From the Rector

Lent this year will be a bit more poignant for some than other years. Recession, unemployment, worry and fear about what the future holds are in the forefront of many minds; higher fuel prices and lower income from savings make us look twice at what we can afford. These concerns can eat away at us or drive us to look again at what is important and how we might cope if life were different. Each year in the church calendar we set aside six weeks to do just that, to step aside from the everyday things of life and focus on the things that really matter, both temporal and eternal. It is not six weeks of pretending everything is fine, but a time to grapple with real issues in the real world. I don’t particularly want to make sweeping judgements about the recession; I don’t think it is God’s judgement on an exploitive society – maybe an inevitable result for a greedy society that relies on ever increasing wealth, who knows. But what I do see is the shaking of a foundation that we had come to rely on and the creation of a sense of unease and uncertainty – and that is a good place for faith to grow. It is not a comfortable place to be and I would wish it on no one – income falling because of poor return on investments, wages cut or lost altogether, your home on the line because of debt, these are things where the command to love our neighbour starts to have very real consequences, and God certainly is there for people in crisis. Discovering that God is there when things are bad is a good discovery to make. For those whose life has not been dramatically affected yet, it is a time to check that we know what is really important and of lasting value. Pulling up the drawbridge and hoping it will go away is not a Christian response. In fact, when we are self reliant, secure, and everything is going well, then we can most easily forget God and lose touch with our faith. Now is the time to do a reality check to see where God is in your life and how you work out your calling as a Christian. Our study course for Lent is called ‘Responding to God’s World’. There will opportunities to join with others on Tuesday lunchtimes and Thursday evenings, or the material is suitable for two or three people to use together. Lent begins on February 25th. Make sure you use the time well. Nick Law

From Rev David Rogers, BAUC

Perfect peace is available to you

“Peace on earth” sounds great on a Christmas card, but it’s hardly a reality. At least, that’s the way it looks if you read the morning paper. But remember, there’s more to life than what you can see with your eyes. When Jesus was born, the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the heavenly heights, peace to all men and women on earth who please him” (Luke 2: 14 MSG). Peace on earth made a reality with God. And that reality is visible only to the world through the lives of those who keep close to God’s side. God’s Spirit, and His peace, are just as real as your circumstances. Turning to God frequently throughout the day - asking for His guidance, comfort, and perspective - will help you to see beyond your circumstances. It will help you to focus on the Author of life itself. Even when your outward life is in total chaos, God offers you a place of retreat and restoration. And the more often you choose to visit, the easier it will be for you to experience God’s peace in a real and profound way. Call on Him anytime you need a little patch of “peace on earth.” He never gets tired of hearing your voice. HE WILL KEEP IN PERFECT PEACE ALL THOSE WHO TRUST IN HIM, WHOSE THOUGHTS TURN OFTEN TO THE LORD! Isaiah 26: 3.

