Forward

Well, Christmas is almost upon us and I have to confess that I enjoy the seasonal treats of mince pies, Christmas Cake and Turkey with all the trimmings, but I know that’s not for everyone. As this is the Christmas edition of ‘Friends Matter’, it is an opportunity to thank all our loyal supporters both before and during the pandemic for your unending support for all that we do.

Final figures for our Winter raffle are yet to be declared but we believe that just over 400 raffle tickets were sold which is a fantastic result, considering that for many weeks the library was closed to visitors. So, may I also thank all those who contributed prizes and to all of you who have purchased raffle tickets. The draw took place on Friday 11 December and all winners have been contacted by phone,  but if you wish to doublecheck if you were a winner, do visit the library or call 01803 853870.

Our Christmas Market Stall is still open with a number of lovely gifts and decorations for sale and will remain open up until the library closes on Christmas Eve at 13.00pm. Brixham Library reopens on Thursday 31 December before their New Year closure from Friday 1 January, reopening on Monday 4 January 2021.

Our thanks to all the staff in Brixham Library, particularly to Emma, Becky, Michelle and Sarah but also to the relief staff too and the library volunteers who work so hard to keep our library as it should be.

Did You Know?

Whether you are taking the opportunity to enjoy sitting by the fire or perhaps a looking for a distraction from endless Christmas viewing on the TV (or trying your hand at being quizmaster), I hope you will find the following of interest, an assorted list of past events that took place during the month of December.

1 Dec.1135      England’s King Henry I died. He had fallen ill seven days earlier after eating too many lampreys. He was 66 and had ruled for 35 years.

65 years ago, Rosa Parks, an American black lady refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white person.  This action started the American Civil Rights Movement.

2 Dec.1697      Sir Christopher Wren’s St Paul’s Cathedral opened in London.

250 years ago, Ludvic Van Beethoven was born.

3 Dec.1989      The Cold War ended after 52 years of superpower rivalry. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and US President George Bush ended their shipboard summit meeting off Malta.

4 Dec.1872      Crew from the British brigantine Die Gratia boarded a ship drifting mid Atlantic. The captain’s table was set for a meal aboard the US ship Marie Celeste, but the Captain, crew and passengers were all missing.

5 Dec.1905      The roof of Charing Cross Railway Station in London collapsed, killing five people.

6 Dec.1921      Ireland’s 26 southern states were granted independence from Britain, becoming the Irish Free State. Ulster in the north remains part of the UK.

7 Dec.1783      William Pitt became British Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer at the tender age of 24.

8 Dec.1980      Forty-year-old ex-Beatle John Lennon was murdered in New York.

9 Dec.1608      Birth of John Milton, English poet whose works included Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes.

10 Dec.1901    The first Nobel Peace Prizes were awarded worth $30,000 each. Nobel, a Swedish chemist, had died five years earlier leaving the fortune he had amassed from his invention, dynamite, to the awarding foundation.

11 Dec.1936    Britain’s King Edward VIII renounced the throne in a radio broadcast to the nation. After the broadcast he boarded a ship to join the twice-divorced Mrs Wallis Simpson in France.

12 Dec.1955    British engineer Christopher Cockerell patented a new kind of vehicle. Half-ship and half-aircraft, his “hovercraft” floats on an air cushion.

13 Dec.1989    In South Africa, ANC leader Nelson Mandela met President F. W. de Klerk for the first time.

14 Dec.1895    Birth of King George VI, who succeeded to the throne when his brother, Edward VIII, abdicated.

15 Dec.1791    The Bill of Rights became part of the United States Constitution providing protection for the basic rights of the individual to free expression and justice.

16 Dec.1773    Unruly American colonists boarded three ships in Boston harbour and emptied 342 chests of tea into the sea.

17 Dec.1778    Birth of Sir Humphrey Davy, English inventor of the safety lamp for miners, who also discovered sodium, magnesium, calcium, barium and strontium

18 Dec.1946    Clement Atlee’s Labour government won the vote on state ownership which led to the nationalizing of the railways, ports, mines, etc.

19 Dec.1848    Emily Bronte, author of Wuthering Heights, died of tuberculosis at the tender age of 30.

20 Dec.1803    The United States doubled in size when it acquired 88,831,321 square miles of land from France for $15 million – The Louisiana Purchase.

