Items for the August Newsletter to ibuxton16@btinternet.com by Wednesday 26th August - Please.

Parish Hall

Please note the following public notice was posted on the Parish Notice Board and the Parish Hall on 20th July 2009:

At a Special General Meeting of the Trustees of the Ashwater Parish Hall and Institute held on 2 April 2009 it was resolved that the property known as Ashwater Parish Hall, should be sold. In accordance with The Charities Act 1993 - Section 36(6) as amended by The Charities Act 2006 notice is hereby given that the property known as Ashwater Parish Hall, The Hill, Ashwater, Devon will be offered for sale by auction (unless sold prior to the auction date).
Kindly address all representations under the terms of the abovementioned Act(s) to the Secretary, Ashwater Parish Hall and Institute by Friday August 21st 2009. All enquiries regarding the sale and or auction should be submitted to Christopher Bond Estate Agents, Albion House, 4 High Street, Holsworthy Devon EX22

Building work is continuing at the new site and the Hall Committee have been looking ahead in readiness for opening and operating the New Hall. Notices have been posted seeking applicants for roles to be filled in relation to managing the hall, dealing with bookings and handling caretaking and cleaning. Written applications are required by post and a detailed application pack is available by telephoning 01409 211566 or 211222 , writing to Common Places LLP, Henford Study Centre, Ashwater EX21 5DA or email ali@commonplaces.co.uk

Watch this space for details of the date for the "Opening Extravaganza" which is now being planned - suggestions welcome at the next meeting which will be held in the old hall on Wednesday 5th August 2009.

Horticultural Club - Show August 15th 2009

We do not have a meeting in August because of the show on Saturday 15th, which weather permitting will revert to the show field this year.
Everyone with access to a garden of their own is welcome to enter and there even plenty of categories that do not require a garden - have a look at the entry forms which are in the post office or can be obtained from Brian Cox at Manor Cottage. Just 30p per programme and the first entry is free. Don’t worry if your fruit, flowers or vegetables have suffered from pests or the weather - you are not alone, please enter something and let’s see if we can beat last year’s entry numbers.
If anybody has any queries regarding the categories or wants clarification on any item please call either Fiona on 221403 or Wendy on 211449. We would really encourage the children of Ashwater to join in, as there are 2 prizes of £5 for the children’s sections given to the child with most points, so it is well worth entering.

If anybody would like to donate raffle prizes these can be given to Betty or Agnes, as they will be running the raffle again for us this year. Join us for light refreshment, served in the Marquee after the judging and you may be lucky in the raffle or find some ‘spare’ produce on offer.

Amendment to show schedule: Item 90 - summer wreath, this should have been under the flower category as the summer wreath should be decorated like a Christmas wreath but with summer foliage instead of winter.

Looking forward to September, this is the AGM and will be held on Saturday 5 September at Summerleaze beach, which will entail a short meeting, followed by picnic and rounders or cricket.

Agricultural Committee

The show date is Saturday 15th August 2009. All enquiries to Jodi Richards on 07881 810500. There will be over 40 horse show classes including show jumping and gymkhana, over 20 cattle and sheep classes including young handlers and many other attractions. The latter including a falconry display, Alpacas, bouncy castle, children’s entertainment, sheep shearing and companion dog show. The afternoon will be topped off with a tug-of-war and an evening skittles competition.
The Show President for this year, Mr Mike Priest will be officially opening the show at 2pm, followed by a parade of the South Tetcott Hounds.

Ashwater Big Breakfast

By now you should be aware this has been postponed, as the lack of extraction equipment in the church means it is not really a viable venue. Hopefully alternative arrangements can be made in the future. Meanwhile take note of ‘The Great Devon Breakfast’ below.

Ashwater Playgroup - Old Clothes Wanted

Ashwater playgroup are collecting old clothes for recycling so if you have any clothes you no longer want please bag them up and call Karen on 211085 or Vicky on 254112.

Ashwater Lunch Club

Advance booking is essential. Please phone 01409 211200 at the latest before 11am on the day. The next lunch is on Thursday 6th August 2009 at 12.30pm.

Help Wanted

Devon Wildlife Trust was recently contacted to assist with clearance of a small parcel of land in Halwill to enable construction of a wildlife area and pond. The initial stage is the need to remove rubble and junk to explore the ground beneath. Please ring Ivan on 221073 if you can spare some time over the next month.

