Sheepwash Chronicle Summer 2017

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 contribuons 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
· Send us a contribuon. We don’t want your money! We do want interesng arcles, photographs,
drawings, cartoons, jokes, puzzles, poems, and stories – anything that will help to make
the Chronicle a “good read”. We accept contribuons 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 observaons on village
life, or anything else which will give our readers praccal 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 beer. 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 just below, so please get in touch.
The Cover Pictures
The summer picture on our front cover was taken by Sally Pooley at Dawlish Warren. On the back cover,
the house marns were (appropriately) taken by Marn King, the picture of Sheepwash is by Linda
Trace, and the picture of the Strawberry Tea is by Chris. Why not get out with your camera this summer,
and send us your best shots to use next year?
Contents of this issue:
What’s Been Happening? 3 The Torridge Salmon 23
What’s Coming Up? 8 The Half Moon Inn 24
Your Leers 14 The Great Fire of Sheepwash 26
Noces 15 The Chronicle Recipe 27
Talking Shop 18 The Torridge Inn 28
Torview Wines Update 19 Dates For Your Diary 45
Late Spring Thoughts 21 Useful Contacts 46
Nature’s Corner 22 Bus Timetables 47
Deadline for the next issue
(but the earlier the better!)
Please get all your news and contribuons to one of us by 21st July, to ensure it is included in the
August (Harvest) issue of the Chronicle.
· Just tell us your news when you see us out and about.
· Send or drop off news and contribuons 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 contribuons or messages in electronic form.
Email Alison at alisonansell2@gmail.com or Chris at chris11egg@aol.com.
2

Lots of things have been going on in the village since the last issue hit the streets.
Ladies Walked and Talked
An eclecc group of lady walkers le the village soon aer 1:30 p.m. on 13 th May, heading up North Road.
The sun was shining but there was a sff breeze.
We headed off le on the footpath towards Upco Barton, over the fields, down the hill, over the
unexpected bridge and brook and the beauful arbours, and up the other side. We crossed the lane and
took the public footpath round the back of Upco Avenel (having spoed a deer running before us
through the fields), then over the fields towards Upco Wood.
We walked through the wood (can anyone tell me why there is a large water-filled hole in the wood?) and
came out at Woodhead. From there we turned le, following the road down the hill towards Black
Torrington, past the blossom-filled orchards, then turned le to come up West Road and back into the
village.
All in about 2 hours - we certainly weren't dawdling! Once back home we savoured the obligatory cake,
tea, and more chat.
If there are any ladies who would like to join us, our next planned walk is on Saturday 3 rd June. Meet at
the bus shelter in Sheepwash Village Square at 1:30 p.m. We hope to take cars to the cafe at Yarde
Orchard and walk along the Tarka Trail, but it will depend on who joins us.
More walk dates are listed in the village shop, and on page 12 of this Chronicle.
Sally Pooley
Email: sally-alexander@hotmail.co.uk
The Apple Orchard Walk
3
What a treat, missed by far too
many villagers. I had no idea
how serious the upkeep and
beauty of a large and successful
orchard is.
Despite having been postponed
for a week because the blossom
had been rather slow to open,
Friday 12 th May gave us a
“damp but doable” evening.
About ten folk turned up,
suitably equipped in wellies.
Aer an introducon about the
variees of cider apple trees,
and the promise of a great set
of tasters from barrels at the
end of the tour, we walked in
scented avenues of pink and
white through several delighul
secons of the orchard. And the sun came out just as we were holding our sample cups to Richard for
second, third, and fourth tastes from the back of his Landrover. Perfect!
We collected around £80 for the St Lawrence Church roof fund. Many thanks to all those involved.
Mike Ritson

Welcome to Sheepwash
Welcome to David and Jenny Frost, who will be moving into Coham Coage in North Street once all the
refurbishment work has been completed. We hope you’ll enjoy joining in with all the community acvies
in the village.
Table Top Fairs
The Table Top Fair on 16 th April was very well supported.
The cake stall was doing brisk business to raise money towards the roof fund for St Lawrence Church -
another £85 towards raising the roof.
£107 was raised for Village Hall funds.
To book a table ring Anne on 231231. There’s a small charge of £4 a table, and you can sell your
produce or cra goods or anything else that you can think of. Or you can sell things to raise some money
for your own favourite charity.
The latest Table Top Fair was held on 20 th May.
Janet and Jeremy, with the help of Louise Francis, held a plant sale, with all proceeds going to the village
shop. There were lots of plant donaons – thank you everyone – and they raised £120 for that worthwhile
cause.
FORCE Cancer Charity also came along and gave out a lot of informaon to local people regarding their
work, parcularly transporng paents to hospital for treatment, help that is available for carers, and
remedial therapies.
£134 was raised for Village Hall funds.
The next Table Top will be held on 17 th June – we look forward to seeing you then!
Anne Gray
Sheepwash Rainfall
Rainfall in inches March April Yearly Total
2017
Charles, East Street
Graham, Middleco
2016
5.2
3.72
1.7
0.96
13.7
10.81
Charles, East Street
4.3
2.0
19.5
Graham, Middleco
4.21
1.73
19.08
The totals for the two months are nothing exceponal, but all the rain in April fell on the first and the last
day of the month - for four weeks (the 2 nd to the 29 th ) there was virtually no measurable rain.
Temperatures varied widely during April, with a very warm spell early in the month followed by cold north
winds which persisted unl early May.
There were two unusually severe frosts on the 26/27 th , which certainly affected many of my tender plants
in the garden. Let's hope our local apple orchards and vineyard were not damaged.
Charles Inniss
4

News from Sheepwash Ladies Skittles
The Sheepwash Ladies Skiles Club held its Annual General Meeng on 11 th May, at the home of Sue
Plummer, in Black Torrington. The club has two teams (Sheepwash A and Sheepwash B) with members
coming from Sheepwash, Black Torrington and the surrounding area. As part of the Holsworthy and
District Ladies Skiles League, the club’s matches take place on Thursday evenings from mid-September to
mid-March, with a break in December for the Christmas period.
The team’s home matches are played at Sheepwash Village Hall. Away games take place throughout the
local area, in villages such as Clawton and Kilkhampton. Two matches are played in an evening. There is a
break for refreshments which are provided by the home team for all four teams playing that evening. The
break gives a chance to enjoy some excellent company, partake in tasty snacks, and build up for the next
match!
This year both teams enjoyed a fine season, with a sasfying number of games won and some excellent
individual performances. The compeon is never very fierce with the other teams in the league, but it is
nice to come away with a good score every now and then!
Results for the 2016-2017 Season
Sheepwash A team: 18th place out of 25 teams in the league.
Highest average score this season - Annie Pedrick, with 53.75 points.
Highest score in one match - Thirza Mills, with 71 points.
Sheepwash B team: 9th place out of 25 teams in the league.
Highest average score this season - Wendy Head, with 54.68 points.
Highest score in one match - Donna Price, with 77 points.
Winner of the June Church Trophy for most spares scored in a season - Wendy Head, with 42.
We would be pleased to welcome new players for the 2017-2018 season, and to that end there will be a
pracce night (free of charge) in September 2017 (date to be advised). No previous experience is
necessary, with plenty of friendly advice available.
Interested players are welcome to contact Team Captain Sheila Fox (tel: 01409 231649) for more
informaon. We’d love you to join us!
Helen Orr
5

