yarcombe voices 201801.pdfthank you to miranda who diligently uses articles, reports and notices...

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Yarcombe Voices ISSUE No. TWO HUNDRED and TWELVE PRICE 80p JANUARY 2018 EDITORIAL It is difficult to put into words the extent of my gratitude to everyone who contributes to Yarcombe Voices. How fortunate we are in this Parish to have so many people willing to send me such a wealth of interesting items to fill each month's magazine. Whether you are a regular or occasional contributor, whether you submit articles, poems, titbits, reports, notices or information, thank you so very much for giving your time. I say this at the beginning of every year but it is true that without you there would be no village magazine. A heartfelt thank you goes to Brenda Taylor for so generously giving her time to run the BricaBrac stall at Yarcombe Market and donating the profits to Yarcombe Voices; I am indebted, too, to those of you who have been kind enough to make donations to the magazine in the past year so that sufficient funds exist to pay printing costs. A special thank you is extended to Jill Dyer, Mary and Brian Smith and their dedicated team of distributors who ensure that The Voices reaches your door whatever the weather. Resounding thanks go to Veronica and Graham Wadey who collect the magazines from Chard Digital Print each month, to Tony Newman who gathers subscriptions and to Maggie and Matthew Tomkinson and my mother Margaret who give assistance in innumerable ways. Finally, I have one very particular thank you which is to Keith Goodman, who is retiring after seventeen years as the magazine's meticulous Treasurer. Thank you, dear Keith, for all your wonderful help with The Voices down the years and I wish you a happy "retirement"! For a few days before the Winter Solstice, when the sun sends out least power, it is as if the icearmoured Earth holds its breath. Then comes the wonderful moment when the year turns. For thousands of years the Solstice was celebrated with fire festivals and Mystery plays and it is no coincidence that the Christmas festival occurs at this time when light triumphs over darkness. As the days slowly lengthened and the agricultural year began anew, Druid priests who revered the natural world and understood humankind's deep connection to the Earth would lead the people to byre, field and orchard to conduct a ceremony that was ancient even then, banishing evil spirits, blessing trees and animals and praying for that most vital thing: a fertile year ahead culminating in an abundant harvest. The Wassail festival begins the cycle of the farming year, the Harvest festival closes it; wassailing is a natural link between those ancient ceremonies of our forefathers and the services held today in churches and chapels when thanks are given for harvest and the fruits of the land are blessed. The custom of wassailing had all but vanished until recently; perhaps it is our increasing consciousness of the environment that has led to its sudden resurgence, not just in the countryside but in places like Bristol, Hackney and Brighton. Last year, wassailing was tentatively revived here in Yarcombe and such was the success of the evening that on Saturday 13th January, at 7p.m., you can join the 2018 Yarcombe Wassail at Middle Moorhayne Farm. Full details can be found on page 10 of this issue of Yarcombe Voices, and for catering reasons please be kind enough to let the organisers know beforehand that you will be attending. So come to the Yarcombe Wassail and raise a toast to a year of good health for all living things; celebrate the time when out of frozen darkness the sun begins to strengthen, when the Earth starts to breathe out again; celebrate the miracle of the rhythm of the year. Celebrate the beginning of the farming calendar and look forward to the harvest that is to come, celebrate a tradition that admittedly is not as old as the hills that enfold this village, but near enough. Wassail! And a very happy New Year to you all! Miranda Gudenian

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  • Yarcombe VoicesISSUE No. TWO HUNDRED and TWELVE PRICE 80p JANUARY 2018

    EDITORIALIt is difficult toput intowords theextent ofmygratitude toeveryone who contributes to Yarcombe Voices. Howfortunate we are in this Parish to have so many peoplewilling to sendme such awealth of interesting items to filleach month's magazine. Whether you are a regular oroccasional contributor, whether you submit articles,poems, tit-‐bits, reports, notices or information, thank youso very much for giving your time. I say this at thebeginningofeveryyearbut it is truethatwithoutyoutherewould be no village magazine.

    A heartfelt thank you goes to Brenda Taylor for sogenerously giving her time to run the Bric-‐a-‐Brac stall atYarcombe Market and donating the profits to YarcombeVoices; I am indebted, too, to those of you who have beenkindenoughtomakedonations to themagazine in thepastyear so that sufficient funds exist to pay printing costs. Aspecial thank you is extended to Jill Dyer, Mary and BrianSmithandtheirdedicatedteamofdistributorswhoensurethat The Voices reaches your door whatever the weather.Resounding thanks go to Veronica and Graham Wadeywho collect the magazines from Chard Digital Print eachmonth, toTonyNewmanwhogatherssubscriptionsandtoMaggieandMatthewTomkinsonandmymotherMargaretwho give assistance in innumerable ways.

    Finally, I have one very particular thank youwhich is toKeith Goodman, who is retiring after seventeen years asthe magazine's meticulous Treasurer. Thank you, dearKeith, forallyourwonderfulhelpwithTheVoicesdowntheyears and I wish you a happy "retirement"!

    For a few days before theWinter Solstice, when the sunsends out least power, it is as if the ice-‐armoured Earthholds itsbreath. Thencomesthewonderfulmomentwhenthe year turns. For thousands of years the Solstice wascelebratedwith fire festivals andMysteryplaysand it isno

    coincidence that the Christmas festival occurs at this timewhen light triumphs over darkness. As the days slowlylengthened and the agricultural year began anew, Druidpriests -‐ who revered the natural world and understoodhumankind'sdeepconnectiontotheEarth-‐wouldleadthepeople to byre, field and orchard to conduct a ceremonythatwas ancient even then, banishing evil spirits, blessingtrees and animals and praying for that most vital thing: afertile year ahead culminating in an abundant harvest.

    TheWassail festival begins the cycleof the farmingyear,the Harvest festival closes it; wassailing is a natural linkbetween those ancient ceremonies of our forefathers andthe services held today in churches and chapels whenthanks are given for harvest and the fruits of the land areblessed. The custom of wassailing had all but vanisheduntil recently; perhaps it is our increasing consciousnessof the environment that has led to its sudden resurgence,not just in the countryside but in places like Bristol,Hackney and Brighton. Last year, wassailing wastentatively revived here in Yarcombe and such was thesuccess of the evening that on Saturday 13th January, at7p.m., you can join the 2018 YarcombeWassail at MiddleMoorhayne Farm. Full details can be found on page 10 ofthis issue of Yarcombe Voices, and for catering reasonsplease be kind enough to let the organisers knowbeforehand that you will be attending.

    So come to the Yarcombe Wassail and raise a toast to ayear of good health for all living things; celebrate the timewhen out of frozen darkness the sun begins to strengthen,when the Earth starts to breathe out again; celebrate themiracle of the rhythmof the year. Celebrate the beginningof the farming calendar and look forward to the harvestthat is to come, celebrate a tradition that admittedly is notas old as the hills that enfold this village, but near enough.Wassail! And a very happy New Year to you all!

    Miranda Gudenian

  • Page 2

    YARCOMBE WEATHER ~ NOVEMBER 2017...... and Californian Weather

    2017 2016 2015Av. Max. temp. 9.5°C 10.4°C 13.2°CAv. Min. temp. 5.9°C 5.7°C 9.5°CAv. Overall temp. 7.7°C 8.0°C 11.4°CRainfall 61.0 mm 157.0 mm 110.5 mmWettest Day 11th 13.9 mm 19th 39.1 mm 4th 12.6 mmSunniest Day 12th 8.0 hrs approx. 30th 8.0 hrs 13th 6.0 hrsWarmest Day 4th 11.9°C 14th 15.6°C 7th 17.0°CColdest Night 26th 1.0°C 30th -0.5°C 23rd -0.1°CSunshine hours 87.0 hrs. approx. 74.0 hrs 38.0 hrs

    Do I miss the Californian wild fires? NO. However, I do miss the sunshine; in November they usually have 170 hourscompared to our 87 hours here. However, we hadmore than double the hours of sunshine duringNovember 2015 (seeabove). In California most nights the temperature falls from 18°C at midday to a night time low of 2°C.

