Mid Devon feed - This is Devon

Pub abandons music plan after noise fears

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

The owner of a Chulmleigh pub has withdrawn an application to stage live music after objections from nearby residents.

Do you fancy tae kwon do classes?

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

A martial arts instructor says he hopes to turn Witheridge Parish Hall into a sparring gym for regular Tae Kwon Do classes.

Youngsters claim a first East Devon League title

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

TIVERTON'S juniors lifted the East Devon League title for the first time after a nail-biting win against Fingle Glen in the final at Teign Valley on Sunday.

Tiverton lived up to their billing as the strongest junior team the club had ever fielded by breezing past Downes Crediton 4.5-1.5 in the semi-finals in the morning and then defeating Fingle Glen 3.5-2.5 in the afternoon.

Captain Harry Callahan sealed the title when he won one-up. The left-hander was all-square playing the 18th but his opponent four-putted for a six and Callahan won it with a five.

Victories for Rhys Cruse (2&1) and Harry Konig (3&2) put Tiverton 2-0 up, before Daniel Perry's defeat reduced the deficit.

Abbie Moyes halved her match after losing the 18th before Callahan sealed the result.

Ben Hearn was level heading up the 18th but went out of bounds and lost one down. Cruse (3&2), Moyes (3&2), Hearn (3&2) and Konig (3&1) were victorious against Crediton earlier in the day.

Because the win was sealed, Perry and his opponent shook hands on a half and walked in, while Callahan went down 2&1.

Tiverton now go on to play in the finals of the Henry Truscott Trophy against the three other regional winners in the county.

Tiverton's A team won the triangular MET Shield on home soil after a well-contested match against Enmore Park and Minehead on Saturday.

Tiverton finished 10 points clear with a total of 37. Club vice-captain Tony Allsopp was the only home player to remain unbeaten all day, halving his two foursomes matches with Mark Sangster in the morning and winning his two singles games in the afternoon.

Matt and Kelvin Woodgate won three and lost one, as did former captains Mike Jewell, Peter Boax and Andy Brice.

The B team came third in a closely-fought contest at Minehead, while the juniors shared the shield with hosts Enmore after a 32-32 draw.

Tiverton's men went down 3.5-2.5 in their friendly against East Devon on Sunday.

Dominic Bristow shot a bogey score of +4 to lift the men's Jack Strong Cup.

The five-handicapper beat Keith Williams on a countback in Division One, with Andy Brown, Kelvin Woodgate, Alan Snow and Chem Austin all on +3.

Mike Cottrell also scored +3 to claim the Division Two prize, pipping Ian Gunn on a countback.

The competition was the final qualifier for the order of merit and Jim Bray clinched the title for the third time with a total of 146 points.

Kevin Harper was the only player who could have overtaken him, but he didn't record the top-15 finish he needed and stayed on 132 points. Harper eventually came third as Brown's high finish pushed him up to 141 points.

Results, Division One: 1 Dominic Bristow +4, 2 Keith Williams +4, 3 Andy Brown +3, 4 Kelvin Woodgate +3, 5 Alan Snow +3, 6 Chem Austin +3. Division Two: 1 Mike Cottrell +3, 2 Ian Gunn +3, 3 Neil Forward +2, 4 Dave Horn +2, 5 Nigel Horobin +2, 6 Steve Cox +1

Order of Merit final standings: 1 Jim Bray 146, 2 Andy Brown 141, 3 Kevin Harper 132, 4 James Lambden 114, 5 Lloyd Sampson 113

James Lambden is in contention to win two of the men's summer knockout competitions after reaching two finals.

He edged out Ian Brierley on the third play-off hole in the semi-finals of the Tommy Tucker Scratch Cup and will now meet Jim Bray, who beat Simon Waddington 3&2.

Lambden and his partner Richard Wallace are in the final of the Summer Foursomes after beating Chem Austin and Mike Collins. They will face Lee Davey and Ian Gunn, who eased past John Webber-Rookes and Ced Gibbons.

In the Captain's Prize, Matt Woodgate will take on Ken Kidd in the semi-finals, while Brierley is up against Neil Forward.

The Brock-Mills-Perkins event for higher-handicappers will see Derek Garnsworthy and junior Tom Hanson do battle in the final. Garnsworthy beat Richard Hill in the last four, while Hanson took out Mark Randell.

The club's pros put their reputations on the line at their eagerly-awaited Professional's Day. Club pro Barry Austin, his assistant James Martin and golf administrator Robin Goodey faced off against 29 teams in a Texas scramble.

After a thrilling finish, the pros' reputations remained intact as two eagles in the last seven holes ensured they scored 61 points, just 0.4 ahead of the top amateur team of Neil Ford, Simon Cartlidge and Peter Denford.

Goodey and Austin then tied for third place in the Devon Open at Honiton. Former Crediton assistant Chris Gill won the title for the third year in a row. Joe Liversage won the seniors' Grandad's Trophy after scoring 38 points in Division One.

Results, Seniors' Grandad's Trophy, Division One: 1 J Liversage 38, 2 P Ollis 36, 3 M Charnock 69. Division Two: 1 G Hampson 39, 2 V Palmer 37, 3 D De'Beaujeu 36

Ladies' Medal, Silver Division: 1 S Moffat, 2 J Coe. Bronze Division One: 1 S Leach, 2 S Marklew. Bronze Division Two: 1 A Jones, 2 L Parry

Professionals' Day, pros: B Austin, J Martin & R Goodey 61.0. Amateurs: 1 N Ford, S Cartlidge & P Denford 61.4, 2 D Greenslade, D Slee & T Cockayne 62.6, 3 S Lay, S Gresham & B Pym 62.9

Mike Thomas returned to form to win the Judges Day event. He returned a stableford score of 42 points to pip clubhouse leader Phil Strawford, who had posted 41 points.

Thomas had the luxury of bogeys on the 17th and 18th holes after a birdie on the par five sixth started a consistent spell around the turn.

Strawford's undoing was a weak end to his round with seven shots being dropped to par in the closing six holes.

Results, Judges Day: 1 M Thomas 42pts, 2 P Strawford 41, 3 M Cherry 38, 4 M Want 37, 5 R Cavill 36, 6 C Senik 36, 7 N Woodman 36, 8 D Hepburn 35.

Padbrook Park rounded off their East Devon League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Exminster at Honiton. All the wins came in tight contests, with Padbrook coming out on top on the final green.

Terry Martin and Phil Moore won, as did Andy Rooker and Dave Payne while captain Ton Evans led by example as he partnered Duncan Hepburn. The victory adds to that earlier in the season over Woodbury Park and sees Padbrook lie fourth with all of their rivals having one match left to play.

Sidmouth will regain the title if they avoid defeat in their final match against Exminster.

If they slip up Fingle Glen will take the title if they can beat bottom club Axe Cliff on the final day.

Results: Sidmouth 5 Axe Cliff 0, Woodbury 0.5 Fingle Glen 4.5, Padbrook 3 Exminster 2.

Steve Held produced an excellent round to win the Pro Shop Stableford with a 42 point score. He fired back-to-back birdies on the third and fourth holes and finished in style with a birdie three on the 18th to finish four points clear of nearest challenger Duncan Hepburn.

Results, Pro shop stableford: 1 S Held 42pts, 2 D Hepburn 38, 3 R Hazeldine 37, 4 R Price 36, 5 M Want 34, 6 K Curtis 34, 7 J Locke 33, 8 T Martin 33.

Phil Reed timed his run to the line perfectly as he won the season-long John Emerton Trophy after coming second in the final qualifying Midweek Stableford event.

Reed needed to finish three places above Martin Cherry to overhaul the long-time leader. And his 17-point haul was enough for second place as he was pipped on countback by Chris Manley.

