Whistler Feb13.indd

Whitstone Whistler February 2013
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The Whitstone
Issue 58- February 2013
The community magazine of Whitstone
Free to each household
Whistler
Rainguage 2012
Over 54 inches !
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Whitstone Whistler February 2013
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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