Rambling About (or Rambling On About Rambling)
Filled with enthusiasm aer our April Ladies Walk and Talk session, several of the group enthusiascally
signed up for the Buckland Filleigh Cider and Pasty Walk on April 23 rd . The weather was perfect -
apparently it has only ever been bad for the walk once, so perhaps you should check the date of next
year’s walk if you are planning your own outdoor event.
The number of people and dogs assembling in the car park and nearby field at Buckland Filleigh Village
Hall was quite a surprise - over 180 walkers, aged from over 70 to under 10. Many of the walkers were
accompanied by their four-legged friends, ranging in size from Dachshunds to German Shepherds. There
was a great atmosphere, and even though we were the only group from Sheepwash we recognised many
familiar faces amongst the throng.
6
Aer signing in and receiving our
ckets we staoned ourselves near
the front, ready for the off, which
was scheduled for 2.30 p.m. Inside
informaon told us that Vron
would be the person to follow, so
we were at an advantage, moving
off as soon as she appeared in her
fluorescent jacket.
A very short stretch along the road
took us to the driveway of
Buckland House, passing some
stunning rhododendrons as we
made our way towards the track
through the woodland. Aer a very
prey downhill secon we
emerged amongst the logs in the
wood-yard, turned right onto the
track to Buckland Mill, crossed Mussel Brook, and from there followed the route past Lake Farm.
Our walk was accompanied by the chaer of friends catching up on news, other people renewing
acquaintances or making new ones, the singing of the birds, the babbling of the brook, and the occasional
barking of the dogs.
Just before the track joined the road we paused to enjoy the view whilst waing for stragglers and
catching our breath aer a steady climb. Turning le towards Filleighmoor Gate for just a brief stretch on
the road we then passed through a
gate on our right and crossed a
couple of fields back towards
Swardico Cross - much safer than
herding such a large party along the
narrow lane. Consequently, we only
used the road for the very last
stretch before turning into Beara
Farm, aka Tor View Vineyard.
Thanks to Tim, Kat and the twins
(James and Iona) the throng had
space to gather in their yard and
sample some delicious cider. People
variously took this as an opportunity
for indulging in baby worship,
admiring a beauful puppy, finding
out about the workings of the

vineyard, or just having a good naer with the spectacle of Dartmoor in the distance as a glorious
backdrop.
Aer this welcome refreshment break we set
off once more, taking the lane from
Swardico Cross towards Upco Barton. The
steep climb back up from the Mussel Brook
sorted the “men from the boys”, causing
another pause by the barns at Upco for
blister treatment and for those who had
engaged a very low gear to catch up!
We turned right off the road once more, just
before Upco Averil, and began the toughest
secon – deep ruts, uneven ground, and very
long grass tested the fitness of the walkers as
we traversed the field and headed through
the trees to emerge at Woodhead (by
Woodhead Woofers).
Once again we were only on the lane for a short distance before turning off into the woodland, following
a series of winding tracks that the organisers had signposted the previous evening. We approached
Buckland House from a different direcon and circled round the back to walk down past the coach house
and finally (and by now a lile wearily) retraced our steps to the Village Hall.
By the magic of semaphore signals or jungle drums (it can’t possibly have been a mobile phone with the
signal strength that usually prevails around here) the team at Village Hall basecamp had hundreds of
homemade pases and plenty more liquid refreshment all ready for our intrepid band as we completed
the 6+ miles a lile aer 5.30 p.m.
Congratulaons and hats off to the organisers. It is quite a feat to find a safe route and ensure such a
motley assembly of folks completed the journey relavely unscathed. The only real casualty was Vron’s
lile dog Ralph, who did a disappearing act while she was performing her heroic leadership of the walk,
but who thankfully returned safe and well aer an extremely anxious eight days.
Why not join in next year?
Jan Hayward
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 beer would like to come and have a
game, contact the Secretary, Charles Inniss, on 01409 231237 or e-mail
charles.inniss@bnternet.com.
Members pracce every Sunday evening, so why not come along then? We look forward to seeing you!
Charles Inniss
Don’t forget to visit our website – www.sheepwashchronicle.org
7

There are lots of things happening over the next couple of months.
Race to the King
On the 24 th and 25 th June my sister-in-law Caroline Rawnsley and I are challenging ourselves to complete
the “Race to the King”, which is a 53 mile (ultra marathon) event, walking along the South Downs Way
from Arundel to Winchester
Weʼre hoping to raise £1,000 to put towards the £10,000 required
for my great nephew Jenson to receive stem cell therapy, or, if
he's not a suitable candidate, for vital equipment.
Jenson suffered from a lack of oxygen whilst being born. He spent
the first two weeks of his life in intensive care at Plymouth hospital.
When he was six months old he was diagnosed with spasc
diplegia/cerebral palsy. He developed infanle spasms at this me,
and spent two weeks at Bristol Children's Hospital. This then developed
into epilepsy just aer he turned one.
When he was three we fundraised for Jenson and were subsequently
able to send him to America where he underwent selec-
ve dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery, which has made a massive
posive change to his life. He undergoes daily physiotherapy, and
is geng stronger and stronger each day. He cannot walk or talk at
the moment, but a lot of the pains and spasms that he used to get
in his legs have now gone as a result of the surgery.
We are currently looking into the possibility of Jenson having stem cell therapy. Recently an 11-year-old
girl with symptoms similar to Jenson underwent the operaon. Always a light and freul sleeper (as is Jenson),
aer the operaon she began to sleep through the night. She also began to uer her first words, and
experienced several other benefits which would make a massive change to Jenson's life if it worked for
him.
You can go online to read more about the girl who has had the treatment – go to the following page:
hp://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/arcle-4310592/Cerebral-palsy-paent-11-sa
It's got to be worth a try!
At the moment we don't know if Jenson would be a suitable candidate for the treatment - he would have
to undergo tests to establish that. However, we would like to start raising funds now, and if the procedure
is not suitable for him we’ll put the money towards paying for the long list of equipment he needs, such as
a specialised bed, rather than the maress on the floor he currently sleeps on for his safety.
If you are able to sponsor us we can assure you that every penny raised will be spent on Jenson. Please
support us. There’s a sponsor form in the village shop, or you can donate online by vising:
Chris Vincent
hps://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chrisne-vincent
Deadline for the next issue
Please get all your news and contribuons to one of us by 21 st July, to ensure
it is included in the August (Harvest) issue of the Chronicle.
8

Fun and Games for St. Lawrence’s
The Friends of St. Lawrence’s Church are sll trying hard to raise funds, so we are keeping our fingers
crossed for fine weather and good turnouts for the following acvies and events.
Saturday 10 th June - Friendly Open Back Gardens and Barbeque
I have had about eight offers so far, mainly in the village, to open gardens. Rather like the event two years
ago, I shall publish a map with all the gardens marked. The owners will be “on duty” for a couple of hours,
so there will be a metable so you can plan your route around the area.
I hope there will be scones and cups of tea on offer at some places, and that donaons for the roof fund
can be collected. If you are lucky, there may be plant swapping, cungs offered, gossip to be gossiped,
vegetables to be spied upon, advice to be discussed, and strawberries to be pinched!
In the last Chronicle I suggested that there could be a compeve element, but there have been one or
two muerings of disagreement, so we won’t do that. All the details of the gardens and maps will follow
shortly once I get final offers from anyone else offering their friendly garden.
The first gardens open at midday, and the last garden will be Graham and Gina Tidball’s at Middleco,
near the vineyard, because Gina is offering a barbeque from about 6.00 p.m. She is cooking hot dogs,
burgers, chicken pieces, and onions, all with buns and salad. There will be a charge for the food (roughly
£6) and we will ask for donaons (perhaps £2) for drinks.
Saturday 24 th June - Strawberry Tea
This starts at 3.00 p.m. in the Jubilee Park, weather perming, or the Village Hall otherwise. The
Friends of St. Lawrence’s Church are all baking cakes to go with the strawberries and cream. Many
apologies from me for geng the date wrong in the last Chronicle.
Saturday 5 th August - Church Fete
This will also be in the Jubillee Park, starng at 3.00 p.m. It won’t be the huge event we became used to in
previous years (barn dancing, talent show, circus marquee and clowns) because we have not le enough
me to ask everybody to help out. Nevertheless, there will be a large number of stalls, tables, games, etc.
However, it would be really nice if other folk made extra suggesons and joined in, lending a hand or
offering labour.
Stalls so far: Cake stall, Bric-a-Brac stall, Plant stall, Bole Stall, Demonstraon-and-have-a-try-yourself
Pole Lathe, Ice Cream, Skiles, Lucky Dip, Prize Draw, Cream Teas, Prize Golf, Treasure Hunt (with real
treasure to find), Photo Compeon displayed in St. Lawrence’s Church. And hopefully more fun-andgames
if more good parishioners of Sheepwash are willing to offer their help.
Please deliver items for sale on the Bric-a-Brac stall to either Terry Trinder’s house (opposite my house at
Merchants in East Street), or directly to me.
Categories in the photo compeon are: Portraits, Nature, Sheepwash, Animals, Landscapes. Please
submit up to five photos for showing and judging at my house, printed and ready to be displayed. Please
write your name and contact details on the back of each photo. The maximum size we can manage is A4
or 10 inches by 8 inches. Jo Filer-Cooper is happy to be the judge for the compeon. As far as fundraising
is concerned, your donaons will be gratefully accepted inside the church.
Sunday 24 th September - Harvest Lunch in the Village Hall
Put the date in your diary. Gina Tidball is in charge. Cost of ckets will be published nearer the me.
Fundraising progress
Marn Warren hopes we will have reached the £20,000 point by Christmas! We are not doing badly, with
over £16,000 already in the coffers, and the roof is almost completed - in fact the scaffolding and wraps
will be dismantled very soon.
Mike Ritson (Tel: 01409 231680)
9