Midweek Stableford: 1 C Manley 17pts, 2 P Reed 17, 3 R Cavill 17, 4 T Sampson 17, 5 D Hepburn 16, 6 P Jones 16

John Emerton Cup final standings: 1 P Reed 25pts, 2 M Cherry 22 3 R Cavill18, 4 D Stamp 15, 5> M Partridge, A Rooker 14, 7> P Jones, D Hepburn, C Manley 13

Mike Partridge came perilously close to pulling off a major shock before he lost to Will Blundell in the Golden Eagle Scratch Cup at the fifth extra hole.

Blundell, who has previously won the trophy, holed eight-foot putts on the 18th, 19th, 21st and 22nd holes to keep the match alive before winning at the 23rd.

Defending champion Cary Rawlings was also pushed hard.

Golden Eagle Scratch Cup second round results: P Jones lost to C Rawlings, T Evans bt G Campbell, C Fisher bt D Hepburn, M Partridge lost to W Blundell, C Bundy bt M Thomas, H Chau bt A Rooker, D Payne bt M Want, H Marshall bt T Chan. Quarter-final draw: C Rawlings v T Evans, C Fisher v W Blundell, C Bundy v H Chau, D Payne v H Marshall

The midweek Stableford played on the September 1 saw some impressive scores over the nine holes.

Alan Cundy posted a winning score to secure 24 points, while Peter Mortimer was the runner-up with 21 stableford points.

BOWLS

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

TIVERTON Borough continued their winning streak in friendly matches by beating Combe Martin, Morchard Bishop and Feniton.

Borough 100 Combe Martin 91. Rink scores — M Lewis, I Payne, M Robertson 24-8; D Hewage, M Pike, M Gratton 16-14; J Luxton/P Gratton, J Browning, R Robertson 14-15; C Lewis, M Drew, N Manaton 16-15; D Brown, A Smith, W Jones 12-23; P Black, R Hussey, P Kerslake 18-16.

Borough 89 Morchard Bishop 79. Rink scores — M Lewis, M Drew, D Hoaen 18-16; R Hussey, M Gratton, PA Kerslake 16-10; C Lewis, J Luxton, G Harrison 19-13; I Payne, M Robertson, P Kerslake 19-20; D Hewage, M Pike, J Hoane 17-20.

Borough 104 Feniton 95. Rink scores — R Gould, P Kerslake, M Drew 13-14; D Brown, I Payne, W Jones 15-21; J Harrison, R Hussey, M Gratton, 18-18; P Gratton, PA Kerslake, J Browning 18-21; D Hewage, I Peel, R Robertson 13-16; J Luxton, G Harrison, M Robertson 27-5.

In the Exeter Over-60s League, Borough beat Dawlish Marina in the last game of the season to move into second place in the league and earn promotion in their first year in the competition. This last match was keenly fought as Marina were three points ahead of Borough in the league.

Borough 38 (8pts) Marina 22. Rink scores — I Payne, I Peel, P Kerslake 19-11; R Hussey, R Robertson, W Jones 19-11.

The second of the club's finals days took place on Sunday, September 5, with four club championship matches bring played.

The morning match was played on damp rinks at the start, but the weather cleared quickly to give good playing conditions.

The final of the men's pairs was a thrilling match, with Roger Purrington and Graham Dyson seeming to have the championship in the bag after the 19th end when they were leading 22-28.

However, on the 20th end Derick Peek and David Bates converted a shots down position to a plus six with his last bowl, so tying the score at 28-28, with the last end to play.

It was unfortunate that either team had to lose, but Peek and Bates secured one shot on the 21st end to clinch the game 29-28.

Results, Ladies Pairs: Hazel Aldridge and Val Hardwick beat Tessa Shere and Freda Burrows 34 -17.

Open Singles: Ken King beat Chris Fuller 21-12.

Ladies' Singles: Tessa Shere beat Val Hardwick 34-17.

Mens' Pairs: Derick Peek and David Bates beat Roger Purrington and Graham Dyson 29-28.

The over-60s men's team played their last game of the season against Dunkeswell away. Hemyock came away with only two points to Dunkeswell's six. Scores — Rink 1: B Whitear, B Tennant and R Smith 7-27; Rink 2: K James, G Brown and G Chown 27-17. Overall total shots 34-44.

Hemyock finished as runners-up in Division Three and will be promoted to Division Two for 2011 — the fourth time of being promoted in the past four years.

Dunkeswell, Hemyock and Morchard Bishop all finished on 90 points so it came down to shot difference — Dunkeswell 103, Hemyock 72 and Morchard Bishop 70.

Last Tuesday Hemyock travelled to Tiverton West End for an evening friendly match. For two junior members, Megan Drawert, 10, and Georgia Drawert, 12, this was their first match, and they both did really well.

Surprisingly, although the teams meet in league matches, this was the first friendly game played between the two clubs. The end result was close, each club winning two rinks but Hemyock won overall by just one shot. Scores — Rink 1: Skip T Wedgwood, B Heaton, M Drawert, S Risdon 16-12; Rink 2: Skip P Gale, E Harness, J Blackmore, D Prettejohn 12-17; Rink 3: Skip K James, T Drawert, G Drawert, T Wetherfield 13-23; Rink 4: Skip J Heath, R Wetherfield, C Clark, S Featherstone 25-13.

West End Green are promoted to Division 5 after sealing the Division 6 title. Their last match of the season confirmed the result. West End 6pts. Chagford2 pts. J Browning, P Witherow, K Berry 22-14; A Gribble, B Berry, D Blackwell 13-18.

P Chidgey and G Callaghan lost their quarter-final game in the County Mixed Pairs competition to S Tolchard and C Downs from Kings Torquay. However, P Chidgey, S Parker and J Head are through to the semi-final of the County Mixed Triples competition after beating C Lenton, D Ferris and M Coombes from Bitton Park 17-12.

Scores — West End 128 North Tawton 67. J Browning, D Butt, M Willavoys 27-5; E Browning, J Gill, P Chidgey 27-11; J Tinham, R Jarrett, E Lander 20-11; J Cawsey, J Head, N Howard 20-14; R Head, G Callaghan, R Thomas 20-17; A Hill, B Greenslade, R Harder 14-9.

West End 96 Exonia 54. A Gribble, B Berry, B Willis, M Willavoys 34-10; S Moore, K Powney, E Willis, G Davies 18-16; L Jones, J Cawsey, D Thomas, D Butt 25-16; C Powney, B Moore, J Tinham, P Chidgey 19-12.

West End 97 Porlock 93. J Tucker, A Gribble, R Harder 20-17; P Edworthy, B Greenslade, R Workman 8-21; F Rogers, J Head, E Edworthy 13-13; J Browning, H Tucker, C Clarke 12-19; E Browning, J Gill, B Thacker 21-8; R Head, G Callaghan, R Thomas 23-15.

West End 60 Wellington 54. P Hawkins, P Edworthy, C Penney, R Thomas 19-6; J Tinham, A Hawkins, J Head, B Thacker 10-19; K Powney, T Sykes, C Clarke, P Burton 16-23; D Butt, R Head, J Gill, J Clapp 15-16.

West End 54 Feniton 62. H Tucker, C Clarke, J Kelly, N Howard 18-15; C Penney, B Berry, R Harder, P Witherow 14-14; G Lee, P Hawkins, K Kelly, R Naylor 11-14; D Blackwell, A Hawkins, J Tinham, E Edworthy 11-19.

West End 175 Paignton 97. F Rogers, J Cawsey, J Clapp, P Willis 18-23; K Kelly, G Lee, M Cissell, B Enright 32-10; J Kelly, A Hawkins, D Blackwell, P Chidgey 34-11; J Gill, L Jones, R Harder, R Workman 18-17; C Middleton, A Gribble, G Davies, P Witherow 41-18; J Tinham, P Hawkins, R Thomas, E Edworthy 32-18.