21 Dec.1988    A Pan American jumbo jet bound for New York was blown out of the sky by a terrorist bomb and crashed onto the Scottish town of Lockerbie killing all 259 passengers and 11 people on the ground.

400 years ago, the Mayflower arrived in America.

22 Dec.1715    James Edward Stuart, son of James II, the deposed Catholic King of England, landed in north-east Scotland to lead a Jacobite rebellion.

23 Dec.1922    The world’s first regular entertainment radio broadcasts were transmitted by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

24 Dec.1508    London houses received piped water again, for the first time in over a thousand years, since  the Romans left town!

25 Dec.440      Church leaders agreed to fix the date of the birth of Christ. Previously some people had celebrated it in May, others in January.

26 Dec.1943    In World War II, a Royal Navy convoy including the battleship Duke of York and cruiser Jamaica attacked and sunk the mighty German battlecruiser Scharnhorst.

27 Dec.1831    The Royal Navy vessel HMS Beagle set sail from Devonport, the official naturalist onboard was a recent BA graduate:  Charles Darwin.

28 Dec.1918    The results of the first General Election in Britain in which women have been allowed to vote, confirmed David Lloyd George as Prime Minister.

29 Dec.1170    Four of King Henry II’s knights murdered the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas a Becket, in Canterbury Cathedral.

30 Dec.1879    First performance of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera The Pirates of Penzance, at the Royal Bijou Theatre, Paignton, Devon.

31 Dec. 1720   Birth of Charles Edward Stuart, Scottish royal better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie or the Young Pretender, son of James, the Old Pretender.

And Finally….

On behalf of the FoBL Committee may I wish you a very Happy Christmas and look forward to meeting you all again in the New Year.

Alasdair Anderson, Chairman, the Friends of Brixham Library

14 December 2020

The last month has undoubtedly been one of mixed fortunes. Sadly, dominating the news – both national and in the library – has been the imposition of a second national lockdown. Once again, our planned events had been put into limbo. This has primarily affected the opening of our Christmas Market Stall which is now operating a choose and collect service until library opening resumes. These alternative arrangements hopefully will mean that you will be able to purchase gifts and goodies for Christmas. While this news is an undoubted blow, the safety of our staff, volunteers and library users remains the library’s highest priority.

When we have details of the Library reopening times we shall publish them here.

Bay Walks

As we have all heard we, like the rest of Devon, will be in Tier 2. The new guidance from Walking for Health inform us that group was in tiers ! and 2 can restart. However, after consulting the walk leaders we shall NOT be restarting the Monday Walk due to the number of Cvid cases in and around Brixham, We shall keep this under review, but the general feeling s to stay as we are until we have had the vaccine.

Keep walking, stay safe, and look forward to the time when we can all walk together again without risk.

Christmas Market Stall

The current Covid 19 pandemic poses many problems for us all and thus in this period of lockdown, we are looking at doing things differently. We were hoping to launch our Christmas Market Stall on Monday but with the library being closed to visitors into the building this is not possible at present.

However, over the last few weeks and months, friends have been busy making items to sell on the stall. We would like to invite you to take a look at our stall to see whether there is anything to help with your Christmas gift purchases this year. All items are being sold at very reasonable prices from model cars; knitted woollen bears; Christmas candles; keys racks to Christmas cards and decorations. Other goodies are also available. Newly made occasional tables and a magazine rack are also for sale. In addition, Christmas cakes (un-iced) can be ordered. These are made from a traditional family recipe which is tried and tested and is as good as it sounds. Once you have made a list of chosen items you will need to telephone the library to make an appointment to collect your chosen items – 01803 853870. To help things run smoothly payments must be made in cash and if you have the right money that’s even better.

All proceeds are being divided equally between Brixham Library and The Friends of Brixham Library. Please do let your friends, neighbours and family know about our Christmas Market Stall.

Finally, we are hoping that with the end of lockdown the library will reopen for use so that you can come in to see the market stall for yourself. In the meantime, please don’t wait as we know that some of the items will sell very quickly so order now to avoid disappointment.

PS – our winter raffle is still running, and tickets are available at £1.00 each from Brixham Library so do make an appointment to buy tickets. The raffle ends on Friday 11 December when the draw will take place.