    In the last week of November in Yarcombe the temperature fell below the average for the month giving us a frost eachnight. We had plenty of gales and a northerly wind made it feel even colder.

    Tony Newman

    REPORTS AND PERSONAL NOTICES

    Community LunchRosemary Abel kindly offered to cook beef pasties forNovember's Lunch, so with chips and baked beans ahearty, warming meal was served. A sweet of applemeringuemade by Pat Bright was a light accompaniment.

    After the meal Liz Freeman gave a short talk about herrecent trip to Canada: ‘Travels through the Rockies withLiz’. This holiday was another tick off her bucket list. Sheespecially thankedDennis Abel as he had edited hermanyphotos to a manageable selection (with the advent ofdigital cameras it isonly tooeasytosnapawayregardless),andDennis had set up theprojector and screen so that shecould explain the pictures chosen.

    The trip started in Calgary travelling on to Banff, with acruise on Lake Minnewanka and an excursion to thefamous Lake Louise. From there, a stop to see theAthabasca Galcier and the falls. Liz reported that theglaciers are noticeably retreating mainly due to globalwarming. Then onwards to Jasper and Kamloops for athree-‐day railway journey on the Rocky Mountaineerending inVancouver. The train is both adouble and singledecker with all-‐round observation from where not onlythe scenery but all manner of wildlife could be viewedincludingblackbears, deer,mooseandevena littlemouse.The party spent the days on the train, sleeping in hotels at

    night. A fall of snow made it all the more magical. Thetechnical knowledge on the building of the railwaythrough such inhospitable terrain was amazing.

    Next, a comprehensive city tour of Vancouver and timeto discover its charms before making the crossing toVancouver Island and to the capital Victoria where therewas an opportunity to go on a whale watch cruise beforetransferringbacktoVancouverandtheflighthome. Thankyou, Liz, for this interesting talk; several people had beento Canada and this brought back many happy memories.Perhaps it is just the thought of warmer, sunnier climesthat people like to hear about on a coldNovemberday, butanyone with interesting holiday memories would bewelcome to share their experiences. Please let us know.

    JANUARY'S COMMUNITY LUNCH will take place onWEDNESDAY 17th.

    Tuesday ClubThe title "A Dancer’s Touring Life’ encouraged several

    visitors to come along to the November meeting. MaggieTomkinson, with Matthew showing illustrations,explained thedaily lifeof adancerand the life she led. Thisis a tale of hard gruelling activity anda life youwouldhaveto be totally dedicated to. After training for at least threeyears and finding a company to employ you, it means adawn start, continual practice, with little nourishment, as

    Out and About with our Roving Reporter, Lesley Sutton

  • Page 3

    THE SENIOR CITIZENS' CHRISTMAS LUNCH and CHRISTMAS BINGO

    yourweight has to be theminimumpossible. Maggie wasfortunate to be interested in contemporary dance and shewas chosen to join the Murray Louis Dance Companywhere she spent many years travelling all over the world,dancing in wonderful locations (where on occasions shewas able to actually spend time and enjoy the venue).

    Duringthistimeshewasabletoperformwithsomewell-‐loved famous people such as Dave Brubeck and PlacidoDomingo, amongst others. Practising and rehearsing allday before a performancemeans being an integral part ofa team but restricted many other social involvements. Itwas normal for a dancer to spend 26 weeks working and26 unemployed, but then still continuing practising, asthat never stops.

    All dancers sustain major injuries during their workinglife which stops them from performing at some point intheir career and with this in mind on retirement from thefrontline stage Maggie began her own company ‘Safe inDance International’ whose mission is to support,encourage and endorse the implementation of healthydance practice and dancer wellness worldwide.

    Maggie was pleased to answer lots of questions fromaudience members about all aspects of her time as adancer and the path she has now taken. The evening wasorganised byMo Rich and VeronicaWadey who providedthe refreshments.

    On JANUARY 9th the DVD of the film "A UNITEDKINGDOM" will be shown at Maggie Lane's house.

    ☆☆ Thank You to the Christmas Lunch Team! ☆☆A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped organise the Christmas Lunch, gave their time to serve it and

    donated food. You gave us a delicious lunch which was much appreciated. Very many thanks.Caroline Ford

    StraightaftertheChristingleService, theoldermembersofthe congregationhot-‐footed to the JubileeHallwhere theywere joined by many others for the annual CHRISTMASLUNCH. They were welcomed with a glass of sherry orjuice and sat down to enjoy possibly the first Christmasmeal thisyear. CliffordandMarionEvery,ShaunandCindyVining and their brilliant team of helpers, family andfriends, some from outside the village now, provideda full traditional lunch.

    Thelma Clarke kindly said Grace. Themeal started with an option of prawncocktail or paté and toast with side salad;swiftly followed by platefuls of turkey,sausages wrapped in bacon, stuffingballs, gravy and a plethora of vegetables,roast potatoes, carrots, peas, andBrussels sprouts. MirandaGudenian,withassistance from Caroline Ford, was winewaiter offering red or white wine, regularlytopping up glasses. A choice of sweet, eitherChristmas pudding or gateaux with either Cornish orpouring cream was followed by coffee, tea and mints.

    Towards the end of the lunch the helpers were asked toappear as, on behalf of everyone who had dined so well,Lesley Sutton proposed a very grateful vote of thanks forall their hard work decorating the hall, laying the tablesand cooking and serving such a magnificent feast.

    Thank you toMiranda Gudenian for taking the names ofthosewishing to attend themeal despite the difficulties ofcommunication in Yarcombe at themost critical time andto thosewho kindly responded to their invitations in suchnumbers. Next year will be the 40th anniversary of thisannual meal and it is hoped that it will be a very special

    event. Clifford has kindly offered to organize this for nextyear but will be standing down after so many years ofdedication to Yarcombe and its people. We are verygrateful to The Skittles League and to Clive Stone, whoarranged the Apple Day, for generous donations to theLunch. Thank you so much.

    There isnopointputtingtablesandchairsawayafter theChristmas Lunch as they are required the next

    evening for theCHRISTMASBINGO,onceagainorganised by Clifford Every, his family andtheir helpers. The Bingo is run to fund theSenior Citizens' Christmas Lunch andshould take place prior to the event, butdue to the way the calendar falls oftentakes place the following day. However,that is not important. AndrewChick onceagain took the position of caller and thewelcoming team took money for bingo

    books, quickies, lottery numbers and thegrand draw, as they welcomed everyone into the

    hall. Therewasaglitteringarrayofprizesandawonderfulamount of cash for the lucky winners.

    This isanopportunity formanyof thechildren tostayuplateand join in the fun,andafter the ‘house’hasbeencalledforsomeofthegames,numberscontinueuntilachildwins.As usual there seem tobe lucky tables, excited voices fromcertainareascalling 'house', butprizesseemtohave foundhomes all around the hall this year, and various trophiescarried home, some to be put into the freezer until later.

    Once again grateful thanks to the team for anotherenjoyable and hopefully profitable evening. By then,Christmas was well underway in Yarcombe!

    Lesley Sutton

  • Page 4

    Yarcombe Inn Campaign Update - 13th December, 2017The community bid to try and secure The Yarcombe Inn building has reached a critical juncture so Yarcombe ParishCouncil and its special Pub Campaign Committee feels that the time is right to share the situation with you all.After six summermonthsof feverishactivity inwhich, fromastandingstart,wehaveassembledsufficient funds tobuy

    the building at today’s current valuation, created an exciting and viable Business Plan which reflects the wishes andwants of our community and gathered support for our plans from national, regional and local heritage, tourist andgovernment organisations, we started negotiations at the beginning of November to purchase the property.As almost all of youwill be aware, the current owners earlier this year put an asking price on the building of £385,000

    via their estate agents, Greenslade, Taylor Hunt. We, on the other hand, received in October our own independentvaluationwhichwas significantly lower and so based our opening offer on this figure. Itwas rejected out of hand by theowners.Our second, improved, offerwhichwas stillwithin thevaluation rangewas then submittedand theowners responded

    with an indication that theymay be prepared to consider it -‐ on condition that it buys only part of the building and thatthe community supports a second planning application by them for change of use to housing for the remainder.