Nature Watch

THREE BIRDS AND ONE GIANT!
A few days ago a small flock of lapwings flew across the road in front of me. Once upon a time I would not have remarked on such a small flock, of what I considered a fairly common winter visitor to agricultural land. They do of course turn up on the mudflats of the estuaries of the South-West, but recently have not seen flocks in their hundreds foraging on grass or stubble that were a common sight at one time Features: a medium sized bird that is dark above and white below. At close quarters the head and wings show a distinct olive-green colouration. An up-curved crest on the back of the head is usually visible. And a surprise when tilted forward while feeding: two large orange patches may be seen below the tail! In flight, the long, broad wings appear to be over-sized in relation to body-size Before Christmas we were invited to a house on the Cornish side of the river at Halton Quay, where I was quite surprised to see a few hundred of them on the mudflats. Our hosts confirmed that a large flock was a regular feature on this part of the river (you can't get such a close view from the Devon side!). Interestingly, they do not see the avocet there, even though a mile or so further downstream at Weir Quay is one of the main locations where they are usually found. Another bird that I have begun to see regularly in the winter is the Goosander, though I understand that it may well be resident all year on the river Tavy. Just by chance I was able to see one of these ducks at close quarters, just opposite the main drive to Tavistock College. In fact, I was able to see the 'teeth' on the bill which is a characteristic of only two of our native ducks. Birds of course do not have real teeth, these were lost long ago when beaks evolved. However something resembling teeth are useful if the main item in the diet is slippery fish so the next best thing developed, again by evolution: a saw-tooth edge to the bill! To complete the picture of these ducks: they are slightly larger than a mallard, and sleeker. The dark head (chestnut in females) has a bright red bill and a distinctive crest. The upper parts are dark (black in males, grey in female) with breast and underparts white (with a reddish tinge in males) I know this brief description fails to give an adequate description of this remarkable bird so please check the pictures in a book! (Co-incidentally, I saw a group eight goosander diving and fishing off the end of Bere Ferrers quay on the 22nd January and they have been there since as well. I have seen an odd one or two in previous years but never this many at once. There have also been lapwings on the banks of the Tavy. Ed) Nearer home, I am waking up to the regular calls of our local great tits. The two notes used are so clear and distinct that I no longer need to look out to confirm my observations, even though the 'tune' seems to be delivered slightly differently! For example, the two notes may be run together with no interval in some, separated by a quiet interval in others. I wonder if these are the calls of different individuals, or alternatively conveying different messages? At this point in time it is appropriate to remember Charles Darwin on the 200 year anniversary of his birth and maybe (re)-read his 'Origin of the Species'. I know that some critics can accept the adaptation of feathers, beak, feet etc for a life in water, without accepting the evolution of the duck in its entirety. To my way of thinking, if there is an opportunity for this particular way of life in the environment, surely a duck would evolve! And a perfect example to us all to follow: smooth and unruffled on top, paddling like mad underneath! Pete Mayston

Hope Cottage Cafe

After a quieter period following Christmas and the New Year, the cafe is once more busy each weekday morning with folk dropping in for a cup of tea, coffee or chocolate or juice and a choice from our slightly extended menu. A few extra items such as crumpets are now available as well as the existing bacon paninis, tea cakes, cakes, scones, etc. After a comment from someone in the village that they weren’t sure who the cafe was for, can we stress that this is a drop-in facility for everyone in the area plus visitors. A chance to sit and take a break or have a chat with friends in pleasant surroundings. Details of opening hours are on page 21. And where else could you get a cuppa for 50p?!

BERE FERRERS LENT LUNCHES

The annual Lent Lunches will start on Wednesday 4th March in Bere Ferrers Church Hall at 12.30pm and each Wednesday in Lent thereafter. There will be the usual wonderful selection of homemade soups, with bread rolls. Donations will be in aid of Christian Aid and the Children's Society and the suggested donation is £3.

Stamps for Evangelism

It is time once again to thank my many friends for supplying me with used postage stamps for Stamps for Evangelism. The sum realised nationally last year was £11,270. Twenty-eight missions have each received £250 as a result. So far we have sent 109 packets to Derby from Bere Alston. Copies of the details of the amounts raised and missions are available from myself. Please continue to saving the stamps so that in 2009 they can realise and even greater total. You efforts are much appreciated. Thank you once again and keep up the good work! Phyllis Friend (See www.stampsforevangelism.co.uk for more details.)

West Devon Connect

West Devon Connect and your local Neighbourhood Policing Team invite you to meet a number of different West Devon Agencies at Bere Alston School on Tuesday 24th February between 3pm and 4:30pm. Come and get your questions answered or just have a general chat. Refreshments. Competitions for the children.

