RYDA Newsletter 09/2024
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. These ones are military based.
Flash In the Pan – The expression denoting all show with little substance derives from the late 17th century and the days of the flintlock musket.
A small charge of gunpowder loaded into a pan was intended to ignite when struck by the flint and light the main charge of powder thus propelling the musket ball down the barrel and into the advancing enemy.
If the main charge failed to ignite, the gunpowder loaded into the pan flared up without a bullet being fired and this was known as a ‘flash in the pan’.
Go Off at Half-Cock – Generally meaning to act prematurely, this is yet another familiar expression that can be dated back to the age of the flintlock musket.
The spring on the striking mechanism that creates the spark to ignite the charge and fire the musket would normally be set to what is known as a full-cocked position when the musket was ready to be used in anger. A safer alternative was to leave the musket charged with powder and shot but in a state where the spring was not fully tensioned, known as half-cocked.
A musket would generally only ‘go off at half-cock’ by mistake, or if the musketeer was acting in a state of panic.
The Whole Nine Yards; This phrase originated during the Great War.
The Vickers machine gun boasted a nine-yard magazine belt. To 'give them the whole nine yards' meant to use up the entire belt on the enemy.
These days, the phrase means ‘everything possible’.
Pressed for an answer; Horribly, people used to have heavy weights loaded onto their chests in an effort to squeeze a confession out of them at an interrogation.
They were, quite literally, 'pressed for an answer'.
It was also a means of execution, where such heavy weights were applied, the person was crushed to death.
'Blighty' is a nickname for Britain.
In the First World War, soldiers would pray for a 'blighty': a wound that would get them back to Britain for treatment.
Some people say that the word is a corruption of 'beauty', but it’s more likely derived from a Hindu word meaning 'stranger' – and that it was picked up during the times of the British Raj.
Yealm Community Energy
YCE has a direct financial impact for our community, over and above producing electricity, rent to landowners, and some local work. Surpluses arrive in different ways, depending on how the planning agreements for the solar farms were agreed:
For Newton Downs, funds are paid into a Community Benefit Fund, the organisation of which is under the control of YCE.
For Creacombe and Marlands, two Section 106 agreements were set up between the landowners and planning authority.
These provide inflation-linked payments to the Parish Councils and Primary Schools in Holbeton, Newton & Noss, and Yealmpton, in equal parts. YCE has no control over how these funds are spent. Any remaining surpluses are paid into the Community Fund, but these are likely to be relatively small in the early years.
The table shows how funds have been used by the communities in the seven years since YCE was formed and the solar farms began operating. To date the total is just over £141,000, probably rising to almost £160,000 by the early 2025.
PUMA
We have been asked for Trauma teddies for Ukraine, and also medicines and personal care items.
Please drop off to Jill Johnson and leave in the porch; 2 Meadow Close, Newton PL8 1BT
Calling all Knitters
The WI are busy knitting, crocheting and sewing poppies for a display outside the hall in November – We need hundreds! If you are an avid knitter,sewer or handy with a crochet needle, your help will be most welcome. The patterns for poppies and trauma teddies are found at https://www.thewi.online/craft-group-program.
Spotted a snake?
We have 3 species of snake native to the UK and where you are will affect what type of snake you're more likely to see...
- Adders are mostly spotted in woodland, heathland and moorland habitats.
- Grass snakes are usually spotted in wetlands and grasslands, or even gardens.
- Smooth snakes are rare and can only be found at a few heathland sites in the UK.
If you're lucky enough to spot a snake when you're out and about, keep a respectful distance and don't disturb it while you try and identify it.
Despite appearances, the slow worm is actually a legless lizard, not a worm or a snake!
Look out for it basking in the sun on heathlands and grasslands, or even in the garden, where it favours compost heaps.
If you must have a bonfire, then you can reduce the impact on other residents by choosing a day when it’s windy and the smoke clears quickly.
Still, hot days and nights when everybody wishes to sit out in their gardens, hang out laundry and have windows open are not the days to do it.
Consider having your bonfire after dusk. A bonfire that burns quickly and is over within an hour is much better than one that smoulders for days.
Alternatively, and this is much more environmentally friendly, you can either compost the garden waste or pay for South Hams District Council (SHDC) to take it in the Brown Bin scheme. Whilst the law says residents can light a bonfire, there is legislation if it causes a nuisance.
Bonfires - are you causing a nuisance?
