THE April meeting of MORCHARD BISHOP had a high percentage of members plus some guests all of whom were given a warm welcome by President Maddy Tarrant.
Business matters dealt with DFWI events, localised ones, two forthcoming outings, the summer strawberry tea and the traditional village clean up by volunteer members who scour the nooks and crannies for all those wrappers and cans that seem to lodge by bushes and hedgerows.
Maddy then introduced our speaker, Sally Wilson, (who had been with DFWI). Her subject was the Lynmouth Floods, but not the usual How? Why? factual account, but her memories of it as a child living through it.
Her family roots were in Lynmouth and she was there at her grandmother’s for the summer holiday with mum and siblings.
She told us there was no real concern or fear of the river as it rose that August night in 1952 and it was with disbelief later that night when the family realised they had to get out of the house at once.
The house was normally over 15 feet above the river, but by next morning there was nothing left of it. The children had only their pyjamas and grandmother had lost every item of her home.
Her story did not over dramatise events but gave members a rare insight into such a tragic event. Jenny Pettyfer thanked her for sharing such personal memories with her appreciative audience.
Flowers in an egg cup competition was won by:
1 Marina Down, 2 Sue Pluckwell.
Flower of the Month winners: 1 Janet Knight, 2 Jean Findlay and 3 Sue Pluckwell.
The meeting on May 14 will discuss the resolutions and voting. “Taste and Try” - a new idea - bring something you have made for others to taste and swap recipes if desired!

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