Umborne Community Web Site

August Weather

rickwood — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:43:20 +0000

Weather summary for August and Summer 2010.

August proved to be the weakest of the three summer months this year, with measurable rainfall being recorded on sixteen days, and whilst I do not record sunshine totals, it would seem that August was one of the gloomiest within the last hundred years or so. The last week or so have proved very autumnal. If it was not for the fact that I take my readings at 1000 (0900 GMT), the 25th. would have been very cold, with a maximum temperature of 14C. As it was, the night and following morning were warmer, reacting more like a winter pattern of change. Some chilly nights followed in the last few, down to 4.3C as a minimum temperature on 31st. I had to go back to an otherwise warm August (2003) to find a minimum of 4.0C on the same day.

I notched up 75mm of rain, a total slightly higher than last year, but nothing like the soaking of 2008. There were very few really warm days, the best of these was the 2nd. with a maximum temperature of 25C. It was the coolest August so far this millennium!

But actually the summer as a whole has been reasonably good. Day temperatures averaged 1C higher than last year, although the nights were 0.3 cooler. Rainfall totalled about 171mm compared to a massive 292mm last year, 326mm in 2008 and 341mm in 2007. There were 32 days with measurable rain, compared with 52 last year. But compared to summers before these, it was less remarkable. 2006, for example recorded only 122mm. of rainfall, and the mean temperature was higher certainly for the summers of 2003-2006 inclusive.

Peter, Pottlelake

Umborne Trustees – minutes of 18.8.10 meeting

rickwood — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:03:07 +0000

MINUTES OF THE UMBORNE INSTITUTE TRUST

Meeting at new Umborne Community Hall

Wednesday, 18 Aug, 2010, at 8pm

Attendees by Rob Summers (chairman), Paul Galloway (treasurer), Peter Rugg, Kimmo Evans (minutes), Liz Gosling, Paul Forster, Sue Gush, Janet Coman, Ted Townsend, Neville Cheeseman

Apologies: Eleanor Wood

Minutes of the meeting on 21 July were approved and signed subject to amend- SG changed to JC.

Matters Arising: JC awaiting response from Pole-Carew Trust. PG confirmed Insurers would offer no extra discount for fireproofing and that we were expected to undertake all reasonable measures to remove fire risk. KE had agreed with web group that only signed copies to be uploaded, KE will rename future documents to that effect – ie draft/signed.

Correspondence: None but see AOB about STAG update.

Secretary vacancy: Chairman asked if anyone had any more suggestions. TT very kindly volunteered to take on role. Trustees very supportive and thanked him.

Sub-Committee reports:

Finance and General Purposes:

PG reported:

Total in accounts @ 6 Aug = £66,636 but with outgoings to clear will be £47,386

TT circulated updated spreadsheet by email 18 Aug and confirmed project on track, additional savings were being made by efforts of RS and others (see later) which improves finances and allows for greater contingency as still much to do to complete.

Entertainment and Fundraising:

7 Aug Gerrard Arms Cider festival support led to £300 donation.

Thanks to all who supported and the landlord Dave is keen to organise a press photo opportunity when hall completed.

5 Sept Duck Races, Pottlelake

In EW absence SG reported back that Ann Shepherd has very kindly agreed to host duck races, although all worried about lack of water! SG with help from Rodney Gush/John Coe will man sausage sizzle and woodlice game. EW with Rick Wood to organise bar. The 5^th Sept date also allows time to sort drinks licence. Angela Pearce has been approached to do the ducks. RS to arrange OXO game and bat the rat. JC to organise raffle.

Upcoming – opening

Discussion regarding opening. Agreed RS to approach at least 2 of the original WI members. Format will be based around an afternoon cream tea, 4pm, followed by a later bbq/food/party from 6ish. Date to be confirmed as subject to outstanding works, but possibly will be mid Oct.

New Hall Development:

Building – Thanks expressed to all those volunteering with painting, considerable amount of support given from across the community. One more coat in main hall and extra on ceiling still in lobby area.

Next stage – complete kitchen/toilet plumbing. Some contractors still busy with completing school jobs.

