KILMINGTON. Issue 175 June 2015

Transcription

1 KILMINGTON Issue 175 June 2015

2 EDITORIAL Can it really be June? And after a flaming March, can we expect June to live up to its reputation? Time will tell. In the meanwhile, the last part of May has proved to be sunny and calm, if a little cool. We hear that sea conditions have been so calm that one gentleman who set off from Seaton very early one Saturday morning to sail to Dartmouth, phoned home around teatime to say he would be lucky if he reached Beer that night. Hope he made it to the Anchor! First of all, we would like to thank everyone and, in particular, the Parish Council for donations this month. All donations, as you probably know, contribute towards the cost of printing the village magazine which pops, free of charge, through every letter box in the village. From comments made to members of the Postscript team, our readers are generally very pleased to receive the magazine. So, thank you to those who donate, to everyone who contributes to Postscript, either regularly or occasionally, to our distributors who walk round the village with their bundles of copies and to Axminster Printing whose digital machines and skilful operators do such a splendid job. As you may remember, there is no issue of Postscript in August. The Postscript team has the month of July as a holiday, then we meet again in early August to plan the next few issues. This year, there have been a number of important national anniversaries and we are aware that there are several significant dates in the village on the horizon. We would like the help of readers to put together photos and memories of these. Please will you help us by looking out old photos and jotting down any memories you may have? In the autumn it will be 30 years since the opening of the new Village Hall. We have one or two photos of the old hall or church room as it was called. Perhaps you have others too? We would be delighted to see them. We would like to gather information about both the old hall and the new hall with which many of us are familiar today. Were you involved in any way in planning or fund-raising for the new hall? Does anyone recall what was the first event to be held there? Do you have photos of the opening or photos/ memories of other events - parties, anniversary celebrations, special meetings - which would help us to build a picture of how the old hall was used and how the new hall is being used? As you will see on the page opposite, Tennis Club members have come up with a photo and a little bit of their history and we thank them for their contribution. We hope that news from other village clubs will follow in the autumn. The summer is looking busy as usual with the Village Fayre and Flower Show on Saturday 11 th July. A new idea is a Crafty Workshop offered to help children and young people prepare entries to the art and craft sections. Details of this free workshop and a call for volunteers prior to and on Fayre/show Day are on page 11. It is OUR village Fayre and Show. Do offer to help if you have time and do come along and have fun on the day. As usual, dates for this month are on page 26. Judith, on behalf of the Postscript team CONTRIBUTIONS TO POSTSCRIPT Please remember to use the address for Postscript: postscript@kilmingtonvillage.com Alternatively, please give your item to any of the team or leave it at Hurfords Stores. The closing date for submitting items for the July/August issue is 15 th June. All will be acknowledged. Please ring if not acknowledged within 48 hours. Please remember that all dates for July and August are needed by 15 th June for the Summer issue which covers the two months, July and August. POSTSCRIPT TEAM Peter Ball mycraigydon@aol.com Jill Collier summerleaze@hotmail.co.uk Distribution Gill Perkins john.perkins444@btinternet.com Editor Judith Chapman jachapman@breachdevon.co.uk Team Postal address Breach, (byway off Shute Road), Kilmington EX13 7ST Printed by Axminster Printing Valerie Harding vharding38@gmail.com Maureen Lane sussexlanes@btinternet.com Treasurer Vicky Larcombe vlarcombe30@aol.com Postscript is published 10 times each year and is delivered free of charge to every house in Kilmington. Almost all items in the magazine come from the village community who are very supportive of the magazine. The Postscript team are all volunteers and your donations, together with fees from advertisers, are used to pay for the cost of printing. DONATIONS The donations collected from Hurfords Stores and Millers in mid-may, together with other donations, came to a total of Thank you to the Parish Council and to everyone for your support. The money goes towards printing costs. ADVERTISING RATES Please see inside back cover for details. Cost per 20-page copy of Postscript averages 50p each but coloured and larger issues cost more. Extra copies are available from Millers Farm Shop and Hurfords Stores, where donations may be made. 2

3 We are so lucky to have a tennis court in Kilmington, in such a beautiful spot overlooking the cricket field and a bit tucked away from traffic. It has an all-weather surface which means we can, and do, play all year round for a very modest membership fee. We think you might like to know something about the history of the Club and for this we are very grateful to various Kilmington residents who have contributed information. In particular, I was privileged to speak with a lady of 93 who has lived in the village all her life and was a keen tennis player for many years. She told me that the original grass court (just inside the main gate to the Playing Fields) was levelled and set out by people of the village and the chalk lines had to be marked and the net erected every time they played. There was no surrounding fence and they avoided playing when there was a cricket match on. In the 1930s, Mr Hitchcock owned the land. Much of the far end was orchards and cricket was played in the field while, to the left of the gate where the bungalows now are, youngsters were allowed to practise cricket and tennis. During WWII there was no tennis - the men had gone to war and everyone was too busy. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Major General Elliot of Breach, off the Shute Road, kindly encouraged players to use his court. Then, with funds raised and saved, the village court moved to its current location in the mid 1950s. Once again local men prepared the foundations and called in a commercial company only to lay the surface, hard and gravelly by all accounts! Beside the court, where the cricket nets are now was a Putting Club and near the north boundary there was a bowling green. Obviously the people of Kilmington were a sporty, energetic and entrepreneurial lot! It quite puts us to shame now but perhaps they did not have to worry about Health'n'Safety, insurance etc. ANYONE FOR TENNIS? From left to right: Dave Knight, Avis Lockwood, Robert Clark, Ann Marsh, John Shotton, Lizzie Marsh Mr Hitchcock generously bequeathed the land to the village and to the Cricket Club in particular, which is why cricket takes precedence over other activities to this day and also why the pavilion is called the Hitchcock Pavilion. One stalwart remembers playing in the 1960s. Tennis thrived. They had social events and arranged inter-club matches with other villages. More recently, several current players from Kilmington represented our Club in an East Devon tournament in Seaton. Sadly, we have lost some of our competitive edge! Or is that sad? We certainly enjoy playing and many of us still quite like to win! From records since 1980, it is clear that Hurfords Stores and the Lavender family have been a huge support to the Club - taking bookings and fees, liaising with the Cricket Club and David has been our treasurer until recently. Other names recur year after year - Avis Lockwood and Ann Marsh continue to play a role in the Club. Nigel and Pat Burton presided over the re-surfacing in 2003 after much fundraising for this and other on-going expenses. Wendy Purefoy provided tennis coaching for juniors for many years and Sharon Dickens ran junior sessions more recently. These days, Kilmington Primary School have after school sessions for their pupils. To all those who have played and helped the Club over the years, we are truly grateful. Why not come and join us? Adult membership: 25/year, under 19s: Nonmembers court hire: 5.00/hour or 1.00 if playing with a member. Court booking may soon be made online which may be easier for many of you. In the meanwhile, you can book via Sharon Dickins ( ) or for other enquiries, contact Juliet Hankey ( ). Apologies for absence were read and the minutes from the last meeting read. Arising from these, the Axe Vale Festival entry was discussed and Christine, Phyllis and Louise will work on this. Calendars and diaries for 2016 should be ordered. Mo from Devon Free Wheelers arrived and chatted informally answering questions. He collected a cheque for 350 raised from our recent Ploughman's and Dessert Lunch. Photos were taken by Kathy. Christine reported on the Spring Council meeting in Torquay at which Barbara was Highly Commended for her entry into the Federation competition for a greetings card. W.I. REPORT Flower of the month was won jointly by Christine and Joy with Phyllis second. Louise is to organise a Mystery Trip for us in August. The Annual meeting then began and Mary proposed Joy to be Chairman again and the committee will stay the same. Joy thanked everyone for their work during the year. After delicious refreshments the meeting closed at 9.15 pm. The next meeting is on June 11 th, "Healthy Chocolate from Bean to Bar" is the title of the talk. The competition is for a favourite chocolate recipe. Margaret Andrews 3

