Moor Links April/May issue 2022 by Links Magazines

MOOR LINKS April/May 2022 Issue 56

Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme

Enhancing local land & lives

TAV ISTO CK CATALYST

Supporting young people

Tavistock Festival 21 days of music & arts

Platinum Jubilee celebrations

Stand With Ukraine

Fun, food & nostalgia

LOCAL PEOPLE

CHRIS GALLIE: JUDO CHAMPION & STUNT WOMAN GEORGIE ACLAND: WEIR QUAY BOATYARD OWNER £3.50 | where sold

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COMMUNITY NEWS Devon Connect

HISTORY

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Music to our ears

Our Music and Art section is bursting at the seams this April and May: Tavistock Festival makes a welcome return this spring with a 21-day programme of music and arts events, presented by a range of talented local musicians, artists and literary creatives. Drawn to the Valley invites visitors to its Spring Exhibition, as well as an exhibition for Tavistock Festival; Delamore is preparing for its 20th Anniversary Arts and Sculpture Exhibition, and up and coming folk duo, Suthering will be performing in Sheepstor, having recently launched their first album. In addition, local communities everywhere are busy organising events for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations over the June bank holiday and we have some advance details of what will be on offer in June.

The deadline date for any inclusions in the June/July issue of Moor Links will be 29th April 2022. For all editorial enquiries please contact Rosemary via email: rosemary.best

In this issue we also take a closer look at the 5-year Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme, which is already making progress with its aims of protecting and enhancing the Tamar Valley, whilst at the same time helping to build connections with local people through events, training and volunteering opportunities.

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THE LINKS TEAM: Publisher: Tim Randell Editor: Rosemary Best Writer: Nichola Williams Design: Sara Venner, Julian Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard

And finally - our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine at this terrible time. If you would like to support them by making a donation, there are several appeals, including the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal at dec.org.uk/appeal/ukrainehumanitarian-appeal and British Red Cross at donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ ukraine-crisis-appeal

Rosemary Best

Tim: 07450 161 929 Jane: 07772 619 808

Editor

contents

Front cover image by Tobi O’Neil of TON Drone Services, courtesy of Tamar Valley AONB - see our feature on page 10: the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme

6 Local People

31 Kids’ What’s On

10 Feature

33 What’s On

13 Health & Wellbeing

42 Music & Art

16 Charity Focus

52 Outdoors & Active

18 Gardening

54 History

22 Farming News

56 Home Advice

23 Naturalist

62 Business directory

@moorlinks

50 Food & Drink

24 Law 25 Community News

Delivered by the Royal Mail to: Delivered by Royal Mail to: Bere Alston, Bere Ferrers, Buckland Monachorum, Clearbrook, Crapstone, Dousland, Horrabridge, Meavy, Milton Combe, Postbridge, Princetown, Sampford Spiney, Sheepstor, Walkhampton, Yelverton. Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to Olijam Communications Ltd the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by such material. The opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. All content is fully covered by copyright laws and reproduction in part or whole is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

LOCAL PEOPLE

Weir Quay Boatyard On the most glorious, calm, blue-sky day I travelled down the quiet lane to Weir Quay to meet Georgie Acland, one half of the new owners of Weir Quay Boatyard. Georgie and her father, Harry, bought the yard just under a year ago and with a small team are working hard to improve the business and create a welcoming community hub. The Acland family used to live in Gloucestershire where they ran a 1,500-acre mixed arable and stock farm, alongside a variety of holiday accommodation. Looking for a change of direction, Harry and Diana sold their house, passing the farm onto the next generation and moved to Hewton in 2020. Georgie met her boyfriend, Jake, when they both attended Blundells where she studied for four years. They embarked upon a gap year together at the end of 2019 and travelled to Australia, working in hostels. Intending to stay for a year, they were sadly forced home like so many others in March 2020. So she applied to Mark Warner Holidays as a dingy instructor, but this opportunity was also cancelled due to the pandemic. Undeterred, Georgie changed tack and accepted a place at