Mobile Library

The mobile library visits fortnightly on a Thursday outside the Village Inn from 11.30am - 12.10pm and the next two dates are 13th and 27th August 2009 but there will be only one visit in September, on the 24th returning to fortnightly for 8th October and 22nd October 2009. Please use the library, as it is a vital service requiring support.

100 Club Winners

The draw results are as follows:

June:	First Prize	No.18	Gordon Jennings
	Second Prize	No 44	Brian Lewins
July:	First Prize	No 2	Mr S Turner
	Second Prize	No 29	Letitia Yetman

BDS Carriage Drive

There will be a circular drive on 23 August 2009 commencing at 1pm. Meet behind the Village Inn. The route will be via Blagdon Manor to Sandrymoor Cross past Bendybus Lane to Oak Cross and Quoditch Wood. The drive is fully authorised with a Police presence. Ring 01409 211000 for details.

Parish Council

There was no meeting in July. The next meeting is Wednesday 12th August 2009,with public participation from 7.30pm however here are a couple of reminders:
Road closure for drainage works from Oak Cottage to Huntscott Beacon on Wednesday 12 August 2009 for one day. There is a map on the notice board.
Also, digital TV switchover for this area will be starting on the 12 August 2009. The BBC2 analogue signal will cease followed in September by all other analogue channels. There is a scheme for anyone over 75, eligible disabled or living in a care home. The number is 0800 4085 9000. Costs for the standard offer are £40. Advice is also available online at www.digitaluk.co.uk

From our District Councillor

Cream Tea Proceeds and news of ‘The Great Devon Breakfast’

The Cream Tea in aid of Breast Cancer Care held at Higher Priestacott, Ashwater on 19th July 2009 raised £803.50. Many thanks to all those who helped, supported and gave donations. Phil and Sheila Luxton.

Date for your Diary - ‘The Great Devon Breakfast’ at Higher Priestacott, Ashwater
In aid of FORCE Cancer Charity on Saturday 12th September 2009 from 8.00am - 11.00am. Tickets £5.00. (Booking required by 9th September) from Sheila Luxton Tel: 01409 211376

Parish Website

Event organisers are reminded that the Parish Website is available for displaying brief details of any fund raising events or community activity.
The site attracts interest from outside the Parish and receives many ‘hits’ from far and wide. Various pages are being overhauled, so if any of your details need updating or you have items of interest, please make contact by email at webmaster@ashwaterparsih.org.uk

Ashwater Methodist Church - Holiday Club

The Holiday Club continues on 4th August, 11th August and 18th August.
Each session will start at 10.30 am and will finish around 12.30 pm, followed by lunch. Activities will be suitable for primary school children and we do ask that each child is accompanied by a responsible adult. Older and younger brothers and sisters are welcome to come - but we can't guarantee that we can provide suitable activities for them.
The cost will be £3 for each child of primary school age (maximum £6 per family).
You can ring Maggie Elliott on 211282 or Rev. Jane Lucas on 211205 for more details.

Rural crime update from 1st July 2009

• BROADWOODWIDGER - Stolen from Roadford Lake Watersports centre a Main sail with black writing that fits a DART 18 boat, a metal steering tiller rod and connecting cross rudder bar. £1500 approximate value.
• RURAL BRADWORTHY - Criminal damage to tractor and digger tyres.
• VENN GREEN, MILTON DAMEREL - Damage to garden, shrubs, plants and grass sprayed with chemical causing vegetation to die.
• BRADWORTHY, St Johns Drive - Damage to headlights of grey Peugeot 205.
• BRIDGERULE - Offside window smashed on blue fiat van.
• PANCRASWEEK – Power tools, JCB chainsaw, brush cutter and a pair of men’s waders were stolen.
• RURAL PYWORTHY/BRIDGERULE - Damage to offside of red Nissan Micra.
• BRADWORTHY - Theft of blue Apollo ladies bike with silver writing on it.
• BRADWORTHY Square - Damage caused to front offside window of Mercedes white Sprinter panel van.
• BRIDGERULE - Green wheelie bin (not council owned) 3 white plastic garden chairs and a bundle of newspaper returns.
• PUTFORD - fuel additive, chainsaw and a battery charger were stolen and damage caused to padlock and hasp lock to shed.

