At the May meeting of East Worlington Parish Hall Committee, the committee discussed and planned the reopening of the Hall following its closure due to COVID-19. The committee considered government guidance and legislation and aims to ensure compliance. A programme of activities from September to December was agreed. This programme is outlined on the following document. We are all looking forward to the reopening of the Hall and supporting the activities and events held there.

Following the relaxation of Covid restrictions, East Worlington Parish Hall is open for Pilates classes from 17th May 2021.  If all goes to plan, the hall will be open for all activities from 21st June. 

Our Parish Hall facilities allow us to cater for a wide range of different events, with a stage area for plays and bands, a projection system for talks and demonstrations, tables and chairs for seated events; with a maximum capacity of 80 people.

Our large hall with hardwood sprung floor and underfloor heating is an ideal venue for a range of occasions. Our kitchen facilities provide a fridge, electric cooker, microwave, and hot water urn and is well-equipped to let you cook your own food or bring in external catering for preparation away from the main hall area. A large serving hatch can be used to distribute directly food from the kitchen area.

The Hall is suitable for:

• Community Events
• Meetings
• Interest Groups and Clubs
• Exhibitions
• Fund-raising Events
• Wedding parties
• Christenings
• Funerals
• Private events and celebrations

More information and pictures can be found on line at ewph.uk/parish-hall/ If you would like to book the hall, please complete the online form at ewph.uk/parish-hall/book-the-hall/

We look forward to welcoming you back to the hall soon!

Applications are invited for the role of Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) to East Worlington Parish Council in North Devon.

The post is part-time (16 hours per month) and is home based. Currently the Council is holding monthly meetings on the third Thursday of each month, which the Clerk is required to attend.

Salary and terms and conditions are in line with the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and the Society of Local Councils Clerks (SLCC); The pay scale will be LC1 13-17, £11.76 – £12.48 subject to experience and qualifications.

The job requires excellent communication and IT skills, including proficiency in Excel and Word.

The job description and application form are available from the locum clerk – please email clerk@eastworlingtonpc.org.uk  Please supply details of two referees who may be contacted (one of these should be in relation to your most recent employment).

Applications should be returned by email to the locum clerk, or posted to Penny Clapham, Penton Chapel, Christow, Exeter EX6 7NP

Marching through March for the Children’s Hospice South West

Liz Guppy’s Challenge Week 4

Here is week four of my challenge. These are the last days of my challenge of walking 100 miles in March.

I’m so grateful for all the support I have received. all to the benefit of the Children’s Hospice South West.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/catherine-elizabeth-guppy

This page provides my daily diary and gallery for week four. Some fantastic views in our parish and beyond, all in walking distance.

Visit my Week One Page
Visit my Week Two Page
Visit my Week Three Page

DAY 22

A local friend popped over who hadn’t done the “old settlement route” before so she asked if I would show it to her. I have put lots of pictures of this well documented round on previous days so was looking out for anything new to snap.  The first was this old and enormous tree stump along the green lane towards the old Sowden’s Burridge Farm (now gone to ground).  I remember when the tree was standing in all it’s magnificence then it came down in a storm and totally blocked the route for a good long while meaning that we went round the back of the roots via the field. The undergrowth grew up and it became dense, hiding animal runs through and round it. Then it was cleared and now the stump remains along with the remainder of the trunk on the opposite hedge. The stump is an amazing host for all sorts of fungi. Some very large, one of which exploded on me once, covering me with orange powder. (I confess I did poke it with the end of my stick). I lived to tell the tale. All around the base of the stump this year’s juicy new nettles are appearing. Just the right size for nettle soup if you fancy that. (it tastes like spinach). At the bottom of the settlement on the north slope going down to Cheldon Bridge is a new conifer plantation. The old crop was felled a few years ago now and the new crop of babies are looking well established. We spotted the first stitch wort on the bank around the settlement. They join up in April with the blue bells making blue and white hedgerows to take over from the previous yellows of March. More tree sculptures which reminded me of a torso with arms bent at the elbows and flexing muscles. The settlement is a hide and seek heaven for children playing outdoors. What I hadn’t mentioned in earlier posts was that this route is part of the aptly named Ridge and Valley walk which links The Tarka Trail and The Two Moors Way with a 12 mile route along the Little Dart Valley. So back across Burridge Moor with some elemental skyscapes and views North and South to both Moors. A walk I never tire of doing. 4.3 miles. 

