JULY ARCHIVE

From the Rector

Two ‘nuts and bolts’ things this month. The first is about a change in the rules concerning marriage in church. The change is about residency. In the past one of the couple had to be living in the parish to qualify for a marriage in the church. Society has changed and while people move away they often want to return to their roots for special occasions. This meant going through a complicated procedure in order to fulfil the legal requirements prior to a marriage. From the beginning of October this will change. In future there will be a much wider group of people who can be married in the parish church. For example, if you were baptised (christened) or confirmed there, or have parents or grandparents living in the parish. Certainly every couple for whom I have had to obtain a special licence before marriage while I have been here would have been covered by the changes. So if you want to come back home to get married, it will be that little bit easier after October. The other thing is to highlight the role of our churchwardens, who do a huge amount of work, often unseen. The post of Churchwarden is the most ancient office in the land. Each parish has two wardens who must be legally sworn in by the Archdeacon. They are charged with keeping good order in church and have the power to remove unruly elements, even to arrest someone who is disrupting a service. Day to day they have a key role in the parish. As local people they can be a point of first contact, especially where the Vicar / Rector does not live in a particular village. They are in many ways the public face of the church and seek to promote the life of the church in all its fullness. Their practical duties involve the care of the church buildings and making sure that everything runs smoothly. When you have old, listed church buildings and well used church halls, this is quite a task. Negotiating with architects and the Diocesan boards about work that needs to be done, reporting to the church council, keeping the Rector in order – all part of the churchwardens’ duties. Daphne McDonald has stepped down as our churchwarden based in Bere Ferrers after ten years of hard work. She was instrumental in the redevelopment of the church hall and has seen through the last of the restoration work on St Andrew’s Church. Her work is very much appreciated. Taking up the mantle, with George Nash who is based in Bere Alston, is Harry Davies. His first task is to see through the reordering of the chancel in St Andrew’s Church, which has already proved frustrating. But time and patience is always needed in the Church of England, though some things do change. Nick Law

Prayers

For Zimbabwe God bless Zimbabwe; Guard her People; Guide her Leaders; Give Peace. Amen.

Prayer for Burma and China God of goodness and love, in whom we trust in every hour of need: have mercy on all who are in distress following the cyclone in Burma and earthquake in China. Heal the sick and injured, give peace to the dying, comfort those living with loss, and to those trying to bring relief and order give wisdom, courage and strength; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sea Sunday (nationally 13th July: 20th in Bere Ferrers!) Let us thank God for seafarers who leave their families, friends and homes to bring us the food for our table, the cargoes for industry and commerce, the coal and fuels for our country. We pray for all who work in shipping, in management, in unions, in support industries and services. May their work be valued and rewarded with success and a greater understanding by those who benefit from their gifts and skills. We pray for all who work to serve seafarers and their families around the world: the chaplains, their assistants, volunteers and all who support them in any way, by prayers, by fundraising. Lord, hear us. We pray for all who are in darkness or despair, at home or at sea, in hospital or in prison. May we do everything we can to bring thelove of God, the light of Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to them. May they find light in their darkness and hope in their despair. Lord, hear us.

From Rev David Rogers, BAUC

Even the smallest thing you do for God matters You don’t have to be a missionary in a third-world country to do something significant for God. If God can use faith the size of a mustard seed to move a mountain, He can certainly use your humble, heartfelt efforts to impact the world in a wonderful way - even if what you do seems small in your own eyes, No act of love, even those that may seem futile or insignificant, is ever wasted. Suppose you offer a word of encouragement to a young mum who is having an especially difficult day with her kids at the supermarket. Your words could lighten her heart enough to give her an extra dose of patience in dealing with her children the next morning. In turn her son could feel better about himself when he gets to school, where he winds up treating the teacher with more respect than he has lately been in the habit of giving. That teacher could then go home and be better able to handle the demands of her own children. The cycle can go on and on, helping others to become more of the people God wants them to be. And it all started with one little act of kindness. Don’t hesitate to attempt great things for God. But at the same time, don’t miss out on sharing your kindliness throughout the day. With God’s help, a simple act of kindness can end up moving a mountain. Go on, try it! You’ll be surprised! David Rogers

