Thomas Pratt. b. 1894. d. 1918.
Thomas grew up in Lower Coombe, Tipton st John, with his parents William and Emma, and many siblings. His father worked as a stonemason at the quarry and Thomas worked as a roadman. He joined up in August 1914 and went out to France with the BEF in 1915, within 4 months he was wounded. He was discharged in 1916 from his wounds and TB. He died the following year, most likely from TB and is buried in Tipton st John churchyard.
We will remember you Thomas.
Samuel Lowe Bennet. b. 1891 d.1917.
Samuel was born in Tipton st John, he grew up in Tipton Hall with his parents and sister Estella.
After finishing college he joined the RN in 1914, where he was an interpreter and driver on the front line. Then he took his flying certificate and joined the RNAS. On the 29th April 1917 Flight sub Lieut Samuel l Bennett was shot down over France, (the life expectancy of a fighter pilot in the war was around 4 weeks), and was reported missing presumed dead. He is remembered on the memorial at Arras in France. He was only 25 years old.
We will remember you Samuel.
We will remember them.
Private William Charles Pottinger. b. 1889 d. 1915.
William was born in Exmouth and later moved to Tipton st John where he became a farm labourer. He lived in Metcombe with his father Charles.
In 1914 he joined the 1st /4th battalion of the Devonshire Regiment and was sent to Mesopatamia (Iraq), where the British forces were protecting the oilfields near Basra. Britain relied heavily on oil to keep its dominant navy at sea. William died of his wounds on the 30th September 1915. He was 27 years old.
He is remembered on his grandfather and fathers grave in Tipton churchyard. His parents lost 9 of their 13 children, William was the 10th child that they mourned....
We will remember you William.
The Railway
Its quite hard to believe that it was ever really there. Apart from the old station building and parts of the tracks foundations as evidence, it's all just a distant memory, yet the building of the railway was so important to the growth of our village.
Tipton was a relatively small farming hamlet before the arrival of the railway in 1874. With more accessibility and employment the village expanded with the London and South Western Railway linking Tipton with the larger world and even London! The branch line expanded the station further when it became a junction for Budleigh Salterton in 1897, with the signal box and the footbridge being added at this time. The track ran across the main street with large rolling gates that would be swung across to stop the road traffic. The Golden Lion was rebuilt to refresh and accomodate more travellers and Coombe Vale was built to house railway workers
The station would be busy with passenger and freight trains. Steam engines hauled the trains until 1963 when they were replaced by diesel units.
The train line gave villagers the chance to move around the southwest and beyond for work and leisure. The trains would bring holiday makers to the seaside resorts of Exmouth and Sidmouth. It would have taken men from the village to both world wars and brought evacuees from London. School children would use the train for getting to school, with the train stopping at Tipton and children continuing on the line would quickly jump off to buy their sweets from the village shop while the train was in the station.
Post, milk, flowers and other goods from the village would have been collected from the station and delivered around the country. Flowers from Burcombe flower farm, Wiggaton and other local growers would have been packed and sent up to Covent garden market for sale. Mr Baker would bring boxes of Tulips, Iris, Daffodil and tomatoes down on his horse and cart to load onto the trains..
Mr Rockey, worked on the Tipton Line, joining the railway in 1953 cleaning the engines. In 1955 he progressed to Fireman, stoking the engines fire, he remembers cooking their breakfast of eggs and bacon on his shovel over the fire! They would refill with water from the water tower, but he said that once they caught one of the embankments on fire which didn't go down well with the farmer whose field it spread too!
There was a furnished staionary carriage set back from the station on the coal siding, where people could come and spend their holidays, perfect for the train enthusiasts! In 1955 a week's stay would cost you £9.
Unfortunately the freight and then the passenger services were withdrawn in 1967 with many villagers taking the 'last train'. My parents took this journey and said that there were fog/fire crackers all up the track in celebration of this memorable last trip.
Can you imagine just how popular and scenic the train journey down the Otter Valley and into Harpford Woods would be today, such a tourist attraction.
And also how useful would it be to pop on the train for Sidmouth ....those were the days!
The aftermath of the flood that swept away the road bridge and flooded many properties.
The Bailey Bridge was put up by the Army to keep the road open.
Prince Philip made a flying visit
Floods
We have all seen the horrors of the flooding upcountry on the news this Winter.