DAY 23

Today I thought I would pop the map of the two home villages in. It is sometimes good to look at the OS map to see the position of the paths even though it will be very familiar to a lot of the readers. Some people may remember the textile map of this very area which a couple of us made with the school children in 2015 to mark the opening of the newly refurbished Parish Hall. Today my walking friend was a member of the Tiverton CHSW support group of which I was once a member. She had never been to The Worlingtons before so as with my other friend last week she wanted to see all the nooks and crannies!  Again, we took two cars to Edgelake bridge headed East all round the woods incorporating Pedley field too and out to Drayford back through the Worly villages and up to Woodpark Cross. There we headed a little way along to Affeton but retraced our steps back via the church yards where we lingered to chat to various local friends and take pictures of features in the graveyard. I snapped close up pictures of the old coffin rest in the Lytch gate, our little village school and a posing cow who was part of the herd now in the meadows by the river.  There are lots more pictures of this walk in other posts so didn’t want to bore you with more today. I think Sally enjoyed her guided tour and was keen to attend an event in the hall when there is one to attend! 4.4 miles round trip.

DAY 24

A fabulous sunny day to do the penultimate walk of my challenge and I couldn’t let it go by without incorporating one of my favourite wild and atmospheric places. (although I think it is commonly walked by local people it still feels like you are in a time warp.). A walk that takes you through Lower Adworthy Barns. We parked up in Drayford and planned to do a loop around the little Adworthy Brook which flows down to the Little Dart through a culvert under the road at Drayford. Following the lane from the village we walked the long hill North up to Thornham Chapel with the brook on our right.  Signs of Spring romping along as we passed trees with buds about to burst and on one of the old trunks were carved initials maybe of local lovers in the Spring sunshine!   As you come to the top of the hill you can see Witheridge with it’s very prominent church tower over to the North West and the once active Methodist chapel ahead at the crossroads.  We continued along to the Old Smithy where a footpath goes across some meadows heading West and joins with the lane from the village which heads North to Mouseberry Cross. We only did a short stretch of the path as it was one we hadn’t walked before and it was a bit unclear which route we should follow. So we retraced our steps back along the path which skirted the edge of the field where the prehistoric long stone almost still stands! Heading back to join the green lane which runs North past The Adworthys it felt as though we were on top of the world with views in all directions. So down the green lane, again lined by daffodils and primroses, it feels like you are entering a time warp. Old gateways far too small for the big modern machinery and wonderful overgrown hedgebanks with the grown trees forming an arch over the top. (reminiscences of childhood days growing up in the South Hams of Devon in the 1950s). Then as you round a corner, ahead of you is an ancient and unused farmyard with traditional red cob barns and Linhays which would once have been thatched.  The path leads through the middle of the buildings with an old roundhouse threshing barn on the right. As I walked into the yard a large barn owl flew out of one barn and right over the top of my head down through the yard and into the cover of trees along the Adworthy brook below. I have had such sightings a number of times there and would love to have lingered and been still in order to watch it’s return. The old meadow fields around are perfect hunting ground for the owls and long may they remain. In the old cob walls are holes and as the sun was shining there were large bumble bees buzzing in and out of them, too quick for an amateur photographer like me.  A wonderful and atmospheric place and it is so easy to imagine it as it once might have been with traditional farming methods going on. I think I am right in saying that the original farmhouse was destroyed in a fire but if anyone wants to correct me I would be pleased to know. So, you follow through what would once have been an old gateway with one gnarled post still standing and make your way through into a meadow heading to a bridge over the Adworthy Brook. We followed over with Molly taking a dip and up the hill on the other side to join the lane leading South West back to Drayford. We headed along the top and down down down to Drayford again and the car. Stunning day, views and historic landscape. A perfect walk for me. 4.5 miles  

DAY 25

The final day of my challenge and it has been quite an experience in many ways. The sun was shining and I knew I had to make no mistakes on the final lap. Paul was waiting until I had finished to sponsor me! no pressure!!!!!!! We have done the footpath part of today’s walk only once before and once again you see the familiar parts of the local landscape from just another perspective. It takes you to the top of the world and down into the river valley with fabulous panoramic views. We set off from Drayford once again and once over the bridge of the Little Dart we turned left and headed North East along the river valley towards Witheridge. Spring blossom were all out in the gardens along the route.  Before we passed the Quarry entrance I spotted the resident peregrine. I always have to look carefully because I don’t trust my bird of prey identification skills very well but Paul confirmed my spotting and he is usually right about such things. That’s twice in a couple of weeks. A real treat.

