RYDA Newsletter 01/2024
Any visitor overhearing a conversation between two native speaking Englishmen or women could be excused for wearing a strange quizzical expression on their faces as they attempt to interpret the words that they have just heard …“I’m told he’s just got the sack for being a Peeping Tom, but then I’ve always said he’s as mad as a hatter.”
Many of these strange phrases and expressions have their roots firmly established in the rich history of the English people themselves.
Get the sack – thought to originate from when an employer would hand a sack to an unwanted tradesman. The sack would have been used to by the tradesman to load his tools into as he subsequently left to search for a new job.
As Mad as a Hatter – The Mad Hatter is of course a fictional character immortalised by Lewis Carroll in his famous Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The phrase however is believed to originate from the Leicestershire area of the East Midlands of England. In a more fashion conscience age, Leicester was a renowned manufacturing centre for the hat industry and the expression derives from an early industrial disease. In the poorly ventilated workshops of the 1800’s it was impossible for hat makers to avoid inhaling the fumes from the mercury used in the felt curing process. Over time this heavy metal accumulated in the body, gradually affecting both kidney and brain. Still known today as ‘Mad Hatters Syndrome’, typical symptoms of mercury poisoning include trembling or ‘hatter’s shakes’, loosening of the teeth, distorted vision, slurred and confused speech, memory loss, depression and hallucinations.
Peeping Tom – So who was this famous voyeur named Tom? According to legend, it appears that Tom lived in the English Midlands city of Coventry around the 1040’s. He is associated with the legend of Lady Godiva, and her naked ride through the streets of Coventry, in an attempt to convince her Anglo-Saxon husband Leofric, Earl of Mercia, to reduce the harsh taxes he had imposed on the town’s poor. In her support, the townsfolk had all agreed to avert their eyes as Godiva passed by, all that is apart from Tom, who apparently couldn’t resist just one little peep!
Sweet Fanny Adams, or nothing, poses the obvious questions …Who was Fanny Adams, and was she really that sweet? Fanny Adams was in fact the eight-year-old victim of a particularly vicious murder close to the small market town of Alton in Hampshire, England in August 1867. Her dismembered body was found in a nearby field. Newspaper headlines of the day concentrated on the innocence of her youth and such was the coverage that all in England would have known about ‘sweet’ Fanny Adams. It appears that it was some several years later that the expression sweet Fanny Adams was used perhaps in an attempt to clean up the alternative version, that of sweet F.A.
To Let your hair down; The origin of the phrase let your hair down dates back to the 17th century. During this period, women in the upper classes wore their hair in extremely elaborate hairdos, replete with feathers or flowers and towering two feet and more in height. Naturally, in the bed chamber, caps and hats (as well as other garments) were removed. It was a time for wanton behaviour and abandonment – but only in the bedroom, and in private.
Hence, letting one's hair down was a practical as well as a symbolic thing. During the 1600s, this was called dishevelling, or wearing one’s hair in a more natural or even messy manner. The idea of literally letting one’s hair down persisted into the early 1900s, as women continued to grow their hair long and pin it up in public. This changed in the 1920s when women began to bob their hair.
Steal My Thunder– In the early 1700’s the literary critic and playwright John Dennis developed a new technique which could be used to simulate the sound of thunder in theatrical productions. He later employed the technique in one of his own plays, ‘Appius and Virginia’. Whilst the sound of thunder appears to have lived up to expectation, the play unfortunately did not and was promptly closed. Some months later whilst watching a production of Macbeth, Dennis recognised to his horror that his new technique of making thunder had been, let us say ‘incorporated’. Jumping to his feet he exclaimed to the audience “They will not let my play run, but they steal my thunder”.
SusSH South Hams District Council is supporting the work of Sustainable South Hams (SusSH) in fighting climate and nature change across the district.
SusSH was formed to connect, support and inspire sustainability projects across the South Hams. The organisation shares vital knowledge with parishes and community groups to support on the ground climate action projects, so that meaningful and positive change happens faster.
