Whistler Feb13.indd
Transcription
Whistler Feb13.indd
Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Page 1 The Whitstone Issue 58- February 2013 The community magazine of Whitstone Free to each household Whistler Rainguage 2012 Over 54 inches ! Page 2 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 The Whitstone Whistler The community magazine for Whitstone The Whistler Committee Chairman: Secretary: Treasurer/Advertising: Editor: Publishing: Delivery Co-ordinator: Committee member: Brian Martyn Maggie Stanbury Richard Horn Mike Sutton Phil Tucker Pat Nasmyth Daniel Cock 01288 01288 01288 01288 01288 01288 01288 341376 341332 341482 341687 341617 341469 341114 Contact us, to submit an article, news item or advertising via email, phone, letter or any committee member. The deadline for each issue is 25th of the month. If you would like to receive a regular emailed copy of The Whistler (.pdf) each month just email us with the word ‘Subscription’ in the subject line. [email protected] @ The Whitstone Whistler C/O 47 Paradise Park Whitstone Holsworthy Devon EX22 6TQ Note: By supplying material for publication in The Whitstone Whistler you are also giving permission for the same material to be published on the Whitstone Village web site at www.whitstonevillage.com. The Whitstone Whistler reserves the right to edit any contribution for the purpose of clarity, consistency and layout limitations. The Whitstone Whistler is not necessarily in agreement with the opinions expressed in this magazine and accepts no responsibility for transactions with private or trade advertisers. All information correct at time of going to press. E&OE. All articles ©2013 of named authors Magazine design ©2013 The Whitstone Whistler Committee. Printed by Phil Tucker, Northmoor, Whitstone t: 01288 341617 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Page 3 Community News Community Computer Training The internet is changing all our lives whether we want it to or not. It is changing the way we work, the way we stay in touch with each other, the way we find information and spend our leisure time, it helps us to purchase the things we need at the right price and get them delivered, an important consideration when you live in a rural area like ours. It used to be the case that whatever you wanted to do could be done without the internet, even though it may have been easier to do it online. However there are more and more things that can only be done online. This will mean that you will need to know how to use a computer and the internet or be forever asking someone else to do it for you! The idea of Community Computer Training is to help those people who are not familiar with computers or who are just beginning to get to grips with them. To help them to be confident about using computers and the internet so that they are able to join in and benefit from all the help, information and entertainment that can be found there. There was a good deal of interest in this idea which came out of the Parish Plan launch event, unfortunately no training has been made available yet. I hope this is about to change as a new initiative has been started to get some training sessions running in Whitstone. Last month I asked for anyone interested in attending these sessions to contact me. So far 22 people have ‘signed up’ and I’m sure there will be more to come. It is intended that these sessions will be at no charge, or at minimal cost to individuals. Please get in touch if you want to attend or just want to know a bit more about it. Of course there are many arrangements to make with a project like this and good progress has been made in forming partnerships with organisations which can help in a variety of ways. We have already secured offers of funding and loan equipment for the first few training sessions and have 3 local people going through the process of becoming volunteers with Page 4 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Superfast Cornwall Volunteer Network so that they are able to be trainer/ helpers at the sessions with all the required CRB checks and documentation in place. There are a number of problems to overcome as well, and the major one of these is getting a venue with a good internet connection. We, together with the Parish Hall Commitee, are exploring the possibility of installing a broadband connection into the Parish Hall which will enable these training sessions to take place there as well as providing a very useful facility for the future. However, this will require some funding to be found and we will need to explore this aspect. If you have any comments to make, in support or otherwise of this idea, and especially about whether the community could or should provide the funding (via the parish precept for example) for the broadband internet connection, I would be very interested to hear from you. I hope that the whole community will support this project and especially the provision of internet connection at the Parish Hall as I believe this would provide a valuable and permanent benefit for all users of the Parish Hall in the future. Editor St. Anne’s Church Churchwardens Mr Tom Collins 01288 341212 Mr Peter Profitt 01288 341630 Services Sun 3rd Feb 4:30pm Evening Service Worship Team Sun 10 Feb 11:00am Holy Communion Revd. R Dickenson Sun 17th Feb 10:30am United Benefice Week St Mary Sun 24 Feb 11:00am Morning Prayer Carol Goundry Sun 3rd Mar 4:30pm Evening Service Worship Team th th Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Page 5 Ruminations from the Rectory Freezing nights and a touch of heat in the sun. God’s gift of a morning. A crisp white village and a landscape sharp and neat, not a blade out of place. An early sun bowls along the ridge at Bevill’s Hill, is briefly blacked out by the trees at Highbury then, still low-lying, turns up the temperature. The frost melts and next door’s black and white cat stares out from under the patio table with a worried expression. Is it really warm enough to be out this early? But made of sterner stuff I go out to fetch the letters from Des. The post is heavy with imploring charity appeals, bargain catalogues, investment pleas, and offers of free gifts, all of them on the frosty side still; but the bundle is airy, too, with kind letters from dear ones far away, some of them post-Christmas apologetic, “Thank you for your gifts, sorry we haven’t written before but ...............”