Oxford Media & Business School. In February 2021 Georgie and her father jumped at an exciting opportunity to buy the boatyard, investing 50/50 each. With her new found business skills and seemingly boundless energy Georgie is keen to impress and make the yard a successful thriving enterprise. Harry is on hand to offer advice and support, but Georgie and Jake are leading the venture. They both live on site with their three-year-old collie, Sky. Alongside Georgie and Jake, four people work full-time in the yard; they all remained after the change of hands bringing

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LOCAL PEOPLE

practical experience and easing the transition. The last year has been a steep learning curve and they are grateful for the advice and support they have received from their dedicated team. Kath is the administrator and has been invaluable for Georgie, teaching her the basics of how to run a commercial enterprise; Spencer, the marine engineer tends to the mechanical and technical needs of the boats; Trevor, the yard manager, together with Chris and Jake are on hand with general maintenance, both for the boats as they over-winter on cradles and the yard itself. Locals will have noticed much needed improvements to the yard, including a new walkway. Building works have also begun on a new balcony and decking area extending out from the new cafe, which they hope to christen in May with a celebratory party. Georgie was also very keen to establish a cafe, so the team have renovated the old chandlery block and created a warm, inviting cafe which is open to all, from Wednesday to Sunday, selling tea, coffee, bacon baps and cakes - much of which is locally sourced. Amongst the snug seating area is a display of bespoke bags made from recycled sails, local honey and apple juice. Georgie hopes to expand not only the seating area, but also her stock, adding more locally and ethically produced goods. They have big dreams for the boatyard which include the potential for a stylish Airbnb getaway on a refurbished houseboat moored at the yard, and links with other local businesses operating close to the Tamar which will hopefully bring in more visitors and business,

beneficial for both. They also hope to host a few private and public events at the yard with facilities for BBQs and music, raising the profile of this naturally beautiful site along the banks of the Tamar. The locals have been very supportive and Georgie and her father would like to thank them for their encouragement and patronage. Winter is a busy time in the yard for renovations, refits and improvements whilst the boats are out of the water and visitor numbers are reduced. Summer is busy in a different way; the yard gradually empties and the stunning view

opens up as the boats are moored out on the river. It is a lively hive of activity as people come and go, enjoying messing about in boats. Georgie and Jake would one day like to set sail from Weir Quay and spend a year or two sailing the world, but for now, this dock on the bank of Devonian paradise, is their top priority and making the boatyard a success is all they dream about. Nichola Williams

For more information, please visit www. weir-quay.co.uk or contact 01822 840474 or info@weir-quay.com

LOCAL PEOPLE

Judo, The Avengers & Me Christine Gallie was at the forefront of women’s competitive judo in the 60s and 70s, becoming British Open Champion six times, and European Champion twice, eventually achieving the grade of 7th Dan. Under her stage name of Cyd Child, she was also a very successful stunt girl, appearing in the James Bond, Superman, and The Pink Panther film franchises as well as TV classics such as The Avengers, The New Avengers and The Goodies. For years, people had been telling Chris to write her biography, so retirement seemed a good opportunity to piece her memories and photos together, resulting in ‘Judo, The Avengers & Me’.

martial arts club in London. There she worked towards her black belt grading, becoming a 1st and then 2nd Dan. At that point she hit an impasse, as she needed to compete against six people of the same level to progress to the next grade and there simply weren’t enough women available at that level.