    Given that such a proposal would compromise our carefully constructed and credible Business Plan and conflict withthe wishes expressed by more than 95% of the community in the recent survey on future plans for the pub, the ParishCouncil and members of the Campaign Group met in special session to extensively discuss the matter. The meeting’sdecision was unanimous:

    • Our offer represents fair value for the entire property as it now stands• The future viability of the Yarcombe Inn site depends on it providing the local community, passing

    trade and tourists to the Blackdown Hills with a vibrant mix of pub/café, local shop, a significant B&Boperation and a Blackdown Hills Visitor Centre supported by the AONB. Only the entire building deliversthis – anything less is untenable

    • Such a scheme is totally consistent with the Parish’s wishes as enshrined in the recently adoptedNeighbourhood Plan which highlights the absence of both a village shop and pub from the heart of thecommunity

    This viewhas nowbeen conveyed to the owners by the Parish Council andwe awaitdevelopments. It is hoped that theywill eventually accept the village’s offerwhichwehave decided to leave for the time being on the table. However, it is also possible thatan unknown third party could step in with an offer for more than the property iscurrentlyworth-‐ inwhichcasetheParishCouncilandtheCampaignCommitteewouldlookforwardto,hopefully,workingwiththemtoestablishthepubandcommunityhubof the kind envisaged in our Business Plan.Whatwe believewould be entirely inappropriate, however, would be any sort of change of use to housing on the site.

    Save TheYarcombe Inn!

  • Thank You to all who help with and support the MagazinesAs 2018 unfolds our thoughts linger of things past... Thank you to Miranda who diligently uses articles, reportsand notices received for inclusion in the relevent Voices; and to everyone involved in proof reading and pickingup the magazines from the printers so they reach Mary for sorting. At Glebe Farm we filter in any flyers,posters, lists, schedules etc., to Voices and Parishes' Paper, then count, bag and label. Lists of names andaddresses kindly provided by Tony Newman, who collects orders and payments from subscribers of both

    magazines, are checked and revised regularly. VOICES and PP ready to GO!!

    GOWHERE? To the happy band of distributors who willingly deliver their "round" to your homes. Very manythanks to all distributors for their dedication and prompt deliveries. I have received numerous comments and

    feed-back from customers praising the wonderfully efficient free delivery service you give.

    ... Our thoughts now turn to present and future things. Receiving out-of-date or"gone on events" information is disappointing and wasteful, so please continueyour impressive system (Royal Mail take note). A thank you vote goes to KeithGoodman, long-standing and very efficient Voices Treasurer who has kept a

    wary eye on financial planning.

    I wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year, hope you enjoy your monthly read, and thank you forsupporting our "must have" local magazines. If you happen to meet anyone who has no knowledge of theVoices or Parishes' Paper please suggest they contact Tony Newman (01460 234739), Mary Smith (01404

    861541) or me (01460 66201). Many thanks to you all.Jill Dyer

    Thank you, Jill, for such kind words which are so much appreciated. - Miranda

    Page 5

    Yarcombe Inn Campaign, 2017 HighlightsSince the Yarcombe Inn came on the market in May 2017 we have:-‐

    • Developed a viable Business Plan to operate the Inn as a pub/café, a shop, a bed and breakfast and aBlackdown Hills visitor centre. This will be sustained by serving the local community, a passing trade andvisitors to the Blackdown Hills.

    • Consulted with the community on several occasions and received thesupport of over 95% for the proposed plans.

    • Set up a Community Benefit Society to manage the operation of the Inn ifand when we are able to purchase it.

    • Been featured in the regional press and on Spotlight and BBC Radio Devon.• Gained support from Exeter Museum for a partnership in the Yarcombe

    Inn’s historical interpretation.• Obtained an independent valuation of the property.• Received specific support for the project from, among others, The

    Department of Communities and Local Government, East Devon DistrictCouncillors, The Blackdown Hills AONB authority and the Plunkett Foundation.

    • Run a successful fund-‐raising campaign including Pub-‐Hub village events, aCrowd Funder, grants and low interest long term government-‐backed loans.

    • Assembled sufficient funds to make two offers for the property which arein line with the independent valuation.

    ... JUBILEE HALL 100 CLUB ... JUBILEE HALL 100 CLUB ...THE WINNERS OF THE CHRISTMAS JUBILEE HALL 100 CLUB DRAW WERE:

    £50 No.81 ★ Elaine Pearse£25 No.65 ★ Jackie Woolcott£15 No.62 ★ Marion Rich£7 No.5 ★ Angela Ellis

    ... JUBILEE HALL 100 CLUB ... JUBILEE HALL 100 CLUB ...

  • The Yarcombe & Marsh Children's Fund enjoyed takingpart in the CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL held at theBaptist Chapel. We were asked to dress a tree, so thechildren decorated 'cut outs' of their hands and we hungthem on the tree. There was lots of glitter, sequins andstickers used to make each hand unique in its design.

    Wewent to see the treesover theweekendof eventsandenjoyed mince pies too! The Chapel looked amazing andtheshowoftreeswas lovely,awonderfuldisplay. Wewerethrilled to find out that our tree won and thank everyonewho voted for us. The children enjoyed their 'sweet' prizeat the Children's Christmas Party.

    AbigTHANKYOUfrom us all to theYarcombe Apple Dayfor their very kinddonation, it really isvery muchappreciated. AnEaster event ishopefully going totake place in 2018, solook out for moreinformation on this.

    If you would likemore informationabout the Children'sFund or like to get involved, please contact me on 07967965208 or [email protected]

    Julie Rich, Chairman

    Q. How do snowmen get around?A. On their icicles.

    Page 6

    Yarty Gardening ClubOur November meeting was a thoroughly enjoyable evening of "Flowers and Gardens" with music, presented by TonyBagwell. ‘Each Little Flower’ had Club members trying to identify a variety of wild and cultivated flowers from thebeautiful crisp close-‐up photographs. It is fascinating to see the detail on petals and flower heads that we so often takefor granted. Who knew that a single apple blossom could be mistaken for so many other blooms!

    ‘Beauty inanEnglishGarden’gaveus lovelyviewsof formalwatergardens, completewithpergolasand climbing roses all set within old stonewalls. What a lovely way to be reminded of summer on acold November evening. We then enjoyed ‘Hestercombe Garden throughout the year’ where Tonywas able to highlight just how much there is of interest during every single month of the year. Theexpansive views and structure of this world famous garden contrasted with the more intimate andvibrant ‘Field of Dreams’, the community wild flower meadow at South Petherton.

    Tony’s final garden was in Switzerland: the Schynige Platte Botanical Alpine Garden nearInterlaken. Wewere treated to beautiful pictures of early summer alpine jewelswith thewonderfulbackdrop of the Swiss Alps.

    Our NEXTMEETING is on 18th JANUARY in Buckland St Mary Village Hall at 7.30p.m. Thiswill be theClub’sAGM followedbya talk fromCharlesHill about trees, nodoubt inspiredby the research forhisrecently published book, ‘For the Love of Trees’.

    Pauline Bartlett, 01460 234778

    ☆☆Yarcombe Village Market ☆☆Sorry to say there will be no Village Market in January as we have found it difficult to find enoughstallholders to run a market that month. But we will be back to serve you at the next Village Market

    on SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10th 2018 at 10 o’clock.I would like to thank all those stallholders, helpers and customers who

    contributed to a successful 2017. Particularly Barbara Salter on the raffle; HelenMatthews who sets up the stalls and those who take them down and of course

    the ladies who run the refreshment counter.We will all be ready to serve you again in 2018 and look forward to meeting you

    on February 10th at 10 0’clock. HAPPY NEW YEAR!John Carter (Market Manager)

    Yarcombe &MarshChildren's Fund

    Thank Y

    oufor

    voting forus!

