RYDA Newsletter            09/2026

Modern Medicine

Improvements in technology - diagnosing and treating illness

Improvements in technology in the 20th century led to new understanding of the causes of genetic illness as well as more accurate methods of diagnosing and treating illness.

Improvements in the diagnosis of illness

Advances in technology have led to machines and computers that enable doctors to understand and diagnose illness more accurately. New methods of diagnosing illness have sometimes removed the need for surgery. This has often made the process quicker and more comfortable for patients. For example:

• X-rays are used to diagnose broken bones.
• CT scans are used to diagnose tumours and growths in the body.
• Blood tests are used to test samples of blood and diagnose a range of illnesses.
• An endoscope, a tiny camera on the end of a flexible cable, can be swallowed and used to diagnose problems with the digestive system.

Medical and surgical treatment in hospitals

Advances in technology have also led to changes in hospital treatments. High-tech medical and surgical treatments take place daily in a safe hospital environment. For example:

• Radiotherapy is used to shrink tumours growing inside the body. It is an effective treatment for cancer.
• Small machines are used in the treatment of illness and during surgery. For example, when a patient has a heart bypass, a machine performs the functions of a heart.
• Prosthetic limbs are used to replace amputated limbs.
• Keyhole surgery uses tiny cameras and surgical instruments to perform an operation with just a tiny cut. This enables the patient to heal much quicker.

about a person and passes it from parent to child. Once scientists were able to map the code of DNA, they were able to understand the cause of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Parkinson’s disease.

The Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project was launched in 1990. Scientists all over the world worked together to map the human genome, which is the full set of hereditary information found in a human’s DNA. This was only possible because there had been many advances in technology and computers.

The project was completed in 2003 and scientists were able to use the collected information to identify differences in the DNA of different humans that indicate genetic disease. For example, scientists have now been able to identify that some people carry a gene that leads to breast cancer, which has led to better treatments.

New scanning and imaging technologies has revolutionised surgery over the last 20 years. Techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and keyhole surgery have made procedures quicker, more efficient and less intrusive. However, doctors are increasingly moving away from costly surgical intervention and back to drug treatment.    BBC Bite size

I am already writing October & November’s newsletters, and the year is rapidly coming to a close. This year we have been looking at the history of medicine, and how far we have come since the days of the barber for amputations and tooth extraction. We are so lucky to be living in an age of advancement.

Having said that, what topic would you like to see next year? – I need new ideas.

Over the years I have been writing these newsletters, we have looked at the origin of sayings; insects and their predators; birds; the history of named days (ie valentines day); & Foraging, to name but a few.

Suggestions (Clean and sensible please!) can be sent to our email address rydamembers@yahoo.co.uk  or better still, would you like to have a go at researching and writing the introductory item? Ideally a topic that can be split into 12 monthly portions. It could be part of your DofE award; or even media studies course.

Possibly a life saved!

The following event recently took place locally using one of the defibrillators in the village. When I heard about it I thought it was an excellent opportunity to spread the word. Please read it and if you have not already done so, consider getting trained in CPR [Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation] and the use of defibrillators. It could be you saving a life! The Ambulance service provides regular training sessions in the villages, organised through the Parish Council. There is also plenty of good information on the British Heart Foundation website.

‘‘The casualty was a local resident who had disturbed a wasp nest while gardening, which had resulted in six wasp stings to his legs and neck. He was unaware of his potential for anaphylactic shock, an overwhelming allergic reaction which can cause total collapse. The casualty had previously had a severe local reaction to a wasp sting years earlier. His wife contacted me after her initial first aid response had been insufficient and he had collapsed. On my arrival, he was unconscious and unresponsive, with a weak pulse and shallow breathing. I advised his wife to call for an emergency ambulance immediately and considered anaphylactic shock. My husband soon appeared, and together we got the casualty onto the floor and extended his airway, and with the operator’s instructions, I started full CPR, while my husband quickly retrieved the local defibrillator (PAD).