1940s Tea Party
Sunday 30 th July from 3.00 p.m. unl 5.30 p.m. at Northcote Hall, Iddesleigh.
Come for a nostalgic aernoon reliving the 1940s through music, comedy, and monologue, with an
opportunity for all to join in.
Dress for the occasion if you like (oponal).
There will be a delicious high tea and a draw for a hamper.
Tickets cost £10 (£8 for friends). All profits to the Friends of Iddesleigh.
Phone me on 01805 804347 for ckets or more informaon.
Many thanks
Sue Folland
Sheepwash Evening Book Group
It hardly seems possible that the book group has been running for over two
years. Our numbers have steadily increased - we now have eight regulars,
and in answer to a recent enquiry this book group is not “women only”. It
just so happens that all current parcipants are female.
We make use of the Devon Library Book Group scheme, and each summer
we select 24 books from their comprehensive list. Then each month the
library loans us ten copies of a book from our chosen list (for a nominal
fee). We benefit from not having to buy the books every month and feel
that we are doing our bit to support the library at the same me.
Our selecons are based on recommendaons, well known authors, subject interest, or the very
sophiscated “sck a pin in the list” method. This gives us an interesng range of material, both ficon
and non-ficon, that usually smulates lively discussion.
Very occasionally there is a book that none of us enjoy. I doubt if any of us would be in a hurry to read
another book by Irma Kurtz. The blurb suggested that About Time was “a humorous look at growing old”,
but sadly none of us saw the funny side of it!
In the past six months our selecon has included Shakespeare by Bill Bryson, The Life of Pi by Yan Martel,
Small Island by Andrea Levy, and Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo.
We meet on a Wednesday evening from 7.30 p.m. – usually the last Wednesday of the month.
Please contact me on 231884 for more informaon.
Jan Hayward
Buckland Filleigh Family Dog Show
Monday 28 th August at Buckland Filleigh Village Hall
Entries from 12.30 p.m., judging from 1.30 p.m.
BBQ, Refreshments and Raffle.
All proceeds to the Buckland Filleigh Village Hall and St Mary’s Church.
Bank Holiday fun for all the family!
For more informaon, contact Emma Anderson on 01409 231294.
10

Art Exhibitions
There are a number of art groups in the area that have exhibions over the next few months. Here are a
couple that you might be interested in.
Drawn to the Valley
The Tamar Valley Area is host to a large number of professional arsts and has been an inspiraon to
many since Turner's visits in the early nineteenth century. Today, arsts who have been drawn to live in
this area are working in a variety of ways and media that reflect developments in contemporary art. They
are united by their passion for this beauful, but somemes forgoen, part of Devon and Cornwall.
The Drawn to the Valley group was formed in 2003 by the arsts themselves, mainly as a support
network, but also to promote the Tamar Valley Area Region and to contribute to the regeneraon of the
local economy through selling exhibions and Open Studios. They now have over 140 members, ranging
from painters and printmakers to ceramicists, sculptors, calligraphers, jewellers, and texle arsts.
Membership is open to anyone living and/or working in the Tamar Valley Region.
One event in 2017 is the Tavistock Exhibion held in Tavistock Town Hall, Bedford Square, Tavistock
PL19 0AU from Wednesday 2 nd August to Sunday 6 th August.
For more informaon about the group and other events, see their website - drawntothevalley.co.uk.
Westward Ho! and Bideford Art Society
This widely-known and respected Art Society has historic links to the Burton Art Gallery & Museum in
Bideford. Members of the Society include painters, printmakers, sculptors, wood-carvers, poers, and
texle arsts. Praccing arsts are very welcome to apply for membership.
The Annual Open Exhibion is the most important event and showpiece for the Society with more than
300 selected works on display by Members, Associate Members, and others.
The 95 th Annual Exhibion runs from 27 th May to 1 st July in the Burton Art Gallery & Museum in
Bideford.
Further informaon about the Art Society can be found at www.whobidarts.co.uk.
Alison Ansell
Quiz Nights at the Half Moon
Quiz nights at the Half Moon are normally held on every second Sunday in the month,
so the next two quizzes will be held on 11 th June and 9 th July.
It only costs £2 per person, and all of that goes to fund village acvies.
It’s a real fun quiz, so come and have an evening of pure enjoyment!
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 27 th June and 25th July.
Don’t forget to visit our website – www.sheepwashchronicle.org
11

Hatherleigh Cricket Club
Hatherleigh CC has started the season in great fashion - all three Saturday teams are unbeaten aer the
warm-up matches and the first two weeks of the Devon League.
The highlight so far is the 1 st XI going to Cornwood, one of the stronger teams in the A Division, and
comprehensively defeang them. The weather tried to ruin the day, but aer bowling Cornwood out for
only 113 the result was not in doubt.
The 2 nd XI have scored two comfortable wins under “new” captain Richard Tidball, with plenty of
youngsters contribung. The 3 rd XI are also unbeaten.
As usual, Shebbear College have some talented overseas youngsters (from South Africa, NZ and Barbados)
who are keen to play at Hatherleigh during their relavely short stay in the UK. This year they have five
talents we can accommodate in various weekend and midweek evening matches. They are a joy to work
with and watch, and contribute much to the crickeng experience for our local youngsters.
There is a naonal iniave to encourage youngsters to have a go at cricket, and Hatherleigh Cricket Club
is taking part. It is a fun and acve introducon to cricket for boys and girls aged 5 to 8, and the sessions
will be every Saturday morning between 9.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. Come along to the club to find out
more, or look on the website - allstarscricket.co.uk.
As ever, we would love you to come and support - you will be made most welcome. Bar facilies are
available on all match days and pracce nights throughout the season. The club’s teas are legendary if you
fancy an aernoon watching with refreshments to boot. All the teams play good, excing cricket (most of
the me!), so if you have an aernoon or evening to spare please pop in.
Fixture lists are available (free) in the village shop, or contact one of us.
Fundraising for the new clubhouse development connues, so if anybody in Sheepwash would like to
contribute in any way, please contact one of us. (Sponsoring a match for a modest sum would be an ideal
way of helping.)
Whatever you do, enjoy the summer!
David Manning (tel: 01409 231176) and Charles Inniss (tel: 01409 231237)
Ladies Walk and Talk – Forthcoming Dates
Saturday 3 rd June
Sunday 9 th July
Sunday 6 th August
Saturday 2 nd September
Meet at the bus shelter in Sheepwash Square.
Start me: 1.30 p.m.
Tea/coffee/cake in the Village Hall when we return.
Any queries, please see Ann in the village shop, or email me.
Sally Pooley
Email: sally-alexander@hotmail.co.uk
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.
12