  • Page 7

    CHURCH AND CHAPEL MATTERS

    The16thDecemberwas thedate for the annual Children’sChristmas Party. With Christmas jumpers and partydresses on, the scene was set for an exciting afternoon offun and games. With close to 40 children attending thisyear, the village hall was soon filled with noise andlaughter and everyone getting in the Christmas spirit.Party games started off with musical statues, a hard

    foughtcompetitionwithall thechildrentryingtheirbest tostand statue-‐still when themusic stopped! After a couplemore games it was time for everyone’s favourite: pass theparcel. The childrenwere split in twogroups according toage and with two parcels going round in each age grouptherewas soon a flurry of unwrapping andpaper flying allover the place!Next it was time to sit up for party food. A slight break

    from tradition this year meant hot pizza was served withcrisps, followed by yummy fruit and a Christmas cup caketo finish. Withthechildren’s tummies fullandthetablesall

    cleared away whispers of aspecial visitor started tocirculate. The children werenot disappointed: FatherChristmas had come to visitbringing each child apresent. After each child hadreceived their present and agroup photo taken with theman himself, everyonewaved Father Christmas offback to his waiting reindeer.It was lovely to see so

    manychildrenat theparty thisyear,old facesandnew,andI think it can safely be said that the Yarcombe & MarshChildren’s Fund is definitely going strong and we lookforward tomore fun and activities in 2018. Please keep alook out in the Yarcombe Voices for details.

    Pamela Rich

    Yarcombe & Marsh Children's Christmas Party

    Christingle serviceYarcombe and Stockland alternate venues for the jointChristingle serviceon the first SundayeachDecember andthis year everyone came to Yarcombe, where Revd SimonHolloway led the worship. Chris Rich with Ellie and KatieRich handed out the books to families with children fromlocal schools including Stockland, Upottery, Buckland StMary and Honiton, who all enthusiastically joined in therousing hymns played on the piano by Louise Dear.

    SimonexplainedthemeaningofaChristingle: theworld,the fruits of the earth, the blood red band signifying theblood of Christ and the candle as the Light of the Worldwhich cannot be hidden and shines through the darkness.It's a traditionwhichoriginated in theMoravianChurch inGermanyandhasbecomean integral part of thepatternofservices atAdvent, all in support ofTheChildren’s Society,which is helping disadvantaged children everywhere.

    Chris and Phyllis Manning gave the Bible reading andmany of the children read prayers and poems, some ofwhich they had written themselves. Christingles weredistributed and the candles lit, under adult supervision,and all the children lined up at the front of the Churchproudly holding the symbols to show to the congregation.

    At the end of the service the children gave a preview oftheirChristmasentertainment bysingingoneof the songsfrom the show to ecstatic applause from the adults.Refreshments were served by the Yarcombe team, givinga chance for children to let off steamandadults to catchupwith one another after another year’s passing.

    Lite-BiteAfter a break the informal Lite-‐Bite Service with Maggie’sMix and the Allsorts Sound returned to Church with thehopeful theme ‘Let There byLight’ in these dark, cold daysof winter. Revd Nigel Freathy welcomed everybody andgavea short talk. ChrisManninggavean interesting literalexplanation of light and where it came from -‐ inlayperson's language -‐ from the point of viewof a scientistand engineer. Rebecca Bell told of the various Festivals ofLight indifferentreligionsandMarySmithspokeabouttheGideons. Annette Freathy was able to tell how theimportance of light is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible;others reading passages from the Bible were CliffordSochon, Lesley Sutton, Pat Bright and Liz Freeman.

    John and Angela Robinson led prayers and theMix sang‘LightenourDarkness’ as aprayer. Other solohymns fromtheMix were ‘Light of theWorld’,’ Let us Light a Candle intheDarkness’, Christ be our Light’with other light-‐relatedhymns joined by the congregation, such as ‘We areMarching in the Light of God’ and ‘ Walk in the Light, theSpirit lives to set us Free’. The number of light-‐relatedhymns seems infinite! Revd Simon Holloway gave theBenediction.

    The Allsorts Sound had playedmusic before the serviceand joined inmost of the hymnswhichwere joyfully sungby all present. Nibbles and wine were available after theservice when everyone gathered for a jovial get-‐together.There is talk of a Junior Lite-‐Bite to takeplace in the springwhich should be very interesting.

    Lesley Sutton

  • Page 8

    ~ CHRISTMAS ~When we were very youngAnd nursery rhymes and bedtime talesWere said and read to us in bed,When magic spells and giants tallMade funny noises in the hall,We really believed in witches and fairies,That evil was bad but that good conquers all.And Christmas began in DecemberWhen paper chains and Christmas treesWould deck the homes along the streets.And schools put on their festive treat,That magical play from ages pastLittlies, lambs and the oldest at lastElevated to a speaking partSaying a line with a gift from the heart.And the ums and the aahs from proud parents thereWho provided the tea towels and dressing gowns to whereThe holy family gazes fondly on a box filled with strawPinched from the rabbits who lived next door;The mince pie for Santa laid down on the hearthCarrots for reindeer finding the path to theHomes of all children all over the earth -‐An apple, an orange, a handful of nuts,Skipping ropes, kitesA book to delight with words to discoverAnd the mind to explore,We prayed for the hungry, the sick and the poor.But now we see daily disasters around:Earthquakes, flooding, the horrors of warThe wounded, the starving who earnestly plead,Their images beamedSomehow through the airInvading our lives in their constant despair -‐Our hearts reach out but how can we care.Now Christmas starts early, the shops full of stuffWe never envisaged -‐Enough is enough,BMX bikes, warriors from space, video games,Light sabres thrustingAnd yet little faces still wanting and trustingThat the dream still exists and that Santa is realAnd if we gather our thoughts and look through the mistsIs the babe in the manger still there to revealThere is hope for the helpless and love for the lost.

    Lesley Sutton

    ☆☆ Christmas Tree Festival Thanks ☆☆A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the Christmas Tree Festival at the Chapel. Everyone put alot of thought and care into the decoration of their tree. The Chapel looked lovely and everyone who visitedthoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and were very generous with their donations. It was also lovely to see somany people at the Carol Singing on Friday evening and the Carol Service on Sunday morning - thank you toall for coming. The result of the votes was that the Children's tree won the competition and a big box of sweets

    was delivered for them to enjoy at their Christmas Party.Pat Bright

    THE CHAPEL'S CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVALYarcombe Baptist Chapel hosted their first Christmas Tree Festival this December and invited members of the villageorganisations todecorate a treedepictingwhat they represented. TheTuesdayClub, ShortMatBowls andCroquetClub,

    FlowerShowCommittee,Children'sFund,CraftClub,Handbell Ringers, Royal British Legion, ParishChurch, Young Farmers' Club,Maggie'sMix, a specialFamilyChristmasandtheBaptistChapelall tookpart.From the previous Monday everyone was hard atwork making their baubles and dressing their treeswith tinsel and lights ready for theopeningonFriday8th. Places had been allocated by drawing lots andthewholeof the centreof theChapel glowedbrightly,with other trees filling the corners and the stairs.Refreshments, warm mulled drinks, mince pies andother goodieswere served by helpers to tempt thosewho came to see the show.

    An informal hour of Carol Singing took place onFriday eveningwithNigel Freathy introducing itemsinterspersed with Christmas cracker jokes, andMaggie's Mix and the Allsorts ready with carols,readings and requests to sing those old familiartunes. Between the singing, to give everyone abreather,PatBrightandRebeccaBell told thestoryofhow Christmas trees were introduced; Liz Freemanread John Betjeman’s poem ‘Christmas’ and also'Little Donkey' and Lesley Sutton read a Christmaspoemshehadwritten (see the left-‐handcolumnof thispage -‐ Ed.). The Mix sang ‘It was on a Starry Night’,‘Jesuswas Born on a Stable’ and the ‘Phillipine Carol’and the Allsorts played ‘Lord of Love’ and the ‘CamelShuffle’, Phyllis Manning charmed all playing ‘TheCarol’ on her clarinet accompanied by Maggie Lane.After 'Decking the Hall', 'Ding Donging', 'WatchingShepherds', 'Dreaming of a White Christmas', it washopedthatallweregoingtohavethemselvesa 'MerryLittle Christmas' with lots of carolling, and everyoneretired to to the schoolroom to enjoy Christmas fare.