Metcombe and the school suffered after a flash flood on the 30th December (Pauls video footage reached over 38,000 views on Facebook!) causing chaos and leaving a lot of mud to clear up. It’s scary just how quickly the water levels can rise.
The level of the Otter is always a worry for those living close by and we can even view the rise and fall of the river from the comfort of our own home by watching it on the internet (Google Tipton River cam).
Flooding is not new to Tipton as we all know but few of us may be aware of the floods of 1909 when the Post Office was washed away.
Newspaper reports tell of the Post Office completely collapsing in the early hours of the morning.
"For several hours previously the torrential rain and tempestuous winds had prevailed and the village brook which runs close to the Post Office had swollen to something like a torrent undermining the foundations."
Mr Wood the Postmaster was awakened by a crash and at once raised the alarm. He and his family were forced to leave the house in their night attire by means of ladders. Mr Greening the Stationmaster was awakened by the cries of "help!". On dressing he went onto the roadway only to find himself in water up to his knees. Villagers came to help with the rescue and all were safely removed from the building.
The Post Office and adjoining cottages were demolished and the P.O. was rebuilt slightly further up the road than it was previously.
Photographs kind donated by Marilyn Berry (Mr Wood’s Granddaughter)
Photographs kindly provided by Marilyn Berry (Mr Woods great granddaughter)
Post master (Mr Wood)
Remember, Remember the Fifth of November!
With the village showing signs of Autumn and the nights drawing in, carnivals and Bonfire Night will soon be upon us. We all know of the Ottery St Mary Tar Barrrels, but did you know that Tipton also has had a Tar Barrel Tradition? Lauren and I found an article in the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, The British Newspaper Archives regarding November the 5th 1892, Tipton st John.
It tells of a celebration of great spirit with a procession of 70 men bearing flaming torches. They marched for an hour around the village and surrounding hamlets, lead by Mr Salter and his band of instrumentalists. That must of have been an amazing sight on a dark night, hearing the singing and music coming up the dark lanes with an orange glow from the torches waving in time with the marching. When they reached the Railway Station at 8 pm a great bonfire was lit amidst cheers!
“ When this got fairly alight, a fine display of fireworks took place and the damsels and their swains started to dance to the strains of Mr Salters band. This was kept up for nearly two hours!”
It goes onto tell of how it is usual here on the anniversary of the 5th, for the men living on one side of the railway to oppose those on the other side in the burning of a number of tar barrels. They would mark a boundary and it is the object of each party to secure the barrel falling to pieces on either side. It says that though often a rather rough amusment, it is entered into with great zest!
On November the 5th 1892 the Metcombe side won the victory.
We found a number of articles relating to the Carnival in Tipton, around the early 1900’s. The processions would start off from Mount Pleasant (the Coombe crossroads) and wend its way through the roads and lanes, through Metcombe and back again.
“..many torchbearers and masked people, who masqueraded in various styles, delighted the country folk who lined the village roads”
The Tipton Band would lead the procession, with bandmaster Mr H. Baker and people came by train and road to watch.
“ The weather was dry and the murky darkness of a November night helped to heighten the spectacular effect of the brilliantly illuminated tableaux of which there were a dozen”
A feature of Tipton St John Carnival was a lifesize version of a White Elephant brought out by Mr Pottinger, which caused much laughter with its antics!
The money raised at the carnivals was given to the Ottery St Mary Cottage Hospital funds
Reading the articles gave me a real feel of the atmosphere and of the people involved in these village events....maybe we could bring them back this November!
Tipton during WW2
I have recently been researching newspaper articles about life in Tipton during WW 2 and found that the village was alive with fundraising events to raise funds to support the war effort.
There were regular dances, concerts, and whist drives, many held in the Church Institute or school in connection with the Home Guard, Red Cross "Penny a week" , "Salute the Soldier", "Wings for Victory" among other funds.
'Salute the Soldier' week was a fund raising scheme to encourage civilians to save their money in government accounts. The scheme was themed around raising funds at local level.The OSM and District Savings Association,( president Sir John Kennaway),ran competions to see which groups in the area had raised the most money.
"Miss Scorse, teacher ,was presented with a certificate of honour repesenting Tipton St John school , to commerate their wonderful achievements raising £5 19s 11d per member during the four weeks of the competion, obtaining 1st place! The school children had also put on concerts with Miss Scorse on the piano and Miss West and head Miss Richardson supervising. The schools saving group during "Salute the Soldier" week raised £ 2,682 8s, that was 5 times more than its target and the sum exceeded the total raised for "Wings" week by £ 191."
