The Christow News

The Christow News
____________________________________________________________________________
� August 2007
CHRISTOW
SHOW
SPECIAL
Inside
Cup Winners List
Behind the Scenes –
Jan Deane describes the
mornings activites in the
hall and more…..
Shows gone by ..Stafford
Clark takes us back
Photo spread – centre
pages
Plus Other News
Play Park Committee –
report back
Win a box of delicious
French produce
What’s on and news
from clubs
A Fine Balancing Act from
Mati La Trobe
78 th Christow & District Show –
What’s a little rain?
Undaunted by the rain, which has been unrelenting this Summer, the
intrepid villagers of Christow turned out in impressive numbers
considering the conditions, to support the annual show.
Most of the events programmed took place and there were a good number
of stalls as usual. The Christow News congratulates the organisers and all
of those who were involved in ensuring the show was a success, no
matter how small a part they feel they played.
Despite the rain and soggy conditions the photographs in this edition
reveal that people had lots to see and enjoy in the showground and there
was still plenty of competition in the community hall for the valued
trophies awarded for the produce and other exhibits. There was quite a
rush for the cream teas in the afternoon offering the opportunity to take
shelter to the strains of “trad jazz”.
Christow certainly maintained the tradition of the “show must go on”.
Easily the youngest contender at only sixteen years of age, Mati was the first contestant to 'balance’
the tractor. Driving a 1957 Ferguson, belonging to Lyndon Downs, Mati showed the crowds that it
was down to skill not luck by repeating her success. Mati’s father taught her to drive a tractor on the
farm when she was thirteen and she has been ‘mad’ keen ever since. These days, she can help out on
the farm picking up hay bales, acrobating and heavy chain harrowing. For more photo’s of the day
see pages 4 & 5
If you would like to contribute to The Christow News just telephone if you have any suggestions for articles or
items that you would like to see included. The editorial group consists of – Sarah Wylie, Fiona Robinson, Paul
Gardiner, Nigel Peirce and Jan Deane. Contact details are – C/O Northwood Farm, Christow, EX6 7PG - 01647
252915 – email thechristownews@eclipse.co.uk. Alternatively articles can be left at the Christow Stores

Christow & District Show Cup Winners List – 2007
Flowers
Christow & District Show Vice President bowl for competitor chosen by the President (Conservation Class)
John Rowson
Class 1: Silver cup presented by the late Mrs. G. T. Archer for an arrangement for the Show President’s table
Barbara Gibbon
Class 2: Silver cup presented by the late Mrs. H. Edwards for an arrangement in a picture frame
Mary Howell
Classes 9 – 11 aggregate: Cup presented by Mr. J. Govier for rose blooms Lara Hoddinott
Classes 16 – 18 aggregate: Cup presented by Mrs. R. Nicholls for dahlias William Hogg
Class 28: Cup for best floral hanging display Val Norman
Class 29: Cup for best floral hanging display – commercial Ian Seward
Class 30: Cup for best floral display in situ Joan Banks
Class 31: Cup for best floral display in situ – commercial Christow Stores
16 years and under
Classes 32 – 36 aggregate 5 – 7 years: Cup presented by P. C. Lindsay
Classes 37 – 41 aggregate 8 – 11 years: Springfield Perpetual Challenge Cup
Toby Elworthy
presented by Mesdames Nicholls & Northcott Georgina Cleave
Classes 42 – 45 aggregate 12 – 16: Cup presented by the late A. H. Langston Ushi Lebersorge
Classes 32 – 45: Bernard May Challenge cup for best exhibit Harriet Rae Collins
Horticulture
Class 51: George Archer Memorial cup for the Top Tray John Wills
Challenge cup donated by D. Harvey for the best exhibit in the vegetable section B. & J. Inwood
Classes 8 – 27; 52 – 92 aggregate: Gordon Edwards Memorial cup Linda Ryder
Class 93: Challenge cup donated by R. C. Baber for the best allotment in Christow village
Murray Richards
Cookery, Preserves, Eggs
Classes 94 – 100 aggregate cookery: Mary Scott Perpetual Challenge cup Joan Banks
Classes 101- 105 aggregate preserves: Cup Mary Howell
Class 109: Men’s cookery cup Malcolm Gibbon
Classes 111 – 122 aggregate beverages: Cup Zoe Clark
Photography
Class 123: Perpetual Challenge Shield donated by C. Towell Georgina Cleave
Class 124: Perpetual Challenge Shield donated by C. Towell Keith Wills
Class 125: Digital photography cup John Hodgson
Agriculture
Classes 126 – 133: Cup donated by the late Mrs. E. H. Roger- Edwards Hilary Harvey
Carriage Driving
Class 142: Perpetual Studd Memorial cup donated by Mrs. C. L. Studd Liza James
Class 144: Johnny James Memorial cup Liza James
Horse & Pony
Classes 145 – 150 aggregate: Tom Preston Memorial cup Annabel Rusden
-2-

They say it’s the exception that proves the rule and the rain on Saturday, 18 th August certainly proved the
exception to the rule that “it never rains (much) on Christow Show day”. Exhibitors unloaded their entries
for the various classes in the Hall in a steady downpour while the horse and pony entrants sturdily churned
the lower ring into what quickly resembled a ploughed field. Macs and wellies were the order of the day.