4 KILMINGTON CRICKET CLUB The League Season is now two weeks into the 2015 season. The first weekend saw heavy rain with both teams matches cancelled without a ball being bowled. The second weekend saw the First XI home to Upottery and, after being put into bat, we scored 277 for the loss of 8 wickets with David Cook scoring 69, Tom Gooding 45 and Sean Perry 42 not out. Upottery, in reply, were bowled out for 86 with Craig Seward taking 3 wickets for 7 runs in nine overs. Kilmington (20 points) beat Upottery (4 points) by 191 runs. A very encouraging start to the Season. The Second XI were not so fortunate playing away to Upottery Second XI and, after losing the toss and having to bat first, were bowled out for just 92 runs. Upottery lost 5 wickets in chasing down the target. Upottery (18 points) beat Kilmington (2 points) by 5 wickets. I will report in next month s Postscript on up to date results and will then be able to show current league tables. David Lavender KILMINGTON CRICKET CLUB JUNE st XI 2 nd XI Sat 6th Honiton DL 2.00 pm A Sat 6th Uplyme & Lyme Regis II 2.00 pm H Sun 7th TBA 2.30 pm Sat 13th Culmstock DL 2.00 pm A Sat 13th Exmouth III 2.00 pm H Sun 14th Honiton 2.30 pm H Sat 20th Cheriton Fitzpaine DL 2.00 pm H Sat 20th Barnstaple/Pilton III 2.00 pm A Sun 21st Highdown 2.30 pm H Sat 27th Tiverton DL 2.00 pm A Sat 27th Shobrooke Park II 2.00 pm H Sun 28th Axminster 2.30 pm H THE KILMINGTON SKY AT NIGHT 2 nd Tonight s full moon is close to Saturn and the star Antares, all in the eastern sky at dusk and, as the world turns, they move westward across the night-time sky, climbing highest around midnight, and falling low in the west at dawn. 3 rd Venus and Jupiter shine bright in the western sky at dusk and will adorn the evening sky all through the month. Both head eastward (upward) along the ecliptic, toward the star Regulus. Venus, the second planet outward from the sun, races along at 35 klms per second whereas Jupiter, the fifth planet outward, plods along at 13 klms per second. And as Jupiter s orbital path is seven times longer than that travelled by Venus, Jupiter will travel at a snail s pace day by day towards Regulus, whereas Venus will speed along and catch it by month end. 4 th Look for the daytime moon this week climbing higher up into the sky each morning. 16 th -18 th The earliest sunrises always come before the summer solstice following the Equation of Time, as the actual day as measured by the spin of the Earth is rarely exactly 24 hours long. This means that on most days the solar noon will not occur at the same time as noon on your watch. At this time of the year the day is more than 24 hours long. 18 th Look westward beneath Venus and Jupiter at dusk to see the young crescent moon before it sets early evening. You may also be able to see the moon s dark side just aglow in earthshine. This is twice-reflected sunlight, whereby Earth reflects sunlight to the moon, and the night side of the moon, in turn, reflects that sunlight back to Earth. The line dividing the lunar day from the lunar night is called the terminator. It s a great spot to explore with binoculars or a telescope because the shadows give the best threedimensional views of the lunar terrain. 21 st Summer Solstice: the time of greatest daylight, longest day and shortest night. 27 th The latest sunsets come after the summer solstice, once again following the Equation of Time. At this time of year the days (as measured by successive returns of the midday sun) are nearly ¼ minute longer than 24 hours. Hence, the midday sun (solar noon) comes later in late June by the clock than it does on the June solstice, therefore, the sunrise and sunset times also come later by the clock. 28 th The Moon is near Saturn. 30 th Venus catches Jupiter to showcase their closest pairing together until August 27, Peter 4

5 and will present KILMINGTON GARDENING CLUB The Gardening Clubs talk on Friday, 12 th June is the History and Future of The Cottage Garden. Neil Lovesey who runs Picket Lane Nursery will explain where the cottage garden came from and when. He will chart the growth of gardening through the centuries and provide some indications for its future. Lesley Rew SONGS OF PRAISE Songs of Praise in Kilmington this year will be held in the Vicarage Garden on Sunday, 28 th June at 3.00 pm. Young and adult musicians under the direction of Rachel Burrough will lead the singing of a number of popular hymns/songs. Do come to support them and enjoy refreshments afterwards. Brian Lavender, KPCC Secretary WHAT S ON IN JUNE Testament of Youth (12A) Kilmington Village Hall Wednesday, 3 rd June TESTAMENT OF YOUTH is a searing story of love, war and remembrance, based on the First World War memoir by Vera Brittain which became the classic testimony of that war from a woman s point of view. A powerful and passionate journey from youthful hopes and dreams to the edge of despair and back again, it s a film about young love, the futility of war and how to make sense of the darkest times. Vera Brittain, irrepressible, intelligent and free-minded, overcomes the prejudices of her family and hometown to win a scholarship to Oxford. With everything to live for, she falls in love with her brother s close friend Roland Leighton as they go to University to pursue their literary dreams. But the First World War is looming and, as the boys leave for the front, Vera realises she cannot sit idly by as her peers fight for their country, so volunteers as a nurse. She works tirelessly, experiencing all the griefs of war, as one by one those closest to her are killed and the pillars of her world shattered. But, an indefatigable spirit, Vera endures and returns to Oxford, irrevocably changed, yet determined to find a new purpose, which spurs her towards a powerful act of remembrance. Doors open at 6.45 pm when wine, soft drinks and tea/coffee are available. The evening s entertainment starts at 7.15 pm and ends about pm. Tickets 5.50 on the door or 5 in advance from Hurfords Stores (village store and post office); alternatively, contact me, John Watts, on or john@jwatts.demon.co.uk MOBILE LIBRARY Tuesday, 23 rd June 2015 at am at the junction of The Street and The Hill. 5

6 Revd. Simon Holloway St Giles Church Kilmington Pastor Darrell Holmes KBC Church Office Kilmington What a wonderful couple! My first wedding in East Devon took place recently at St Giles Kilmington. Christopher Thorne, son of churchwarden John Thorne, married Christine Leckie on Saturday, 9 th May. It was a great celebration for this couple who have married a little later than many others. Some unique features of this wedding were the Groom s speech in rhyme and a song by Christine s daughters at the Vintage High Tea which was superbly served in a transformed Village Hall. The 1920s Romantico Party in the evening also saw many villagers dressed in spats or bow ties with the ladies sporting many chains of beads as we danced the night away to the melodies of the early 20 th Century played by the Jurassic Coasters. The weather cheered up in time for the photos after the 2.00 pm Wedding Service and we thanked God for bringing this couple together. This was a North - South marriage as a Yorkshire Lass from Leeds married a Southern boy. We pray for and wish them well for the future together, as they also support their large extended family. But this was not the first service of the day as earlier at Shute we said goodbye to Valaient Jones (89), widow of the late Revd Lincoln Jones who had been Chaplain to the Royal British Legion years after a lifetime of service in a number of parishes. Both Lincoln and Valaient came from South Wales and met in Cardiff but ended their days in Kilmington near to the New Inn. It was a joyful celebration of a life well lived. We pray for their sons Christopher and Simon as they mourn her passing. THROUGH ALL THE CHANGING SCENES OF LIFE... In a few weeks time we will be celebrating with a christening and baptism in Kilmington, the birth and new life of Matilda Kershaw, daughter of David and Fiona who were married at St Giles two years ago. Each of these events are part of the major transition stages of life and it is often at such times that we seek the help and prayers of God s people and the grace and blessing of God to help us as we move into a new and different phase of life. Other rites of passage as they are known are often celebrated with special prayers and a party also - graduation, retirement, moving house or job, engagement, first communion, baptism and perhaps you can think of others. This reminds me of the hymn: Through all of the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, the praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ... O make but trial of his love: experience will decide how blest are they, and only they, who in his truth confide... It is based, like many hymns, on a Psalm of David, in this case Psalm 34 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. As we move through the seasons of the year and of our lives, we pray that we may all know God s loving care, protection and provision as we face new challenges and opportunities. Simon A. Holloway, Five Alive Mission Community HOLIDAY AT HOME THE GREAT BRITISH TRAIN JOURNEY Over the last weekend in April, The Beacon, home of The Baptist Church, Kilmington, hosted The Great British Train Journey, a Holiday@Home for over 60s. The 'train journey' set off on Friday morning with a range of activities. Delicious lunches were prepared on site daily. On Saturday afternoon there was a train themed film show and on Sunday afternoon a talent filled variety show. 'As one who came on the Great British Train Journey for the weekend, being entertained, learning skills, having my hands massaged, enjoying chatter and getting to know members and having wonderful meals, many, many thanks to Jenny Carter and the crew; Ann Messadar and catering staff; our Station Master (Pastor Darrell Holmes), Chris Hill on the piano and all the entertainment crew.' - Claudette Bowden Juletta Obudo 6