. Somehow the letters and the frost lend credibility to the fact that it is still Epiphany; in the Eastern Church especially is the time for the giving and receiving gifts in token of the visit of the Magi. But the travellers from the East brought more than treasures. Variously described as astrologers, wise men and kings they carried, also, gifts of learning, wisdom and integrity to lay before the Christ child. Now, in just sixteen weeks’ time this United Benefice will begin its possibly quite lengthy interregnum; and how I for one will miss the friendliness and unity of this Week St Mary Circle of Parishes. But I know from my own previous experience as Rural Dean that a vacancy sometimes throws communities into a sense of feeling somehow lost and lacking in leadership. But that will not be the case here where church leadership does not belong to just one person; because here we are the church! are the body of Christ; and he has given one of us a special part to play and special gifts with which to resource it – however insignificant we may feel those gifts or our particular role to be. So for us the message of Epiphany is that if everyone will bring their gifts of time, talent and resources to those responsible for managing ourchurches they will lay them also before God. How God chooses to use these gifts we do not know, but if we offer them in faith and love there is every hope that He will use them to retain the solidarity and vitality that our United Benefice has enjoyed over the years; a solidarity and vitality to be enjoyed, also, by our children’s children watching the sun rise over Bevill’s Hill. RevdRob Page 6 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Parish Council Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Andrew Adamson John Barrett Mervyn Collins Carolyn Medland John Mill Nick Furse Richard Horn Lucy Woods Chairman Vice Chairman Clerk 01288 341111 01288 341482 During the open forum at our January meeting, Mike Sutton and Cornwall Councillor Phil Tucker briefly introduced the idea of providing some basic community IT training in response to interest identified within the Parish Plan. An update will be provided at the February meeting to give further details of this valuable opportunity. If you are interested then please come along to the February Parish Council meeting. The next Parish Council meeting, will be held at 7.45pm on Wednesday 13th February 2013 at St Anne’s Parish Hall, Whitstone. The agenda will be displayed ahead of the meeting on the Parish notice board, opposite the shop. If you would like to contact the Parish Council please use the drop-box in the village stores, this box is checked regularly before the agenda is prepared for Parish Council meetings. L Woods, Parish Clerk St Anne’s Parish Hall Thank you to the Whist Club for their kind donation of £108. Also to the Carnival Committee for their kind donation of £250. Both amounts will go toward the general upkeep of the Hall. Helen Eccott Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Page 7 Methodist Chapel Methodist Chapel Services Services at 11.00am unless stated otherwise. Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Feb Feb Feb Feb 3rd 10th 17th 24th Mr Peter Daniels At Tetcott Rev John Henry (Sacrament) Mr Ian Gilkinson Mrs Sylvia Risdon Smile Club and Chapel Christmas Party A party for both children and adults was held in the Methodist Sunday School on Saturday January 12th. There was a bring a share tea followed by children’s games whilst the adults ate tea then games for everyone! Pearl Hopper and Pam Colwill had decorated the hall and games were provided by Clare Horn, Linda Cole, Pam Colwill, Carolyn Medland and Margaret Stanbury. Everyone from 3 to 75 took part and an enjoyable evening was had by everyone. Thanks to everyone who provided food and games. Dates for your Diary February 16th Coffee Morning 10.00 - 12.00 at Methodist Sunday School May 11th Meal and Promise Auction at St Anne’s Hall November 3rd Afternoon Tea and exhibition of local crafts and hobbies at Methodist Sunday School Page 8 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Friendship Girls The Friendship Girls had their post Christmas Dinner at the Tree Inn, Stratton. Here are the girls enjoying themselves! Thank you Margaret and Jo for all your arranging. It was great to see so many at our post Christmas Dinner. I’m sure you will all agree we had a super evening! On Thursday 28th Febuary, Margaret Warren will be giving us a talk about “Life as a butcher’s wife!”, the evening will take place at Dave and Jo’s house (Moorlands) at 8pm. It would be great to see you. Jo Fowler [email protected] Whitstone Cancer Research UK Whitstone Cancer Research Committee AGM Monday 4th February 7.30 Wadfast, Whitstone (Maggie Stanbury’s House) Julie Tucker 01288 341716 Page 9 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Arthur Morris Builder and Handyman For all your building and home improvement needs No job too big or too small 01288 341431 07969 871198 Luke Morris Electrician All aspects of domestic, industrial and commercial work undertaken 07875 533000 [email protected] www.morris-electrical.co.uk Depots at: Launceston, Cornwall. 01566 772938 Holsworthy, Devon. 01288 341284 Honiton, Devon. 01404 548010 Taunton, Somerset. 01823 432689 Penzance, Cornwall. 