The sheep sign on the side of the road made me smile. This is such wonderful sheep country but great to be reminded that they share the lane too as they move from pasture to pasture as they have done for centuries past. Then along the familiar but different river valley, there was an apple on a gatepost. What was the story here I wonder. One for a writing exercise for children in the village school with the who, what, where, when and why prompts. Rabbit burrows line the roadside along here and over the hedge there are views over to West Yeo as the lane heads more East away from the river. As you go past Coombe house there are glimpses of the fabulous garden with orange barked shrubs and hyacinths and daffodils beds. The footpath which used to go off right here through a crew yard has been diverted and now takes you on up the road right to the edge of Witheridge past the cockerel sign on the way. Strands of sheep’s fleece caught on the wire dancing in the strong breeze were like a miniature washing line along the fence there. You bear right and follow a ring road style path through a new plantation south of the village until you come to the signs for the Two Moors Way and the Ridge and Valley Walk.  The latter takes you back towards the River Dart but one of the signposts was a bit confusing with subtle directional pointers that needed thinking about. Golden willows mark the edge of the village and the start of the meadows. You can, from the top meadow, see back down to East Worlington. (nowhere is very far away although you can feel a sense of remoteness). Over a couple of high meadows with more stunning views you reach the lake of Coombe House lined with more willows of different kinds. You look sideways at the farm yard where the footpath was once routed. We found the OS map vital here to find the line of the path, although it is clearly marked with the yellow arrows between the meadows. The landmark wind farm at Batsworthy is clearly visible to the East and back towards Witheridge once again the church tower is prominent. Then all of a sudden at the top of the hill the high tors of Dartmoor are visible to the south. Over the next brow you skirt around Thelbridge Hall which was shrouded with smoke from a bonfire as we passed. All the paths are really well marked and take you easily along to join the lane between Thelbridge and Drayford. It is all the Ridge and Valley path which then goes on back down to Drayford and on to the West along the valley. Surprisingly, on reaching the car, I found I had another quarter of a mile to go to make my 4 miles so I walked from Drayford round the road to the village Hall in East Worlington. As I reached the cross roads two local ladies were chatting on the corner and as I approached they clapped. We did a little photo shot and felt very much supported on the final stretch back to the car. Thanks Becky and Marion!  A wonderful walk indeed and in total 4.1 miles.

Marching through March for the Children’s Hospice South West

Liz Guppy’s Challenge Week 3

Here is week three of my challenge. I’m so grateful for all the support I have received. all to the benefit of the Children’s Hospice South West.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/catherine-elizabeth-guppy

This page provides my daily diary and gallery. Some fantastic views in our parish, all in walking distance.

Visit my Week One Page
Visit my Week Two Page
Visit my Week Four Page

DAY 15

The familiar walks always spark something new and different. So another walk down towards Horse Hill turned into somewhat of a “ yellow day”for my focus. Unplanned but just evolving. The yellowness all around right now is such a heartening sight. I was taken by the view and light looking North East from Roundash back over Risdon and on to the familiar line of trees which mark Yetheridge Caravan park. Then having crossed the meadows via the footpath I decided to double back and walk down the lane to see if there were signs of the early purple orchids on the bank going towards Horse Hill cross roads. I was in luck!!!!!! And of course the promise of foxgloves tucked into hedge sculptures.  From there on through the village, a variety of different types of daffodils including the most beautiful delicate wild ones and the miniature tote a tote. Lots of the blousy, doubles ( butter and cream variety we used to call them as children). Celandines, dandelions, primroses, wild spurge down by the muddy section on the bottom road, forsythia tumbling over a wall and yellows orange stems of willow.  A very happy “ yellow walk” today. 4.3 miles covered.

DAY 16

A dullish grey day today so I thought I would follow the colour theme of yesterday and  do a village trail of “things red”. Well, post boxes seemed the obvious focus so starting at home, we have our own!  A remnant of when Mrs Stacey lived here and ran a post office and general stores from what is now the dining bit of our kitchen. Although the old GR one had to be replaced recently. I have talked to someone who remembers buying sweets here after getting off the school bus from Chumleigh back in the late 1950s. On the way down Rull Hill it was good to see the cows out in a great crowd again. On through the woods at the bottom to Drayford and not only the post box here, again a GR, but also the old telephone box tucked into some trees. So back up the lane after a quick stop for a dog swim in the river here and noticing again where the Adworthy brook which now flows under the road comes out and joins the Dart. ( there used to be a ford here). A red painted gate caught my eye on the way up the hill to East Worlington and the post box outside the old village post office and shop. Lots of us will remember it as “Winnie’s cottage”.  A much respected village member for many years. I wanted to record this ancient window on the back of a building in the village and then headed along to Oak, Ash and Thorn ( the old telegraph office!) to the next old phone box. The new post box at the junction at West Worlington replaced a VR box fairly recently. I was informed that there was another one at Affeton so I hiked up the hill to go and investigate but it was a wild goose chase and I felt a little bit like the sign post at Woodpark Cross at the end of it. Luckily Paul came to pick me up. A fun trail today and lovely to chat to village friends on route. 4.5 miles.

