RYDA Newsletter 10/2023
The meaning of October comes from the Latin word Octo meaning eight.
The old Roman calendar started in March, so October was the eighth month. When the Roman senate changed the calendar the new year started in January, and October became the tenth month. The Saxons called it Wyn Monath because it was the season of wine making.
During October, the leaves begin to change colour, transforming England’s landscape into an array of autumn colours.
Mop Fairs (Hiring Fairs)
Servants and farm labourers would work from October to October and then go to the centre of the village or town to hire themselves out again for the next year. People looking for work would dress in their best clothes, and to let people know what work they wanted, they used to wear or carry some sign of their work.
Maids, looking for work, would carry a small mop (that's where we get the name Mop Fairs from), a shepherd had wool, a gardener had flowers and so on.
The new masters and mistresses would walk around the fair and talk to the people. When they had come to an agreement, they gave the servant a small token - maybe something like 5p. The servant would then remove the sign of his job and replace it with a bunch of brightly coloured ribbons to let everyone else know that he had been hired.
The custom remains today in some towns and villages around the country. Several towns in Warwickshire enjoy the spectacle and the fun from the holding of the annual mop fair. In Stratford, which is home to one of the country's biggest fairs, the mop became a funfair after World War I. On the first morning of the fair, which is almost always on or near 12 October, children of the town go on the rides of the funfair free of charge.
St Luke's Day (18th) Traditionally a day when girls could have some insight into their future marriage prospects. Before going to bed they must put on their faces a mixture of spices, honey and vinegar, and once in bed they must say the following rhyme:
St Luke, St Luke, be kind to me,
In dreams let me my true love see.
Punky Night
Punky Night falls on the last Thursday in October and is a Somerset tradition.
Some time in the Middle Ages, all the men of Hinto St George went off to a fair. When they failed to return that evening, the women went looking for them by the light of punkies. Punky is another name for a pumpkin which has been hollowed out and has a candle standing inside it.
Traditionally on this night, children in the South of England would carve their ‘Punkies’, (pumpkins) into Jack O'Lanterns. Once carved the children would go out in groups and march through the streets, singing traditional ‘punky’ songs, calling in at friendly houses and competing for best lantern with rival groups they meet. The streets would be lit with the light of the Punkies.
On October 31st, we celebrate Halloween, thought to be the one night of the year when ghosts, witches, and fairies are especially active. It goes back to the Celtic festival known as Samhain, which used to mark the start of winter. It was believed that the spirits of the dead could return to the Earth around that time.
Soul Cakes are old English traditional cakes that are usually baked on Halloween. They are sweet round cookies with cross on top, filled with raisins and a touch of spices. Click here for recipe
On this day of the year, in years gone past, Children would go 'souling', on this day, singing from house to house for some of these tasty cakes.
This was in all likelihood a precursor today's custom of children going Trick-or-Treating.
In Christian countries, and in the Roman Catholic church, prayers for the souls of the departed are reflected in the 3 day celebration of the commemoration of the departed which begins on the 31st of October, or All Hallow's Eve.
November 1st is known as All Saint's day, a day on which the souls of those who have departed are venerated And on the 2nd of November, we have All Souls' Day when the souls of those who have departed are prayed for and in particular those family members who are still in purgatory and awaiting their entry into Heaven. The souls of these people were believed to be spending a period of time suffering in Purgatory to pay for sins committed during their earthly lives.
During the Autumn, we will be conducting the next round of Consultation events to narrow down what now needs to be added or updated.
They will be joint events with the Collaton and Community Land Trust teams, who will be advertising the criteria for the Affordable housing and helping people to work out who will be eligible, how to apply etc.
• 13th October: 12pm - 6pm
• 14th October: 9.30 - 12.30pm
• 17th November: 12pm - 6pm
• 18th November: 9.30 - 12.30pm
At the moment, all of the events will be in Newton and Noss Village Hall.
Joint Neighbourhood Plan Review and Collaton Housing Event
Hard to believe it, but it is 5 years since you all took part in preparing our very successful Neighbourhood Plan, which was adopted as law in July 2018.
Used by the Planning Department in South Hams in conjunction with the South Devon Joint Local Plan and National Planning legislation, our Neighbourhood Plan has been instrumental in guiding Planning Policy in the Parish; protecting the Waterfront and our Heritage, encouraging the right sort of Development and discouraging poor planning proposals and overdevelopment.