Nature Watch

NATURAL INTERACTIONS
I don't know how other people are finding it, but we seem to be supporting an inordinate number of young birds at our bird table this year. Admittedly they are mainly the great, blue and coal tits, but I am sure that more than one family is represented for each species. All these were raised in their respective nests on a diet largely composed of insect larvae, especially caterpillars (estimates put the number of these consumed daily per nest in the thousands!) Presumably there is an abundant supply of this prey and, in turn, their food plants will have grown profusely this spring. For a few weeks, a pair of siskins visited regularly to feed on the niger seeds. Seeing them here during the breeding season is still rather unusual. These small finches with streaked brown and black plumage (though the male has sufficient yellow in the background to make it look like a dusky canary!) are normally thought of as a northern species that migrates south in the winter. Large flocks are often seen feeding on the local alder catkins. If they are indeed now breeding here, this would be an unusual example of a species extending its range southwards! A more regular visitor, the swift, arrived a few weeks ago and flocks can be seen and heard flying at high speed around the Parish Hall in Bere Alston. (One could be seen flying inside St Andrew’s Church for a couple of days! Fortunately it eventually found the door. Ed) These are the ones that appear to keep a rigid anchor-shape while emitting a high-pitched scream. Recent research has confirmed that they do indeed spend their entire life on the wing apart from the brief period on the nest: 24 hours/day 365 days/year including a migration to and from southern Africa. Total distance travelled during a lifetime may amount to 4 million kilometres (2.5 million miles)! They 'sleep' on the wing using a unique ability to switch off half the brain at a time. Their diet is often referred to as 'aerial plankton' which they scoop up as they fly at speed with mouths open wide in a manner resembling marine plankton feeders like the basking shark and baleen whales. What is surprising is that spiders form a major component of this plankton mix! Some of the tiniest spider species lay down long strands of silk and then launch themselves parachute-fashion into the air where they can drift for a considerable distance. We occasionally see such 'gossamer threads' at ground level. I gleaned these details from a recent episode of the excellent 'Animals on the move' series on BBC Radio 4. Two plant species have struck me as being particularly prolific this year. First the honeysuckle, which is particularly noticeable morning and evening due to its powerful scent: a clear indication that it is targetting night-flying moths to carry out pollination. Large quantities of sweet nectar can be found deep in the base of the flower-enough to be detected by the human palate if you bite into it. In nature access to these stores is restricted to long-tongued insects such as the moths. Wild roses are often found scrambling up the same hedgerows. Both need some height in order to produce the mature wood that bears the flowering shoots. They do not flower well in close cropped hedges! Fourteen different wild roses can be recognised in the UK, though I am not sure that I could distinguish between them. The colours are variable and the different species hybridise too! The 'sweet briar' is one that can be detected by scent-in the foliage of this species. Summer must be here, but is anyone, like me, wondering where the bees have gone? Pete Mayston

Party Fields Outing – Parish Picnic

As part of our 750th Anniversary celebrations we are recreating a ‘Party Fields Outing’. Before the Second World War children would come to Bere Ferrers or Bere Alston on the train from Plymouth for their Sunday School outings. There were fields set aside for the events, which were often the highlight of the year for the children, and possibly their only outing of the year. They would have games and picnics and sometimes a roundabout would be brought in for the day and donkey rides given. On Sunday 13th July we will hold another Party Fields outing in Bere Ferrers. Some children will come on the train from Plymouth and join us for the day. We will have a picnic, games, go crabbing and generally enjoy each other’s company. If you would like to join us, we meet either at Bere Ferrers station at 11.58am or at Bere Ferrers church hall just after 12 noon. Bring a picnic and some old clothes and enjoy the day. More details from Nick Law.

Bere Alston Gardening Club

Our annual show, the 100th, is on Saturday 26th July. Entry forms can be accepted at the Parish Hall, Bere Alston and the Social Club, Bere Ferrers from 7pm to 9pm on 24th July or postal entries can be sent to Mrs V Hamer, 4 West View Road, Bere Alston, PL20 7DD.  ENTRY FORMS MUST BE IN BY 9pm ON THURSDAY 24th JULY. Staging will be on the evening of Friday 25th July or the morning of 26th July. This is your village show so please give us your support. It is apparent looking over hedges and fences in Bere Alston and Bere Ferrers that there are many gardens capable of producing competitive entries. Both villages support allotments which are producing show-worthy produce, so please let us have your entries. The club shed will be opened by invitation. Please contact Tony Newman at 841012 with your requirements. Regular Sunday openings have now ceased until next year.  We held a successful plant sale in May which means that the Annual Show is again on a sound financial footing. Thank you for supporting the plant sale both by bringing plants for sale and for opening your purses and wallets with such alacrity! Bill Roxburgh

