Country News March 2023

country news march 2023 Parish Magazine of Shillingford St George and Dunchideock ! ‘There was a mistake in the previous edition, for the election article it should have read “Deacons” not “Demons”. We apologise to the Deacons wholeheartedly!’ Don’t forget to check the Diary for all the interesting things on this month!

For me March is the beginning of spring! Even with the experience of many years I am still tempted to pack away my woolly jumpers, lured by yellow daffodils, gem-like crocuses, occasional blue sky revealed behind scudding clouds and bursts of sunshine! But the chilly wind reminds us that winter may still have a final bolt to hurl at us; we have only glimpses of the promise ahead. The season of Lent holds similar temptation. We know that Easter will come - we even know the day and the time! But first we must prepare ourselves to enjoy the celebration to the full. And so we choose not to anticipate the season. We choose not to put flowers in church, not because we don’t like them - indeed after the dark, grey weeks of January and February we are almost gasping for some colour and brightness. But we choose to wait, to step back awhile and take the time for a spiritual spring-clean before we decorate the church for Easter. During Lent we follow Jesus into the wilderness to draw nearer to God, to spend time listening to God. Lent is a time for prayer and reflection, for digging deep and allowing new growth. We can pray for ourselves and those we love, but we can also take time to look outwards and pray for the wider community, for the bigger issues that threaten to overwhelm us: for the climate and our environment, for the elimination of poverty, for real peace based on justice … and more! Prayer is not passive. Prayer prepares us for action. Prayer opens our minds to God, to consider what we can do to further God’s will for us and for creation. And so we start the month with the World Day of Prayer (on Friday 3 March) whose theme of thanksgiving is based on Ephesians 1:15-19, a letter sent by Paul expressing gratitude to God for a community living out their love and faith. With him, I pray that you too can see the hope to which God has called you, the immeasurable greatness of God’s power and God’s call to us all, that the love of Christ may be revealed through our actions. There is plenty happening in the Teign Valley & Haldon Hill Mission Community to encourage us to prayer and loving action. Various events are listed below, including Lent Lunches on Mondays in Dunsford and a Lent course, The Nail, on Wednesdays around the churches (see poster for venues). On March 3, the World Day of Prayer, there is an ecumenical service prepared by the Christian women of Taiwan and celebrated this year in Doddiscombsleigh church. And, of course, Sunday 19 March is Mothering Sunday when we thank God for all those who mother us and nurture us with their love. Each village community has a wealth of activities: coffee mornings, lunches, sports and crafts – there is something for everyone!

Teign Valley & Haldon Hill Mission Community The Teign Valley & Haldon Hill Mission Community includes the parishes of Ashton, Bridford, Christow, Doddiscombsleigh, Dunchideock and Dunsford. Rev’d Ruth Frampton (Rector) - 01647 253164 or tvhhrectory@yahoo.com. Rev’d Eleanor Oelmann - 07772 127598 or eleanoroelmann@gmail.com. Pastoral Care If you would like, or know someone who would be glad of, a call or “virtual” visit from Rev’d Frampton or Rev’d Oelmann, or another member of the church community, please contact the rectory (contact details above), or the Churches’ Administrator (see Getting in touch… below). Church Open Times and Private Prayer: All our churches are open daily for visiting and private prayer. Sunday Services There is a 9am telephone service each Sunday - see details below for how to join. If you miss the Sunday sermon, catch up by phone. Call local number 01647 407047 to listen during the following week. All our church buildings are open for public worship and details are provided in the separate schedule of services. Please check the “A Church Near You” website for your parish for updates (search for e.g. “A Church Near You Bridford”). Wednesday Evening Prayer There is a regular, short service of evening prayer each Wednesday at 6pm by telephone – see details below for how to join. For telephone services, you do not need internet access, just a landline or mobile telephone. Between 5 and 10 minutes before the service begins, please dial 0333 011 0616 and enter the code 334 7721, followed by the # key, when asked. The cost of the call is the standard cost for any 01, 02 or 03 number, but will vary according to your telephone contract. Lent Lunches Each Monday lunchtime during Lent (27th February, 6th, 13, 20th and 27th March and 3rd April), in the Village Hall Dressing Room in Dunsford from 1pm to 2pm. Lent Course: “The Nail” A special series of meditations for Lent, on Wednesdays at 6pm in the following churches: 1 March – Ashton 15 March – Christow 29 March – Dunchideock 8 March – Bridford 22 March – Doddiscombsleigh 5 April – Dunsford