However, inside all was progressing in an atmosphere of damp good humour as the tables soon filled up
with an assortment of flowers, vegetables, crafts and cookery entries. Amazingly, given the generally wet and
difficult season gardeners have experienced this year, the total number of entries was up on 2006. By the
time the hall was shut up at 10:30 and the public shooed out, all tables were full and it was now the turn of
the judges.
The various class groups each have their own judge, who have, years of experience of judging at similar
shows and fetes round about and as the clock ticks by, they steadily work their way through the entries. Each
judge is assigned a steward whose task it is to open up the exhibit tickets, write the 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd place cards
and record who has won what. By noon the judging is finished; the judges retire to the Bowden room for a
well deserved lunch prepared by the WI and the stewards submit their lists to the Horticultural Secretary
(Mary Archer) who, with her assistants, spend the next few hours tallying the points to determine who has
won the various aggregate classes and preparing the list of cup winners ready for presentation later in the day.
Christow Show has a lot of cups, so it’s a long list!
One o’clock and the hall is re-opened. For those of us who have been spent the
morning helping out, there’s now time to have a look at the rest of the show
outside the Hall. Bob King is part of a jazz trio playing at the Hall entrance - a bit
of Dixieland, a bit of trad - a great antidote to a rainy day. The beer tent and the
hog roast stand provide me with a great lunch and I start to make the rounds to
see what was what - the Axe Men, the tractors, the vintage cars, the children’s
story teller, the various trade stands - and to catch up with people that I haven’t
seen for awhile - perhaps since last Christow Show. Certainly there wasn’t the
crowds that one usually expects on Show day and it looked like several stands
hadn’t turned up; the show jumping and the cross country race were cancelled and there appeared to be no
takers for the tug of war classes (although the kids had a go), but everyone who was there seemed to be
having a good time.
Time to go back to the Hall – a bit late I see as Mary is just finishing sorting out the prize money envelopes.
With that done, we retired to the Bowden room for an excellent cream tea and then it was back to the Hall to
hear the draw and cup winners announced, help with giving out the prize money and to bid at the produce
auction. Christow Show, it’s one of my favourite days of the year – even when it rains!
CUP WINNERS continued
Behind the scenes – Jan Deane
Class 146: Shield donated by Mr. & Mrs. Clapham Josie Bruford
Class 159: Newdale Perpetual Cup Ella Venning
Classes 155, 158, 161 aggregate: Taverner Challenge cup Charlie Hart
Classes 154, 157, 160, 163 aggregate: Challenge cup presented by the late H. Hamlin Charlie Hart
Classes 156, 159, 162 aggregate: Challenge cup presented by the late Mrs. C. Hoskins Georgina Pearce
Sporting Events
Class 183: Cup donated by Messrs. Stephen & Stafford Clark
Linda Elworthy
Tractors
John Clarke Memorial Cup Tim Langabeer
-3-

Christow & District Show – looking back
There is a set day for this event every year, it is held on the 3 rd Saturday in the month of August (on the
Anglo Saxon Calendar it was called ARN-MONATH or BARN-MONATH). Men and women who visited
and perhaps exhibited in years gone by may now see produce shown by their sons and daughters, perhaps
even their grandchildren.
One of the early shows is mentioned as follows: Extract from the Mid Devon Advertiser on July 30 th 1910.
“By the kindness of Mr Richard Edwards of Newhouse, Christow and favoured by good weather, the
PARISH REVELS were a great success, the subscriptions, the gate money, and the attendance were very
much larger than last year. A new feature was the FLOWER SHOW managed by a Committee, with Lord
Exmouth as president.” I have found a much later item dated 1935, it read “Christow and District
Horticultural Society annual show and sports Saturday August 17 th 1935, this ticket will admit the bearer to
the Y.M.C.A. field on the above date and is an acknowledgement of a donation to the Society’s funds price
6d (sixpence) signed H. W. Burchell Gen: Hon:Secretary. The year 1989 saw the 60 th show when the people
responded in large numbers.
