RYDA Newsletter 07/2024
Dead As A Doornail – This expression can be traced back to 1350, but could be even older.
In the days before screws were commonly used in carpentry, nails secured one piece of wood to another.
Unlike screws however, nails could often loosen over a period of time.
To prevent this, it became common practice, particularly on large medieval doors, that when a nail was hammered through the wood it would be flattened or clinched on the inside. The process of flattening the nail would mean that the nail would be ‘dead’ as it couldn’t be used again.
Even though British English is often considered the “standard” form of the language, it has its own brand of funny British phrases and unique British idioms. While some of these British colloquial phrases evolved over the centuries, others were added to the common vernacular quite recently.
A Wake - Many people were buried alive in times past because it was not recognized that they might simply be in a coma. This was especially true of people who drank.
Thus, a body was usually left out for a while, and a party thrown around it – just to make sure the corpse didn't 'wake' up!
Caught red-handed - To be caught in the act of doing something wrong.
This originates from an old English law that ordered any person to be punished for butchering an animal that wasn’t his own. The only way the person could be convicted is if he was caught with the animal’s blood still on his hands.
Bury the hatchet - To stop a conflict and make peace. This one dates back to the early times North America when the Puritans were in conflict with the Native Americans.
When negotiating peace, the Native Americans would bury all their hatchets, knives, clubs, and tomahawks. Weapons were literally buried and made inaccessible to symbolise the end to bloodshed & violence.
A VISIT BY NEWTON AND NOSS TWINNING ASSOCIATION
TO TREBEURDEN IN BRITTANY MAY 2024
Our weekend did not get off to an auspicious start as when we arrived at the ferry port in Plymouth we discovered that the ship doors were refusing to open and nobody had been able to get off. As is usual when something like this occurs, people got out of their cars and started to pace up and down as though they were taking part in some sort of ritual which would solve the problem by magic. Someone in our party observed with gleeful pessimism that last time this had occurred the sailing had been cancelled.
Fortunately, this did not happen – perhaps a good genie was conjured up – and we were on board in time for a quick drink before retiring for the night. The only space in the bar with sufficient seats was next to the stage which, at the time of our arrival, was unoccupied so we were startled by the arrival of the cabaret. There was some advantage to this as nobody went to bed too late as conversation soon became impossible!
Since we were expecting breakfast in Trebeurden we got up the next morning as late as we dared and had a pleasant drive with the challenge of a few “deviations” to make sure we stayed fully awake.
When you first approach the “Maison de la Mer” in Trebeurden you come to a sea view which must be an inspiration for many an artist. This morning the sun was shining so both sky and sea were very blue with strips of land dividing the intensity of the latter with touches of dark grey. There were deep sighs of contentment all round especially when we were greeted by our French hosts and a most generous breakfast. They had gone to so much trouble it seemed only polite to indulge ourselves especially as the English are known for their good manners. On this occasion ours were very good indeed!
Then we went to our hosts’ houses for a little conversation, most of which would have infuriated General de Gaulle who was renowned for his hatred of “franglais”…
Our first official excursion took place in the late afternoon when we visited the Armorik whisky distillery in Lannion. An enthusiastic young man took us on a guided tour, explaining the distillation process in both English and French. The operation was most impressive.
I wondered if I was the only one who felt slightly uneasy standing by the huge racks full of massive barrels but maybe I watch too many murder mysteries on TV...
The tour ended with a tasting session. The whisky is stored in barrels which have already been used for different alcohols, for example, American bourbon and Spanish sherry. This gives the spirit different flavours. We were invited to sample a dark and a paler variety.
Even to a non whisky drinker like me the difference was obvious.
It seemed that the whisky met with general approval as when we went to the shop later a number of bottle were purchased. I don’t think it was just British good manners…
Saturday’s main excursion was to the “Vallee des Saints” near Carnoet, an hour’s easy drive along deserted roads through lovely rural countryside. We stopped a couple of miles before we reached our ultimate destination for, predictably - after all we were in France - lunch.
Lunch on our way to the Vallee des Saints
By the time we reached the “Vallee des Saints” we all needed a walk.
Luckily, this was provided by our guide who told us all about the project and took us to see some of the most interesting statues. I should explain here that “Vallee” is a misnomer as it is, in fact, a hill once fortified because of its strategic location. The views across the Breton countryside on all sides were fantastic.