Christmas Market Stall Gifts for Sale include:

• Christmas Cards & Kits – £1.00
• Handmade Fabric Doorstops – £4.00
• Snow Wooden Decorations
• Knitted Animals – £10.00 each
• Mexican Spiced Onions in Cider Vinegar – £2.00 a jar
• Christmas Angels £1.00 & £2.00 each
• Handmade Baby Blankets – £5.00 each
• Knitted Chain Garlands – £2.00
• Knitted Teddies – £1.00 each
• Model Wooden Buildings – £5.00 each
• Vintage Mounted Model Vehicles – £5.00 each
• Large Occasional Table – £25.00
• Small Occasional Table – £15.00 each or two for £25.00
• Handmade Key Holders – £5.00 each
• Handbags – £4.00 each
• Locally Made Magazine Rack – £10.00
• Handmade Angel Decorations – £2.00 each
• Christmas Candles – £3.00 each
• Large Homemade Blanket – £15.00
• Handmade Knitted Christmas Stockings – £1.00 each
• Handmade Angel Decorations – £2.00 each
• Handmade Tree Handing Sweetie Bags £1.00 each
• Bunches of Lavender – 50p a Bunch
• Handmade Bookmarks – £3.00 each
• Handmade Mice – £2.00 each Bag

It’s a great way to kickstart your Christmas shopping!

If you hadn’t guessed from last month who the young librarian in the photo is, I can now reveal it is Sue Anderson nee Evans. The photograph was taken in Southway Library, Plymouth.

And Finally….

As we await to hear what further restrictions we will be experiencing when we move into Tier 2 on Wednesday 2 December, we are all hoping that our libraries will be able to reopen. However, in the meantime the choose and collect service is available to all. No fines are currently being charged during the closure period and staff are trying to work near normal hours to keep the service going even under their restricted circumstances. Any queries of concerns can be raised by tel; 01803 853870 and all the staff will be pleased to help you.

Alasdair Anderson

Chairman, The Friends of Brixham Library

23 November 2020

And contact the library if you want to order a delicious Xmas Cake (not iced) :

1kg – £9.50; 8–g – £7.00.      

Keep reading in Lockdown 2  as once again the library staff are once again providing a full Choose and Collect service. 

The Christmas Stall will be up and running from 16 November. You will be able to see the items for sale on the library Facebook page, or pick up a stall leaflet  at the Library. Just Choose and Collect (and pay).

And finally we are happy to announce that the Winter Raffle tickets are still on sale – just call the library on 01803-853870 and arrange a time to collect. Payment in cash with the right money preferred.

Welcome

Welcome to another edition of Friends Matter. The expected lockdown has just been announced so many people and businesses are looking again at their plans for the run up to Christmas. At the Library we have been preparing our Christmas Market Stall which will have all sorts of goodies, Christmas treats, gifts and decorations as well as scrumptious handmade Christmas cakes.

We hope the Stall will open – with the Library – in the first week of December once the national lockdown is eased.  We will send out updates as we know more – in the meantime stay safe and keep reading. If restrictions persist longer than 2 December, then the Christmas Stall may well become an Easter Stall!

Winter Raffle

There is time to purchase raffle tickets for our Winter raffle. Tickets cost £1.00 each and are available from the reception desk when the Library is open. With an ever-growing range of prizes to win, please help the library by entering the draw which will take place before Christmas. All proceeds from the raffle are being split evenly between Brixham Library and The Friends of Brixham Library.

Museums Chit Chat

If you have been following the local news recently you may have caught up with the news that two local museums have reopened after a period of closure. The first is The Box in Plymouth which sees the museum expand next door into what was the former Plymouth Central Library along with the former St Luke’s Chapel at the rear of the museum. For many years this occupied by the libraries administrative, bibliographical and home services for Plymouth and West Devon. Can you identify the person taking a school class visit in the photo below?

The second museum to reopen is in Newton Abbot in the former St Leonards Church. Once again there is a strong library link with the Railway Studies Collection in the Passmore Edwards centre. It is interesting to note that both museums occupy former churches.

