The 13^th meeting at the Nog Inn on 14th Oct. 2010. 

Thank you all for coming and making it such an interesting evening.

The coffee morning went very well and I have phone calls thanking us for putting it on. 

Caroline Cousins asked if we could locate her “Rats Castle” folder missing from the 2008 History Event. How did the name come about?

The BBC have asked if we would like to take part in a series relating to the history of the “High Street”, but as we don’t have a High Street it was decided the program was not relevant to us.

A question raised by Jenny while working in the museum, what does the term “oupes” mean, the answer is Bull Finches, classed as vermin as they eat the buds on fruit trees. This would not be allowed today.

A discussion on Roman roads in the area and the old road from Taunton, via Dunkeswell, Hembury Fort, Talewater and onto Exeter. The farm house at Talewater, known as Half Moon was once a Inn, as was Colestocks House. Before the railway came to Feniton folk would ride by horse or carriage to Cullompton to catch the London train.

A debate about the lane from Buckerell Cross to Fenny Bridges being closed off by the new A30 should not have been permitted.

Mention was made of the cold war observation tower at the high point towards Cheriton where the water reservoir is, this was c. 1950 to 1960, the command post being at Poltimore. Dunkeswell had a nuclear missile bunker near the Mansell Racetrack, this had a rainwater plant to give fresh water to the occupants.

The Group discussed how to present our notes and histories, booklets thought to be more beneficial rather than a big book.  I have mentioned the idea of a permanent History display in the church, once it has opened and this has had a positive response from David and the Rev. Cate. Rev. Cate has asked for help with planning for the re opening of the church on the 6^th March 2011. This will be a major event running all weekend Friday through to the Sunday. I am sure we can get become involved. Geoff has replied to Cate to this effect.

David updated the group on the work at the Church.

The builders have found a burial partially under the porch, a large male. The tower and the porch are later additions, c. 1500s. Medieval tiles of green, brown and cream have been uncovered, roughly dated 1400 / 1500. Small slates with wooden pegs.  The Reredos screen erected in the 1891 is being repaired. The old carved pew ends will be reused in the box pew area. Very old bricks have been saved from the removal of a wall and are for sale along with some long later pews.   The organ has been removed. Some bad repairs done in the 1960s or so, with the wrong paint are to be tackled. The quality of the stonework on the outer walls is rather rough, giving an indication that the walls were plastered and it would have been a white building.  The Parish Council are responsible for the Lynch Gate and will make good any repairs it requires. More bones have been found under the paving slabs. The flag pole is rotten and damaging the lead on the tower. This will be replaced with a lighter design and with the flag being raised from ground level, saving a climb up the narrow worn stair case.  The font is very unusual, having a shelf for the christening oils. Damage to the font had been repaired with plaster of paris and some time, which was washed away by the hosing down after the flooding. The stonemasons, A. Real are to repair it and replace a missing rose. The font is made from Beer stone.

  

We discussed the bricks found in the old wall and the known locations of brickworks, Ottery St. Mary and Talewater.

The bones found near the porch may be that of an early rector who was said to have been buried by the church door, "The burial described as being by the church door was that of John  Prynge, rector,  1524  -  1559.  As described in the List of Rectors as printed for the 2008 event." But this would need more evidence to prove.

This was most interesting, thank you David.

Hymn no. 247 in Hymns Ancient and Modern is played to the tune called “Feniton Court”. I hope it can be used at the opening of the church.