This was served at a long table in a large light room lavishly decorated with silk flowers.
Madame appeared immediately and served us efficiently with generous helpings of chicken and mushrooms cooked in a creamy tarragon sauce followed by apple tart, while Monsieur looked on, presumably in a supervisory capacity.
It was all delicious and, as they say, ca va sans dire there was plenty of wine.
In 2009 Philippe Abjean conceived the idea of covering the area with giant statues of medieval saints who came to Brittany bringing Christianity from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England.
There are currently about 190 of them but the sculptors are still working on new ones.
Nearly all the statues are made from local granite. The effect is amazing - as you walk about you are confronted with massive figures, each fascinating in a unique way.
Some are appealing, some challenging and others grotesque. It isn’t the sort of place in which anyone with an imagination would want to spend a dark, misty night. It isn’t the sort of place you forget easily either. We were all stunned.
St Piran, the patron saint of Cornwall
After this unusual experience we found ourselves in an equally unusual building a few miles away at Plougonver.
This is marked on the map as a museum and houses an eclectic collection of objects from the fairly recent past; tens of flat irons, an early motorised bicycle (I’d stick to an electric bike, if I were you!), a garage full of old tools, archaic dental instruments, an old-fashioned barber’s chair - and that’s to name but a few.
However, what this building really is, is a “biscuiterie” so at the back you find the biscuits displayed alongside a wide range of Breton artefacts and souvenirs.
You can taste the different types of cookie before buying generous packets or prettily painted tins of them. Most of us emerged with armfuls of goodies and a good idea of what most of them tasted like.
We got back to Trebeurden with just enough time to change for dinner in the local Auberge de Jeunesse.
We arrived with a group of motor cyclists who were gathering in a large tent outside.
As privileged guests, however, we ascended a series of stone steps onto a terrace where we drank aperitifs and ate tiny squares of delicious “amuse bouches”.
There was a splendid scarlet sunset across the sea.
Once inside and seated, we were entertained by one of our hosts, Gilbert, who is a really good folksinger, accompanied by his friend, Didier, an excellent guitarist.
The already congenial atmosphere got even better as we ate seafood tarts, followed by Breton galettes cooked in front of us - entertaining for the diners but hard work for the chefs who flipped, filled and folded the pancakes. The dessert was called, unfairly I thought, “sandy caramel”.
It was a testament to how relaxed we were and well we were all getting along when it proved almost impossible to shut us up for the inevitable votes of thanks. The English speakers finished the evening with a raucous rendition of “What shall we do with the drunken sailor?” although we had forgotten most of the verses - which was, perhaps, fortunate. Luckily our hosts merely smiled; it seems we are not the only ones who can be polite.
On our final morning most of us had a walk and a visit to the supermarket before a BYO buffet lunch, or as the French call it “auberge espagnole, in the Maison de la Mer.
Isn’t it strange how awkward goodbyes are? A bit like thinking of a way to finish this article!
Thanks to Cathy Matthews for this item
We have a coffee break in the Biscuiterie Menou
YEALM COMMUNITY ENERGY
The YCE Community Benefit Fund committee has awarded £11,000 to six projects in the Yealm area, including £2000 for safety equipment for the “Paul Darlow” electric taxi boat, and to projects in Holbeton, Brixton and Yealmpton.
The first six months of YCE ownership of the three solar farms has seen intense activity ensuring the long term reliability of the three solar farms. This has included replacement at the original contractor’s expense of the 2 transformers at Newton Downs that were showing signs of overheating, which could have reduced their life expectancy.
Ray Holand
Yealm community Energy 07557334633
The “Yealm Estuary to Moor Project” could do with your assistance.
If we are a new organization to you, let me explain we are a volunteer group working within the River Yealm Catchment to improve and reconnect fragmented habitats, working with professional groups, so that wildlife at all levels can flourish on land and in the water.
We need volunteers again, this time to control Himalayan Balsam on the River Yealm and its tributaries.
In case you are not aware of this plant and the problem it causes here is a brief account -
Himalayan Balsam is a highly invasive plant that was brought into the UK by Victorian botanists, but spread from specialist nurseries & estates into the wild, and has been a problem ever since. It unfortunately produces hundreds of seeds and when ripe the pods containing them ‘explode’, flinging the seed some distance. It grows close to water particularly along river banks, and forms such dense growth that by the end of summer the native undergrowth has died from lack of light. So, when this annual invader finally dies off in autumn there are no plant roots left to bind the soil together lining the banks, and winter storms result in bank collapse and serious soil erosion. Unfortunately, our survey of the river earlier this month has shown dozens of self-seeded sites along the Yealm where young plants are growing and need to be eliminated.