    On Sunday morning the Chapel held their annualCarol Service, led by Thelma Clarke who gave one ofher interesting, amusing and relevant talks. LessonswerereadbyDennisAbel,PatBright,MarySmithandClifford Sochon. Rosemary Abel led prayers andMaggie's Mix sang two carols, ‘It was on a StarryNight’ and ‘One Star’ and joined in the communalsingingwith the congregationwhich included a goodsprinkling of children making it a real family affair.Afterwards the schoolroom was the venue forrefreshments and a chance to catch up with news.

    Lesley Sutton

  • WINTERSHALL 2018 – "The Life of Christ"This now famous open air play takes place with over 150 actors and live animals on a country

    estate near Guildford, Surrey; it has been held since 2000 in the lovely grounds of the WintershallEstate. The Passion Scene is enacted each year in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday.

    We have booked a coach and tickets for MONDAY 18th JUNE, departing at 2p.m. and returning onTuesday 19th June at approximately 7p.m. The play lasts from 10a.m. to 3.30p.m. and we areawaiting confirmation of accommodation. Tickets cost £18 each, the coach approx. £15 each and

    the B&B in a budget hotel - cheapest found so far is £130 for a double or twin room.50 tickets have been provisionally booked and one large coach but we await your

    bookings! A £10 deposit is required and full payment a week in advance. More detailsabout accommodation to come. If you are interested in booking a provisional place,

    please contact Rebecca Bell (Yarcombe) on 01460 234002 or email [email protected] information about this play can be found at www.wintershall-estate.com/lifeofchrist

    Page 9

    Church & Chapel Useful Phone NumbersThe Parish Church of St John the Baptist: Simon Holloway,Priest in Charge0129735433or07986274393. JoanBerry, LayReader 01823 601386. Churchwardens -‐ Jean Rich 01404861274. Geoffrey Berry 01823 601386. The Baptist Chapel:Thelma Clarke 01404 861267.

    Yarcombe&MarshPastoral Team: Dennis andRosemaryAbel01404 861774. Rebecca Bell 01460 234002. Joan Berry 01823601386. Lin Box 01404 861400. Diane Frost 01823 601103.Miranda Gudenian 01404 861387. Maggie Lane 01404 861401.Tony and Heather Newman 01460 234739. Barbara Salter01404 861465. Doreen Parris 01460 62502.

    CHURCHYARDHELPREQUIRED:Couldyouhelpusto keep the Churchyard tidy by sparing the time to mowthe grass once a year? Lots of people use our Churchyard,some to sit and enjoy the quiet, others to remember lovedones buried there, some to see the view across the valley.Usually two people work together to cut the grass andwedrawuparotaonceayear. Wearegrateful toall thosewhocontinue each year to "do their bit" and hope to gain somemore names for 2018. If you can help please contactChurchwardens Geoffrey Berry (01823 601386) and JeanRich (01404 861274).

    PAUSE FOR PRAYERPause For Prayer will continue at Maggie Lane'shouse, 8 Drake's Meadow, from 9.40 -‐ 10.00a.m.each TUESDAY MORNING. There is a prayer boardin Church for anyone to write a prayer request

    which will be included in the Pause for Prayer time.Please come and join a formal time of prayer,

    followed by a cup of coffee.

    Vistors from Lee AbbeyOn 25th January, we will welcome a small party ofpeople from LEE ABBEY to our parishes in the 5-‐ALIVE community. They will be here for four daysending on SUNDAY, 28th JANUARY with a service

    in YARCOMBE VILLAGE HALL at 4p.m.

    After the Service, we will have a ‘BRING-‐AND-‐SHARE’ tea to which you are all invited. Please tryto come along to meet our visitors. There may be

    a chance to visit Lee Abbey later in the year.Jean Rich and Geoffrey Berry, Churchwardens

    EPIPHANY FAMILY SERVICE

    YARCOMBE PARISHCHURCH

    SUNDAY 7th JANUARY,11a.m.

    All very welcome!

    Creche for tots

  • Page 10

    DIARY DATES AND INFORMATION

    Following the Wassail article in the December issue ofVoices we are now able to give you the details of the2018 event. We will start at 7p.m., meeting at MiddleMoorhayne Farm where there should be plenty of carparking, but if you can join with others and share lifts itwould help. Please bring torches, head torches areparticularly suitable so you can read thewords fromthesong sheets which will be provided and join in singingthewassailing songsandalsobring some implements tobang together toward off the evil spirits -‐ saucepan lidsand wooden spoons are ideal for this.

    Tony Wiggins, ourMaster of Ceremonies,will be leading theprocession taking in theapple trees of HigherMoorhayne which willbe blessed and thespirits warded off. Theensemble will thenmove to MiddleMoorhayne to repeatthe ceremony and plantthe last of my grafted apple trees amidst some of thesurviving trees as shown on the 1905Ordinance Surveymap of the area. Tony is still hoping that he will bejoined by some fellow Morris Men to make thecelebration even more of a rural tradition.

    After the traditional Wassailing of the trees we willmove on to the other part of wassailing, the Was Hal,the refreshments where we toast each others’ goodhealth for the coming season. Hot buffet foodand soup

    will be available together with very local organic, nilfood miles cider, mulled cider and some soft drinks.Keeping alive an age-‐old rural tradition, meeting upwith friends and raising money for local organisationsare all part of the evening. Tohelpwith the catering theeveningwillbeaticketeventandwewouldaskthatyoulet us knowby Sunday 7th January if youwould like tojoin in the festivities.

    Weare hoping to raise evenmoremoney thanwedidduring Yarcombe Apple Day, details of these donationsappeared in the last issue of Voices, all of which were

    kindly acknowledged bythe four organisationswhich benefited, thankyou, your commentswere very muchappreciated. It is hopedthat everyone would behappy to make aminimum £5 donationper ticket, whichincludes the food anddrink. If you are in any

    doubt as to the value of the evening, just ask anyonewho was at the event last January. The first ticket wasreserved as soon as the December Voices wasdistributed, then Yarcombe went ‘off air’, now we areback in communicationwith theoutsideworld, so if youwould like to join us or assist with the catering ororganisation on the evening please call Tony and Vickyon 01404 861256 or Clive and Paula on 01404 861174.

    Clive Stone

    THE TRADITION OF WASSAILING -‐ Part TwoThere are two distinct variations of wassailing. Oneinvolves groups of merrymakers going from onehouse to another, wassail bowl in hand,singing traditional songs, generallyspreading fun and goodwishes, and oftenseeking recompense in the form ofmoney, drinks or light refreshment. Thispracticeofhouse-‐wassailingcontinued inEngland throughout the Middle Ages, as away by which the feudal lord of the manorcould demonstrate charitable seasonal goodwillto those who served him by gifting money and food inexchange for the wassailers blessing and songs, such as:-‐

    “Love and joy come to you,And to you your wassail to;And God bless you and send you

    A Happy New Year,And God send you a Happy New Year”

    This house-‐wassailing tradition issimilar to what we now recognise ascarolling,wheregroupsofpeoplegofromdoor-‐to-‐door singing Christmas carols.Some aspects of the original practice,

    however, can still bedetected in thewordsofthese songs. One of our current Christmas songs

    contains thewords, “nowgiveussome figgypudding”, andthen thosedemands turn to threats “andwewon’t gountil

    Yarcombe Wassail 2018 -‐ 7p.m., Saturday January 13th

  • MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS REMINDERHave you ordered next year's supply of your village

    magazine Yarcombe Voices? If so we thank you for yourcontinuing support -‐ and if not and you would like themagazine please contact Tony Newman (01460 234739)as soon as possible. The cost is just £6, guaranteed tokeep you in touch with village events, country life, andmuch more! Please send cheques, made payable toYarcombe PCC, or take cash to: Springfield Cottage,Marsh, EX14 9AG, or drop it in to Mary Smith at GlebeFarm in the centre of the village. (The cost of the Churchmagazine, The Parishes' Paper, is £6 too; the magazines

    are not linked but it is easier if subscriptions arecollected together). Thank you.

    THECRAFTCLUBmeetseveryMondaybetween2p.m. and 4p.m. in the Jubilee Hall. If you areinterested in joining please phone Pat Bright on01404 861460 - or just come along!