“Use it or lose it!” West Devon Connect is an outreach service provided by West Devon Borough Council for residents of the Bere Peninsula. The service is normally available at Hope Cottage in Bere Alston on a fortnightly basis on a Tuesday morning (normally the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays in the month) from 10.00am till midday. As an outreach service, West Devon Connect does not just offer access to the borough council’s services. The borough council has teamed up with a number of organisations including Job Centre Plus, Pension services, Police and Fire Services, South West Pound and South West Water, to make all these services more available to local people. All these agencies regularly attend the Tuesday sessions. In its first year of operation on the Bere Peninsula the number of enquiries has been disappointing and well below the anticipated demand for the service. This is particularly noticeable when compared with other outreach surgeries across West Devon. Please be aware of this service and recognise that if we don’t make use of it we may lose it. The West Devon Connect team will be trying alternative times and venues to promote the service and will be holding additional sessions at the Bere Alston Primary school from 3.00-4.30pm on Tuesday 24th February and also with a visit to the Community shop in Bere Ferrers. Please help support this important service. Robin Musgrave Email: Cllr.robin.musgrave@Westdevon.gov.uk 841064

Singing for Amnesty

Bere Ferrers villagers celebrated their freedom to be able to go out and sing when, on the Tuesday before Christmas, 35 people met at the Old Chapel where Caroline and David Clark served mince pies and mulled wine to prepare for a tour of the village carol singing for Amnesty International. The group of young and not so young set off across the causeway and sang their hearts out for the next couple of hours, walking from Bere Ferrers Quay all the way up to the station, collecting more singers along the way. Carol Horner accompanied the choristers on the concertina. Many doors were opened and requests made for favourite carols. The carol singing continued into a joy-filled evening at the Olde Plough where landlords Sarah and Ted Williams had prepared a warming welcome of mulled wine and mince pies, and the opportunity to rest weary legs. Amnesty International is a movement of ordinary people across the world that stands up for humanity and human rights. Their purpose is to protect individuals wherever justice, fairness, freedom and truth are denied. Anna Musgrave, who had been spending Christmas with her parents in the village and who had been working with Amnesty International in London, organising their youth conference, said she was delighted to see so many people come out and support this valuable cause. She thanked everyone who helped make the carol singing such a successful event. £150 was raised for Amnesty International.

The Olde Plough Inn

As we approach our first anniversary of being at the Olde Plough Inn, we would like to thank all our customers for their continued support, through the teething of our new business. It has been wonderful to be made so welcome into the village of Bere Ferrers. We are hosting an RNLI fundraising evening on the 30th January and will continue to support this charity throughout February. One way we will be doing this is to offer a Monday night ‘Bring Your Own Bottle’, when we supply the food and you bring the booze, with £1 corkage going to the RNLI. February events: Sunday 1st: Plugged & Unplugged 8.30pm; Every Monday night: BYOB; Sunday 8th: Jam Session 8.30pm; Saturday 14th: Valentine’s Day Evening Meal; Saturday 22nd: Acoustic Night 8.30pm; Saturday 28th: First Anniversary Party. Fun & Games.

Growing up in the Tamar Valley - Memory Swap

Saturday 14th February at the Bere Community Village Shop & Café (10am – 12noon, Bere Ferrers Church Hall). Did you grow up in the Tamar Valley? Do you have stories to share about your childhood?  Games you remember, work you did, places you explored… If so, the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty invites you to attend this community event, where you can share your memories. The stories, anecdotes and reminiscences from the day will help us produce some audio work, telling the tales of life in the Valley. We’re combining forces with Bere Community Village Shop & Café. Just turn up & talk! Please contact Jemma Sharman for more information: 01579 351 904 or email jsharman@tamarvalley.org.uk

 

Parish Council

 

 

GROUPS

Bere Alston Carnival Committee

 

Royal British Legion, Bere Alston Branch

 

Bowling Club

Bere Alston Handbell Ringers

The handbell ringers have taken a rest in January following a very busy December were we had our debut open air performances at the village Victorian Evening -it was cold, well freezing really, but the atmosphere was great with crowds of people lining Fore Street. We had a great reception when we played at West View Residential Home – encores demanded! We also had our annual performance at the Christmas Eve midnight church service at Holy Trinity Church. In 2009 we are planning to run a taster session at the Chatterbox Parents Group. We start back with regular practices in Feb. If you are interested in having a go at playing the bells please contact John Adams on 01822 841016. We meet every Wednesday evening at 8pm and are very happy to welcome new recruits – no experience necessary or ability to read music.