West End 117 Teignmouth 116. B Greenslade, B Moore, D Butt, B Thacker 21-14; J Cole, H Tucker, M Willavoys, N Howard 15-20; A Gribble, G Lee, R Thomas, P Burton 28-14; T Burton, S Moore, J Tinham, E Edworthy 23-12; J Tucker, H Cole, M Cissell, J Barrie 12-27; F Rogers, G Hake, J Clapp, R Enright 18-29.

West End 73 Ottery St Mary 66. C Penney, E Browning, C Clarke, R Naylor 14-21; H Tucker, T Smith, B Greenslade, G Hake 31-10; J Browning, J Cawsey, E Smith, D Blackwell 18-18; E Bradnum, K Powney, D Thomas, J Clapp 10-17.

West End 86 Winkleigh 49. F Rogers, R Gregory, P Chidgey 23-11; J Cawsey, J Gill, P Witherow 23-10; D Crocker, J Tinham, E Edworthy 24-13; B Moore, J Clapp, T Woollacott 15-15.

West End 102 Ilfracombe 68. B Moore, J Tinham, S Parker 20-8; S Moore, L Jones, P Chidgey 19-17; B Greenslade, H Tucker, D Butt 21-20; A Gribble, B Berry, B Thacker 19-12; J Tucker, G Davies, R Harder 23-11.

West End 65 Hemyock 66. A Gribble, J Cawsey, D Butt, D Blackwell 12-16; J Browning, P Edworthy, B Greenslade, P Witherow 17-12; E Browning, K Powney, C Clarke, R Thomas 13-25; F Rogers, D Crocker, J Tinham, P Chidgey 23-13.

West End 80 Pinces Gardens 68. J Cawsey, K Powney, G Callaghan, J Clapp 29-11; A Gribble, E Browning, J Gill, B Thacker 25-15; J Cole, J Browning, D Thomas, T Woollacott 14-26; C Penney, D Crocker, C Clarke, R Workman 13-16.

Bradninch completed their over-60s league programme with one team winning and one losing. Bradninch A 26 Madeira 42. Scores — K Mayne, W Vittles, E Page, 13-19: F Budd, T Elston, G Rookes, 13-23.

Bradninch B 46 Ottery St Mary A 16. R Challen, J Tapp, T Morgan, 29-4: E King, C Daniells, A Phillips, 17-12.

Friendlies. Bradninch 58 Phear Park 94. Scores — F Budd, S Scurr, G Rookes, T Morgan, 11-32: D Wingrove, J Gooding, T Elston, C Daniells, 10-28: M Perry, H Page, M Beed, E Page, 18-18: R Challen, E King, K Mayne, G Slade, 19-16.

Bradninch 56 Topsham 84. C Waddell, K Mayne, T Elston, G Slade, 17-19: G Elston, F Budd, W Vittles, D Challen, 18-18: R Challen, H Page, G Rookes, E Page, 7-25: D Wingrove, B Parsons, G Garner, C Daniells, 14-22.

Men's championship: J Berry beat J Tapp. Two-wood: C Waddell beat J Phillips. In the over-60s J Tapp defeated T Morgan.

Ladies title: Dot Challen beat Gail Sharkey.

Clive is living the dream and sharing a passion for paint

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

GIVING up a career in property to become a full-time artist is usually the stuff of idle daydreams, but for Clive Brocklehurst, from Uplowman, it became a reality.

In his sage-green studio at the bottom of his garden, he flicks through some photographs of a spaniel he has been commissioned to paint that afternoon and occasionally shakes his head as we talk, as if he, too, can't quite believe he is here, living his dream.

And yet it all began by following not a dream, but a horse. "I spent 20 years as a commercial estate agent, dealing with anything from big fancy office blocks to corner shops in Buckinghamshire and then we moved to the West Country. A horse my daughter Ellie had went lame and the vet said he would have to be put down. But he would only go lame when he was being ridden — he was fine apart from that — so we contacted a woman called Lucinda McAlpine, who lived near us in Henley but had moved to Culmstock and was an expert in equine care. We took him and he got better," Clive says.

"We kept visiting the area and when my daughter finished her GCSEs she said, "Couldn't we move there?' so I got a job in Tiverton doing property work. All my relations came from Cullompton, so I knew that area although I had never been to Tiverton before I came for the interview."

The property market being what it was at the time, five weeks later the Brocklehursts found themselves living in Devon. "Three years later, Ellie left home and work had got a bit to the point where I did not want to carry on with it and my wife, Caroline, said, 'Why don't you just stop and do what you want to do', which is this," he says, gesturing to his studio.

"So after about six months I stopped waking up in a cold sweat and resigned. I set up and started painting and it has gone fine," he says with a smile, as if he still can't quite believe it.

However a career in property has made him acutely aware of the importance of knowing the market.

"I know I can't be 'but I am an artist'," he says, in a flowery voice making an expansive gesture.

"You have to really understand what you can sell.

"I am happy to do the illustrational side of it because it allows me to do my own paintings. And I find that something inspiring to me resonates with someone else.

"But if I try and paint something I think people will want, the pictures don't have the same integrity to them."

Keen to share his knowledge, Clive has set up a beginners' watercolour class at The Cadeleigh Arms, which has had such a response that he will be running another course which starts later this month "I had no formal training at school or at art college — I went to a school where art wasn't considered an option," he says. "You were supposed to be a solicitor or an accountant, but I have always painted and done courses with well-known watercolour artists, such as Gordon King, Dennis Syrett and Peter Folkes."

He says he has created the beginners' class because he believes a lot of people are very nervous about simply knowing where to start with watercolours.

"I am going to teach people how to use a brush, then build up to a picture step by step. I have made packs, with pre-sketched prints they can paint and there is also a frame in there so they have something to take away with them from the first lesson. It also removes the need for saying 'I can't draw', because you can practise that. But to get to know a medium, you need to get on with it rather than spending an hour and a half sketching."

Around the walls of his studio are various prints of his pictures — many of them featuring animals, including his own three labradors and a white hare.

"In legend, if someone breaks a woman's heart then her spirit can't rest and appears to him as a white hare. It follows him round — and only he can see it – until he meets his end.

"My tagline is love, land and legend. I gain inspiration from the countryside here and it appears from my work that a lot of animals inspire me too," he laughs. "And legend and music and passion for life and romance. A lot of things inspire me, really."

The Cadeleigh Arms, where he holds his classes, holds a special place in Clive's heart as it is where he put on his first show. "I was beside myself with nerves," he smiles. "It's like you are putting your heart out there on the wall. But it has got easier.

"I have started doing prints of my originals, in differing sizes, because it is all very well the originals selling for a couple of hundred pounds, but a lot of people want to own something and can't afford that."

One thing Clive hasn't quite got to grips with is actually talking about his work.

"I think years of taking people round empty office buildings and making conversation has been helpful," he says with a smile.

For more information on Clive Brocklehurst and his watercolour classes, see www.clivebrocklehurst.com or telephone 07752 180785.

Cully put in flat display as they lose their opener

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

NEW Cullompton coaching duo Chris Wall and Keith Brooking were disappointed by the 'flat' nature of their side's opening day defeat to South West 1 West new boys Old Redcliffians.

Brooking had highlighted the similarities between the two sides before the match, with Old Reds winning promotion from Western Counties North and the Intermediate Cup at Twickenham last season — a year after Cully had done the corresponding double.

But the hosts showed their strength from the start, while Cullompton were uncharacteristically wasteful in possession.

Reds went in front just two minutes in, when Richie Walker crossed following a driving maul.

Adam Pearce responded with a penalty, but the visitors found it hard to get their usual expansive game going.