01736 740926 www.hamblys.com CLAAS Page 10 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Councillor’s Report By Cllr. Phil Tucker Green Energy or Green Menace? We have wind turbine and solar park proposals all over the area. Most are yet to be formal applications and therefore I find it difficult to comment specifically. I think however it is important that as a community we have a view on what we hope to achieve from our renewable energy supplies and without specifically talking about individual plans or applications and therefore predetermining our view for future applications. I keep being told that this is an unprecedented period of investment in Cornwall. What is happening however is the unprecedented pressures on the society with (as good as) no benefit to the community. Offering a community fund of (for instance) £20k a year is not even equivalent to one full time job (though don’t get me wrong, it is better than a poke in the eye). People quote to me that this project or that project is £10s of millions invested in Cornwall. I argue that no production has taken place in Cornwall (or probably UK) and that no local jobs are created from the project (except maybe temporary installation work and then limited to a few). I claim that no investment is made in Cornwall rather that investment is made which happens to be in Cornwall (and that is a clear distinction). The household projects & small installations have spawned local companies who employ locally. There are loads of small companies in Cornwall which didn’t exist and these small companies are installing small projects in gardens and rooftops and farms. More importantly the money produced from the schemes is owned by local people who then spend the money locally. It is similar to a small factory in that if a very small factory were built in Cornwall it would probably fund 100’s of jobs along the supply chain, garages, restaurants, newspaper shops etc. and that could justifiably be described as investing in Cornwall. Millions more is spent on the major green energy projects which employ no one and the money probably doesn’t even remain in the UK. This should not be described as ‘investing in Cornwall’. At times however major developments are useful in producing power Page 11 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 (and we all need power) but major developments are very divisive in our community. As I said earlier they add little to the economy and many would go further and suggest that a major development actually reduces the local economy by reducing vacation income. Major developments also focus opinion for or against Green Energy (which I think is a shame because it can be advantageous as I have pointed out earlier). I meet many landowners, with a chance of their own project, who are supportive of green energy. I meet many people, with no chance of their own major project, who are opposed to major green energy projects (especially local to their home!) and I meet very very few people with land who are wholly against or without land who are supportive of projects next to their own home. And neither of these groups are willing to understand the other’s views. We don’t have to agree with the others view but perhaps it will be useful over the coming months and years if each group takes a few moments to consider the argument for and against a project and imagine themselves in the other’s shoes. And whichever view we hold the over-riding consideration should be ‘how can I maximise the economy for Cornwall?’ because these decisions are about your friends and relatives as much as they should be about you. If you have any issues which you feel are not being properly addressed or which you need help then please don’t hesitate to give me a call. If I can’t help I will know who can. Phil Tucker 01288 341617 [email protected] Whitstone Waddlers (Parent & Toddler Group) Looking for something to do with your toddlers on a Tuesday morning? Then parents, come along with your toddlers to St Annes’ Hall from 09.3011.30 (term time). Only £1.50 per session per child (under 6 months old free), which includes activities, drink and a snack, first session is free, small charge for adult drink, all welcome. For more information contact Debbie Sharp 07840727851. Page 12 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Mrs Trewhitless Notes from the Whitsend Kitchen From the kitchen with love … What an eventful month is ahead in the kitchen – Shrove Tuesday and Valentine’s Day all within one week! At Whitsend, as we gorge ourselves on Pancake Day, we always wonder why we don’t eat more pancakes throughout the year, as they are so delicious! This is a way of eating pancakes we love throughout the seasons, and although it’s really quite simple, it’s impressive enough to serve when you have visitors. I originally put together the recipe years ago, in an effort to reconstruct a wonderful pancake gateau I once ate in a restaurant on holiday in Barnard Castle. The method of making the pancakes is more or less Delia Smith’s and totally reliable. Savoury Pancake Gateau: Ingredients for 4 servings: For the filling: 1 medium onion 3 mixed peppers (such as in the packs sold in the village) 1 green or red chilli pepper (optional) 2 fat cloves of garlic 500g passata 2 tbsp olive oil ½ pack of young spinach leaves (again, I use the packs available locally) For the pancakes: 4 oz plain flour 2 large eggs 7 fl oz milk 3 fl oz water 2 tbsp melted (salted) butter 1 tbsp sunflower oil Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Page 13 Begin with filling: Chop the onion and peppers. Heat the oil in a pan and soften the onion for a few minutes before adding the chopped pepper, stirring occasionally. While they are cooking, chop the chilli pepper finely, if you are using it, crush the garlic cloves and add both to the pan. When everything has softened, add the passata and bring to a simmer. Cover and leave on a gentle heat. Now the pancakes - these amounts should make a dozen. Sieve the flour into a mixing bowl. Break 2 eggs into a well in the centre of the flour and whisk in the flour. Mix together the milk and water and gradually add to the mixing bowl as you continue to whisk until you have a smooth creamy mixture. Stir in the melted butter. Heat your frying pan (I always use a small one for this) with the sunflower oil, swirl the oil around the pan, then pour the oil away into a cup. Make sure the pan is really hot, then reduce the heat to medium and pour in 3 tablespoons of the pancake mixture, tipping the pan around to cover the base with a thin layer of the mixture. Cook for about ½ minute, then turn the pancake