Ashwater

Christmas Lights Competition

Now is the time to think about entering the Ashwater Parish Christmas lights competition.
The Ashwater Christmas lights awards have been sponsored this year by The Cornish Devon Belles Outside Caterers and will be awarded as follows:
Best Overall, Best Small Display, Most Artistic, Judge's choice (and highly commended certificates).
Details of how to enter will be in next month’s newsletter. Please join in (all displays, large and small) and enjoy the pleasure it will give to others, make this years lights even better than last year.

Village Green Christmas Tree

Nigel Stacey is once again kindly donating the tree from Stacey’s Christmas Tree Farm, which will be put up and lit on December 2nd.
Nigel can supply all your needs this year including trees freshly cut or rooted from thousands on his farm. This year he can again supply you with decorations, lights, wreaths etc. at very competitive prices. Nigel’s telephone number is 01409 211467 or 07979735270.

Also - there will be a chance to sing carols with the Schoolchildren around the Christmas Tree on the green on 11th December at 6.30pm. Mince pies and other festive fare will be available.

Thank You

Thank you everyone who gave donations in memory of Dennis Yates, a total of £884 was raised which was shared between the Ashwater Church Tower Fund and Holsworthy Hospital. Thanks also to Barry Thomas for collecting the money.
I would also like to thank family and friends for the numerous cards, gifts and flowers that I received on my 70th birthday and to the skittle team for such an enjoyable evening when we went ten pin bowling. Margaret Yates.

Jack Moon

The family of Jack Moon who passed away recently would like to thank all those who were so kind to them and for the support and help offered on this sad occasion. There was a collection made for Jack and the proceeds shared between the Ashwater Church and the New Parish Hall Funds.
As you will know Jack collected newspapers, your support in this and his work resulted in some £7000 being raised for the Church. Unfortunately Jack was the named charity holder and the collection must now stop. Papers can be left as usual up to the 15th of November 2007, they will then be picked up and no more can be collected.
Thanks again, the Moon Family

WANTED

Ashwater Agricultural Show is looking for a Show Secretary and a Treasurer. A small honorarium will be payable to the Secretary on an annual basis. Applications for either of the above positions should be made to the Show Chairman, Eric Burnill, Southlands, Ashwater, EX21 5EP or telephone number 01409 211377 by the end of November 2007.

Ashwater Parish Hall Events

03 November 2007 - a musical evening jointly in aid of Devon Air Ambulance and the New Village Hall Funds. 7.30pm £5 tickets from Brian ( Manor Cottage) or on the door. There will be a bar arranged.
21 November 2007 - Film: The Number 23 - A Psychological thriller starring Jim Carey. Tickets £3.50 on the door.
24 November 2007 - Wine and Wisdom - Teams of up to 6 at £3.00 per person. There will be a bar arranged. Andrew Stacey has details please call him to book a table 211479.
28 November 2007 - Exmoor The Land of Combes: Illustrated Talk by Dartmoor Guide and Local Historian Paul Rendell. Tickets £3.00 on the door.
08 December 2007 - Carolling and Crumpets a musical evening with John Kirkpatrick. Tickets £6.00 on the door or reserved by ringing Ivan Buxton on 01409 221073. There will be a bar arranged.
23 January 2008 - Wild Cornwall: Illustrated Talk by Dartmoor Guide and Local Historian Paul Rendell. Tickets £3.00 on the door.

Ruby Country

To celebrate Ruby being Back in Business you are invited to discover more and talk to the project team, producers and supporters at the re-launch of Ruby Country Project at Lizzy’s Larder on Friday 2nd November from 3pm - 6pm.
The event is open to all interested parties and individuals who feel they can benefit from joining forces with the project "Make it a date to remember".
Lizzie’s Larder was chosen as she not only produces her own on-farm produce but also sells a variety of Ruby Country produce from a network of local producers. Lizzy says "Ruby Country has given me the confidence to expand my business into the new farm shop. It is important for me to be a part of this branded area of Devon and to take advantage of growth within the development plans of the Ruby Country Project".
Lizzy’s Larder is at: Blackberry Farm Milton Damerel EX22 7NP 01409 261440
Directions: From Holsworthy to Stibb Cross on A388 five miles from Holsworthy turn right at Venn Green. The farm shop is 100 yards from the main road and Venn Green. Lizzy’s larder is sign posted from Venn Green.
A Poster has been put up in the Post Office with more information.

Parish Council

The Council recorded the passing of Jack Moon and expressed gratitude for his generosity to the village. The Council was sorry to receive a letter of resignation from Malcolm Timney. He was a very active and effective Councillor and we shall miss him.
The Torridge Accessibility project seeks to provide help for those in need of transport for hospital visits, etc. Information on Village notice board.
A meeting was held by the Roadford Consultation Group at the Lake to discuss the proposal submitted for holiday cottages and leisure centre. There were concerns over the plans, which were to be submitted by the Group to TDC. Barry Parsons attended so is aware of the thinking of the meeting.
Finance - Balance £3872.85.