Church and Chapel News
St LAWRENCE CHURCH service mes are displayed on the Church Noce Boards and the shop
window. The Torridge Team LINK magazine is produced every month and is available in the church.
METHODIST CHURCH news and informaon about services can be found on Chapel Coage’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 noceboard 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 informaon about the Friends of St Lawrence’s Church, phone Mike Ritson on 01409 231680,
or email Marn at marnwarren535@bnternet.com.
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 distribuon.
Can You Contribute Content to the Chronicle?
We are always looking for new content for the Chronicle.
Do you have a story you would like to share?
Is there a hobby or interest you have which you can tell us about?
Have you taken any photographs or made a drawing or painng or sculpture you think
other people would like to see?
Do you know any good jokes (suitable for a family audience!)?
Or is there something else you’d like to see in the Chronicle?
We want to see as many villagers as possible in the Chronicle.
Please get in touch with your ideas – see our contact details on page 2.
Deadline for the next issue
Please get all your news and contribuons to one of us by 21 st July, to ensure it
is included in the August (Harvest) issue of the Chronicle.
Don’t forget to visit our website – www.sheepwashchronicle.org
13

Taking the Plunge?
Any creave outdoor ideas for re-purposing the cast iron bath we have recently removed? A sponge cake
is on offer for the most intriguing submission.
Having seen a couple of examples whilst vising botanic gardens in New Zealand (where they had planted
water chestnuts in one and Azolla in another), I set to with a will (and a Pete, a Richard, and a Bruce) to
install our old tub in a redundant corner of our garden.
Now I’ve got it there I’m not sure if either of those ideas are really what I want. We don’t eat enough
water chestnuts to wade through a whole bathtub of them. And as for Azolla, I thought I’d beer scrub
round that idea when I read that it could become a pest.
So I thought I’d float the idea, tap into your collecve imaginaons, and see what comes out in the wash.
I hope the mental exercise will not prove too great a drain on your mental health, and I will pull the plug
on any unseemly suggesons, but maybe the next issue of the Chronicle could contain the more fragrant
responses - or perhaps the whole escapade will prove a wash-out.
But that is enough flannel for now. No geng on your soap box when you respond!
Jan Hayward
(All twelve puns intended!)
Torridge Reflecons
A memoir by Charles Inniss
Although primarily about the Torridge River and the Half Moon, the book also
recalls the many village characters and visitors to the inn who have enriched
Charles’s life, creang so much fun and laughter. It is factual, historical, and
above all, anecdotal.
Any profit from the book sales will be given to fishery and local causes, such as
the community shop and the Village Hall.
If you would like a copy of the book, please contact Charles on 231237
14

This Could Save a Life In Our Village
An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a device that gives the heart an electric shock when
someone’s heart has stopped (cardiac arrest). You can use an AED on adults and children over one year
old.
Ambulances have them on board, but using an AED in the minutes before an ambulance arrives can double
someone’s chances of survival.
A defibrillator has been installed at the Village Hall in East Street. It is on the external wall just
near the front door – it’s in noceable green casing with a green sign above. The unit is up and
running and has been registered with the Ambulance Service.
The idea is that when you have an emergency you first ring the Ambulance Service and they will give the
caller the access code. This is standard procedure.
However, all the Parish Councillors have the access code and sealed envelopes with the code will be put in
the pub and in the Village Hall. Also, if there is a parcular person in the village who is at risk it may be
worth them also having the code.
How do I use a defibrillator/AED?
You can use an AED with no training. The machine analyses someone’s heart rhythm and then uses visual
or voice prompts to guide you through each step.
First, make sure someone has called for an ambulance, and, if the AED isn’t immediately available,
give CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitaon) unl someone can bring you the AED.
As soon as you’ve got the AED, switch it on. It will immediately start to give you a series of visual and
verbal prompts informing you of what you need to do. Follow these prompts unl the ambulance
arrives or someone with more experience than you takes over.
Take the pads out of the sealed pack. Remove or cut through the paent’s upper body clothing and
wipe away any sweat from their chest.
Remove the backing paper and aach the pads to their chest.
Place the first pad on their upper right side, just below their collarbone, as shown on the pad.
Then place the second pad on their le side, just below the armpit. Make sure you posion the pad
lengthways, with the long side in line with the length of the their body.
Once you’ve done this, the AED will start checking the heart rhythm. Make sure that no-one is touching
the person. Connue to follow the voice and/or visual prompts that the machine gives you
unl help arrives.
You can watch demonstraons of using a defibrillator/AED at the following links:
hps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksJcSq9sSjU or hps://youtu.be/s5ZPLXdXPBc
Denise Tubby
Power Cuts
To report an issue with your power, call Western Power Distribuon on 0800 365 900.
If you have a general enquiry, call 0845 724 0240 or email info@westernpower.co.uk.
15

Our Village Hall
The Village Hall is available for all sorts of funcons. There is a fully-equipped kitchen with plenty of china
and cutlery.
The hall is well heated during the winter months.
The venue is not too large – it can accommodate about 70 people seated – which is usually adequate for
most events. There is room for a small music group or disco.
The Hall is an excellent venue for birthday pares, Christmas pares, New Years Eve, fundraising events
for your favourite charity, or even a very large family dinner party - the list of opons extends as far as
your imaginaon. You can also extend your event into the Jubilee Park behind the Village Hall, which has
proved very popular for entertainment and wedding venues with marquees.
We can obtain a licence for you if you wish to sell alcohol – this costs £21.00. Wine and beer is available
to purchase from the Village Shop at a very reasonable price, and sale or return can usually be arranged.
Dra beer can be purchased from Holsworthy Brewery, who will deliver and collect barrels.
Do you feel able to run a cra group, or a flower arranging session? What about a gardening club, or a
ladies group? Most things are possible.
There is a regular skiles session on Thursday evenings, there are table top sales on the third Saturday of
every month, and a Village Lunch about four mes a year. Come and join in!
The Village Hall Commiee are hoping to approach local builders this year with a view to having a new
toilet block built with disabled facilies and beer storage .We will be seeking Loery Funding for this
project. We hope to have more news on that in the next issue of the Chronicle.
This is your Village Hall – use it if at all possible.
VILLAGE HALL LETTING FEES
HOURLY - 1 to 3 hours - £8 per hour
SESSION – 3 or more hours - £25 per session
Use of the kitchen is free of charge for teas/coffees and £5 per session for full use.
All charges include heang and electricity.
TO BOOK THE HALL
Please call Anne Gray on 01409 231231.
Please sele your fees in advance if possible, and read and sign the Condions of Hire when paying/
collecng your key. When booking, please advise if alcohol is to be served, and whether a license is
required, and if there is to be entertainment at your event.
Sheepwash Village Hall Commiee
Making Money From Used Stamps
Even in this electronic era of emails and texts, we all sll receive leers, many of which have stamps on
the envelope. These stamps are sll valuable, even though you can’t re-use them to post another leer –
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 me you’re in the shop. All
contribuons will be very gratefully received, and this simple act can achieve a lot of good!
16