7 There were two Lay led Services during the period, the first a Family Service led by Anna Crabbe during which Rachel Burrough gave a presentation about following Jesus, which resulted in members of the congregation writing on a paper footprint how they could better follow in his footsteps. The children laid these in the chancel leading up to the Altar. Nigel and Annette Freathy with Anna and Robert Crabbe ST GILES CHURCH AGM LAY LED SERVICES 7 Celebrating after the AGM At the Vestry Meeting held on 20 th April in the Village Hall, chaired by the Revd Simon Holloway who opened with prayers, John Thorne and Diana Mellows were reelected as Churchwardens. Simon thanked them as well as Deputy Churchwarden, Ann Marsh, on behalf of everyone for their hard work and dedication which enabled St Giles Church to play such an active and important role in the Parish of Kilmington. A slide show reflecting the amazing variety of activities organised by the Church in 2014 continued during the AGM which Simon introduced as a celebration of achievements over the past year. After various reports which included the passing of the Annual Accounts, Nigel Burton, Gill Heighway and Anna Crabbe were confirmed as our Deanery Synod representatives, before the election of the other members of the KPCC. Cathy Clarkson was the only one standing down and a vote of thanks was recorded for her excellent work in organising Sunday School activities for the children, well supported by Christine Leckie and Barbara Woodsford. Diane Seward, who kindly offered to rejoin the Council, was elected together with Bill Kerslake, Ann Marsh, Michael Micklethwait, Barbara Woodsford, Ron Foster, Mary Tyler, Christine Leckie and Brian Lavender. Seventeen Sidespersons were re-elected and John Mellows was re-appointed as the Church Accounts Independent Examiner. The Revd Simon thanked the many people who gave such good support and carried out delegated duties on behalf of the Churchwardens. The evening concluded with wine and nibbles in celebration of the achievements over the past year. Brian Lavender, KPCC Secretary The second was a Service of Morning Prayer, led by Brian Lavender, during which David Wilsdon gave the Address, Diana Church read the collect, Marion Richardson and Nigel Burton read the Lessons and Ken Wilcox gave the intercession prayers. Brian Lavender, KPCC Secretary MAGGIES MIX AND LITE BITE Anna Crabbe welcomed and introduced Maggies Mix in St Giles Church on Sunday, 3 rd May on behalf of the Revd Simon Holloway (held up in traffic returning from Essex) and John Robinson led the Service of hymns/songs, readings, poems, prayers and reflections on the theme Sounds of Silence Aspects of Peace. A good size congregation had assembled and joined joyfully in the hymns led by Maggie Lane on the piano with the choir of 18 who were mainly from Yarcombe but included others from a wide area. The programme had been carefully prepared and well rehearsed with Pat Bright speaking about Shalom, Ken Wilcox about Nobel Peace Prizes, Leslie Sutton with her poem entitled Peace, Merv Edgecombe read a lesson from Philippians, Chris Manning was the soloist for Still my soul, be still, and John Robinson read a piece about the holocaust. Nick Randall showed an excellent DVD on the screen reflecting the theme which further enhanced a most enjoyable and thought provoking evening. The Revd Simon, who had arrived with Pauline midway through the service, thanked Maggie and her team and led prayers for peace. There was a collection during the Service for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal which, added to the one at the well attended Morning Prayer Service, totalled 500. The sum was divided between the Appeals from Tear Fund and the Church Missionary Society and was sent the next day. A further 30 was added later. The ladies from the St Giles Church Social and Fund Raising Committee had produced a delicious Lite Bite spread, with wine and soft drinks which was clearly enjoyed by a very enthusiastic Refreshments disappearing! congregation. The next Lite Bite performance will be in Yarcombe Parish Church at 7.00 pm on Sunday, 26 th July on the theme of Joy. It is likely to be another wonderful experience, so try not to miss it! Brian Lavender, KPCC Secretary

8 Margaret Astbury kindly baked special commemorative VE Day biscuits for the celebrations on Friday, 8 th May and those who attended the usual Friday morning Coffee Shop at the back of the Church enjoyed them with other refreshments. The Coffee Shop is invariably open from am until noon every Friday thanks to the efforts of Ann Marsh, Mary Tyler, Jan Farley, Lucy Lane, Margaret and others, and it is a facility for the whole village and often hosts visitors as well. If you feel like a social chat on a Friday morning, you can be sure of a warm welcome at the back of the Church. Brian Lavender, KPCC Secretary ST GILES CHURCH COFFEE SHOP 8 Celebrating VE Day ROGATION BARN SERVICE AT CORYTON FARM Reg and May Dare and their sons Richard, Kevin, Bobby and David supported by their families, kindly hosted the Joint Barn Service for the Anglican and Baptist Churches in Kilmington on Sunday, 10 th May. The Revd Simon Holloway led the first part of the Service starting with the song Our God is a Great Big God with all the actions, accompanied by the music group under the direction of Margaret Hurford. Churchwarden Diana Mellows gave the first Reading and Sydnie Newbery from the Baptist Church the second. After more popular songs which the children obviously thoroughly enjoyed, Simon gave a Thought for Rogation and handed over to Pastor Darrell Holmes for the second part of the After a rather blustery winter on the coast we are now enjoying some good spring into summer weather. Our long walks will soon be over, as the temperature begins to soar. We have experienced several earthquakes so far this year. The only time we noticed anything was when the blinds and ceiling lights started swaying like mad! Our ground floor apartment didn't seem to move very much but our neighbours upstairs were panicking a bit as their floor was shaking! It was a 4.9. We were so saddened to hear that Vera Hoskins had passed away. Frank and Vera became friends when we first moved to Kilmington, Sue did Vera's hair at her house every week with Vicky (who was only about three) climbing up onto either Frank or Vera's knee for a cuddle. I remember Frank telling me tales of my grandfather, who was a butcher in Uplyme, and the things they used to get up to. Stories which I had never heard before, most of them HELLO FROM CRETE! Service; this included the Blessing of the Seed, the Soil and the Water and the planting of enormous runner bean seeds for judging at the Harvest Festival next October. Brian Lavender conducted an interview with Richard Dare who updated those present about developments on the farm over the last seven years and about the beef stock, milking herd and arable farming. After more prayers for farmers and their crops, the Service ended with a Blessing and a big thanks to the Reg and May Dare family. Delicious refreshments were enjoyed afterwards while many admired the livestock. Brian Lavender, KPCC Secretary funny, mainly about them in the pub and what they got up to. Later when I became their Postman, whenever I arrived at their bungalow there was always a smile from Vera along with the smell of freshly baked cakes and treats. Often the offer of a glass of Harvey's Bristol Cream (which I nearly always refused!) After Frank's passing I told Vera that I would deliver her 100 Birthday card/telegram from the KING. Wrong on two counts, I retired before the Queen! Fortunately, Sue and I got back to England last year and saw the lovely Vera on her birthday. Her 100 th Birthday card was hand delivered by us, and we did see the card/telegram from her Majesty. It was a real pleasure to have known her. R.I.P. Vera. Our regards, Mike and Sue (Deas)

9 As we reflect this year on the 200 th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, the 100 th anniversary of the end of WW1 and 70 years since VE and VJ Days, it seems timely to pay tribute to Stan Quick s contribution to the village s ability to commemorate the defeat of the Spanish Armada in In the early 1980s, I held the post of Clerk to the Parish Council and at that time and indeed for some years before and afterwards, Stan was a Parish Councillor. He, Alec Broom (also a Councillor) and the then Chairman, Bruce Beckingsale all supported me in my endeavours to have the Armada Beacon in the woods rebuilt in advance of that 400th Anniversary. Pause a minute and think what a Spanish victory could have meant return to rigid Roman Catholicism and the Spanish Inquisition with all the terrors that held; persecution of free thought and innovation, even more rigid adherence to the class system and relentless oppression of any who did not conform to the perceived laws of society. Without a doubt the Industrial Revolution would still have occurred man s innovative side cannot be suppressed for ever but probably some 200 years later than it did; we d still be at the beginning of it. Restoration was not an easy process. Despite the backing of the woods owners, the Nicholls brothers, many on STAN QUICK Kilmington Parish Council could not see why the Council should take any interest. Luckily, Stan was prepared to go out on a limb and, with his help, I was able to persuade Shute PC and Devon County Council that it was a project worth taking forward. Alec with his late brother Derek, our resident builders, agreed to do the work. Picture us stumbling in around the banks and ditches of the late Bronze Age/early Iron Age hill fort in the gloom under the huge redwoods and broad leaves trying to find the dressed stone robbed out from the stump of the Beacon in order for them to rebuild it. This was before the Great Storm and Great Fire which left the Beacon as it is today and indeed would have been when it was functional exposed and highly visible. More or less sufficient stones were found; Alec and Derek carried water, mortar and extra stone up to the site and the renovation was completed, all in time for the celebrations in In a sense, the Beacon is a lasting tribute to Stan s understanding of its importance locally and nationally and his determination to see it rebuilt. Thank you Stan, Alec and Bruce. Ann Morecraft CALLING CUP WINNERS at last year s Flower Show Please would you return your cups (cleaned) to Hurford Stores within the next few weeks. Thank you. BJ Lewis, Chair, KGC SUDOKU CHALLENGE Level: Easy To solve this puzzle, each 3 x 3 square, row and column must contain all of the numbers 1 to 9. The solution is on page 24. KILMINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Well done Kilmington! There was a 78.5% turnout in the Parish Council elections on 7 th May. The following were elected to serve on the Parish Council for the coming four years: Christopher Bolton, Michael Collier, Arnold Dare, Simon Hodges, Sally Huscroft, Mark Jones, Julia Mear, Stafford Seward, Ben Trott. A chair person will be elected from the nine at their forthcoming meeting

10 Last month we saw a very quick, wet and well attended duck race! Thank you to all who supported this fund raising event and to Hurfords Stores for making tickets available for village residents. Two new Dads entered the stream this year. Dave Dare and Dominic Russell waded along and under the tunnels to sweep the ducks along (they were helped by a good flow of water in the stream this year). It was wonderful to see the entire primary school cheer on their ducks! The winners were announced at the Village Hall afterwards. We raised 400 which will be used to purchase new outside play equipment. On polling day the Village Hall was not available for us to use so we took the pre-school for a fun day out at Kilmington Animal Park, we fed the guinea pigs, saw so many baby animals and enjoyed the various play equipment. The children thoroughly enjoyed this treat. We are supporting the Kilmington Village Fayre by inviting all under 14 year olds to the Kilmington Gardening Club and Pre-School Crazy Crafts morning on Saturday, 4 th July at the Village Hall. Come and make some messy crafts and prepare your entries for the Kilmington Village Fayre! There are four categories for children to enter (no obligation!), and other crafts to take part in too. Mums/ Dads/ grandparents /carers - there will be coffee, tea and cakes for you to enjoy whilst your little ones get creative! It s a one-off FREE event, please do come along! Emma Styles, Chairperson Messy Sparklers, at The Beacon, this month, had the theme of 'Lost and Found'. Over twenty children aged 0 to 4 years and their parents/ carers enjoyed a range of activities inside and outside on our enclosed grassy area, including making biscuit and marshmallow sheep faces for snacks, paper plate sheep, tents and tunnels, searching for items in shredded paper and in gloop (cornflour and water mix). Other toys and playdough were also available. Our story was The Lost Sheep which was a story that Jesus told about a shepherd who had 100 sheep, but lost one and how he searched until he found it and then celebrated with MESSY SPARKLERS his friends. Jesus told the people listening that God is like that shepherd and searches for us. All morning the ladies in the kitchen had been busy serving coffee and preparing a delicious lunch as usual. Join us next month at The Beacon on Tuesday 9 th June am to pm. All under 5s welcome with their parent/carer. Juletta Obudo 10