public so the public were not allowed to watch; furthermore, there was even a different scoring system from the men’s competitions. Eventually, in 1971, the British Open Championships for Women was held. Other countries started holding championships for women and a European circuit gradually evolved, becoming more formal in 1974 with the Coppa Europa in Genoa, and the first official European Championships in 1975, when Chris won her European titles, establishing her reputation as a trailblazer for women’s judo. Prior to this, Chris started working as an industrial photographer and studying photography at Ealing College. One day a college tutor brought in a photo of people doing judo on a film set. When Chris discovered they were stuntmen, she was astounded and resolved to become a stuntwoman, an ambition she pursued in tandem with her judo exploits. Her lucky break came when Diana Rigg’s stunt double on The Avengers was injured, and Ray Austin needed to recruit someone quickly. Diana’s stunts had been performed by a man, but at 5’10” Chris was a perfect match. Her hair was cut and coloured in Diana’s style and she was asked to lose some weight. A stuntman himself, Ray coached Chris, as well as helping her choose her stage name, Cyd Child (based on Cyd Charisse and her maiden

While growing up, Chris always preferred playing outdoors and climbing trees. When she was 15, she went along to a judo club which had started in the neighbouring village. She was one of only two women. The club was very welcoming and she enjoyed her first experience of judo, so kept coming back for more. After Chris had gained her brown belt, her teacher recommended that she join The Budokwai, a wellestablished and influential Japanese

Although men’s judo had already reached the Olympics by 1964, there weren’t any formal competitions for women until a 1966 national team competition. Initially, it was thought inappropriate for women to fight in

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Photo by Terence Donovan

LOCAL PEOPLE

the atmosphere on The Pink Panther films - Peter Sellers was a giggler and delighted in playing to an audience which often tried the director’s patience.

Chris with Dave Prowse, the ‘Green Cross Man’ & Darth Vader in Star Wars.

name Child). She worked very closely with Diana watching her sections, then performing her stunt scenes while Diana watched, both aiming for a seamless changeover. Even Diana’s dog couldn’t tell them apart, once jumping on to Chris’s lap thinking she was Diana! It was a steep learning curve but Chris progressed quickly, although she did get into trouble for really throwing someone in a fight, rather than letting them throw themselves. Linda Thorsen joined the series when Diana Rigg left in 1968 - this time Chris needed her hair to be short, blonde and curly. Her dark hair was bleached nine times to achieve the desired effect, leaving it in terrible condition so that eventually she and Linda used wigs! She was later asked to join The New Avengers and very much enjoyed working with Joanna Lumley, who has written the foreword for Chris’s book.

In addition to judo, Chris could be asked to do almost anything Chris in The Avengers as a stunt double driving, swimming, horse-riding, being knocked over, falling off a balcony. She became part of a close network of stunt people whose mutual trust even allowed them to drive cars at each other! She was much in demand for films such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and possibly the most iconic of all - the James Bond series. When Chris worked on ‘For Your Eyes Only’, a chauffeur driven car took her to the airport for the M007 flight to Corfu and once on board the whole crew was served Bucks Fizz. The cast and crew worked every hour of daylight. It was an exciting time and very different from anything before. She also loved

Chris met her husband at The Budokwai, where they both practised judo and once they had started a family, her enthusiasm for stunt work and its risks waned. In 1988, they moved to Devon, initially living in a converted barn in Chillaton and for a while they ran the local shop. For several years Chris worked at Meadowlands as a swimming teacher, eventually becoming Swim School Principal for both Meadowlands and Parklands. Four years ago, the couple moved to Tavistock and during the move, Chris discovered a large box of her spare judo kit. She got in touch with Drake Judo Club to see if it could be of use - and ended up becoming the club’s Honorary Vice President. Rosemary Best

Copies of Judo, The Avengers & Me by Cyd Child are available at Book Stop in Tavistock, Amazon, or can be ordered from fantompublishing.co.uk. The book is also featuring in an exhibition at Tavistock Museum, where copies will be available. Drake Judo Club welcomes new adult and child members. Tavistock College: Fridays 5-6pm under 8 years; 6-7pm over 8 years & adults; further sessions at Plymouth Life Centre - for more details visit drakejudoclub.com or contact info@ drakejudoclub.com or 01752 695220.