A "Victory Garden" Show was staged by the WI for the Red Cross Agricultural fund. With a well-supported vegetable, flower, fruit and cakes competion and childrens sports. Mr George Baker of Coombe (nurseryman) put up a fine display of non-competitive roses, dahlias and scabious. All exhibits in the show were sold for the funds.
In aid of the Merchant Navy week a fete was held, there was an exhibition of country dancing by school children and sports and teas. Apparently the tug of war caused much amusment and the outstanding event was the baby show with 27 entries!
The Tipton st John Home Guard were entertained by 'A Nightlights Concert party', a performance of mirth and melody! Supper was provided by the lady members - Gill, Askew, Bater, Lane, Dart and Rutherford. The hall was reported to be packed and that an enjoyable evening was had by all. Funds raised went towards supporting the local Home Guard.
These are just a few of the many fundraising events that took place in the village during the war. Reading about the enthusiasm and generosity of Tipton folk during these demanding times was heart-warming.
The evacuees staying in the village were also welcomed and given parties at Christmas. Eve Smith was evacuated to live with her uncle Sidney Smith, who was the Stationmaster and lived at 3 Coombe Lea. She remembers Miss Richardson was her schoolteacher -"a really beautiful and excellent teacher." And having warm milk from the cows at Skinners Farm.
Tipton celebrated VE with a sports day, this was held at Metcombe by Mr Manley, for the children of Tipton. The field was said to have been gaily decorated with flags, flowers and bunting. There were many different races and activities with money prizes! Lemonade, Cyder and cake were served during the events. There was community singing to the accompaniment of Miss J Scorse on the accordion ( Miss Scorse was obviously very musically talented ) and finally to the delight of all, a huge bonfire and fireworks. Consolation prizes of 6 d were given to every child who won nothing at the sports. Isn't that lovely!
Recently during one of our 'Tipton Past' chats over a cup of tea, my Dad said to me
"Well, you know that RF Delderfield lived in Tipton ".
This was the first I had heard of this. I knew that he had lived in Sidmouth, but Tipton st John !
This information definitely needed more investigation, so using the Internet I found that although Ronald Frederick Delderfield had been born in London he had moved to Exmouth where his father became Editor of the Exmouth Chronicle. In 1929 he also joined the staff of the paper and later succeeded his father as editor of the paper. Whilst working he was also constantly writing and went on to find fame as a novelist and dramatist, his works including 'A Horseman Riding By' and 'To Serve Them All My Days' amongst many.
Unable to find any connection with Tipton, I began to think that maybe my parents had imagined this memory. So I decided to contact the Farmer family who have lived and worked in Coombe for a good few years and would surely be able to solve my problem. And low and behold Kerstin and Peter both knew of Mr Delderfield.
R F Delderfield had lived in Lower Coombe Cottage (next to John Nortons Farm) towards the end of the 1950's, They had an adopted son and daughter. The son called Paul was around the same age as Peter (Farmer) and they used to spend a lot of time together . Kerstin told me that R F Delderfield used to come up to the farm and buy eggs from Peters mum. She said although they had moved by the time that she came to Coombe, she did meet him after Peter and herself had got engaged.
He was known to write in his shed in the garden and in 'A Horseman Riding By' there are references to a 'Low' and 'High Coombe' so maybe he included his home surroundings in his work.
Marilyn Berry (who lived on the crossroads ) remembers delivering newspapers with her brother Chris Baxter to the cottage, and she tells me that Delderfields daughter, Veronica, looked like a model and caused quite a stir with the local boys, as it was a bit like having a filmstar in the village!
A few years later Mr Delderfield and the family went onto live in the amazing house on Peak Hill, 'The Gazebo.' I had the pleasure of delivering some plants to this house a few weeks ago and so had a chance to view the garden and that beautiful (if somewhat precarious ) view across Jacobs Ladder and the bay.
So there you have it, its always worth looking into these distant memories as thay quite often turn out to be very interesting. And wouldn't it be nice to think that one of his writings were based on the beautiful Coombe and Tipton countryside. You never know!