11 CALLING ALL CHILDREN! DO YOU LIKE BEING CRAFTY? Kilmington Gardening Club will be joining with Crazy Crafts at the Village Hall on Saturday, 4 th July from 10 am to 12 noon, to run a morning workshop for entries to the junior classes at the Kilmington Summer Fayre. The under 8s will be making pictures and patterns using fruit, vegetable and leaf prints and/or decorating a paper plate in any way you choose! The over 8s will be modelling gargoyle faces out of clay and/or creating a collage scarecrow using all kinds of materials. We can help with ideas and techniques and will provide the materials you need free of charge but if the paper platers would like to work with felt tips it would be best to bring their own. It would also be a good idea to bring an apron or an overall one of Mum or Dad s old shirts will do - in case of thrills and spills with all that paint and glue about. Best of all, bring yourselves for a fun morning being crafty! If Mums or Dads would like to come along with the little ones, they would be very welcome. LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU! YOUR VILLAGE FAYRE NEEDS YOU Hello everyone, I write to you today to ask a favour! As many of you know it will soon be our annual village fayre (Saturday, 11 th July 1pm-4pm). In the past we have been fortunate enough to hire our awnings from Dalwood. These kept our stall holders warm and dry, or protected from the sun if we were very lucky! It also meant that people were able to come to us and sell their goods or exhibit their crafts even if they didn t themselves have an awning or pop-up tent. Unfortunately, this year we no longer have the use of these awnings and, after trying every other route possible, our only option now is to ask you, our lovely villagers, if any of you have an awning or garden tent or marquee that you would lend us for the day? I would be utterly grateful to anyone that could help us out this year. Many Thanks Bev x Please call Beverley Reed on / for more information. And Volunteers are needed! Please call Bev if you would like to help on the day. This year marks the 150 th anniversary of Lewis Carroll s Alice in Wonderland so our theme is Mad Hatters Tea Party! You can dress as any character from the book and prizes will be given to the best 3. Good Luck! 11

12 It may be that my memory is not what it used to be but I am convinced that I have never seen such an abundance of flowers on trees and shrubs in my garden since I came to Kilmington 14 years ago. Magnolia Susan and the Judas tree are vying for supremacy, both dressed from top to toe in pink and purple, and under their canopy the Choisya and Viburnum juddii are walls of white with hardly space for a green leaf to intrude. Rhododendrons and azaleas are similarly clad - even the poor specimens grudgingly given a second chance in the back of the beds behind the trees have given thanks with bunches of flowers. Although tending to sprawl, Rhododendron fragrantissimum remains a firm favourite - the scent from its large white flowers fills the whole garden. This pattern of bumper-flowers looks set to continue into summer roses, potentillas and clematis are all full of buds. Before writing this column each month, I do walk down all the paths, raising my eyes above the ground so as not to be distracted by the weeds. This has unexpected benefits: waving its tentacle out of the top of a large hydrangea this morning was a two-metre spiral of briony, the black bindweed, unnoticed at soil level. And though it put up a valiant struggle to keep its nut-like root, it has now paid for its exuberance. Predators are also making inroads into my garden: something (I guess a rabbit) is eating my strawberry plants and something I cannot guess has stripped the bark from the bottom 10 centimetres of one of the fragrant daphnes. Squirrels have been known to strip bark from trees but I have never before met this damage on small shrubs. Time to think about planting up the tubs and troughs on the terrace and, needing inspiration, out came the books. Lilies have been long established favourites but I have surrendered to the onslaught of the lily beetle and given away my bulbs. As fragrance is important, especially for the evening, companions with scent are required for the geraniums and marguerites over-wintered in the greenhouse. Top of the list are heliotropes, dark purple Chatsworth for choice; then tobacco plants, white and lime green; and perhaps some night-scented stock. The book also mentions Zaluzianskya capensis, a night phlox with flowers that open in the evening which sounds good but, having never heard of it, perhaps not. In the borders, staking takes priority at this time of year, before the wind and rain batter down the poppies, delphiniums and lupins, already opening their lovely flowers. Summer is not just a-coming in; it is racing in at speed. Plant of the month: Scilla peruviana, not from Peru but a native of the western Mediterranean where it grows in boggy ground that dries out in summer. A striking 40cm tall scilla, with a large head of deep blue flowers held above the leaves. Plant about 5cm deep and 15cm apart, in a sunny position. Fully hardy. Acantha Mike Tyler is an all-round naturalist with a special interest in birds and trees. He lives in Kilmington surrounded by majestic oak trees and has recently published a concise guide to British Oaks. Although the oak is part of British folklore, it took many millennia for the species to migrate from Asia to Europe, the earliest fossil evidence of pollen in the UK being dated at around 12,000 years ago. There are two native British oaks, Quercus robur, the so-called English oak, and Quercus petraea, the sessile oak. Mike illustrated their distinct botanical differences in close-up photographs: the former has stems on acorns but not on leaves; and the reverse is found in the latter, sessile indicating a separate stalk for each leaf. Despite both species flourishing together in many areas of the UK, there is little evidence of crossbreeding. Ancient oaks are known to have survived for over 1,000 years, some split, others rotted in the centre, but still alive. Mike showed pictures of some of the famous ones: those associated with King John and Robin Hood; the largest, a hollow oak in Bowthorpe, Lincolnshire, reputed to be able to accommodate twenty people inside; and trees in the Dartmoor ancient woodland of Wistman s Wood, gnarled and twisted because of the weather. Moving on to the wider ecology associated with the oak, Mike described the flora and fauna dependent on oak forests. First the birds: game birds on the ground, thrushes and blackcaps in the canopy, and birds of prey at the very top. Some birds are specifically linked to the oak: nuthatches nest in them; woodpeckers drill the bark for food; redstarts breed there, and flycatchers are invariably found in oak woods, not surprising when one is told that each tree is host to about 1500 insects. Animals, too, benefit from the oak, from the tiny dormice which nest underneath to the deer and wild boar that eat the acorns. Epiphytic lichens, mosses and ferns are found on oak trees, as are bracket fungi, and foxgloves, ragwort, wood sorrel and orchids thrive under the canopy. The familiar oak apple is not the only gall to appear on the tree; others grow on acorns and even smaller ones on the under side of leaves. It would appear that a multitude of living things rely on, and thrive alongside, our native oaks. Mike concluded with a few illustrations of the importance of the oak in our history, for example its use as boundary markers and, of course, the ubiquitous Royal Oak pub sign. This was a fascinating talk, greatly appreciated - we all came home much wiser. Sydie Bones 12

13 KILMINGTON GARDENING CLUB VISIT TO CRANBORNE MANOR Romance was in the air when a party of 37 from Kilmington Gardening Club visited Cranborne Manor Gardens in Dorset on St. George s Day, 23 rd April. I say this because it felt like stepping back in time as we roamed the gardens of Viscount Cranborne, the eldest son of the 7 th Marquess of Salisbury. Especially opened for our party, with only a few other visitors, it made such a difference wandering around at a The Giant s Seat leisurely pace. Even the giant s seat (pictured) called out rest awhile, had we been able to climb up on to it! The Manor and its surrounding land were acquired in 1604 and the Grade 1 listed manor house, originally a hunting lodge, has been remodelled, as you can tell by the photo. In the early 17 th century the garden was laid out by John Tradescant and some of his original plants remain. Wandering through gates and archways from one walled garden to another and round the estate, there was an ethereal quality to this much loved and quirky garden. Without exception everyone enjoyed the day out in warm sunshine, bought plants from the beautifully kept and well stocked nursery and feasted on delicious food in the café by chef Declan. So many people said to me Let s go again to see the garden in another season. We may well do this! Stephanie Hathaway, KGC visits organiser GARDENS OPEN 13 th and 14 th JUNE FOR THE NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME (NGS) Once again four gardens in Kilmington are happy to be supporting the wonderful work of the NGS which is one of the most significant charitable funders of nursing and caring in the UK. The National Garden Scheme was founded in 1927 by the Queen s Nursing Institute to raise funds to support district nurses and in 1980 an independent charity was formed, the National Garden Scheme Charitable Trust which has continued ever since. Since the foundation, over 43 million has been donated to the following beneficiaries including, with 2014 donations in brackets, Macmillan Cancer Support ( 500,000), Marie Curie Cancer Care ( 500,000), Help the Hospices ( 450,000), Carerstrust ( 350,000), The Queen s Nursing Institute ( 200,000), Perennial ( 147,000) and the current guest charity Parkinson s UK ( 150,000). The Kilmington gardens opening (mostly in Shute Road): are The Acorn, Breach (off Shute Road), Spinney Two and Lambley Brook, (Springhead Lane and near to Breach) Lambley Brook which we are delighted to welcome to the group. This is an opportunity to visit this garden at an earlier time of year than you may have done in the past for village open gardens. The all important tea and cake aspect to garden visiting, provided by, and with proceeds going to the St. Giles Church, can be enjoyed in relaxed surroundings at The Acorn where The Jurassic Coasters will be playing. Some disabled parking is available at The Acorn. So, please come along and support us and the NGS charities. We look forward to seeing you in the gardens, Saturday June 13 or Sunday June 14 (or both!) between 1.30 and 5.00 pm. Tickets (available at the gardens) are 5, combined admission to all gardens children free, dogs welcome on short leads, plants for sale. (enter Kilmington under Garden name) Paul and Celia Dunsford