Parish Council News
For full minutes of the Parish Council meeng (which was also the Annual Council meeng) held on
Wednesday 17 th May, please see their website – www.sheepwashparishcouncil.co.uk. The main
points of interest were as follows:
Philip Hacke was elected as Chairman for the year, and Mike Ritson was elected as Vice-Chairman.
A meeng was arranged for Friday 19 th May, to record and analyse the data from the returned surveys
about the Parish Plan – too late to report in this Chronicle, but hopefully we will get feedback to report in
the next edion.
One of the picnic tables in the Jubilee Park is considered unsafe, so it will be removed and scrapped, but it
should be replaced by two new ones.
Three planning applicaons were discussed, one new one and two retrospecve ones. No objecons were
raised to the new one, and it was agreed that “no comment” will be passed on to the County Planning Department
on the retrospecve ones.
A schedule of meengs was agreed for the coming year, all starng at 7.00 p.m. on a Wednesday –
26 th July, 20 th September, 15 th November, 17 th January, and 14 th March.
So the next meeng is on Wednesday 26 th July.
Don’t Leave Your Doggy-Do!
A number of people have asked us to remind dog owners to pick up their dog’s poo, and to
make sure that their dogs don’t poo on people’s front gardens and grass.
This is becoming quite a problem in East Street, in parcular.
There are plenty of dog poo bins about, and big fines if you’re caught not ‘binning it’.
Editorial and Writing Services
Deadlines approaching? Lost for words?
à Copywring, including CVs, cover leers, applicaons, etc
à Manuscripts – structural and line edits, rewrites and revises
à Assistance with dissertaons and theses
Over 20 years editorial and wring experience. Professionally qualified.
If you need advice or help with your words, contact:
Mahew Cory
01409 231462
macory@piquarry.plus.com
Deadline for the next issue
Please get all your news and contribuons to one of us by 21 st July, to ensure it
is included in the August (Harvest) issue of the Chronicle.
17

Steady As She Goes
I'm very pleased to say the shop's fortunes appear to be turning around. Based on ten months actual and
two months projected figures, we ancipate the shop will break even this year.
Thank you to everyone who connues to support us. And although I don't like counng my chickens, it
does appear your shop won't be sailing into the sunset just yet!
Thank You Mr Frank Cheshire
At a recent meeng of the shop commiee, Frank announced that he would now like to stand down, both
as chairman and as a commiee member. He went on to say that he had reviewed the shop's current posion
and was very happy with the finances and direcon in which the shop was moving.
Aer more than a decade and a half's involvement, Frank has given much me and effort to the shop, as
well as the benefit of his invaluable experience. We sincerely thank him for all his hard work and support
during this long snt of service.
Boxing Clever
The plasc storage units outside the shop are looking a lile baered, and starng to show their age, so
we're hoping to replace them with some aracve wooden units that could also double up as seang.
We've found a company in Swindon who could produce something suitable, but the commiee felt it
would be more in keeping with the shop's principles if we could offer the work of making them to someone
local.
I'll put some details on the Sheepwash Sandwich Board (on Facebook) shortly, as well as the village noce
boards, but in the meanme, if you’re interested in this commission please get in touch with me.
Keeping It Cool
Temperatures inside our south-facing shop can soar during good weather, even with the window blind
lowered to provide a bit of shade. This is mainly due to the heat ejected by all the refrigerated cabinets.
It's not nice to work in and not parcularly pleasant for our lovely customers. It's also not much good for
the stock either.
So this summer, with the help of funds raised at various events, we've invested in a small air-condioning
unit. That should help us all keep our cool.
Post Office Encounters
Unfortunately, there proved to be substanal financial strings aached to the Post Office proposed upgrade
from “fortress” to open counter. So, having considered all the costs and benefits, it's become clear
the scheme simply isn't viable for us.
On a more posive tack, did you catch Anne Gray flying solo in the Post Office recently? This is marvellous,
and gives us cover for when Caroline is on holiday. We're also happy that it keeps the work within the village
rather than having to resort to (somemes expensive) locum cover.
Plasc Fantasc
We're thrilled the card payment machine is being used more and more. Take-up has risen steadily over
the months, and it's definitely earned itself a permanent place on the counter.
18

Anyone for Coffee?
We're seriously considering the addion of a small coffee/hot chocolate machine in the shop - we get lots
of requests from passers-by and cyclists, so we think it could prove very popular.
The machine would be supplied by a local company and won't involve the shop in any long-term contracts
or commitments so it should be a low risk venture for us. Together with the planned new seang, what
beer place will there be to sip on a cappuccino and do a spot of tractor or cyclist spong? Or sup on an
espresso while you browse – eeh, just like Waitrose!
Quesonable quesonnaire?
Finally, there were some shop-related quesons included in the recent Parish Council quesonnaire. We
would just like to say that none of these quesons were iniated by us, and we are concerned that they
may have led you to think we are unhappy about people using local supermarkets or their online shopping
services.
This is absolutely not true. We’re not in compeon with them. We exist as a non-profit service to the
community. We're here to provide a top-up that's right on your doorstep, or a place to grab something
you've forgoen, hopefully saving you me and fuel.
Of course, we can also supply those things not stocked by your favourite supermarket, such as Wessex
Pies, Stapleton's yogurts, Vivien's Honey, Sam's Cider and many other fabulous local products!
Simon Crossley
Torview Wines Update
Whoever said growing grapes in the UK was going to be easy? With the biggest headache amongst English
vineyards being frost, everyone is now taking stock of the damage and the resultant effects further downstream.
We did suffer frosng of the vines, but luckily it was to a lesser extent than the vineyards further east. Losing
50% of one variety sounds quite dramac, but overall we only suffered damage to 10% of our vines.
The difference between the vines in the upper and lower vineyard is quite striking, with the upper vines
escaping damage and growing well.
19

The lower vineyard, where the damage was most prevalent, will require careful management, with the
damaged vines now having to grow a secondary bud. This means that the delayed growth will have an
effect on the harvest later this year, with the affected vines producing less fruit and ripening later than
the non-affected vines.
The winery is fairly busy at the moment with all the small quanty wines from 2016 being boled over the
last month. In addion, we’re now thinking about boling our own 2016 wines in order to clear the winery
for the next harvest. This recent boling has very much reduced the amount of wines needing tasng
on a regular basis, much to my disappointment!
We always enter our wines into the South West Vineyards Associaon (SWVA) compeon, but this year
we decided to also enter the Independent English Wine Awards compeon, and we were delighted to
learn that Bronze Awards had been given to both our Rondo 2015 and Pinot Noir 2015.
The twins connue to keep us both busy – we
can’t believe that they’re now 8 months old,
and sll only one tooth between the two of
them! When the weather is good, they come
out into the vineyard with us and have so far
witnessed pruning, pulling out, tying down,
and now bud rubbing. Hopefully this will go in
via osmosis and they will be our star employees
in years to come.
As I menoned, we are now bud rubbing,
which involves taking off all the buds beneath
the vine crown. This means that any buds
along the trunk are removed, allowing the vine to concentrate on growing correctly. I can tesfy that this
is definitely a “work out” in its own right - I liken it to bending down and touching your toes 8,000 mes!
Outside of vineyard and winery core business, we have also been busy with tours, trade shows, local
fayres, and hosng events such as the halfway break point for the recent Pasty and Cider Walk. This has
been a great opportunity to get our wines “out there”, and for people to get a small taster of what we are
all about. As I write this arcle, Tim is preparing for the Petrockstowe Beer Fesval this weekend, and we
have several tour pares lined up over the next few months.
With busy mes ahead, we are lucky to have the opportunity of taking on a French intern who will be with
us for eight weeks, mainly to learn about the vineyard process, but also to improve their English language
skills.
So now comes the adversement bit of the arcle. I menoned earlier that we are open for tours and
tasngs from now unl October. Our opening hours are 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. every Friday for cellar door
sales, with the tour commencing at 2.00 p.m.
We are very happy to accommodate tours and sales outside this me, with prior arrangement. Details
can be found at our website - www.torview.co.uk.
I am also going to menon harvest. We generally pick anyme between the last week in September and
the second week in November - the specific day is dependant on the grape type and weather.
We rely on our pool of volunteers to help. It is generally a very social event, involving half a day of their
me, including a break for coffee and cake. Although we don’t pay a wage, we contribute a donaon towards
very worthwhile charies, the most recent being the Devon Air Ambulance.
If you would like to volunteer to help with the harvest, please contact me at cat@torview.co.uk or
phone 01409 231198 or 0794 000 7837. I will send out an e mail or contact you by phone in September
to update you on the expected days of harvest, to see if you are available.
In the meanme, we would like to thank you for your connued support over the year and look forward
to catching up with you over a glass of wine. Cheers!
Cat Gowan
20