The Porters Christmas Box
Christmas had a gloomy outlook for one Tipton family over 100 years ago.
James and Betsy Dart of Dolberries tragically suffered a fire in early December 1910, the outbreak was discovered at 2 am, caused by a damaged flue. They and their 3 younger children had to flee for their lives as the fire quickly took hold, they had narrow escapes as the roof soon fell in and the house turned to ashes. Although the family saved themselves, their belongings were unfortunately not insured.
Mr James Dart was Head Porter at Tipton St John Station (and was for many years) and he had lived in Tipton for 27 years. The Darts house was used as a village meeting place with village reading and recreation rooms and even a miniature rifle range.
Mr Every (Tipton vicar), felt compelled to write to the Exeter Gazette to ask for help as he felt that Mr Dart was "a very good fellow and really deserved to be helped".
So a collection was begun to raise money for "The Porters Christmas Box".
The Stationmaster, Mr Greening, stated that he had made an appeal to all the railway men in the district and in true Tipton fashion a committee was formed to find "how they could best assist him in the misfortune that had befallen him". The vicar spoke of the way in which "people had come forward and rendered such assistance as was in their power" to help.
In the newspaper article it asked "sympathetic readers to help make happy an honest English working man by assisting us to raise the cloud which has fallen upon the family at Christmas time" and acknowledged that any sum was gratefully accepted.
The newspaper used this phrase (which I had to Google!) "Many a mickle makes a muckle".
And on Christmas Eve the Porter and his family received their "Christmas Box" collected by their friends, colleagues and the community.
Mr Dart – Station porter.
Dolberries on the right hand side of the photograph.
If you go down to the woods today........
You may be surprised to know that there was once a house in Harpford Woods.
You may have walked past it many times without ever realising that it was ever there. Sadly, long gone now but there are still signs of its foundations if you look closely. In the 1970's I remember playing in the woods and seeing the remains of the cottage walls and the crumbled outbuildings. Other members of my family recall the house lying abandoned for many years before that, making it a very spooky and exciting place to investigate when growing up. Not long after this the house was demolished due to it being unsafe. With memories of the ruins of the house in my mind I decided to find out more about what stories the cottage had to tell.
I began asking around and a friends mother remembered that 'Keepers Cottage' was the name of the house, and by the power of the mighty Internet I was able to find the name of someone who had lived there, Alfred and Clara Daniells.
Alfred was from a Sidbury family and he was under gamekeeper at Sidbury Manor. When he marries Clara they move to Keepers Cottage where he begins the job of Gamekeeper for Clinton Estates, around the beginning of the 1900's.
I was lucky enough to make contact with the great granddaughter of the couple . She lives in Canada and was very pleased to hear from someone who came from the area that Alfred had lived in. And most exciting of all, she had a photograph of the couple and the cottage.
Sometime after they left, the cottage was run as a tea room. Childrens parties were often catered for, with a campfire, swing and seesaw. What an exciting place for a child to have a birthday party!
Tony and Valerie Reed who lived at Woods Farm , not far from Keepers Cottage remembered the house being open for refreshments. There would have been no running water or electricity so catering for teas would have been quite challenging. Imagine being able to take a Sunday walk and stop off for a cup of tea and a slice of cake in such an idyllic setting.
The Berry family from Southerton showed me a wonderful photograph of ladies from the local area having tea on benches in front of the cottage with chickens scratching the woodland floor around them. They remember a Mrs Searle running the tea shop, whom I believe was Clara Daniells widowed sister, Caroline, who was a cook.
They also told me of the Parson family who was probably the last family to live there. They remember the daughters who went to the local school, and that buying their Christmas trees from the cottage was an annual event.
It's easy for me to romantisice about living in this perfect cottage in its idyllic setting, yet I fear that for those who lived there at the time, it was likely to make for very harsh living, as did most cottages in those days. It would be hard work keeping the cottage warm and clean, and a little scary on a dark wintry night.
This picture shows Alfred, Clara and their son. Clara, Caroline (her sister) and Alfred.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about Keepers Cottage as much as I have enjoyed researching about it. Maybe you remember the cottage or the people who lived their, if you do I would love to hear from you.
Judith Taylor
Vennottery@hotmail.co.uk This is Alfred the gamekeeper, looking very proud, with Fire beacon hill behind him. He worked for Clinton Estates for 30 years before retiring to live in Otterton.