and cook for about ¼ minute on the other side. After cooking each pancake, slide it onto a warm plate (either on top of a pan of hot water or on a plate warmer) and cover with foil. Simply stack the cooked pancakes on top of each other. When all the pancakes are done, build up your “gateau” on a baking tray with a layer of the pepper mixture between the first 2 pancakes, a thick layer of the uncooked spinach leaves between the next, then a pepper layer and so on, finishing up with your final pancake on top. When your “tower” is complete, dot a little butter over the top pancake and place in the oven at 200°C (190°C in a fan oven) for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and put onto your serving plate. Slice and serve! We quite like to eat this just as it is, on its own, but you could serve with green vegetables and a white or cheese sauce, or with a salad. I first made this “hearts soup” for Valentine’s Day some 4 years ago. It was basically a Covent Garden recipe, but I have always left out pancetta (1 oz suggested in the original recipe) and have added Bouillon vegetable stock powder. If it all seems rather decadent once Lent has begun, you Page 14 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 could omit the wine and you can definitely substitute low fat plain yoghurt for the double cream. It’s really rather good as below though, and you could always add a heart-shaped crouton or two for your romantic supper. Artichoke Hearts Soup: Ingredients for 4 servings: 1 small onion, chopped, 1 stick celery, chopped 1 medium potato, diced 400g tin cannelloni beans, drained 2 tsp vegetable stock powder 1 pint water 400g tin artichoke hearts, cut into quarters 1 tbsp white wine handful of fresh parsley, chopped ½ tsp ground turmeric 5 tbsp double cream freshly ground black pepper salt to taste Put the onion, celery, potato, cannelloni beans, water and vegetable stock powder in a pan. Bring to the boil. Cover and cook gently for 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Blend the mixture until smooth. Pour mixture back into the pan, add the quartered artichoke hearts, wine and parsley and cook gently for a further 10 minutes. Stir in the turmeric, cream and seasoning. Bring back to a simmer and serve. Do enjoy your February feasts and please do remember that Mrs Trewhitless would welcome any of your culinary ideas via the Whistler. PS I have just been making Sweet Potato and Spinach Dhal, using last month’s recipe from the Whistler and find I omitted 3 chopped tomatoes from the list of ingredients. My apologies, dear readers! I suspect the dhal would still taste fine, but not quite the same. Page 15 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 HIGHBRE CREST WHITSTONE Ideal venue for small dinner parties and luncheons. Specialising in traditional roasts Bed & Breakfast available E.T.C. Silver Award Booking Essential Linda Cole 01288 341002 STAY PUT FENCING Livestock Domestic Equestrian Whatever your fencing needs, John & Karen will be happy to supply a free - no obligation estimate. Call us now to discuss your ideas John : 07816 164250 Karen: 07968 327120 Also: All types of Gates - Decking Featheredge Fencing - Lattice Fencing Waddlers, St Anne's Parish Hall, 9:30am-11:30am Mobile Library, 2:50pm-3:50pm Smile Club, Methodist Sunday School Room, 6:00pm-7:30pm Yogacise, Whitstone CP School, 7:00pm-8:00pm 5 Tue 6 Wed 7 Thu SHROVE TUESDAY Waddlers, St Anne's Parish Hall, 9:30am-11:30am Parish Council Meeting, St Anne's Parish Hall, 7:45pm-9:15pm ST VALENTINE'S DAY Yogacise, Whitstone CP School, 7:00pm-8:00pm 12 Tue 13 Wed 14 Thu 11 Mon 10 Sun 9 Sat Service, Methodist Chapel Tetcott, 11:00am - 12:00noon Service, St Anne's Church, 11:00am-12:00noon Cancer Research UK Committee Meeting, Higher Wadfast, 7:30pm-9:30pm 4 Mon 8 Fri Service, Methodist Chapel, 11:00am - 12:00noon Service, St Anne's Church, 4:30pm-5:30pm 3 Sun 2 Sat 1 Fri February 2013 Page 16 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 4 Mon 3 Sun 2 Sat 1 Fri 28 Thu 27 Wed 26 Tue 25 Mon 24 Sun 23 Sat 22 Fri 21 Thu 20 Wed 19 Tue Service, St Anne's Church, 4:30pm-5:30pm March 2013 Yogacise, Whitstone CP School, 7:00pm-8:00pm Waddlers, St Anne's Parish Hall, 9:30am-11:30am Service, Methodist Chapel, 11:00am - 12:00noon Service, St Anne's Church, 11:00am-12:00noon Yogacise, Whitstone CP School, 7:00pm-8:00pm Waddlers, St Anne's Parish Hall, 9:30am-11:30am Mobile Library, 2:50pm-3:50pm Service, Methodist Chapel, 11:00am - 12:00noon United Benefice Service,Week St Mary, 10:30am-11:30am 17 Sun 18 Mon Coffee Morning, Methodist Sunday School Room, 10:00am-12:00noon 16 Sat 15 Fri Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Page 17 Page 18 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 1RZ6HUYLQJ&DUYHU\'LQQHUV 0RVW6XQGD\V 3OHDVHULQJWRFRQILUPZHDUHRSHQE\ 6DWXUGD\HYHQLQJHDFKZHHN SHUDGXOW IRUFKLOGUHQXQGHU %LUWKGD\$QQLYHUVDU\:HGGLQJ RU6SHFLDO2FFDVLRQ" 2XU:RRGPDQ%DUFDQFDWHUIRUDUDQJHRIIXQFWLRQV ZLWK \RXU FKRLFH RI KRW RU FROG EXIIHWV &DUYHU\ 'LQQHUVRUDQDOWHUQDWLYHWKDWVXLWVZKDW\RXQHHG )XOO\/LFHQVHG%DUDQG'LVFRDYDLODEOH (PDLODODQ#KHGOH\ZRRGFRXN RUFDOOIRUIXUWKHUGHWDLOV RUYLVLWZZZKHGOH\ZRRGFRXN Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Page 19 Nature Notes By Fran Slade JANUARY We were away on holiday in Florida for the first couple of weeks in the new year, where it was lovely and warm, the temperature for the first 11 days fluctuating between about 65 and 75 degrees, which made it very pleasant and comfortable. We went to many of the Theme Parks with my son and his family, the grandchildren persuading us to go on various Roller Coasters and the like, some of them being quite hair raising, there were also many films and shows ranging from Dolphins, Whales, and even Cats, Dogs, Pigs and Mice all superb in their own way. We went to Gatorland to see the different sizes of Alligators ranging from tiny ones of about two feet to the giant ones of up to fifteen feet. These creatures are cold blooded and it is not until they have warmed up a bit that they are able to do much, even eat, and it took quite a bit of coaxing to get any of them to rise up out of the