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

Message dated at 04 February 2021

Households across the nation will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021 .

The Census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

The Census is a snapshot of who we are and how we live our lives. The information is vital for assessing community needs for services such as schools and Doctors surgeries as well as how our communities are made up and changing.

Census weekend is the 21 March, however keep your eyes peeled for the Census postcard which is expected through your letter boxes between 21-25 February.

It is really important everyone takes part. Census 2021 have made it easier for people to do online, through any device, with help (if in need) and paper questionnaires are available for those who prefer them.

Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

For more information please visit their website – www.census.gov.uk

For updates you can follow Census 2021 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Linkedin. #Census2021

Celebrating an 80^th Birthday During Lockdown

Margot Seabrook

Thursday 11^th February 2021

All your friends in East and West Worlington wish you a very, very Happy 80th Birthday.

We hope that you have a very special “socially distanced” day.

Margot’s Birthday Gallery

In response to the lockdown requirements announced on Monday 4^th January 2021 the following community support arrangements are now in place.

Stay Safe – Follow Government Guidance

As reported nationally the current variant of COVID-19 is more easily transmitted than previously so all our community are encouraged to stay as safe as possible by staying home as much as possible and following Government Instructions and Guidance.

Special Care for Vulnerable Residents

It is vital ALL those over 70 and those with vulnerable health conditions are extremely careful to avoid infection and its consequences. Staying safe is an immediate priority remembering a vaccine is now becoming available.

Community Support: Living on Your Own / Vulnerable Conditions

During the first lockdown many people in our community volunteered to act as contacts for residents living on their own or because they are vulnerable require self-isolation. If you would like a member of our community to keep in touch with you please notify Simon Good who will co-ordinate arrangements. goodsed@aol.com  01884 860340

Prescriptions from Witheridge

If you would like your prescription collecting from Witheridge collection day will be Fridays only. Campie Hurst-Bannister will provide this service.

• Inform the dispensary by the end of the day on Tuesday of the relevant week.
• Inform Campie before the end of the day on the Wednesday of the relevant week. cb@hurst-bannister.co.uk   01884 860332

Prescriptions from Chulmleigh

If you would like your prescription collecting from Chulmleigh collection day will be Fridays only. Simon Good will provide this service.

• Inform the dispensary by the end of the day on Tuesday of the relevant week.
• Inform Simon before the end of the day on the Wednesday of the relevant week. goodsed@aol.com  01884 860340

Fruit and Vegetable Deliveries

Diana will continue to collect weekly orders from Simmons on Tuesdays and deliver them for individual collection from the porch of East Worlington House.

• It is important to order from Simmons by email only before the end of day on Sundays for delivery on Tuesdays. simmonsfruitsales@gmail.com
• It is vital to inform Diana about your order by either copying her into the email to Simmons or sending a direct email to her. dianasturla@live.co.uk   Phone No. 07849 862094

Home Deliveries

Local providers of home deliveries are listed on our community website. https://ewph.uk/community/local-providers-of-home-deliveries/

WOW! Worlington’s Own Wit and Wisdom

After a most extraordinary year, may you find here something to brighten a winter’s day. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to WOW. Please feel free to pass the PDF file onto others.

Blessings of the season

John

The December Parish Council meeting was held on Tuesday 1^st December by Zoom, chaired by Councillor Old and attended by Councillors Good, Mrs Rhodes, Risdon, Miss Smyth and County / District Councilor Yabsley.

Representations from the public had been made regarding the Long Stone, a scheduled ancient monument where it was suggested the householder contacted English Heritage.

Apologies were received from Councillors Miss Sturla and Webber.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

Minutes of the meeting held on 3 November were approved.

Reports were received from Councillor Yabsley on behalf of Devon County Council and North Devon Council.  Councillors also noted a report from East Worlington Parish Hall.

Finance.  Balances were tabled and budgetary figures had been circulated to Councillors ahead of the meeting.

Councillors agreed to give a further £28 to Worlington PCC for the upkeep of the churchyards to bring it in line with the amount agreed last year of £340.

Councillors also agreed to give a donation to the North Devon Record Office.

Payments were approved.

The 2021/22 Budget and Precept were agreed.  The Precept is to be increased from £3,700 to £4,105.

Items discussed were:

• Road surface from Drayford to The Thelbridge Arms where it had been advised that this was on the DCC Highway’s programme for patching in the next financial year
• Transfer of land between the Parish Hall and the highway which was being headed by Councillor Miss Smyth
• Removal of telephone box closer to the defibrillator.  The Clerk is in email correspondence with BT
• Annual Parish Magazine. This will be co-ordinated by Councillor Miss Smyth.
• Broadband connection in the Parish and the feasibility of a connection in the Parish Hall.  The Clerk to continue liaising with BT.
• Clerk’s Contract of Employment.  Councillor Miss Smyth is dealing with this.
• Website Accessibility Statement is to be re-circulated to Councillors
• Fixed Asset Register continues to be work on by the Clerk
• Plastic Free North Devon Campaign to remove from retail sale cheap polystyrene bodyboards in North Devon was supported. District Councillor Yabsley to be lobbied to also support this move.