Bere Alston Gardening Club

Our next meeting, the first in 2009, will be on Wednesday 4th February at 7.30pm in the Holy Trinity Church Hall, when Charles Pridham will talk to us about the Flora of Madeira. All are welcome: you do not have to be a member to attend. The entrance charge is £1.00, which includes tea or coffee and biscuits and entry into the monthly raffle. There will be plants for sale. The club shed will be open on Sunday 1st February from 11.00 to midday and on every following Sunday until further notice. Orders are currently being placed for restocking. If there are any gardening requisites members would like us to try and obtain please let any of the committee members know. Bill Roxburgh

Bere Ferrers WI

 Twenty members and four visitors attended the January lecture on ‘Morwellham, past, present and future’ presented by Antony Powers, suitably dressed for the occasion. The first written named lease was in 1240 but unfortunately no map records the boundary markers at this time but they mainly followed the line of the Tamar River and mainly enclosed the big bend of the river. In the l4th and 15th centuries an access was created for goods such as wine and tin. A map of l769 showed the docks, quay and the inn. In the l8th and l9th centuries lime kilns were introduced and in the l840s copper ore was being shipped. The railway was introduced, being the first in Devon. In the l900s the decline  began with many items being used for scrap. We were shown paddle steamers in an old photo which used to run day trips to and from Plymouth. An hydroelectric power station was built in l937 and by l970 a trust was formed to preserve the village for posterity. Volunteers helped and installed the waterwheel in l978 and the underground workings of the copper mine were opened to the public. Now work on wooden boats is ongoing and work on the quayside shows the remains of the railway system and turntables. An entrance to the railway cottages producing a tunnel is in progress.  There are plans for a cottage garden with strawberries and daffodils and cherries. There is no entrance fee for just looking around. All in all a good evening and again you missed out! The next meeting is: ’Holiday Images of Japan’, speaker Margaret Cartwright. See you there! Kate Harman

Chatterbox

Chatterbox Parents Group has had a very active time since our December entry in the Bere Link. We ended November with a Belly Dancing Session - great fun was had by all who took part in the taster session led by Sheila Buchanan; they all looked great in their colourful belts that jingled as they swayed. Six parents took part in the session and a crèche was run with the assistance of Katie (creche worker) from Tavistock Childrens Centre. Other parents who did not wish to participate enjoyed coffee and a chat in Hope Cottage and then the dancers performed a dance for all of us including the children, who watched their Mums intently without a sound! The standard of dancing was excellent after only an hours practice. A craft session was held to prepare the decorations for our Christmas Tree in Holy Trinity Church, I hope you saw it, but when reading this it will all be dismantled and a distant memory! We ran a games stall during the village Victorian Evening – very cold it was, too, in Fore Street, but luckily it didn’t rain! We raised approximately £30 that will go towards the cost of another course or equipment. A body shop party was held where parents enjoyed trying out new products and experiencing a shoulder massage. Approximately £22 was raised for Chatterbox from this. Our last group before Christmas enjoyed mince pies and mulled wine (non-alcoholic). The New Year saw us starting the six week Paediatric First Aid Course led by Triangle Training and funded by the Tavistock Childrens Centre. A crèche is being held for the children of participants. Volunteers, with the aid of Katie, run this. We also plan to have a taster session at handbell ringing led by the Bere Alston handbell ringers and a jewellery making session. If you are interested in joining our friendly group and meeting new people, please come along any Friday to Hope Cottage Café between 1pm and 3pm. When a training session is taking place we are still open for others, who do not wish to participate, to meet for coffee and a chat. If you have ideas of any courses you would like to participate in or wish for further information please contact Julie Overnell on 01822 840452. We look forward to meeting you.