W3 – Wednesday Warm Welcome Every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm in the Teign Valley Community Hall – an opportunity to keep warm, enjoy free tea and coffee, conversation, company, crafts – open to everyone! Scattered Church – Home Communion – Tuesday 28 March Rev’d Ruth and Rev’d Eleanor will be taking home communion to those who are not able to attend church. If you would like them to visit, please contact them (details above). Opportunities for Prayer There are two opportunities each month to join together specifically to pray for our world, our communities, our churches and those we know. Everyone is welcome. The prayer times, both between 5pm and 6pm, are: • Tuesday 7 March – St James, Christow • Tuesday 21 March – Villages’ Prayer at Stonehouse, Village Road, Christow St Basils We are privileged to have a new Anglican church called St Basil’s meeting at Windout Farm in Tedburn St Mary. Sunday services, including groups for children and youth, normally begin at 10am, with the café open from 9:30am. Please check their website (https://www.stbasils.church) for full details for Sunday services and other activities. Giving It is possible to make a donation towards the general mission and running costs of each of our six churches through an online giving page on the “A Church Near You” website – see https://www.achurchnearyou.com and search for the relevant parish. The “Give Now” button will enable you to make an online donation, which can also be Gift Aided. From the registers… Baptisms: 5 February Flora Matthews (Dunsford) Funerals: 17 February Ina Preston (Christow) (interment) 30 March David and Brenda Bolt (Dunchideock) (interment) Weddings: 11 February Daniel MacLeod and Rebecca Perrins (Dunsford and St Basils) 18 March Nicholas Hawkins and Lydia Balsdon (Dunsford) Getting in touch… If you wish to discuss plans for a baptism/christening, banns of marriage, wedding, funeral, interment of ashes or memorial service, or have any other enquiry, please contact Steve Cook, the Churches’ Administrator, on 01392 832332 or email tvhchurches@gmail.com

Services in Dunchideock church March 2023 Date Name Service Time March 5th Lent 2 Holy Communion (Order 1) 10.30am Dunchideock Sidesperson Elizabeth Jenne Readers Tina Cook Jamie Cumming Reading Genesis 12 v1- 4a Romans 4 v 1 - 5 Date Name Service Time March 19th Mothering Sunday Family Service Dunchideock 10.30am Sidesperson Ray Mallett Readers Peter Goodchild Ann Mallett Reading Exodus 2 v 1-10 Colossians 3 v 12-17 Accessible telephone service every Sunday at 9.00am and Wednesday at 6.00pm. See bottom line of this page for details of how to listen on your phone. Flower arranging list ****************** No flowers in Lent Church cleaning rota Tina Cook and Liz Thompson 4th and 18th March Services in the Teign Valley and Haldon Hill Mission Community March Time Details 3 2:30pm St Michael, Doddiscombsleigh - World Day of Prayer World Day of 9:00am Scattered Church by Telephone - Service of the Word Prayer 10:30am St John the Baptist, Ashton - Holy Communion 10:30am 5 10:30am St Michael & All Angels, Dunchideock - Holy Communion St Mary, Dunsford - Family Service Lent 2 (including baptism) 9:00am Scattered Church by Telephone - Service of the Word St Thomas Becket, Bridford - Holy Communion 12 10:30am 10:30am St Michael, Doddiscombsleigh - Holy Communion Lent 3 10:30am St Mary, Dunsford - Service of the Word 19 9:00am Scattered Church by Telephone - Service of the Word 10:30am St James, Christow - Mothering Sunday Mothering 10:30am Sunday 10:30am St Michael & All Angels, Dunchideock - Mothering Sunday Family Service St Mary, Dunsford - Mothering Sunday Family Service 26 9:00am Scattered Church by Telephone - Service of the Word 10:30am St Thomas Becket, Bridford - Holy Communion St Mary, Dunsford - Holy Communion Passion Sunday 10:30am There is also a Service of Evening Prayer (by telephone) each Wednesday at 6:00pm. For telephone services, please dial 0333 011 0616 and enter the code 334 7721, followed by #

