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!

Abis Belfast – built 2011; reg.flag Harlingen, Netherlands ; owners Dutch ; from Foynes to Rosyth ; crew Dutch & Philippino ; arrived 22.3.12, sailed 24.3.12 ; cargo, parts for HMS ‘Prince of Wales’.

Vasily Shuhskin -  built 1995 ; reg. flag Valletta, Malta ; owners Russian ; from Glasson Dock to Kunda ; crew Russian ; arrived 28.3.12, sailed 5.4.12 ; cargo, 2950 tons clay.
(The reason this vessel was alongside for so long was that she arrived on the last possible tide with only a minimal amount of water under the keel, and the tide she sailed on was the first to give adequate draught to navigate).

Komarno -  built 1993 ; reg. flag Limassol, Cyprus ; owners Russian ; from Kinsale to Wismar ; crew Russian ; arrived 4.4.12, sailed 5.4.12 ; cargo, 2400 tons timber.

Arco Dart 11.3.2012

Oldenburg resumed service to Lundy from Bideford and Ilfracombe

BRISTOL CHANNEL OBSERVATIONS..

17.3.2012 at 18.06 hrs cargo vessel Wilson Garston 2801 tons d.w, owners Wilson Asa Norway, inward bound for Avonmouth.
18.3.2012 at 10.13 hrs cargo vessel Casablanca 3002 tons d.w, owners Kapitan Siegfried Bojen Schiffahrtsbetrieb EK Germany, inward bound for Newport.
20.3.2012 at 08.00 hrs bulk carrier Aasli 6630tons d.w, owners Hans Martin   Torkelsen Norway, outward bound from Port Talbot.

21.3.2012 At  08.00 hrs  project vessel Abis Bilbao 3800 tons d.w owners Abis Shipping Co BV Netherlands  inward bound for Newport . At 09.03 hrs cargo vessel Saffier 5800 tons d.w owners De Bock Maritiem BV Netherlands inward bound for Birdport.
26.3.2012 at 08.57 hrs vehicle carrier Grande Napoli 14900 tons d.w, owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Portbury.   At 11.25 hrs tanker BW Rhine 76578 tons d.w, owners B.W Shipping Group Norway, inward bound for Avonmouth.   At 16.31 hrs vehicle carrier Baltic Breeze 28116 tons d.w, owners Wallenius Wilhemlseb Logistics Norway and Sweden, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 11.45 hrs.
31.3.2012 at 11.30 hrs cargo vessel Karystos 27079 tons d.w, owners Karystos Shipping SA Greece, inward bound for Newport.   At 16.49 hrs two cargo vessels  passing each other the Aasli 6630 tons d.w, owners Hans Martin Torkelsen Norway,  inward bound for Cardiff  and the cargo vessel Sea Mithril 2220 tons d.w, owners Torbulk Ltd U.K., outward bound from South Wales.   At 17.36 hrs Cargo vessel Astra 3570 tons d.w,  owners Sia Aquarius Co Latvia,  inward bound for for Sharpness ; her next voyage should have been loading timber at Bideford – however, she was neaped at Sharpness and would have been late for loading so the Komarno was chartered in her place.
3.4.2012 at 11.40 hrs vehicle carrier Tijuca 75000 tons d.w,  owners Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Norway and Sweden,  inward bound for Portbury.
7.4.12 at 09.10 hrs bulk carrier Auk Arrow 43952 tons d.w, owners Gearbulk Holdings Ltd Hamilton Bermuda inward bound for Portbury.
13.4.2012 at 15.00 container ship Laura Schulte 23579 tons d.w, owners Reederei Thomas Schulte GMBH & Co KG Germany, outward bound from Portbury,  having sailed at 1117hrs.   Seen off Clovelly by Chris Tolley at 18.30 hrs the sail training ship Stavros S Niarchos owners Sail Training Association UK,  inward bound for Cardiff. This vessel was built in late 90′s at Appledore.
15.4.2012 at 07.50 hrs vehicle carrier Viking Drive 10817 tons d.w,  owners Gramcar Shipping HK Ltd Singapore,  inward  bound for Portbury and cargo vessel Aasli 6630 tons d.w.owners Hans Martin Torkelsen Norway, inward bound for Cardiff.   At 08.40 hrs vehicle carrier Grande Portogallo 12594 tons d.w,  owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Portbury.    At 10.17 hrs vehicle carrier Autosun 6670 tons d.w owners UECC Unipessoal Ltd Maderia,  inward bound for Portbury.