water to grab a chicken portion that the trainer had on a rod and line. These animals can be seen out in the open along the banks of rivers where they are to be seen basking in the sunshine, we asked members of the public if they were dangerous, but they said not as it seems the Gators are more frightened of us than we are of them, and in fact when they reach eight feet in length they are trapped and taken away from public places and set free in the wetlands in the hinterlands. We saw about 41 different species of birds on our travels, and one of the best, I think, was the Red Cardinals, which as well as being very bright and beautiful, were also so very noisy. Some of the largest were the two species of Vultures, The Black and Turkey, and they were circling overhead as we were sun bathing around our Pool, presumably hoping that we were dead meat as we were hardly moving. We also went snorkelling at Discovery Cove and swam with very large Rays of about three feet across and some lovely bright blue and also yellow fish swimming through the corals in the very deep water and also lots of large shoals of fish, We also saw quite a rare bird, the Snail Kite, which feeds only on huge snails about the size of an apple, which are found along the banks of lakes. On the last few days of our stay the temperature rose to about 85 degrees so we were glad that we had already enjoyed most of the energetic pursuits, Page 20 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 and could simply enjoy the pleasant relaxation of reading and finding solutions to various crosswords and puzzles. When we arrived back in England it was to damp grey weather almost 80 degrees colder than that to which we had been used. One of our first walks back in Bude was along the canal and we were very pleased to note that a juvenile Mute Swan had joined the adult one that has been present for a few months now, and we also noticed that the Black Headed Gulls were once again getting their dark brown heads ready for the Spring. One cold and Windy day we were at Maer Lake helping with a Bird Count, but because of the wind it was quite difficult to hold the telescopes still, but we did manage to see 200+ Canada Geese, 50+ Golden Plover and Dunlin, and about the same number of Wigeon grazing on the lakeside grass, about a dozen Oystercatchers, Curlew, and Teal and a Redshank, so quite good on the whole, and with better weather ahead of us, plenty to watch out for in the near future. Saturday night the 26th January we heard the frogs croaking loudly out in the back garden, and hey presto the following morning we have four large clumps of frogspawn in the pond and so hope the freezing cold weather has finished. Fankyou For Finding the Fungus! In the last issue I asked if anybody could identify a fungus that I had seen in Swannacott Woods. Many thanks Ruby for coming up with the answer. If anyone else has a question about something they have seen why not send us a photo? I’m sure one our readers will be able to provide the answer. Dear Editor The fungus you are trying to identify looks very like Yellow Clavaria, which is a sulphur yellow when young but becomes tinged with orange and finally brownish. Yours Ruby Naile Editor Page 21 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Rainguage Margaret Short measures the rainfall every day at 7:00am at Langaton Farm and has sent in the figures for 2012. Everybody will agree that it was a very wet year last year but just how much rain did we have? 1363.5mm which is 54.54 inches Margaret says “2012 has been the wettest year of my 19 years of record keeping, beating the year 2000 by 5 inches. There were 140 dry days and The wettest month was December and the dryest by far was March. There were 140 dry days in total for the year. The 2011 chart is also shown for comparison. Rainfall 2011 180 160 Rainfall (mm) 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month Rainfall 2012 300 Rainfall (mm) 250 200 150 100 50 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Month Our thanks go to Margaret Short for these figures. Page 22 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Whippersnappers The Whitstone Congratulations to Tinkerbell Harrison on being awarded her Copper Music Medal and certificate from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Tinkerbell is learning to play the flute. We would like to say a big thankyou to everyone who was able to take part in a recent working party. The number of parents, children and friends reporting for duty meant that a lot of jobs were able to be done and a good general tidy-up was achieved. As part of their Literacy lessons, pupils in Class 3 have been looking at persuasive writing. They have written letters to the Highways department about their own and others’ safety when using Oak Lane. They have brought to the attention of the department the condition of the road, the lack of a footpath and the problems that arise at certain times of the day. Page 23 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 The Spirit of the Wood By Ean Lawrence One winter afternoon, Marcus, his breath smoking in the chill air, was walking in the wood behind his house. When at home, it was his custom, whatever the weather, to take a walk in the wood every afternoon. From its peg, he took a favourite hat, and from the muddled stand of walking sticks behind the front door chose a well-worn thumb-stick. He reached for the leather leash, staying his hand as he realized that the lead was no longer required. Even after a year’s passing, he still sometimes thought that Molly would be a companion on his afternoon walk. Half an hour had passed since he had started out on his walk and Marcus had reached the place, at southern end of a ride, where an ancestor of his had placed a bench. The bench was of a rustic character, made of a plank of oak placed on top of two logs set vertically in the ground. He sat on the bench and looked down the avenue that separated the naked trees. In his stillness and muted autumnal colours, he almost disappeared into the landscape. There were occasions when he sat on the bench when