Please consider all your neighbours before starting a bonfire, not just those immediately next door, but around the village, above you and downwind of you. Although you may believe that the smoke and smell is not affecting others, people react differently to smoke – in particular those that have breathing issues such as asthma.
If smoke coming from another property is affecting your normal and reasonable use of your property, then it might be a 'Statutory Nuisance.'
If a bonfire emits dark smoke - as defined by the Clean Air Act 1993 - then an immediate offence is committed, and SHDC can take action, including prosecution if necessary.
You can “report a nuisance” here https://www.southhams.gov.uk/
environment-and-nuisance/nuisance/bonfires-and-smoke-pollution
The WI celebrated their new President in August with a tea, with scones, cake & Pimms. Nan also showed us a film, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”; based on a book by Charlie Mackesy. It was a film about Friendship, Love, Support and Home, which Nan felt encompassed everything about our community and the WI.
Planning
Significant Planning Applications this month are:
Application reference 2637/24/HHO
Ronsford Stoke Road Noss Mayo PL8 1DY Rather than the previously proposed knockdown and rebuild, this is a relatively modest proposal for a loft conversion, first floor rear & side extension, ground floor extension, alterations to fenestration & balcony, replacement garage & associated external works.
Ref 2577/24/HHO Springtide 28 Court Road Although this appears to be a substantial additional third floor / loft conversion with higher roof and associated dormers, it is set well back from Court Road, and should have limited impact.
Reference 2549/24/ARC Collaton Cross Development Site for 125 Houses etc.
This application is for approval of details reserved by condition 9 (Hard/ Soft Landscaping Plan) of planning consent 3335/21/FUL
Details of the landscaping of the public accessible parkland, including footpaths and tracks, some are to be constructed with hoggin (compactable groundcover that is composed of a mixture of clay, gravel, and sand or granite dust) and some unmade. There appears to be a full hedge near the egress of the Newton / Collaton permissive path onto the B3186 which could obscure users clear view of traffic and vice versa.
2528/24/ARC Collaton Cross Development Site for 125 houses etc.
This application is for approval of details reserved by conditions 3 (Construction Phase Drainage) and 36 (Phasing Plan) of planning consent 3335/21/FUL
Details of the separate foul water and surface water drainage systems. The new surface water system will use the new ponds to attenuate flows before discharging to an existing surface water drain, but confirmation is required that the existing system can cope with the potential extra flows.
Ref 2156/24/FUL Land at SX 554 488 Butts Park. Construction & operation of a micro energy storage facility. Whilst we welcome battery storage as a positive measure in mitigating climate change and although relatively small with a fenced area of 6m x 4m x 2.4m high, this proposal is in entirely the wrong place. Situated adjacent to the main road into the village, in a highly visible location and without any landscaping or screening. Such an industrial building could be better placed.
Planning Appeals:
Appeals for Briar Hill Farm Park extension and 101 Yealm Road, 2 new houses at the old Paint Laboratory, remain undecided.
New Government proposal for changes to Planning policy.
The Government have issued a Consultation on their proposed new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The NPPF is a 78-page document which acts as the rulebook for planning. It advises local authorities and developers on what they can and cannot do when planning developments and includes a range of policies that ultimately determine what gets built where. It’s a vitally important framework which can shape how we can build the houses we need in a way that protects our countryside and natural spaces and involves local communities with their local plans such as our Newton and Noss Neighbourhood Plan.
The main proposed change to the NPPF is the reintroduction of annual house building targets for all areas. These will be based on current housing stock with uplifts for areas of high unaffordability. Each Local Planning Authority will have to maintain a minimum of five years housing supply. Although the Consultation says that existing protection for special designated areas, such as our South Devon National Landscape, will be maintained, it is not clear how the South Hams would be affected.
While it is good to see a commitment to boosting affordable and social housing delivery, often homes referred to as ‘affordable’ are anything but. Whilst ambitious targets to build homes that local people can afford, this means re-defining ‘affordable’ housing in the NPPF to reflect average local incomes, which isn’t currently proposed by the government. This isn’t just a housing crisis, it’s an affordability crisis, and making affordable mean affordable in national planning policy is critical.
You can read and comment on the proposals here: Click the link
The consultation began on Tuesday 30 July 2024 and will close at 11.45pm on Tuesday 24 September 2024.
Whats On?
These gentle sitting exercises, under the tutelage of registered Physiotherapists, will help improve your mobility and prevent falls, help you to safely and effectively increase muscle tone, flexibility and even get your heart rate up a bit, lose weight, and stay independent and stave off that nursing home.