Dunchideock Church History Day – Saturday 28 January A big thank you to everyone who either helped with, or came along to, the Dunchideock Church History Day at the end of January. There was a full programme of events, including: • Displays of the church silver, vestments and kneelers • Historic church documents, including baptism, banns, marriage and burial registers, plans of the churchyard, and a more modern Parish Log Book • Information about the war memorials in the church • A self-guided tour of the key features of the church, including an explanation of the part they play in the ongoing worship of the Christian community The day started with a concert by The West Gallery Quire – Tam and Edmund from Shillingford are key members of this group, which undertakes research and performances of authentic church music of the type that would have been a regular part of services in Dunchideock in the 18th and 19th centuries. Edmund gave a very informative talk, illustrated with live performances from the Quire and instrumentalists. During the rest of the day, there were three further talks: • “The History of Dunchideock Church and Its Parish” by our very own Jan Wood – incredibly informative as always, and providing a detailed overview of all the documentary evidence about the church and the parish, stretching back to the early Middle Ages. • “The Ancient Tradition of Church Patronage and Its Modern Day Significance to Dunchideock” by Peter Michelmore who is the “patron” of Dunchideock and Shillingford churches. Peter provided a fascinating introduction to the tradition of church patronage which is generally little known and understood, and argued for its continuing relevance. • “Herbert Read and the Dunchideock Rood Screen, and the Read Family and St Sidwell’s Artworks” – we were very privileged to have Hugh Harrison, the current inheritor of the Herbert Read family business of St Sidwell’s Artworks, the world- renowned firm of church conservators and woodworkers which undertook so much of the remarkable woodcarving in Dunchideock Church. Hugh brought along beautiful drawings and designs – as well as a wealth of personal anecdotes and recollections. A great day!

Mother’s Day family service in Dunchideock church with activities for children Sunday March 19th at 10.30am

TEIGN VALLEY MEN'S SHED Teign Valley Men’s Shed will be open on Wednesdays 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th March from 9:30am to 12:30pm. The Shed is located at Embercombe in Higher Ashton, EX6 7QQ – on the first floor of the large building just beyond the main car park. Coffee and tea will be available. Transport is available if required – contact details below. What would I be coming along to? “Sheds\" are kitted-out community spaces where men can enjoy practical hobbies. They’re about making friends, learning and sharing skills - and for a bit of banter over a cup of coffee or tea. The current focus is on woodwork, but this could broaden depending on the available skills. Later on we also hope to introduce a regular programme of visiting speakers who can share skills and interests. Activities include: • “skills sharing” sessions, which include an introduction to using particular machines and techniques and then practising these skills on small projects • small-scale set projects with the potential to generate some income to cover running costs • individuals being able to undertake their own projects - if you have your own project that you would like to work on and just need space, tools, advice or moral support, bring it along If you have skills to share, or you have very little or no experience and want to learn, then you will be very welcome! There is an annual membership fee of £10, and a session fee of £5 for each session. For further details or to register an interest, or to arrange transport, please email teignvalleyshed@gmail.com If you have some good quality, unwanted wood that we could use - then please also contact us (details above) - we’ll arrange for someone to call and see if we could take them off your hands! Everyone is welcome - don’t miss an opportunity to meet new friends and learn/share some practical skills. The Teign Valley Men’s Shed has received funding from the Lottery Fund, the Devon Communities Fund and the Mid-Devon Healthcare Trust, and donations in kind from Wickes

Christow WI representing the whole of the Teign Valley Hello to you all. Now that the snow has melted, and the sun is shining it’s time to get out and meet with old friends or perhaps make some new ones? You can do that at our WI meeting on Thursday 9th March at 2pm in the Bowden room, Teign Valley Hall in Christow. Our speaker will be Maggie who has been a valued member of our WI since January 2022. She and her husband are Jewish, and she will give us an insight into the Jewish food that is eaten over the course of a year to celebrate various festivals. Her quote – ‘There's an oft used dark humour amongst Jews - \"they tried to kill us, we survived, let’s eat!” ’ It’s safe to say that after the liturgy, food takes centre stage, think Shabbat dinners (eaten on Friday night) through to all the festivals. Foods are served as motifs for the meaning of each of the festivals. You will learn a little about these foods. The cakes for the tea break will be samples from Passover, Rosh Hashanah & more. I can vouch for the standard of Maggie’s cooking so come and try something new. All guests are welcome to come to this meeting for £4. The room will be warm, the topic interesting and the members welcoming. If you decide to join us the £4 will be returned. So, nothing to lose. Gents, why not have an afternoon out with the ladies you can stay for tea and cake for just 50p extra. Anne Rice For more information email us, christowwi@gmail.com Funding for the defibrillators in Dunchideock We have had a very generous donation from a local resident towards the maintenance of the defibrillators in the village, for which we are extremely grateful. We have also secured some Teignbridge funding so we now have £925 in hand. We have also managed to negotiate a discount on the 4 year maintenance package for the three units, bringing the total cost to £1,512 – and so we are well on the way to our target. If anyone would like to make a donation please contact any member of the Village Hall Committee. Peter Doyle.

