash, so please stop and speak to her if you see
her out and about.
Many thanks,
PCSO 30538 Emma Tomkies
Holsworthy Police Station, Well Park, Western Road, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 6DH
Tel: 01409 259461 or call 101 for all non-urgent Police enquiries.
Join us on Facebook - Holsworthy Neighbourhood Police.
The Bridgeland Trust
Helping Young People
The Trust is keen to assist young people who may wish to participate in extra-school activities which have
educational benefits. These may be trips organised by the school or other organisations - scouts and guide
camps come to mind.
We are aware that these are often expensive, and the Trust would like to help. Each case would be treated
on its merits, and, of course, funds are limited, so a contribution rather than full cost coverage is to be
expected.
Applications in writing should be made to the Trust Clerk - Simon Crossley (Tel: 231757)
Power Cuts
To report an issue with your power, call Western Power Distribution on 0800 365 900.
If you have a general enquiry, call 0845 724 0240 or email info@westernpower.co.uk.
14

Sheepwash Sandwich Board on Facebook
Since launching our village page on Facebook, the group has so far
attracted 57 members from Sheepwash and a few members from
the surrounding villages of Black Torrington and Shebbear.
The page has already proven useful. We have shared news about
the state of the river and the recent black ice, which was very handy
for travellers over the Christmas period and those having to drive in
the early mornings. Members have also posted up-to-the-minute
news on road conditions between Sheepwash, Okehampton,
Holsworthy, and beyond.
News of lost sheep, Blake House Surgery hours, requests and offers of help, business promotions, general
information, and even some lost Christmas presents have all been posted on the Board.
Village hall events and the monthly pub quiz have all received their deserved space, and other news of local
events and information is very much encouraged.
Please do join in - the Sandwich Board is a useful tool to have and it will only get better as it grows.
If you are already on Facebook and would like to join the group, please find the page and send your
request.
If you are not on Facebook, but would like to join the group, or if you are unsure how to start, please get in
touch with one of the Chronicle editors and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction - there are
plenty of folk to help!
Fire and Rescue
At Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service we recognise the vulnerabilities of our rural communities
and the difficulties of reaching everyone with our fire and road safety messages and the services we offer
free of charge.
Please see below some links to our website home page and a link giving our free home safety visit number
(0800 05 02 999) which also offers a free alarm.
Our website is www.dsfire.gov.uk.
You can find the number for the free home fire safety visit and free alarm at:
www.dsfire.gov.uk/YourSafety/SafetyInTheHome/Index.cfm?siteCategoryId=4&T1ID=35
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Government Organization is at:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/Dsfireupdates
Fire Kills Government Organization is at : https://www.facebook.com/#!/firekills?fref=ts
If your community has a Facebook page, please would you “like” our Facebook links, which will then give
your members up to date regular and local information relating to road and fire safety.
If you would like to be included on our press releases, which offer reminders and information, please let me
know and I will be happy to include your details in the circulation.
I hope this is useful information and if there is anything further I can do to help, do please get in touch.
Kind regards
Caroline Anderson
Crew Manager Bideford Group
Tel: 01237 423859 Mobile: 07800 555340
Central Command (Bideford Group), Bideford Station, Old Town, Bideford EX39 3BH
15

Our Village Shop is a Valuable Amenity
Sarah and I attended the open meeting regarding the future of the village shop on Wednesday 17 th
February, and near the end of the meeting I was asked the following question, but not as a resident, as an
estate agent!
Question: Does having a village shop increase the value of our homes?
Answer: Negligible.
I can still hear the murmuring and feel the stares within the village hall!
I did respond very quickly with my short answer, but I was not expecting to be asked a direct question -
maybe I should have been sitting at the committee table!
After the meeting a couple of people approached me with their own thoughts, with one resident tapping
me on my shoulder whilst I was talking to someone else about it and saying words along the lines of, “That
was the wrong answer”!
So should I have said yes? No, but I feel I need to respond via the Chronicle to clarify my answer as an
estate agent.
A village shop, a renowned pub, fishing available on a nearby river, and a pretty village square (to name but
a few attractions) do not really add much value to an individual home, but what they do is enhance the
appeal of a village to some buyers due to their own individual requirements.
To be honest, when we talk to buyers about what they are looking for within a village location they will
normally ask, “Is there broadband, is it near/on a floodplain, and are there regular bus services?” It is very
rare we get asked about a village shop, and this is probably due to the fact that many buyers know village
shops have been in decline over the last ten years. Obviously, we will mention any shops, pubs, pop up
cafes, trails, etc., and then these become added benefits for buyers.
Consider these examples:
A Waitrose in Okehampton has not added value to the properties there, but does bring buyers into
the area and nearby villages.
We bought our home in the village seven years ago, and it was the location of the village and our
home which brought us to Sheepwash. Of course the other village benefits were a bonus, but we
did not have to pay over the odds for the property because of these amenities.
If the train station in Okehampton was fully operational for commuters then prices in the town
would increase, and this could filter out to nearby villages.
So just to reiterate - these amenities will significantly help the “saleability”, but will not necessarily
increase the value of a property.
I hope this clarifies my position - if not, I would be pleased to discuss this with any individual at any time.
Sarah and I want the village shop to remain open, and hence we attended this very important meeting. We
personally wish to thank the current committee and volunteers for all their hard work over the years.
We also thought there were some great suggestions, and it was good to see some new volunteers coming
forward. Also, as a suggestion, could the shop opening times be printed in the Chronicle?
[Editors’ Note – Yes! And we hope the new committee will provide a regular feature in every issue.]
I also want to take this opportunity to let you know I have resigned from Bradleys and joined Miller Town &
Country as a hands-on Director. I wish to thank everyone for their support and business during my time
with Bradleys.
Nic Scorrer
Local Resident and (unfortunately in this scenario) Estate Agent
16