History of Boatwatch
It began with theft: quite a lot of it. There were thirty Reported Incidents of marine theft on the Yealm in 1990; and two had a big impact. A Moody 33 was stolen on Father’s Day, just before the family were due to go on a cruise. Thanks to a keen ham radio enthusiast, the thief was tracked down and the boat was recovered several months later in France – considerably damaged. Also, a Dorey and its outboard were stolen from outside a house on Riverside Road East. They remember: “He was very upset, and angry. He had seen two people fiddling about near his boat the night before, and the next day it was gone”. He was incensed. He decided “something had to be done about theft on the river”.
A* recruited 4 other like-minded people, and they petitioned 300 mooring holders and members of Yealm Yacht Club. 105 agreed to volunteer to do a Watch on the river in 1991, and the following year 180 joined the membership of River Yealm Boatwatch. It was clear that the Boatwatch concept had struck a chord. The volunteers readily accepted the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment for the boating community both on the water and along the shore.
The early days were critical: “A* really wanted to get it going; and he took charge. He ran it in a bit of a militaristic style.” He developed a Master Plan with clearly defined objectives, and detailed operating/watch procedures for a minimum of two (six-hour!) watches per week, with six volunteers per watch. Each watch was comprised of three two-man teams: the Lead watch was based on a Mother Ship and it communicated by CB Radio, or VHF with two shore-based teams on both the Noss and Newton sides of the river. Watch teams switched between the Mother Ship and the shore during the night – which proved to be a bit hairy. Early Log-Book entries recount how some volunteers fell into the water while transferring to and from the Mother Ship!
B* recalls that in the early days, “although A* had well-defined plans and procedures, actually it was all a bit Heath Robinson: a lot of energy and enthusiasm, but a bit erratic. Some boat watchers just rowed up-and-down; others, were happy to keep watch from their windows on Yealm Road”.
Boatwatch Minutes recorded some spectacular events. A* and C* were out on a balmy night Watch in the Pool and C*, with nothing better to do, was varnishing in the bottom of his boat. They heard a powerful engine throttling back as it entered the river. They crouched in the bottom, then sprang up when the craft came abeam and shone a powerful spotlight right at it. “The no-gooders turned tail and exited the river at speed. The key fishing licence number was noted, and later that night the Police felt the owner’s collar in Sutton Harbour”. On one memorable watch D* noticed some suspicious activity across the river on Yealm Steps. He called the Police, and then – typically - in strict contravention of Boatwatch guidelines to only patrol in pairs, and never challenge potential criminals, he decided to investigate himself: he rowed across the river from Wide Slip and on arrival was very surprised to be met by the Police! And some patrols were carried out in very challenging conditions. “the real difficulty of getting out to the boat when the pontoons were covered in ice – it was like an ice rink”.
Boatwatch patrol activity was successful because, prior to each patrol, the volunteers were given current intelligence on likely criminal activity; firm guidelines on best practice for carrying-out a patrol; and the most effective means of reporting suspect criminal activity.
Intelligence given to patrol members covered three categories of criminal activity:
- Highly-organised professional theft (mainly by East European gangs)
- Opportunistic theft of inflatables, kayaks, fuel, dinghies and unmarked items
- Illegal “Netting of fish”, mainly Bass, Salmon and Trout by Plymouth-based gangs
Illegal Netting of fish in the South-West was (and is still) mainly carried out by 3 - 4 Plymouth-based family gangs: Typically, the Netters launch at about 23.00 hrs and depart at 2.30hrs. There recently have been many such visits by these gangs in 3 months.
Netting of fish on the Yealm is illegal because the river is a unique, fertile nursery and breeding ground for high value fish (it is special because it has both fresh water and sea water on every tide). The netters plunder the estuary of anything and everything, regardless of species and size.
After setting their nets the Netters usually roam up and down the local anchorage looking over-the-transom of moored craft, and into boat sheds/garages where they steal high value, unsecured and unmarked items: VHF’s, instrument monitor screens, depth sounders, and GPS kit; occasionally, agricultural equipment.
There are currently about a dozen local people so far who are passionate about stopping this activity; protecting our river and property.