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FEATURE

Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme Earlier this year we announced the launch of the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme - a 5-year partnership project which will help to protect and enhance the Tamar Valley, whilst improving the wellbeing and connection of local people to this special place through new events, training and volunteering. Since its launch, a number of farming events and pilot community events have taken place; new team members have been recruited; training opportunities have been developed and progress made on protecting heritage sites.

Farming and land management

Two Tamara farming events have already taken place giving local farmers the chance to meet each other and find out more about the scheme and support available - more events are in the pipeline. We have spoken to over 70 interested landowners, groups and individuals who have shown an interest in the Tamara Scheme and FiPL (Farming in Protected Landscapes programme) which provides grants to support projects relating to climate, nature, people and place. So far, eight FiPL applications have been approved which will provide funding towards creating small orchards; hedgerow planting and management; woodland management; stone bank restoration; fencing to protect watercourses; hedgerows and stone walls, and also improving access and interpretation on farms in the Tamar Valley.

Heritage

We have been working with Historic England on Conservation Management Plans and scrub clearance plans for 5 sites - Gunnislake Clitters Mine; New Consols Mine; Okel Tor Mine; Holmbush Mine and Tamar Canal Lock. These plans will prioritise and cost the actions needed to care for the sites, before planning the next stages. Local people can get involved through volunteering days. 10

We are also researching the best way to capture and tell the story of the Tamar Valley’s mining, forestry and market garden history. Local people can get involved through local history societies initially, such as Calstock Parish Archive and Bere Ferrers History Group. Later in the project (Autumn 2022) the team will be looking to recruit a storyteller to research local history and then feed it back to the community. The team will be working with parishes in the scheme area to ensure built heritage gets included in the Local Development Plans.

Accessible Tamar

A key feature of this project is the development of a footpath from Plymouth to Bude, the Coast to Coast footpath which it is hoped will open by Easter 2023. There will be a marker stone at the source of the Tamar, on the footpath just south of Bude. There is also a feasibility study on the possibility of reinstating the foot ferry at Calstock, and looking at the condition of quays between Cothele and just north of Morwellham.

Come, visit & stay a while

Tamar Marketing is delivering this project which aims to enhance the existing gateway webpage at visittamarvalley.co.uk. The project will also deliver training for local businesses,

a sustainable tourism charter, and recruit Valley Ambassador volunteers.

Celebrating Tamara

This is the scheme’s 5-year event programme which aims to get local people and visitors alike enjoying the special qualities of the valley and enhance access to nature. Events will be targeted at a range of ages with themes such as wildlife, local food, heritage and water-based activities. The event programme is already well underway - find out more at tamarvalley.org.uk/ events. The AONB team also runs a free walks programme - find out more at tamarvalley.org.uk/explore/walking

Tamara trainees

This is a multi-discipline training programme, with short to long-term training providing opportunities to up-skill and empower individuals and help local communities by expanding knowledge, skills, capabilities and confidence, helping people to find employment in the Tamar Valley. Training opportunities will include environmental projects, local produce, heritage restoration and protection, and marine skills including boat building. The project offers training access for all groups, linking rural and urban populations in the Tamar Valley, and includes foundation/taster training, traineeships, internships and apprenticeships. Tailored financial and pastoral support is

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FEATURE

Getting involved

available, enabling anyone from any background and situation to participate. To find out more contact christopher.harris@ cornwall.gov.uk

River Explorers

This project is being run in conjunction with West Country Rivers Trust who will be working with 10 schools across the valley during the 5 years, running teacher training and classroom sessions about water quality and freshwater invertebrates. This project also seeks to recruit local people for the Citizen Scientist Investigations Scheme wrt.org.uk/project/ become-a-citizen-scientist - see ‘Getting Involved’.

