RYDA Newsletter 05/2026

The Enlightenment, and the years after, brought greater understanding of the human body and how it works. Scientific methods and use of observation, experiments and evidence all led to major improvements in medicine and public health. Photo from Springer Nature

John Hunter had no medical training but joined his brother in London and assisted his work. He became an army surgeon before returning to medical practice in London. Basing his work on observation and evidence, John Hunter advanced new theories about teeth and bones, digestion, and about the working of the lymphatic system. Through his work as a surgeon and through experiments, Hunter put forward the theory that inflammation was part of a body's response to disease rather than part of a disease itself.

John Hunter observed that internal injuries did not usually result in inflammation, but external wounds or injuries did. He believed that surgeons should understand how the

Photo from Wikipedia

human body worked and how it responded to disease and injury. He taught students such as Edward Jenner to experiment and carry our research and use what they found out to improve treatment of their patients.

The biggest breakthrough in the treatment of disease at this time was the development of the vaccination for smallpox by Edward Jenner in 1796.

Pioneers such as William and John Hunter changed how we understand human bodies and improved surgical outcomes.

Born in what is now East Kilbride, William Hunter studied medicine at Glasgow University before moving to London. In London, he studied anatomy and specialised in obstetrics. He began to teach anatomy through dissecting human bodies. He eventually set up an anatomy theatre and museum where surgeons would study and learn.

Smallpox was a killer disease which was responsible for the deaths of thousands of children and adults. Before Jenner’s discovery, doctors tried to treat smallpox by inoculations – they would spread the pus of a smallpox pustule into the cut of a healthy person’s skin.

The aim was that the healthy person would develop a mild case of the disease and then never get it again. If the treatment was successful, the person would gain immunity. But there was the risk that someone might contract the full-blown disease when they were being inoculated, or they might not be given enough so they would not develop immunity. Whilst this worked, very little was known about antibodies and the risks associated with inoculation were great – if the strain of smallpox was stronger, the inoculated individual could die as a result.

Photo from the Wellcome collection

Jenner had heard that that milkmaids who caught cowpox never went on to catch smallpox. Jenner thought that the two diseases were very similar and so he conducted a series of trials and experiments to prove the link between them. In 1796, Jenner took cowpox pus from a milkmaid, Sarah Nelmes, and smeared it into a small cut in the arm of eight-year-old James Phipps. Phipps became mildly ill with cowpox. Next, Jenner gave Phipps pus from a smallpox victim and James did not become ill. Jenner had shown that infection with cow pox could protect someone from small pox. He called the procedure vaccination – vacca is the Latin for cow – and published a book in 1798 which presented his findings.

Theories surrounding microbes and germs began to evolve due to the work of Louis Pasteur. Pasteur was a French scientist who discovered that bacteria caused diseases – this was known as Germ Theory. Since bacteria could not be seen by the naked eye, many people still believed that diseases were caused by bad air. This was because they could see rotting food, flesh and the filth in the streets (all caused by bacteria) and assumed that the smells produced as a result caused the spread of disease.

BBC photo

Lister's findings also led to several other reforms in medicine. Doctors and nurses were now expected to wash their hands in carbolic acid before an operation to prevent infections developing and they were to use a carbolic spray to kill germs in the air around the operating table. Lister also built on the discoveries of the influential 16th century French surgeon, Ambroise Paré, by developing antiseptic ligatures to tie up blood vessels to prevent blood loss after an amputation. Paré had attempted to use catguts but many died as a result of infections.

Although study of anatomy had improved surgery, deaths after operations such as amputations were still high because of infections. Surgical tools were not cleaned before operations, doctors wore filthy clothes and did not even wash their hands before carrying out procedures. Between 1864-67, the death rate from amputations sat at 46%!

By the late 1890’s operating theatres were rigorously cleaned and sterilised, all medical instruments were steam-sterilised and surgeons began to wear surgical gowns, with face masks and rubber gloves. Germ Theory had increased understanding of microorganisms causing infection and disease. But the link had not yet been made between specific bacteria and specific diseases.

All this changed in 1876 when a German doctor called Robert Koch discovered the bacteria responsible for causing anthrax, by building on Pasteur’s theories. Over the next 20 years Koch and his team were able to identify further individual bacteria that could cause disease, including those that led to septicaemia, tuberculosis and cholera.

photo from Wikipedia

With this new research and knowledge, Pasteur went on develop vaccines for anthrax and the rabies virus.

Importantly, as a result of these findings, people were persuaded that bad air was not the cause of disease.

Arent you lad to be born after all this research!

Joseph Lister, a surgeon, was aware of Pasteur’s research on Germ Theory and linked bacteria entering open wounds with the development of infection. He sought a way to prevent this from happening and took inspiration from how the city of Carlisle dealt with their sewage. To prevent the smell of the sewage spreading across the city, carbolic acid was poured over it, neutralising the bacteria. While a surgeon in Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Lister began to experiment with carbolic acid, applying it to the patient’s wound and to the dressing used to cover it. His findings showed that the wounds healed and did not develop gangrene, preventing many unnecessary deaths.