ACTION PF to chase electricians as we were covering cost of plant hire which was not acceptable in the circumstances.

No decision on lighting but agreed to ensure quality and functionality is key. ACTION PF to ensure at least dimming switches be used to control lighting.

Following on discussion about curtains. ACTION SG/LG/EW/JC to support Helen Redwood who originally volunteered. Heavier material better than light for acoustics.

Flooring – 2 samples shown but need to await full costings. Concerns expressed on wood flooring about thickness, whilst concerns expressed about JKS sample regarding durability and installation. Meet again soon when more information received as floor decision affects side panel and curtain colours.

Kitchen – heavy duty stainless steel worktops sourced from Manor House auction. Very practical.

Car park – RS organised a huge effort to get car park completed. Trustees expressed much gratitude to all those involved in digging and moving materials. Excellent job. JC commented that it was a condition of the Awards for All grant that suitable lighting be in place, RS confirmed this would be part of outstanding electrician work. RS had sought planting and landscaping advice from Carl Coman (Tony Benger). Various options were discussed, from leaving bank alone to single species beech hedge (for ease of maintenance) to mixed species hedge, like mini-Devon bank (better visually but requires more maintenance). We await costed proposals. Along riverside full size post and rail may be required rather than low level, which is first choice.

Harris Timber will be returning to complete access and bridge.

Hall booking fees and Conditions:

Need to put in place policies etc.

ACTION JC to look at other comparable village hall hiring fees

ACTION KE to check files for previous conditions and then circulate for updating.

ACTION TT to collate above and revise accordingly.

Neil Shepherd Memorial Fund:

SG confirmed that she had sourced 3 free PCs if we need

Agreed before committing to any ongoing costs or financial burdens, need to determine exactly what use there will be or what services we need to offer. There has been some discussion in the webgroup but this requires further work but agreed this was something Neil wished to set-up too.

With new landscaping there will be opportunity to plant up to 4 or 5 max boundary trees.

ACTION RS to discuss with Ann

Any Other Business:

Graham Sweetland has offered new hall clock. ACTION RS to liaise.

TT commented window closers and door plates ought to be fitted for security. ACTION RS to follow up

TT approached by STAG. ACTION TT to write back and confirm hall not available as originally communicated.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, 31 Aug at 7:30pm at Umborne Community Hall

The meeting closed at 9:30 pm

Cider Festival at the Gerrard Arms

rickwood — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:04:30 +0000

On Saturday August 7th we had the third annual Cider Festival held at the Gerrard Arms in Colyton. Several members of the Umborne Valley manned the door & enjoyed an afternoon of competition as 29 different ciders were judged to produce a trophy winner, the judge was noted to be grinning & staggering at the end ! All 23 Cider makers were from an area bounded by Chideock in the east, Stockland to the north & Sidbury to the west. The resulting range of ciders gave an indication of the effects of soil type, altitude, apple variety, fermenting methods, & storage vessel on the finished product, even in such a small geographical area.

What some may at first have thought to be an excuse for a drunken knees up turned out to be a very pleasant afternoon with a chance to speak to some real characters of the cider makers’ art, many of whom who have forgotten more than most of us will ever know. This coupled with entertainment provided by the most surreal band you will ever come across, who really have to be seen & heard to be believed, guaranteed that we all left with a smile on our faces, even those who hadn’t sampled the cider.

The end result was that surplus from the event has been very generously donated by the Landlords of the Gerrard Arms (pub details on our website www.umborne.org under “pubs”) to Umborne Hall building fund & a cheque for £300 was presented at the hall site on Wednesday. Big thanks to all who came & helped out, especially Ruhi who turned up in place of Andy who was still in bed with a hangover from the previous evening’s party ( what a lightweight).

Do come to this event next year & please support the Gerrard Arms in the mean time.

Duck Dash & Raft Races

rickwood — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:27:12 +0000

This event takes place in early September either on the Umborne Brook near Easy Bridge or as in the last two years at the home of Ann Shepherd (Pottlelake Cottage) about 200 metres from the hall in Umborne. There is a BBQ, Bar, raffle and of course the little yellow ducks which enter the many duck races. We also have a home made mini raft race which can feature ingenious creations or just a plastic bottle if you are very lazy.