14 Welcome to summer. Hopefully, our garden produce will be plentiful this year. Below are a few ideas for your fruit and vegetables. CRUSHED NEW POTATO FISH CAKES Serves 4, but easily halved. 750g/1lb new potatoes, cut into large chunks 100g/4oz baby spinach 2 smoked haddock fillets (about 600g) 700ml milk 2 bay leaves ½ tsp black peppercorns 1 egg yolk 2 tbs vegetable oil 25g plain flour 2tbs mayonnaise, juice of half a lemon 1. Cook potatoes in boiling salted water for mins until tender. Drain in a colander over the spinach so the leaves will wilt. Return the potatoes to the pan to steam. Dry, then roughly crush with a fork and leave to cool. 2. In a separate pan, poach the haddock in the milk with the bay leaves and peppercorns for 4 mins. Turn off the heat and leave to cook for a few mins more until the flesh flakes. Remove to a plate and break into large pieces, discarding the skin and any bones. 3. Mix the cooled potato, wilted spinach and haddock with the egg yolk and 3 tbsp of the poaching milk add the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Form into chunky cakes, chill in the fridge or overnight. Suitable for freezing. 4. Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Sprinkle flour over the fish cakes and fry for about 5-6 mins on each side until golden and heated through. 14 GOOSEBERRY SAUCE CAKE This cake is buttery with a gentle flavour of gooseberries. Best eaten warm. 280g self-raising flour ½ tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder 100g caster sugar 100g demerara sugar, plus a little extra for sprinkling 100g butter, melted 2 eggs 300ml unsweetened stewed gooseberries 1 tsp vanilla extract 1. Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Line the base of a 23cm round cake tin and butter the sides. 2. Mix the flour with the baking powder, salt and the two sugars. Make a well in the centre and add the butter, eggs gooseberries and vanilla extract. Beat the whole lot together well, then pour into the tin. Smooth down slightly and sprinkle another 1-2 tbsp demerara over the surface. 3. Bake for about 45 mins, until firm to the touch. Test with a skewer. Let the cake cool for 15mins in the tin before turning out. PINK LEMONADE 350g caster sugar 1½ lemons sliced 1 orange, sliced 3 x 170g punnets of raspberries Place all the ingredients in a large saucepan and pour over 350ml cold water. Bring to the boil stirring often, then leave to cool. Pour through a sieve, pressing down with a spoon to extract all the juices. The syrup can now be stored in the fridge for up to a week. To serve, pour a little into a glass and top up with sparkling or still water. Margaret Astbury SKY DIVING AT 80 Claudette Bowden, who lives in The Crescent, has decided to take part in a (hopefully) record breaking sky dive at Dunkeswell on Saturday, 20 th June. She says, I decided last year that if I reached my 80 th birthday I would like to do a sky dive. Well, on 1 st April I reached 80, so I arranged to do just that. So, at 4.00 pm on 20 th June I will be joining the other participants as we try to get into The Guinness Book of Records with a tandem sky dive of over 286. I am collecting sponsorship for Hospiscare and if you would like to sponsor me, please contact me on or at 4, The Crescent, Kilmington or by bowdenclaudette@gmail.com We will let you know how Claudette gets on in our July issue. Valerie FUTURE DATE Baptist Church Summer Holiday Club Polar Exploration Monday 3 rd August - Friday 7 th August for 5-11 year olds More information to follow!

15 AXE VALE FESTIVAL S 21 st ANNIVERSARY Saturday & Sunday 20 th & 21 st June At this family friendly festival you will find much to inspire you. Attractions include the Floral Marquee and other marquees displaying all sorts of tempting foods, crafts of great variety, skill and ingenuity, toys and hobbies including many nostalgic exhibits, art, and antiques and collectables. When you are exhausted, you can seek refreshment and listen to live music and watch exciting events in the main arena including displays by heavy horses, motorbikes and sidecars, old caravans, gundogs and hawks. A number of craftsmen will be demonstrating their skills, many of them traditional. The stalls in the shopping malls will give opportunity for retail therapy and, for the children, there are many different activities. When: 20 th & 21 st June 2015 Where: The Showground, Trafalgar Way, Axminster Admission: Adults 8.50, under 16s 2, under 5s free. Tickets in advance: 7.00/ 1.50 from Archway Bookshop and Mole Avon, Axminster; Serendip, Lyme Regis; and local Tourist Information Centres until 5 pm on 19 th June. Tickets can also be purchased online through our website. Reduced rates for group bookings. Coach parties welcome. Transport: Free parking & a free bus service from Axminster Town Centre and station. Mobility facilities: Newton Abbot Mobility Tel FIVE ALIVE OIL I have taken over the Five Alive community oil order scheme from John Watts and see that, in the May edition of Postscript, my telephone number was incorrectly printed. It should read I would ask you, therefore, to amend your records accordingly. In the summer months I intend to submit an order at the end of each month and would ask that orders are placed by the 25 th of each month. Therefore, the closing date for the June delivery will be the 25 th June. Obviously, during the winter months, demand will be far greater and no doubt this will necessitate processing more frequent orders as demand dictates. The existing criteria will apply to all future orders with a minimum of 500 litres and I would appreciate it if members would give some indication about what quantity they require as opposed to merely requesting a "top up". Currently, oil prices have risen from $56 a barrel a month ago to just under $65 on the 28 th April which reflects a domestic heating oil price of around 39/40 pence per litre. Contact: Colin Stewart Telephone: cogstewart@aol.com VILLAGE HALL 100 CLUB The winners of the draw held on 21 st April 2015 B Harden 25 C G Stewart 5 G Hurford 10 W Kerslake 5 M Lavender 10 R Abrams 5 For further details, please contact Angus Falconer POLICE REPORT There were two Crimes reported in April They are as follows: 1 x Common Assault. 1 x Theft by Finding. We have been given the date for us to move into the new Police Station at Axminster. It is 26 th May Andy Trott, PSCO Axminster 15

16 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (KILMINGTON BRANCH) Branch Chairman, Roger Lovegrove, welcomed everyone to the Spring Coffee Morning in the Village Hall on Saturday, 25 th April. While there were not as many people present as usual, some 660 was raised to support our Armed Forces personnel, their dependants and veterans. It was a very social occasion thanks to the hard work of those serving refreshments and running stalls etc. The day coincided with Brian Lavender s 80 th birthday, and he much appreciated a chorus of happy birthday led by Stafford Seward. A working party helped Carey and Mandy Chant decorate the New Inn on Friday, 8 th May to celebrate the anniversary of VE Day. The pub was packed with Branch members in a lively atmosphere. Many stayed for dinner and were later joined by old customers from the Axminster Inn who participated enthusiastically in the singing of many wellknown World War II songs, led by Brian Lavender - some mistook him for One of the Few! Branch members joined the family and friends of Valaient Jones, widow of the late Revd Lincoln Jones, who had been Branch Chaplain for many years, for her funeral service in Shute Church on 9 th May, conducted by the Revd Simon Holloway. Tributes to her life were read on behalf of her family and Simon gave words of comfort about this remarkable lady who lived her 90 years to the full. Donations were for the Poppy Appeal and CHICKS and a reception was held in the Old Inn afterwards. Brian Lavender HELP NEEDED TO REDUCE LONELINESS AND ISOLATION FOR OLDER PEOPLE NEAR YOU I am writing this by way of introduction to the Axe Valley Visiting Scheme and Forget-Me-Not Project. I hope you may be inspired to find out more and get involved in this important work. Our aim is to reduced loneliness and isolation for older people living in and around Axminster. We are a voluntary organisation funded by Axminster Hospital League of Friends and supported by East Devon Volunteer Support Agency. We all know how far flung families can be, someone whose health has taken a dip and whose confidence has been affected, someone who has lost a loved one or isn t coping as they once did. Getting older certainly brings challenges. These statistics may shock you. Over half of all people over 75 live alone and 17% of older people are in contact with family, friends or neighbours less than once a week. For 11%, it s less than once a month. Loneliness has a major impact on health and wellbeing and has been shown to be as damaging, if not more so, than physical inactivity or obesity. Our volunteer visitors are honest local people, often retired, with time to spend having a chat once a week with someone who welcomes extra contact. Sometimes it s the simple things in life that can mean the most. Here is what some people who have visitors say: It s good to see someone regularly and have someone to talk to. Most of my friends are dead now, so I don t talk to people that often. It breaks the monotony, I don t see anyone and now I feel a lot better. I like talking about things with my visitor; it takes my mind off of my problems. The Forget-Me-Not Reminiscence service aims to bring people together to share stories and experiences using themed memory boxes. The sessions are often a lot of fun and are suitable for those living with or without memory loss. If you would like more information please contact me. We always need more volunteers to keep up with increasing demand and it is a very satisfying role. I hope to hear from you. Best wishes Gill Amos Project Coordinator gill.amos@edvsa.org.uk My usual work days are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 16

