#OnePlaceGovernance: #Sticklepath Parish Council

On November 2, 2021November 2, 2021 By HelenFinchIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

There are many layers and aspects of Governance for any one place. Members of Parliaments and National laws, district council, local (civil) Parish Councils and for some ‘lucky ones’ being a conservation area increases the legal requirements, as does the ‘listing’ of buildings. This post is largely concerning the Parish but briefly considers the meaning of being in a conservation area first.

The Civic Amenities Act 1967 (Section 69 (1)a ) defines a Conservation Area as:

‘an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’

There are 25 Conservation Areas within Dartmoor National Park, and such designation puts additional requirements on local planning, not to prevent change but to enhance rather than lose the specific characteristics of that area. A map of Sticklepath conservation area is available here.

Historically the majority of Sticklepath village was in the Parish of Sampford Courtenay whose Parish church and named village is 5 ½ miles away. Some SticklepathVillage residents however lived over the border in Belstone Parish or in South Tawton Parish. It was not until 1987 the Sticklepath became a Parish in its own right. Local Parish Councils and Town Councils work towards improving community well-being and providing better services at local level. They are the tier of local government below the level of district, borough or city council, the tier closest to the people.

The Women’s Institute was involved in campaigning for Sticklepath to become a Civil Parish and it was a WI member Ann Bowden who became the first chair of the Parish Council, maintaining that position for 13 years. She handed over the role to Councillor Paul Gray. Robin Brindley was the first Clerk. Early achievements included the provision of a children’s playground.

Considerable efforts were made to involve local people including exhibitions, debates on controversial topics and other special events. About 10% of the population attended annual general meetings of the Parish Council in the early days.

Sticklepath Parish is 1.662 square kilometres with a population of 405 in 2001 census, and 414 in 2011, dropping back to 402 as estimated by the Office for National Statistics in 2020. The very long standing Devon tradition of ‘beating the bounds’ was instituted along the new boundaries. However, this was unable to take place in 2020 and in 2021 some landowners refused to allow walkers to pass along the boundary. A blow to having a real community sense of place and belonging.

Sticklepath Parish Council continues to be proactive and a key part of community life today.

Sticklepath Village Appraisal, part of the requirements for a conservation area, is available online. It includes a number of useful maps.

One Dozen Good Reasons for Supporting MP Mr C. Seale-Hayne 1892 Your old tried Friend and Neighbour:

On November 1, 2021 By HelenFinchIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

(#OnePlaceGovernance Sticklepath’s MP) Mid or Ashburton Division Election

Personally signed electioneering card given to Finch family of Sticklepath

(1) Because he is a Devonshire Man and knows the wants of Devonshire Men.

(2) Because for nearly forty years he has worked for the cause of Liberalism and the rights of the people

(3) Because he has represented the Mid or Ashburton Division in Parliament for six years and a half, and has been one of the most diligent and hard working Members of the House of Commons.

(4) Because he always votes straight, according to the promises he gave before his Election.

(5) Because he supports the Working Classes in the House of Commons by voting in the same Lobby as the Working Men Members of Parliament.

(6) Because he is in favour of reforming the Poor Law and relieving hard working men who can scarcely maintain themselves, from being called upon to maintain their aged parents.

(7) Because he is not in favour of one law for the rich and another for the poor, but of equal laws for all.

(8) Because Gladstone, who gave working men their votes, said of Mr Seale-Hayne – “Faithful among the faithless, only he.”

(9) Because he is universally acknowledged to be the best Member for the interests of the Farmer and the Labourer that Devonshire has ever sent to Parliament.

(10) Because he has always been attentive and obliging to all his constituents.

(11) Because he lives in your midst and is a supporter of all your local institutions without distinction of party or creed.

(12) Because you never desert an old friend, and one who has served you well, for one of whom, before the Election, you had never heard.

Further information including his role in endowing Seale-Hayne farming and food sciences college in Devon

News Flash! Lightning Strike in Sticklepath

On October 20, 2021 By HelenFinchIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

A severe thunderstorm, with torrential rain and vivid lightning, broke here on Tuesday about mid-day, and lasted about two hours. Houses in some places were flooded.

Mrs. Albert May, who lives in White Rock Cottage, with her family, were at dinner, when suddenly she screamed and was unable to rise from her chair. It appears she was struck by lightning in her leg, and received a severe burn.

White Rock Cottage photo taken November 1983 when Bert Stead lived there.

Much damage was caused outside to the chimney and the furniture inside an overmantel and several pictures being destroyed and other furniture badly damaged.

Mrs May received medical attention and is going on as well as can be expected.

Source: Western Times Friday 15th July 1927 courtesy of The British Library Board accessed through The British Newspaper Archive.