    BULK BUY HEATING OIL -‐ The December order of26,000 litres attracted a winning bid of 45.9ppl plus 5%VAT. It is evident that the cold weather and increaseddemand is reflected in the price that increased by 4pplover our November order, so be prepared for furtherincreased in January.The next deadline order date is THURSDAY 25th

    JANUARY. Please submit either a specific amount or ifordering a "top up" then please give me as accurate anestimate as possible (minimum order 500 litres). Orderscan always be amended or left close to the deadline date ifthis enables you to obtain a more accurate reading. I will

    acknowledge receipt; please provide address, post codeand telephone number.The bargaining power of bulk buying ensures that oil

    companies offer a cheaper price. If you live in Yarcombe,Marshornearbyvillages you can take advantageof this byordering every month, occasionally or once a year. Fordetails contact me, Colin Stewart, at [email protected] phone 01297 792538. (Alternatively, contact MirandaGudenian on 01404 861387).

    The Tuesday Club will now meet on the secondTuesday of each month. January’s meeting is on the9th at Maggie Lane’s house, 8 Drakes Meadow, when

    there will be a DVD called ‘A United Kingdom’ at7.30p.m. All welcome.

    Details from Mary Smith (01404 861541)

    The next meeting of the YARTY GARDENING CLUB is on18th JANUARY in Buckland St Mary Village Hall at7.30p.m. The AGM will be followed by a talk fromCharles Hill about trees, no doubt inspired by theresearchforhisrecentlypublishedbook, 'FortheLoveof Trees'. Visitors are very welcome to join us.

    Pauline Bartlett, 01460 234778

    Illustrations in Yarcombe Voices : We are grateful to Bill Sanderson and to ThisEnglandandEvergreenmagazines foruseof illustrations;othersoriginate fromthelateDonTapster andRuthEveritt. Every effort has beenmade to acknowledge thesource of illustrations; any inadvertent omissionwill be rectified in the next issueif notification is sent to the editor.

    Page 11

    we’ve got some”. The latter threats not dissimilar from"Trick or treat".

    ORCHARDWASSAILING

    The other form of wassailing isgenerally practised in thecountryside, particularly in apple-‐growing regions, where it is the treesthat are blessed. The orchardwassailing, or blessing of the fruittrees, involvesdrinkingandsinging tothe health of the trees in the hope thatthey will provide a bountiful harvestin the autumn. This ancient custom isstill practised across the countrytoday, and is particularly popular inthe cider-‐producing areas of England,such as Somerset, Devon,Herefordshire, Kent and Sussex.

    The celebrations vary from region toregion,butgenerally involveaWassailKingand/or Queen leadingtheassembledgroupofmainlylocalrevellersandvillagers, inanoisyprocessionfromoneorchard to the next. In each orchard thewassailers gatherround the biggest and best tree and as a gift to the tree

    spirits, or to the robinswho represent the good spirits, theQueen is lifted upon the shoulders of two strongmen andplaces a piece of cider-‐soaked toast into its branches.

    Mulled cider is then poured aroundthe roots to encourage a goodharvest and propitiate the goodspirits. This is accompanied by atraditional exhortation, such as:-‐

    “Old apple tree we wassail theeAnd hoping thou will bear,Hats full, caps full, three-‐bushel

    bags fullAnd a little heap under the stairs.”

    The wassailers may then sing morewassail songs, theremaybedancing,they shout and bang pots and pans,and sometimes even fire shotguns,but generallymake asmuch noise aspossible in order to both waken thesleeping tree spirits, and to frighten

    off any evil demons that may be lurking in the branches.Theythenmoveoff to thenext treeororchardtorepeat theceremony.

    Tony Wiggins

    Tuesday Club

  • Page 12

    Yarcombe & DistrictYoung Farmers' Club

    Asusual at this timeofyear theYFCcalendar isbusier thanever. We started November with East Devon Debating,and teamYarcombecamearespectable thirdplace. Oneofourmembers, Rosie Turner, also got selected to representEast Devon in the Devon round at the Devon Rural Hub,CheritonBishop. On the sameday, 35members headed toLyeCross Farm,Bristol for a tour of the cheese factory anddairy farm. A great timewas had on this very informativetour. Amassive thankyoutotheAlvis family for invitingusand to Alex Stevens for helping to organise the event.In the East Devon Girls' Netball competition Yarcombe

    came first and went through to the Devon round wheretheycame fourth. Well done toall girls that tookpart. EastDevon rugby team competed in mid-‐November and camefirst; well done to team member Winston Perry fromYarcombe. About 70Clubmembersheaded to Junction24fora fantasticSomersetCountyRodeoBalland itwasgreatto see Devon YFC supporting other counties' events.To round off the month we held our annual Wine &

    Wisdom in Yarcombe Village Hall, with twenty-‐five teamsenteringandcurrentandpastmemberstakingpart.Thankyou to Cathy Derryman for being Quiz master and DanOlive, our Social Secretary, for organising the event. Arespectable profit was made.

    FORTHCOMING EVENTS:19th & 20th JANUARY – Group Pantomime

    Competition at Exmouth28th JANUARY – Panto re-‐run at

    Axminster GuildhallFor more information about Yarcombe & District YFC

    please contact our Chairman Richie Barnes on 07519353652 or our Secretary Emma Dyer on 07462 344587.

    Louise Johnson, Press Secretary

    SHORT MAT BOWLSThursday afternoons at 2.30 - 4.30p.m. andevenings 7 - 9p.m. in the Village Hall.

    All equipment provided. Pay as you go (£2.50/session including coffee).

    All newcomers welcome to join us -come and have a go!

    THEMOBILE LIBRARYWe have something for everyone: access to books, audiobooks, large print and DVDs. Membership is FREE, no IDneeded. Love reading but can't get to your library? TheHome Library Service can bring books and CDs to yourdoor for FREE. For information phone 0345 155 1001 oremail [email protected] LIBRARY -‐ The Library Van stops near the

    Village Hall car park, Yarcombe from 2.00p.m. to2.30p.m. on WEDNESDAYS 3rd and 31st JANUARY.Please do come and see what a useful asset a mobilelibrary is.

    ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼Announcing the next COMMUNITY LUNCH

    on Wednesday, 17th January, at 12.30p.m.in the Jubilee Hall, Yarcombe

    £4 FOR A TWO-COURSE LUNCH & COFFEE/TEAAll very welcome!

    FOLLOWED BY: Gavin will be making a return visit with his melodeon

    Names please to Mary Smith on 01404 861541 by Sunday, 14th January.

    Organised by St John the Baptist Church, Yarcombe

    ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

    WANTED: Does anyone by any chance have a sparehard copy of From Monks to the Millennium, theHistory of the Parish, by Ruth Everitt? If you haveplease would you contact me, Miranda, on 01404861387 or email [email protected]

    Yarcombe Jubilee Hall: NEW LOCKA NEW LOCK has been installed on the main Hallentrancedoorsdueto theold lockbeingdamagedbybadly cut keys. Will all hall users please respect theHallCommitteeandNOTcutkeysas thiswill damagethe new lock.

    Yarcombe Jubilee Hall -‐Hall Committee Meeting

    Pleasewouldall representativesattend thenextHallMeetingonMONDAY29th JANUARYat8p.m. If youare unable to make this date, please ask someoneelse from your organisation to come along. It isimportant representatives attend the meetings.

    Helen Parris, Hall Secretary

  • Page 13

    "NO COLD CALLERS" STICKERS: Thisis to inform you that free NO COLDCALLERS stickers, supplied byHoniton Police, are available forcollection at The Belfry Hotel. If you have onedisplayed then any cold caller is acting illegallyand the police would be able to intervene.

    ANYONE FOR SHORT TENNIS?Calling all 4 to 13 year olds!

    With parents,grandparents orcarers! Come and tryshort tennis for anhour or more in theNew Year. £2 persession. Fridays 12th,19th and 26th January,4 - 6p.m. at Kilmington

    and Saturdays 3rd, 10th and 17th February4 - 6p.m. Stockland. Coaches are JaneChalk and Simon Holloway. Organised byKilmington Tennis Club.