Foot and Mouth in cloven hoofed animals has always affected entries and attendance, at this moment
restrictions are in place, I hope they are short lived.
Apart from the exhibition and the sports the show brings together many residents and visitors who can meet
and talk of many topics past and present, they enjoy the event every year.
The wars of 1914-18, 1939-45 were periods when village life changed, the scheme to grow more food
became a priority, we all hope such a situation will not happen again. Despite the stupid rules and regulations
which curtail public functions people will always find the will to overcome them.
Long may the show go on. Stafford Clark
Christow Playpark Committee - report back
We would like to inform you of recent events. With the help and support
that we got from everyone with the auction/draw, the new piece of
equipment has now been fitted. It was an instant success. There were
eight people on the twister with 30 minutes of removing the safety fence.
Colin Fidock was the first down –as you can see from the picture below he
is of course under 11 years of age!
The following day there were approximately 15-20 children using the
equipment in the play park. Many thanks go to Colin Fidock, Sarah Cann,
Jimmy McCullar and young John Edwards, who gave up their Saturday to
put in all the safety mats.
We have also been successful with two of the grants that I applied for, one
is from the National Lottery for £10,000 and the other from Rural Aid for
£5,000. This is a great boost so we are planning to have more equipment
in the playpark by mid September 07. Colin Fidock has also raked and
reseeded the Croyde Castle area so this can also be used once again. Arrangements have been made to for
the fence in the junior area to be made higher – this to hopefully stop people getting in when it is shut. We
are still trying to get the 40 foot on the end of the flat surface to build an assault course for the older children
so that they also have something to do. We are still awaiting confirmation and will keep you informed. We
must keep vandalism to a minimum as a lot of time and money have gone into these play parks for the
benefit of the village. We are aware that children from other villages are using it which is great news but
please remember to look after, and respect, the parks.
On another note on July 14 we had a clay pigeon shoot which was part of the auction, it was a great success
and enjoyed by everyone who took part. I would like to thank those on the committee who sorted out the
lunches. A special thanks must go to Steve Lygo for his time and arranging this event at his expense also
thanks to John Edwards for supplying the land and to the 4 trappers. Lastly thanks to Pete and Sue at The
Teign House Inn for a great roast meal after a great days shooting. Tracey Fidock
-6-

Win a box of delicious French produce
Regular readers of Christow News and Unity will know that Sheila has got the bug, the long distance cycling in
France bug that is. That means that Mike has to leave his deck chair on the patio and follow faithfully with his
tool kit. Luckily there are plenty of pit stops en-route (Don’t tell Sheila but they are really boulangeries and
vineyards).
This year’s marathon will start on the 1 st of September. They will start from Vermenton in Burgundy (about 120
miles south east of Paris) and cycle to Le Palais at the foot of the Pyrenees. This is yet another pilgrim’s way to
Santiago de Compostella and at Le Palais they will join the route they took last year. They will return to Burgundy
by train to be re-united with the car.
Their journey will take them through Nevers, La Chatre, Limoges, Perigueux, Mont de Marzan and Orthez. We
are not telling you how many kilometres they will ride or how many days it will take. You will have to guess.
There will be a sort of lottery and the proceeds, a pound a ticket will go to the fund for the Play Park.
The prize will be a box of French food, worth about £50, and will include wines from each region
that they cycle through (don’t worry wine buffs they won’t be carrying lovely wines over rough tracks
they will collect them by car later)
The winning number will be composed of:-
1. The number on Mike’s speedo when they get to Le Palais it currently displays 2473 which means the new
number will be over 3100.
2. The number of days taken.
3. A tie breaker which will be the number of litres of water they drink en-route E.g. the number could be
30501580
All you have to do is get your atlas out and decide how far they will travel. You can enter as many times as you
like but each entry will cost you a pound.
Entry forms will be on display at the shops, Post Office, The Artichoke, The Teign House Inn. Or you can
collect one from a member of the Play Park Committee or Tracy on 252833. The winner will be notified on
the 12 th of October.