DAY 17

Today I walked with a local friend plus dogs who hadn’t experienced the joys of the old settlement round, so that’s what we did.  I put photos of this on last weeks diary so am just putting a few in here in case people haven’t seen the others.  There are always new things to see! The new pictures for today which really made us laugh are of the new lambs with their Mums. Nursery playtime in abundance!  Babies dancing with all four feet off the ground, mums trying to round them up and some so exhausted that they were creeping off to the hedgebank to have a rest along side the wild daffodils. In a previous entry I mentioned the old farmstead which had gone to ground down the green lane heading towards the settlement. I got the name wrong and whilst looking further I found it to be called Sowden’s Burridge, not Middle Burridge as I had thought. It’s Interesting as there is another farm not far away called Sowden’s Leigh. The origin of place names often tell interesting family stories. I wonder what this one was!? 4.3 miles.

DAY 18

A fabulous morning and so I set out early with the rising sun to my right as I went down Rull Hill. On the way to Three Hammers Cross I had a little peek into the Methodist church grave yard. I immediately spotted the grave of Nancy May Govier who occupied our house for many years. She was a very intrepid lady with few mod cons here at that time. She made fly fish hooks. We found a few tucked into a crack in the beam in the sitting room, and they remain there undisturbed. I would love to have met her. The morning light on some of the buildings down the hill was glorious so I took a few pictures from the lane looking back in a south westerly direction. Again so good to see the cows!  I was bombarded by bird song along the way and watched skylarks above the fields and rooks which all took off in one screeching go from the conifers just below Rusdon Cottage.  From the viewpoint at Hensley entrance the light on the villages meant more pictures today. Paul and Molly met and joined the party at Edgelake and we headed round the woods, and the meadows. I noted the silhouettes of sheep and Thelbridge church from the gate leading into the Stockham field, the bird and small creature holes along the river bank and of course the lovely duck family, Jemima and co. Back to the car via the lane heading out of east village.  4.3 miles.

DAY 19

A local friend came to join Molly and me today who hasn’t ever visited “The Worlington villages”  before so I decided to give her the guided tour. We both took cars to Edgelake then around the meadows and woods in traditional style ending in Drayford. Back through to  East village where I could show her the village centre. She is also interested in church architecture so that prompted me to look in more detail at the Norman patterns on the arch above the church door.  The old yew tree in the graveyard hides it’s age but I guess it has lots of stories to tell.  As a retired teacher too she was keen to see and hear about our little school and also the village hall.  We followed the road to West village and spotted the wavy ridge of the roof of the old pub skittles alley. I hadn’t noticed that before and was intrigued by it’s graceful settlement.  On up the hill to pop into West church yard and the beautiful carved bosses and leaf details on the roof of the porch there. So on to Affeton Castle, and down the hill to the river and mill and up to the Horse Hill junction turned left back along the bottom road back into the villages passing natural tree sculptures which resembled creatures.  We chatted for a while with another mutual friend outside her house before heading back to the cars and a flask of tea and cake.  The walk turned out longer than I had thought. 5.6 miles! 

DAY 20

We ventured further afield today’ just a little bit!  There is a favourite walk we do around he Huntacott river valley east of Chumleigh. It flows into the Dart just by Chumleigh Bridge. The round starts in Chumleigh heading north east on the footpath as far as Farrier’s bridge and back along the south side of the river. It is now not possible to complete that round because the bridge right at the end of the walk has been washed downstream! So …….. we did the first half which takes in stunning views from above the little river along ancient tracks with double hedges which I think must once have been a green lane, crossed only now by many creatures who leave their trails. This old path takes you along to Brookland Farm which you only see from the north on this path but is well worth looking up if you are interested in Devon vernacular buildings. It is an ancient and historic farm stead. A cross passage house, three stories high on the front and nestled into the north side of the hill at the back. It is listed and much recorded by the photographer James Ravillious and also by the Bedford Archive. It has had an ecclesiastical history in it’s past too. A wonderful and atmospheric farm with old meadows and orchard which remain as one might imagine it many years before. Well, our diversionary route the took us down the lane to Farrier’s cottage ( because we couldn’t get Molly through the style to the footpath which cut off the corner). Up and up and up heading north to Challacombe where we headed west down and more up and up again to Parsonage Farm. It’s like being on top of the world up there with stunning views to south east and west. A bit of exhaustion and muscle ache had set in by then so I ( and Molly) we’re glad that the last mile was mostly a gentle walk back to Parsonage cross and across a footpath back to Chumleigh. The route was absolutely packed with wild daffodils and cultivated escapees. I really recommend this route to any who don’t mind the challenge of steep Devon Hills. It’s packed with interest!  I meant to add :  wild garlic in abundance, blackthorn blossom, and a song thrush singing it’s heart out too. 4.8 miles today. Whew!