17 CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS TO CHRISTOPHER AND CHRISTINE THORNE Christopher and Christine Thorne would like to thank everyone in the village for their help and support before, during, and after, our Wedding on 9 th May. We were amazed with everyone's kind words and extremely generous gifts. We were delighted that so many people from the village were able to share our special day with us. We feel so blessed that we have so many friends. Everyone we spoke to seemed to have a wonderful day/evening and we know that we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The outfits were fantastic and the dancing was great. We have special thanks for Maureen who stepped in at the very last moment to take photographs for us (the photographer we had arranged had to step down at the last minute owing to illness). Special thanks to Christopher's mum and dad; to Caroline Lavender and the other Flower Ladies; to Mike Tyler and his Jurassic Coasters; to Ken Wilcox who helped choreograph our first dance and to lots of others. Most of all, thanks from Christopher to his new wife for being so awesome and for planning the day from months/years ago. We will eventually get round to everyone and thank them personally. Chris Thorne CHARLOTTE VENN Unfortunately I was unable to run the marathon, I was signed off by the doctor two weeks before. A little disappointed as so close, but in preparation I did manage to run 419 miles (20 being my longest run) and I received a medal for running the Taunton Half Marathon. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has sponsored me and for your words of encouragement throughout. I managed to raise 690 in total: 540 for the Devon Air Ambulance and 150 for the school, which will be spent on an outside clock for the children. For those I was unable to contact about a refund, please do get in touch with me if you would like your money back (as I obviously didn t complete the task). However, if you would still like your donation to go to such good causes, then thank you very much, it made it all worthwhile after all. Thanks again. Charlotte THE KILMINGTON VILLAGE PICNIC LUNCH ON SUNDAY, JULY 12 th AT pm THE SHOW MARQUEE with The Jurassic Coasters Come along and bring your family and friends to a Village Picnic at the Kilmington Show marquee. Join in the fun. Entry to the event is free and open to everyone in the village. BRING your own picnic lunch and come and listen to The Jurassic Coasters, a very versatile and talented local Band. We hope that you will enjoy their music and yourselves. There will be a Raffle and please bring a pudding to SHARE. It is hoped that as many people as possible will come and be part of this. If you have something to celebrate why not take advantage of this special venue. THIS IS A BRING AND SHARE EVENT For more details please contact either Diana Mellows or Christine Thorne

18 KILMINGTON ANNUAL PARISH MEETING summary The meeting on 22 nd April was attended by 52 members of the public, seven members of the Parish Council, Michael Collier (chair), councillors Bolton, Hodges, Huscroft, Newbery, Penzer, Trott and clerk, Hilary Kircaldie. These notes are a summary of the full minutes which are available on the village website. The guest speaker was Anna Crabbe who runs the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for young people locally. Mrs. Crabbe began by giving a brief history of the Duke of Edinburgh s Award Scheme from the time it was set up in Designed for young people between the ages of 16 and 25, the Scheme consists of three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold. Activities covered include: volunteering, physical activity, skills and expedition, also involving residential activities. An average 195 people complete their Gold award each day. Today, much of the recording of activities is done on-line, reflecting how the scheme has always moved with the times. In Kilmington the scheme is run via the Baptist Church and this has the benefit of being an open group with a mixture of young people who do not necessarily know one another already, which is not the case with school-based groups. Mrs Crabbe gave a brief slide presentation illustrating the activities of various groups over the years before inviting three of the current cohort of candidates - Mariella, Finn and Rory - to share their experiences of participating in the scheme. Through three entertaining and informative presentations each imparted to the audience a real sense of enthusiasm and enjoyment for what they were doing and the sense of achievement it had given them. A most interesting presentation concluded with an entertaining demonstration of the art of putting up a tent, after which the team responded to questions from the floor. There was a short interval during which refreshments were served and the audience had the opportunity to look at a display relating to the Award Scheme. Further items on the agenda included: the chairman's report which covered progress with the affordable housing scheme on which work starts shortly on land off George Lane; award to the village as County Winner in the Larger Villages Previous Winner category village for the second year running. The chairman thanked Mrs Vickers who set up the village website eight years ago and has put in many hours work as webmaster and who is retiring from this task; he said the site was recognised as one of the best village web sites. Two new village residents are taking over. A fresh landmark in the village was the new Baptist Chapel which now occupied the site next to the Village Hall and had blended in very well; he noted further progress in the campaign to secure a speed reduction on the A35. Cllr. Collier said that the Parish Council had given financial support to Axe Valley and West Dorset Ring and Ride, East Devon Citizens Advice Bureau, Postscript and the Village Hall and had directed its share of the Parishes Together Grant towards The Project, an Axminster-based charity concerned with young people s mental health. The Chairman concluded his report by thanking his fellow Councillors, the many other residents who gave the Parish Council particular assistance and the Clerk for support during the past twelve months. He thanked retiring Councillors, David Vickers and Rachel Tattershall, for their many years service and wished them well. Reports on the playing field, the primary school, the Common, the website, and reports from County Councillor Andrew Moulding and District Councillor Iain Chubb, local footpaths, road safety on the A35 and a report about the primary school completed the main business. In response to a question raised by a resident, the Clerk said that of a possible 26 attendances, actual attendances over the past 24 months ranged from 11 to 24, with three Councillors having fewer than 20 attendances. It was requested that reports in Postscript should list those Councillors present. PUBLIC FORUM: Post Office the Post Mistress explained that she had been offered a change of contract by the post office which it was not in her interest to accept. As a consequence the Post Office would be offering the franchise to the Londis Store at the garage. She said that she thought it unlikely that this would be accepted. In that event, the Post Office would have to offer her a different contract which would be more advantageous to her. She said it was a case of waiting to see how the situation developed but wanted to explain how things stood herself to avoid any misleading rumours circulating. Mr. Lavender proposed a vote of thanks to the Parish Council for the support it gives the community. THE KOPPERS RESIDENTIAL HOME IN KILMINGTON People in Kilmington and in the local area will no doubt all be aware of The Koppers, a care home for senior people with memory problems. In mid-april, Vicar Simon Holloway visited the home and demonstrated that though residents can t attend church any more that they hadn t been forgotten. Many thanks to Simon for the time and care he gave. For a second year running, The Koppers Residential Home has been nominated for a top twenty care home award in the South West Region. The award is based on recommendations from family and friends of the residents and covers varied criteria including assessments of staff plus activities available to residents and the general quality of the management of the nursing home. Well done to all the staff who are so highly thought of and also to Vivian Baksh for succeeding in achieving this award for an unprecedented second year running. Vivian has also asked me to thank all those people who have contributed to the well-being of residents including doctors, dentists, opticians, manicurists, hairdressers and musicians. I should also mention the many volunteers, including the Axe Valley Visiting Scheme and Forget-me-not Reminiscence group. Chris Howard 18

19 COFFEE MORNING AT SPRINGHEAD HOUSE Forde Abbey RDA Driving Group Coffee Morning and Open Garden at Springhead House on 29 th April was a great success. The day started wet but dried up quickly and people were able to venture round the garden and the woods. There was a Raffle, Cakes, Gifts and Plant Stall which all did very well. In all it was a very happy day and The Driving Group would like to thank all those who came and all who helped make it such a successful event. A total of was raised. Thank you everyone so much. Diana Mellows IF YOU'RE A NURSE - AXMINSTER HOSPITAL NEEDS YOU Following a press release today (18/05/15) by the NDHT (North Devon Health Trust), Axminster Hospital is nearing the point of having its beds re-opened thanks to all the wonderful local support. The minimum required number of nurses has been found and the beds should be available in July. It has been a long hard struggle on the part of a number of local people but to get our beds back makes it all worthwhile. More nurses are still required in Axminster and the surrounding area. If you are interested in nursing in the district the following is what is still required. Should you be able to work between hrs/wk (you could join the pool) or between hrs/wk (you could be eligible for a full or part-time contract). If you're only interested in less than 15hrs/wk Dr James Vann would still be interested in talking with you on or if you prefer ring Northern Devon Healthcare on Any RGN starting work at Axminster Hospital this year will also have their Registration Fee paid by Axminster League of Friends. Thanks to everyone who has responded so far and look forward to more members of this much valued profession coming forward. Ann Veit, AHAG 19