Marcus didn’t know whether he was in the past, the present or the future; he heard voices from the past and visions of the future passed before his inward eye; and then the reality of the present would become dominant. After a few minutes had passed, having sat in studied silence amid the still trees, he muttered to himself. He lifted the flap to the outside pocket of his coat and took from it a red apple, no bigger than a billiard ball. He transferred the apple from his right hand to his left and took from his trouser pocket a freshly laundered handkerchief. He unfolded the handkerchief, wrapped the apple in the crisp square of cotton and gave the fruit a thorough polish, until it shone like a ruby. He took a bite, then another, and another, until the core was exposed, its seeds shiny and black. He swallowed the mouthful of apple and without a pause bit off the remainder of the flesh. He swallowed the second mouthful and placed the browning core at the end of the bench. Marcus muttered to himself again, the reiteration now making the unintelligible utterances seem like some kind of repeated incantation or invocation. The spell that was holding Marcus was broken by a sound from the trees on the eastern side of the ride. With tentative steps, a red deer hind emerged from the trees. Reaching the centre of the ride, she stopped and looked towards Marcus, who slowly Page 24 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 rose. The hind raised her head and sniffed the air. The breath she exhaled through her nostrils condensed into a cloud which slowly drifted away. Unhurriedly, the hind completed her crossing of the ride and disappeared into the trees on the western side. Marcus stared at the empty space that, but a few moments before, had been occupied by the beautiful creature, then turned and started on the return journey home. Marcus re-entered his home as daylight was declining and the world was entering into enigmatic night. Marcus entered the sitting-room and made it his first task to mend the neglected fire. Next, he poured himself a measure of medicinal brandy and sat in his customary chair beside the hearth. The wood that Marcus had added to the fire had quickly ignited and joyful sparks flew up the chimney; hounds pursued foxes across the sooty deposit on the back of the grate; the flames imparted a rosy hue to every nook and cranny. Marcus, in pensive mood, dreamily watched the erratic sparks that escaped up the chimney, and his imagination conjured up images in the dancing flames. The clock on the mantelpiece ticked out the seconds, adding them to those that have methodically created the past. Whether it was a trick of the firelight, or whether the cause lay in some abstract reasoning, or whether it was the effect of some strong emotion, the face of Marcus was transfigured by the recollection of a once solemn joy. Bude Community Cinema presents Cert PG 104 mins Now Showing: Lincoln (cert 12A) Quartet (cert 12A) Rise of the Guardians (2D & 3D) (cert PG) Coming Soon: 8th Feb Hitchcock (cert 12A) 15th Feb Wreck It Ralph (2D & 3D) (cert PG) Friday 22 February 7.30 pm Doors open 6.30 pm (Refreshments available) Parkhouse Centre, Bude Tickets: £5 (Students £2) - from Ark Angel Bookshop, Bude TIC and on the door. Or reserve them on 0845 874 0168 www.budecinema.org.uk Funded by The National Lottery through Awards for All Bude Community Cinema is a Registered Charity (No. 1139583) Page 25 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 HOLSWORTHY ALES TRADITIONAL METHODS | GREAT BEER Brewery Shop open 5pm - 7pm Monday + Thursday. Call 7 days a week between 10am and 7pm for beer orders – free delivery on all orders over £20 within 20 miles of the brewery. Brewery tours and tastings by arrangement call Dave on the number below. Beer Prices for 2012 500ml Bottle (any beer) Gift pack (any 3 bottles) Box of any 12 bottles Party pin (36 pints) £2 £6 £20 £42 Annual brewery memberships are available for 10% discounts and free beer on 2 open nights – just £20 For beer orders or for further information contact Dave Slocombe on 07879 401073 www.holsworthyales.co.uk Fulfilling all of your holiday requirements 05 - 07 April 2013 Grand NaƟonal Weekend £220 pp 15 - 20 July 2013 Chester & The Peak District £409 pp 31 August - 10 September 2013 Grand tour of Southern Ireland On sale soon Spring 2014 Fully escorted tour of South Africa No request too big or too small, please call us with your enquiries on (01409) 253962 / (01409) 253964 [email protected] Bridgerule Village Hall Wednesday 6:30 – 7:30pm £3.00 Lisa Wood Tel: 07920 867735 Facebook:Lisa Wood-Fitness Bude Facebook group:Lisa’s Bude & Bridgerule ZUMBA CREW Page 26 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Mea Culpa: getting the heroes we deserve? By Enoch Langland The trajectory of cyclist Lance Armstrong’s fall from grace took a new course when he appeared on television to make a public confession: travelling from categorical denials to candid admission of fault if not of guilt. What was his motivation in making this volte face? Given some of the actions he has taken since the allegations were made against him, it might seem that this change of heart may have a motive beyond that of simple redemption; it’s unlikely that he will receive forgiveness from many of those who have suffered as a result of the actions he has taken. One would view his act of contrition with a less cynical eye if he had been willing to give evidence under oath to the organisations investigating doping in cycling. Armstrong said that one of the things that had prompted him to make his confession was when he saw his son defending his father against the accusations that he was lying. Heroes are created by popular demand, made out of the scantiest materials, or none at all. Perhaps being a hero is not an easy role to play. Many of the participants in professional cycling hope that Armstrong’s confession will mark the end of the controversial period and be the beginning of the rehabilitation of the sport; many observers think that this is a pious hope, or that it will take some time for the sport to recover. The