We need over 250 volunteers to support a host of innovative events, ranging from yoga for wellbeing, monitoring the water quality of the Tamar Valley to supporting school visits, helping create a brighter future for the Tamar Valley and its communities. Many volunteers already help to look after the Tamar Valley, but this new broader range of volunteering opportunities and events mean that everyone - children, young people and adults, can get involved with something fun, educational or enriching.

Currently the Tamara Scheme is recruiting: •

Citizen Scientists help to look after rivers in the Tamar Valley, their habitats and wildlife and the water resource by monitoring the river for issues. Full training will be given by the Westcountry Rivers Trust.

•

Event Assistants will help run new large-scale festivals and BioBlitz’s, bat walks, film nights, winter talks, yoga sessions and more.

•

Walk Leaders will lead walks designed to improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing. These events will take place in affiliation with Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership

Natural Connections

This project focuses on working with those who face barriers to connecting with nature and accessing the valley - such as lack of transport and mental and physical health barriers. It aims to improve people’s physical health and mental wellbeing by helping them to reconnect with nature and heritage and overcome social isolation. We’ll be partnering with link workers, the social prescribing network and other specialist organisations.

To find out more contact Sammy on samantha. fraser@cornwall.gov.uk or 07522 709428.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Low back pain All of us will experience back pain of one kind or another at some point in our life, but for some of us it can be a persistent, unpleasant and intrusive symptom. Almost all low back pain is simple, benign, musculoskeletal pain. This doesn’t mean that the pain isn’t significant or distressing. It means that there is no scary disease underlying it that needs urgent action, and instead the way the muscles, spine, connective tissue and nerves are working together is the cause of the pain. If we understand this it then makes sense when we look at the main effective treatments for low back pain.

Exercise and stretching Poor posture, lack of exercise and loss of muscle tone are common causes of back pain in our modern life where much of our time is spent sitting at work and in the home. As we get older there is a stiffening and weakening of the spinal supports and structures adding to the problem. Specific back strengthening exercises and stretches done regularly can help a great deal, whatever your age and fitness level. There is a great section on back pain detailing some simple exercises at versusarthritis.org. You could also take part in exercise classes that have back strength and flexibility built into them, like Pilates or yoga. Walking and swimming tend to be helpful, and if you are overweight, losing weight can help a lot. If you are struggling though the next step would be to self-refer to a private physiotherapist, or a NHS physiotherapist at plymouthhospitals. nhs.uk/physio-self-referral-formtavistock. Some people find manipulation helpful with a chiropractor or osteopath but these therapies only tend to be helpful if used in conjunction with exercise and the self-management detailed above.

Painkillers Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be helpful. Stronger prescription painkillers may be required for short periods but are not a recommended regular treatment for ongoing back pain as the body gets used to them and the painkilling effect wears off - so you get all the side effects and harm but none of the benefits of the tablets. If you are not managing to control the pain with over-the-counter painkillers, it is worth discussing the available options with your GP.

Breaking the negative pain cycle Pain isn’t a simple thing. There is a cause for pain but the way it impacts on us is changed by many factors – how long the pain has been going on, whether we’re worried it’s something serious like cancer, if we are not sleeping, if we are stressed, if it’s stopping us doing something we love. One of the most powerful pain-busting drugs we have, is our mind, and if we can train our mind to dampen down the pain signals rather than boosting them up, we can significantly improve our symptoms. nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ mental-health/mental-health-self-helpguides/chronic-pain-self-help-guide is a useful introduction to this concept but there are lots of books and websites you can access yourself, and some NHS pain courses that specialists refer to. If someone suggests CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) for your pain, they are absolutely not saying it is all in your head, they are just suggesting a

powerful treatment that has been proven to help a lot of people in the same situation.