20 With flower petals soft unfurled, And vines around the trellis curled. The grass is sweet and richly green, With shining luminescent sheen - Your face, my June, a beauteous scene. Spring is at its height as we go into June. We ve seen abundant blossom and wild flowers this spring, some of the best I can remember. Our insects have had a bumper feast of pollen and nectar which has swelled their numbers. Good for all the birds and their young, but perhaps not so for the gardeners amongst you! I know first-hand that the bees have certainly started the year well and hives are filling up nicely with new brood and honey. So if it continues, we should have a good crop this year. However, by the end of the month much of the blossom will have blown away, although Lime and Sweet Chestnut which are some of the last to burst into flower should keep the food supply going for a few more weeks. Whilst many of our wild flowers will now go to seed, the foxglove is just about to appear. The tree and rhododendron clearance in Shute woods seems to have allowed a resurgence of this common plant and soon the giant purple spikes will probably appear in abundance. And as each plant can produce up to two million seeds, I guess we ll be seeing a lot more of them too. Like many of our native species, the foxglove has been used as a healing herb to treat a variety of heart and skin problems such as boils, ulcers, and also headaches and paralysis. They contain chemicals called cardiac or steroid Foxglove glycosides, and the pharmaceutical industry uses their leaves to create a heart medication called digitoxin or digoxin. But as it is poisonous, and young plants can sometimes be mistaken as Comfrey or Plantain, if you try to make herbal tea with the common foxglove it could be a very dangerous or even deadly mistake! Yet it always amazes me that somehow animals know that the foxglove is poisonous as they tend to avoid them. June also sees grass reach its peak, hence 22 nd June was traditionally called Hay Day and meadows were cut for hay. But today the title is known more as a farming game which you play sitting in front of your computer a sign of the times! But I guess it s better to be focused on growing crops and rearing animals, than fighting in on screen war games! Having said that, as I write this I m watching two blackbirds fighting on our patio table, an aggressive young fledgling seeing an adult female off the mealworms! The worms have never been so popular and Cuckoo have been a great way to entice the birds really close to the kitchen window, providing hours of enjoyment. Even our three year old granddaughter can now tell a sparrow from a blackbird! And we are not alone, chatting to friends in Silver Street, they were watching a hen pheasant sitting on very large clutch of eggs in the corner of their garden, around twenty in all. As soon as they hatched, the little striped chicks all hurried off and disappeared into the undergrowth; another reason why the call of the pheasant is more common now in the village. Whilst other bird song is less frantic now, the sounds of blackbirds and thrushes remain very prominent. You can hear them all around the village sitting high in the same tree or roof top singing loudly each morning and evening. But once again I haven t heard anyone reporting a cuckoo yet this year. Once a fairly common sound, sadly cuckoos are on the decline. The reasons are not really known but the cuckoo has been on the Red List of endangered British birds for a while now. As summer s only just getting started it always seems far too early for the days to be getting shorter, but by the end of the month our longest days will have gone. So make the most of them now, turn off your Hay Day computer game and go for a romp in a real meadow! Peter KNOTWEED REVISION A couple of years ago Devon Highways took over the task of controlling Japanese Knotweed where it was growing next to a road, lane etc. This included blue-painted wooden posts being placed at either end of the affected area to act as markers, so that grass cutting teams would not mow that area, and a weed control contractor spraying the weed from time to time. This all seemed to work quite well the spray that was used was certainly effective where it was used, but sometimes not all the weed was sprayed - it s not easy to see it on a quick, once-in-a-while, visit. The blue posts were a good idea but sometimes they fell over or were simply ignored by the grass cutters. I now understand that Devon County Council has decided it will no longer be involved in trying to control noxious weeds so I m back on the case. I ve re-staked and ropedoff areas in Shute Road and Springhead Lane where there is some strong new Knotweed growth. At the moment I can t see any growth in Roman Road but I ll keep my eye on it. I ve also refreshed the stakes etc at the top of the common where I continued dealing with the Knotweed. New growth here is very limited - but it is still there. I will spray all the areas at the appropriate time. If you see any other outbreaks of Knotweed by the side of the road, or elsewhere in the Parish, please let me know. David Vickers

21 THANK YOU The family of the late Vera Hoskins would like to thank everyone for all their support, kind wishes and lovely memories of Auntie Vera, as she was known by so many people. She will be greatly missed. We would also like to thank everyone who attended the service of thanksgiving for her life and the Reverend Simon Holloway for conducting the service. May we also take this opportunity to thank friends and relatives for their very generous donations for St Giles Church PCC and Kilmington Cricket Club. Many thanks. Felicity Llewellyn (niece) KILMINGTON GARDENING CLUB PLANT MARKET Thank you very much to everyone who came to the Plant Market on Saturday. Also a big thank you to all those who donated plants, cakes, tools and who helped on Friday evening and Saturday morning. The total raised was 635 (last year ). We think this is a record so well done to everyone. An amazing result. Jane Chalk, Plant Market Organiser Evidently the snails heard about the Plant Market too!! Keith As last month, please insert the Barn Dance half page ad here. Thanks Judith 21

22 THE OLD INN KILMINGTON Duncan and Leigh offer a warm welcome to all Daytime and evening menu Fresh food for family and friends Enjoy our lovely garden, patio, restaurant and bars e DRESSMAKING AND DESIGN yecatching in Kilmington village Discuss your requirement with Rosemary Tel NIGEL PHILLIPS GARDENING SERVICES Does your garden need a good tidy READY FOR SUMMER? Phone Nigel Phillips Also regular grass cutting and up-keep all year. Friendly local service. Tel Licensed Restaurant and Motel Early bird breakfast! 7.00 am am only 4.95 Including tea or coffee. Carvery served every Sunday from 12 noon to 3.00 pm. Booking advisable. From 1 st October we will be serving a hot buffet from 5-8 pm every day for 6.50 per person. Eat in or take away. We also cater for breakfast meetings, business meetings, parties etc. Please contact us to book. A35 Pit Stop, Gammons Hill, Kilmington, EX13 7RB Telephone Hurford Stores and Kilmington Post Office Telephone: General Store and Post Office Counter Services providing: Free cash withdrawals - most high street banks accepted Easy parking Local fresh baked bread - daily Local meats Fresh Milk Locally made Cakes and Biscuits Chilled and frozen produce, ices Fresh Fruit and Vegetables General grocery All the above at competitive prices Thank you to our customers for your understanding whilst our external decorating and internal refurbishment take place. We will try to keep inconvenience to you to a minimum. Post Office and Store Opening Times Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8.00 am 5.30 pm Closed for lunch 1.00 pm 2.00 pm daily Wednesdays and Saturdays 8.00 am pm 22

23 Chris Stubbs Electrical Est 1981 OFFICE ADDRESS: UNIT 2, THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS, GUNDRY LANE, BRIDPORT, DORSET, DT6 3RL Bridport Office No Kilmington Home No Mobile No For a friendly service at a competitive price call us today EDWARDIAN EXTRAVAGANZA 100 IMPULSE BUY IN THE 1950 s MAKES 380,000 AT AUCTION Six catalogued fine art sales every year & popular weekly general sales with a team of specialists covering all categories Free valuation mornings MONDAY am-12.30pm - CREWKERNE FRIDAY am-11.30am - THE CASTLE HOTEL, TAUNTON Home visits by arrangement The Linen Yard, South Street, Crewkerne TA18 8AB enquiries@lawrences.co.uk Are you worried about your Tax Returns? We provide a friendly, professional service for self assessment returns, business accounts and all aspects of taxation based on experience, qualifications and confidentiality. HOME VISITS AVAILABLE For an initial free meeting please telephone our office and ask to speak to Hayley Perham (Taxation Director) or crwaccountants@btconnect.com Telephone The Personal, Professional approach to Taxation, providing Peace of Mind CRW Accountants Ltd The Mews, Queen Street, Colyton, Devon EX24 6JU AXE VALLEY WILDLIFE PARK Hi, itis Marie, the Park's education officer here. It has been a very busy summer and we are hoping this continues throughout the autumn and winter. If you haven t visited the Wildlife Park for a while or have never visited before now is a good time! We have many new arrivals. We have many creepy crawlies, or bugs, on display in the education station. We recently received two new Serval Cats, which are settling in well. Toddler time on Tuesdays and Thursdays has re-started, so please come along for some age-appropriate activities and a free coffee and squash. Keeper-for-a-day bookings are still coming in, and because of the popularity we have decided to offer more experiences. Follow-my-keeper is a great way to get involved with an animal of your choice, feeding, cleaning out and enriching. Animals you could be helping care of include wallabies, reptiles, meerkats and lemurs. We are still being kept busy with birthday parties and school bookings coming into and out of the park. Give us a call on for more information or on education@axevalleypark.com Marie 23

24 Axminster Printing Co. Ltd. or Printers of Private and Business Stationery: including Headings, Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Headed Cards, Postcards, Invoices, Wedding Stationery, single through to multi colour, etc. Well Stocked Stationery Shop: including Recycled Range, Children s Activity Kits, Shredders, Laminators, Trimmers, etc. Card Making and Craft Supplies Craft Demos Computer Consumables: including CD s, DVD s, Memory Sticks, Printer Cartridges, Extensive range of Printer Paper, Printer Cables, Printers, etc. all at competitive prices. Full Colour Posters A4, A3, A2, A1 Laminating -from Business Card to A1 size West Street, Axminster Devon EX13 5NU Pets DEBONAIR DOGZ Professional Dog Grooming Services Please call Debbie Woodhouse to discuss your pet s individual requirements Tel Mobile Offwell Nr Honiton Member of and Professionally trained by a school recommended by the British Dog Grooming Association AERIALS & CABLES AERIAL REPAIRS & INSTALLATIONS Digital Upgrade FM Multi-Points Free Estimates SUDOKU SOLUTION