And the home team took advantage of their hesitancy and aimless kicking game as Craig Owen bagged a double and Ashley Groves and Liam McCreight scored a try apiece for the Bristol outfit.

The only bright moments for Cully came in the form of tries for Dan Reed and Paul Baker, with Pearce converting the latter. But ultimately it wasn't enough as the hosts held on for a deserved win.

Wall admits that the side missed the presence of injured players Rob Hammett, Jemba Bull and Sam Harris, while Brooking himself was forced off with a calf knock on 15 minutes.

But he reckons that his men will up their game as they get into their stride.

"We were flat at the start and apart from a five minute spell at the end of the first half and a 10 minute spell at the end of the second half, we stayed flat throughout," said Wall.

"We missed some influential players and once they are back in the side I'm sure we will look stronger.

"We have been trying out new tactics and perhaps the players got bogged down in thinking about them too much rather than just going for it.

"But within time that will come together and we will begin competing effectively.

"Keith and I are new to the club and it will take a bit of time before we work out where we are."

Cully face Chippenham — who beat Clevedon 58-15 at the weekend — at Stafford Park this Saturday and Wall's fellow coach Brooking, who is unlikely to be fit for the encounter, is expecting an improved performance.

He said: "Chippenham are likely to be a strong side. They got a good win at the weekend.

"We will need to see a better performance and I'm sure the lads will be ready for it."

Cully's second team got off to a brilliant start in Devon Merit Table One, smashing newly promoted Kingsbridge 46-0.

After some early pressure by the league's new boys, Cullompton soon got into their stride with Rob Stanley notching a penalty.

Jimmy Holman went over out wide to increase their lead while Ross Toms slotted the extras.

After the ball was sent wide at the breakdown, Holman touched down again. And the winger got his debut hat-trick shortly after with Stanley again adding the extras. The skipper added a fourth Cully try before half-time.

The second half saw a welcome return for centre Jemba Bull who missed most of last season due to injury and it wasn't long before the pacy back crossed the line to score in his comeback game.

Lee Powell then scored with a great solo effort and Stanley added another try, which he converted himself to round things off in fantastic fashion.

The club's third team also got off to a flyer to their debut Merit Table Two campaign as they were convincing 20-10 winners over Totnes at Stafford Park.

Cully went in 3-0 down after a first half in which the hosts had done most of the defending.

But with the wind at their backs in the second period, Cullompton took charge. Fly-half Ben Pitkin was on target with an early penalty to bring the scores level before Steve Nockles and Alex Price scored the decisive tries.

Pitkin converted both scores and later added a penalty.

Vinnicombe hits out at referee as Tivvy crash to heavy defeat

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

TIVERTON Town boss Chris Vinnicombe was left angry after a number of dubious refereeing decisions cost his side in their 5-0 defeat at Chesham United on Saturday.

Vinnicombe was furious at the official's decision to award the home side a controversial penalty on the half-hour mark following a tackle by Tom Gardner on United striker Gabriel Fanibuyan.

The spot-kick was converted by Danny Talbot while Tivvy assistant manager Mark Saunders was sent to the stands for venting his frustration.

To further Vinnicombe's irritation, the referee failed to spot an alleged elbow on Liam Ellis, who was forced to have stitches in his eyebrow, with the home side scoring through Fanibuyan in the same passage of play.

Chris Bangura, Dave Fotheringham and Steve Wales each netted in the second half as United made sure of the points with a late flourish.

But for the Yellows player-chief, the game had already been lost following the referee's controversial calls.

"You can't legislate for bad decisions," fumed Vinnicombe. "For the ref to give a dodgy penalty and then to miss the head injury and keep playing and they score off it is difficult to take. They are decisions which should go our way which aren't at the moment.

"For the penalty Tom Gardner made the tackle but he got the ball. The ball seemed to go backwards.

"I said that to the ref but he wouldn't listen. He must have been watching something else. What can you do when the referee won't listen?

"I saw him at half-time and told him 'you're wrong and you made a wrong decision'. But he said 'no, the player got the player first'. He was poor all afternoon."

The reality was that Tiverton flew out of the blocks and should have gone ahead on eight minutes through Joe Bushin, but the striker could only nod wide of the target when left by himself in the box.

Shortly after, Tivvy had another chance to break the deadlock when Russell Jee found some space in the area, before seeing his rasping drive cannon back off the Chesham crossbar.

"We started ever so well," said Vinnicombe. "It makes things seem even more frustrating when you know things could have been different if we'd have taken our chances."

But that was as close as it got for Tiverton, as the hosts gradually got on top. First Talbot slotted home the penalty and then Fanibuyan notched as Vinnicombe's blood pressure rose.

And, despite making a number of changes in the second half, with the former Exeter City left-back himself making way and the Yellows adopting a 3-4-3 formation, there was no way back as United took advantage of Tivvy's capitulation at the back to make the scoreline even more emphatic.

Vinnicombe "I don't know whether it was a lack of confidence but we lost a bit of organisation towards the end.

"The players are possibly feeling the pressure a bit.

"I'm happy to give them a chance though. They are young lads and they are perhaps a bit naive at times, but that will change with time.

"We have to keep going and keep trying to do the right things. Hopefully we'll get a bit of luck on our side soon too. We have to be more ruthless as well, though, because you can't turn up and expect to win games without scoring the chances you get.

"I don't know whether nerves crept in or what but we need to put it out of our minds.

"Just because we have suffered a couple of bad results doesn't make us a bad side.

"We know what we can do well and we have to concentrate on regaining our focus."

Tiverton Town: Draper, Carpenter (Coppard), Martin, Gardner, Vinnicombe (Mortimer), Ellis, Jee, Steele (Sampson), Alex Faux, Bushin, Densham

Antony is back on stage 70 years later

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

FOR what, by his own count, was the 251st time, actor Antony Holland took on the role of ailing sociology professor Morrie Schwartz when he appeared in Tiverton last week.

Despite its bank holiday afternoon scheduling in a community centre not used to staging theatre, this was a big occasion for Tiverton as it marked Antony's first professional appearance in the town for almost 70 years.

Since leaving Britain, Antony has forged a distinguished acting career in Canada, appearing in more than 100 films, countless TV shows and receiving four Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Now aged 90, Antony continues to perform, and the role with which he has become most associated in latter years is a demanding one; a dialogue-heavy two-hander that even features a spot of dancing.

Tuesdays with Morrie tells the story of Mitch, who visits his old college professor Morrie during the last months of the older man's life as Lou Gehrig's Disease takes its toll.

It is based on the true story of author Mitch Albom — a successful American sportswriter and broadcaster — who learns there is more to life that material success.

The performance at Sunningmead Community Centre in Tiverton on Monday, August 30, was part of a double bill of theatre. It was followed by a performance of Jake's Gift, an acclaimed drama about a Normandy veteran's friendship with a young girl. The play was written by and stars Julia Mackey, the partner of Dirk Van Stralen, who played the role of Mitch alongside Holland.

After receiving a round of applause before the performance had even begun, Antony told the audience, the last time he had performed in Tiverton he had been 19 at the time. Antony said he had debated whether to plan another visit to England, but was delighted his hometown of Tiverton was the venue as the play was being performed "for the first time that I know of" in the UK.

The play was presented by Antony's own No Bells & Whistles Theatre Company, a name which reflected its founders belief in a minimalist style without elaborate stage setting or big production values. He said: "If the writing is strong, if the story is strong, if the actors are strong, you don't need all the other stuff."

Antony said he had been playing the role of Morrie on and off for around five years. He said: "A director asked me if I could play the part. I hadn't heard of it, but I went away and read the book, and knew it was something I could do.

"I get to spend most of the play sitting in a wheelchair while the younger actor does all the moving around."