For their protection (GDPR etc), we are not identifying them.(*)
If you have thoughts on this topic or want to help, please e mail yealmriverwatch@gmail.com
If any illegal activity is detected notification to those listed below would be welcomed.
Devon and Severn Inshore Fishing and Conservation Agency (IFCA)
Duty Officer: 07740 175479
HQ: Brixham 01803 854648
Chief Officer: Mat Mander 07515 050888
Bodmin Officer 07767 613478
Police
Marine Branch, Plymouth 01752 488101 or 999
Marine Special Constable: Russ Hall 07866 905928 – based in Looe: a very helpful and knowledgeable source of illegal marine crime.
MOD Police, Devonport 01752 553384
Environment Agency
Call Centre 0800 807060
Bodmin 0370 850 6506
River Yealm Harbourmaster 01752 872533
Following an unforeseen personnel setback this summer, EVY the Electric Water Taxi is now fully operational again.
The plan until the end of October is to use her on a pre-booked basis
So if you want to plan a short trip, or use her as a taxi or for any other reason, please contact Jimi Hammonds on
Mobile: 07399 067942
Email:etaxi@ycet.co.uk
For availability and advance bookings
Above is a map of Court Woodland. Please note There is NO ENTRY where marked XX on the map. This leads into private property. We have been notified that some people have pushed through the hedges. There are private property signs there. Please respect this.
Not really on “our” patch, but those of you interested in history might be interested in the USAAF Collection.
The Historic England Archive’s USAAF Collection comprises over 20,000 photographic prints taken by USAAF photographic reconnaissance (PR) aircraft during the Second World War. Nearly 19,000 frames have been catalogued.
Most of the photographs are vertical aerial photographs measuring 8 x 7 inches, 9 x 9 inches and 18 x 9 inches. Additionally, over 400 oblique 9 x 9-inch aerial photographs have been catalogued.
The photographs are a part of the Archive’s M Series Collection, including thousands of aerial photographs taken by the Royal Air Force (RAF) between 1938 and 1945. The ‘M’ stands for M section at the Allied Central Interpretation Unit, which was based at RAF Medmenham in Buckinghamshire. The section was responsible for photographic coverage of the United Kingdom. A selection of RAF photographs can be viewed via their Aerial Photo Explorer map.
Many of the photographs in the collection show areas of the English countryside that include military sites amongst patchworks of fields. There are views of villages and towns, with coverage extending from Cornwall to the Wash, and from the Sussex coast to urban Lancashire.
Planning
8 The Fairway Newton Ferrers Ref: 2526/23/HHO
application for replacement of timber deck to front of property combined with the creation of a new undercroft store beneath & creation of additional off road parking space.
5 Butts Park Newton Ferrers Ref: 2507/23/HHO
application for single storey rear extension
93 Yealm Road. Ref: 2791/23/FUL
Addition of timber building to quay
Work is expected to begin this autumn on a 125-home development at Collaton- with all the properties banned from being used as holiday lets or second homes. To read the whole article click here
Whats On?
Mon 2nd Oct 1pm – 3pm Shoresearch volunteer survey – The Wildlife Trust’s national citizen science survey of the intertidal shore – where the sea meets the land! Project. See website for more details and to book - www. wemburymarinecentre.org. Free. Meet at Wembury Marine Centre, PL9 0HP
First Tuesday Lunch Club 3rd October 12.00 £6 for 2 course meal plus tea or coffee. Newton Ferrers Community Hall. @ 12.00noon £6 for two courses plus tea/coffee. Allergies can be catered for. Please contact either Jeanne (872442) or Jane (872627) New members welcome
8 October Tree Seed Sunday
Yealm Estuary to Moor Wildlife Corridor Project
We are asking for help with collecting tree seed (eg Fruit, nuts & bracts) Meet at the Rose & Crown Yealmpton 11.00am
Craft & Conversation 10th October
The new name for the WI craft group.
We enjoyed learning of our members' reasons for moving to Newton & Noss the other week, so much so, that, while trying to give the Craft group, especially the ”knit and natter” sessions a new image, we have come up with “Craft & Conversation” as a new name for our group.
As we get older, dexterity and mobility become an issue, but one thing we can all do is talk!