Following the Nightingale Training School for Nurses which was set up in 1860, nursing in the 1870s was moving away from the stereotype of untrained, uneducated workers (exemplified by Charles Dickens' fictional, drunken 'Mrs Gamp' character) towards a respected profession for women.

Influenced by the Crimean War experience, nurses were instructed to enforce strict cleanliness to combat the high infection rates found in early 19th-century hospitals. This included cleaning wards, washing patients, and changing bedsheets frequently. Nursing care became focused on providing a clean environment, including ensuring clean air and allowing sunlight into wards.

Hospital wards were designed to be large, open-plan, rectangular spaces with plenty of windows, which facilitated easier supervision by nurses and better ventilation.

Practises focused on separating patients by illness to stop the spread of infection. While improvements were underway, hospital wards could still be crowded and dirty, with infections spreading rapidly if sanitation was not strictly managed. The 1875 Public Health Act also improved the context for nursing by forcing local governments to address cleaner water and better sewage systems, which reduced the burden of infectious diseases in hospitals.

BBC bitesize

Dog owners are being warned about a major change in the law that could see them hit with unlimited fines. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 officially came into force on March 18, 2026, bringing in some of the biggest updates to countryside rules in decades.

Under the new legislation, which applies in England and Wales, the previous £1,000 cap on fines has been removed, meaning courts can now issue unlimited fines to owners whose dogs are found to have worried livestock. Importantly, “livestock worrying” doesn’t just mean an attack; it includes chasing animals or causing them fear or stress, even if there’s no physical injury.

At the same time, police have been given stronger powers to investigate incidents. Officers can now seize and detain dogs suspected of being involved, enter premises with a warrant and collect evidence, including taking DNA samples or mouth impressions to help identify the dog responsible.

One of the biggest changes catching people off guard is where the law now applies. Previously focused on agricultural land, the updated legislation now also covers incidents that happen on roads, paths and public rights of way near livestock, not just inside fields. Courts can also order owners to cover the costs associated with seizing and caring for a detained dog, adding to the financial impact. PlymouthLive

Picture from Vecteezy

REVELSTOKE COMMUNITY TRUST

May 2026

The Trustees of the Revelstoke Trust have recently awarded Grants worth over £12,000 to the following:

Dementia Society

Digital Drop In (NNN)

Local Historical Information

NNATS

N& N Community Stores

N & N Survivors Stroke Club

N.F. School PTFA

Newton Ferrers School

Noss Wailers

Tilly Institute

Willow & Wild Forest School

Yealmpton Bowling CLub

Yealm Comm. Electric Transport

Yealm Cricket Club

Yealm Estuary to Moor Yealm Gig Rowing Club

Sue Hallett (RCT Hon. Secretary – retired)

N.B. Julie Thomas is the new RCT Hon. Secretary.

Her email address will be available soon.

Planning

Notable Planning Applications this month

The Studio, Widey Cross, Newton Ferrers; Change of use to a cafe (Use Class E b) Reference 0747/26/FUL

Situated adjacent to the Barn Gym, the use of the existing building as a Pilates Studio ceased some time ago, this application seeks permission to continue a community use as a café by repurposing the existing building. Although served by a footpath, would this imply an increase in road traffic use? Given the approved café at the Collaton Park development this would ensure a good supply in the vicinity.

Cedar House, Membland. Reference 0881/26/HHO

A number of minor changes are being proposed, including a replacement flat roof, including a small increase in height; application of charred amber larch cladding in a brown/teak colour to an earlier converted garage, replacement windows, new porch and solar PV panels. Situated on a private lane in Membland, many of these changes could be carried out under Permitted Development rights, perhaps except for the new cladding. This change could help the building blend with the local historic buildings.

Whats On?

2-4^th May Yealm Art Society Spring Exhibition Noss Mayo Village hall. 12-5pm Sat; 10-5pm Sun; & 10-4 Monday

Sunday 3rd May Open Gardens 10 am - 5 pm. There will be 2 gardens open in aid of St Luke's -Cellars House and 1 Coastguard Cottages, Passage Road, Noss Mayo.
There is no parking at the property but lifts could be arranged from Noss if needed
Tel 0781 7964456
It is a pleasant walk from Noss village or a shorter walk from. Kilpatrick Steps ferry point.
Any cakes or biscuits welcome for sale or to add to refreshments!!
Contact Sue on 0781 7964456

3^rd May Sea Quest Sunday 8.30-10.30. with Paul Burley Devon Wild Life Trust. Learn about Devon’s marine megafauna and how to develop the skills required to effectively “Sea watch” to book www.wemburymarinecentre.org Well behaved dogs on short leads welcome. Free. Meet at Wembury point car park PL9 0BA Also on first Sunday of the month

3^rd May Rockpool safari 12.30-14.00 Join the staff of Devon Wildlife Trust to explore the rockpools of Wembury beach. All children must be accompanied by an adult. To book www.wemburymarinecentre.org £5.50 per child. Meet at Wembury point car park PL9 0BA

5^th May First Tuesday Lunch club WIC hall new members welcome.. 12.00 prompt please £6pp 2 courses plus coffee. Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442); Jane (872627) or Tracie (872612).