Dunchideock Village Hall 100+ Club Dunchideock VJiallnaugaerHyall 100+ Club 1. A Board 2. S Holt 3. T Bye FJeabnruuaarryy 1. G E1v.elAeigBhoard2. 2P. DSoyHleolt 33. .NT&BByeBrown February 1. G Eveleigh 2. P Doyle 3. N & B Brown Dunchideock Village Hall Events March 2023 & onwards: • PIYO- (PilatesD&uYnocgah)iEdveeorycMkonVdialylawgiteh SHaallyllWEhviteen6.t3s0pm until 7.30pm £8 per session. March 2023 & onwards: M• aPrcIYhO: - (Pilates & Yoga) Every Monday with Sally White 6.30pm until 7.30pm • 1£18thpeMr asercshsio- nB.ig Breakfast! 10am - 1pm. To include full cooked breakfast, Matrocahs:t, tea/coffee/orange juice. £7.50 Places to be booked in advance. • (1P1ltehaMsearricnhg -KBarigenBornea8k3f2a0s1t!51t0oabmoo-k1apmtim. Teosilnoct)lude full cooked breakfast, • 1to8atsht,Mteaarc/chof-feTee/aoraafntegrenjouoicne.3£-57p.5m0.P£l5a.c0e0s. Stoabnedwbiocohkeesd, tienaacdavkaensc,es.cones, c(PalkeeasseanrdingmKoraer!en on 832015 to book a time slot) •• 2148tthh MMaarrcchh -- FTeilamaNftiegrhnto. o£n5.030-5.pAmd.m£it5ta.0n0c.eStaonindcwliucdheesb,istecuaitcsaakneds,tsecao/ nes, ccoafkfeese.aAndddmitioornea!l cost for ice cream and bar. Doors open at 7.15pm for • sLc2hoa4ofwtfhwereeiMnn.gaAcredac.dt*h*i7ti-.Po4Fnl5eiaplamlmsce.oNOssitegrfeghoatrv.niil£cilsae5eg.dc0er0beP.yaAomPsdtemeatrneistdtrafGobnracoecro.odtDnocofhiironimldrcsl,auRotdiopaeneybnoMisfacaftiull7lmeit.st1tt/5oaKpnbmadetrtfsieonharao/ wn. Apsrihl:owing at 7.45pm. Organised by Peter Goodchild, Ray Mallett/ Katrina • 2L2anwdreAncperi.l**- PTeleaasaeftesreneovoilnla3g-e5Ppmos.t£e5rs.0f0o.r Scoanfdirwmicahtieosn, otef afilcmaktoesb,esscohnoewsn,. Apcrial:kes and more! F• ur2th2enrdeAvepnritls-toTebaeacfotenrfinrmooend i3n-5foprmth.c£o5m.0in0g. Sadadnidtiwonicsheosf ,CtoeuanctarykeNse,wssc.ones, cBaekfeosreabnedgimnnoirneg! the service, our pastor read aloud a note they’d been handed Furtmheormeevnetnstesatroliebr.e“cItosnafyirsmheerdeitnhafotrIthshcooumldinagnnaodudnitcioentshaotftCheoruenwtriyll bNeenwosB. .S. tBomeforerobwegminonrinnigngt,h”ethseryvsicaeid, .oTuhrepyatsutocrkeredatdhealpoiuedceaonfopteaptehreyin’dtobaeepnochkaentdaendd moments earlier.a“dItdesady,s“Ih’merehothpaint gI sthoeuylmd eaanno‘Buinbcle Sthtuadt yt.h’”ere will be no B.S. tomorrow morning,” they said. They tucked the piece of paper into a pocket and added, “I’m hoping they mean ‘Bible Study.’”