Bere Peninsula Residents Association

Bere Ferrers Yoga Group

A bolly good time was had by all! No one can say the Bere Ferrers Yoga group are set in their ways. Each year they try something different to celebrate the festive season. They have had fun with Body Balance (a choreographed fitness system incorporating yoga, tai-chi and Pilates), salsa, circle dancing, belly dancing, skittles, synchronised yoga to music, and indulging in the spa facilities at the Devonshire Health & Racquet Club. This year it was Bollywood Dancing. Maggie Squires from Tavistock came to the Bere Ferrers Church Hall on the Monday before Christmas. She brought with her a huge case and Bollywood music. When the case was opened, beautiful chiffon sparkly lengths of cloth and scarves poured out. Many yogis had come dressed in exotic Eastern outfits, and Maggie helped everyone else to enter into the spirit of the evening. Maggie was born and spent her early years in India. As a child she was taught Indian dance movements and gestures by local village women. Maggie Squires runs Bollywood Dancing classes in local primary schools. Bollywood Dancing is an exaggeration of emotions to music. “You must release your inhibitions and express what you feel” Maggie urged everyone. “If you are happy, you show it with your face and eyes like this” and the group endeavoured to copy her actions. “If you are sad - like this. And if you are angry - like this.” Everyone stomped around trying to look as graceful and elegant as Maggie. There was much laughter. What will it be next year? We have a very good idea but you’ll have to come along to yoga to find out!” Anyone interested in yoga classes in Bere Ferrers, or Pilates in Tavistock, should ring me on 01822 840612. Christine Poole

Tamar and Tavy Apple Group

(In Association with Tamar Valley AONB) Events of interest to existing/potential apple tree owners. APPLE WINTER PRUNING DAY - Sunday 1st February, 10am - 4pm. Located at two Orchards on the Bere Peninsula. Cost £16.00. Learn to prune - a hands-on course with tutor, Charles Staniland. This mainly practical day will give you the confidence to tackle your trees and will cover the pruning of neglected trees, formative pruning of younger trees and routine requirements. Outdoor clothing, strong boots, gloves and a packed lunch will be necessary. Bring any useful, pruning tools, secateurs, saws, etc. No climbing required. To book a place contact Brian Lamb, 01822 841309 (e-mail briankay1@tiscali.co.uk DEVON APPLE GRAFTING COURSE - Monday 16th February, 7pm - 8.30pm. At Endsleigh Nurseries, near Milton Abbot. Cost £7.50. Bring any secateurs or pruning knives that you may have. Places are limited. Rootstocks will be available to purchase. Book directly with Endsleigh on 01822 870235. VISIT TO CORNISH ORCHARDS PROCESSING PLANT DULOE, NEAR LISKEARD - Thursday 19th February, 11am - 12.30pm. Visit a large traditional producer of apple juices, cider and mulled wine whilst the production is taking place. Andy Atkins, managing director, will personally lead the tour and explain the complete process to tour members. You will also have an opportunity of visiting Cornish Orchards’ on site shop and express a serious interest in any of their products! This company supplies the Eden Centre and a major Tavistock shop and also buy apples from local orchards! There is no charge but they ask that you make a donation of about £3.00 towards the Duloe Church Roof Restoration Fund. Numbers are strictly limited and pre-booking is mandatory. To Book ring Brian Lamb on 01822 841309 E mail briankay1@tiscali.co.uk We welcome those who share cars and with this in mind (unless a participant objects) we will share names and phone number so that people living in same area can share transport if they so wish. THE PLACE OF BEES WITHIN AN ORCHARD OR APPLE GARDEN - Friday 6th March at 8pm at Bere Ferrers Social Club. A Talk by Ross and Suzy Dyer of Gunnislake: beekeepers who are looking to expand the number of hives that they manage, and who are looking for new sites. They will give an insight on beekeeping and the problems that bees face in the UK, including the practicality of keeping bees and the benefits, including avoiding being stung! There will be an opportunity for members to register an interest in having a hive(s) that would be managed by Ross & Suzy. Admission free: all are welcome.

Friends of Bere Alston Surgery

Do you know who we are? Do you know what we do? This group was formed in 1984 to raise funds to purchase equipment for the surgery. We have raised over £60,000 and purchased such things as the scales, blood pressure machine in the waiting room, wheelchairs, nebulisers, pulse oximeters, etc. Most things the doctors have asked for we have been able to provide. If this group is to continue, we need more support and more people to serve on the committee. If you are interested, please come to the AGM at 7.30pm at the surgery on the 19th March.