When to see a GP Occasionally back pain can be caused by something else that requires different treatment. Your GP will assess you and may well be able to reassure you at that point that there’s nothing serious going on, or they may request blood tests, X-rays (not often used but helpful in some situations) or possibly a scan. As a GP I would like you to contact us if any of the following occurs: • Sensation or power loss in both legs • Change in control of bladder or bowel • Loss of sensation around the bottom • Sudden onset back pain due to trauma or a fall • Central severe back pain and tenderness of the spine • Back pain that keeps you awake at night and is present all the time • Back pain associated with weight loss or a fever or other unexplained symptoms • You have a history of cancer and new onset back pain • Your back pain isn’t getting better despite trying the above treatments

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Dr Jo Coldron Tavyside Health Centre, Tavistock 13

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Are you sitting comfortably? … a personal thank you World MS Day is on 30 May, and brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with everyone affected by MS - with activities taking place throughout May and early June. The poem below and artwork have been created by international artist Tessa Jane, based on her experience of living with multiple sclerosis (MS). This work and more will be on show in May at Delamore Arts & Sculpture Exhibition, which is supporting the charity, Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis, this year (see Music & Art). Tessa’s work will also be on display in Tavistock Library for MS Awareness Week from 25 April.

Blind Panic The sun reached out and touched my hand this morning The rich gold rays stretched out across the land, kissing And caressing the peaks. The misty hollows waited My eyes sought each glimpse with desperation Fuelled by the fear of the unknown My hand glowed with the warmth and security of sight. Later the trees looked like a soaring bird Its feathers stretched out with piercing shafts of light exploding through Drunken eyes hold these precious moments safe For who knows what life will bring Tessa Jane, Nov 2008

Tessa said: “I remember the fear and worry of that day, so concerned for my girls and what was happening- no one to comfort or support. My world as I knew it crumbled before me... family and friends trying to help. It was all such an unknown, not understood world I had entered. I was an art teacher. But couldn’t teach without my sight. In a matter of weeks, I was unable to drive and felt unsafe in the classroom. A few weeks later the term multiple sclerosis entered my vocabulary on a daily basis.” Tessa is now an ambassador for Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (OMS), the world’s leading multiple sclerosis healthy lifestyle charity and has pledged a target of £10,000 with ‘10 for 10’ (£1,000 pounds for each of the years OMS has been in operation). She will be working on a number of fundraising initiatives in addition to Delamore’s support. OMS was set up by Prof George Jelenik, following the death of his mother from MS and his own diagnosis. He was determined to have a different

outcome. At the heart of OMS is a selfmanagement program for people with MS, devised to support their physical and mental health, based on clear, practical actions. The OMS vision is that people with MS feel empowered to take control of their health, and make informed lifestyle choices to live a full and healthy life. Visit overcomingms.org to find out more. Follow Tessa on Instagram to watch her progress and find out more at www.tessajane.co.uk; Instagram @ tessajanedesigns @SW_overcomingms; Twitter @TessaJaneDesign; facebook. com/TessaJaneFineArtTextiles

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CHARITY FOCUS

Ross Mitchell

Tavistock Catalyst Offering support to young people Navigating adolescence, school life, and sometimes home life, can be a difficult time for young people – and the last two years have only exacerbated the situation with periods of isolation and the suspension of normal social activities. Learning how to interact with people and build relationships, is the key to so many aspects of life, and so it’s very important to have a setting where young people can feel relaxed, be themselves and connect with others. Tavistock Catalyst is a charity dedicated to helping young people in the local community, run by a group of trustees chaired by Ross Mitchell. It offers a range of social events, discussion sessions, support groups,

and a mentoring scheme, designed to help young people ‘grow in selfconfidence, self-esteem and reach their full potential’. The charity employs a full-time youth worker; 25-year-old Jack Hodge took on the role seven months ago, having spent four years with Catalyst as a trainee youth worker and mentor. He is ably assisted by student trainee Lily Doyle, and this dynamic team are passionate about creating

opportunities to help young people. Jack was himself supported by Catalyst and Tavistock College, when he moved to Tavistock as a teenager after his parents split up, and is very aware of the importance of his work. Lily intended to work with the charity for a year before studying biomedical sciences, but has been so inspired by Catalyst’s endeavour that she has decided to focus on a bible and youth work degree, enabling her to continue with the charity for another three years. Catalyst is Christian based and all its employees and volunteers share a faith in Jesus. However, it maintains a clear distinction between the support group sessions, mentoring scheme and other social activities which do not have a Christian element, and Christian Union sessions where young people can take part in discussions and activities based around a bible study.