News Update from Libraries Unlimited

Libraries Unlimited recently held their Annual General Meeting and for the first time this was held on-line using Zoom.  Attended by Trustees, representatives from Friends groups and library staff from both Devon and Torbay, the meeting heard reports from both Professor William Harvey Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Alex Kittow, Chief Executive Libraries Unlimited. The meeting was looking back on events for 2019/2020 and already there are huge contrasts between levels of service pre-Covid 19 and current provision during the pandemic. Whilst many messages were conveyed during the AGM perhaps the most striking were the following very positive developments these last few months.  For example, eBook downloads have gone up in leaps and bounds; attendance at on-line Bounce & Rhyme times has proved very successful and above all no library staff have been furloughed, a huge achievement in these difficult times. If you would like to find out more, a reference copy of the Annual Report 2019/2020 is available in the library to read with a photo included on page 23 of the recently refurbished children’s library. As a colleague noted ‘The annual report has just been released by Libraries Unlimited and this shows off how well we are still providing a service for our local communities’. Can’t think of a better way of putting it.

News from the Front Line

Please note that as a result changing Covid 19, Brixham library has had to change a few procedures within the library meaning only one person is allowed at the main desk at all times. This could mean a slight delay and some queues and the staff we are asking library users to bear with them at this difficult and challenging time. When we know what the new lockdown service will be, we shall send you a separate email.

Whilst this caption is very apt, you don’t have to buy them to make you feel richer and that’s why our library is so important.

Torbay Council

It is easy to forget that Torbay Council still maintain a great interest in the four libraries in the Bay even though they have outsourced the day-to-day running and management of the service to Libraries Unlimited. As one of the main funders of the service the following is very important in terms of libraries of the future level of funding will be determined by the outcome of their budget setting. As you will see from the more below, you have an opportunity to tell them what you think about their budget proposals.

Torbay’s budget – it’s your business! Have your say

We’re launching our 2021/22 budget consultation this week and we want you to have your say.

Along with our partners and the wider community, we’re facing one of our most challenging periods in recent years. Our spending is going up to meet the emergency response costs of the pandemic and we are seeing an increase in demand for council services. In addition, the income we receive, which supports the services we deliver, has reduced massively this year. It’s not all bad news though – we have worked hard to make efficiency savings.

What we really want now is to hear your views so we can understand how these budget proposals may have an impact on you. We want to know how we can work together to mitigate the impact or find new solutions to help Torbay thrive. 

The budget proposals and link to the consultation can be viewed on the council  budget page.

In the News…

It is always a pleasure whilst reading through our local papers to spot comments about libraries in general and in particular about Brixham Library. Recently in his regular fortnightly column in the Herald Express, Capt. Bob Curtis did just this for which we take this opportunity to express our thanks. The Covid 19 pandemic has placed great pressures on library staff these last few months. So, the words of comfort expressed below are a much-valued expression of support for the work that they do.

Extract from the Herald Express – Wednesday 14 October 2020, Page 21

Joke of the Month

What is the longest word in the English Dictionary?

Smiles – because there is a mile between the first letter and the last!

Caption Competition

Responses to last month’s CAPTION COMPETITION were as follows:

‘Reading a good book always sends me to sleep’

‘Paws for thought!!’.

‘Well, if I’m not allowed on the chairs….’.

‘The camouflage isn’t working!!’

‘If I lie still they won’t see me!!’

‘When you’ve worked all morning doing the laundry then you’d feel exhausted too!!’

And Finally…..

As thoughts of travel or lack of travel this year haunt our thoughts, why not take a look at the new series of “Lonely Planet” guidebooks which hopefully will make you smile!!

‘Seasons of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness’

With a truly autumnal feel to the air, as the last gasp of summer is almost behind us, we can look forward to the colours of autumn in all its glory. Whilst the thought of colder times to come, along with mixed weather messages, like every season autumn brings its own colourful images. Bright skies; tractors hard at work; the smell of fruit and spices as jam, pickling and other culinary activities take place and gardens begin to shut down for the winter. As you’ll see we have a packed newsletter with lots going on and invitations to all to help and play a part in our fundraising activities. Furthermore, you can enjoy autumn with us every Monday morning on our regular health walk around Berry Head. It only takes an hour with stops along the way and many of us finish with a coffee stop and chance for a natter. At the time of writing the ‘rule of 6’ is in place but as an official walking group we are exempt. Be assured, we still comply with social distancing and encourage smaller groups of six when taking the walk. We would like to think that common sense prevails, and every opportunity is taken to lessen the risk so that we can continue walking under Covid 19 conditions.