St Andrew's Singers

We had a thoroughly enjoyable social evening in the Hazel Room on the 23rd January (delayed due to viruses!), and a game where each person had to come up with four facts about themselves, one false which the rest of us had to pick out, proved a wonderful eye-opener on our fellow singers and their accomplishments! Beware of the champion kick boxer! We will be holding our Friday evening practices at 7.30pm in the Hazel Room until further notice (until the weather warms up!). No more blankets over our knees or icicles from our noses! New members are welcome to join us—we will be working on music for something special for Easter. Ann Parsons 840609

 

IT’S PANTO TIME AGAIN!

‘Great minds think alike!’ Our Bere Alston panto this year just happens to have (more or less) the same title as that of the recent Bere Ferrers pantomime! We both decided independently to choose ‘Red Riding Hood.’ However, the Bere Alston panto will be entirely different from the Bere Ferrers one because it has been specially written for our company by Helena Rogers and since ‘Grandma’ plays a major part in this panto, we decided to call it. ‘Grandma Riding-Hood!’ So please come and find out what ‘Grandma’ gets up to! (Apart from nearly being eaten by the wolf – but you knew that anyway, didn’t you!) We have our three performances at the usual time each year - the half-term week of February: Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st. And we hope to have ice-creams available in the interval again this year! Do watch out for the poster in the Bere Peninsula Pharmacy, complete with photos of the cast, and do book early and avoid the rush! Prices are as last year: £4.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. We do hope you enjoy the fun and mayhem!!

 Villages in Action

presents Louise Parker—singer of soulful jazz In a candlelit setting in Bere Ferrers Church Hall Saturday 7th March at 7.30pm Tickets available from Anne Turner, 841464, Margaret Willmott, 840380 or the Bere Ferrers Saturday Community Shop

 

 

Local Walks

Some of our shortest Public Rights of Way: 1, 69 and 74
Footpath No.1: Plough Inn to Town Well, Bere Ferrers In the centre of the square is the remains of the old village pump, beside which stands the village War Memorial dating from the First World War. Opposite, adjacent to Hawcombe Cottage (previously named Lanterna) is the start of a very narrow path. It bends to the right and just as you may think it leads into a private garden, you will notice the small metal gate on your left through which you continue following the path to the old village well at the end. Please be careful here: when I last walked this path it was covered in leaves looking like solid ground! If people did get their water from here, its little wonder there was a cholera outbreak in the nineteenth century. Return by the same route. Footpath No.69: From the road at Weir Quay to the shore of the River Tamar Go through the gate keeping the bungalow on your right and walk straight ahead to the quay side. This very short path was originally used by the Duke of Bedford to enable his carriage to have access to the River Tamar. Footpath No.74: Anderton to River Tavy, north west of Hatch Mill To get to Footpath 74, follow the little lane down from Hunters Oak. It is a pleasant quiet lane with woods on either side. At the bottom the short muddy footpath to the River Tavy is on your right. The lane leads on into Anderton Farm. Doris Chapman