 

Residents honoured

Five residents of Bere Alston and one from Bere Ferrers were honoured at an investiture at St Eustachius Church in Tavistock on Saturday 7th June. At the annual ceremony of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem, Harry Davies from Bere Ferrers and Robin Holliday, Ian Larkin, Robert Kirby and Hazel Taylor from Bere Alston were all made Companion Members of the ancient order in honour of their charitable work and support for the community. Trevor Paddon-Hall from Bere Alston was made a Commander of the order. They received their awards from the Deputy Bailiff of England and Wales, His Eminence Charles Holloway.

Parish Council

May Meeting
Dog Training in the Parish Hall Further to the report in last month’s issue, Council has received a letter from Playgroup stating that they have no objection to the sessions taking place and verbal approval from the Scouts. Cllr Brian Lamb has, with the help of retired vet Nelson Bowden, done a Risk Assessment and he recommended to Council that there should be a three-month trial of the training sessions. This was agreed by Council.
Dog Fouling in Bere Alston Cllr Bev Slaughter reported on the Dog Awareness Month campaign in Bere Ferrers. It was agreed that the Finance & General Purposes Committee will discuss whether this campaign could be implemented in Bere Alston.
Parish Hall Hire Charges F & GP committee recommended an increase in the hire and heating charges for the Parish Hall. These were agreed by full Council. The new hire charges will come into effect on 1st August and the heating charges became operative on 1st June. The new charges can be seen at the Parish Council offices.
Removal of BT Payphones BT has indicated its intention to remove the phone boxes in Bere Ferrers and Weir Quay. While the box in Bere Ferrers did not seem to have much usage, the one at Weir Quay was thought to be essential in case of emergencies on the river. However, Council was uncertain as to why BT wanted to remove the boxes as, apparently, both are for phone cards only; where is the cost implication, as they don’t appear to need maintaining?
Regeneration Project The project group is currently reapplying for funding, as time limits on previous funding ran out. However, to acquire substantial funds from Devon County Council, the parish has to show some degree of support and also financial backing. The Parish Council has always supported the project to regenerate the Parish Hall, but now it is up to the parish as a whole to decide. Cllr Brian Lamb said that our Devon County Councillor, Alan Hosking, had agreed to match any funding that the parish put forward. Cllr Lamb suggested that the parish contribute £20,000 over four or five years, from an increase in the parish precept. This would have to be put to parishioners through a referendum and they will decide.
Council Meetings Parishioners are always welcome at Council meetings and there is a question time at the end of meetings for any enquiries from parishioners. Fixed meetings are: Finance and General Purposes: the penultimate Tuesday in the month, usually at 7.30pm. Full Council: the last Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm, unless there is a guest speaker, when the meeting starts at 7pm. For full details of these and other meetings, please see the parish notice boards. Bev Slaughter

Bibles - made in China! A new, expanded printing facility seems set to make China's ancient capital, Nanjing, the Bible centre of the world. The Amity Printing Company - a joint venture with the Bible Societies - can now produce 23 Bibles every minute to keep up with growing demand for the Bible in China. In 2007 it printed six million Bibles. With the new press, the potential will be 12 million - most of which will be distributed throughout mainland China. About 55,000 churches distribute the Bibles. According to experts, there is a real increase of interest in Christianity in China, where now an estimated seven per cent of the one billion population are believers. A pocket edition of the Bible costs about 68p and Chinese Christians can receive the full-size Bible at a subsidised cost of £1.16. If you would like to help fund this effort, visit www.biblesociety.org.uk/china .

GodTube.com Have you visited the Christian social networking site: GodTube.com? Here you can share videos, audio, blogs, photos and prayers. Says one of the founders: "GodTube doesn't pretend to understand everyone's personal relationships or diverse passions. Instead, we provide our users with the virtual framework for their unorthodox and ever-changing pursuits. We let them speak to one another and determine their own connections."

