Well-known for its snowdrop and cycamen collection the three Cherubeer gardens also provide a wealth of colour right through the season.   Higher Cherubeer is the largest of the three gardens, at about one acre, and has been developed since 1991 and is planted for 12 months of interest. In early summer the herbaceous planting takes over with hardy Geraniums, Astrantia, Dicentra, Aquilegia and continues with roses, clematis and lilies. Wildlife is encouraged and nectar and pollen rich flowers have been chosen.   Nest boxes, bird feeders, log piles are all included to provide a rich habitat for native species.   There is evidence of dormice in the hedge banks and barn owls nest locally.   Cherubeer is a cottage garden set around a 15th Century  thatched house (not open).   Ponds, paths, and steps filled with colourful perennials and herbs are set off by mature shrubs and trees. Middle Cherubeer is a colourful small garden with three separate areas with bog garden, pond and massed herbaceous perennials interlinked with paths.
Entry price is £4.00 for the three gardens and children are free. There will be home-made teas available and plants for sale.

The hamlet of Cherubeer is 2 miles east of Dolton village at the top of Aller Road.EX19 8PP. Take the “Stafford Moor Fisheries” turn off the Dolton Beacon to Winkleigh Road. Tel: Jo and Tom Hynes, 01805 804265.
Last year in Devon over 150 gardens, most of which are privately owned and only open for the NGS, raised over £123,000 for Macmillan Cancer support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices and many other deserving causes.
For further information about Cherubeer Gardens and others open for the National Garden Scheme visit  www.ngs.org.uk

The Working Wetlands project led by Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) has this month passed the £5 million mark for the amount of money it has helped local landowners access in grants from the government.

The major milestone has been reached after four years of effort in northern Devon working closely with the landowning community and is thanks to the hard work of the team’s seven farm and wildlife advisors with close support from Natural England.  The advisors have helped farmers to complete applications for schemes such as Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) which is administered by Natural England, and which pays farmers to manage their holdings for the benefit of wildlife.
Mark Elliott, Working Wetlands Project Manager said: “This is a major milestone for us and really shows how the local farming community has embraced the project. Traditional farming practices are absolutely vital for maintaining some of our very best wet grasslands, which need management to prevent them reverting to scrub.  Fortunately incentives such as HLS and to a lesser extent Entry Level Stewardship exist to reward those farmers who are adopting sensitive farming practices. This represents over 2,600 hectares of wildlife rich grassland being brought into favourable management and is really starting to make headway into recreating a living landscape on the Culm!”
HLS is a vital mechanism which can help rebuild lost landscapes such as Culm grassland which has had 95% of its area disappear in the past century. As well as annual payments for management, these schemes also include money for fencing and hedge-laying.
The Natural England Team Leader for North Devon, Nik Ward, commented that “the partnership working between Natural England and Devon Wildlife Trust is a great example of how conservation effort can be focused to target funding towards land owners with good quality habitats so that they are managed and maintained for future generations to enjoy.”    Mark added: “Farmers in this area are already struggling to produce cheaper food for the supermarkets, often on very difficult wet ground. As a society we are also increasingly asking them to provide other services such as clean water into our rivers and reservoirs, and a landscape rich in wildlife. Schemes such as this are vital to pay farmers for providing these other benefits”.
We hope our advisory work will continue for many years to come.  Anyone interested in receiving advice or getting involved in the Working Wetlands project should call 01409 221823, or email  working.wetlands@devonwildlifetrust.org Working Wetlands advisors are employed by DWT, with funding from a number of sources.   One of these is the South West Water “Upstream Thinking “ programme which aims to support farmers who are looking after the water draining off their land into rivers and reservoirs downstream .
Working Wetlands has also been supported by Tubney Charitable Trust, The Environment Agency, Devon County Council, Devon Waste Management, GrantScape and Natural England.

Devon Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading environmental voluntary body, with more than 33,000 members.

The charity manages 45 nature reserves all over the county, including a range of habitats such as woodlands, meadows, wetlands and heaths.

DWT relies on charitable donations, grants and the generous support of its members and the general public to raise more than £3million every year. Money raised is spent maintaining our work for wildlife conservation and education in Devon, for present and future generations.

The Trust is one of 47 in the UK. Together, they make up the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.

DWT has Local Groups based around the county. All play an important role in DWT’s work and are always looking for more volunteers.

Working Wetlands team photo.

A celebration of the completion of All Saints Chapel Community Centre, Instow took place on Friday May 11th 2012.