The idea is, instead of just talking to your neighbour (nothing wrong with that, & of course it will still happen), we discuss as a group a variety of topics such as current events, (worldwide or local) family histories or as we did the other week, just about ourselves the aim being to make ourselves more inclusive & welcoming. Topics could be chosen by members on the day.
Socializing not only staves off feelings of loneliness, but also it helps sharpen memory and cognitive skills, increases our sense of happiness and well-being, and may even help us live longer.
If you want to learn how to knit, or crochet for example, there will always be someone who can sit and show you one-to-one.
We will still do projects from time to time, but you are not obliged to join in. Just come for the conversation! Plus tea, coffee, & biscuits. – Caffeine-free, dairy-free and gluten-free are taken into account for those who like me are on weird diets.
Open to all WI members £1.50 per session (more if we are doing a special project which needs materials), but that is optional. (Just so that you know, £1 goes towards hiring the hall & 50p towards refreshments).
Our next meeting of Craft & Conversation is on Tuesday 10th October from 2-4pm in the WIC hall.
Gill, Yvonne, Jane & Lesley look forward to seeing & talking to you soon.
New members welcome. You can try us for 3 visits before joining.
How do you find your escape?
Is there a woodland you love to walk in, do you spot birds – or do you enjoy taking your friends and family somewhere new surrounded by nature? Autumn’s a great time to get out and about, and the National Trust are giving away a select number of autumn passes so you can get free entry to a National Trust place of your choice.
This single-use pass allows free entry for two adults and up to three children, one adult and up to four children, or two adults on their own.
Saturday, 14 October South Devon Marine Strandings Network Volunteer Training Day
Join us for a day long training session, which will consist of a morning indoor session, learning about; the Marine Strandings Network is and how it works, cetacean (dolphin, whales and porpoise) identification, H&S, and how to use our recording forms for dead stranded cetaceans and seals to gather the vital records we need.
In the afternoon we will head down to the beach to run a simulated dead stranding using life-sized model of a dolphin, porpoise, and seal to train you in recording, health and safety, and retrieval procedures.
This will be a fun day, but with a serious purpose.
The training costs £15 and booking is essential as places are limited.
At the end of the day, you will complete a registration form to join DWT's Marine Strandings Network (MSN) and receive a digital training pack to take home with you.
You will need to bring your own lunch, and be sure to bring warm clothes, water proofs and sensible shoes with you for the afternoon outdoor session.
PLEASE NOTE: This training is for (adult) Devon residents who will volunteer to attend strandings along the South Devon coastline.
Yealm Parchment Group 20th October 2-4 pm.
We will be doing convex and concave embossing plus dorso colouring.
New members welcome. £8.
Equipment can be supplied. For more details contact Lesley 07838375449
On October 24th Angela will be running a silk scarf dyeing session., with the WI Craft and Conversation Group. If you would like to take part she needs numbers of scarves and sizes required so that she can order them in.
You can just random dye or you can do some tie dyeing to create a pattern.
Sometimes people have done more than one in the afternoon as gifts for friends and relatives.
The choices are:
Size 130 x 35 cm £6.50
Size 150 x 40 cm £8
This price includes the dye and p&p.
Please let Angela know what you’d like. ASAP. (Sentence linked to e mail address) New members welcome
26th October Thursday Lunch Club Newton and Noss Village hall 12.15. The tide will be coming in £6 Please contact mrandmrsbarnett@gmail.com Allergies and vegetarians can be catered for. New members welcome
Save the Date
Pig Race Night
Neighbourhood Plan Review Noss Village Hall
Last chance for viewing & having your say
November 12.00 noon – 18.00 & 18 November 9.30 – 12.30
Learn how to identify UK and European seabirds and cetaceans with this one day course!
Join MARINElife and Devon Wildlife Trust at their training day to learn how to observe and identify whales, dolphins and seabirds, together with data recording methods used for scientific research.
In this informative course you will learn to identify what can be seen from land and sea around the UK and European seas. How to become a Citizen Scientist and report your sightings for conservation, as well as becoming a MARINElife volunteer ship-based surveyor in your spare time. To book click here
Saturday, 4 November 2023, 10:00 Whale, Dolphin and Seabird ID
An evening of Kurling and Supper at Noss Village hall. 25th November. This is a fund raising event in aid of N&NVH> More details later
CINDERELLA
To be Performed at Noss Village Hall 7th, 8th, and 9th March 2024