Spring Thoughts
March came in like a lion; will it be going out like a lamb?
This last week seems to be looking like it, hopefully.
This is the time of year when the fields look hungry, and
everything is (surprisingly) waiting for a little warm rain
and warm weather and fertiliser, and then all will spring
into growth (sorry about the pun!).
A green haze will be seen across the trees and hedges, and
then they will burst into leaf and flower - though the
roadside banks are already starting their progression of
flowers with the daffodils and primroses.
The opening catkins on the birch, hazel and alder are the
harbinger of hay fever with their wind borne pollen, and
then later the maples and oaks will come into flower
before coming into leaf. Oaks are remarkable in that their
new young foliage contains a toxin to protect against marauding insects and their larvae.
Other things are the different species of bees we have buzzing around the hellebores, which are now at
their best, and thanks to the bees they are very promiscuous, producing hundreds of seedlings, which if you
don't control them would carpet the garden in no time!
The blackbirds, which to my mind have the best song of all, are getting into full voice, and the dawn chorus
is starting up nicely. However the chattering of the starlings seems to be tailing off as they head off to
Scandinavia and Russia for the summer. Now to start looking out for our summer visitors, though I guess
there's a few weeks to wait yet.
With this current dry weather, gardening can get on apace. Shallots and onion sets, peas, and broad beans
can be planted now (my autumn sown broad beans have suffered terribly with the wind and wet we have
had, so I don't think I'll try that again). Potatoes should be chitting well now, and I suspect some have
already been planted.
The greenhouse should be cleaned of potential disease and dead growth in preparation for sowing the
many crops that require some warmth to start them - tomatoes, courgettes, and cucumbers are the main
ones, but salad crops and summer bedding can also be set in motion.
Roses should all be pruned, cutting out any crossing branches and opening up the middle to allow air
circulation. Do not be concerned about hard pruning - roses thrive on it - just make sure you always cut
back to an outside bud, and feed them.
Buddleia can be cut back now, as can some growth from Philadelphus, but remember mock orange (for that
is its common name) flowers on second year wood, so be careful what you take out. Summer flowering
clematis need nearly all the dead growth from last year removing, leaving some short lengths with buds on
to be trained once growth starts.
Herbaceous borders can be tidied up now, and the border lightly forked over and all fed. Some plants may
need lifting and splitting, replanting with the young vigorous outside sections and discarding the old hard
centre.
Autumn fruiting raspberries need cutting back to ground level and feeding. They crop on this year's growth,
whereas summer fruiters need a thinning and trimming, tying in to their supports, and feeding.
Blackcurrants and gooseberries also need a good feed at this time of year. All these fruits are what are
called gross feeders, requiring lots of fertiliser to produce good heavy crops.
Enough of all this - I need to get out in the garden, so I'll wish everyone a good few weeks of toil!
Jeremy Burden
Country and Gardening Thoughts Correspondent
17

Tales From the Deep Blue
So how would you like to spend three
or four weeks in a space not much
bigger than your average shed? There
will be two more blokes for company.
Feeling a little claustrophobic? Well
you can always go out for a stroll on
the seabed. It's all in a day's work for
Bruce Knight of North Street.
When he was nineteen, Bruce started
work as a surface rigger on a Dive
Support Vessel (DSV) operating in the
UK and Norwegian sectors of the
north sea. The DSV is 100m long and
has a complement of around 100
people.
At the age of twenty, he was
encouraged by the offshore manager
(who happened to live in
Highampton) to develop his skills in
one of his main interests. Diving was top of the list, so in due course Bruce headed to the balmy waters off
South Africa for three months to train as an Air Diver.
He passed the HSE scuba course, and then progressed to 30m and then 50m depth surface supply
qualifications. As a contrast to South Africa, there was then some follow-up training in welding inspection,
located in Middlesbrough - young Bruce's first experience of a UK "big town" and all that entails!
50m was not to be the lowest floor level, and Bruce progressed deeper and deeper, way down to his
current maximum working depth of 189m. All this was achieved via further intensive and specialist training
and safety courses, both in diving techniques and on support craft. How about an inverted helicopter
emergency sea exit test - anyone?!
Bruce works in a self-employed capacity with just one or two companies at a time. There has been some
recent contraction in the market due to the knock-on effect of the collapse in oil price. All of his current
work concerns North Sea oil-rig platforms. A typical tour of duty would be four to six weeks in length.
My own layman's conception of a diver comprises a chap in a neoprene suit jumping backwards from a
surface vessel with heavy air bottles on his back. Is it like this? Er, no - not at all!
It's all to do with the depth, and more importantly the incredible pressures at that depth. A typical working
depth is 140m. Remember, each 10m depth adds 1 atmosphere (1 bar) of pressure, so we are talking 15 bar
pressure at the sea bed, easily 2 or 3 times that experienced by formula one drivers. Physical or what?!
"Yes, it's not really an old man's trade," jokes 29 year old Bruce. "There are strict medical tests to pass at
regular intervals."
So after a 12-hour work shift, including six hours in the water, what about getting back to the surface for
eats, entertainment and sleep? In order to avoid a too rapid decompression, or the "bends", which can be
lethal, then normally one would decompress at the snail's pace of one metre per hour - so at 140m working
depth, this would take around 5½ days! From the diving company's point of view, this is not very
productive. So they have come up with a novel scheme.
Bruce and his colleagues are housed in a chamber complex, six in each chamber measuring 7ft by 7ft. The
chambers, housed in the DSV mother ship, are pressurised or "blown down" to working depth at a rate of
one metre a minute. The working party diver team then pass into the bell section, which is their taxi to
work. The bell is lowered into the sea through a "moonhole" in the DSV's hull.
18