Wembury, Yealmpton, Newton & Noss and Holbeton Parish Councils have declared a climate and nature emergency. To view their proposals visit https://www.sussh.org/about go to “your area” and click on Newton & Noss on the map. The panel on the left tells you what your parish council has planned.
Pothole Gang update
The Parish Council has now signed up to Devon County Council’s Road Warden Scheme. As part of this a pothole gang is being set up to repair the smaller potholes which don’t meet the DCC requirements for repair.
They have had a great response to their call for willing volunteers to make up a couple of teams to venture out once a month for 3 hours on a Saturday morning. Do get in touch if you are interested, as the more volunteers the better.
Please contact: mattrogers01@gmail.com or the Parish Council Clerk.
I thought we would turn the clocks back and have a look at our village’s years ago
Here are the first few:
Fore Street, Holbeton
Noss Mayo circa 1950
Wembury Lido circa 1930
Brixton Road Railway Station
Yealm Hotel, Newton Ferrers
Plymouth Road, Yealmpton
The thing that stands out for me is the increased development, everywhere.
If you are on Facebook and are interested in local history, there are 2 sites that are of interest.
South Hams History Forum https://www.facebook.com/groups/205638326210169
Yealm Memories https://www.facebook.com/groups/930250520749749
NOTICE TO RYHA MOORING HOLDERS
RIVER YEALM HARBOUR AUTHORITY
ELECTION OF MOORING HOLDER REPRESENTATIVES (2024)
An election is due to be held to elect 3 Mooring Holder Representatives to the Authority for the ensuing three years commencing 1st March 2024.
The Representatives due to retire are eligible for re-election. Each holder of a current mooring licence may nominate up to 3 persons. Nominations, stating both the proposer’s and the candidate’s names, and confirming that the nominee(s) is/are willing to stand, should be sent to the Clerk to the Authority, Harbour Office, Yealm Road, Newton Ferrers, PL8 1BN not later that 12th January 2024.
A meeting of authorised holders of mooring licences will be held on Tuesday 6th February 2024 in the WI Hall, Newton Ferrers when a ballot of the persons attending the meeting will take place from 18.00 to 20.00, and the names of those elected announced.
Planning
This is the latest e mail recieved from AK regarding the Paint Laboratory.
Dear all
We wanted to share the latest status regarding the proposed voluntary remediation activity relating to the foreshore sediment at our former paint development site in Newton Ferrers.
In October, we submitted a Marine Licence Application (MLA) to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). At present, itis our understanding that the consultation period for our MLA (case reference MLA/2023/00454) will commence thismonth, at which point it will be published on the MMO’s Public Register. We will let this group know once the MLA is listed. Our MMO Case Manager has indicated that the consultation period for similar MLAs is typically four to six weeks and that the best case scenario for issuing a marine licence is currently the middle of February. Once we have received the final marine licence, we have to factor in a notice period of at least two weeks for the specialist remediation contractor and, depending on weather conditions, an additional eight weeks until completion.
We have been in contact with the River Yealm Harbour Master and understand that remediation activity should take place outside of peak season. The Harbour Master has advised that due to Easter weekend falling early next year, remediation works would need to be completed by March 28, 2024. Unfortunately, this means carrying out the works in Q1 next year is not going to be possible.
We anticipate that remediation activity will take place in Q4 2024/Q1 2025. The Harbour Master has indicated the earliest works could commence is November 4, 2024, following the October half-term.
We would still like to share further details on our remediation plans at an open community meeting in the village but now propose this is scheduled to take place after the licence and approvals have been granted by the MMO. We are therefore tentatively suggesting the open community meeting takes place in March/April 2024.
We will produce another written update for local residents to keep them updated on the latest situation, aiming to feature it in one of the community newsletters once the MLA is finalised. We will liaise directly with the Parish Council to make the necessary arrangements.
Finally, we have received a number of emails regarding our remediation plans from local stakeholders, including organisations on this distribution list. We have reviewed those queries and recommendations and will respond presently.