Anthony said the play seemed to translate well for a British audience. He said: "The audience was unprepared for what the play would be, but they responded well to it, as Canadians audiences have."

His last performance in Tiverton, Antony recalled, had come at a time of great upheaval. He said; "I went away to drama school in London but that folded because of the outbreak of the Second World War, and so I came back to Tiverton.

"While I was waiting for my call up I decided to form a drama company and we did a production of Night Must Fall."

Antony said he had gone to drama school at night, while during the day he was employed as a secretarial typist to pay for his classes.

During the rest of his visit, Antony hopes to travel to London to immerse himself in theatre and hopes to meet up with some old friends.

A couple of former pupils from his post-war days as vice principal at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School came along from Cornwall and Dorset, to see the production in Tiverton.

Residents afraid of losing homes

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

ANXIOUS elderly residents in Hemyock feared they would be forced from their homes under changes planned by a Devon housing firm.

Westcountry Housing is struggling to fill sheltered accommodation at Old School Court and is considering the scheme's future.

Tenants were assured they will not be moved on but company officials may look to remarket vacant homes to non-dependent pensioners.

Liz Mackay, 63, said initial correspondence from the firm gave "the impression" residents had to leave.

She said: "They said they wanted to redesignate the building, it won't be sheltered accommodation and therefore we might be better off in a place somewhere else.

"I could move but I am just worried about the other two ladies downstairs who are 92 and 94. This has caused a lot of anxiety."

Friend Meg Paramore, who works for the Citizen's Advice Bureau, Tiverton, said people have come up with "conspiracy theories" as a result of the wording of letters from the firm.

"I did wonder if they had another agenda," she said.

Kay Rowlinson, Westcountry's neighbourhoods manager, said in a letter on Tuesday, August 24, that residents could remain in their homes for the "time being" but the company is of the opinion Old School Court is "unfit for purpose" and will no longer be classified as sheltered accommodation.

However, managing director Karen Ayling said at a meeting in Hemyock Parish Hall on Thursday that residents would not be moved unwillingly.

She said: "But the issue we have got when trying to let the scheme is that it is not as attractive to people over 65 as more purpose-built accommodation would be elsewhere.

"I must say there is always the element of rumour and sometimes a whipping up of views when you have potential change, but that is just natural."

Five out of eight sheltered flats are occupied and residents have access to two support advisers, Gina Veale and Yvette Cottrell, who can provide assistance in an emergency.

Smoke alarms and intercoms are available but Westcountry representatives said the scheme's remote location has made it "unattractive" for potential tenants.

Tony Sharland, head of asset management for Westcountry Housing, said: "The whole point is about the sustainability of Old School Court and the purpose of this meeting is to address the difficulties in reletting the properties as we can't have a building standing half empty."

Residents criticised the way the firm had been marketing the flats and that replacing the rotten windows was long overdue.

Louis Brooks, from Willand, who attended the meeting with his 94-year-old mother Hannah, said: "My mum lives in a ground-floor flat and the windows are in a bad state. To get people interested, you need to make it look nicer and you need to look at how you go forward."

Mrs Ayling said those who wish to live with added security may continue to do so but the remaining properties may be given over as 'retirement flats'. She said it would be difficult to decide who should be accommodated on the first or second floors and that a possible "lifestyle clash" should be considered when re-allocating the empty flats.

She said: "These units have proved very hard to let and when we have let them it has been to a person who, in an ideal world, would prefer to move to an old people's bungalow so Old School Court was the last offer they had.

"What we might have to look at is perhaps putting an age bar on the property as I don't think it is appropriate to let them to single young people."

Fears over plans for new homes in lane

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

INCREASING the number of homes in a narrow Cullompton street will result in injury if access for emergency services is compromised.

This is a warning from Shortlands Lane resident Mike Macilroy who said only one fire engine could reach a garage which was reduced to ashes six years ago.

He was evacuated from his home by police for around four hours while 50 fire fighters tackled a blaze at Continental Cars Specialists in December 2004.

Mr Macilroy claims several appliances had to tackle the flames from Fore Street because the lane itself is "not fit for traffic".

Mr Macilroy, who objects to plans for three new houses near his home, said: "The police evacuated us as there were gas bottles and everything else going off. The fire was huge, I took pictures and the flames were way above my house.

"Fore Street was closed as that is where they had to fight the fire from as they couldn't get more than one appliance down here — Shortlands Lane is not fit for traffic."

He says the development of ten flats and two houses on land behind his home was granted permission in August 2008 and he is concerned traffic issues will be exacerbated if Mid Devon District Council accepts proposals for three three-bedroom houses, garages and parking spaces tomorrow afternoon.

He claims both the police and the fire service have "not been asked for any input" by planning officers in respect of the scheme which will be discussed at Tiverton Town Hall tomorrow following concerns raised over access and visibility, whether the site will become overdeveloped or lead to a possible increase in traffic at nearby New Street.

Councillor Mike Thompson said the lane has now become a "rat run" for numerous types of vehicles since a bollard was removed at the top of the lane around 25 years ago.

He said the development of new houses and flats, which could see an increase of up to 30 people living in the area, would increase traffic movements, congestion and refuse collections.

"Building more houses and flats there will increase traffic and danger. If there is a fire in the middle of all of those houses and you can't get to it, sooner or later somebody will get hurt," he said.

Mid Devon District Council said they will recommend acceptance for the three new houses providing an agreement is reached with the developer that £3,591 is provided to improve public spaces in the town.

The highways authority, Devon County Council, says access roads to the site are at "full capacity due to their poor width and inadequate junctions but it has no objections with the development because the sale of vehicles at the site is likely to cease and the traffic generated by the new homes would be more appropriate for a residential area".

Jenny Clifford, planning officer for Mid Devon District Council, said road safety, traffic generation and emergency services access have been taken into account by the Highway Authority, therefore "negating the need to consult the emergency services directly".

She said: "The Highway Authority is fully aware of the location of the site in relation to its surroundings and no longer has any objections to the plans."

The application was deferred at a meeting of the planning committee on August 4 for a site visit by councillors and a highways representative so issues relating to the site could be discussed.

Backing for new council housing

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

COUNCIL houses could be built in Tiverton for the first time in 14 years, after Mid Devon councillors last week gave agreement in principle to restarting home building in the district.

Mid Devon District Council has identified two sites in Tiverton that it says are under-used and suitable for development which could provide for as many as 25 new affordable homes. The council would need to borrow to fund the developments but says plans are still at an early stage with no firm timetable for when new buildings would be delivered.

The authority has not built council houses since 1996 but has instead supported and encouraged housing associations to provide new affordable homes.

A report presented to members of the council's executive last week, argued for a change of direction: "We have seen some encouragement for the return of councils into the field of house building under the last Government and monies were made available to support council house building.

"Government support for these schemes via the Homes and Committees Agency has been withdrawn recently and there remains uncertainty about future levels of support for building affordable homes."

Potential plots of land which the council has identified for development include an area of run-down garages at Round Hill, Cotteylands, with the potential for 21 homes, and at Watery Lane where there is room for a further four homes.

The council has also identified a site at Fir Close in Willand which could deliver five more.

The council says initial site investigations have been made and ideas have been put forward. Its report states: "Planning applications should now be submitted to confirm the development potential and enable the council to decide the most appropriate course of action with each site."

The council report explores a range of option as how best to develop surplus land, which could include: selling it on the open market, a partnership with developers, increasing social housing in conjunction with a housing association or borrowing funds to develop the land and repaying the loan from rents.

Members of the council's executive meeting in Tiverton last Thursday approved in principle supporting redevelopment of land for affordable homes for rent.

Councillor Alan Griffiths, who represents the Cotteylands area, said: "Provision of social housing is absolutely essential and I think this is a good idea in principle.