We need to pull and crush these plants before the seed sets, and we have obtained permissions from the riparian landowners to go onto their land to do this. Park Life will also assist us by strimming the particularly large clusters and those growing within brambles. We have an ongoing programme to get rid of this invasive over the next few years.
This field work will take place on several occasions during June, July and August.
I know you may not be able to attend all of these sessions, but even 1 attendance would be useful.
If you could just let me know by email if you would be willing to volunteer for one of the working parties, and I will add you to my list to be circulated with the dates when decided, starting late June.
In anticipation of you being willing to volunteer, many thanks for your help.
Peter Brown
petermbrownfrcs@icloud.com
07802 847495
Unattached trailers: The Parish Council report that these should not be left on the road as they represent an obstruction to other road users (Highways Act 1980). In the event of an accident the person who placed the obstruction can be held liable (trailers are normally only insured when attached to a vehicle). Trailers that are unidentified (ie without a registration plate) can be considered abandoned and can be removed. Devon County Council are monitoring the villages and will remove any offending trailers.
Cinder Path
Devon County Council has closed part of Newton and Noss Footpath 13 for safety reasons as recommended in a geological report following a landslip. Engineers are currently exploring the options and costs for repair.
In the meantime, the current 21 day closure has just been replaced with a 6 month closure and we kindly request that members of the pubic do not use the section of the path which has been closed. We shall update the community as soon as more information becomes available.
Further details of the closure can be found here.
Reporting Pot holes! The Pothole gang are back on our roads.
In May they filled 21 potholes on Passage Road. As part of the Devon Road Warden Scheme Agreement, the pothole gang can only fill holes which are smaller than 400mm deep & 300mm wide (over this size they are filled by Devon Highways).
Please help by reporting potholes www.devon.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/report-a-problem/report-a-pothole
Your Pothole gang are volunteers. To join them please contact the Parish Council
New defibrillator for Bridgend
The Parish Council currently manages five defibrillators in our parish and this is soon to become six with the addition of a new defib at Bridgend.
The Parish Council will renew its contract with the South Western Ambulance Service Trust in May and they have agreed to allow us to add an additional defib to the contract.
We are grateful to the RYHA, who have kindly agreed to fund the new defib and we will keep you posted of progress.
Only one significant application this month,
for a rear extension at The Retreat, Riverside Road West. 1702/24/HHO Although not visible from the road to the south, the main impact will be access during construction, therefore a strong Construction Management Plan is essential.
There is however an appeal against the refusal by South Hams District Council (SHDC) for expansion of Briar Hill Farm holiday park, https://southhams.planning-register.co.uk/Planning/Display/3993/22/FUL.
This is for construction of an additional ten holiday lodges and associated drive access,parking and landscaping (including new native tree and shrub planting in afield at the top of the current site, creation of new extensive wildflower meadow and related biodiversity enhancements) together with provision of two new publicly accessible electric vehicle fast charging points, the addition of solar panels to existing outbuilding and re-siting of gas tanks.
The proposed new lodges will occupy the lower part of the site, between the existing lodges and higher ground to the north west.
At the original application there was considerable support among residents of Newton and Noss, however, the main reason for refusal was that the site is in open countryside beyond the defined settlement boundary of Newton and Noss and within the Undeveloped Coast Policy Area where development is only permitted in exceptional circumstances.
SHDC considered that it was not demonstrated that the proposed additional holiday lodges respond to an identified and essential local need which requires this location. SHDC considered therefore that the proposed development does not support the principles of sustainable development and the Policies of the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan and Newton and Noss Neighbourhood Plan.
The appeal is mainly based on the need for expansion to support the future viability of the business, however the detailed business case for this has not been revealed, due to business confidentiality. The other main justification is a claim thatthere was an existing recognition that this expansion was always in an accepted location, based on a "Camping Site" label on the N&N Neighbourhood Plan at the proposed location. However, this map was reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map, where labels are often placed adjacent to the identified location and not necessarily exactly on the location and there areother such examples on this map.