Next month the precept will be considered. The Parish Council contributed £32.50 towards the cost of paper for the Newsletter, which is a welcome source of information for the Parish, but we shall have to consider how it can be funded in the future. We don't want it to be a victim of its own success.
The Press Release concerning the future of the District Council offices in Holsworthy was discussed and a letter emphasising the need for this Office will be sent to Torridge D.C.
The past minutes of the Parish Council will be published on the website as soon as possible.
A letter has been sent to our MP and the Postmaster General emphasising the absolute necessity of retaining the Post Office/Shop in the village. The meeting closed at 9.50.

From Our District Councilor

My apologies to those of you that I let down as a result of my unexpected stay in hospital. Suffice it to say that all is well and I’ve booked my next ‘parish surgery’ at the Parish Hall on Thursday 15 November 2007 (6.30pm to 8.30pm). Please give me a call on 01409 211234 beforehand if you wish to meet with me that evening.

There is some concern over a planning application which seeks to build at Roadford Lake. My efforts to hold the Torridge District Council (TDC) Planning Meeting at Roadford Lake in respect of such an application have not fallen on deaf ears. As soon as I am furnished with relevant details I will post them with Barry and Hazel at the village shop and in the next newsletter, time permitting. By prior agreement TDCs’ planning meetings now allow for public participation - which makes life interesting!

I know there are concerns over the speed at which some vehicles are traveling about our roads. I am in dialogue with the police and Devon County regarding the matter and will inform of their response in the next newsletter. Another matter of concern - that of the Torridge Council Office in Holsworthy - remains at the forefront of TDC’s review. You may be aware of press releases informing that TDC is examining demand for the office in Holsworthy by looking at information requested and receipting, the latter which will significantly decrease with the anticipated housing transfer in December. Whilst the internet is increasingly used for such services TDC is constantly reminded that not everyone has either access/capability.

On a very positive note I am delighted to see the input of our local youth volunteering to support others. They are a credit to our community, and to you, as parents/guardians.

Every best wish. District Councillor Barry Parsons

Horticultural Society

Unfortunately the October Speaker Martin Catt was ill and the meeting was postponed. Martin has agreed to come and speak next year. The next meeting of the Society will be on Monday 5th November at 7.30pm at the Parish Hall when Ken Wilcocks will give a talk on Winter Gardening.

Devon Wildlife Trust

Devon Wildlife Trust is looking for volunteers to carry out some essential light work at various important Culm Grassland Sites during the winter. The first will be at Volehouse Moor (North Side) on 16 December 2007 between 10.30am and 3.00pm when mince pies and jacket potatoes will be provided. The work involves coppicing, brush clearing and swaling. Details from Ivan Buxton Tel:01409 2210073 or DWT.

Further Education

An opportunity has arisen to have a day course in Jan. or Feb. 2008 on DIGITAL CAMERA USE, run by the people from the adult education in Holsworthy. Would any one who might be interested contact Fiona Bull as soon as possible on 01409 221 403.
In addition to this course the following have already been organized:
Emergency First Aid Sat 3rd November 9.30 - 4.30
E-bay Tasters Tuesdays 6th November or 11th December 7 - 9pm
Christmas Greetings Cards Workshop Sat. 3rd November 10am - 4pm
Keep Your Computer Fit 4 wks starting Monday 26th November 7 - 9pm
Your Camera & Computer 4 wks starting Monday 19th November 7 - 9pm
E-bay for Beginners 4 wks starting Tuesday 13th November 7 - 9pm
Next Steps: Desktop Publishing 4 wks starting Monday 19th November 7 - 9pm
Patchwork & Quilting 5 wks starting Weds 31st October 1 - 3pm
Family History & The Internet 5 wks starting Monday 29th October
Oil Painting Workshop Thursday 1st November 10am - 4pm
ALL HELD AT HOLSWORTHY SKILLS CENTRE

Ashwater Parish Calendar

Below is a list of events that are taking or scheduled to take place in the parish so that all involved have knowledge of the dates already booked. Please let me have the dates of your event/meeting and I will include them in the calendar.

My thanks to those who provide articles for the newsletters. Copies will as always be available at the Post Office and in the Village Inn. Any information for inclusion in or offers to help please contact Peter Capron, my e-mail address is newsletter@ashwaterparish.org.uk.

Website designed by Anthony Williams and Henriette North.
Comments and Submissions to webmaster@ashwaterparish.org.uk
Last modified: Tuesday October 30, 2007