On reaching the working depth, the pressure inside the bell and the sea outside is equalised, and doors can
be opened. Each three man team works a shift and then the bell is hauled back onto the ship, but it remains
sealed and at working depth pressure. The bell is then reattached to the chamber complex.
Meals, which can include the odd lobster and fillet steak are transferred into the living chamber via a series
of sealed hatch processes. Eventually, human waste has to be transferred out. This involves a rather
complex process of sealing and then flushing the loo, done by a team member on board the DSV. Without
these essential steps the sudden pressure release would result in half of the chamber's pressurised air
being sucked out with you know what.
In this way, the divers remain inside the bells for 28 days or more. On their final return to the surface,
decompression then takes place inside the chamber on the ship. This takes five or six days, after which the
bell doors are opened and the divers are transported home. The DSV's are big enough to accommodate
three living chambers and two diving bells, so they can more or less operate diving activities 24/7.
So there is a lot of non-work time inside the bell - a lot of reading? Well yes, but these days there is also
wifi, TV and phone. No keep fit available, but hey, when working and supporting twice one's body weight of
kit and equipment, this in itself is likely to keep most of us in shape.
It really is a unique working environment - even the air they breathe is different. Apparently, ordinary air
can transform and become narcotic at more than 50m sea depth, so a mix of helium and oxygen is used in
the chamber and bell and during diving work. Breathing this mixture raises the pitch of the voice a few
octaves. Those of us over 45 might remember Kenny Everett's helium-induced squeaky voice sketches -
funny at first, but for 28 days?! Apparently the divers get used to understanding their workmates’ inflated
speech quite quickly.
A word about the work. Each of the three man team takes a turn at being the "bell man" whose job it is to
ensure that all safety checks are
carried out and that the proper To get an insight to the working conditions that Bruce encounters,
sealing processes take place as
have a look at these YouTube videos on the internet:
the other two divers pass
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc26Uv_BSu0&sns=em
between the internal and external
bell doors. All this is recorded on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3BWSMrgi3I&sns=em
video.
The diver has a diver's helmet, somewhat lighter than the 19th century Jules Verne model, that is sealed at
the neck to a baggy neoprene suit, to which is connected an "umbilical". This life-supporting connection has
two main flows, one of the helium/oxygen mix to breathe, and one of warm water which flows around
veins in the diver’s suit to prevent hypothermia.
Work is varied and can include weld inspection, fixing pipelines, and some repair and maintenance.
Amazingly, with the use of floats, just a two man diving team can manoeuvre a heavy 40-50m section of
pipeline into position.
Bruce really likes his job, and not just the helicopter rides and the odd £12-a-pint Guinness in a Norway port
(almost Half Moon prices!). There is a good team spirit, the money can be good when the business is up,
and it's a unique experience that can only be achieved by extensive training, discipline, and preparation of
both body and mind.
Simon Crossley
Starry Starry Night
Look up on a clear, starry night, and if you are lucky you may be able to see about 3000 stars. It is an
awesome sight.
But now be prepared to be truly amazed.
Because for every star that you can see, our galaxy is estimated to contain over 3 BILLION that are
invisible to the naked eye.
19