"The one concern I have is that if housing is put on the site of garages, we need to build adequate parking spaces associated with that new housing, so we don't create increased congestion on the roads in Lower Cotteylands."

The council report acknowledges: "There will be some costs incurred in officer time and external expertise in bringing outline development ideas to fruition and achieving planning permission for any site."

It stresses a "robust business case for any individual development" will have to be made in order for it to gain approval.

Councillors at the executive meeting were told that ward members would have the opportunity to put forward other sites within their area which they felt might be suitable for development, which could then also be considered by the council.

Leader of the council Councillor Peter Hare-Scott said: "There is a chronic housing shortage and if we can help in some way I think we should proceed with this initiative, provided of course, that the numbers stack up."

Jo Turner, housing adviser with the Churches Housing Action Team, said: "Any addition to the housing stock within the town is to be welcomed and we applaud Mid Devon for this move.

Valley bypass route is dropped

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

CAMPAIGNERS hoping that planning inspectors would change the development plans for Crediton, including the link road and Pedlerspool site, have been disappointed.

Inspectors Brian Sims and David Hogger have found Mid Devon District Council's (MDDC) Allocations and Infrastructure Development Plan Document (DPD), which sets out sites for development in the district up to 2026, to be sound, subject to some minor changes.

They gave the go-ahead to the link road between the A377 and Lord's Meadow Industrial Estate to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

They supported Devon County Council's preference for the £7.75 million hillside route, as there was no issue regarding flood risk, minimal impact on existing residents, a direct route and a high benefit to cost ratio.

Their report said the route was the most satisfactory and its visual impact was outweighed by the benefits it would bring.

Crediton Traffic Action Group (CTAG) had campaigned for the valley route, which could be extended into a bypass in future. But the inspectors wrote: "This is not an aspiration of Devon County Council and there is no evidence that such a proposal would ever be delivered. It would therefore be inappropriate to include it as a proposal in the DPD."

CTAG member Graham Pearcey said: "Local people, including specialists, are utterly convinced the valley route is the sole solution for the long-term requirements of the town and surrounding area."

The inspectors accepted the deletion of the protected route for a town bypass and said this would "remove a major constraint" from the Pedlerspool site.

The county council resolved in March to abandon the route for reasons including cost, lack of need and environmental impact. MDDC in turn proposed to delete it from the DPD. People argued that this decision was flawed and that councillors were misinformed.

The inspectors said: "It is evident that there is now no significant prospect of the bypass being implemented and the safeguarding provisions of [the policy] can no longer be justified."

CTAG chairman Bob Edwards said the group was extremely disappointed by this.

"We had a chance to do something really positive about the abysmal road infrastructure in and around Crediton," he said.

"Instead we are stuck with a half-baked solution. It might take a few vehicles off Exeter Road, but everybody knows it will have little real effect on the traffic problems and air pollution that have bugged Crediton for decades."

Crediton Town Council chairman Frank Letch said: "I think we're all sad at the loss of the bypass. We were worried there would also be the possibility of developing that land for building, and most people in Crediton are against that."

The inspectors approved land for homes, including affordable homes, in Crediton, Bow, Copplestone, Morchard Bishop and Sandford, and the allocation of new employment land at Wellparks, Exeter Road, and in Bow.

Representations seeking the allocation of different land to that in the plan were not supported. In Crediton, these were west of Wellparks, at Higher Road, Landscore, Fordton and Chapel Downs.

The Creedy Valley Protection Group had hoped Pedlerspool, a greenfield site straddling Pedlerspool Lane on the edge of Crediton, would be removed from the plan, where it was at third contingency level. But the inspectors recommended the removal of the order of priority for the release of contingency sites.

MDDC councillor Richard Chesterton, portfolio holder for planning and economic development, said he was delighted that the DPD had been accepted.

The report is available to view at www.middevon.gov.uk.

Osmond hits a double as Thors get title defence off to fine start

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

PREMIER Division champions Thorverton got the league start they wanted as they beat newly-promoted Seaton Town 3-2 on Saturday.

Joint managers Wayne Radford and Ian Harris were delighted with the win, with Darren Osmond scoring twice and Simon Gregory once.

Willand Rovers reserves made a blistering start, beating Exmouth Amateurs 3-0. Barry Stansford had the first goal before Andrews and skipper Rob Buxton struck to put Rovers out of sight.

Cullompton Rangers' bid to regain Premier status got off to a good start as they beat Honiton Town 3-1 in Division One.

Jamie Cottrell scored twice and manager Matthew Scott came off the bench to get the third.

Morchard Bishop drew 0-0 against Witheridge reserves. Witheridge were pleased with a point as they were without a manager after Mark Vellacott stepped down last week. Darryl Hancock and Nigel Raybould have taken over in the meantime.

Westexe Rovers beat Colyton 2-1 in their Division Two clash, which was an excellent start for manager Matt Davey.

Uplowman Athletic and Culm United drew their derby opener 2-2. Oran Trump and an own goal provided the Uplowman strikes, while Bradley Newberry and Billy Ware scored for Culm.

Sandford manager Dean Pidgeon was one of the scorers in their 2-1 win against Crescent in Division Three after coming from behind to rescue the game. Nigel Harris got the winner after Pidgeon struck the equaliser.

Bampton were beaten 1-0 by Offwell Rangers.

Division Four side Kentisbeare beat Lapford 2-0, Kai Smith scoring both.

Bickleigh reserves grabbed a 1-1 draw against Crediton United reserves. Hemyock drew 0-0 at Newtown.

Newton St Cyres came from 3-1 down at half-time to beat Colaton Raleigh 6-4. Thorverton reserves lost 1-0 at Seaton.

Sampford Peverell came from two goals down to beat Woodbury 3-2 in their Division Five opener. Woodbury were two up inside 15 minutes, but a Paul Hawkins brace and a Steve Hayfield penalty turned it around. Sampford's keeper also saved a penalty.

Cullompton thirds won 2-0 against Broadclyst reserves thanks to goals from James Smith and Chris Foreman.

Westexe reserves were twice behind against Lord's XI but recovered to take a 2-2 draw.

Culm reserves won their Division Six derby meeting with Uplowman 1-0, with Graham Bowles scoring the only goal.

Cheriton Fitzpaine drew 2-2 with Chagford reserves thanks to goals from Kevin Payne and Chris Acton. Bampton suffered an opening day nightmare, losing 5-2 to Clyst Valley and it was even worse for Silverton, who were flattened 6-0 by Awliscombe.

Amory Park Rangers beat Amory Argyle 4-2 in Division Seven. Rangers' Tom Williams struck a hat-trick and manager Luke Veale got the other goal.

Argyle struck a couple of consolation goals through Scott Butler and Julian Sim.

Bow AAC reserves beat Fivestar Security 3-1 despite having a man sent off. Jamie Jackman, a Brian Leach penalty and Will Hawkins shared the Bow goals.

Bradninch lost 3-1 at North Tawton reserves. Chris Hawkins was the Bradninch scorer.

Newton St Cyres lost 5-1 at Hemyock, Alex Baird netted four goals and Mark Symons getting their other.

Mid Devon teams struggled in Division Eight. Lapford were battered 5-0 by Lympstone, Cheriton Fitzpaine were crushed 6-1 at Topsham Town, while Morchard Bishop lost 3-1 at Tipton St John.

Tis hails Ryan's determination to become a true team player

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

EXETER City boss Paul Tisdale believes playmaker Ryan Harley is reaping the benefits of his new found unselfishness.

The former Bristol City trainee has rocketed to the top of the club's goalscoring charts following a prolific start to the season, which has seen Harley score five times in as many appearances.

And Tisdale believes the Grecians midfielder's early form can be attributed in part to the 25-year-old's desire to become more of a team player.