DAY 21

I thought we would combine our walk today with a Tesco, click and collect from Crediton!  So we extended another of our favourite walks around Kennerleigh and ended up having quite an adventure. Parking by Manor Farm, we did a short footpath loop east of the road through Higher Woodbeer with its very interesting cow shed and the glorious village pond with orange willows, daffodils and Canada Geese. Onto the main road again and crossing over, we took the path through Lower Woodbeer garden (which is beautiful) and through a gate onto an upturned pudding basin shaped hill with a path going all the way round. (maybe you can track this from the map photos, but as is often the case our route was on two bits of the map! I have tried to mark the route in purple on the map). We took the southerly path and climbed round into higher meadows with stunning views over to Dartmoor and back over Kennerleigh. The meadow was covered in large patches of blue Germaniser speedwell like little blue gemstones scattered in the grass. The path took us north along the high ridge above and to the west of the Binneford Water valley bringing us down to continue the valley alongside the water through a very secluded meadow towards Creedy Farm. The high tree lined path is also lined with bright yellow gorse, wild daffodils and primroses. It is indeed a stunning walk at this time of the year. I would highly recommend it. When we met the lane near Creedy Farm we branched East on an old byroad aiming to complete a triangle back through Wolfardisworthy (Wolsery). We were advised by a local man out gardening, that the old Barton Farm might not be passable due to large amounts of slurry in the lane but that the rest of the lane was beautiful with wildflowers.  He said we could do a field bypass at that point if necessary. The lane was(is) indeed fabulous with the little twinkly Binneford water beside us. We climbed once again to the top of the ridge with fantastic views and distinctive very red clay soil particular to that part of Devon. Then we met with the slurry and the farmer filling his tractor with fuel. After a brief and not very helpful exchange we retraced our steps and cut across a red muddy track which took the point off the triangle and landed us on the lane by Penhay Farm. The lane back west to Woolsery followed another little unnamed stream and although we had hoped to make it into Woolsery to see the church and the pretty village we were suddenly running out of time and had to hasten back towards Creedy Farm again and then over the meadow paths back to the very muddy yard of the farm where we had parked. Climbing over a heap of swedes on the way. We were muddy up to our knees and Molly had to be bathed which she hates. Just made it to collect the Tesco shopping! 5.8 miles.

Marching through March for the Children’s Hospice South West

Liz Guppy’s Challenge Week 2

Here is week two of my challenge. I’m so grateful for all the support I have received. The Children’s Hospice South West are benefitiing as the total has gone up to over £2000 now

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/catherine-elizabeth-guppy

This page provides my daily diary and gallery. Some fantastic views in our parish, all in walking distance.

Visit my Week One Page
Visit my Week Three Page
Visit my Week Four Page

DAY 8

Another lovely sunny day and my focus today was to get some shots of the old settlement.  Started from home and headed along the road towards Chawleigh ready to cut off across Burridge Moor again. On the way along I was aware of a very well camouflaged flock of fieldfares in the Cobley field to my right. Huge numbers of them who I suspect were amassing in readiness to set off back up North for the Summer. Brave little birds. Across Burridge Moor a flock of snipe surprised both Molly and me as they took off from the ditch on the northern boundary right beside us. Lovely to see them there but still no curlew yet! On down the Cheldon lane again to the footpath turning and round the loop to the settlement taking in the familiar Narwhal wale tree trunk (mentioned on a previous day) and lots of hedgebank places eroded by crossing animals. The settlement is an atmospheric and beautiful place and I hope you can see from the photos the distinctive banks and ditches forming the circular enclosure with it’s sculptural tree roots lining the ditches. What a fabulous spot for those ancient people to settle and with a good imagination it’s easy to visualise how it might have looked all those years ago during the Iron Age. We returned by following the lane back up the hill to Burridge Moor field and then home again. 4.3 miles all round.

DAY 9

Our third lane and footpath route to the Worlingtons from home is along the main road heading East to the bridlepath which turns South at Pedley Barton Cottage.  Along that “top road” you go past the converted North lake Methodist chapel, Three Hammers Crossroads, and Yetheridge Caravan and camping park with it’s familiar line of trees which are a landmark for miles around. There are stunning views to both North and South. The two photos here show views North to Exmoor and dividing the fields which run alongside of the road are the widest Devon hedgebanks I have ever seen. Must be wonderful for local wildlife. . There were a flock of beautiful white doves overhead as I turned down the bridlepath North past Pedley Barton and on through the meadow into the woods passing views towards Thelbridge and the houses and farms on the Drayford lane. The muddy woodland bridleway takes you over a little stream and back to the two bridges. We then went along the top paths through the woods and past the little quarry. This brings you out at a junction bearing right towards Drayford and left back towards Worlington. We went around through Drayford having a little river stop for Molly on the village green, before going back along the lane towards East Worlington, across the meadow path and past the school and church. Left past the village hall and back down the hill to Edgelake bridge and the car. Another lovely sunny walk with thoughts of following paths which had been trodden by local people for centuries before. 4.1 miles covered today