Wartime Escape From Paris
On making inroads researching my family tree on my father’s side, I came across my aunt and uncle’s
account of their escape from Paris in 1940, and thought it may be of interest.
My Uncle Laurie (the “WFL Smith” referred to below) was Chief Clerk for the Canadian Pacific Company
based in Paris.
The following article appeared in the Canadian Pacific Staff Journal on September 5 th 1940.
Story of Escape from Paris is Vivid Description of War
WFL Smith and Family Had Hazardous Journey
On bicycles, never much more than a day ahead of the advancing German Army, and often almost under
the bomb-barrage of their vanguard, WFL Smith, Chief Clerk, Paris office, escaped with his wife and two
boys, making their way to a coast port of France in time to board a freighter under British Naval control and
reach an English port in safety. His story is one of the most dramatic of the series of "Escape" adventures of
members of the European Continental staff. It describes an ordeal lasting 17 days in all.
"Up to the morning of the 11 th of June," says Mr Smith, "we were all only partly informed in Paris about the
actual trend of the war, and the general impression was that Paris would be defended against impending
enemy attack. In the office, however, under direction of Mr Clark, advance preparations had been made for
us aII to evacuate to La Rochelle, where a share of the offices of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company had
been arranged for.
“On the morning of the 11 th , however, I went to the office as usual to learn that Mr Clark was leaving for La
Rochelle that day, heard his instructions for us all to make our way there as best we could individually, as
bulk transport for staff was unavailable, and get out as soon as possible for the enemy were reported to be
within 20 miles of Paris.
“I completed my office preparations, mailing the last few documents to La Rochelle. I had reached the
office with difficulty owing to congestion of transport. My home was in North Paris. I got home, and told my
wife the position. We prepared to leave. Although I drive a car, it had been impossible to obtain one at any
price in Paris. We had decided to use bicycles, and only the day before I had secured these for myself, my
wife and two boys. They proved to be our salvation. Petrol was absolutely unobtainable along all roads out
of Paris; and beyond the Loire the roads were littered with abandoned cars left by owners who had to
trudge along on foot for lack of petrol.”
Gunfire Speeds Departure
"We were still at home getting ready at 3.00 p.m. when we heard the sound of heavy guns very close to
Paris. At 3.45 p.m. we were on out. We took very little with us, only a change of linen and a very little food.
We just hoped for the best, and, as it turned out, we did manage to get haphazard supplies of eatables
along the way.
“The roads were blocked with traffic. Soldiers and army vehicles were streaming inwards. Refugees were
streaming outwards. Hundreds of outgoing cars were held up by advancing troops. To be on foot or on
bicycles was the surest way to get ahead at all. And even though we had bicycles we were forced to walk
many times before we reached the outskirts of Paris.
“Army officers did their best to control the congestion. One at Fontainebleau kindly helped us through.
Narrow lanes were being cleared along the roads to let troops through. It was possible to wriggle through
by these lanes before the troops were using them. So we got ahead, while people with cars were stalled.
For days after we left Paris our progress was like that.
"The Officer at Fontainebleau had advised us to take to the secondary roads as soon as possible, both to
avoid the traffic congestion, but also for a more vitally important reason, which was to escape risk of
machine gunning by enemy planes which was directed along main roads. We did escape machine gunning
which we actually heard and saw happening on a main road a little way from the secondary road along
which we were travelling in safety from the horror.”
20

Farmers Were Friendly
"Food soon became a problem. Early in our journey we saw that bread was going to be hard to get. We
managed to buy biscuits, canned foods such as fruit and some meats, though these were very scarce. We
had a stroke of luck at a rusk factory where we laid in a stock of rusks to serve as bread for quite a while.
But we could not carry much on bicycles.
“We could always get water or something to drink, coffee from friendly farm-houses for instance. We slept
in barns and haylofts. Even the poorest farm-folk were kindly and helpful to us. Washing and changes of
clothing were pretty difficult, but we managed to buy some new undergarments, discarding the old at one
or two places. We had a couple of small blankets with us, and a waterproof coat, which helped our sleeping
arrangements.
"All the time the enemy were close upon our heels. There was hardly time for a pause to buy necessaries.
We were continually urged by every authority we met to press on without delay. We made early morning
starts, and only stopped for sleep at the last possible place of refuge we could reach late at night.”
Mad Race For Last Ship - Journey Across Channel No Pleasure Cruise
“On the evening of 19 th June we reached La Rochelle, and hoped that there would be the end of our
troubles. We found there that Mr Clark was leaving the very next day for Bayonne, because the Germans
were expected to reach La Rochelle on the afternoon of the 20 th . There, Mrs Smith, who had been bravely
bicycling against medical advice of an earlier, but still recent, peacetime day, had a minor collapse from
exhaustion and strain, but most pluckily she pulled herself together.
“We found brief refuge in a hotel, had a makeshift wash – there were no baths available – and tried to get a
little sleep in the first real beds we had seen for days. But that solace was denied us, for the port of La
Pollice close at hand was bombed during the night from 12.30 a.m. to 4.00 a.m., and the raiders returned
to the attack at 6.00 a.m. We had no sleep.
“In our final race for La Rochelle we had done our best mileage for any one day, spurred on by alarming
reports on every hand that to reach La Rochelle speedily was our last chance for safety. We covered 130
kilometres in that run, only to find that we must cover another 450 kilometres at an even faster pace if
possible to catch the last ship to safety from Bayonne. We did not make it. The ship had left 36 hours
before we reached Bayonne.
“The free-wheel mechanism of my bicycle broke down just after we left La Rochelle. It did not delay us
much, for I made shift to repair it somehow with electric light flex lashing the sprocket to the spokes, and
that held till we reached Bayonne. Other proper repairs were impossible.”
Push On Through Storm
“Baffled at Bayonne by the fact that the British Consul and refugees had left 36 hours before by the last
ship out, we were advised by the local police to push on to St Jean de Lux, close to the Spanish border, and
only 22 kilometres distant.
“It was not far, but that was by far the most arduous bit of bicycling for us, because we made the run
through a terrific wind and rainstorm. So violent was the wind and drenching the rain that we were literally
wet through to the skin as we pedalled along, struggling against furious gusts, and blinded by the rain. But
at St Jean de Luz, to our immense relief, we saw a British Naval officer when we reached the jetty, and were
told that a ship was waiting outside, though to embark was impossible that night in the storm that was
raging. The officer directed us to the railway station for shelter. There were many other refugees sheltering
there. That was the night of the 24 th of June.
"On the morning of the 26 th , at 8.30 a.m., we were able to embark by launch, climbing up ladders to board
the ship. Some 80 or 90 British were with us, and the ship had also aboard 400 Polish soldiers, and 400
other refugees of various nationalities.
“We slept or rested in the holds, on deck, or on the ship’s iron plates, for she was a freighter with no
accommodation for passengers. The crew rigged up canvas awnings to shelter the folk on deck.
21