Dunchideock Village Hall presents our: BIG Breakfast On Saturday 11th March Cost: £7.50 To be provided between the hours of: 10:00am to 1:00pm. Please phone Karen on 832015 to book a time slot. * images for illustration only, actual food will be nicer (and in colour)! Dunchideock Village Hall Tea Afternoons Saturdays - 18th March, 22nd April 3.00 - 5.00pm Entry £5 per head to include a selection of cakes, sandwiches, scones etc. and unlimited tea. Cake also available for sale to take home afterwards. All Welcome - come along for a chat with friends

Film Night at 7:45 PM. Dunchideock Village Hall Friday 17th March. LIVING. A veteran civil servant receives a serious medical diagnosis that inspires him to cram serious fun in his remaining days. He meets a sunny young female colleague with the pep that he needs. “This is a blessed convergence of actor and performance that happens only rarely.” Says The Daily Mail of the star, Bill Nighy who, at the time of writing, has won an Oscar and BAFTA Best Actor nomination. “It’s a lovely, tender story about the power of human connection.” Says Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 96% approval from both critics and audience. “This 50s – set film addresses weighty matters with a winning simplicity hard to resist.” Says Mark Kermode in the Guardian. Peter Goodchild. Dunchideock Fete 2023 We’re looking for people to help make the Dunchideock Fete another village success this time, after a gap of four years! All kinds of opportunities – running a stall, helping with refreshments….and lots of other things. Please come to the first planning meeting on Wednesday 8 March at 7:30pm at Dunchideock House. See you there!

The Garden Room A warm welcome in The Garden Room of the Lord Haldon Hotel for everyone, for Coffee, Cake and Good company! ◆◆◆◆◆ On: Tuesday 14th & 28th February 2023 Tuesday 14th & 28th March 2023 Tea/Coffee: £1:50 Cake: £1:50 ◆◆◆◆◆ From: 10:30 am until 12:00 midday ◆◆◆◆◆ Lifts available if required please contact: Anne Taylor: 01392 833282 Or Shirley Phillips: 07503183224 FITNESS AND WELLBEING MOMENTS OF CALM: Do you find your lifestyle is pretty full of ‘doing’ at work and at play? Lots of distractions, not giving you a break? Are you suffering from anxiety symptoms, trying to manage stress? Improve your health through cultivating your own Mindfulness practice - an evidence-based approach to increasing wellness and getting in touch with the free resources within yourself! Choose to have moments of calm every day! Restore well-being! To attend an 8-week Mindfulness Programme - contact Shirley Phillips at shirley@exetermindfulness.com Website: www.exetermindfulness.com



New Advertising Editor needed for Country News This magazine is a church and community monthly newsletter delivered free of charge to all addresses in Shillingford St George, Shillingford Abbot and Dunchideock. It is compiled by volunteers so the advertisements are essential for its survival. We are looking for a volunteer who can take over from our current Advertising Editor. The tasks involved will take the advertising editor maximum 1-2 hours each month. • • You will receive queries from potential advertisers who will need information on prices, deadlines and format. • • You will give all who decide to place an advertisement the bank details for a BACS transfer for payment. • • You will keep track of advertisers and contact them when time for renewal comes round. • • Each month you will send a copy of all the advertisements to the editor for the month. Our retiring advertising editor will be able to help you settle in. Tina Cook can give you further information about this important job, so please contact her at tinamcook@btinternet.com







Shillingford St George Church Calendar for March 2023 Date Name Service Time 5 March Lent 2 Morning Praise 9.30 Sidesmen Liz Readers Derek & Peter John 3:1-17 Time Reading Romans 4:1-5,13-17 Road through Shillingford St 9.30 Prayers Christopher George Service Time Date Name Holy Communion 6.00 12 March Lent 3 Sidesmen Nick John 4: 5-42 Time Readers Rose and Derek Ash Court & St George’s Terrace 9.30 Reading Romans 5: 1-11 Service Prayers Delia Evensong Time Date Name 9.30 19 March Mothering Sunday John 9: 1-41 Sidesmen Liz Our Mission Community with Time Readers Tam and Edmund Alphington & Ide 7.00pm Reading Ephesians 5: 8-14 Service Prayers Clergy Holy Communion Date Name John 11: 1-45 26 March Lent 5 The Willows & Ilex Close Sidesmen Tom and Gwen Service Readers Norman Morning Praise Reading Romans 8:6-11 Prayers Nick Matthew 21: 1-11 Date Name Manstree Lane & Manstree Terrace 2 April Palm Sunday Service Sidesmen Liz Holy Communion Readers Peter and Nick Reading Philippians 2: 5-11 Prayers Christopher Date Name 6 April Maundy Thursday Sidesmen Nick Flower Rota – March 2023 No flowers in Lent From the Registers Barbara Monteith Gorton. Interment of ashes. Our prayers of support for her family