    GIGACLEAR CUSTOMER USER GROUPNow that there is a growing number of people inYarcombe, Upottery, Smeatharpe and Churchinford liveon the Gigaclear fibre optic network, I have set up aFacebook Gigaclear Customer User Group for people toshare their experience of using ultrafast fibreBroadband. The link to the group is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/147698659196943

    Anyone can read the page and what others have postedbut to post your own comments, people will need to jointhe group andbecomeamember. The groupdescriptionis: This Facebook group is for all Gigaclear customers tosharetheirexperienceofusingultrafast fibrebroadband,offerhintsand tipsandaskquestionsofothercustomers.It is runbyGigaclearcustomersand is independentof theGigaclear company. It does not replace Gigaclear'scustomer support services as the first line of support forall customers.

    Graham Long, Upottery

    Yarcombe Flower Show -Saturday 28th July 2018

    Belowaresomeof theclasses for the2018schedulewhichyou might like to give some consideration to over thewinter months in preparation for the show:

    HANDICRAFT -‐ A Dog Coat (patterns can bemade available if required and after the show there willalso be the opportunity to send your coat to a dog charityif you so wish). A Hand Knitted or Crochet article. AChristmas Stocking. An Oven Mitt. A Scarecrow. A BirdNest Box. A Bobble Hat. Items in a matchbox beginningwith the letter "F" (SwanVestasBox, approx. 85matches).Design the Front Cover for next year's Flower Show inBlack andWhite -‐ 27th July 2019. Any other handicraft. Apoem entitled 'Fruit and Veg'.

    PHOTOGRAPHY -‐ Colour Photos -‐ 'War Memorial','Celebration', 'Edible Item(s)', 'Red', 'Animal(s)', 'Spring'.Black and White Photo -‐ 'Silhouette(s)'. Don't forget thatphotographs can also be taken with mobile phones andtablets which can produce some great shots.

    CHILDREN -‐ 9 years and Over -‐ A Dream Catcher (nokits). A Bug Hotel. A Decorated Flower Pot. A PhotoCollage of 'Yarcombe'. A Scarecrow.

    P L U GPLANTS &POTATODIG -‐ Weare askingchildren,and adultsas well, togrow on af u c h s i aplug plant.Please letme knowif youwould likeone asap so I know howmany to get, on 07967 965208 [email protected] The fuchsias and seed potatoeswill be available for collection in the spring.

    FLOWERS -‐ Minimum of 5 outside bedding plants to begrown in a 23cm/9" pot.

    Julie Rich, Flower Show Committee

    Yarcombe Parish Council's January meetingOur next Parish Council Meeting on Monday 8th January will focus on "Community

    Engagement" and we invite all our Community Groups to send a representative, or two, todiscuss how you perceive Yarcombe Parish Priorities and also to enable the Chairman,

    Nick Randle, to provide you with an update on the Yarcombe Inn Project.If you could let me know if someone from your Community Group would like to attend and also,should you not be able to attend but still have any questions or issues to raise for the evening, wewould be delighted to receive them in advance so we can cover them for you in your absence.

    Sarah-Jane Martin, Parish Clerk

  • Churchinford & District Village Hall’sCinema Club presents on WednesdayJanuary 3rd at 2.30p.m. and at

    7.30p.m.:Dunkirk 12A

    May/June 1940. 400,000 Britishsoldiers are holed up in Dunkirk. Theonlywayout is by sea and theGermans

    have air superiority, bombing British soldiers and shipswithout much opposition. Britain sends civilian boats totryandevacuate the forces. This is the story seen throughthe eyes of a soldier among the trapped forces, two RAFpilots and a group of civilians on their boat. Starring TomHardy and Mark Rylance.

    Wednesday 31st January at 7.30p.m.:In Between

    This film follows the lives of three strong, independent-‐minded Israeli-‐Palestinianwomensharinga flat inTelAviv.Laila, asuccessful lawyer, craves the loveofagoodmanwhoshe thinks she has found. Salma works in menial jobs inrestaurants and bars hoping to become a DJ but falls for afemale doctor but has to keep the relationship from herfamily. Nour is a student set for an arrangedmarriage. Thegirls are rocked by a shocking series of events which bindthem together. Subtitles.

    The Village Hall will open at 2p.m. for the afternoonshowing at 2.30p.m., and at 6.45p.m. for the eveningshowing at 7.30p.m. There will be a bar in the evening.Entrance charge is £5, payable at the door. Before theevening performance why not order fish and chips fromThe York Inn on 01823 601333, bring them to theChurchstanton Room and enjoy a drink from the Hall'sbar. The York also does more than fish and chips!

    A ROMANTIC NEW YEAR STORY: Jemima was taking anafternoon nap on New Year's Eve before the festivities.After shewokeup, sheconfided toMax,herhusband, "I justdreamed that you gave me a beautiful diamond ring for aNewYear'spresent. Whatdoyou think it allmeans?" "Aha,you'll know tonight," answered Max smiling broadly. Atmidnight, as the New Year was chiming, Max handed

    Jemimaa small package. Delightedandexcited sheopenedit quickly. There in her hand rested a book entitled 'TheMeaning of Dreams'.

    ANCESTRAL SEARCH: SPILLER FAMILYI am researching my Spiller family of Yarcombe and havejust come across the wonderful publication of YarcombeVoices. It is wonderful to learn of people who endeavourto keep alive the history of their community. The earliestSpiller I have on my list is one born in 1553 in Yarcombe.He had a son Robert whose son William married JoaneWarren, daughter of EdmundWarren andMaryWarren. Iam coming across pedigrees taking Mary back to RichardWarren, a Mayflower Pilgrim. It would be lovely if I couldbe in contact with any Spiller orWarren descendants stillin Yarcombe and to discover if any of them have anyknowledge of a supposed descent from Richard Warrenwho went to America as a Mayflower pilgrim.Having also discovered the Yarcombe village website I

    am impressed with this great and wonderfully presentedsourceof informationregardingthehomeofmyancestors.In grateful anticipation of any help you are able to affordme. (More details can be found onwww.yarcombe.net -‐ Ed).

    Lefayre Palmer nee Heslehurst

    My above ancestry comes to me through my paternalgrandmother Laura Elizabeth Heslehurst nee Wilkinson.

    Page 14

    NEED A LIFT? LIKE A FRIENDLY CHAT? NEED ANY HELP?Do you need a helping hand? Then the

    YARCOMBE &MARSH GOOD NEIGHBOURS' SCHEMEis just a phone call away

    TELEPHONE THE CO-ORDINATOR JUDITH DAVID ON 01404 861685WHOWILL PUT YOU IN TOUCHWITH A 'GOOD NEIGHBOUR'

    THEDEADLINEFORRECEIPTOF ITEMSFORTHEFEBRUARYMAGAZINE IS:MONDAY15thJANUARY. Pleasebekindenough to 'post' items in theboxprovided in theParishChurch, or send to theEditor atTheBeacon,Yarcombe,EX149LU. Tel:01404 861387. Items can be sent by e-mail to [email protected] Whilst we verymuchwelcome all contributionsto this non-profit making magazine, we take no responsibility for views expressed within the pages. Views expressed are notnecessarily those of the Editor. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission.

    YARCOMBE POST OFFICEFree cash withdrawals from selected banks.A selection of savings accounts. Pre-‐order

    foreign currency. Mobile phone top-‐ups. Travelinsurance. Postage. Bill payments. Cheques andcash deposits with selected banks. Gift cards.

    OPEN EVERY TUESDAY 10a.m. -‐ 12 noon

    HANDYMAN REQUIREDGood rates of pay for 3 to 4 hours work per

    week. Regular duties at our home in Yarcombewill include garden maintenance (grass cutting,strimming, hedge trimming, etc) plus ad hoc jobs

    and projects. Required immediately. Pleasecontact Iain Luck on 07818 415832.

  • Page 15

    CHURCHINFORD & DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOPBefore you go to town, try the Churchinford Community Shop.

    Over 2,000 items in stock and competitive pricing! Dailydeliveries of quality Fresh Fruit & Vegetables, Dairy, Bread,

    Cakes, Sandwiches & Pasties. Fresh Local Meat, FreeRange Eggs, Beers, Wines & Ciders. News and Stationery.POST OFFICE OPENMon -‐ Fri 9a.m. -‐ 5p.m.Coffee shop. FREE use of Community Computer and Wi-Fi.