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Much of Catalyst’s work takes place in Tavistock College, where Jack and Lily run four support groups, each with about eight to ten students from years seven and eight; the sessions involve some structural topics, such as the NHS 5 steps to mental wellbeing, but also include time to enjoy activities and chat - a member described the group as a safe place without the worry of being judged. Catalyst also runs a team of volunteer mentors, who work with individual students for an hour every two weeks. Their role isn’t to fix problems, it is to ask the right questions, listen to students and help them set achievable goals. Jack often receives positive feedback from members of staff who see first-hand how mentoring is helping pupils. More volunteers are needed as there is currently a waiting list of students who could benefit from the scheme. Free Tea Friday is a very popular Catalyst lunchtime event for sixthformers, which actually involves more

hot chocolate than tea, as well as free biscuits – both of which are common ingredients in many of Jack and Lily’s sessions, alongside doughnuts! Fifty to seventy students regularly attend, taking advantage of a chance to chat to each other, as well as with Jack and Lily. The Wednesday lunchtime Christian Union meeting, often led by Major Pam Smith from The Salvation Army, is the only Catalyst session in the college with a Christian element. Christians and nonChristians attend, and sessions usually open with games and activities (and doughnuts), followed by discussions, and then prayer. A recent meeting saw students taking part in relay races to gather cards of superheroes and match them up; Pam then introduced her hero, Desmond Tutu, and his battle for human rights. Outside the college, Jack and Lily run a youth group on Monday evenings for young Christians in the Tavistock area, who want to learn about the bible and explore their faith with interactive

sessions. Catalyst organises weekend trips for the group too, such as a visit to Heatree Activity Centre last year, with outdoor group activities and evening discussions. In addition, Jack and Lily befriend young people in The Meadows in Tavistock and have been working with Ali Mansfield in Horrabridge for a couple of years, establishing a safe, informal setting for young people to meet weekly, while they offer a listening ear and a plentiful supply of hot chocolate and more doughnuts. Catalyst has also previously worked with Mount Kelly and is exploring options for a new club in the style of Free Tea Friday. Rosemary Best

Catalyst would like to expand its work so more students can benefit, but to achieve this it needs to recruit more mentors, and raise further funds to employ an additional student trainee. If you can help or would like to receive a regular newsletter, please email info@tavistockcatalyst.com or visit tavistockcatalyst.com for more details.

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GARDENING

Transform your garden with a pond Mark the momentous occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a garden or landscape project that will be enjoyed and benefit the environment for many years to come. The Queen’s Green Canopy is a marvellous initiative that encourages everyone to become involved to ‘plant a tree for the Jubilee’, although do bear in mind that any planted in spring or summer must be kept watered during any dry spells so if this is in doubt, wait until this coming autumn. Creating a pond, however, is a marvellous project that can be done at any time of year. Water is vital to life and a pond is a lifeline to a multitude of creatures, from birds and mammals to amphibians and the wealth of smaller creatures that live in the water. You’ll be making a valuable habitat for wildlife too: during the 20th century, half the ponds in the UK were lost

and of those that remain, 80% are in poor condition, yet two-thirds of all freshwater species are supported by ponds. The Freshwater Habitats Trusts’ ‘Million Ponds’ project, which began in 2012, aims to encourage gardeners, schools and landowners to create new ponds for people and wildlife. Their website includes an excellent ‘pond creation toolkit’ with a range of free downloadable factsheets and advice. The easiest material for making a pond is a flexible liner as it moulds to fit whatever shape of hole you make – and do buy the best you can afford. Site a pond in a fair amount of sun and away from overhanging trees. Slopes can be tackled by banking up soil or using stone or sleepers on the lower section. Shape the hole to give a variety of depths, from around 45cm deep to gently shelving, with plenty of shallow water for easy