The chapel is situated on the B3233 Anstey Way, near bus stops.
The chapel has a field and car park in a village where there is little parking and no play area apart from the beach.
The chapel is used twice a month for services.  In 2008 the idea of a dual purpose use was conceived by the late Rev Geoffrey Calway and the PCC.
Volunteers cleared building stone and rubble from the car park. New heating, floor boards and a ramp were installed.
The overgrown stream was cleared, planted and fenced as a garden.   A local family adopted the chapel garden – Jigsaw Growth of Bideford is joining in the maintenance of these areas.
An extension to provide water on the site, a WC, kitchenette and storage has been built – designed by  conservation architect, J Rhind, to be in keeping with the white Adriatic chapel
All village organisations supported the project, as the Parish Hall is fully used.   The need was identified for an intimate smaller place providing for social interaction in the daytime, especially for the many single householders in the parishes
Instow has the third highest percentage of persons over 65 years out of the 63 parishes in North Devon.
We now have friendly meeting place for coffee and socializing every week; outdoor play for preschool and small children; venue for small groups, children’s environmental study, courses, parties, exhibitions and the Police Commissioner’s election polling station in November 2012.
Funds raised amounted to £70,000 by means of grants from 12 charities, 17 personal donors, fundraising, interest, gift aid and local government grants.
Local government grants amounted to over £19,000
Awards for All made a grant of £5,000 towards furnishings
Two of the charities were the Church of England National Churches Trust and Churches Community Fund, especially targeted on the dual purpose use of churches
There is a separate management committee for the Centre representing the users.

Contact: – Rev Paul Hockey 01271 373879
Mrs Pam Cantle 01271 861165

The historical details of the chapel are framed on the entrance door.

Peter very kindly offered to chair the meeting, which was gratefully accepted by all of us . Keeping  the group in order can be quite a challenge when  we all want to express our opinions at the same time,  and he  is very good at ensuring that  each person has a turn to speak.

Not everyone (including me) had actually managed to finish the book which was reviewed in the Guardian as a ‘lumpy read’; as one person put it ‘very heavy indeed!’
The year is 1580, and  Inés is recounting the story of her life to her daughter Isabel. She leaves a restricted life  in Spain to go to South America  in search of her  husband, discovers he has died in battle,   and fights off dangers and misfortunes to make it to Peru.  She falls in love with Pedro de Valdivia, a man with a mission to conquer Chile,  and ultimately reaches  Santiago.  She is a battle warrior, a nurse, a cook,  a lover, an outstanding woman in every way and a huge feminist. She rises to the role of governess of Santiago, overseeing construction works,  horse breeding, and  domestic farming activities .   But do we like her? The group unanimously agreed that we don’t,  and this is one of the reasons why it was hard to like the book, because the main characters are  so unattractive.Their ruthless advance  at the expense of the native peoples did not endear them to us. Some people felt the gory descriptions of battle actually gave them nightmares  with the added disadvantage that there was no warning on the cover!
I found it hard to adjust to the style of writing,  and also  to a work in translation. However Isobel Allende is generally  very well regarded as a writer, so perhaps it is unfair to judge her on one  book.  Perhaps I should try others  – or perhaps not!
RA
The group meets at Bideford Library on the first Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm; next meeting Wednesday 2nd May when we will discuss the  2008 Man Booker winner ‘White Tiger’ by Aravind Adiga -  copies are available from Bideford Library.

“COME AND BE PART OF IT”

Event Swimbridge 10k and 3k Fun Run

Date Sunday 27th May 2012

Venue Swimbridge, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 0PQ
Registration at the Jubilee Hall;  Start at The Glebe Field.

Entry Fee 10k – £8.00 by post no later than 21st May (£10.00 on the day)
3k – £3.50 by post no later than 21st May (£5.50 on the day)
On line registration – tbc

Contacts Julie Whitton, Event Organiser,  01271 830311, or  julie@theyews.org.uk
Victoria Comerford, Entry Secretary & Marketing – 01769 579933, or        victoriacomerford@yahoo.co.uk
Organisers Swimbridge Jubilee Hall Committee

In aid of    Swimbridge Jubilee Hall – Registered Charity No. 300983

The ever popular Swimbridge 10k and 3k Fun Run is now in its fourth year and will take place on the morning of Sunday 27th May.  Both the 10k (Adults) and the 3k (Children) are excellent runs with superb scenery, a variety of terrains and a great atmosphere.

The 10k run is popular and challenging, with the multi terrain route up and over the North Devon hills and including tarmac, dirt tracks, stream crossings and woodland paths.  With the stunning views of Swimbridge the route passes through the picturesque villages of Hannaford, Hearson, Wrimstone and Dennington, also taking in the old Silver Mines and Daffodil Valley.  This year there are a few route changes – the run will start from the new Glebe Recreational Field adjacent to the Jubilee Hall (weather permitting).   In addition after the woods, the route will cross directly from Daffodil Island footbridge to the oak tree and will not include the steep perimeters of the field in-between!