Regards Norman.

______________________________________________________________

Senior Council for Devon (local group)
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the March meeting of Bideford & District Senior Council for Devon had to be cancelled at short notice. However we extend a warm welcome to all at our AGM on May 23rd.at 2.15pm Bideford Town Hall.                        Refreshments/All Welcome

______________________________________________________________

Parkinson’s Disease
The commonest symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease are the physical effects it has on the body.   This can cause not only the familiar twitches and shakes, but also deep seated muscular “freezing”.   It can also lead to a stooped bearing, and a tendency to overbalance. The Exercise Classes that we offer help to free up those symptoms and provide a degree of relief.   Our qualified physiotherapist ensures that the exercises are specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s, and provide a beneficial easing without over taxing the body. Come along and experience these sessions for yourself – the first is free so that you can decide whether they are of benefit to you.    Contact Anne Hughes on 01237 475168 .Tuesdays Weare Giffard  Village Hall 2.15 – 3.15pm

The Jerwood Drawing Prize continues until June 11th.   The winners of this prestigious prize benefit from large sums of money, no doubt very welcome in these straitened times, when a career in art doesn’t bring in a regular income.  Drawing, to most people, means putting pencil, crayon or pen to paper, and there is much of that in the exhibition, but some artists interpret that challenge in many different ways, and as well as actual drawings, you will find embroidery and three-dimensional work, which undoubtedly began with a sketch
To assist you in your enjoyment of this collection, you may like to attend the Talk and Tour with Paul Thomas,Co-founder of the Jerwood Drawing Prize, on 8th June – it’s Free and starts at 7 p.m. This event is part of the Appledore Visual Arts Festival, 2012.

There is another way to draw – and that’s with a sewing machine.   Rowena Light will show you how on the 12th May, in a day-course, from 10am to 4pm.  Cost: £30.   The idea is to make a panel to decorate a book cover, or an artwork to frame.   You will need to bring your own sewing machine, and various pieces of fabric and thread, but it’s best to contact the Gallery for more detail of what you need to provide.   Phone 01237 471455 for assistance.  Rowena has exhibited nationally and leads workshops throughout Devon and Cornwall.

On 26th May, Karen Hawkins presents ‘Life Drawing – A Beginners’ Guide’.  All day, 10-4, @£30.
Using a clothed model, you will learn structure and form, proportions and tone;  Karen is well known for her work with adults and children (e.g.The Young Friends of the Burton on the last Saturday of each month – free) – and will give you confidence to tackle quite a difficult subject, the human body.

The Burton has taken on a mammoth challenge – to break the World Record for the longest line of bunting, all for the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Bideford on 21st May. Children, and adults, have been busy already, and you can see their efforts around the Gallery – lots on the stairs and in the Workshop – and it’s interesting to see the variety of materials used, some painted on card and paper, but many on fabric, decorated with batik or collage.   Colourful and creative, they really will bring a touch of summer to this special event.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join in with a community project;  we don’t have the Olympics in the U.K. all that often!

The Friends invite you to join us on 23rd May, when Andy Powell will talk to us on ‘Grenville and the Lost Colony of Roanoke’, in the Gallery, at 7.30 p.m.   Admission at the door, £5.         Also a coach trip to the John Leach Pottery at Muchelney, Somerset, – phone Marion Sankey, on 01237  472494 to book a seat.

The Cafe du Parc hosts Sunday Lunch Jazz with Pete Canter on 13th May – booking essential, phone 01237 429317 to be sure of a place.
As always, such a lot going on at the Burton, Bideford’s unique and very special Gallery.

Diana Warmington,
Friends of the Burton Art Gallery & Museum.

All welcome.    Refreshments included.

Come and support your local newsletter and help us think of some fund raising ideas !