Future events Although we have not been able to have Lent lunches this year, we are optimistic that we will be able to hold St George’s Supper in the Village Hall on Monday 24 April. More details next month. The Open Door Café. March 1st 10.30 am Shillingford V.Hall. March 15th 10.30am Shillingford V.Hall March 29th 10.30am Shillingford V.Hall TAKE CARE ON THE LANES… THE MOTORING ERA The early 20th century saw the gradual replacement of horses and horse-drawn vehicles by the motor car and the lorry. For the less wealthy the motor cycle became a popular choice of transport. One evening early in October 1938, Thomas Woolacott, a 62 year old carpenter from Shillingford St. George, who had been working on a job at Lustleigh, was found by a lorry driver, lying dead beside his motor cycle some miles from home, at Brinning Cross, on the road between Lustleigh and Moretonhampstead. There were no signs of a skid or a collision, and apparently no witnesses to the accident. At the inquest, which was held at Moretonhampstead not long after the accident, Dr. Dixey of Moretonhampstead reported that a post-mortem had revealed that poor Thomas Woolacott had died of a broken neck. An inspection of the motor cycle by P.C. Braund showed no defects, and in his opinion the dead man had fallen off or been blown off his machine. His workmate described the weather that night as terrible, and suggested that the wind could have blown him off the road. Another workmate gave evidence that Thomas had been complaining of giddiness for two or three days before the accident, but the jury concluded that he had been a victim of the bad weather and returned a verdict of “accidental death”. Thomas left a wife and a number of grown children. As a young man, he and his wife had lived in Bristol and Exeter while he worked as a carpenter and joiner. In 1921, he and his wife Laura, a carpenter’s daughter who had been born in Kennford, had been living at the Lamb Inn in Longdown with their five children. Their daughter Ivy, who was visiting them when the census was taken in June that year, was employed as a servant at Dunchideock House. In 1939, the year after the tragedy, his widow Laura was living at no. 1 Council Houses in Shillingford St. George with two of her children, while her oldest son Thomas Woolacott Junior was still living close by at Townsend, with his family. Even men of the cloth were not immune from vehicle accidents. A decade later, the Reverend Cyril O’Ferrall, Rector of Shillingford St George and Dunchideock, had a

couple of unfortunate experiences with motor vehicles. He had come to reside at The Rectory in Shillingford St George village in July 1938, and in 1950 was still living there with his wife and two children. One day in March that year, he drove into Exeter St. Thomas to post a letter and fetch his children. He parked in Cowick Lane, but while he was at the postbox, his car rolled forward down the slope, and smashed into the front of Mr. Edgar Spray’s boot repair shop, causing extensive damage, but fortunately not injuring the boot-repair man himself. The Reverend O’Ferrall was summoned to appear before Exeter Magistrates Court, for leaving a car without first securing the hand-brake, though he thought he had ‘set the brake tight’. He was fortunate to be discharged absolutely by the Chairman of the court, who said that he appreciated that the defendant, who had been driving for 39 years, believed that he had used the hand-brake, but that he must realise that ‘there was a danger to life and limb.’ Not all of those summoned for motoring offences escaped as easily as the Reverend O’Ferrall. In August of the same year, Arthur Aylward, a truck driver who lived at Woodlands, Shillingford Abbot, was fined at Cullompton Magistrates Court for exceeding the speed limit at Burlescombe, and for failing to keep a current record of the period he was employed in driving. 1950 was not a good year for the Reverend O’Ferrall, for less than two months after appearing in court, he broke his leg when the motor cycle he was riding collided with a Hammett’s Dairies milk lorry on a bend of the lane between Shillingford and Dunchideock. A City ambulance took him to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Not everyone could afford a car, truck or even a motor cycle – but even a fall from a bicycle on the local lanes could prove fatal. In the spring of 1939, Great Western Railway shunter George Bonning, who lived in Foxhayes Road, St. Thomas, and who would not have been able to afford a car, had taken his two older children for a bicycle ride to Haldon Belvedere. The Express and Echo newspaper reported the sad details of the accident. While the children stayed behind to pick primroses, their father rode ahead, but when they rode down on their bicycles to meet him, they found him propped up against the hedge at the side of the road in a dazed condition, with the bicycle lying across his legs. He was about 250 yards above Dunchideock Quarries, where there was a sharp, steep bend on the way down to Dunchideock. The police constable who gave evidence at his inquest reported that the front wheel of his bicycle was buckled, and seemed to have collapsed as he rode it down the steep hill. His children helped him to the roadside and a passing car took him home, but later that afternoon he was admitted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with concussion. After his condition worsened, an operation to remove a blood clot was performed, but he died the next morning. His wife, who had been away visiting her mother, reached the hospital to find that he had already passed away. Jan Wood, Shillingford Local History Society