Scatter Rock Brewery - Look out for this forthcoming event. Some information on our
brewery. Established in 1998 by A Stannbury, traditional brewing equipment was installed in 1998. The brewery
now produces over 25 different real ales supplying over 250 customers throughout the UK. All beers are
delivered by the head brewer Darrin Bastin producing in the region of 3,500 pints a week. I think we are very
lucky to have a brewery in our village and we should support them. We are planning a short visit and tour
around the brewery at a small charge with the opportunity to sample the product! Most of you have
probably been to a whiskey distillery on holiday, so why not come and visit the brewery? The tour date will be
announced in the next Christow News. All proceeds will be going to the play park so please support us.
Colin Fidock
Note: Christow Playpark Committee would like to inform you that the Playpark will be closed
on Monday 17 th September to Monday 24 th September. For safety reasons, as Playline Design will
be fitting several new pieces of equipment.
Artists Open their studios from the 8 th to 23 rd September 2007
Please come and visit your local artists and discover what takes place in their personal work
spaces! Exhibitions show a range of art work including: Life studies, oil paintings, textiles,
woodcraft and sculpture. Look out at your local stores for the guides giving the details of the artists,
venues and opening times. Sue Ahmed
Book Talk & Exhibition of Paintings by local ornithological artist John Gale at
Haldon Belvedere. 7pm on Wednesday 5 September 2007. Tickets £10 to include a glass of wine and
canapés. Telephone 01392 832551 (evenings) Proceeds in aid of Dunchideock Village Hall
-7-

What’s On and local club updates continued
TV Youth FC Just to remind everyone, we start back on Friday 12 September 5 weeks for £13.50. Can I also
remind everyone that they now have to pay on DAY ONE – Before you start to play. Also we will be in our
kits, so should all be looking the same. These are available at Thomas Moore Shorts David/Luke shadow strip
£2.99. Shirt – Ranger Royal/White £8.95, Socks – Europa Royal £2.99. Any questions please ring or email me
Mary 01647 252619 teignvalleyyouthfc@tiscali.co.uk
‘Bike Ride & Stride’ Saturday September 8 th – Devon Historic Churches Sponsor Form: Miss J
Sampson. Half of the sponsorship goes to Devon Historic Churches and half to St. James’s Church. The fund
helps Devon’s churches with grants for maintenance work on the buildings.
Come and join us for an exploration of some of Exeter’s more intriguing churches. We shall be doing this as a
sponsored walk; It’s always interesting and friendly and is an opportunity to explore some of the churches that
you have walked past many, many times but never been into.
September 23 rd 10.00am A special service in church for children of all ages to join in the story of Jonah
(and the Big Fish). It won’t be formal, it will be fund and parts of it risk being very noisy! If you would like to
take part please contact anyone who sometimes goes to church.
Mrs Sylvia Wills On Sunday 22 nd July there was a special service in church when we celebrated Sylvia having
played the church organ for 70 years, she signed her contract as church organist on July 18 th 1937. She was
presented with a cheque, flowers and a certificate. Liz Hogg deputised for her at the organ whilst a choir sang her
favourite hymns. A specially decorated celebration cake was shared amongst those who had come to be with her.
On behalf of so many past and present residents of Christow, THANK YOU MRS WILLS.
Christow Church: Flower rota 24/08/07 to 06/09/07 Rosemarie Canvin
07/09/07 to 20/09/07 Pam Fey
21/09/07 to 04/10/07 Jeanette Freshney
Cleaning Rota September: Ann and Gareth Pike
Acorn Community Support – Musical evening at Haldon Belvedere was a great success with a perfect venue
and talented young performers – Emma Graham a harpist and Paul Roberts a violinist who was accompanied by
Tia Wilkins, a flautist. It was a magical evening! Acorn Friends Association If you would like to help Acorn
provide community support, joining our newly formed Friends Association will help our fund raising activities.
Annual Family Membership is £10: £5 for singles. Phone your name and address to 252701 and we’ll mail you
an application form. Better still, mail a cheque payable to Acorn Community Support together with your name
and address and we’ll enroll you. Member s receive an occasional newsletter and an invitation to an annual get
together. Mini Bus Information re excursions and/or hire of the bus can be obtained by ringing the Acorn
office on 01647 252701. Will the person who removed the aerial from the mini bus depriving the elderly
of the use of the radio please return it. Valley Day Care Centre For enquiries please phone Joan on
252701. Volunteers needed some volunteers who have served us manificently for the last 10 to 15 years
are now retiring. If our service is to continue we desperately need more volunteers, an hour or two a week is all
that is required. Please phone Joan on 01647 252701. We thank you for your support.
Canonteign Falls Sunday 26 th August
Come and Listen to “HOGWASH” playing at lunchtime. “Rick’s” fully licensed and stocked bar will be
open.