Bideford’s New Torridge Bridge  was opened to the public on May 20th 1987 -  25 years ago.   This photograph was taken on Sunday 17th May 1987; it was an open day for members of the public to walk across the bridge for the first time, and an opportunity to explore the interior service tunnel as well.
Crowds crossed the bridge led by the Bideford Town Band, and there was even an elephant involved.
The helicopter and the Appledore inshore lifeboat were demonstrating a rescue and I positioned myself in the centre of the bridge to get some shots of this. I had been told that after this demonstration there was a possibility the pilot might attempt an under-fly, and as it flew towards me I was still expecting it to lift. There was only time for the one shot and luckily the camera got the exposure right.
You could say, 25% anticipation, 75% luck.

Tony Parsons.

THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE TORRIDGE BRIDGE.

Personal memories of the event.

Wednesday the 20th of May, 1987 was a warm, bright and sunny day with a gentle breeze blowing as we ushered children out of St Mary’s Church of England school in Chanters Road.   My wife and I, along with other volunteer parents, were taking the pupils, including our youngest son Kevin, to witness the official opening of the Torridge Bridge.
We walked along Chanters Road and joined Kingsley Road before climbing up Heywood Road. We then turned right onto the pristine tarmac of the newly constructed link road.
As we made our way towards the bridge, we could see that a large crowd had already assembled.   Flags were flying on both sides of the west end of the bridge, and Appledore Band was already in-situ.   Our eldest son, Mark, was in the band, which  was conducted by the bandmaster, Geoff Abbot.
On arrival at the location, all the children were instructed to sit on the tarmac.  I can’t remember if they had anything to sit on but one of my photographs would suggest not.
The ceremony was scheduled, I think, for 11am and after the children had settled, I took the opportunity to take a few photographs. As the hour approached, I noted that there were two television crews and strangely only one stills photographer and I could see an opportunity to capture the event close-up.
I made my way around the perimeter, expecting to be stopped at any moment but no one intervened and I found myself standing between the two TV crews and was able to capture the moment the ribbon was cut.
The opening ceremony was performed by the High Sheriff of Devon, records show this to be John Rosewarne Trehair esq, from Ivybridge, and the blessing conducted by, if my memory serves me correctly, The Bishop of Crediton, the Right Rev Peter Coleman.

After the ribbon was cut, the official cars drove across to the east side, flanked by two police outriders and then returned to signify that the bridge was now officially open. The bridge was cleared for normal traffic use about an hour later.
These are my memories, although I am sure others will recall the event slightly differently.
Tony Parsons.

Do you have any memories  of that day? Send them to editor@Bidefordbuzz.org.uk or c/o TTVS, 14, Bridgeland St, Bideford, EX39 2QE.

Bideford Bay Children’s Centre celebrates its 10th birthday.

May 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Sure Start Children’s Centre in Bideford. To mark the occasion, the Centre is holding 2 celebration events this month.

Many readers will remember the Sure Start shop in Jubilee Square. However, the first office was in the Community Arts Network office in Rope Walk. Many thanks to Mary and Athos for the hospitality during that short period. While families could call in to the shop and seek advice and use the Play Library, we were not able to hold play sessions there, and from the earliest days arranged these sessions in the Family Centre, the Bideford Centre and East the Water School.  The session at East the Water still runs every Friday morning, and is now also used by the Health Visitors, who hold a local well baby clinic alongside the group every other week.  The main baby clinic is jointly delivered by the Health Visiting and Children’s Centre teams in the Children’s Centre every week.

When we outgrew the Jubilee Square shop we also worked from offices in the High Street. And then in 2005 we moved into the Children’s Centre building in Victoria Park.
When we started, we had funding to work with children under 4 and their families in Bideford Town (the electoral wards of Bideford east, North and South).
As the government agenda changed, and the importance of this work with the youngest children and their families became more fully understood, we gradually extended the age range to children under 5 and their families, and the geographical area  we covered; this now includes Westward Ho! to Welcombe and nearly all areas between.
There has always been a strong emphasis on working with parents, the local community and other providers, to make the services delivered appropriate, relevant and accessible to the families who may require support at this rapidly changing time in their lives.
Parents have always been heavily involved in the Centre, and are now established as a key part of the community (FABB-Families Action, Bideford Bay).   They are involved in identifying needs and proposing ways of meeting them, in the planning and delivery of services, in recruitment of staff and in the governance of the Centre through membership of the Advisory Board.   We value their input very highly, and are very grateful to them for the support they give the Centre in so many ways.

If you have a story to tell about your involvement with the Centre, please let us know at sure.start.bideford@actionforchildren.org.uk