Time to pamper Christian women The UK's only monthly magazine for Christian women has helped launch a new conference for women. Woman Alive, which began life as Christian Woman and is currently celebrating its silver anniversary, is partnering with Kingsway Trust and BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) to launch Radiant 08 at Eastbourne's Devonshire Park complex from 19-21 September. The event will include four celebrations, 32 workshops, a pamper room, a fair trade fashion show, late night chick flick and much, much more. Speakers include Fiona Castle and Jennifer Rees Larcombe. Among a wide range of topics to be covered are women in the Bible, motherhood, singleness, prayer, self-image, sex, childlessness, and healing past hurts. Weekend tickets from £75 and day tickets from £15 from www.womanalive.co.uk

Local Walks

UNDER THE VIADUCT WALK
Footpaths 43 and 26
Starting from Bere Alston station, turn right out of the station yard, passing beneath two railway bridges and with Railway Cottages on your right. This path begins at the stile on your left. Go over the stile; bearing right go down across the field to the bottom where a stile leads into the woodlands. From there on you can hardly go wrong. Keeping to the higher ground all the time, you can walk to Ferry Farm without difficulty. At Ferry Farm you will come to a gate on your right that leads to the water’s edge (at the height of summer you can get a ferry here to take you across to Calstock). Turn left and follow the river bank path under the viaduct along to the end. This is what is known as a permissive path. Over the small stile at the end you are on a rights of way path again. In a short distance on your right you will link up with footpath 65. On your left is another stile to go over. The path here goes along in front of Chelfham School, to the road at North Ward farm. Turn right and commence the long walk up a quiet lane passing other farm roads on your left and right and some nice views through gateways. When almost to the top watch for the footpath sign pointing to the gate and kissing gate on your left: this is footpath 47. From the road gateway follow the hedge on your left down a track and under the railway bridge, through a kissing gate into the field. Turn right and you are now on footpath 26. Walk in a straight line across the top edge of the field to the stile again below the station. Doris Chapman

St Andrew’s 750th Anniversary Flower Festival

The parish of Bere Ferrers continued to celebrate 750 years with a four day flower festival in St Andrew’s Church from the 13th-16th June. A year of planning and fundraising by the flower festival committee resulted in a wonderful, innovative festival with 18 tableaux depicting the chequered history of the parish. More than 100 plant-filled psychedelic wellington boots and a decorated farmer’s cart flanked the pathway into the church and people came from far and wide to view the professional, artistic displays. Comments in the visitors’ book included ‘innovative and delightful’, ‘wonderful’, ‘creative’ and ‘superb’. Sir William de Ferrers started building the church in the 13th century, finishing it in 1258. Reginald de Ferrers became the first rector and his son William is renowned for enlarging work in 1330 and for the magnificent East window, for which St Andrew’s is famous. Yellow and white carnations and roses were used for the farming display, which reflected Saxon origins, cider apple orchards dating from the reign of Henry VIII ,sheep, fruit and saltings. All were important. Market gardening has had a tremendous impact on the area, with fruit growing—cherries, strawberries and pear important crops—and the discovery of a double white narcissi in 1880 by Septimus Jackson led to the Tamar Valley flower farms. A special stand celebrated this year’s 60th anniversary of the Bere Ferrers Spring Flower Show. Sir John Maynard was remembered. He became Lord of the Manor of Bere Ferrers and founded the local school in Bere Alston in 1665. He was an MP and King’s Sergeant to Charles II and James II. A flower-filled picnic basket, strawberries and treats brought back memories of the Strawberry Field Sunday School outings by train to Bere Ferrers and Bere Alston. In the North Transept a mine, complete with rails, had been built to recall the silver and lead mining era of the 13th century. Displays of white carnations represented the silver production and blood red antheriums death in the local mines. For many hundreds of years several quays on the Rivers Tavy and Tamar were used in transporting silver and lead, lime, night soil from Dock, fruit and flowers. Pleasure trips from Plymouth used to be popular and a living could be made from salmon fishing. Today boats are used only for pleasure and the deck of a sailing boat was cleverly contrived using the dark hues of the smoke tree, phormiums and proteas. The River Tavy was shown gurgling through the North Transept beside the mine, complete with wild flowers—a nice contrast. Red, blue and white was the colour theme for the memorial to the New Zealand soldiers who died in a tragic accident at Bere Ferrers station in 1917. In the Lady Chapel, members of Holy Trinity Church recalled the original church, which was sited behind the Edgcumbe pub. The parish vestments adorned the pulpit and white lilies and roses the altar. A black cape shaped into the form of a pilgrim reminded visitors of the people who travelled through Birlanda—this spit of land—on their pilgrimage to Santiago Compostella. Charles Alfred Stothard, a historial draughtsman, fell to his death in the church in 1821 and was remembered in vibrant silk drapes together with an artist’s palette. Replicas of Bere Ferrers and Bere Alston stations and Calstock viaduct wound their way over several window sills celebrating 100 years. School life was not forgotten. A key, cane, books and a slate were memories from the distant past, far removed from the computers of the 21st century. Particularly pleasing was the re-introduction of the hanging flower balls. The porch had a wedding theme in pink and white. The displays even included the flower arranger’s wedding dress. The bosses overhead showed the de Ferrers coat of arms, which was reproduced in flowers inside the church, and a cat warning of the dangers of life outside the church. The font, which is of Norman origin, had been smothered in an exquisite haze of white and the belfry was also decorated. Refreshments were available throughout the event and every afternoon local organists and musicians provided a musical backing for visitors. Thought provoking and inspirational, sincere thanks go to all who contributed to yet another successful celebration of 750 years of the parish. Contributions from parishioners continue to be accepted for the Time Line in the church, which was on display and is intended to reflect not only official dates such as the restoration of the church, but information of a more personal nature, worthy of note. Betty Endean