Planning.  A Prior Approval for change of use of existing agricultural building to dwelling house at Barn at Rusdon Farm, East Worlington was considered and was not like a standard Planning Application.  North Devon Council had asked for answers to questions on the effects of transport and highways, noise, contamination, flooding risks, if the location was impractical and the design or external appearance of the building to which the answers to all was ‘no comment’ with the exception of the last question where the response was ‘no comment’.

Seven items were noted under ‘Items to Note’.

The next meeting would be on Thursday, 21 January at 7.30pm by Zoom.  One of the items on the Agenda would be Public Footpaths and Bridleways. 

About East Worlington PTFA

East Worlington Primary School have an active Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) . More information can be found on the school’s website . Our PTFA is an integral part of the school community and over the last 5 years we have raised thousands of pounds to support the purchase of equipment and resources to enhance our children’s educational experience and the school’s facilities, and also to subsidise school trips, pay for leavers’ gifts, the wonderful new garden provision and so much more.

Our association is about much more than simply fundraising. The PTFA exists to provide closer links between home and school and it is an excellent way to bring staff, parents and friends together socially, working towards a common goal. It is fun too – just ask any of the Committee members or volunteers. 

All parents and members of the school community are encouraged to get involved, even if they only have a small amount of time available. All families are automatically members of the PTFA when their child joins our school.

Here is a message from the EWPS Lottery Coordinator

‘Please help enhance the education of local children in your community by supporting the new East Worlington Primary School lottery, which launches in the new year.
Many Thanks,
Jasmine Welch
EWPS Lottery Coordinator’

Click here to download a poster click here.

What you should do

If you wish to report a pothole this should be done on the Devon County Council website.

It is recommended that residents report potholes and road defects via the Devon County Council website and the following gives guidance as to how this can be done:

• Go to Report a Pothole
• Please read carefully what is considered a pothole if it doesn’t fit the criteria it will not get repaired.
• If it is a pothole, click the blue (Report a Pothole Now) button at the bottom of the page
• On the next page, click the blue (Continue) button at the bottom of the page
• A map will open
• Drag the map to the area you wish to report.
• If a green marker is already present, click on it and then click on “Add me to this pothole”
• You will need to zoom in before you can mark the pothole. Be as accurate as you can, then click with the mouse.
• A green marker will appear, plus a box, click “Report pothole here”
• The next page will give the opportunity of describing the problem. Then click ‘Next’. There will be the opportunity of providing a photograph. If you do not have this, click ‘Next’.
• The next page invites you to give your contact details. If you do not wish to give these, click ‘Submit’
• The next page will give a reference number and it is suggested you make a note of this to quote if the work has not been done. You will receive an email with the reference number and description of the fault you have reported.

The contact details for DCC Highways are:

• email: csc.roads@devon.gov.uk
• telephone: 0845 155 1004

At present the restrictions placed on church services remain and we must observe social distancing.

Any person or family wishing to attend services in December are requested to contact by email (preferable) or telephone either Ray Bassingthwaighte for EAST (tel. 860568) or Patrick Brook for WEST (tel. 860978) to book places. The churchwardens will organise seating in the churches and confirm reservations.

• email for East bassingthwaighte@icuknet.co.uk
• email for West brook@rullfarm.com

Services are as follows:

• 6 Dec 11.15 Holy Communion East
• 13 Dec 6.30 pm Holy Communion West
• 20 Dec 11.15 Carol service West (sadly no refreshments)
• 24 Dec 6.00 pm Holy Communion West
• 24 Dec 9.00 pm Holy Communion East
• 27 Dec 11.15 Morning Prayer West

There are two Holy Communion services which will be taken by the Rev John Rhodes on Christmas Eve one in West at 6pm and one in East at 9pm in order to enable as many people to attend the traditional service observing social distancing. 

The Churches of East & West Worlington invite everyone to join in the Christmas celebrations by placing a figure based upon the Nativity scene outside of their property on Saturday the 19^th December. The Churchwardens will judge the exhibits and award a prize to the best figure. This will tie in with our carol service in West Church on the 20^th.

We are suggesting these figures be based upon straw/hay filled clothing and arranged with your own interpretations of the depicted character from the nativity scene.

We think is these difficult times this is a fun way of involving the community in the Christmas story.

Please contact Ray Bassingthwaighte on 01884 860568 or bassingthwaighte@icuknet.co.uk to let us know if you will be taking part and if you are happy for us to post a list on the Worlington webpage of the houses taking part so people can arrange to see the figures.

We hope the community will support us in making this Christmas just a little more fun and at the same time remembering the story at the heart of Christmas.