The Great Return

On Monday 7 September, Brixham Library returned to its normal hours of opening. You might wonder why I mention this but all through the pandemic, our library has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries to enable its services to come back to you as soon as possible. In a sense, Emma and her team have been trialling what could be done to enable safe use for both staff and library users and their experiences have proved of huge benefit to the wider library community in both Torbay and Devon. As I write this, 48 of the 54 libraries are now open and in comparison, to library services in other parts of the UK are well ahead of the game. Library staff have been involved in conversations with libraries outside of the Devon area to learn from their experiences both in the UK and abroad and can well be considered market leaders in this respect. As libraries have reopened, take-up has been very varied and it will come as no surprise that in larger towns and cities, return numbers are lower than normal reflecting the change in lower high street visitor patterns as a result of the pandemic. However, for many the library was the first-place people had visited when venturing out for the first time, as they felt safe visiting, and this is surely an accolade to treasure and nurture with those who still have concerns about going out.

Loyalty Card News

We are always pleased to receive news from our loyalty card partners and none more so than from Chloe Pavely, who runs the Fishcombe Cove Café. Many of you will have seen articles in the local press and on local TV news as she championed her ‘Spend a Penny’ campaign. She writes:

With regards to Autumn, the cafe is now trading Tuesday – Sunday 11am until 4pm (weather depending). We hope the cafe will stay open until November this year, just after the October Half Term however this is weather dependent. 

 We have new items on the menu including new Italian Tascas, filled with exciting fillings, served hot to keep warm on autumnal days. Our bread bowls will be filled with tasty Homemade soups. And we have a range of gluten free and vegan cakes to accompany freshly ground coffee, fair trade tea or hot chocolate. 

 With regards to The Spend A Penny Project, we hosted a few fundraisers over the summer holidays, and have raised an incredible £3,000 in total. This will keep the toilet block open for the remainder of this year, and for next year. I plan to renovate them, hoping they will eventually enhance the area, I would like to put new sinks in and get electricity up and running too. This will all be down to Torbay Council allowing me to do so, but the support has been overwhelming so far.

 Such news above is always good to hear and we hope that you will continue to support our loyalty card partners as they support FoBL and in turn the library in so many different ways.

Brixham Maid

FoBL is pleased to welcome Brixham Maid to our loyalty card scheme. Sally opened the shop in Middle Street earlier this year and has a fine range of locally made jams, pickles and chutneys for sale and of course they are all her own work. Sally writes:

‘My mother was my inspiration, she taught me the value of homegrown produce.  From early childhood we would enjoy making seasonal jams, pickles and chutneys using freshly harvested ingredients from the garden. Many years on my passion for making preserves has been reignited through an abundance of crops grown on my allotment. I began experimenting, pairing, creating exciting flavours and with it my understanding for the science and art of preserving developed. Proving popular amongst friends and family the journey of Brixham Maid began. Brixham is home for me. I live with my husband, children and our Jack Russell ‘Josie’. Jam HQ is an old fisherman’s’ cottage over-looking the beautiful harbour – it’s where the magic happens’.
​

​If you haven’t visited yet, you won’t be disappointed as they not only taste good but make wonderful presents as well as treats. Sally is offering all current FoBL members a 10% discount if you spend more than £15.00. So, with Christmas on the far horizon this may help to solve all those gift problems for you.

For further information why not check out Sally’s website www.brixhammaid.com or just call into the shop.

44 Middle Street, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8EJ.

Grand Raffle & Christmas Market Stall

With autumn and thoughts of Christmas starting to bubble to the surface, we have joined together with Brixham Library with a Seasonal Raffle. Tickets cost £1.00 each and are already available in the library. The draw is taking place on 13 December 2020 so there is plenty of time to encourage all your friends, neighbours and relatives to pop into the library to buy some and you never know perhaps borrow a book at the same time. Like any raffle it is only as good as its prizes and Emma would welcome any donations to add to her growing collection which amongst other things currently includes:

• Taste hamper
• Alexa show 5
• Lipsy set
• Brixham Maid hamper
• 2 x children diy smiggle drinks kits and pencil case

There will be more prizes to follow.