ST ANDREW’S Flower Festival Thanks from the Committee

The committee wishes to express its gratitude to all those who so kindly gave of their time and talent to help prepare for the 750th anniversary festival. These include: Stewards Rosemary Bell, Ann Blythe, Margaret Crout, Juliet Lucke, George Nash, Daphne McDonald, Frances Pearce, Iris Clapton, Madeleine Smith, Pam Watts, Graham Fine, Audrey Lashbrook, Jenny Simpson, Sue Hodgson, Sue Belfield, Ann Blythe. Tea and cake makers Joyce Peden, Margaret Crout, Sheila Gay, Juliet Lucke, Iris Clapton, Rosemary Bell, Marion Friend, Pam Watts, Valerie Hamer, Daphne McDonald, Jean Kerswill. Organists David Crocker, Mary Hocking, Fred Palmer, Ann Parsons. Musicians Tim and Rebecca Hamlyn and Tim Hampson. Sue Hodgson for designing the programme. Jenny Simpson for making the sign. The men who helped erect the silver mine and collect and later demolish it. Those who helped build the river and hang the spheres, the train station makers, the long-suffering husbands who had to wait for meals, and Nelson Bowden for the screen and use of car. The people who helped with the flower arrangements: Ann Blythe, Iris Snell, Juliet Lucke, Joyce Peden, Rosemary Bell, Monica Mitchell, Margaret Crout, Sheila Gay, John Martin, Jean Kerswill, Pam Watts, Eileen Kiltie, Ann Parsons, Iris Clapton. Thanks you also to all the children and adults who gave the boots and helped paint all 138 of them. Some are still available for sale from the church at £1 each. Thanks you to all those people who lent items to help make the arrangements special and to anyone whose name hasn’t been mentioned, and finally a great big thank you to all who supported us by coming to see the festival. We made a profit of £750. (How appropriate! Ed) Margaret Willmott and Chris Fine

Bere Ferrers WI

Nineteen members gathered to listen to Vera Whiting discuss the Art of Embroidery at our June meeting. Vera started sewing when she was about seven years old. Her mother was a keen dressmaker and her aunt was an embroiderist with Wippell’s. Vera has always made her own clothes and now has a granddaughter to sew for. She showed us a beautiful sea scene made with silk, covering the rocks and the sea and sky embroidered with long stitch, which she had done for her exam in A level textiles. For this course Vera had to make a waistcoat and dye the silk and embroider it all herself. Looking for inspiration she had looked on the moor and chosen split rocks for colour with a background of dark blue. Her 'padded people' were particularly amusing and very realistic especially the four people sitting on a bench - back view - and the 'tart in the bar'! Vera chose to do a padded picture of Queen Elisabeth I for Buckland Abbey's recent exhibition and her Lowry picture was, as she described, 'letting the needle take itself for a walk' with the people moving around in the frame. She advised us to take our time choosing a project and to really think about it before embarking on anything. A bluebell wood embroidered with French knots was a marvellous finale to her collection of scenes, people and birds. All in all you missed out again! Look forward to seeing you next time on 9th July when our speaker will be Sally Wetherbee on Swiss Style Entertaining, Gruyere and other Cheeses. Do bring a friend or just come and see us.   Kate Harman