The verbal instructions, as relayed clearly by the PAD, were simple, unambiguous and confidence-inspiring. Once the defibrillator pads were applied to the casualty as it directed, it assessed the casualty for a shock, but it was not required. However, it helped count regular cardiac “presses” while the emergency phone operative advised when to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. When the First Responder arrived minutes later, followed quickly by the emergency ambulance, additional treatment was given, PAD use was discontinued, and after a full assessment, the casualty was transferred to hospital where he made a full and speedy recovery. He was later discharged with a couple of EpiPens (adrenaline auto injectors) should a similar event ever occur.

To summarise, this was a serious life-threatening incident in which the use of the defibrillator played a significant part. It was an excellent addition to our resuscitation efforts, even though shocks were not actually required. This is a great piece of kit which talks through the actions required, and people should not be afraid to use it.’’

There are several defibrillators[ PAD’s or Public Access Defibrillators ] around the villages. Make sure you know their locations in case you need one in an emergency.

Dick Page,  [ dickpage1@gmail.com ]

                          Brookings Down Wood & Eastern Hill Wood                                         August 2026 Update 

It is now 26 years since Brooking Down Wood was bought by local people and associations for the local community and transferred to the ownership of the Woodland Trust a specialist woodland conservation organisation.

Eastern Hill Wood was later bequeathed to the villages. Although owned by the Woodland Trust both woods are leased back to our communities through the RYDA and managed by a local committee with expert advice from the Woodland Trust and supported by a band of local volunteers who meet regularly throughout the autumn and winter to maintain paths, planting new trees, dealing with unsafe trees and other activities to help improve the health of the wood and its natural inhabitants.

If this valuable habitat for wildlife is to be preserved, whilst also enhancing access for the local community and visitors, careful management of the woods is needed for nature to grow and wildlife to flourish.

Bike Riding

In recent months we have noticed an increase in bike riding, particularly off track and creating jumps in BDW. We have consulted the Woodland Trust who confirm that neither BDW or EHW are designated, nor insured for bike riding. Therefore we respectfully ask that this does not continue both in the interest of the wildlife and also to prevent potential injury to those who use the woods

We welcome all ages to enjoy walking in the wood.

Our working parties will restart on the 3rd Oct, if you would like to join us please keep an eye on the parish magazine for a further update.

Paul Francombe  - Chair BDW & EHW Committee

We are so lucky to be living in such a lively community.

There is so much going on you cannot do it all!

Why not try something new this winter?

I cannot list everything that goes on. Much of it is on your website https://ryda.org.uk  do check that the timings haven’t changed.

The web sites of some of our organisations are as follows:

https://www.thewi.online/  Newton & Noss WI

https://www.yealmu3a.org.uk/calendar/  Yealm U3A

https://yealmgardenssociety.com/    Yealm Garden Society

https://www.yealmartsociety.com/   Yealm Art Society

https://www.wemburymarinecentre.org/     Wembury Marine Centre

https://www.ycet.co.uk/   Yealm electric ferry

https://yemcorridor.com/#projects     Yealm Estuary to Moor

https://www.dementiayealm.org/    Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm

https://southdevon-nl.org.uk/events/    Life on the edge with South Devon National Landscape

I am sure there are many more. If your organisation is not included on the RYDA website, and wish to be, then please email us

Rogue advertisers can camouflage their ads on your favourite websites to trick you into adding your card details. You might see a prompt urging you to 'Verify and Continue' or 'Download' a file, but it's actually a disguised ad designed to blend in seamlessly with a website’s normal content.

“Which” exposes how a hidden banner left one BBC user trapped in a monthly subscription to an obscure 'tech education' e-book business, and to escape the payments they had to cancel their bank card. Read more here

Planning

With three conversions, one new dwelling and a new stable, activity seems to be increasing.

Horsewells, Parsonage Road - Proposed stable yard for private use of the owner. Although a revision from the previous proposals the main access remains through the lane by Beech Cottages. There will need to be a condition regarding potential commercial use. Ref. No: 2364/26/FUL (Click link for further information.)

Land East Of 4 Munro Avenue, Collaton – Replacing an existing block of redundant garages which are stated to be no longer fit-for-purpose, a new dwelling and garage is proposed plus an extension to the adjacent existing house.