The weather can be very unpleasant at times! – but we still go ahead! This was 2001:

But it can also be sunny and lots of fun – and of course it raises money for the village hall. This year it is at Pottlelake on Sunday 5th September at 3pm. See you all there.

Local Carnivals in 2010

rickwood — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:33:14 +0000

So you can plan well ahead, here are the dates for the carnivals in East Devon, West Dorset and South Somerset for this autumn season:

Saturdays Carnival

28th August Bridport

4th September Seaton

11th September Colyton

18th September Axminster

25th September Wellington & Frome

2nd October Shaftesbury & Ilminster

9th October Exmouth, Chard & Gillingham

16th October Taunton & Castle Cary

23rd October Honiton

30th October Ottery St Mary

5th November Bridgewater

6th November North Petherton

13th November Glastonbury

20th November Torquay

Shute Church Christmas Craft Fayre

rickwood — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:50:37 +0000

Shute Church

Christmas Craft Fayre

Saturday 13th November

10am to 3pm

Cards, Christmas Gifts, Crocheted

Blankets, Cushions, Earrings,

Embroidery, Handbags, Handmade

Soap, Honey, Beaded and Semi

Precious Jewellery, Jams, Knitting,

Pickles, Patchwork, Pottery, Scarves,

Soft Toys, Stained Glass, Woodwork

and a cake stall.

Entrance £1.

Tea, coffee, homemade cakes and light

lunches will be served throughout the

day.

Tables to sell crafts £10, contact Jenny Ford on

01297 32404.

All proceeds towards the Church Disabled Toilet

Facilities.

New hall news (August 16th)

rickwood — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:18:08 +0000

The latest Hall news update from Rob:

Last Saturday (August 7th) saw the third annual Cider Festival held at the Gerrard Arms in Colyton. Several members of the Umborne Valley manned the door & enjoyed an afternoon of competition as 29 different ciders were judged to produce a trophy winner, the judge was noted to be grinning & staggering at the end ! All 23 Cider makers were from an area bounded by Chideock in the east, Stockland to the north & Sidbury to the west. The resulting range of ciders gave an indication of the effects of soil type, altitude, apple variety, fermenting methods, & storage vessel on the finished product, even in such a small geographical area.

Do come to this event next year & please support the Gerrard Arms in the mean time.

Previously to this, many residents of the valley were involved as competitors, exhibitors or simply visitors to the Honiton Show on August the 5th. I have been informed that next year there will be a new star attraction. As most of you will have missed this year.s performance, I can inform you that some time after 6.00pm in the main ring there will most probably be a repeat performance of that death defying act know as ” The Tumbling Rugg” !!!

For those of you who may complain about farmers & their tractors on the roads, please take note: This week some of our local farmers have provided materials for and the means to convey them to the new hall car park, plus the facilities to dispose of materials surplus to requirements of the car park build to the value of many thousands of pounds, yes thousands of pounds ! It is gestures like these & the many other voluntary acts that have made this project viable, so many thanks to those involved.

As I have implied, the car park has now been constructed surrounded by a traditional Devon bank. The bridge has been installed over the stream & its banks straightened & tidied up. The electric cable has been dug in as have the drains. The Bird Family also have a new gateway to their field, so real progress has been made. I must mention the immense level of skill & care of Mike Trim who operates the digger & of the generosity of his employer Brian Chidley who has donated a considerable proportion of his time. In the words of Paul Galloway “It is entertainment to watch the digger working”

There is however still much to do. We still need help with the decoration in the hall. There has to be a lot of fencing & landscaping ( any help, donations, expertise would be most welcome here) done around the car park & stream. We are now waiting for tradesmen to lay the kitchen & toilet floors, electricians to complete second fix & plumbers to install plumbing. We are now ready for the decking to be completed & then the tarmacing to be done.

The answer to the question I am most asked “When will the hall be opened ?” is very simple: ” when all the jobs are done” . If you wish to help but cannot make it when we set times, please ring me & let me know when you can help. 07770 916120. I nearly always have the phone with me except when the battery is flat (sorry Ted). Rob.