Speeding in our villages

As a result of numerous speed surveys, recordings and the number of tickets issued within our rural villages it has been decided that Holsworthy Police Station is going to try and implement a Speed watch scheme.

Speedwatch is a scheme that is designed to help us and you, as the general public to have a greater impact on reducing speed where you live. We are looking for volunteers within our villages of all age groups, especially people who may not be involved in other community groups that would be prepared to come out with us. You will be provided with half a days training on the use of a radar speed detection gun. Any volunteers will be required to have an advanced security check, which will be paid for by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. If this is something you think you might be interested in and would like to find out more information on how Speedwatch works and what is involved with no obligation please contact me on 01409 259461 or email: beverley.harvey2@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

Some useful websites for children and young people to view

Devon and Cornwall Police young persons websites: www.yrspace.info and www.jnrspace.info
PCSO 30103 BEVERLEY HARVEY at HOLSWORTHY POLICE STATION.

Holsworthy Adult Learning

Do you feel you need to refresh your maths or literacy skills but are a bit nervous about going "back to school"? Perhaps you didn't do too well at school and want to gain a qualification, or would like to improve your skills so that you are more confident helping your child/grandchild with homework etc.
Holsworthy Adult & Community Learning has small friendly groups of adult learners for both subjects; courses will recommence at the end of September and are available daytime or evening, free of charge.
Courses are available for all levels, covering the basics through to Level 1 and 2 certificates (which are accepted as GCSE equivalents for most purposes). GCSE maths is also available in Holsworthy, for which there is a charge.
If you are interested in finding out more ACL can arrange an informal appointment - please phone Alison Skinner at The Skills Centre, Well Park, Western Rd Holsworthy on 01409 254505 to see how easy it all is! Other courses will be available for the Autumn and the new brochure will be delivered to your home at the end of August.

For Sale

4 Stick-back pine dining chairs - £30.00 - Phone Malcolm on 211373

Ashwater Parish Calendar of Forthcoming Events

STOP PRESS: Barry Parsons

So far this year the summer has not been as kind as we'd hoped. However, I know Maggie Elliot and her team at the Ashwater Children's Summer Club look forward to seeing families again this year at the Methodist Chapel. The theme on August 4 is 'The Farm' and the main activity will be making a scarecrow so that will be messy! I am fortunate to have been able to give support to the group through the Torridge District Council (TDC) 'Councillor's Community Funds'. Funds are again available for Forest Ward communities at my discretion during the financial year, 2009-2010. In my new role as County Councillor for Holsworthy Rural there is a similar fund, totalling £10,000 (2009-2010) to be shared between Holsworthy Town and the surrounding 28 parishes. I am sure that I will be receiving 'expressions of interest'!

I understand that there are still places on the Torridge Summer Culture and Leisure Holiday Programme in Holsworthy. Starting on 10 August at Holsworthy Leisure Centre and the Community College, there are some great activities for youngsters aged 8-16 this summer. Trampolining, roller-skating, canoeing, den-building and badminton being just a few. And best of all - some are free!
Did you know you could also get working family tax credit giving you great discounts on some of the other courses as well? Not only that - for people living in Ashwater (and some other local parishes) there is a free bus to and from some events. Bookings can be made through TDC on 01237 428737.

I have enjoyed some wonderful support from Ashwater as your district councillor and want to ensure, in the light of my recent election as your county councillor also, that my efforts for Ashwater will remain a priority. Whilst it's 'business as usual' for me at Torridge there are further, more strategic areas of work in which I can now make a difference. Such matters include: ensuring proper care for the percentage of elderly in Torridge which is increasing more quickly than our counter-parts not only in the south-west but across the country; the pitiful funding that is given our children in Devon schools; and the comparative, lowly funding allocations for patients at our local health centres. The list is significantly longer, of course. For now, though, I will simply remind that I can be contacted on 01409 211234 or, by e-mail at: baz7498@yahoo.co.uk

Distribution of Newsletters

My thanks to those who provide articles for, and distribute the newsletters. If you know of anybody who did not receive a copy please let me know: 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 Ivan Buxton, my e-mail address is newsletter@ashwaterparish.org.uk.
Thanks also to Kirk Engineering who kindly reproduce these newsletters for the Parish.

Website designed by Anthony Williams and Henriette North.
Comments and Submissions to webmaster@ashwaterparish.org.uk
Last modified: Sunday December 13, 2009