Late Spring Thoughts
At last we’ve had some rain! Aer what must be one of the driest
early periods for a long me we’ve had its benefit, which has
made everything grow like mad, not least the weeds! The
roadside banks are showing campion, stchwort, and bluebells in
profusion, and along with the new bright green growth the trees
and hedges are looking wonderful.
The swallows and marns have arrived, but not in great numbers,
so please ensure they have every opportunity to nest and rear
their young. I’ve now seen some swis, always the last to arrive
and the first to leave - their screaming calls as they zoom around
buildings is, to me, a real sound of summer.
The deer populaon will soon be increasing, as they give birth
around the end of May and into June, though the chance of
seeing a fawn is very remote as they are well hidden. But should
you stumble across one please don’t be tempted to touch it as if
you do the mother will more than likely desert it, having smelled your scent on it.
Hedgehogs and slowworms are acve now, and they are great predators on slugs, so be careful with the
slug pellets – and I know I say this in every arcle, but if you must use slug pellets please use Ferric
Phosphate and NOT metaldehyde pellets, as these are fatal to the predators.
Another bease that can be seen in the evenings at this me of year is the MAYBUG. I menon this as I
was quizzed about it by someone recently who mixed it up with a mayfly. The maybug or Cockchafer is a
disncve large beetle about an inch (2.5cms) long, with a hard, greeny-brown back and unusual
“bookleaf” antennae and a loud humming noise as it flies.
A mayfly is an ephemeral beauty that hatches and flies over water in mang rituals and dies aer 24 hrs. It
has no mouth parts or digesve system, and is beauful to see, and trout go mad for them. When they
appear at this me of year it is known as “Duffer’s Fortnight”, it being considered that if you can’t catch a
trout during the mayfly season you might as well give up!
But enough of this rambling on, what about some gardening? Regular hoeing is the name of the game
aer this wet spell, as the weeds will proliferate and grow apace.
Now is the me to sow carrots, beetroot, parsnip, runner beans, and French beans directly into the soil,
and plant out courgees, marrows, and more summer cabbage. You can also plant some leeks using a
dibber and dropping the leek plant into the hole, then not backfilling but filling the hole with water and
away they go! And put up some sort of climbing frame for the peas you sowed earlier. (I’m having trouble
with jackdaws pulling up peas as they emerge in my second row, something I will be sorng out very
soon).
In the flower garden, deadhead bulbs so they don’t waste energy making seeds - in fact, deadhead
everything as the flowers die. Prune camellias aer flowering, and you can give clemas Montana a good
haircut aer it has flowered, otherwise it will get too rampant.
Plant out summer bedding now, and dahlias can be placed or planted out - if you put them in pots, a strip
of copper tape around the top of the pot should deter slugs and snails which seem to love these plants.
Everything needs to be fed every week. I use Phostrogen, or Miracle Gro, or tomato feed, and make a
pracce of feeding every Sunday morning. So fruit will also benefit from a feed to encourage good fruit
producon.
Indoor plants will also appreciate being put out in the rain to wash off the dust and dirt of winter, and
whilst damp they can be re-poed if necessary, before bringing back in.
Let‘s get on with it!
Jeremy Burden
21

Nature’s Corner
Summer in Devon is upon us. Time to start watering pot plants and offering fresh drinking water in bowls
at different levels around your garden, to support a variety of wildlife.
With the weather warming up, small ponds or water dishes/baths may evaporate, so it’s a good idea to
top them up with rainwater you may have collected during our rainy days. Avoid using tap water for small
ponds, as the chemicals can cause damage and will encourage algae build-up.
Any water source can be dangerous to small mammals and birds, so ALWAYS make sure you have the
following measures in place so they can climb out to avoid accidental drowning:
· A sloping edge
· A mesh or wire ladder
· Plant aquac plants that float, to provide refuge – midspring to early summer once the water
warms is the best me to plant
· In deeper water, create life preservers out of floang logs or large rocks that break the waters
surface.
· Ramps made from stacked rocks or logs
Water sources include water buckets, bins, and water bus. Make sure they are covered so nothing can
fall in, or provide escape routes.
Leave any windfall or overripe fruit for wildlife - they are high in energy and water content.
Try to avoid frequent cung of grass in some parts of your garden. Allowing grass to grow long provides
excellent shelter for wildlife, and nesng sites for hedgehogs. ALWAYS check before strimming these areas
- hedgehogs fall regular vicms to these machines.
Don’t forget dogs can suffer in this heat, so NEVER leave them in hot cars and avoid walking them during
the hoest me of day (between 11.00 a.m. and3.00 p.m.). Be aware that concrete and other hard
surfaces can get very hot, so be careful about walking dogs on these hot surfaces, as it can cause injury to
their pads. Ensure they have plenty of fresh water all the me, and shade is available when they are out
and about.
Helping Our Hedgehogs
Lisa Bu
Tel: 0785 496 7903
Email: lbu@live.co.uk
Many of you will have noced that Sheepwash has a lack
of hedgehogs. I’m hoping we can figure out why so we
can change this.
There are copies of a very short quesonnaire in the
village shop – it literally takes two minutes or less to fill
in.
If you could fill one in and drop it into the collecon box
in the shop (above the freezer), it would provide
invaluable informaon which could help bring more
hedgehogs back to Sheepwash.
Please help. I’ll make sure to keep you all updated with
the results in the next Chronicle.
Editors’ note: For those who don’t know her, Lisa lives in Sheepwash. She is a veterinary nurse with an
interest in helping wildlife, so any informaon we can give her can only enhance our shared experience of
living here.
22

The Torridge Salmon
For the angler, hooking and landing a salmon on the Torridge is
something of a rarity these days. Yet go back fiy or sixty years, and
huge numbers of salmon would enter the estuary and swim upstream
to spawn in the headwaters. Indeed, for such a small river, not more
than fiy miles in length, the number of fish was quite astonishing -
probably in excess of 10,000 in good years.
This huge number of salmon created much needed employment for
North Devon. There were at least twenty licensed salmon netsmen
operang out of Appledore, and these nets would catch up to 3,000
salmon every summer. The owner of the boat would require three
helpers (endorsees) to row the boat and pay out the seine net. It was
hard work but provided a good living for at least eighty Appledorians.
There were sll plenty of salmon that escaped the nets to migrate
upstream into the main river. These provided great sport for the
anglers - every year the rods would catch at least 500 and some years
more than 1,000. In 1954 over 100 salmon were caught on a small
stretch of river below Newbridge at Dolton.
The Half Moon has always been a centre for anglers to stay and fish the river, but in the 1950s and 1960s
most of the local pubs bordering the river either owned or leased a
stretch of the Torridge. The Black Horse in Torrington, the pub in Meeth,
the George in Hatherleigh, and the pub in Shebbear were all hostelries
where anglers could stay and fish. Salmon fishing made an important
contribuon to tourism in our corner of North Devon.
Come late November every lile stream and brook would abound with
salmon preparing to spawn. There would be pairs of salmon on all the
riffles in Mussel Brook. Bert Piper, Charlie Allin, Alfie Harris, Gerald
Sanders, and many more would tell of going out on dark stormy nights
with a light and pitchfork to poach their Sunday dinner!
Not long aer my family came to live in Sheepwash in 1958, I was invited
by John Piper and his son David, who farmed at Wooda, to join them for a
day’s shoong. The land was beside the upper reaches of the Walden, a
tributary of the main river. I could not believe what I was seeing - at the
tail of every pool two or three pairs of salmon would be feverishly
preparing their redds ready for the hen fish to deposit her eggs.
It was not only the number of fish but also the size that was so astonishing. Salmon over 20lb in weight
was almost the norm. My father caught a 27lb fish above
Sheepwash Bridge. The largest rod-caught salmon of 34lb was
caught in 1934, and in 1927 a 57lb salmon was caught by one of
the netsmen in the estuary!
The Torridge salmon is a truly wild creature and an integral part of
a truly wild river. For most the river’s journey, from its source
near Hartland to Great Torrington, there are no roads, no
railways, and very few houses. Whether fishing or just walking
along the banks you are more likely to see an oer, a kingfisher,
or a dipper than anywhere else in England.
In the next issue of the Chronicle I will outline some of the reasons
for the dramac collapse in the numbers of salmon in the last fiy
years, and explain what is being done to try and help these
wonderful wild fish to recover.
Charles Inniss
23