Although the new house will be finished in off-white render the single storey elements will use contemporary finishes such as metal standing seam roofing and wood cladding. Ref. No: 2244/26/FUL

Tylecroft, Stoke Road - Alterations to an existing dwelling, including new openings, porch canopy, an under-terrace storeroom as well as internal changes to incorporate the garage into living space.

Most notable is the increase in glazing to the south elevation facing the Newton Arm, although by some modern standards this is not excessive. Given the location and potential for disrupting traffic using Stoke Road during construction a strong Construction Management Plan (CMP) is required. Ref. No: 2257/26/HHO

Spinnakers, 2 Church Park - Modifications to an established dwelling, including loft conversion involving raising the roof whilst retaining the hipped roof construction, new rear balcony and an aerial walkway from Church Park to access the living room etc on the new first floor. A significant project for which a Construction Management Plan (CMP) will be necessary. Ref. No: 2146/26/HHO  

Quay Cottage Bridgend - A Listed Building Consent for replacement of existing deterio

rated cedar shingle roof covering with new cedar shingle roof covering on existing roof structure. Ref. No: 1977/26/LBC

Tilford 56 Yealm Road – Considerable works to the existing house – involving demolition of single storey elements, modifications to internals with a modest second storey extension, and associated landscaping works. A new decking area to the south overlooking Yealm Road is proposed. Situated on an ample plot there shouldn’t be any issues with materials storage etc during construction, however the lack of a CMP is noted. Ref. No:1942/26/HHO.

Whilst none of these proposals seem to be contentious, if you have any comments, please let us know. 

Whats On?

NEW for our younger members

1st September 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).

8th September Ladies Line Dance WI Hall 2pm-3.30pm. New term starting all ladies welcome. Tea/coffee break in middle. £2 Fun exercise to music, friendly group, reminder e mail of dances learnt. Contact Lesley 07838375449

15th September WI Monthly Meeting 7pm for 7.30 Our speaker will be Jude Coran talking about the magic behind magic. All ladies welcome. 1st 3 visits to any WI event free, while you decide if you would like to join us.

16th September WI project with Life on the Edge at Down Thomas. ~ Bug house making £2 Bookings only. 2-4pm

18th September Digital Drop in open Session WIC hall 10.30- 11.45

19th September Yealm Art Society workshop. Painting Interiors with Michael Hill @ Yealm Community Centre 10.00-12.00 noon

24th September  Thursday Lunch Club Noss 12.15 £6 pp. Newton & Noss village Hall. 2 courses plus coffee. Please contact mrandmrsbarnett@gmail.com Allergies can be catered for, also vegetarian option available. New members welcome. The tide will be out for parking. High water 17.35

25th September Digital Drop in sessions "Filing Stuff" WIC hall 10.30-11.45

Save the Date

6^thOctoberFirst 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).

8th OctoberParish Council Meeting WIC hall 7.00pm

11th October Apple day community Orchard

12^th October Monday WI Winter coffee group 2.00pm WIC hall

13^th October Ladies Line Dance WI Hall 2pm-3.30pm.  Tea/coffee break in middle. £2 Fun exercise to music, friendly group, video reminder of dances learnt. 

14^th October WI winter Skittles restarts at Westward Inn 12.00. Buy your drink, order your lunch and then meet us down stairs in the skittle alley.

16th October Jazz Night at Holy Cross

17th October YAS Drawing in St Barts Church 10.00 - 4.00pm

20^th October WI monthly meeting. Our speaker is a stand up poet, Jackie Juno. All ladies welcome. 1st 3 visits to any WI event free, while you decide if you would like to join us.

22^nd October Thursday Lunch Club Noss 12.15 £6 pp. Newton & Noss village Hall. 2 courses plus coffee. Please contact mrandmrsbarnett@gmail.com Allergies can be catered for, also vegetarian option available. New members welcome. The tide will be out for parking. High water 14.58

25th October YAS Pop up sale WIC hall 10.30 -3.30

27^th October WI Craft Group 2-4pm all ladies welcome Cyanotype with Lesley

27th October YGS AGM & talk "Scented Garden" with Jeremy WIlson  7.00