25 SEASONED LOGS AVAILABLE NOW CUT AND SPLIT TO ORDER STACKING SERVICE AVAILABLE Contact: Kieran Chiropodist/Podiatrist Mrs Sheila Holland D.Pod.M., M.Ch.S. State Registered H.P.C. Registered MNR MOWERS LTD Unit 8 Devonshire Court Heathpark Industrial Estate Honiton, Devon EX14 1SB SALES SERVICE SPARES Free Collection & Delivery in East Devon For all types of Garden machinery Tel Fax MNRMOWERSLTD@UNIT8.ECLIPSE.CO.UK CURTAIN MAKING & ALTERATIONS SERVICE (in the village) Contact Pauline Hill on (I am able to supply lining, Interlining, heading tapes etc.) Chiropractic Health Centre Pam Cottey House, Chard Road, Axminster EX13 5EB For friendly and professional treatment and advice for all foot problems Tel: (or Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday a.m. only) MATURE FEMALE CLEANER CALL SADIE MOBILE KILMINGTON CROSS SERVICES (PETROL STATION) Tel. No: MILK : NEWSPAPERS : HOT SNACKS : GROCERIES HOUSEHOLD ITEMS : COAL CALOR GAS PHOTOCOPYING : OFF LICENCE PAY POINT : E-TOP UP : GAS & ELECTRIC OPENING HOURS Home Sweet Home Reliable, Friendly Cleaning Services Domestic Dwellings to B&B and Holiday Accommodation 10 Years Cleaning Experience Call Helen on Elderly Friendly Monday-Saturday 6.00 am pm Sunday 7.00 am pm To help locals, we have introduced You pay we wash system on Tuesdays between am and 4.00 pm We jet wash and vacuum your car. Please come and try it out! 25

26 WEEK TO VIEW (Events that happen the same time every week) Sunday am The Beacon The Baptist Church morning service 6.00 pm The Beacon The Baptist Church meet every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sunday in month Monday early Your house Recycling collections Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri 9.15 am Village Hall Pre-school playgroup for 3+ Monday pm Village Hall Country Dancing for all ages Monday alternate pm Pavilion, dates circulated Bridge Club Tuesday 9.30 am St Giles Church Holy Communion followed by coffee noon Village Hall Table Tennis noon Village Hall Foyer Coffee and get-together pm The Beacon Spectrum Youth Club 7.30 pm Village Hall Badminton pm St Giles Tower Bell-ringing practice Wednesday 9.15 am The Beacon Toddlers and Tinies pm Village Hall Short mat bowls Thursday pm Village Hall Badminton Friday noon St Giles Church Coffee and a warm welcome pm Pavilion Art Group DATES FOR JUNE 2015 Tues 2nd 7.00 pm Village Hall Mission Community Council Meeting 2nd 7.00 pm 3 Meadow Bank Church Study Group Wed 3rd 7.15 pm Village Hall Moviola: Testament of Youth (see page 5 for details) Thurs 4th 7.00 pm Village Hall Table Tennis Fri 5th 6.00 pm The Old Inn Royal British Legion Get Together 5th 7.30 pm The Guildhall, Axminster 'The Filling Station Sun 7th am Lymewood Residential Home The Baptist Church Service 7th am St Giles Church Morning Worship 7th 7.00 pm St Giles Church Evening Praise 7th 8.00 pm The New Inn Quiz in Aid of Cancer Research Mon 8th Early Your House Landfill with recycling Tues 9th am The Beacon CREATE Group 9th am St Giles Church Reading of St Luke s Writings 9th am The Beacon Messy Sparklers Wed 10th 7.45 am Village Hall Car Park Royal British Legion Annual Outing 10th 7.30 pm Purzebrook Chapel Prayers for Axminster and the Valley Thur 11th 7.00 pm Village Hall W.I: Healthy Chocolate from Bean to Bar Fri 12th 7.30 pm Village Hall Gardening Club: History & Future of the Cottage Garden - Neil Lovesey 12th 7.30 pm The Beacon Latin & Ballroom Dance Class Sat 13th 1.30 pm Around Kilmington NGS Open Gardens (see page 13 for more information) 13th 2.00 pm The Beacon Scrabble Club Sun 14th 9.30 am St Giles Church Parish Communion 14th 1.30 pm Around Kilmington NGS Open Gardens (see page 13 for more information) Mon 15th 8.00 pm The Beacon Lectio Divinia Style Meditation Tues 16th pm The Beacon Contact Lunch 16th 7.00 pm 3 Meadow Bank Church Study Group Thurs 18th 7.00 pm Village Hall Table Tennis Sat/Sun 20th/21st The Show Ground, Axminster The Axe Vale Festival Sun 21st am Yarcombe Church Mission Community Holy Communion Mon 22nd Early Your House Landfill with recycling 22nd 7.30 pm Cudmore Room KPCC Meeting Tues 23rd am St Giles Church Reading of St Luke s Writings Thurs 25th 7.00 pm Village Hall Table Tennis Fri 26th 7.30 pm The Beacon Latin & Ballroom Dance Class Sat 27th am TBC Mission Community Quiet Day - Belonging Sun 28th 3.00 pm Vicarage Garden Songs of Praise 28th pm Sidholme A Desert Island Songbook (see page 5 for details) 28th 6.00 pm The Beacon Film and Discussion Evening 26

27 USEFUL VILLAGE TELEPHONE NUMBERS SERVICES AND FACILITIES Refuse Collection Water - general leaks Electricity - emergency Axminster Library Mobile Library Ring & Ride Clerk to the Parish Council Police - Crime stoppers Emergency General E. Devon District Councillor (Iain Chubb) Devon County Council, Axminster Rural Division, (Andrew Moulding) MEDICAL AND SUPPORT Axminster Hospital Dentist Helpline St Thomas Court Surgery Veterinary Surgery Devon Doctors on call Chiropody (Sheila Holland) (Out of hours GP service) VILLAGE NUMBERS Hurfords Stores (Kim Rhodes) Badminton - Darrell - Paula Millers Farm Shop Bridge - David & Stephanie Kilmington Primary School Country Dancing - Ken Wilcox Kilmington A35 Pit Stop (formerly Cricket (David Lavender) cafe) Footpath co-ordinator Scrabble (Sylvia Newbery) Elaine Penzer Village Hall bookings (Caroline Lavender) Short Mat Bowls (Ron Foster) Village 100 Club (Angus Falconer) Hitchcock Pavilion bookings (Michael O Flaherty) Kilmington pre-school - play manager Sunday School (Christine Thorne) Table Tennis (Jenny Nickolls) Kilmington Cross Garage Kilmington s Little Helpers - Sally Huscroft Tennis - Sharon Dickins, sec Women s Institute (Joy Churchill, President) (Alison Vickers) Bell-ringing (Roger Lovegrove) KGC - Jean Falconer, Secretary Art group CHURCHES St Giles' Church Revd. Simon Holloway John Thorne Pastoral teams Baptist Church Office Pastor Darrell Holmes Axminster Catholic Church Fr Michael Koppel ADVERTISING IN POSTSCRIPT Postscript is published ten times each year and is delivered free of charge to every house in Kilmington. All advertising fees and donations to Postscript are used to meet the cost of printing. ALL advertisements which are set out, from any source, are chargeable as follows and must be paid for in advance. Credit card (70 mm x 40 mm) Black and white ads 5 or for 5 months Colour ads ¼ page (90 wide x 136 mm high) 12 or 50 for 5 months 75 for 5 months ½ page (184 x 136 or 90 x 276 mm) 20 or 90 for 5 months 30 for one-off Full page (184 x 276 mm) 30 or 130 for 5 months 40 for one-off BACK COVER: Occasionally the back cover is available for a one-off colour page advertisement. Cost: 50 Additional fee of 1 if Postscript has to edit, size or set copy. PAYMENT: Cheques should be made payable to: Kilmington Postscript and posted to: Mrs V. Larcombe, Brookside, The Street, Kilmington, EX13 7RJ. Alternatively, post through Vicky s front door or cash/cheques may be left in a clearly marked envelope with Kim at Hurfords Stores. COMING AND GOING FOR A SONG: There is no charge for these entries for items valued up at 20 or less. However, donations are appreciated - there is a box for donations in Hurfords Stores. Disclaimers: Items in this publication are the work of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of the Editorial Team who may make small alterations to items submitted. The content of advertisements is not the responsibility of the Editorial Team. Queries should be addressed to the advertiser. This publication is available on-line at In addition, and from time to time, earlier issues will also appear on-line. If any person requires any article(s) they have contributed, either past or future, to be omitted, or their personal details withheld, please inform the Editor and the Webmaster on or webmaster@kilmingtonvillage.com 27

28 KILMINGTON VILLAGE FAYRE BARN DANCE WITH AMAZING LIVE BAND CROOKED FURROW! SATURDAY 11TH JULY 7-11PM KILMINGTON PLAYING FIELDS TICKETS: ADULT 12 CHILD 5 (INCLUDES HOT MEAL) BAR TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM HURFORD STORES KILMINGTON OR CALL

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