    Book Exchange, Local Art, Pottery and Cards.OPENMon -‐ Fri 8a.m. -‐ 6p.m. Sat 8a.m. -‐

    2p.m. Sun 10a.m. -‐ 12 noon.Churchinford, TA3 7DJ. Tel: 01823 601026

    Email: [email protected]

    FOR DETAILS OF BUSINESS ADVERTISING AND FEES PLEASE CALL 01404 861387 OR EMAIL [email protected] IN YARCOMBE VOICES WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED ON THE VILLAGE WEBSITE.

    Yarcombe Voices is printed by Chard Digital Print01460 66211

    YOGA CLASSESWant to try yoga, but think you're not flexibleenough? Perhaps you've tried yoga in the past,but haven't found a class that's right for you. MYYOGA LIFE classes offer a simple, light-‐hearted,

    no-‐fluff approach to yoga, with time forindividual practice in a supportive environment.Classes across East Devon -‐ see website for moredetails and booking, or contact Caroline directly.

    FIRST CLASS FREE!W: www.myyogalife.co.uk T/p: 07799 691429 E:[email protected] FB: myyogalifeuk T:

    @carolinemaddams

    KING ELECTRICAL, FORALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS

    Qualified Registered Electrician, flexible workinghours. 24/7 EMERGENCY CALLOUT. Free no

    obligation quotations and always happy to helpout over the phone.

    Call 01823 970113 or 07714 637592or email [email protected]

    I HAVEMOVED!RETTER'S GARAGE -‐ TYRES

    Discount new tyre sales. Fitting and balancing.Puncture repairs.

    Tom Retter, Otterwood, Newtown, Buckland StMary, Chard, Somerset, TA20 3ST. Phone 07436793158 email [email protected]

    COTTAGES, CATS & CANINESI offer a service of DogWalking, House/Pet

    Sitting and General Animal Care for people outat work all day or away from home for longerperiods. Please contact CHRIS HOLMES on

    01404 861795 or mobile 07999 547037 or email:[email protected]

    A.G. LONG & SON,PURPOSEMADE JOINERY

    Bespoke Doors, Windows, Stairs, Kitchens,Wardrobes, Cabinets, etc. 30 Years' experience.

    TONY LONG 01404 861307or visit us at aglongjoinery.com

    CHIMNEY SWEEPMember of the Guild of Master Sweepers.

    Saturday service available. Clean & sweep £50.Bird's nest removal £90. Cowls fitted from £90.

    Phone Stuart on 07432 118318 or [email protected]

    HARDWOOD LOGS FOR SALE10' trailer load £150. Hi-‐capacity Landrover load£120. Phone T. Coombe on 01404 861320 or

    07860 550733

    BUSINESSES, SERVICES, FOR SALE & WANTED

    P & P INTERIORS SOLUTIONSFor all your decorating needs. No job too big or

    small. First class job done every time. RingPaula for a free quotation:

    01404 861591 or 07824 886377

    JUBILEE HALL BOOKINGS:Please contact Tamsyn King on 01460 234346.

    PHEASANTS FOR SALELocal shoot. Oven ready. Please contact David

    Meyrick on 01404 861457

    HOUSE FOR SALE IN FRANCELovely detached three-‐bedroom house in Paysde la Loire for sale by an old Yarcombite. 130

    sq.m. of living space and third of an acre garden.Phone, internet connected. Quiet location in

    beautiful countryside. £145,000. http://www.magnoliaproperty.co.uk/details/11617

  • JANUARY SERVICESYARCOMBE BAPTIST CHAPEL

    7th January at 11a.m. - Joint Service at The Parish Church (page 9).14th January at 11a.m. - Songs of Praise led by Clifford and Lek.

    21st January at 11a.m. - Thelma Clarke.28th January at 11a.m. - Café Church - Don Foster, Slides of Vietnam.

    YARCOMBE PARISH CHURCH7th January at 11a.m. - Epiphany Family Service (page 9).

    14th January at 11a.m. - Holy Communion.21st January at 11a.m. - Morning Worship.

    28th January at 4p.m. in the Jubilee Hall - Evening Praise with Bring-and-Share Tea (page 9).4th February at 11a.m. - Family Service.

    16

    FOR QUICK REFERENCEWednesday 3rd January, Mobile Library in Yarcombe, 2 - 2.30p.m. (page 12).

    Wednesday 3rd January, Cinema Club, Churchinford Village Hall, 2.30p.m. & 7.30p.m. (page 14).Thursday 4th January, Short Mat Bowls, The Jubilee Hall, 2.30 - 4.30 & 7 - 9p.m. (page 12).

    Monday 8th January, Craft Club, The Jubilee Hall, 2 - 4p.m. (page 11).Monday 8th January, Parish Council Meeting, The Jubilee Hall, 8p.m. (page 13).Tuesday 9th January, Pause for Prayer, 8 Drake's Meadow, 9.40 - 10a.m. (page 9).Tuesday 9th January, Tuesday Club, 8 Drake's Meadow, 7.30p.m. (page 11).

    Thursday 11th January, Short Mat Bowls, The Jubilee Hall, 2.30 - 4.30 & 7 - 9p.m. (page 12).Friday 12th January, Short Tennis, Kilmington Village Hall, 4 - 6p.m. (page 13).

    Saturday 13th January, Yarcombe Wassail 2018, Middle Moorhayne Farm (page 10).Monday 15th January, Yarcombe Voices' deadline (page 14).

    Monday 15th January, Craft Club, The Jubilee Hall, 2 - 4p.m. (page 11).Tuesday 16th January, Pause for Prayer, 8 Drake's Meadow, 9.40 - 10a.m. (page 9).Wednesday 17th January, Community Lunch, The Jubilee Hall, 12.30p.m. (page 12).

    Thursday 18th January, Short Mat Bowls, The Jubilee Hall, 2.30 - 4.30 & 7 - 9p.m. (page 12).Thursday 18th January, Yarty Gardening Club meeting, Buckland St Mary Village Hall, 7.30p.m. (page 6).

    Friday 19th January, Short Tennis, Kilmington Village Hall, 4 - 6p.m. (page 13).Friday 19th/Saturday 20th January, YFC Pantomime competition, Exmouth Pavilions (page 12).

    Monday 22nd January, Craft Club, The Jubilee Hall, 2 - 4p.m. (page 11).Tuesday 23rd January, Pause for Prayer, 8 Drake's Meadow, 9.40 - 10a.m. (page 9).

    Thursday 25th January, Short Mat Bowls, The Jubilee Hall, 2.30 - 4.30 & 7 - 9p.m. (page 12).Thursday 25th January, Bulk Buy Oil deadline (page 11).

    Thursday 25th January, Maggie's Men, The Baptist Chapel, 7p.m.Friday 26th January, Short Tennis, Kilmington Village Hall, 4 - 6p.m. (page 13).Sunday 28th January, YFC Pantomime, Axminster Guildhall (page 12).Monday 29th January, Craft Club, The Jubilee Hall, 2 - 4p.m. (page 11).Monday 29th January, Maggie's Ladies, The Baptist Chapel, 7p.m.

    Monday 29th January, Jubilee Hall Committee Meeeting, The Jubilee Hall, 8p.m. (page 12).Tuesday 30th January, Pause for Prayer, 8 Drake's Meadow, 9.40 - 10a.m. (page 9).Wednesday 31st January, Mobile Library in Yarcombe, 2 - 2.30p.m. (page 12).

    Wednesday 31st January, Cinema Club, Churchinford Village Hall, 7.30p.m. (page 14).Thursday 1st February, Short Mat Bowls, The Jubilee Hall, 2.30 - 4.30 & 7 - 9p.m. (page 12).

    Saturday 3rd February, Short Tennis, Stockland Village Hall, 4 - 6p.m. (page 13).Saturday 10th February, Village Market, The Jubilee Hall, 10a.m. - 12 noon (page 6).

    YarcombeWassail2018,7p.m.,

    SaturdayJanuary13th.