This 10k event is aimed at both Running Clubs and Individuals aged over 15 – for experienced runners this is a great opportunity for an early season test to see if the winter and spring training has paid off!!

The 3k run is aimed at the younger runners aged 8 -14.  Their route is mainly on the road with a small section of dirt track, leaving Swimbridge along the lane to Hannaford on a safe well marshalled loop.

The 3k Fun Run starts at 10.30am and the 10k starts at 11.30am. Winners will receive a trophy and medal and all entries will receive a badge.

Entry forms and a route map can be found on www.swimbridge.com Alternatively contact Victoria Comerford  or Julie Whitton  (see above details).

Find us on Facebook too – www.facebook.com/pages/swimbridge-10k-3k-Fun-Run/218964001451848 -    Check out the pictures of last year’s event ……

All profits from the Fun Runs are donated to Swimbridge Village Hall (Registered Charity No.300983

There are trophies for 12 categories sponsored by local Businesses, these are:-

15+ Male & 15+ Female
Veterans 40+ Male & Female
Veterans 50+ Male & Female
First Swimbridge Runner (10k and 3K)
8-11 years Male & Female
12-14 years Male & Female

A selection of high energy drinks and snacks will be available to purchase, along with hot and cold snacks (bacon/sausage rolls) with a vegetarian option also available from the Village Hall between 9.00am and 1.00pm.  The Jack Russell Inn will also be open for refreshments. Car parking is available.

Julie Whitton, Race Organiser,  said , “Swimbridge Fun Run has a fantastic atmosphere – every year we receive excellent feedback from runners – we are looking forward to another great event – come and be part of it ! “

If so, please ring Mr. C. Luxton on 01237-472609,  call in to the Gallery in Chingswell Street,  or contact “Buzz”.

BUZZ WORD.
Welcome to Buzz Word-  the new updated letters’ page. Feel free to send us your Buzzes!

April Buzz
Enjoyed the latest Buzz; thought the cover was a great improvement; nice and bold and attention-getting.  John Henderson

W.H. Friendship.
For the last few years I have been writing the history of photography in North Devon from 1842 to 1914. It started as an article but has mushroomed into a book and should be out next year. Whilst researching Bideford photographers I have become intrigued by W.H.Friendship whose name (and copyright claim) appears on several of the oldest pictures of Bideford including the famous one of the pre-1866 Bridge shown here. Friendship appears in the 1901 Census as the local Tory agent though 5 years later he is identified as an auctioneer. What is most interesting about him is a ‘lantern lecture’ (i.e. with a magic lantern) he gave in April 1905 to the Bideford Debating Society in the Town Hall titled ‘Old and New Bideford’. The North Devon Journal article recording this noted ‘A unique number of photographs recording many old and historical features of the town, were reproduced. These included the Quay, Bridge, and Church, and pictorial reminiscences of parts of ancient Bideford, with the cobble-stone paving.’ All told some 170 slides were shown – which begs the question – what happened to them? If you can give any leads please do contact me at Bideford 473577.
Peter Christie

‘Kathleen and May’ in Liverpool.
Whilst on holiday in Liverpool I visited the Albert Dock and saw the Kathleen and May of Bideford looking extremely well with plenty of maintenance being undertaken.  She is well suited to her new surroundings in the Albert Dock;  if anybody is visiting Merseyside may I suggest a visit to the dock area and also the New Museum of Liverpool at the Pier Head. (Photos © Norman Hardaker)
Norman

Northam Twinning
New members are always welcome, and just now we are looking for two couples to twin with both the French and German groups.   We need  two familes with children, as well as two middle-aged couples, to twin with similar families and couples in both countries.   From the children’s point of view, this is an excellent opportunity to experience a slice of life with our Continental neighbours, learn something of their way of life and language;  for adults, it’s much the same, with lots of fun.
Our Twinners are off to Buddenstedt on 4th to 8th May, and the Mondeville visit takes place in October, from 4th to 8th.    So if you would like to know more about Northam Twinning, just pick up the phone and talk to either Jenny Rickard, on 01237 473479,  or to Marilyn Anscombe, on 01237 478016.  Come and join us!
Di Warmington

Reminiscence Session – Take a trip down memory lane
Wednesday 9th May 10:30-12
Remember back… and look forward to sharing your memories with others -
chatting, looking at old items, perhaps creating a book of memories together.

Meditation and Relaxation Group
Wednesday 16th May 14:15-15:00
Guided meditation and relaxation group for parents with Nicola MacDonald.

Gardening Club
Wednesday 30th May 19:30 Horticultural discussions plus a useful selection of books at close hand!