The St James's Park manager said: "Ryan's coming on really quick — he's not just the talented passing player everyone knows him to be, he is also supremely fit, he makes good decisions and selfless runs.

"He's a convert. He's with us now. It's not just his passing play, he allows others to get on the ball, he's scoring goals and he's a heck of a threat and not only in the moments he wants to be. He's a real hard worker and he's really progressing.

"He is with us in mind and body. He's a convert to what we are asking him to do, he's 100 per cent committed and isn't half a good player.

"Ryan knows he needs to score goals and be a threat. He's doing that and I hope that continues."

Harley has scored at least once in every game that he has featured in so far this term, apart from the 3-0 defeat to Leyton Orient last month.

Two stunning strikes against Ipswich Town in the Carling Cup and a long-range free-kick against Yeovil Town were textbook examples of the ability and flair he brings to the City side. But he has also been working his socks off for the team throughout matches and Harley admitted he was pleased to hear his graft had won praise from the manager.

"I would say so — it's nice for someone to see it at last," Harley joked.

"I do come across as laid back but I like to think I put in as much running as anyone else, apart from Dunnie (James Dunne).

"I do work hard for the team and, as long as the manager sees it, that's all that matters to me.

"It's always nice to start seasons well. I think I generally start seasons well, but not as well as I have this year. That' s five goals for the season now so I'm very happy."

Tisdale has also been impressed with how the Grecians' supporters have been performing in recent weeks.

Hundreds of City fans travelled to Yeovil last week to cheer their side on in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory and there was another big crowd for the home clash with Charlton last weekend.

Supporters face a long trip to Hartlepool United this Saturday as the Grecians take on their npower League One rivals at the Victoria Ground.

But Tisdale is optimistic he will see plenty of familiar faces in the North East.

He said: "The supporters followed us up there (Hartlepool) in their hundreds last year, although it was the penultimate game of the season and a hugely important one.

"They are performing well, were brilliant on Saturday and came out in their numbers on Tuesday. They are in top form and pleased with the way we are playing, so the team's happy."

Nice weather for duck racing at village open day

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

FANTASTIC weather and a wider range of activities and entertainment helped to make the Bampton Open Day the best in years.

Bampton town councillor Lucie Moore, who co-organised the event, said it was an opportunity for local groups and charities to raise funds.

But money raised for the "central pot" would be spent on refurbishing the well-used children's playground near the Station Road car park.

"We had some funding but we needed £30,000 for the playground overhaul and we were £10,000 short," said Miss Moore. "The money will be spent on resurfacing and some new equipment."

Miss Moore, who has been involved with the annual open day for four years, said this year's event, on bank holiday Monday, had been the best.

"It was a bright, beautiful day and there was more going on," said Miss Moore. "It was well supported by local people and we had people, including holidaymakers, coming from all over the place too. There was a good atmosphere."

She hoped that more businesses would get involved next year, as quite a few were not open and missed out on the crowds.

The Quarrymans Rest was certainly not one of those. The pub held a popular mini beer festival as well as a hog roast and barbecue.

Landlord Paul Berry also helped to organise the Quarrymans Trail, a 10km run.

Mr Berry said: "It's quite tough, but 70 to 80 people competed in it.

"The whole open day was hugely successful. Bampton seemed incredibly busy and quite a lot of money was raised."

The Rotary Club organised a duck race and second-hand book fair which is understood to have generated about £700.

There was music and dancing at the Riverside Hall, with performances by the Tiverton Majorettes and The Doones among others. The performing acts donated their time and helped the hall to raise £600.

The producers' market and café raised £500 and a car boot sale made £120. The Blue Cross ran a dog show which made £250.

The bell ringers organised teddy bear parachute jumping off the church. The total amount raised through all the activities has not yet been confirmed.

Local framework 'a missed chance'

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

WORK to bring forward new housing and employment sites has been approved but one local landowner warns the scheme represents a missed opportunity.

Mid Devon's allocations and infrastructure development plan document, which sets out a framework for development in the district up to 2026, was endorsed by planning inspectors last week.

Landowner David Disney had contended his holding at Jersey Farm near junction 27 of the M5 could be brought forward for development quicker than the council's preferred option of an Eastern urban expansion.

The Jersey Farm site was recommended for allocation in the previous local plan but the Secretary of State directed its deletion on grounds that its location east of M5 junction 27 was unsustainable on national policy.

Although the inspector acknowledged the circumstances had changed in that planning permission now existed for an improved roadside service area, employment floor space had already been provided at Swallow Court.

The council's own corporate plan had also been updated to strengthen support for economic development, and the inspector judged this was insufficient to justify changing the plan to incorporate the scheme.

Mr Disney said: "Along with another landowner, we challenged the timeframe for delivery, and the lack of available employment land for Tiverton and the villages surrounding junction 27.

"We know the infrastructure cost to bring forward J27 will be in the order of £2million whereas the eastern extension was quoted at the enquiry to have up front costs in excess of £25million.

"J27 land is immediately available. However, it's likely Tiverton will see no real employment land brought forward for more than 10 years. The Tiverton landowners have not been approached nor a developer found."

Mr Disney said he had not been surprised by the decision taken by the inspectors, but questioned the vision which the area's councillors had for employment opportunities for Tiverton and the rest of Mid Devon.

Councillor Richard Chesterton, portfolio holder for planning and economic development, said: "It is great news for Mid Devon that after years of work on the local development framework, the plan has been accepted.

"One of the benefits of this is that — although the Junction 27 site is not allocated for development — various new sites will become available for businesses, which will help create new local jobs.

"We look forward to working with various partners to bring about the necessary infrastructure across Mid Devon."

The council received a letter last week in which the inspector confirmed he had found the plan to be sound, subject to some minor changes.

Specific findings of the inspector's include:

● Land for homes (including affordable homes) in Tiverton and Bampton, and allocation of new employment land at the eastern urban extension of Tiverton (sites at Hartnoll Farm, and Devonshire Rise, Tiverton; and South Molton Road, Bampton are not allocated).

● Land for homes (including affordable homes) in both north west Cullompton and the surrounding villages of Culmstock, Kentisbeare and Willand.

● Land for homes (including affordable homes) in both Crediton and the surrounding villages of Bow, Copplestone, Morchard Bishop and Sandford.

● Link road on the hillside route in Crediton to cut traffic congestion.

● Allocation of new employment land at Wellparks, Exeter Road and in Bow.

Ami set to bring burlesque dance moves to town

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

DRAWING on her exotic experiences as a Parisian showgirl, a Tiverton dancer is set to teach a new class aiming to help women in the town increase both their fitness and allure.

Ami Hill, a former student of the Willow Tree Dance Centre in Tiverton, is about to launch two new classes this autumn, including burlesque dancing.

Twenty-six-year-old Ami spent seven months as a dancer in Paris, including perfecting the can-can chorus line.

Ami studied dancing for three years at The Urdang Academy, London, and after graduating, went on to travel the world, dancing professionally in some of the top venues including casinos, theatres, and cabarets.

After seven years globe-trotting, former Castle Primary School and Tiverton High School pupil Ami is now back in Devon and offering classes unlike anything currently on offer in Tiverton.

Ami said the over-16s only burlesque class was aimed at "women in Tiverton who want to gain fitness and co-ordination as well as boosting confidence and sex appeal. Burlesque is a time-honoured art form, one that celebrates the beauty of the female form in all its different shapes and sizes".

She said she hoped to combine her experience gained from dancing in Paris with her knowledge of burlesque dance movements to create what she believes will be a "fun and beneficial class for all women".

Ami said the class would not stretch to teaching the can-can, which took several months of training to master, as one TV presenter found out.

Ami recalls: "When I was in Paris, we were featured on children's TV show Blue Peter when a film crew came to find out more about cabaret and presenter Zoe Salmon had a go at the dance."