July weather report

rickwood — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:35:31 +0000

Weather report for July 2010 The impressions that we are having a ‘good’ summer are borne out by the statistics. Rainfall on only ten days, largely centered around the middle of the month, and a modest total of about 54mm. Probably a little under average, but not as dry as 2006. Earlier in the century, July was seen as getting warmer and drier nationwide, and this seems to be more the case this year. What a contrast to the soaking of the previous three Julys. 2007–105mm; 2008–135mm; and 2009–a massive 177mm.

Not particularly warm, but again better than the last three years, but nowhere near the record breaking 2006, and not quite up to 2005 mean temperature levels. But days averaged a little over 22C as their high, and the nights about 11.6C. Highest temperature recorded on the 9th. was 27.5. This was the warmest day since May 11th. 2008.

Peter at Pottlelake

Shute Parish Plan Questionnaire – final page

rickwood — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:47:51 +0000

Thank you very much for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.

To help us plan for the future of our Parish, any additional comments about any other matter would be most useful.

Further Comments:……………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………

If you wish to receive any further information or would like to be involved with anything in any way, please feel free to identify yourself here:

Name: ………………………………………………………………

Address: …………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………

Tel. Number: …………………………………………………..

I would like to receive further information about ……………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Please feel free to contact any members of the group mentioned on Page 2 of this questionnaire.

Shute Parish Plan Questionnaire – F. The Environment

rickwood — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:45:47 +0000

Parish Plan Questionnaire F. Environment

1. How would you describe the appearance of the Parish?

good / reasonable / poor (circle one)

Comments …………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

What are the most positive aspects of the Parish environment?

(Put a number 1-6 in the box, in order of preference, where 1 is your favourite)

1 – 6

Buildings
Wildlife
Landscape
River
Footpaths
Clean air & water

Comments:- …………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. 1. What do you think would improve and enhance the environment of the Parish?

Tick

More footpaths
Less dog-fouling
Less litter / fly-tipping
No more phone masts
More benches & seats

Comments …………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. 1. Do you think there is a problem with pollution in the Parish?

(Tick) Yes No opinion

Traffic noise
Noise from people
Aircraft noise
Air pollution
Water pollution
Light pollution
Other

1. 1. Would you support the following ?

(assuming appropriate planning controls were in place)

(Tick) Yes No opinion

Solar panels on houses (for water heating)
Domestic wind turbines
Photovoltaic “slates” on houses (for generating electricity)
Bio gas (energy from animal/human waste)
Better use of “grey” water (from baths, sinks) for toilets
Better storage of rain water (for garden use)
Water meters
Other

1. 1. Would you welcome further information / advice on energy-saving schemes?

Yes / No (Circle one)

7. In the box, tick the items which you recycle:

(Tick)

Glass
Plastic bottles
Tins / cans
Paper
Cardboard
Tin foil
Clothes
Shoes
Garden waste
Tetra packs
Food waste
Other

If not, please say why not…………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

1. 1. Would you welcome any help / advice on home composting?

Yes / No (circle one)

1. 1. 1. For what purposes do you use public footpaths, bridleways and byways

in the Parish?

(Tick)

Leisure walking
Dog walking
Horse riding
Cycling
Access route
Walking to work
Bird / wildlife watching
Running
Other

If you encounter any of the following problems when using the public footpaths in our Parish, please tick the appropriate box(es):

( Tick)

Lack of information (e.g. maps).
Farm animals
Poorly maintained gates / stiles
Stiles not always dog friendly
Barbed wire
Vehicular traffic
Poor sign-posting
Unruly dogs
Poor surface (e.g. muddy)
Overgrown vegetation
Flooding
Other

1. 1. 1. 1. Would you be interested in learning more about local wildlife?

Yes / No (circle one)

1. 1. 1. 1. Are you aware of the activities of bodies such as East Devon AONB /

Devon Wildlife Trust etc. ?

Yes / No (circle one)

13.Would you be interested in:

a) a local produce exchange/market?

Yes / No (circle one)

b) a community orchard?

Yes / No (circle one)