The Half Moon Inn
The Half Moon has now been under the new ownership of Andrew Orchard and Alan McIntosh for several
months, so we thought it would be a good me to catch up with what’s been happening and what is
planned for the near future.
There are only a couple of new faces on the staff. There’s new manager Pearl Devaney (who will become
Pearl Walters later this year), who gave me the inside track on everything for this arcle. And then there’s
the new chef, Richard Clarke, who has worked in several top kitchens, including Langans Brasserie (one of
Michelin-starred Michael Caines’s restaurants).
The longer-serving staff (I won’t say “old”) are sll in place – bar manager Adam, Craig, Margaret, Alison,
Lindsey. Anna, and Jason, as are the small army of part-me youngsters – James, Eve, Emma. Jay, Emily,
Jackie, Gemma, and “pocket rocket” Heather.
We were going to have a picture of the new faces with some of the familiar ones, but most disappeared as
soon as I took my camera out of the bag, and the rest formed a scrum where everyone was ducking down
and trying to stand behind someone else, more camera-shy than a bunch of hardened criminals on the
run. So for now you’ll just have to visit the Half Moon yourselves to see what they look like!
Pearl wants to re-establish the Half Moon as a tradional country
inn, focussed on a clientele interested in tradional country
pursuits – fishing, shoong, golf, walking, cycling, horse riding, and
so on, and, of course, sll dog-friendly - all of which is reflected in
their new logo.
In line with that, the opening hours have changed. They are now
open all day from noon unl 11.00 p.m., except on Sundays, when
they close half an hour earlier. So if you fancy a late aernoon
coffee (or something stronger) aer an enjoyable day outdoors,
you can pop in for a drink and good conversaon.
24

A lot of refurbishment has already taken
place. The external paintwork and
repaired windows are immediately
evident, but a lot of work has also been
done inside.
The notorious step in the bar area has
been removed, so the floor is flat and
hazard-free.
The restaurant has been redesigned, and
feels warmer, lighter, and friendlier than
it used to. It can now comfortably
accommodate about forty-five people
seated, and more for a buffet-style event.
The bar, snug, and rod room have all been
refurbished in a way that sll retains the
old character while “liing” the
atmosphere. The snug and rod room
make excellent places for more private
dining or club meengs for eight to ten
people.
And talking of eang, the new menu is
quite extensive, with things to suit all
tastes and moods, and very reasonably
priced. I can personally aest to the
quality of Richard’s cooking – the Thai
Chicken Sizzler is an experience I hope to
repeat very soon!
The word has obviously spread already,
and the restaurant is generally very busy,
oen full, so book in advance if you want
to make sure you can get a table when
you want one – call 01409 231376.
Pearl is very keen to ensure the Half
Moon is a place that people love to return
to, so if you have any special preferences
(like gravy served separately, or
whatever), please let the staff know, and if something’s not right for you, let them know straight away so
they can do something about it.
The twelve guest rooms have also been tastefully upgraded (sll ongoing). They are all en suite, and
provided with luxury toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilies, TV, and free wi-fi.
And the famous Half Moon breakfast spread is as good as ever, so you need have no fears about
recommending it to friends and family as a great
place to stay when you can’t accommodate them
OPENING TIMES
yourselves.
Our village inn is looking beer than ever, sll
aracng visitors from afar while remaining very
much at the heart of Sheepwash.
Now call in and see why!
Chris Bell
Noon unl 11.00 p.m. (10.30 p.m. on Sunday)
FOOD SERVED EVERY DAY
Noon unl 2.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. unl 9.00 p.m.
To book, call 01409 231376
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The Great Fire of Sheepwash - 1742
Most of us in Sheepwash know about the
great fire that raged through our village in
1742, but few of us are aware of the
aermath of that terrible event, and the
effect on the villagers themselves.
The Devon Quarter Sessions of 1743
recorded a special peon presented
nearly a year later, by the then sll
remaining inhabitants of Sheepwash.
According to the peoners, the fire
occurred on April 29 th 1742, but the
peon was not presented to the Jusces
of the Peace unl January the following
year. The me delay was apparently due to
the huge task of assessing the total
damage.
The peon stated that, “The fire raged with such uncommon fury, the whole town excepng a few
houses was in less than four hours enrely consumed, with a great part of household furniture and
merchandise of the inhabitants, and a large quanty of malt and corn and some bullocks and other cale,
and to complete this most melancholy scene, two poor souls endeavouring to save their goods lost their
lives.”.
The survey of the damage on the orders of Lord Walpole and Mr Jusce Yeo suggested a price of £3453-
15s-2d, and goods lost amounng to £912-17s-4d, a grand total in all of £4366-12s-6d, or around
£667,000 in today’s money.**
The extent of the damage was so great, that the villagers were, “reduced to the utmost want and misery
having been forced to live in fields destute of the common necessaries of life”. They desperately needed
to bring their peon to the aenon of officials, in order for the Treasury to provide the funds to
reinstate the village.
Back in the eighteenth century most of the houses in Sheepwash were of cob and thatch construcon, and
for the fire to take hold of the whole village in just four hours would have taken an unfavourable and
strong wind to sweep the conflagraon from roof to roof with such rapidity. We know from some
evidence that many of the cob walls must have survived, being essenally inflammable, and so in some
cases the need was just for a replacement roof and first floor mbers.
Today, in some older houses in the village, blackening from smoke and soot from the original fire can sll
be seen on the tops of the cob walls, where the replacement raers have been fied.
Fire was the great hazard back then, and Sheepwash was not the only vicm of such catastrophes. Nearby
Crediton was also a vicm of extensive fire in 1743, when other submied peons recorded losses to
thousands of bushels of malt being destroyed by fire. Rather than an appeal for rehousing, these were an
aempt to reclaim the duty paid, to avoid financial ruin.**
In Sheepwash, the great fire led to the demise of our famous market, which had to be relocated to
Hatherleigh, and although it returned again when the village was largely restored, it was never quite as
important again. The market was sll going In the 1950’s, but a shadow of its former self, and it has now
gone for good.
** Ref: Devon Quarter Session bundle – 1734 -1804 (Robert Bennet archivist of the, “Right to Remain
Silent Project”).
Paul Wheeler
Don’t forget to visit our website – www.sheepwashchronicle.org
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Raspberry and Almond Frangipane Tart
This is a delicious, almond-y tart, perfect for a warm, sunny aernoon. Serve with a generous spoonful of
cloed cream, and wash it down with a nice big pot of Earl Grey tea. I imagine a sparkling rosé would go
rather well too ...
It's easy enough to make pastry, but for speed, and an easy life, buy a ready-made case. Or use 375g
ready-rolled shortcrust pastry and blind bake in a greased 20cm loose-base fluted n for 10-15 minutes at
200°C.
Ingredients for the filling
Method
· 100g buer, soened
· 100g caster sugar
· 2 eggs
· 100g ground almonds
· 10g plain flour
· 1 teaspoon of almond extract
· 125g raspberries
· 1 tablespoon of icing sugar
Beat together the buer and sugar unl pale. Then beat in the eggs, one at a me, unl combined.
Fold in the ground almonds, flour, and almond extract, and beat for one minute.
Gently fold in the raspberries.
Spoon the filling into the pastry case, put it on a baking tray, and bake for 25 minutes unl golden.
Leave to cool in the n and dust with icing sugar before serving.
Helen Crossley
(With thanks to an old Essenals magazine for the image and recipe.)
27