The SS Baron Nairn
“The ship’s cook did his best to provide suitable food from meagre stocks for the women and children. It
was the plainest fare, just freight ship food, but there was some canned milk for the children, and bullybeef
and ship’s biscuit for the rest of us.
“The voyage to an English port took us three and a half days, and the weather was not too kind for the first
36 hours or so. It wasn’t exactly a pleasure cruise, but no one complained.”
* * *
The steamer the SS Baron Nairn, with its decks crowded with soldiers and refugees, was the last to leave St
Jean de Luz, when that was the last “open” port on the French Atlantic coast.
Women and children spent
the nights on a cargo of coal
in No 1 hold, over which an
old tarpaulin was spread. For
some reason the hatches
were secured at nightfall.
The SS Baron Nairn was later
torpedoed and sunk by a
German U boat off Northern
Scotland, whilst conveying a
cargo of coal to Argentina, in
June 1941.
Paulette Jackson
Here are my Auntie Gertrude, cousin Derek, Uncle Laurie, and cousin
Philip, taken several years after the war.
Don’t forget to visit our website – www.sheepwashchronicle.org
22

If You Are Ever Near Liskeard ...
We were originally due to visit
Carnglaze Caverns near Liskeard as
part of our three day trip around
Cornwall to celebrate Chris's 50 th
birthday, but yours truly managed
to leave the Groupon voucher at
home. I had never even heard of
Carnglaze Caverns before the daily
offers email from Groupon arrived
with a two-for-one tickets (£6 for a
pair) offer, but after a little
research I decided to purchase.
We subsequently found out that the following Saturday (which happened to be Buster's birthday) the
Cardiff City Voices choir were performing in the Rum Store at the Cavern. It transpires that a number of
musical events are held there each year, with a number of 60's and 70's tribute bands playing there,
amongst others, as well as being a very popular wedding venue, so best check what's on at
http://www.carnglaze.com/concerts-events/upcoming-events-concerts before travelling.
So, with another Groupon voucher purchased for Anna and Buster, we set off on a very wet morning to St
Neot near Liskeard. The rain continued to pour down, so it was actually quite pleasant to be given a hard
hat to keep the rain off when we arrived!
We rushed into the dry Caverns of the former mine where slate was both quarried and mined
underground. We stopped to view the displays on how the mine worked and browsed the comprehensive
collection of minerals mined and quarried in the South West before taking our seats in a sparsely populated
auditorium. I reckon that the choir outnumbered the audience two to one, which initially caused some
concern, but we need not have worried.
The song choices varied from traditional Christmas songs such as Walking in a Winter Wonderland and O
Holy Night, through Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now, to more modern classics like Coldplay's Fix You. My
personal favourite was an unusual rendition of Mettalica's Nothing Else Matters. A number of the songs are
on YouTube and very quickly found by searching for “city voices cardiff carnglaze”.
In all they performed for just over an hour, which was probably long enough purely because the caverns are
a constant 10°C underground, so cool in Summer, warm in Winter!
After the concert finished we descended the flight of sixty steps taking you about 150m into the hillside and
60m below ground before ending at the underground lake with its crystal clear blue-green water - very
beautiful, and if you can find a moment of quiet, very eerie, with just the sound of dripping water.
A jumper and sensible footwear are recommended, particularly if you are going to take on the half hour
woodland walk as we planned, although were ultimately foiled by the rain being even worse when we left
the caves than it was when we arrived!
So what else to do other than bring forward our lunch booking. We had booked at the Eliot Arms / Square
and Compass in Tregadillett, very conveniently situated just off the A30 near Launceston. It's one of only a
dozen pubs in the UK that has two names - although both the website and TripAdvisor listing use only the
Eliot Arms.
We were quickly seated beside a roaring fire in the very quirky restaurant area, where the walls are
covered in all manner of clocks! We each managed a starter and main, with the homemade steak and
kidney pie with shortcrust pastry a particular favourite of Buster and myself! The recent reviews on
TripAdvisor are a little mixed but we would all certainly return at the drop of a hat - a fine way for us to
finish a lovely day out, despite the weather!
Andy Vincent
23