This nicely leads into the next joint initiative as we are planning a Christmas Market Stall in the library selling a whole range of goodies and gifts. We hope to launch this towards the end of November and hopefully more news in the November newsletter. In the meantime, if you would like to donate jars of jam, pickles, relish or chutney, soft toys (made from safety compliant materials), craft items, Christmas cards and tree decorations, please do pop them into the library the next time you are passing. Many local shops have lots of Christmas themed fabrics and trimmings and Sandy in Brixham Sewing Box is always pleased to help and advice with ideas. We hope to be able to provide cover for the stall some of the time and the library have kindly agreed to fill in the gaps.

Proceeds from both the raffle and the stall will be split between Brixham Library and FoBL. In the absence of our normal income generation activities this year we will be able to fill the empty hole in our coffers so that we can continue to support the library in every way we can.

Brixham Museum

A recent e-mail sent to us may be of interest and reads as follows:
From: legendarytenseconds <legendarytenseconds@gmail.com>

I have just released a new album of songs about the history of Torbay and I am donating money to Torquay museum from the sale of the CDs. One of the songs is about William of Orange landing at Brixham. Here is a link to the song: –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuduqQhkhoo&list=OLAK5uy_nJXSsXDUgtPk8BWYS2-wuPL5Z1ssgtII0&index=3

The Pageant of Torbay Part One Poster

Here is a link to the album

http://www.thelegendary10seconds.co.uk/albums/other-lts-albums/the-pagant-of-torbay—part.html

Regards, Ian Churchward

Mob: 07484300210

www.thelegendary10seconds.co.uk

 And Finally…..

CAPTION COMPETITION – no prizes but please send me your entries for publication in next month’s newsletter.

‘When you’ve worked all morning doing the laundry then you’d feel exhausted too!!’

Welcome….

As we all continue to respond to life under Covid 19 conditions one might be asking do we need a recharge? Whether you’re looking for family inspiration, outdoor adventure or simply a place to pause, Brixham Library has the answer this summer. Whether at home, in the library or just out and about take a book with you, you can always read about how to paddle a canoe, what you can feed the ducks with or just read a book about somewhere beautiful. In times of stress, our libraries have even more to offer. So, why not reconnect with your family, with friends, or with your own inner-calm as you enjoy a good read.

A close friend brought the following to my attention. She writes, ‘I first saw this saying on one of the benches around the harbour when the Pom Pom angels were decorating them to cheer us up. I thought it was a lovely approach to managing the current situation. I don’t know who wrote it but it’s lovely!

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain!’

Couldn’t have put it better myself and I hope you all feel the same way!!

© – Photo by Kate Graeme-Cook from Elberry Common

September has in past years been the start of the autumn programme of events and activities. However, in these unsettled and unpredictable times all our activities are on hold and many of the planned events are being held until next year of which more later. Thanks, must go to all those who have been so understanding about this but then we are no different from others in the same boat. However, I am pleased to say that our Monday ‘Walking for Health’ walk is up and running, all be it by a modified route and we have been pleased at the numbers turning up. For some, it is still a mite early to join in such an activity but be assured we have social distancing in mind and a walk is always a good walk.

In our last newsletter we were able to share some of the experiences of lockdown from Emma and Sarah. Thus, I was pleased to receive the following in my mail which I am delighted to share with you. Julie writes:

‘Really enjoyed reading about the experiences of the librarians especially the Sarah Millican faux pas which cracked me up! I’d have laughed just as heartily if I’d read that in the original message.  It might even become my new mantra hahahaha.  The article will certainly help me view the young ladies in a more personal way’.

Future Events

With the onset of the pandemic our events and activities programme instantly went on hold and as time has gone on our restart date continues to be put back. However, Helen has been busy behind the scenes and has provided the following update for you as follows:

Hello Friends of Brixham Library

Well, much was organised for the Friends this year but unfortunately, due to circumstances completely out of our control, could not take place. 

So, moving positively forward to 2021 hopefully the following events can go ahead:

• Talk and tour of Paignton Zoo
• Evening meal and entertainment at Guardhouse Cafe Berry Head
• Boules and Buffet at Berry Head Hotel
• Visits to The Met Office in Exeter.
• Visit/Tour to Exeter Cathedral
• Wine Tasting with nibbles at the Wine Loft in Brixham
• Fish and Chip evening with entertainment 
• Evening boat trips.

And anything else that comes along………

Happy to look into any suggestions from Friends regarding trips / talks etc. They can be left with the staff at Brixham Library for me.