Even a small amount of activity can be a tremendous boost to our wellbeing and help you to tone and strengthen. So why not give it a go? You might be surprised at just how good it makes you feel. You will even have a laugh, and get tea and biscuits afterwards!
Our small group meets every Wednesday at 10.00 – 11.00am and costs £5 per person.
New members always welcome. This group is funded by the Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm.
Gentle Seated Exercise Group for the less flexible
The Newton & Noss WI hall hosts a gentle seated exercise group for the less flexible, no matter your age.
If you have difficulty standing or walking, it needn't mean exercise is out of the question. We all know that being physically active is good for us, but not everyone can take part in activities like walking, cycling or aerobics classes. If that’s the case for you, but you want to keep as active as possible, then easy chair-based exercise could be just what you’re looking for. The classes are also suitable for those who are still very active but who want to maintain their flexibility.
Sun, 1 Sep At 22:00 Night-Time Rockpool Safari at Wembury Marine Centre.
3rd September 12.00 noon First Tuesday Lunch Club 12.00 £6 for 2 courses plus tea or coffee. Newton Ferrers Community Hall. Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442) New members welcome.
3rd September Parish Council Surgery in the Post office during the morning 10.00 – 12.00.
- Meet the Clerk of the Parish Council and Parish Councillors
- Share positives about the work of the Parish Council
- Raise concerns about our parish.
- Suggest ideas for improvements.
- Talk to PCSO Di Summerswho will be at the PC Surgery from 11 am
Wed, 4 Sep At 12:00 Adults Snorkel Safari at Wembury Marine Centre.
6th September WI visit to Dartmoor Prison Museum.
Contact Jackie Ross for Details 07918815914
Lunch afterwards at the “Old Police Station Café”.
5th September Parish Council Meeting 7.00pm Newton & Noss village hall, Noss Mayo. See Parish web site for details.
Do you know your crickets from your grasshopppers?!
Life on the Edge will be running two workshops - one online and one in the field, to discover more about the amazing world of Orthoptera - Crickets, bush-crickets and grasshopper to the lay person!
These training workshops will be free to join in and we hope they will give some of you the skills and enthusiasm to get out on the LotE coastline and help us to spot and record these agile and athletic insects! Move over Hamish Kerr - these high jumpers can reach heights equivalent to a human leaping over a five-storey building!
The first session will be online 6pm - 7.30pm on Monday 9th September and the field visit Sunday 15th September 1pm - 4pm. You can find out more about the workshops here
14th September Holbeton Film Club 7.00pm £4.00
"Wicked Little Letters." Based on a true scandal, it follows an investigation into the anonymous author of numerous crudely insulting letters sent to the residents of seaside town Littlehampton.
13th September Digital Drop-ins WIC Hall
Tickets are now LIVE for "A Midsummer Night's Dream "Performance at Mothecombe House & Gardens.
Come join us for a magical evening under the stars at Mothecombe for a special outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s classic play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of William Shakespeare’s best-loved plays – full of magic, passion and delicious comedy.
We are presenting a full scale, full cast, outdoor performance.
Evening Performances: 19:30hrs (Doors open 18:00hrs)
Wednesday 11th September
Thursday 12th September
Friday 13th September
Saturday 14th September
Matinee Performances: 14:00hrs (Doors open 12:00hrs)
Saturday 14th September
There is a bar, and a range of food is available. Doors open at 6pm for the evening performances, and at 12 noon for the Saturday matinee, and audience members are welcome to bring picnics to enjoy on the lawns of the walled vegetable garden.
The play will be performed whatever the weather so do come prepared for anything – warm and rainproof gear and sensible shoes. Being a rambling cross-country journey it is not easy for people with mobility issues, but we will do what we can to accommodate everyone.
Audience size is strictly limited so buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Please note all alcoholic beverages MUST be bought on the premise, there will be a pop-up bar and BBQ available on the day.
Where: Mothecombe House & Gardens When: From 11th September 2024
BOOK NOW at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../wild-will-productions...
The action, and the audience, move from the front steps of magnificent Mothecombe House, through the gardens and into the luscious woodlands of the grounds and ending in the beautiful grandeur of the walled garden and the Lutyens terrace.
It's all hands on deck in our family workshop, The Whale's Tale!