Kind regards,
The International Paint Limited Newton Ferrers remediation project team
Newton Downs Farm, Newton Ferrers, PL8 1JA
Application Number 3746/23/PAA
Prior Approval Application for proposed extension of an agricultural building measuring 14m x 23m to extend existing agricultural building, with adjoining open fronted steel portal lean-to measuring 11.7m x 23m to extend existing building following planning application 2713/23/AGR
7, Riverside Road East, Newton Ferrers, PL8 1AE
Application Number 3761/23/NMM
Non-material minor amendment to planning consent 1761/23/FUL to extend the front line of the garden studio forward by 450mm and remove the glazing shown on the east side elevation
Membland Court, Membland, Newton Ferrers
Application Number 3178/23/TPO
Please see Tree Survey for detailed information on tree works. Works to T1415 - Norway Maple has been clarified as "Crown reduce in height only by approximately 4-5 metres making cuts no greater than 100-150mm"
1 Membland Court, Membland, Newton Ferrers, PL8 1HR
Application Number 3298/23/HHO
Householder application to replace small flat roof dormer with some internal alterations
Whats On?
Every Wednesday 10.00 -11.00 Gentle exercise class (mainly seated) in Newton Ferrers Community Hall. Run by physiotherapists, so you are in safe hands. Suitable for all. £5 including a refreshing cup of tea or coffee afterwards
Every Wednesday 6pm -9.30 Bridge Club in Newton Ferrers Community Hall.
Every Friday 10.15-11.45 Digital Drop in centre in Newton Ferrers Community Hall. Come and discuss how to do things safely.
Every Saturday 10.30am -1.30pm Accessible Bowls in Newton Ferrers Community Hall
First Tuesday Lunch Club 2nd January @12.00. £6 for 2 course meal plus tea or coffee. Newton Ferrers Community Hall. Allergies can be catered for. Please contact either Jeanne (872442) or Jane (872627) New members welcome
Monday 8th & 15th January 12.45 – 3.45 Upholstery group Newton Ferrers Community Hall Contact Anne James
Tuesday 9th & 23rd January WI Craft & Conversation 2pm – 4.00 £1.50 new members welcome Newton Ferrers Community Hall
Thursday 11th January PC Meeting 7pm Newton Ferrers Community Hall
Tuesday 16th January WI meeting 2pm -4.00 New members welcome. Newton Ferrers Community Hall
If you've looked at this sign at Wembury Beach and wondered what it's all about, your questions will be answered on 18 January, at 1930, at the next Wembury Marine Conservation Area Advisory Group talk, "Be a citizen scientist and add to our knowledge of Wembury's marine environment" in the Knighton Room in Wembury Village Hall. You'll also find out how you can help better understand what's going on in the MCA and protect our marine environment. For more details and tickets go to https://tinyurl.com/y7hxrhzk
Yealm Parchment Group meet on 19th January in Newton Ferrers Community Hall. @ 2pm, with individual tables so you can maintain social distancing. January will be back to basics with white work, (pure embossing) - the backbone of parchment craft.
An ideal opportunity to come along for the first time and experience this 15th Century art form.
We are a small friendly group who work at their own pace.
Tools can be provided if necessary.
Tel Lesley 07838375449 £8 Icluding: Parchment, pattern, backing papers, written instructions and tuition.
Thursday Lunch Club 25th January @12.15 £6 Newton and Noss Village hall. The tide will be Low at 11.55am. Please contact mrandmrsbarnett@gmail.com Allergies can be catered for. New members welcome
30th January Yealm Garden Society 7pm Newton Ferrers Community Hall
Save the Date
First Tuesday Lunch Club 6th February @12.00. £6 for 2 course meal plus tea or coffee. Newton Ferrers Community Hall. Allergies can be catered for. Please contact either Jeanne (872442) or Jane (872627) New members welcome
20th February WI meeting 2pm -4.00 New members welcome. Newton Ferrers Community Hall
22nd February Thursday Lunch Club @12.15 £6 Newton and Noss Village hall. The tide will be out (low water is 11.00) Please contact mrandmrsbarnett@gmail.com Allergies can be catered for. New members welcome
CINDERELLA
To be Performed at Noss Village Hall 7th, 8th, and 9th March 2024
RYDA AGM 23/4/2024 Newton Ferrers Community Hall. 7pm.