9^th May Mewstone Treasure Hunt & Beach Barbecue

Beach BBQ - all welcome, you do not need to have taken part in the Treasure Hunt to join us for BBQ.
Beach Bar - all welcome, you do not need to have taken part in the Treasure Hunt to join us at the bar
Registration for the Treasure Hunt on the day at 1st Wembury Scout Hut between 12:00 - 13:00
The Treasure Hunt will take between 1 - 2 hours maximum to complete and uncover the code to unlock the treasure chest on Wembury Beach!

The team to complete the Treasure Hunt in the fastest time will win a prize and the Treasure Hunt Trophy!

You can now book your teams place for The Mewstone Treasure Hunt MAX 6 per team https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1980671642200...

9^TH May Holbeton Film club are showing Ocean. with David Attenborough which takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the  ocean. In the film the celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing.

Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean as never-before-seen, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching. Yet the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough pointing to inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen.

Doors open at 7pm. You'll be given a warm welcome when you arrive, and can spend some time chatting to friends before the lights go down at 7:30pm.

We charge just £4 (£2 for children under 12) - terrific value for such a great evening of entertainment. You are welcome to bring your own alcohol if you wish, or you can treat yourself to one of our fabulous chocolate-covered ice creams!
Parking is available at the village hall; our own Tetris Tim will be out there helping manoeuvre the cars to accommodate as many as possible.

9^th May YGS plant sale in Holy Cross Church Yard 10am to 12pm

Wed 13 May 2026 10:30 - 11:15 Chat with a cop. Your local Neighbourhood Team will be at the event in the Post Office. Your Parish COuncil will also be there.

19^th May 2pm 2^nd Line dance taster for Ladies (part of a WI recruitment drive) £2 WI hall

14^th May Parish Council Annual meeting WIC hall 7.00pm

Friday 15th May 2026 Yealm u3a AGM will be held commencing at 1700 in the WIC Hall in Newton Ferrers. There will be a drinks and canape reception after the meeting.

13 May 12.30 WI willow weaving at Down Thomas Bookings only FULL

May 19^th WI AGM 7.00 Newton Ferrers. Election of new committee.

26^th May Wi craft group WIC hall 2.00pm

28^th May Thursday Lunch Club 12.15 £6 pp. Newton & Noss village Hall. 2 courses plus coffee. Please contact mrandmrsbarnett@gmail.com Allergies and vegetarians can be catered for, also vegetarian option available. New members welcome.

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). Tickets from Event brite £10.22 finish 23.30

Thu, 28 May at 22:00 Night Time Rockpool Safari

Wembury Marine centre. 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.

30^th May. Snorkel Safari 10.00-12.30 Join the fully trained BSAC instructors for a snorkel safari around Wembury Bay. Suitable for beginners or more advanced snorkelers. Full kit provided. Children must be 8+ to take part. Booking essential www.wemburymarinecentre.org/events £30 per person . Meet at Wembury point car park PL9 0HP

Save the Date

16^th June 7pm WI monthly meeting our speaker is from Children’s Hospice South West. New members welcome.

18^th June 2-4pm Shore Search Survey with Devon Wildlife Trust Join the Shore Search team and help monitor our fragile sea life & Better understand the effects of pollution, climate change and invasive alien species. All training provided. More details and booking essential, see wemburymarinecentre.org/events No dogs please. Meet at Wembury Marine Centre PL9 0HP

22^nd June 10.00-11.00 Community Beach Clean Wembury with the National Trust Help keep Wembury clean, safe and tidy. Hot drink after to say thank you. Free event No Dogs please PL9 0HP

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/wembury/events.

23^rd June WI craft group Willow Weaving 2pm we will be making Swifts to book 07838375449

25th JuneThursday Lunch Club 12.15 £6 pp. Newton & Noss village Hall. 2 courses plus coffee. Please contact mrandmrsbarnett@gmail.comAllergies and vegetarians can be catered for, also vegetarian option available. New members welcome.

4^th July 13.00-15.30 Snorkel Safari Join the fully trained BSAC instructors for a snorkel safari around Wembury Bay. Suitable for beginners or more advanced snorkelers. Full kit provided. Children must be 8+ to take part. Booking essential www.wemburymarinecentre.org/events £30 per person meet at Wembury Marine Centre PL9 0HP

4^th July Life on the edge @ Wembury Fayre. Meadow inspired games, crafts and maybe some bug hunts Wembury school PL9 0EB

16^th July 10.30-13.00 Cyanotype workshop www.wemburymarinecentre.org/events £12.50 Make something beautiful and unique at Wembury Marine Centre using materials from the beach, whilst learning about local marine life. Cyanotypes use the intricate shapes of seaweed and a little bit of chemistry to make beautiful pieces of artwork.

19^th July Noss Mayo garden PGS HMS Pinafore PGStheatre.com 07395 467002

2nd June First Tuesday Lunch club WIC hall new members welcome.. 12.00 prompt please £6pp 2 courses plus coffee. Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442); Jane (872627) or Tracie (872612).