Ami's second class will bring 'hip-hop' to Tiverton and is open to all children aged over 11.

Recent dance movies demonstrated how interest in this style of street dancing was growing rapidly. Ami said: "The class will be a fast-paced, high-energy class teaching some of the popular moves as seen in recent films."

She has spent the summer at the Palace Theatre in Paignton alongside The Krankies and Bucks Fizz in The Best Years of Our Lives. Along with fellow former Willow Tree girls Ella Lindley and Dana Cottrell she has been dancing every night as part of the evening of Eighties nostalgia.

In the future she was hoping to concentrate increasingly on teaching. Ami said: "I still hope to do the odd dancing job, but I am looking to go to college to become a fully qualified dance teacher.

"I really enjoy teaching, I just love being able to pass a bit of my experience on to the young people and it is a great feeling to see young people making progress."

Both classes will take place at the Willow Tree Dance Centre in Tiverton High School's art department on a Wednesday evening from September 15 (hip-hop 5-6pm) and (burlesque 7.30-8.30pm).

For details, call Irene Holland on 01884 252629.

24-hour walking relay raises funds for cancer charity

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

THE first ever Relay for Life event to be held in Crediton to raise funds for Cancer Research UK takes place this weekend.

The 24-hour walking relay aims to bring together the community to celebrate the strides being made to beat the disease and raise funds to enable this to continue.

During the event at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre's rugby pitch, team members will take turns to walk or run around a track while the rest of the team, as well as general supporters, enjoy fun activities. These include live music, a quiz, five-a-side football, stalls, face painting and refreshments including a hog roast.

The event runs from 2pm on Saturday, September 11, to 2pm on Sunday, September 12.

Two cancer survivors will open the event. At 10pm on Saturday evening, a Candle of Hope ceremony will be held and the track will be lit up with candles dedicated to a cancer survivor or in remembrance of someone.

Julie Farrell, 46, a legal secretary from Crediton, is among the participants.

She said: "I wanted to do it because it's in Crediton and I had a friend who died of throat cancer recently.

"I wanted to join a team rather than organise one of my own, so I was put in touch with Cheriton Fitzpaine 2nd XI football team who I will be joining for the event."

As a member of Creedy Walkers, Julie is not daunted by the physical challenge.

To help her team raise money, she is selling special glow-in-the-dark keyrings which she made herself from parachute cord.

Clare Thierens, chairman of the event committee, said four teams, each with around ten members, had signed up and there would possibly be a couple more.

"People not in a team are very welcome to come along," she said.

The 20-year-old from Sandford, who is studying events management at Plymouth University, decided to organise the Relay for Life after hearing a Cancer Research UK representative give a talk about the events the charity runs.

"The Relay for Life sounded like something for everyone," said Clare, who has lost members of her family to cancer.

"There was a Relay for Life in Tedburn St Mary in 2008 but there hasn't been one in Crediton and there is a nice community spirit there."

A large group of volunteers will help Clare to ensure the event goes smoothly.

The event's mascot is a giant banana.

"The costume was originally bought on a whim because it was bright and eye-catching," said Clare. "Then it became tied in with promoting healthy living and reducing the risk of getting cancer."

More than £1,500 has been raised for the charity already, which Clare said was good as preparations for the event only started in May.

There is no entrance fee and everyone is encouraged to attend the event. For more information, call 07854 334484, or visit www.cancerresearchuk. org/relay/venues/cred iton.

Is Ben the face behind the Stig on Top Gear?

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

THE face behind the helmet on one of the BBC's top shows may have been revealed after the broadcasting giant lost a legal battle.

The High Court has refused to grant a temporary injunction preventing the revelation of the identity of Top Gear's The Stig.

Legal action was taken by the BBC to block publication by HarperCollins of an autobiography which unmasks the faceless mystery driver, claiming he is bound by a confidentiality agreement.

But after more than a day of legal submissions in private before Mr Justice Morgan in London, lawyers for HarperCollins emerged to say the case had concluded in their favour.

It looks as though the show's tame racing driver grew up in Devon.

Some say that on really warm days, he sheds his skin like a snake, and that for some reason he's allergic to the Dutch.

Ben Collins, 33, formerly of Morchard Bishop and a University of Exeter graduate, may well be The Stig as it is his autobiography at the centre of the row.

Mr Collins was in court for part of the hearing yesterday. He left the University of Exeter in 1996 after studying law before entering Formula 3 racing.

He now works as a stunt driver, and featured in several scenes in the James Bond blockbuster Quantum Of Solace.

Having made some on-screen appearances on Top Gear, which is hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, Ben has long been rumoured to also be the mysterious Stig.

After a serious crash a year ago involving Mr Hammond and a jet-powered dragster, Ben was named as an "adviser" to the show in a Health and Safety Executive report. He also listed work for Top Gear in the financial reports of his company.

On the show, The Stig posts lap times in various cars around the Top Gear test track, and trains celebrity guests to drive at high speeds.

The current Stig is the second in the role. The first, Perry McCarthy, was dropped in 2003 after he also spoke about his role in the show in an autobiography.

A BBC statement said: "Today's judgment does not prevent the BBC from pursuing this matter to trial and the BBC will not be deterred from protecting such information from attack no matter when or by whom it should arise."

HarperCollins said it had chosen to "vigorously defend" its right to publish the book, adding that it was "disappointed that the BBC has chosen to spend licence fee payers' money to suppress this book".

Reacting to the court case, presenter Mr May said: "Obviously I'm now going to have to take some legal action of my own, because I have been The Stig for the past seven years, and I don't know who this bloke is, who's mincing around in the High Court pretending it's him."

Ancient custom to mark gift of water

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

HUNDREDS of Tiverton residents are expected to join walkers to celebrate the gift of water to the town as an age-old custom is enacted this weekend.

The ceremonial Perambulation of the Town Leat — known as Water-Bailing — takes place every seven years.

The event on Saturday commemorates the gift of a stream of water to the town by Countess Isabella of Devon around 750 years ago.

Old posters and photographs in the Tiverton Museum show that the proceedings have altered very little over the years. One poster from 28 years ago shows sports being held for children in a field at the finish of the walk, but otherwise the route remains unchanged.

Proceedings will get under way at 9am when the procession of walkers will leave the Town Hall to walk the six miles to the source of the stream at Norwood Common.

At the head of the procession will be the four 'pioneers' armed with pickaxes and sledgehammers to demolish any obstruction found in the stream. Immediately following the pioneers will be the Bailiff of the Hundred, a role taken up for the sixth time by former councillor and magistrate Brian Homer.

The Bailiff carries an ancient staff of office, but his work starts months earlier, writing to local landowners to get permission for the hordes to be able to cross their land as they follow the leat.

The other important role is that of the Withy-boys who whip the stream with sticks — or withy-wands — and are drawn from Blundell's School and Tiverton High School. And it is not unknown for one or two of the boys to receive a ducking before the long trail is completed.

The order of procession on the day sees the Withy-boys, followed by the police, the town beadle, the Mayor of Tiverton, his fellow councillors and the general public bringing up the rear.

The procession's first stop will be at Coggan's Well in Fore Street, the traditional centre of the town where the stream emerges from underneath the road. Placing his staff in the water, the Bailiff of the Hundred will claim the stream "for ever, for the sole use and benefit and as the right of the inhabitants of the town of Tiverton".

Further proclamations are made at Castle Street, Townsend, Brickhouse Hill, Chettiscombe, the waterworks at Allers and finally at Norwood Common, where a plaque marks the actual source.

Those wishing to take part are advised that the going can get fairly rough and sturdy footwear is recommend. There will be return transport to the town provided from Norwood Common. Refreshments will be available at Chettiscombe with proceeds to charity.