Tutte Voci Carol Concert

The popular Christmas Carol Concert was held on the 22nd December in the United Church and those attending enjoyed a splendid evening, being entertained by Tutte Voci and special guest Tyrone Piper. Graham Boot-Handford welcomed everyone to the concert, which was in aid of the charity Shelterbox. Appropriate serious and comic readings were interspersed with carols sung by the audience and by Tutte Voci, whose songs included ‘Carol of the Bells’ and ‘Gaudete’ unaccompanied in the first part of the programme. Maggie Peacock’s reading ‘PS to Santa’ in broad Black Country accent will certainly not be forgotten in a hurry. There was a jazzy version of ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’ performed as a piano duet by Lesley Wright and Ann Parsons, and a Russian folk tale ‘Baboushka’ - the story of the three kings seeking the Christ child. The caressing sound of Tyrone Piper’s tenor voice singing ‘Pretty Paper’ and ‘A Winter’s Tale’ brought the first half of the programme to a resounding climax. Following the interval, when seasonal treats were enjoyed, Recorders United (Maggie Peacock, Jane Williams and Ann Parsons) entertained with ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ and Jingle Bell Surprise. Tutte Voci sang the evocative ‘Silent Night’ and ‘In Dulci Jubilo’ and there was more comedy with the hilarious song ‘Twelve Days after Christmas’ - a real tonic - and the reading of ‘Guidelines for Christmas Eating’, which should have come with a government health warning! Marion Piper’s reading of an account of a performance of ‘The Messiah’ brought tears of laughter to our eyes. Other songs by Tutte Voci included ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Deck the Hall’ and ‘On Christmas Day’ - the latter being a modern carol written in 2008. Tyrone Piper gave a commanding performance of ‘O Holy Night’ and everyone joined in ‘Joy to the World’ as a finale. A joyful evening was enjoyed by all. Graham thanked the participants, especially Tyrone, projectionist Ian Parsons, and those who provided the refreshments. William Larkin lit the Advent candles at the beginning of the evening and his brother Edward was in charge of the lights. This carefully sourced programme of carols and readings was simply a delight—unmissable. Betty Endean

St Andrew’s Nativity Play

The children of the Bere peninsula performed their Nativity play in St Andrew’s Church twice on Christmas Eve—a necessity to ensure that everyone who wanted to attend could do so. The rector welcomed everyone to the heart-warming atmospheric services, the opening sequence being the singing of Hark the Herald Angels Sing. The atmosphere was highly charged with anticipation as the age-old story of the birth of Jesus slowly unfolded, with the help of the actors, children or the parish who took all the roles of Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men, shepherds and angels. The narrators were Ian Parsons, Frances Howard, Cherry Statton, Eleanor Ralph, Chris Fine, Roger and Jean White with lessons being read by Diana Mitchell and Sue Belfield. The two angelic babies who shared the starring role of baby Jesus were Luke Pascoe and Tom Dawe. A memorable moment for their respective parents. Sheila Gay was the script writer for this special version of the birth of Jesus. During the play the children were encouraged by the Rev Nick Law to bring figures to the model of the nativity. Bess the shetland pony (playing the part of the donkey) almost stole the show by whinnying at particularly appropriate moments. She must be the only singing pony in the South West! The rector thanked the actors, costume makers, and all who had helped in the production, Ann Parsons (organist), Sheila Gay (script writer), Steve Jackson (lighting) and Norman Gay (props). A collection was taken to benefit the work of the Children’s Society and Christian Aid, the total of £126.58 being split between the two charities. Betty Endean