scandal that arose in cycling grew out of a culture of dishonesty, but a culture of duplicity is not peculiar to that sport or, indeed, sport per se; it exists in many walks of life. In his own defence, Armstrong argues, casuistically, that he wasn’t cheating when he used performance-enhancing drugs: all he was doing, in fact, was putting himself on the same competitive level as those with whom he was contesting. This is to suggest that everyone, or nearly everyone, was cheating. This raises a suspicion about the motives behind his confession, and when motives are suspected, everything associated with him becomes tainted with distrust. There were, in fact, many cyclists who weren’t abusing drugs and who wouldn’t be bullied into abusing drugs and who suffered as a result of striving to maintain their integrity. Through his actions, Armstrong, and those who helped him to cheat – the suppliers, the colluding officials, his team mates – brought professional cycling into disrepute; and although the sport seems to have been cleaned up, such is the toxicity of the Armstrong legacy that many remain to be convinced of the truth of the assertion. Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Page 27 Although it’s not always the case, it seems that money is a corrupting influence. Weekly on the professional football pitch, officials are abused by players and criticized by managers for the decisions that they make. But there is no reproof made by managers of those players who dive seeking to get an unfair advantage, and it wasn’t that long ago when the cynical expediency defined as the professional foul was a blot on the face of the supposedly beautiful game. A recent incident in which a player made contact with a ball boy while trying to get the ball revealed that it’s common practice for the ball boys to return the ball as quickly as possible if it’s to the advantage of the home team, while delaying the return if it’s the opposition’s ball. This is not an excuse for a player to be physically aggressive toward ball boys (although in the match in which the incident took place the ball boy was a seventeen-year-old). Many cricketers no longer leave the crease without waiting for the umpire’s decision, even when they know that they’re out, arguing that there are occasions when they are declared to be out when they haven’t made contact with the ball or their legs weren’t in line with the stumps when the ball hit them. Many sportsmen forget that they are the current custodians of the game they play and from which they earn a living. Although they may be supremely talented, they are not bigger than the game. What has disappeared from sport, and from many aspects of life, is the principle of self-regulation. We are all suffering at the moment, some more than others, from the fallout from the banking crisis. There are many factors which have contributed to the financial situation in which we find ourselves, but at the bottom of it all lies the fact that individuals took decisions and chose to act in certain ways that were against logic, common sense and the common good for the sake of personal and corporate gain. Transactions were entered into that were known to be unsound and, in the long run, unsustainable, but those who initiated them calculated that they were unlikely to have to face up to the consequences and wouldn’t have to take a personal responsibility for the disastrous outcomes. Underneath the glittering surface was a rotten core of greed and exploitation. Regulators, mandated by politicians, were negligent and weak in the face of the unscrupulous commercial juggernaut. Even now, there is concern expressed by our democratic representatives that if regulation of the financial markets is too stringent, national economies will suffer even further as the banks and other financial institutions threaten to relocate. Again, it shouldn’t be forgotten that not all institutions and individuals involved in the financial sector are tarred with the same brush; many of the players act honourably, ethically; they consciously set out to try not to succumb to the pressures of the ravening beast that is the global, twenty-four hour market. But it shouldn’t be underestimated how difficult it is, as an individual, to avoid being sucked into the beast’s gaping maw when the material rewards can be so great and the pressure of peers and Page 28 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 superiors unrelenting. It is hard, and takes moral courage, as well as in some instances physical courage, to resist the temptation to transgress that circumstances place in our path; to esteem virtue above all else. There is the greatest disappointment where the greatest investment of faith is made; where the scales fall from our eyes and our golden heroes are revealed to be made of base metal. It might be argued that the fault lies not in our stars but in ourselves: when we witness the descent of a ‘hero’, perhaps we should look inward and examine ourselves. Is it prudent, perhaps, to place complete confidence in a concept by which we have once been deceived? Yet we continue to leaven our disappointment with the hope that we will find genuine heroes that are worthy of our respect and admiration – and they do exist; just don’t expect or demand perfection in that which is intrinsically flawed. What’s so good about Good Energy? We have all received a brochure from Good Energy describing their plans for the Week St Mary Renewable Energy Park. It is full of information, quite a few pictures and lots of quotes. But how good is the plan for us, local residents. The company itself, Good Energy Group PLC, has seen an impressive growth since its inception as a small UK unit of a pan-European group, just 15 years ago. It has grown to become the only 100% renewable electricity supplier in the UK, which implies that it is our only sustainable energy company. The proposed Renewable Energy Park has some interesting features: 1. It is a dual technology park, employing both wind and sun technologies to generate energy, which is an essential requirement to overcome the intermittency of both. I can tell you from personal experience that such a combination produces energy every single day of the year. 2. Unlike most others, Good Energy are offering substantial discount on electricity rates to the residents of all four parishes affected. So we can all benefit. 