DAY 10

I walked down Rull Hill to Edgelake to start off today’s walk. Everyone will be familiar with this road so I just focussed on some small cameos which took my interest to photograph.  Hedge sculptures, the view East towards Thelbridge and the gentle curves of the lane. Risdon lake with a Canada Goose shouting for all it was worth, glossy, waxy pennywort leaves and some incredible bark patterns in a little copse. Is it Eucalyptus I wonder?  Then the high Moors of Exmoor to the North East with the daffodils on the bank at Rull and the framed view down to the bottom valley lane between the villages.
The familiar landmark of the churns at Hensley then out of the trees and the two Worlington villages are revealed. A fabulous vantage point. At the bottom we did another meadow and woodland round and along with the fantastic light on the catkins I have included some shots of the woods as we meandered along. Tree stumps and root sculptures and the bluebells peeping up noticeably now.Back again to the car at Edgelake bridge. 4.3 miles covered today.

DAY 11

The start of the very strong winds so Paul, Molly and I set off together and drove down to the valley to start today.  In the shelter of the woods to begin taking in Patrick’ s style. Then back through the village and along the bottom road towards Horse Hill.  We turned right down towards Affeton Mill, over the bridge and passed the beautiful water meadows. Up the steep climb to the Castle and, with the wind at our backs, thank goodness, we went along the lane back towards West village. By then we had met the 4 mile target so whilst I went into the church yard to have a look and take some pictures Paul marched quickly back and brought the car along to pick me up at the post box.  Somehow we managed to escape the hefty rain storms and did 4.3 miles. Good to meet a friendly local for a little chat in the churchyard!

DAY 12

Don’t be fooled that the sky was blue today. Mostly a rather lovey grey but jolly blowy again. I did set off to the shelter of the valley down the Horse Hill lane and over the meadows footpath. Mostly the wind was at my back and Molly totally excited by it. I love this little valley on the south side of the hills tucked between the fields. And the River Dart had a new and raging character today. Nice to see the roofs of the valley dwellings nestled cozily and safely under the hill. Friendly dogs for Molly to meet today and also great to see a friendly person and have a chat. Met up with Paul and we looped round the woods and up to the top of Pedley meadow where we hit the wind again. Scuttled back down and around the water meadows heading back to the car. We had to walk twice round the meadow to make those last points up to 4.1 miles today!

DAY 13

It’s half way day today. 13 out of 25 consecutive days I have walked more than 4 miles each day. Some more challenging than others with both glorious sunshine and Spring warmth to blustery squally weather with loads of mud. Not always easy going and somewhat tiring but always a delight. So today we went South of the village again and headed towards Morchard Bishop. The sideways map shows the route we had planned. Parking at Barton Cross and setting off on the New Buildings lane with the aim of sticking to the lanes today but investigating the criss cross footpaths that weave back and forth between there and Morchard Bishop with the plan of exploring them properly when there is not so much surface water and mud. The views on a good day over to Dartmoor would be stunning and the tower of Morchard church stands as a landmark almost all the way round. We passed signs to a number of farms with the name Aish and can only imagine that it is a dialect version of Ash. Does anyone know more of the derivation of this name?  It was generally downhill till we reached the point where we turned sharply back off the New Buildings Road back towards Morchard. What goes down in Devon must then go up and it was a long climb back up to the church. The old stone wall supporting the high curved and wooded bank at one point interested me so I snapped it to share with you. We passed glorious cherry blossom and Camelia in a sheltered garden en route and a distinctive field of solar panels. Back at the church we decided that we must try at least one footpath so headed back towards Barton Cross to the side of the school and on to the Two Moors Way. Mud up to our shins!!!!!! And ruts where cattle had trod. Ah well, it wasn’t very far so we walked on and through the plantation to the road. Back to the car and back for very late lunch. 4.9 miles in all .

Day 14

Today we did a loop north of the little Dart River and a couple of miles West of our Worlington villages incorporating the little village of Cheldon.  The map photo shows the route we took. (Apologies that the map is not straight on). We parked up at Leigh Bridge and started on one of our favourite footpath stretches walking East along Cheldon  meadows through the woods and along the next stretch of meadows to meet the lane at Cheldon Bridge ( about a mile) through wild daffodils, ancient oaks and signs of otters by the river bank.(Molly likes to roll!!!!!!!). We turned left up a long hill past a little field barn which I have watched “going to ground” over the last 20 years, alas.  Heading up towards the main ish road which heads along the ridge towards Chulmleigh we did a detour into the little village of Cheldon and were stunned by the church yard absolutely jam packed with wild daffodils. A fantastic sight. Back to our route and on up past lovely views across to Mounticoombe Farm to the East and on to the south and Dartmoor. At Cheldon cross farm we turned East towards Chulmleigh and shortly afterwards South past views towards Chulmleigh and again over to the moors. We passed sculptural beech woods with statuesque root systems which lined the lane. A steep downward walk took us to Stonemill Farm and back to Leigh bridge and the little River Dart again. A round of 4.8 miles.