The RYDA raised an objection to the original application and spoke against the proposal at the South Hams DC planning Development Management Committee meeting, siting concern over preservation of the Settlement Boundary. All comments made to the original application are relayed to the Planning Inspector deciding the appeal, therefore there is no need to make further submission, unless there is new evidence or issues not considered in the original application. To help us decide if we need to make a representation to the appeal, we would like to gauge the views among RYDA members, so please let us have your views. These would need to be made soon as the cut-off date for comments is 2nd July 24.
If you wish toread the appeal documents then they are available on the SHDC Planning Website at 3993/22/FUL. then click on Appeals (to the right of the screen) and scroll down the appeals documents. Representation to the Appeal can be made at Reference: APP/K1128/W/24/334115
Planning
Collaton Development – Remediation of the site has begun.
As you may have noticed, works at the Collaton development site, where 125 houses plus business units, boat storage, parking and parkland will be constructed, has begun. Fencing is being erected around the site and extensive works started on the remediation and decontamination of the site.
1844/24/HHO 53 Yealm Road Householder application for small porch extension to front of property
Whats On?
1st July Yealm Allotment Garden Society meet in Yealmpton Community Room at 7.30 The talk will be "Exotic Plants - Bringing the Jungle to your garden"
2nd July First Tuesday Lunch Club 12.00 noon. First Tuesday lunch club £6pp. 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.
2nd July 10.00 -12.00 noon. Parish Council Surgery in the Post Office Newton Ferrers
Pop in and raise any concerns. One of our local PCSO’s may also be in attendance if available.
6th July Regatta Flag raising 5pm at Popes Quay. Details in Regatta Programme
We will be joined by enthusiastic local volunteers and sea watch expert, Paul Burley, who will show us how to search for cetaceans and sea birds from the land, as well as learning about their behaviour and fascinating lives at sea.
We'll be collecting vital data whilst we're at it, aligning with Seaquest Southwest, a citizen science project run by Cornwall Wildlife Trust, which aims to to engage people with the marine environment; to collect data on marine wildlife; and to better understand and conserve marine wildlife.
6th July Sea watch Saturday. 08.30-10.30am Devon Wildlife Trust's Marine Engagement team are kicking off monthly sea watches at Wembury Point! Join us on the first Saturday of each month, to learn all about Devon's marine megafauna!
This event is free of charge (although donations to Devon Wildlife Trust are gratefully accepted), so all you need to take part are a decent pair of binoculars or a telescope! Feel free to bring a snack, drink and camping chair with you and please dress appropriately for the weather.
Please note, all children must be accompanied by an adult. This event requires walking for approximately 10 mins on a wheelchair accessible concrete path, followed by sitting and watching with binoculars for a period of time, probably without seeing much, so it may not be suitable for younger children.
Parking spaces are very limited at Wembury Point National Trust car park ( Spring Rd, PL9 0BA). You can reach Wembury Point via a 30 minute walk along the SW Coastpath from Wembury Beach National Trust car park (Church Road, PL9 0HP). We actively encourage local participants to walk or cycle where possible please.
This event is highly weather dependent, so please check your emails the day before in case of cancellation.
Get ready for a summer of fun at our upcoming fair! We've got a full lineup of family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Including:- dog show presented by redpaw pet supplies; fun and games; stalls; meat raffle; tombola stalls; ice cream van; food and bar available; free entry!
Stall info: £15 per bring your own table.
email:
brixtonstmaryspta@gmail.com
11th July at 7pm Parish Council Meeting in WIC hall, Newton Ferrers
13th July Holbeton film club are showing The Old Oak.
A pub owner in a previously thriving mining community struggles to hold onto his establishment.
Meanwhile, tensions rise in the town when Syrian refugees are placed in empty houses within the community.
13th July Not exactly on “our patch” but of interest to many people.
Talk at The Box:- 10.30am-11.30am Plastic Pollution and the Ocean. Hear from leading expert and 'Godfather' of microplastics research, Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS in this special talk which we're hosting as part of a 'Plastic Free Day' event and in connection with our popular 'Planet Ocean' exhibition. Tickets are £10 standard / £8 member.
Advance booking essential. Tickets from the Box
14th July Regatta Service at St. Peter the Poor Fisherman, Stoke
15th July 10.00am -12.00 noon Stroke Survivors Support Group. Come along for coffee and a chat in the meeting room at WIC Community Hall
16th July WI monthly meeting 7pm Our Speaker is Alan Bricknell who is an expert on things Plymouth.