Bere Ferrers Spring Flower Show 2009

The 2009 Bere Ferrers Spring Flower Show is on Saturday 28th March in the Church Hall, Bere Ferrers. The Show will open to the public from 1.30pm, with the prizes presented at 5pm. This is the weekend when our clocks and watches jump forward an hour (and we all lose an hour’s sleep?), so this year the theme for the show is ‘British Summer Time’ and ‘clock change’. There are several special show classes to mark this ‘timely’ theme. Of course, at the heart of the show are the splendid Spring flowers. There will be no less than 32 competition classes of daffodils, as well as the usual supporting displays that make the show such a delight. Full details of the classes can be found in the 61st Spring Flower Show Schedule, which lists such glories as ‘Double Daffodils Div.4, yellow petals with red or orange segments, varieties “Apotheosis”, “Tahiti”, “Tamar Fire” etc., a vase of 3 flowers’ and ‘Div.9, Poeticus Daffodils, any colours, “Actaea” etc, a vase of 3 flowers’. Come to the show to find out exactly what all the classes look like – or better still enter some blooms yourself! As usual, there are many other classes to enter, including other flowers such as tulips, violets, polyanthus, fritillaries, anemones, camellias and even ‘one head of rhododendron’. Although Spring is not the top time of year for ‘fruit and veg’ look out for rhubarb, leeks and parsley, and maybe a surprise or two under ‘any other vegetable’. Within the six decorative flower arrangement classes, we are looking for ‘an arrangement depicting British Summer Time – not to exceed 15in wide’, as well as ‘tiny treasures (no more than four inches in any direction)’. If have never won a first prize in one of our decorative classes, why not enter a ‘novice class’ flower and foliage arrangement? This year’s ‘Domestic’ classes include ‘a cake representing British Summer Time’ as well as other cakes, scones, plus jam, chutney and quiches. Our photography section has proved very popular over the past two years. For 2009, there are three photo classes: ‘Spring has arrived’, ‘Wildlife in the garden’ and ‘Trees’. Photos should be unframed, with mounting optional. Maximum permitted photograph size is A5, and only two entries per exhibitor per class, please. The popular children’s part of the show features cookery sections for under-10s (e.g. decorated biscuits) and 10-15s (e.g. individual pizza). Under 10s can also enter ‘a clock face in a seed tray’, a posy, a vegetable animal or copy out this verse ‘in your best handwriting’: “The dandelion clock is a very odd clock, It doesn’t say tick and it doesn’t say tock. It hasn’t a cuckoo, it hasn’t a chime And I really don’t think it can tell me the time.” Older children can use their imagination with ‘something I have made myself’ – but no larger than 30cm by 22 cm (so no home-made siege catapults or tree houses, sadly!). There is a £5 prize for the best exhibit in each of the children’s classes. The 2009 Flower Show Schedules can be picked up at Margaret Willmott’s shop and hairdressing salon at Alpine House opposite the Bere Ferrers Church Hall, from Bere Ferrers Post Office or the chemist’s shop in Bere Alston – or ask a committee member. Pick up your copy in good time, as the schedule gives useful details and tips for exhibitors. Please note that in order to enter the show, you must complete an entry form (to be found in the schedule) and forward it to one of the show secretaries, Ann Street (Coach House Bere Ferrers, 840191) or Valerie Hamer (4 West View Road, Bere Alston, 840288) no later than 5pm on Friday 27th March. Alternatively, deliver your completed entry forms direct to the Church Hall between 6 and 9pm that day. Please note that all entries must be set up in the Church Hall and be ready for judging by 10am on Show day, March 28th. The Church Hall will be open from 7 until 10am on Saturday March 28th to receive entries, or alternatively they can be brought to the hall on the Friday evening. Exhibitors of flowers should label their blooms with the species and/or variety if at all possible – this makes the show much more interesting for visitors. So do come to the Spring Flower Show on 28th March – it’s always an enjoyable way to celebrate the season. As well as all the exhibits, we hope to offer a plant sale, cake stall, a raffle and teas and refreshments. If you have friends or relations living in Plymouth or up in the Tamar Valley, invite them to visit by train! Trains leave Plymouth at 0857, 1045, 1255 and 1455. If they catch a morning train, they could ride up the line to enjoy the scenery before returning to get out at Bere Ferrers. Note that Bere Ferrers Saturday Shop will be open for business as usual from 10am-12 noon – but will be in Bere Ferrers Social Club. Finally, the Spring Flower Show Committee would welcome ‘extra hands’ to help set up the staging for the Show in Bere Ferrers Church Hall on Friday 27th March at around 10.30am. Clive Charlton, Bere Ferrers Spring Flower Show Committee

 

Bere Community Village Shop and Cafe

 

Some miscellaneous observations on modern life...

A cabbie is a fare-minded person. A closed mouth gathers no foot. A dentist and a manicurist fought tooth and nail. A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well. A job at the nursery can lead to a budding career. A man said his credit card was stolen but he decided not to report it because the thief was spending less than his wife did. A will is a dead giveaway. Age doesn't always bring wisdom. Sometimes age comes alone. An exasperated woman, being questioned by a HM Revenue inspector about her tax deductions, was heard to say: "I wish the government were half as fussy about how it spends money as it is about how I spend it!" First woman: "I don't see Charlie half as much as I used to." Second woman: "You should have married him when you had the chance." First woman: "I did." "Are your father and your mother in?" asked the vicar when the small boy opened the door. "They was in," said the youngster. "But they is out." "'They was in. They is out.' Where's your grammar, young man?" "She's gone upstairs, for a nap."

 

Bere Local History Society

 

February Diary