Talking about Stuff

For a couple of months there has been an informal monthly get-together at the Olde Plough in Bere Ferrers to discuss anything and everything under the sun—and beyond! We have had a fascinating time discussing topics such as war, forgiveness, homosexuality, women bishops, what heaven is like—and much lighter topics! . We decided that July’s get-together, on Sunday 27th at 7pm, will be slightly different, as we will meet in Bere Ferrers church hall to see a video of someone known as the Box Jellyfish Man and have discussion afterwards. Ian McCormack was night diving off the island of Mauritius when he was stung multiple times by Box Jellyfish, which are among the most venomous creatures in the world. His testimony relates how he clung to life while getting to hospital, was declared clinically dead soon afterwards, and how during this time he had an encounter which radically changed the direction of his life. So if you would like to join us we would love to see you. Bring along nibbles and something to drink if you wish. Everyone is welcome.

Bere Handbell ringers

Did you know…….? That every week a small group of people meets in Bere Alston to enjoy playing the handbells. The bells belong to Holy Trinity Church and John Adams. We play a variety of music: Irish, Australian, English popular songs as well as classical and church music and much more, depending on the music sheets available. None of us can read music – each bell is given a number and the ringer plays that bell according to the numbers on the music sheets. Are you interested in having a go at the bells? We are an informal friendly group of all ages who wish to expand to enable us to increase the number of bells played which would give us a greater choice of music to play. Is this something you have always wanted to try? Why not come along & have a go. Please contact John on 841016 for more information.

From the Police

BEWARE: Cold callers are working in our area. Keep strangers out of your home and garden. You can easily protect yourself against this type of crime, so there is no need to be nervous in your own home. Cold callers are people who call at your home to sell a product or offer to do work for you and you have no idea who they are or where they are from. You will NOT have invited them to call on you. Cold callers are also people who first contact you by phone and encourage you to buy a product or come and do work for you. Although some callers are genuine, it is impossible for you to know this. Rogue traders cold call. They will knock on your door and pretend to be legitimate builders or gardeners. Their vehicles may also look genuine with trading names on the side etc. These callers will try to convince you into having work carried out. It may be that your garden or home does need some attention, but if this is the case contact a neighbour or look in yellow pages and get at least three quotes. If you are over 60 always ring Care and Repair first on 01822 613638 and they can advise you on all sorts of jobs, big and small. The best way to protect yourself and avoid being swindled, is not to open the door to them in the first place. If they cold call by phone, just say no thank you and if they continue to try to persuade you, HANG UP THE PHONE. Don’t feel guilty – these criminals are not your friends. REMEMBER THE CODE: STAY OUT STRANGER. HOW TO GET HELP In an emergency – If someone is at your door and will not go away and you are scared – RING 999. If you just want to report what has happened you can contact the Police Switchboard 08452 777444. If this type of crime has happened to you and you have never reported it contact WPC 3594 FROST on 01822 813806. She may not be able to get your money back if you have already parted with it, but she can tell you how to stay safe in the future and talk to you confidentially if you are afraid to tell your family. With your permission she will contact Trading Standards giving them information about this crime in order to help others and also assist in catching some of these criminals. The main thing to know is that you are not alone and that you are not to blame. The Police understand how upsetting this type of crime can be and we know that victims feel it is their fault. Victims feel embarrassed that they were convinced to part with their cash. WPC Angie Frost, the Crime Prevention Officer, has spoken with many victims and knows from experience that the only person to blame is the criminal. You can also get help from your myself or Seonaid. Ring 08452 777444 and ask to speak to us. The operator will either put you straight through or they may have to take a message and pass it onto the officer concerned who will get back to you as quickly as possible.