3. They are proposing a Community Fund to be shared by the four Parishes of about £79,000 per year. That sounds impressive, but given that they will be earning some £5 million/year, there is scope for negotiation. I’d hope that our four Parish Councils will secure some improvement to this figure. Just imagine what we could do that each and every year for 25+ years. 4. Good Energy ‘hope to be able to offer’ us an investment opportunity Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Page 29 in the wind farm element of the park. Given the current near zero return on savings, that is a welcome proposal, although again, our Parish Councils will need to tie this down to specifics. 5. Employment and business opportunities will benefit mainly our contractors, but also others and should in the short term provide a noticeable support for the local economy. 6. Lastly, and most important of all, the proposed development will make a contribution to the planet-wide danger of catastrophic climate chaos which threatens our children’s and grandchildren’s future by leading to the destruction of our environment and widespread flooding due to sea level rise of anything between 6 and 18 metres. Every little helps! Of course wind farms tend to attract great deal of criticism, mainly based on the perceived destruction of ‘visual amenity’ (that is ‘views’), plus numerous ill-informed misconceptions. Whilst beauty (and visual amenity) is in the eye of the beholder and can only be assessed on an individual level, the other often-quoted misconceptions have been well researched and dismissed. Let me just mention • Wind turbines repay their investment in CO2 in between three and nine months • Wind turbines are virtually inaudible. Regulations ensure that neighbours will hear not more than 37 decibels, which is half the noise your fridge produces right in your kitchen! • Wind turbines kill less than 0.001 per cent of all the birds and bats killed by man-made structures. Their effect on the bird and bat population is imperceptible and about 10,000 times less than cars, windows in buildings, fertilisers and agri chemicals. • Research shows that tourist are largely happy to visit areas with wind turbines • Combination of wind turbines and PV panels produces energy on just about every single day of the year. Adding AD plants and energy storage to the system solves the intermittency issue of renewable energy. These are not just my opinions, but results of scientific studies, such as the ‘Common Concerns about Wind Power’, a summary of over 130 scientific peer-reviewed papers. To read it, just Google the title or look it up on www. TransitionNC.org. New discussion forum has been set up where you can express your own opinions, for or against, at www.TransitionNC.org (bottom of page). Have your say, add your ideas, discuss the proposals – its your future. Paul Sousek, Cottage Farm, Jacobstow Page 30 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 4XDOLW\)HHGV &XVWR RPHU6HUYLFH %OHQGVDQ QGFRDUVHPL[HVIR RU 'DLU\%HHIIDQG6KHHSLQEXONRU NJEDJV 2QIDUPPLOOLQJVHUYLFHV MOORES We are a local, family firm based in Okehampton who pride ourselves on excellent service and customer care. Home Heating Oil Agricultural Fuels Mini tankers for difficult deliveries 24 hour answering service Never run out – use our top-up service OF FROXTON LTD O Lorry with crane & winch O Low loader O Excavators O Crawler shovel O All types of agricultural contracting Established over 50 years ago, serving the agricultural community. Please telephone us LAST for the best price! 01837 55700 Moorlands House, North Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1BQ Froxton, Whitstone EX22 6TP Tel: 01288 341293 Page 31 Whitstone Whistler February 2013 Useful Telephone Numbers Cornwall Council Enquiries Citizens Advice Bureau, Bude Dentists Emergency April Lodge, Bude Endsleigh, Holsworthy Morwenna, Bude DK Lawrence, Stratton Surgeries NHS Direct Holsworthy Doctors Stratton Medical Centre Hospitals Barnstaple Plymouth Stratton Truro Libraries Bude & Mobile Holsworthy Police Emergency Non-Emergency Utilities Electricity Emergency Gas Water St Anne’s Hall Booking MP Dan Rogerson Cornwall Councillor Phil Tucker Love & Care in the Community (Pam Colwill) (John Barratt) Samaritans (24hr Helpline) 0300 1234 100 01288 354531 08702 421242 01288 355355 01409 259330 01288 352340 01288 356579 0845 4647 01409 253692 01288 352133 01271 322577 08451 558155 01288 287700 01872 250000 0300 1234 111 01409 253514 999 101 0800 365 900 0800 111 999 0800 169 1144 01288 341309 01566 777123 01288 341617 01288 341279 01288 341146 08457 909090 Details of all Whitstone Clubs and Organisations can be found on the village website at www.whitstonevillage.com Mobile Library Every other Tuesday (see Diary for dates) St Anne’s Close Hillhead St Anne’s Home 2:50 - 3:05 pm 3:10 - 3:25 pm 3:30 - 3:45 pm :KLWVWRQH© ©©© ©9LOODJH©6WRUHV «9LVLW«XV«DW«ZZZZKLWVWRQHVWRUHVFRXN« 7HO©©©©© ©©2SHQ©©DP©õ 2SHQ©©DP©õ©©SP©0RQõ ©©SP©0RQõ6DW©©©DP©õ 6DW©©©DP©õ©©SP©6XQ©©©© 1HZ«/R\DOW\«&DUGV«« QRZ©LQ©VWRUH© 3LFN©XS©\RXUV©72'$<© $QG«YLVLW«RXU«IDFHERRN«SDJH«IRU« D«FKDQFH«WR«ZLQ« «« 2II©/LFHQFH© 2II©/LFHQFH© © &RS\©©)D[©© &RS\©©)D[©© © +RW©3DVWLHV©'DLO\© +RW©3DVWLHV©'DLO\© ©© 6LPSOH©3D\PHQWV© 6LPSOH©3D\PHQWV© © 7RSõ 7RSõXSV© XSV© © .H\PHWHU© .H\PHWHU© &KDUJLQJ© &KDUJLQJ© © 79©/LFHQVLQJ© 79©/LFHQVLQJ© © ,QWHUQHW©$FFHVV© ,QWHUQHW©$FFHVV© © )UHH©7R©8VH©&DVK© 0DFKLQH© 0DFKLQH© © &RIIHH©7R©*R©© &RIIHH©7R©*R « 1DWLRQDO©/RWWHU\© 1DWLRQDO©/RWWHU\© « 9LVLW«WKH«3RVW«2IILFH«&RXQWHU«RSHQ«÷«0RQ÷)UL«÷«6DW« 'RQ´W©)RUJHW©õ 'RQ´W©)RUJHW©õ©/DVW©3RVW©&ROOHFWLRQ©SP© )UHH«FXVWRPHU«LQWHUQHW«DFFHVV«FRPSXWHU«LQ«VWRUH« )UHH«FXVWRPHU«LQWHUQHW«DFFHVV«FRPSXWHU«LQ«VWRUH« )RU©WKH©ODWHVW©XSGDWHV©VSHFLDO©RIIHUV©DQG© YRXFKHUV©EH©VXUH©WR©YLVLW©XV©RQOLQH©© ©ZZZIDFHERRNFRPZKLWVWRQHYLOODJHVWRUHV©
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