RYDA Newsletter 08/2024
Many of these strange phrases and expressions have their roots firmly established in the rich history of the English people themselves. These ones have Naval roots.
Break the ice; To break off a conflict or commence a friendship.
Back when road transportation was not developed, ships would be the only transportation and means of trade. At times, the ships would get stuck during the winter because of ice formation.
The receiving country would send small ships to “break the ice” to clear a way for the trade ships. This gesture showed affiliation and understanding between two territories.
Cat got your tongue?; Asked to a person who is at loss of words.
The English Navy used to use a whip called “Cat-o’-nine-tails” for flogging. The pain was so severe that it caused the victim to stay quiet for a long time.
Another possible source could be from ancient Egypt, where liars’ and blasphemers’ tongues were cut out and fed to the cats. (What a treat for the cats!)
Turn a blind eye; To ignore situations, facts, or reality.
The British Naval hero, Admiral Horatio Nelson, had one blind eye.
Once when the British forces signalled for him to stop attacking a fleet of Danish ships, he held up a telescope to his blind eye and said, “I do not see the signal.” He attacked, nevertheless, and was victorious.
Feeling Blue; To experience feelings of sadness or melancholy.
If the captain or officer of a ship died while at sea, the crew would fly blue flags and paint a blue band along the ships hull.
Over time, this symbol of grieving was equated with feeling sad or melancholy.
The cut of his Jib; A persons general appearance.
A jib is a type of sail. At one time countries would display their own unique jibs, allowing outsiders to instantly know the ships origin, and form an impression of it by “the cut of its jib”.
Taken aback; Startled or surprised.
The sails of a ship were described as “aback” when the wind blew them flat, or back, against their supporting structures.
It is now the closed season for Scallops in the river during July, August, September, because they are spawning.
Legal shellfish sizes for picking in the River Yealm
Crab hen 140mm
Crab cock 160mm
Scallop 100mm
Lobster 90mm
Winkle 16mm
Mussel 50.8mm
Oyster 57.15mm
Crawfish 228.6mm
Cockle 19.05mm
Razor clams 100mm
Whelk 45 mm
Diving for Crab, lobster and Scallops is prohibited.
Current Bass limit is 2 per day, 381mm minimum length.
Fishing for bass with live sand eel is prohibited in the River Yealm.
Fishing from a boat is prohibited in Kitley waters by Rodney Bastard.
Netting in the River Yealm is illegal.
Yealm Community Electric Water Taxi
The Summer holidays are upon us. The Yealm is getting busier, and the Regatta has started!
People are getting accustomed to seeing the electric water taxi silently gliding up and down the river. Ferrying people to and from their boats, picking up walkers trekking the Southwest coast path or just taking visitors and locals on scenic trips along the stretches of the yealm.
So why not book the taxi, to view the regatta, pop to the pub or Yacht club, to get to your mooring, to walk to the coast path or just for that special family occasion. One of the main benefits of using the taxi is that you can pick it up from various locations, the brook, the hard for instance,
not only the harbour. The drop front enables families with buggies, dogs, wheelchair users and older people to get on board safely. Making the river more accessible for all.
Chief Inspector Miranda Pusey said: “We are lucky enough to be surrounded by some beautiful coastal areas, with many boat ports, marinas and docks across South Devon. But with these locations, it also presents an opportunity for people who are looking to commit crime in our waters and surrounding towns."
“A really effective way to take a stand against coastal crime is through education, which is why we’re reaching out to our communities. We do know that education alone isn’t the answer; so our officers, who are trained to spot the signs of costal crime, will be conducting regular patrols along coastal areas of South Devon
Turning the tides on coastal crime in South Devon
Officers from Devon & Cornwall Police in South Devon are working alongside local communities and other agencies to make people aware of coastal crime, highlighting the signs to look out for and advising on how to report it in a bid to keep people safe. Coastal crime is anything that has an impact on, or happens around, our coasts and borders.
Types of water-based crime include theft, smuggling and criminal damage.
to safeguard and reassure local communities.
We are also working closely with partners, like the harbourmasters, to make sure we have a robust plan in place to make our waters an uncomfortable place for people who are looking to commit crime, deterring them from both land and sea.”
Some of the common things to look out for, which may be a sign of criminal or terrorist activity on our waters, include:
- avoiding answering common boating questions, deliberately avoiding contact with other people, or drawing attention to themselves
- putting objects into the water near bridges, pipes, or infrastructure
- making large cash payments, or asking for daily extensions of marina or port mooring
- buying or transporting unusual equipment, chemicals, uniforms, or identification
- making attempts to signal or guide boats offshore.