Join us on 14 and 15 September at The Box from 1.30pm to 3.30pm for an exciting ocean exploration adventure. Learn about these majestic sea creatures through puppetry, play games and work together to create a sea shanty to protect them.
Don't miss out - this activity is free but advance booking is necessary.
These workshops are supported by Plymouth Sound National Marine Park as part of Sea Fest 2024.
#TheBoxPlymouth #FamilyWorkshops #WhatsOnPlymouth #ThingsToDoInPlymouth #OceanExploration #FamilyFriendly #SeaFest2024
Macbeth Outdoor Performance at Mothecombe House (2nd performance)
Following the success of last year’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, we decided to take on the challenge of putting on one of the bard’s tragedies and we have gone for Macbeth.
As with the Dream it fits beautifully in the gardens and grounds of Mothecombe House (The castle of Dunsinane) and our amazing local actors are rising magnificently to the altogether different challenge of diving into the darkness and moral uncertainty of the play. The blood and beautiful language are really bubbling.
We have a large heavy metal band playing throughout, accompanied by two internationally renowned sopranos. There will be special effects, amazing lighting, terrible weather and, we hope, insurance allowing, horses!
Evening Performances: 19:30hrs (Doors open 18:00hrs)
Wednesday 18th September
Thursday 19th September
Friday 20th September
Saturday 21st September
Please note - there is no matinee performance.
There is a bar and a range of food is available. Doors open at 6pm for the evening performances, and audience members are welcome to bring picnics to enjoy on the lawns of the walled vegetable garden.
The play will be performed whatever the weather so do come prepared for anything - warm and rainproof gear and sensible shoes. Being a rambling cross-country journey it is not easy for people with mobility issues, but we will do what we can to accommodate everyone. Folding chairs and shooting sticks allowed. Please no dogs, mobile phones or umbrellas during the performance.
Audience size is strictly limited so buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Please note all alcoholic beverages MUST be bought on the premise, there will be a pop-up bar and BBQ available on the day.
To book follow the link below
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../wild-will-productions...
16th September Stroke Survivors & their carers coffee and chat 10.30-12.00 Meeting room WIC Hall
17th September 7.00pm WI meeting Talk by Mike Griffiths with a remarkable story of Second World War espionage with a semi local connection.
New members welcome. 1st 3 visits free, after which you will be encouraged to join.
We also have special interest groups including crafts, choir and a book group. To see our diary, go to https://www.thewi.online/copy-of-notice-board
21st September Yealm Art Society. “Figures in the landscape” with Mark Fielding at Yealm Community Centre. £25 for members £30 non-members 10.00am - 4pm
Mark will be giving us an insight into drawing and painting figurines in our artwork and look at how to incorporate movement as well. He will be focussing on how tones create three-dimensional space in our paintings.
Please email: contact@yealmartsociety.com to reserve your place for this workshop.
24th September Yealm Garden Society “Camelias” Jim Stephens WIC Hall 7.30. New Members welcome.
26th September Thursday Lunch Club. 12.15 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.
27th September Yealm Parchment Group meet in the WIC meeting room at 14.00.
This month we will be concentrating on snipping, so bring your glasses!
Contact Lesley 07838375449 If you would like more information or to borrow tools.
Classes £8 and include tuition, Pattern, backing paper, brads, Parchment etc.
Tessa is a young, brilliant barrister.
From working class origins, she has reached the top of her game.
An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, burden of proof and morals diverge.
28th September WIC Hall 7pm.
Tickets from Post Office or on line here £12 or £14 on the door.
October 1st 12.00 noon First Tuesday Lunch Club 12.00 £6 for 2 courses plus tea or coffee. Newton Ferrers Community Hall. Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442) New members welcome.
October 12th Yealm Art Society – Julie Dunster – Alla prima flowers – 10am to 4pm
Yealmpton Community Centre – Members £25
Save the Date
Sunday 13th October 2.00pm
The South Hams Singers Present
October 15th WI 19.00. The speaker will be Marc Chapman who was formerly Mayor of Ivybridge telling us How to become a Mayor and what it entails.
October 21st Stoke Survivors support group. Meeting room WIC hall 10.00am
October 22nd WI Craft Group - Patchwork with Annette.
October 24th Thursday Lunch Club. 12.15 Thursday Lunch Club Newton & Noss village Hall. (The tide will be on its way 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.
October 25th Yealm Parchment Group 2.00 4.00pm WIC hall.
October 28th Dementia Friendly Crafts group. 10.00am Yealmpton Methodist Church