The Bluebell Walk
24
"And like a skylit water stood
The bluebells in the azured wood"
AE Housman wasn't the only poet to have
been inspired by the beautiful but brief
display of these oh-so-pretty blue flowers,
massed together in dappled woodland shade.
The breathtaking blue glades that appear in
May inspire Simon and I to make an annual
pilgrimage to the bluebell woods near
Meldon reservoir.
This relatively short walk - just over an hour -
also rewards with fine views of Dartmoor
and, sometimes, the mesmerising vision of
hundreds of tons of water cascading over
Meldon dam.
Leave your car at Meldon Reservoir car park.
It's not far off the A30. Join at Sourton
heading towards Exeter and then take the
next exit. Turn right at the T-Junction and
follow signs to Meldon, then signs to the
reservoir car park. There is plenty of space
here, and some well-maintained toilets.
Once you're booted and suited, climb the
steps out of the car park and turn left. Turn
left again immediately and go through a gate
into a field, following the signposted bridlepath towards Meldon Viaduct. Walk down along the edge of the
field and through a thick copse of trees. The track brings you alongside the West Okement river on your
right and a steep-sided pool on your left. Keep following the path, go through a five bar gate, and then
continue to climb.
Along here, you'll pass under the huge wrought and cast iron structure of Meldon viaduct. At its highest
point it rises an impressive151 feet
above the valley floor. Built in 1871
to carry the railway, it now forms
part of the Granite Way, and
carries bikes instead - see last
year’s Harvest Special Chronicle
(edition 111) for details of a great
ride along this route. In 1927 the
speed limit across the viaduct was
20mph. Today, there are plenty of
enthusiastic pedallers who can
easily exceed that!
After a spell admiring the trusses,
continue up the track. Then, before
you reach a second five bar gate,
just by a telegraph pole, look for a
narrow path that drops away to
your right. Follow this path down
through the woods. Here, the ground is covered in a lovely seasonal show of primroses, violets, wood
anemones, and the first sightings of our native bluebells.

25
Eventually, you arrive at a sturdy wooden bridge
spanning the West Okement. Cross the bridge then
turn immediately left, following the river as it
rushes and tumbles downstream. At some point,
you become aware you're standing just yards from
the busy A30 and the burbling and splashing of the
river is replaced by the roar of traffic. Keep the dual
carriageway on your left (don't go under the A30)
and follow the path that leads to a small parking
area. This is a good spot to park for anyone
who wants to enjoy the bluebell spectacle
without walking too far.
Cross the road and, a little to the left, pick up the
path again. A half- hidden signpost points out the bridleway back towards Meldon Reservoir. You don't
have to climb too far before you find yourself immersed in that “azured wood”. Dots of white-petalled
Greater Stitchwort provide a bright counterpoint to the deep
violet blue of the wild bluebells, all set in the vivid green
Spring growth. On a sunny day, it's a magical and uplifting
sight.
After you have drained your camera battery trying to do
justice to the idyllic scene before you, you will at least have
recovered some of your own energy to continue the climb
upwards. Keep left, following signs that say, “Public Footpath
to Viaduct and Moor”. The bluebells eventually give way to
moss and ferns, and you pass under the magnificent old
viaduct to the other side. At a large tree stump, the route
forks. Take the right-hand path until the next fork, then go
left and up a short, steep section.
Eventually, you emerge from the trees and join another path
crossing at right angles. Turn right here and follow the level
track through more bluebells and bright blossoming gorse.
Up ahead looms Yes Tor but today it's a “No”! So, at the end
of the path, cross the road, heading uphill for a few yards,
then turn right and down into another car park. Here, you'll
find a handy picnic bench or two. It's a pleasant spot to empty your flask and admire some classic Dartmoor
scenery embellished by the odd pony.
Back on the wide gravel track, cross a stream and
bear right to pass an old quarry on your left. Climb
between more gorse until you spot a narrow path
branching off on the right. Follow this level route
back towards the dam. There's usually a good
display of what Simon tells me is called Laminar
Flow - the pattern that the water makes as it
cascades in layers down the steep bank of the
dam face. It's just as well this hypnotic display
can't be seen from the top of the dam, but
hanging your camera over the side of the wall
gives you a good idea of the vertigo-inducing
spectacle.
After crossing the top of the dam, join the road
and follow it round to the right. This takes you back up to the car park.
Helen Crossley