He is talking about Plymouth shops which used to be run by local families and their names well known to Plymothians. Sadly they are disappearing. This talk will look at some of these shops including Pophams, Dingles, Spooners and John Yeo and the families behind them.
Our snorkel safaris are suitable for children and adults, including beginners who would like to learn how to snorkel, or more advanced snorkellers who would enjoy the company of a group. Full kit can be provided and is included in the cost, but we do require a £20 cash deposit per person on the day, which will be returned provided no kit is lost or damaged. If you plan to bring your own gear, then we recommend a 5mm full length wetsuit and separate snorkel and mask (not a full face snorkel).
Children must be 8 years or over to take part and all participants must be competent swimmers.
20th July 10:00am - 12:30 Snorkel Safari Wembury Marine Centre. £32.68 Our fully qualified BSAC Snorkel Instructors will cover basic snorkelling techniques, followed by a guided snorkel around Wembury Bay's famous rocky reefs, searching for and identifying underwater marine life as we go!
23rd July WI Craft Group 2.00-4.00pm Bring your current craft project or just Come along for a coffee and chat. New members welcome.
23rd July 3pm. Charity Bridge @ Bigbury Golf Club in aid of the RNLI. Donation £5 per player. Refreshments to order will be served at 5.30pm. Please contact Roger Monson 873055 or Jane & David Wain 873043 by Wednesday 10th July if you wish to participate.
21 JUL at 12:00 Rockpool Safari (21 July) Our expert team will take you on a guided rockpool safari to meet and learn about some of Wembury's most famous inhabitants, from crabs to starfish and everything in between!
This event is open to all ages, but all children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Please wear wellington boots or other suitable sturdy shoes which can get wet and please leave your rockpool nets at home, as we follow the Seashore Code and use our hands and buckets instead (tubs provided).
Please note, National Trust car parking charges apply at Wembury Beach car park. The beach car park can fill up very quickly on hot, sunny days so please leave plenty of time to park and aim to arrive at the Centre 10mins before the event starts. Tickets £6.47 Book here.
25th July 12.15 Thursday Lunch Club Newton & Noss village Hall. (The tide will be going out.) £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
26th July Yealm Parchment Group will meet in Newton Ferrers Community Hall. @ 2pm, with individual tables so you can spread out & maintain social distancing if you wish. Come along and experience this engrossing 15th Century art form. We are a small friendly group who work at their own pace. £8 Parchment, pattern, backing papers, written instructions and tuition included. This month we will be concentrating on cut work.
Equipment can be supplied with prior notice. Contact Lesley 07838375449
31st July Yealmpton Show - one way system in effect
2 AUG at 10:30 Tots & Toddlers Rockpool Safari. This event is an introduction to rockpooling, aimed at preschool aged children (4 years and under) and all children must be accompanied by an adult. £5.50/child (+ Eventbrite booking fee) - adults are free on this event, so please only book and pay for your child/children.
This event will involve walking over slippery seaweed covered rocks. Please wear water shoes or other shoes which can get wet. Please leave your rockpool nets at home as we follow the Seashore Code and we’ll provide the buckets. If the event is cancelled by us due to poor weather, you will receive a full refund. Please note, National Trust car parking charges apply at Wembury Beach car park.
Save the Date
18 AUG at 22:00 Night time Rockpool safari Our expert staff and volunteers will take you on a guided rockpool safari by torch light to meet some of Wembury's most famous inhabitants and see what they get up to after dark!
Spaces are limited on this event, so booking is therefore essential.
Children must be 8 years+ to take part and all children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Please arrive outside Wembury Marine Centre at 9:45pm to check in. All participants must check in on arrival and check out when the event is finished and an emergency contact will also be required.
It is essential that each participant brings their own torch/head torch and if possible, wears bright/high-vis clothing. We will also provide high vis jackets for those who require one. Please wear wellington boots or other suitable sturdy shoes which can get wet and please leave your rockpool nets at home as we follow the Seashore Code and use our hands and buckets instead (tubs provided).
Cancellation Policy – requested refunds will be issued up to 1 day before the event starts, minus the Eventbrite booking fee. If the event is cancelled by us due to poor weather, you will receive a full refund. Tickets £8.61 book here
26th August St Peter’s Fete at Noss Green
11th October Fashion Show at Staddon Heights Golf Club in support of Dementia Parishes Around the Yealm