Other possible signs to look out for can include:
- unusual vessels in a marina, or someone who seems to be testing the security of a marina or restricted area to see if they’re challenged
- suspicious charter vessels or rental boats
- vehicles parked in isolated places along waterways
- boats unloading people who look scared or suspicious
- boats unloading packages
Chief Inspector Pusey continued: “It’s important that if you see something that doesn’t look or feel right that you report it. Your information might help us stop an offence from taking place and prevent people from becoming victims of crime. Over summer, we see an increase of holiday-makers visiting our villages, so by working together, we can all play an essential part in keeping everyone safe.”
If you suspect a possible coastal crime taking place, call the Coastal Crime Line on 0800 011 3304 and quote 'Project Kraken'. Project Kraken is a national initiative which aims to raise awareness of terrorism and criminal or suspicious activity around our coasts. To read more, visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website.
If you suspect possible terrorist activity taking place make sure to report it online, or on the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321, or if you suspect an immediate danger, move away and call 999.
Or you can report your information online with 100% anonymity by filling out a form on the Crimestoppers website, or by calling 0800 011 3304 for free.
Planning
Nothing of note this month
The appeal against refusal for a Boat shed and Quay at 71 Yealm Road, reference 2928/22/FUL, has been dismissed, (link to SHDC: https://southhams.planning-register.co.uk/Planning/Display/2928/22/FUL).
Appeals for the following are awaiting a decision:
46, The Fairway, Newton Ferrers, PL8 1DP
Change of use of garage from incidental use to multi-purpose ancillary use, including as overspill family & self contained guest accommodation, including for short term holiday letting.
Briar Hill Farm, Court Road, Newton Ferrers, PL8 1AR
Extension to existing holiday park comprising construction of ten holiday lodges and associated drive access, parking and landscaping (including new native tree and shrub planting, creation of new extensive wildflower meadow and related biodiversity enhancements) together with provision of two new publicly accessible electric vehicle fast charging points, addition of solar panels to existing outbuilding and re-siting of gas tanks.
101, Yealm Road, Newton Ferrers, PL8 1BL
READVERTISEMENT (amended plans & supporting documents) Demolition of 2two-storey detached buildings & associated garage. Erection of 2no.four bed family homes and extension of an existing quay to the east of the site to provide a new landing ramp for dwelling 2.
Whats On?
Regatta – details in the regatta program including the fireworks on 3rd August.
The Friday Digital Drop-ins are having a break during August
Fri, 2 Aug At 10:30 Tots & Toddlers Rockpool Safari at Wembury Marine Centre.
Sat, 3 Aug At 08:30 Sea Watch Saturday! at Wembury Marine Centre.
Sat, 3 Aug At 10:00 Snorkel Safari at Wembury Marine Centre.
Sun, 4 Aug At 12:00 Rockpool Safari at Wembury Marine Centre.
6th August Parish Council Surgery in the Post office 10.30
6th August, Tuesday Lunch Club 12.00 noon. £6 for 2 courses plus tea or coffee. Newton Ferrers Community Hall. Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442) New members welcome.
Wed, 7 Aug At 13:00 Snorkel Safari at Wembury Marine Centre.
Thurs, 8 Aug At 14:00 Rockpool Safari at Wembury Marine Centre.
9th August 7.00pm Holbeton Film Club are showing “One Life”.
The story of London broker Nicholas "Nicky" Winton helps rescue hundreds of predominantly Jewish children from Czechoslovakia in a race against time before the Nazi occupation closes the borders.
Fifty years later, he's still haunted by the fate of those he wasn't able to bring to safety.
Sun, 18 Aug At 22:00 Night-Time Rockpool Safari at Wembury Marine Centre.
20th August WI Presidents tea Party (Members only) 2pm
22nd August NO Thursday Lunch Club this month
Thurs, 22 & Fri 23rd Aug At 13:00 Extreme Rockpool Safari at Wembury Marine Centre.
24th August 10.00-5pm & 25th August 10.00 – 4pm RNLI art Sale WIC hall
26th August St Peter’s Village Fete
30th August NO Parchment group this month
Save the Date
Sun, 1 Sep At 22:00 Night-Time Rockpool Safari at Wembury Marine Centre.
Wed, 4 Sep At 12:00 Adults Snorkel Safari at Wembury Marine Centre.
12th September Parish Council Meeting 7.00pm
13th September DIgital Drop in WIC Hall
14th September Holbeton Film Club "Wicked Little Letters" 7.00pm £4
17th September WI meeting Talk by Mike Griffiths with a remarkable story of Second World War espionage with a semi local connection.
24th September Yealm Garden Society “Camelias” Jim Stephens WIC hall 7.30
26th September 12.15 Thursday Lunch Club Newton & Noss village Hall. (The tide will be high.) £6 for a two-course meal plus tea or coffee. Please contact mrandmrsbarnett@gmail.com Allergies can be catered for, also vegetarian option available. New members welcome.