26

27

28

29

FRESH TASTY
VEGETABLES GROWN AT
PETROCKSTOWE
DELIVERED TO YOUR
DOORSTEP!!
Hallwood Fresh Veg is a truly local family business supplying local people & businesses with the freshest
food direct from their farm, where welfare and the environment come before profit and flavour comes
before yield.
Here, on the gentle rolling south facing slopes of Hallwood Farm at Petrockstowe, we grow a fine array of
wholesome seasonal fresh vegetables and tend to our contentedly grazing livestock. We can deliver veg
boxes or bags (which start from £8) or specific orders of meat and vegetables direct to your door, or you
can order through your village shop.
Phone Richard or Ruth on 01837 811762 , or email hallwoodemail@gmail.com
www.hallwoodfreshveg.co.uk
F. C. CLEANING SYSTEMS
HIGH PRESSURE CLEANERS
STEAM CLEANERS
SALES
SERVICE & REPAIRS
FRANK CHESHIRE
LAKES
SHEEPWASH, BEAWORTHY
DEVON EX21 5LZ
TEL/FAX: 01409 231620
EMAIL: sales@fccleaningsystems.co.uk
WEBSITE: fccleaningsystems.co.uk
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ADULT AND KIDS
BOUNCY CASTLES
SUMO WRESTLING SUITS
BUNGEE CHALLENGE
GARDEN GAMES
PARTY MARQUEE
INFLATABLE SLIDES
JON DAVIS 0777 978 2716
WWW.SOUTHWESTBOUNCYCASTLES.CO.UK
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LYMATH & MOYS LTD
Central Heating and Plumbing Engineer
GAS : OIL : SOLID FUEL
CENTRAL HEATING
BOILER MAINTENANCE & REPLACEMENT
SERVICE COMMISSION AND SERVICE AGENT
RAYBURN - ESSE - AGA
D. MOYS A.M.I.D.H.E., A.I.P., R.P.
Holmans Park
Beaworthy
Devon
EX21 5NF
Tel: 01409 231381
Fax: 01409 231652
Email: lymathandmoys@gmail.com
DAVE CHAPMAN BUILDERS
Qualified Building Technician – with over 40 years experience in the building trade
Building for the future and tastefully repairing the past
Call me on 079806 89202
●interiors●exteriors●guttering●cob walls●uPVC windows●uPVC conservatories●plastering●roofing●
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Canine Cuts
Professional Dog Grooming For All Breeds
Member of the British Dog Grooming Association and Pet Care Trust
Clipping
Hand Stripping
Bathing
Nail Trimming
Anal Glands
Will do local collection/delivery
Call Jane Bridges on 01409 231139
If necessary, wait for the answer phone and I’ll call you back
Or email swbridges@btinternet.com
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= Peter Bright =
THATCHER
Wheat Reed - Water Reed
Tel: 01837 810148 (Petrockstowe)
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(Formerly Forest Fuels)
Quality Seasoned Firewood
£85: Single load
£160: Double load
£230: Triple load
Delivery charges may apply
Tel: 01409 281393
Email: info@grascottfirewood.co.uk
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Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Receive a FREE bottle of our own branded Spot
and Stain Remover with every FREE no
obligation survey and quotation.
Carpet, rug & upholstery cleaning
Most carpets dry in 1-2 hours
We move all practically moveable furniture for you
Stain Removal
Stain Protection treatments
Safe for children and pets
Domestic and Commercial
For further details and special offers visit www.pt-cleaning services.co.uk
Call Richard on 01271 470074 or 07595 727491
To book your free survey and quotation
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West Devon Mat Company
Bespoke Mats and
Edging Service
Convert your carpet off-cuts into
useable and smart rugs and mats.
We offer a full edging service on most
qualities of carpet and most sizes.
In addition to this we carry a range of
carpet samples in various qualities
for you to choose from.
For more details
or to discuss requirements
please contact Lee Newby on
01409 231508
or email
info@westdevonmatcompany.com
BUCKLAND ACCOUNTS
& ADMIN SERVICES
Farm & Rural Business Accounts,
Admin Services
Accounts/VAT/
Payroll
Admin Services
Computer Help
Tim Cartwright MAAT, FIAgSA
Haddiport Farm
Buckland Filleigh
Day to day accounts, VAT,
Cashflows/Budgets,
Accounts Advice & Training
Letters, Mailshots, etc.
Help with Word/Excel,
Emails, etc.
07971 118964
bucklandaccounts@gmail.com
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Swedish and Remedial
Massage Therapist
Emma Barnes A.P.N.I.
T: 01409 231 296
M: 0785 278 5670
e.barnes66@btinternet.com
3 Sparke Villas, Black Torrington, EX21 5PX
Advertising in the Chronicle
is exceptional value.
Our advertising rates are:
Full page - £12 per issue, or advertise for
a full calendar year (6 issues) for only £60.
Half page - £6 per issue, or advertise for a
full calendar year (6 issues) for only £30.
Quarter page - £4 per issue, or advertise
for a full calendar year (6 issues) for only
£20.
We can even design and lay out the ad
for you, at no extra charge!
To place an ad, just call or email us – see
the back cover for full contact details.
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See inside for full details of all these events!
When
Friday 25 th March
Sunday 27 th March
Friday 1 st April
Tuesday 5 th April
Friday 8 th April