Liz Guppy’s Challenge

‘I’ve decided to do some fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West, and I’d really appreciate your support. This will be a personal challenge over the next 25 days when I will be walking a minimum of 4 miles every day to achieve a minimum of 100 miles.!!  I will be doing it mostly around our beautiful local footpaths and lanes. To some of you amazing long-distance walkers this will seem small fry, but it will be a challenge for me. I’m hoping the weather stays warm and sunny so I can wear my Children’s Hospice T Shirt. (I’ve ordered a large in case it needs a few jumpers underneath 🤣). I will mostly have my two long distance walking mates to keep me company, Molly Dog and Paul so they will help me keep up the pace. I am determined to achieve this and if anyone would like to support me please follow the link to my Just Giving page and read more about why this is a personal and important challenge.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/catherine-elizabeth-guppy

If you would like to donate, either on my Just Giving Page or with cash or cheque, to this worthy Charity I would be enormously grateful. Thank you so much to those who have already pledged support or made donations.’

Visit my Week Two Page
Visit my Week Three Page
Visit my Week Four Page

DAY 1

Fabulous sunshine. I set off from home with Molly towards the village down lanes and across public footpaths. The familiar Churches appear around every corner. Ancient Oak will be familiar to those of us who travel along the bottom lane from the village towards Horse Hill. The little twisted spire of West Worlington. I headed through the village over Edgelake Bridge and joined the woodland path.  Around and back through meadows and woods to the stream that flows into the little Dart River. Then over the bridge and past the Stockham field and down to The Hams. All around the edge of the Hams and over the bridge and back to where Paul had parked to meet me. 4.1 miles in total.

DAY 2

The fall out dust from the Sahara clouded tha atmosphere to start the walk but it cleared and we got some stunning views, if a little hazy. Set out from the top of West village and headed towards Affeton. We met a very well known village resident on route to Affeton. Molly greeted him! We followed the Public bridleway over Affeton moor and on towards Cuddenhay to the North. Fabulous views to the North over to Bealy Court but it was too hazy to get good pictures.  We turned right at the lane leading back towards Glebe. I am intrigued by the spelling of what I thought was Affeton on the signpost. Maybe someone will know the reason for this. Sir Hugh or Lady Angela if you read this please could you let me know. Once again the little twisted spire looking from the North over to Rull. This round was 4.4 miles.

DAY 3

Day 3 of the walk was wet and mild, A familiar walk to lots of village folk today. Molly looks ready to go at Edgelake. To keep out of the rain we started by heading round the woods with lots of mud. We took in the lovely meadows en route. Busy mole colony here. ……….and through the mud to Drayford. A little tribute here on the river bank to the man who has cleared this part of the river edge. Looked out for the resident dipper here but no sight of him today. Grey wagtail bobbing along amongst the stones though. On up the lane to Thornham chapel and lovely wild daffodils on the verges. Long hill to the top then turned back towards the village. Some of us remember when the children from the school used this lovely wild place for forest schools activities. When we arrived in the village we needed to add an extra loop before heading back to the car so headed back towards Drayford and cut back across the footpath in the Town Farm field, said hello to “Arthur “ and his friend, past the school and church yard, resplendent in crocuses, snowdrops and baby daffodils. Back to the car via the lovely meadows and the Hams. In total 4.4 miles

DAY 4

From home I walked, in Devon dimly mizzle up to the footpath which heads across Burridge Moor. Loads of mud but glorious acid yellow gorse. All along the hedge bank. Was hoping I might hear an early curlew as they nest up here but no such luck. Across the meadow and then down towards Cheldon bridge which takes you to a footpath down an old green lane. Loads of wild daffodils and primroses appearing on the banks. This lane takes you past a site of a farmstead, long gone to ground called Middle Burridge. There is an atmosphere of an old homestead with remains of a field barn where ano domini has taken its toll. A tree stump in the hedge bank resembles a narwhal whale and is a prominent landmark. Views to the north. Then on past the Iron Age settlement ( more pics another day) and down the lane to Cheldon bridge. Then a big steep climb up the lane and past the ancient monuments sign post, back across Burridge Moor and home along the “top road.” 4.3 miles all round.