 Here’s to 2021.

Helen

Walking for Health – Monday Walk as from Monday 10 August 2020

Brixham Bay Walks – Restarting the Monday Walk

After this long pause Walking for Health have now given the green light to restart group walks.

All walks have to be managed in line with all Government guidance like social distancing and limitation on numbers to keep us all safe.

We would ask that we all wear face coverings at least for the start of the walk while we all congregated together.  The route will be along the footpath next to Berry Head Road as this will avoid the stiles and narrow sections of the coast path.  Depending on the number of walkers we may need to split into two groups to keep within the guidelines.

We have to keep contact details of all walkers to give to Track and Trace teams if they are required, this is the sole purpose of this data that has to be kept for 21 days minimum.  Once the Covid emergency is over and the contact data is no longer required it will be destroyed.

 Coastal Path Walk to Berry Head

All are welcome on this walk, which is once again designed for a wide range of abilities. We meet at the rear of Douglas House in Gillard Road, Brixham at 10.00am every Monday morning whatever the weather.

For more information about these walks please contact:

Mike O’Donnell tel: 01803 844013    Alasdair Anderson tel: 01803 850255

www.walkingforhealth.org.uk            www.friendsofbrixhamlibrary.org/walks

Outgoings – Jottings from the Treasurer

Since lockdown, whilst we have all missed all the events and activities of more normal times, we have still been active in supporting library needs. So far this year we have spent:

To LU for the Summer Reading Game                                                          £30.00

Prizes for Summer Reading Game                                                                £50.00

Recourses for activity packs                                                                           £60.00

Web Site                                                                                                                  £95.40

Replacement paddles and spares for the Defibrillator                      £206.40

So, if you have any doubts about paying your subs this year and just haven’t been able to pay them yet, your help through the annual subscriptions is a real help to us in continuing to support our library. I am also reminded that under current data protection legislation we are required to delete all personal information from our data base if subscriptions haven’t been renewed. This of course was put in place without a pandemic in mind and hopefully our annual fee of £5.00 is something you will feel happy to support or even consider as a donation for this year. Any queries please contact either Angie Robson, our Membership Secretary or myself, Jo Gale.

Photo from the Archives

This photo shows the previous library building that many will remember with great fondness. Originally opened as a drill hall it later became the Public Library in Brixham and was run by the County Council up until 1968 when the newly created County Borough of Torbay was formed. In 1974, library services transferred back into the county and the present library building was one of the few new builds by the then Devon Library & Information Services. The ornamental stonework above the entrance can be seen in Brixham Museum from time to time.

If you have any photos of past times, we would love to see them, along with any of your library anecdotes and recollections.

And finally……

Pronunciation Poem

I take it you already know

Of tough and bough and cough and dough?

Others may stumble, but not you,

On hiccough, thorough, laugh and through.

Well done! And now you wish, perhaps

To learn of less familiar traps?

Beware of heard, a dreadful word,

That looks like beard and sounds like bird.

And dead – it’s said like bed not bead –

And for goodness’ sake don’t call it deed!

Watch out for meat and great and threat

(They rhyme with suite and straight and debt)

A moth is not the moth in mother,

Nor both in bother, broth in brother.

And here is not a match in there,

Nor dear and fear for bear and pear.

And then there’s dose and rose and lose –

Just look them up – and goose and choose,

And cork and work and card and ward,

And font and front and word and sword,

And do and go and thwart and cart –

Come, come I’ve hardly made a start.

A dreadful language? Man alive.

I’d mastered it when I was five.

Jennifer Wagner / Lynn Westmore

Stop Press

As from Monday 24 August the hours of opening for Brixham Library have been further extended as follows:

Mon, Tues & Thurs     10.00 – 12.30  13.30 – 16.00

Wed, Fri & Sat            10.00 – 12.30 

Brixham Futures raffle was held on  Sunday 26 July, but the winner has not been found.  The winning ticket number is 0933.

The prize is either £2,000 in cash or holiday cruise (when restrictions are lifted
this year or next).

Details of how to claim are given on the ticket and the winner
must come forward by midnight on Sunday 23 August with proof of purchase. If
the prize is not claimed, then the draw will be made again after that date so do
not discard tickets until notification that the prize has been successfully claimed.

For further information please contact:

John Rudden: 01803 475739
John Brennan: 01803 852270