Shillingford Film Night Tuesday March 21st at 7.30 pm In the village Hall Free entry With a Tom and Jerry to start and ice creams in the interval ‘Official Secrets’ Starring Keira Knightley, Ralph Feinnes and Matt Smith, Official Secrets tells the true story of British Intelligence whistle-blower Katharine Gun who, during the immediate run-up to the 2003 Iraq invasion, leaked a top secret NSA memo exposing a joint US-UK illegal spying operation against members of the UN Security Council. The memo proposed blackmailing smaller, undecided member states into voting for war. This is a ‘must see’ film and I believe, Keira Knightley’s best film. The Exchange Shillingford Village Hall Saturday 1st April 11.00-12.00 Books, toys, puzzles, plants, seeds… Bring~swap~take away! NNooclcoltohitnhginorgBorirc-Ba-rbicraca pbleraasce please! Coffee, tea and cake is served

Nest boxes in Shillingford Wood On Saturday 4th February a small group of volunteers armed with ladders and an assortment of tools arrived at the wood to put up a total of 22 nest boxes. These were a mix of bird and bat boxes of varying designs. Also, 18 dormouse survey tubes were placed along the edge of the wood. The boxes put in situ are suitable for all manner of woodland birds including the more common types such as blue tits, great tits, blackbirds and robins to tree creepers, little owls and larger birds including thrushes, starlings, jackdaws etc. Some of the boxes are suitable for pied and spotted flycatchers, these birds were common around the village back in the 1960’s but have sadly moved away. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we could provide a suitable habitat to encourage their return as we’ve seen with the cirl buntings. In the very near future a barn owl box will also be put up. This is the start of a longer term project and more boxes will be erected as time goes on. Should you happen to see any of the boxes being used it would be great if you could let us know. Friends of Shillingford Wood Shillingford Village Hall Art Class The Devon countryside looks particularly beautiful in the spring and summer. Enough to make you dust off your sketching kit and get out and about to capture what you love about it on paper! This term at the well-established art class at Shillingford Village Hall we will be preparing for outdoor sketching in pen, pencil and watercolour. Four week term starts Friday April 21st at 10am £50/ £47 (060s/unwaged } Further information contact 01626 891245 or visit mikemcdonald.co.uk

SHILLINGFORD LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY PRESENTATION ON METAL DETECTING TUESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY The speaker at this meeting of the Society was Richard Holladay who is a local historian and has been metal detecting for 20 years in the local area. In order to consider taking up metal detecting, he explained that there were a considerable number of requirements to be observed. Firstly, it is important to obtain the permission of the landowner. Besides the owners of fields, these can include the Duchy of Cornwall and the Crown Estate if, for example, exploring the foreshore at Dawlish Warren. If you are successful in finding interesting objects, it may then be necessary to contact the Finds Officer at RAMM or observe the Treasure Act 1996. Richard had two examples of metal detectors that included one that was 44 years old and he explained the way in which they worked. A battery provided power to a coil that was scanned over the ground and sent a signal down into the ground. If an object was found an audible signal was sent back. He likened the method of working to that of Sonar searching for submarines. If a submarine was found there was a “ping”. With a metal detector there was a “buzz” which could lead to excitement if an interesting item was found, or disappointment if it was a ring pull. In addition to the metal detector the other essential pieces of equipment are a shovel and a pin pointer and knee pads as he can sometimes kneel 100 times a day on damp earth. There is a definite technique to be followed to be successful and they only detect to the depth of a ploughed field. Photographs were shown of some typical items that he had found which ranged from coins, buttons, buckles and badges. There was also a display of other items such as bullet cases and a musket ball and some puzzling items discovered within the Kennford to Clapham area. An aerial photograph of a large field showed finds of about 20 items including a half crown coin. In summary he considered that metal detecting proves that there is history beneath your feet. You never know, something you dig up in your garden might tell you more about the people who lived there before you. Richard is always looking for new fields to explore and if you are willing for him to have access to your field he can be contacted on 01626 852512. The meeting was well attended by members and guests and everyone appreciated a very interesting presentation. Di Trout, Anne Barwell and Jan Wood are thanked for the light supper they provided to conclude an enjoyable evening. Norman Harvey Shillingford Local History Society Committee Member