DAY 5

The sunshine has returned. Well nearly. Walk from home across Burridge Moor again today. Down the lane and around the old settlement. On down to Cheldon meadows along to Leigh bridge and back through the meadows to the car which Paul had parked at Cheldon bridge. A round of 4.6 miles. The lane verges full of the promise of Spring and there was frog spawn in the ditches too. Escapees into the hedge bank from what I imagine was once a cultivated garden of Middle Burridge, now no more.  Pink polyanthus, swathes of purple periwinkle and banks of snowdrops, still hanging in there. ………and many many deer hoof prints in the mud treading the once much used green lane.  This really is a wild place.  Long may it remain so!!!!!!! A mini amphitheatre in an old tree stump marks the way the footpath goes next. Across a field and over to the settlement. The gate into the East side of the settlement which I bypassed on this walk and headed just around to the road leading to Cheldon bridge. Cheldon church and village in the distance. Looking back North East towards Worlington. Looking West towards Cheldon Meadows. The meadows bathed in sunlight. A line of ancient oaks might have once marked a hedgebank separating the boggy wet water meadows from the meadow. Who knows!!! Remainders of an old field barn. ……..and down along the woodland path. The turning point was Leigh bridge where we retraced our steps back to the car. 4.6 miles today.

DAY 6

Fabulous sunshine as I headed for the village again across the footpaths and lanes. This first picture is actually looking South to Dartmoor before I set out. Clear as a bell! Still jolly cold and ice patterns on the remaining puddles. A familiar and beautiful landmark. The wind mills sparking in the sun. Another familiar landmark these days. Just a detail on a wall. The conifers planted in memory of the men from the village who died in the Second World War. All named on the war memorial.  The resident raven and his mate in familiar pose at the top and making his familiar sound. Lording it over the valley. The raven’s view back over the valley.  Well nearly!! Down through the familiar paths around the woods. And what a joy to see Jemima and her family back on the river again. A little glimpse at the spire again encounter home. 4.3 miles on this walk.

DAY 7

A southerly walk from home today. Heading in the direction of Morchard Bishop and following the lane from Three Hammers Cross ( up on the “top road”) with Dartmoor ahead of us. On the top road North lake chapel stands, as a reminder of the days when it was a good Methodist Stronghold, on the skyline.
  Slightly East of South there  is the familiar landmark of Langlands windmill. A footpath branches off to the south which takes you down a steep meadow to the Dalch River. It runs in a similar direction to our Little Dart in the village. It joins in to the River Yeo near Lapford which flows into the Taw near Chenson on the 377. So it mingles with the waters of our Little Dart at Bridge Reeve and flows together along the Taw joining the Torridge later and out to the sea at Barnstaple and Bideford.
Over the little river and on up a very steep water meadow. I had to turn and take pictures looking back as we were walking into the sun. Behind me I could see Yetheridge in the distance. Onward and at the top of the hill is a small settlement of houses called something Leigh. Not to be confused with the ones near Chawleigh. Leigh is an archaic word meaning: clearing in a forest, meadow or open ground. The path takes a turn through some paddocks ( with horses ) and out into a beautiful plantation. Fabulous sunlight shafting through the new trees and passageways through the hedgebanks where animals regularly go. Out onto a primrose lane with stunning views over to Morchard Bishop. Early wild strawberry flowers on a sunny hedgebank and also lesser stitchwort (very early ). We completed a little loop round the Leighs and retraced our steps north again back over the Dalch river and on up the steep hill passed Deneridge Farm and home.   A wonderful and wild walk.  4.8 miles.

Liz Guppy’s Challenge

It will be brilliant, and I really look forward to, when we can all meet together again and do some fund raising in our usual village style. However in the meantime I’ve decided to do some fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West, and I’d really appreciate your support.

This will be a personal challenge over the next 25 days when I will be walking a minimum of 4 miles every day to achieve a minimum of 100 miles.!!  I will be doing it mostly around our beautiful local footpaths and lanes.

To some of you amazing long-distance walkers this will seem small fry but it will be a challenge for me. I’m hoping the weather stays warm and sunny so I can wear my Children’s Hospice T Shirt. (I’ve ordered a large in case it needs a few jumpers underneath).

I will mostly have my two long distance walking mates to keep me company, Molly Dog and Paul so they will help me keep up the pace.

I am determined to achieve this and if anyone would like to support me please follow the link to my Just Giving page and read more about why this is a personal and important challenge.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/catherine-elizabeth-guppy

If you would like to donate, either on my Just Giving Page or with cash or cheque, to this worthy Charity I would be enormously grateful..

Thank you so much to those who have already pledged support or made donations.

East Worlington Parish Council has a vacancy for a part time Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (16 hours per month).

Salary will be dependent on qualifications and experience and will be in accordance with the NALC and SLCC recommendations.

The Council meets 12 times a year on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7.30pm.

This position is home-based and will require access to office space and broadband.

Applicants should be highly motivated and well organised, and able to demonstrate an effective record of achievement in a similar role, be able to prepare budgets and accounts and be able to work flexibly and independently from home. Good oral, written communication, IT and strong interpersonal skills are essential.

The Clerk, who is also the Responsible Financial Officer, undertakes the role of managing the Council’s finances, including the preparation of annual accounting statements.

For a recruitment pack, please contact Councillor Mrs Alice Rhodes on 01769 580265 or email alice.rhodes@btinternet.com

posted 18/02/21