Sunday 10 th April
Saturday 16 th April
Sunday 17 th April
Sunday 1 st May
Tuesday 3 rd May
Sunday 8 th May
Saturday 21 st May
Saturday 21 st May
Tuesday 31 st May
What
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Puddle Jumping in Pizzendown
Mobile library in the Square
Charles and Muriel’s Windsor Castle visit DVD show in the Village Hall
Quiz night at the Half Moon
Table Top Sale and Jan’s Plant Sale at the Village Hall
Cider and Pasty Walk at Buckland Filleigh
Merton Vintage and Classic Vehicle Rally
Mobile library in the Square
Quiz night at the Half Moon
Big Al and the Wild Strawberries in the Village Hall
Petrockstowe Beer, Cider, and Wine Festival
Mobile library in the Square
And don’t forget to visit our website for more news and articles:
www.sheepwashchronicle.org
Deadline for the next issue
Please get all your news and contributions to one of us by 20 th May, to ensure it is included in the
June (Summer) issue of the Chronicle.
• Just tell us your news when you see us out and about.
• Send or drop off news and contributions on paper to Alison at The Glebe in West Road
or Chris at Larcombe House in North Street.
• Telephone - Call Alison on 01409 231196 or Chris on 01409 231341.
• Email - We are very pleased to receive contributions or messages in electronic form.
Email Alison at alisonansell2@gmail.com or Chris at chris11egg@aol.com.
The Sheepwash Chronicle is printed by
Hedgerow Print Ltd, 16 Marsh Lane, Lords Meadow, Crediton, Devon, EX17 1ES.
Telephone: 01363 777595. Web: www.hedgerowprint.co.uk
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Useful Contacts
Description Person Telephone Email
Member of
Parliament
Geoffrey Cox 01837 82000
County Councillor Barry Parsons 01409 211234 barry.parsons@devon.gov.uk
Ward Councillor Philip Hackett 01409 231310 hackettsthename@gmail.com
Parish Councillors Melvyn Elliott 01409 231742 melvynkelliott@gmail.com
Philip Hackett 01409 231310 hackettsthename@gmail.com
Nigel Hutchings 01409 231586 hutchingsnigel@yahoo.co.uk
Mike Ritson 01409 231680 mike.ritson2@btinternet.com
Gill Trace 01409 231291 trace.gortleigh@btinternet.com
Denise Tubby 01409 231694 denise_tubby@hotmail.co.uk
Michael Francis 01409 231845 mjf.43@icloud.com
Parish Clerk Penny Clapham 01647 253066 clerk@sheepwashparishcouncil.co.uk
Ladies Skittles Helen Orr 01409 231199 helenorr@mac.com
Yoga Di Sluggett 01409 281637 chrisanddisluggett@tiscali.co.uk
Sheepwash
Community Shop
01409 231531
Doctors’ surgery
(Black Torrington)
Dr Alan Howlett
Dr Asad Aldoori
01409 231628 or
01409 335830
Fax: 01409 231029
Doctors’ surgery
(Shebbear)
Dr Francisco
Fernandez Guillen
01409 281913
Holsworthy Police
(station answer
phone and other
enquiries)
Emma Tomkies
PCSO 30538
Community Support
Officer
01409 259461 or
call 101 for all
non-urgent Police
enquiries
emma.tomkies
@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
To report a crime
Mark James
PCSO 30643
01409 259461
Mobile Library 01409 253514
mark.james
@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
Sheepwash
Chronicle Editors
Alison Ansell 01409 231196 alisonansell2@gmail.com
Chris Bell 01409 231341 chris11egg@aol.com
Sheepwash
Correspondent for
Okehampton Times
and North Devon
Journal
Snooker Club
Treasurer/Secretary
Vera Bryant 01409 231373
Charles Inniss 01409 231237 charles.inniss@btinternet.com
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Description Person Telephone Email
Village Hall Bookings Anne Gray 01409 231231 sheepwashvillagehall@hotmail.com
Village Hall Chair Denise Tubby 01409 231694 denise_tubby@hotmail.co.uk
Buses to and from Sheepwash
Turner’s Tours of Chumleigh operate the following bus services to and from the village. All buses pick up
and drop off at the bus shelter in the village square.
On Mondays (to Bideford):
Bus No. Departing from Time Arriving at Time
642 Sheepwash 9.30 a.m. Bideford 10.35 a.m.
642 Bideford 1.30 p.m. Sheepwash 2.35 p.m.
On Wednesdays (to Holsworthy):
Bus No. Departing from Time Arriving at Time
639 Sheepwash 9.52 a.m. Holsworthy 10.30 a.m.
639 Holsworthy 1.30 p.m. Sheepwash 2.08 p.m.
On Saturdays (to Okehampton):
Bus No. Departing from Time Arriving at Time
631 Sheepwash 10.00 a.m. Okehampton 10.37 a.m.
631 Okehampton 12.30 p.m. Sheepwash 1.07 p.m.
For further information about bus routes and timetables, call Turner’s Tours on 01769 580242.
EXTRA COPIES OF THE CHRONICLE
A copy of the Sheepwash Chronicle is delivered free to every house in Sheepwash.
Extra copies are available in the community shop on a first come, first served basis,
at a cost of £1 each.
However, if you would like one or more extra copies of every issue in a year
(perhaps to send to family or friends), please let us know and we will deliver them
with your free copy. We only charge £5 a year for each extra copy, saving £1 on
the shop price, and guaranteeing your extra copy – the shop sells out fast!
Don’t forget to visit our website – www.sheepwashchronicle.org
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