The Torridge Inn, Black Torrington
The word is spreading that there is a new chef in the Torridge
Inn and we feel that it is appropriate to introduce him
properly.
Our new chef Kyan Hooper has over twenty years’ experience
in the country’s best kitchens. Kyan’s roots are in Bude, but
he has travelled widely to learn his trade - he has held senior
chef posions in many Michelin star restaurants and gastro
pubs, and has achieved many accolades and great success as
a head chef.
He is loving his new life in Black Torrington, and is a one-man
team in the kitchen, where he makes everything from the
bread and chutneys to stocks, sauces, burgers, desserts, and
hand cut chips. He ulises the fantasc West Country
produce, including free range duck and chicken, Devon beef,
lamb, and pork from Marns butchers in Okehampton, and
the fantasc fish and shellfish from the Cornish and Devon coasts, to produce interesng seasonal menus.
He is parcularly looking forward to the game season, and is a keen forager who can oen be seen
scouring for ingredients in the woods and fields with his lile dog Boo.
He is also very keen to use any excess produce from anyone's allotments and greenhouses, so if you think
your potatoes are beer than ours then pop in and have a chat.
Kyan is connuing with the regular themed evenings in the pub, the first one being “A Taste of India” in
May, which was fully booked within three days. It was fantasc to see so many familiar faces and we very
much appreciate your connued support.
The second one is taking place on Thursday 15 th June - a “Summer Celebraon Meal”, which includes
three courses for £25.00. The menu is available in the pub and on our Facebook page. We are filling up
fast, so booking is essenal.
The main menu is changed weekly and the Sunday roast is an offering of the tradional meats with all the
expected trimmings and a good selecon of seasonal vegetables. On Tuesday to Thursday from 6.00 p.m.
to 6.45 p.m. we offer the Early Birds Menu, which includes two courses for £10.00 or three courses for
£12.95. Booking is advised, as we fill up quickly.
The Torridge Inn holds two quizzes a month, on the first and middle Sunday, starng at 7.45 p.m. £1.00
per entry, with all proceeds going to the Devon Air Ambulance. Maximum teams of six, with a free drink
for each member of the winning team! The exact dates are adversed on our Facebook page, or feel free
to give us a call.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Torridge Inn!
01409 231243
Adversing in the Chronicle is exceponal value.
As well as appearing in the paper Chronicle, your ad will also be on our website:
www.sheepwashchronicle.org
Our adversing rates are:
Half page - £7 per issue, or adverse for a full calendar year (6 issues) for only £35.
Quarter page - £5.50 per issue, or adverse for a full calendar year (6 issues) for only £25.
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 other pages for full details of all these events!
When
Saturday 3rd June
Saturday 10th June
Sunday 11th June
Thursday 15th June
Saturday 17th June
Saturday 24th June
Tuesday 27th June
Sunday 9th July
Sunday 9th July
Tuesday 25th July
Wednesday 27th July
Sunday 30th July
Saturday 5th August
Sunday 6th August
Monday 28th August
Saturday 2nd September
Sunday 24th September
What
Ladies Walk and Talk
Friendly Open Back Gardens
Quiz night at the Half Moon
“Summer Celebraon Meal” at The Torridge Inn
Table Top Sale in the Village Hall
Strawberry Tea
Mobile library in the Square
Ladies Walk and Talk
Quiz night at the Half Moon
Mobile library in the Square
Parish Council Meeng in the Village Hall
1940s Tea Party in Iddesleigh
Church Fete in the Jubilee Park
Ladies Walk and Talk
Buckland Filleigh Family Dog Show
Ladies Walk and Talk
Harvest lunch in the Village Hall
And don’t forget to visit our website for more news and arcles:
www.sheepwashchronicle.org
Deadline for the next issue
Please get all your news and contribuons to one of us by 21st July, to ensure it is included in the
August (Harvest) issue of the Chronicle.
Just tell us your news when you see us out and about.
Send or drop off news and contribuons 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 contribuons or messages in electronic form.
Email Alison at alisonansell2@gmail.com or Chris at chris11egg@aol.com.
45

Useful Contacts
Descripon Person Telephone Email
Member of Parliament Geoffrey Cox 01837 82000
County Councillor Barry Parsons 01409 211234 barry.parsons@devon.gov.uk
Ward Councillor Philip Hacke 01409 231310 hackesthename@gmail.com
Parish Council Chairman Philip Hacke 01409 231310 hackesthename@gmail.com
Parish Council Vice-
Chairman
Mike Ritson 01409 231680 mike.ritson2@bnternet.com
Parish Councillors Nigel Hutchings 01409 231586 hutchingsnigel@yahoo.co.uk
Parish Clerk
Gill Trace 01409 231291 trace.gortleigh@bnternet.com
Denise Tubby 01409 231694 denise_tubby@hotmail.co.uk
Chrisna Penn 0797 976 3547 chrisnapenn61@gmail.com
Mark Crake
clerk@sheepwashparishcouncil.c
o.uk
Ladies Skiles Helen Orr 01409 231199 helenorr@mac.com
Yoga
Jennie Renshaw
01409 282842 or
0777 646 5236
jennie@nimblelimbs.com
Sheepwash Community
Shop
01409 231531
Doctors’ surgery (Black
Torrington)
Doctors’ surgery
(Shebbear)
Holsworthy Police
(staon answer phone
and other enquiries)
To report a crime
Dr Alan Howle
Dr Asad Aldoori
Dr Francisco
Fernandez
Guillen
Emma Tomkies
PCSO 30538
Community
Support Officer
Emma Tomkies
PCSO 30538
01409 231628 or
01409 335830
Fax: 01409
231029
01409 281913
01409 259461 or
call 101 for all
non-urgent
Police enquiries
01409 259461
Mobile Library 01409 253514
Sheepwash Chronicle
Editors
Sheepwash
Correspondent for
Okehampton Times and
North Devon Journal
emma.tomkies
@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.
uk
emma.tomkies
@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.
uk
Alison Ansell 01409 231196 alisonansell2@gmail.com
Chris Bell 01409 231341 chris11egg@aol.com
Vera Bryant 01409 231373
46

Descripon Person Telephone Email
Snooker Club
Treasurer/Secretary
Village Hall
Bookings
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 number 642 leaves Sheepwash at 9.30 a.m. and arrives in Bideford at 10.35 a.m.
Bus number 642 leaves Bideford at 1.30 p.m. and arrives in Sheepwash at 2.35 p.m.
On Wednesdays (to Holsworthy):
Bus number 639 leaves Sheepwash at 9.52 a.m. and arrives in Holsworthy at 10.30 a.m.
Bus number 639 leaves Holsworthy at 1.30 p.m. and arrives in Sheepwash at 2.08 p.m.
On Saturdays (to Okehampton):
Charles Inniss 01409 231237 charles.inniss@bnternet.com
Anne Gray 01409 231231 sheepwashvillagehall@hotmail.com
Village Hall Chair Denise Tubby 01409 231694 denise_tubby@hotmail.co.uk
Bus number 631 leaves Sheepwash at 10.00 a.m. and arrives in Okehampton at 10.37 a.m.
Bus number 631 leaves Okehampton at 12.30 p.m. and arrives in Sheepwash at 1.07 p.m.
For further informaon about bus routes and metables, 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!
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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