Voting is being made harder, so it is more important that we do. At elections in 2018 there were 8 allegations of people claiming a false identity at a polling station, seven were dismissed and one resolved locally. There were no convictions. In 2019 the government ran trials requiring photo ID to vote. In just ten trial areas, 1,968 people were turned away for not having the correct ID and 740 did not return to vote. In some areas over 0.5% of the voters were prevented from voting, that’s bigger than many majorities. Despite the total lack of an actual problem, and the shocking numbers of people disenfranchised, the government is pressing ahead with voter ID. The Elections Act 2022 will apply to the Teignbridge local elections in May 2023. All voters at polling stations must show identification documents. If you don’t have a suitable ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate free of charge, or you can apply for a postal vote which will be sent to you in the two weeks before polling day. Both these options need time to arrange, so don’t leave it till nearer the time, do it now. There is more information about both these options at https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/council-and- democracy/elections/electoral-services or you can contact us for assistance. Please do not let them take away your vote. Your district and county councillors: Andy Swain, Alison Foden , Charles Nuttaland Alan Connett

Villages Diary for March DATE TIME EVENT PLACE Wednesday 1st 10.30-12 noon Open Door Café Shillingford V Hall Saturday 4th 7.00pm Concert Pianoflaute Shillingford Church Wednesday 8th 7.30pm Dunchideock House Thursday 9th 2.00pm Fete planning meeting TVHH Bowden Room Saturday 11th 10-1pm Dunchideock V Hall Tuesday 14th 10.30-12 noon WI for the valley Lord Haldon Hotel Wednesday 15th 10.30-12 noon Shillingford V Hall Saturday 18th 3.00-5.00pm Big breakfast Dunchideock V Hall Sunday 19th 10.30-11.30am Dunchideock Church Coffee in Garden Room Tuesday 21st 7.30pm Shillingford V Hall Open Door Café Friday 24th 7.45pm Dunchideock V Hall Tuesday 28th 10.30-12 noon Tea afternoon Lord Haldon Hotel Wednesday 29th 10.30-12 noon Shillingford V Hall Mother’s Day family service Film night ‘Official Secrets’ Film night ‘Living’ Coffee in Garden Room Open Door Café Future events in April: - Saturday 1st 11-12 non Exchange Shillingford V Hall Saturday 1st 7.00pm Concert Harpe Noire Shillingford Church Sunday 9th 9.30-10.30am Easter family service Dunchideock Church Saturday 22nd 3.00-5.00pm Tea afternoon Dunchideock V Hall VILLAGES PRAYER An opportunity for anyone to pray for our villages and beyond to meet at 5.00-6.00pm on Tuesday March 21st at Richard and Jane’s, Stonehouse, Village Road, Christow EX6 7NF. Anyone is most welcome to come or ring with a request for prayer. For more information ring Steve and Tina on 01392 832057 18

Rector (day off Thursday) Shillingford St. George Revd. Mike Partridge, The Rectory, Alphington, EX2 8XJ (01392 491476) or (07751 725306) The Parishes of Alphington, Ide and Shillingford rector@alphingtonstmichaels.org Churchwardens Mr. N. Mansell (832660) sa5632@btinternet.com Rector (day off Thursday) Dunchideock Revd. Ruth Frampton, The Rectory, Dry Lane, Christow, EX6 7PE (01647 253164) tvhhrectory@yahoo.com Curate Revd Eleanor Oelmann Churches Administrator eleanoroelmann@gmail.com Mr. S. Cook (01392 832332) tvhchurches@gmail.com Editor this month Country News Tina Cook (01392 832057) Editor for April Tam Mucklow tama.shill@btinternet.com Advertising Editor We are looking for a new Advertising Editor. Please send ads for April to Tam Mucklow (see above.) Front Cover Judith Travell (832600) jhtravell@hotmail.com Treasurer Elizabeth Jenne, Webberton Meadows, Dunchideock (832240) Main Distributors Peter, Liz Wareham and Elizabeth Jenne Articles for the April edition of Country News please send to the Editor by 15 March. Classified Adverts: £1 for up to three lines (for one issue). Box Adverts: Quarter page: £4/issue or £30 per annum (10 issues) Half page: £8/issue or £60 per annum Full page: £16/issue or £120 per annum Please apply to Tam Mucklow see above.