access by visiting wildlife and where amphibians (frogs, toads and newts) can get in and out. If you have very young children or grandchildren, site your pond where it can be fenced off, because toddlers can drown in even a few inches of water. Ponds with steep sides and stone edges are death traps for wildlife as hedgehogs can fall in and drown, and even amphibians (frogs, toads, newts) need to get in and out. An existing pond in this style can be made more wildlife friendly by replacing some of the stone with plants, grass, or rounded pebbles, and with marginal plants in the shallow water so the wildlife has ‘green corridors’. Near your pond, make a seating spot or a decking platform to sit in comfort and watch the fascinating world within the water.

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GARDENING

Plants for ponds Ponds need plants: not only to look fabulous from spring to autumn and to entice and support wildlife, but also to maintain healthy water without chemicals or filters. Choose plants to suit the different water depths. Water lilies with sumptuous, aristocratic flowers, and whiteflowered water hawthorn that blooms for many months, need water over 30cm deep. So-called ‘marginal’ plants need shallow water or permanently boggy soil around pond edges, and here there’s a fabulous choice of flowers, form, and attractive foliage, including irises, flowering rush, water mint, and kingcup or marsh marigold. We’re lucky to have the wonderful pond plant specialist Tor Garden Plants nearby at Brentor. For more information see page 21 or visit torgardenplants.co.uk

water hawthorn

Seasonal gardening jobs Prune hydrangeas. On mature plants, take out several of the thickest, oldest stems, at or near to ground level. Lightly prune the whole plant, taking off last year’s dead flower heads and cutting stems back to a fat pair of buds. Sow annual climbers: their speedy growth quickly clambers up supports and through other plants. As well as everpopular sweet peas, try morning glory (Ipomoea tricolor), quamoclit (I. lobata) and cup-and-saucer plant (Cobaea). In a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill indoors, pot up dahlia tubers and enjoy an early display of sumptuous summer flowers. Take care not to overwater as dahlias are prone to rot. Feed spring bulbs after they’ve flowered but before the leaves die back. I prefer a seaweed-based liquid fertilizer, but any high-potash fertilizer will do. Now’s the ideal time to divide and transplant crowded clumps of snowdrops.

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GARDENING

A balance of planting maintains a healthy pond and avoids common problems such as green water and blanketweed, caused by different types of algae. Don’t be tempted to empty out and refill your pond, which is damaging. to wildlife and should only be done as a last resort. Use water lilies to shade about a third of the surface and put in oxygenating plants that absorb nutrients and starve out algae. Do make sure to avoid invasive pond plants (see further information): while these should no longer be on sale, you may be offered some by a well-meaning friend or neighbour. Sue Fisher

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FARMING NEWS

Devon hedge banks April is always a blur on the farm with so much to be dealt with - so much new life everywhere with lambing outside in full swing and calving well underway. The challenge is always finding feed for them as once they have given birth their only mission is to eat like crazy to feed themselves up after a long pregnancy and produce lots of milk to help their babies thrive. Once again, weather is key - lots of spring sunshine with just enough rain to keep the grass growing. At this time of year, the farm is full of sheep and there are always some escapologists! Some of which I am sure you have met crawling through our Devon banks to get to the succulent buds on the hedges and young trees, or the abundant grass in your garden maybe? For this reason, most livestock farmers in this part of the world have to have good boundary defences in the form of our iconic stone-faced Devon hedge banks. We tend to fence our hedges to keep the animals where we put them, and this winter we have been replacing some of our fences, maintaining the banks, coppicing the woody growth on top and giving them a general tidy up. We were lucky with the weather after Christmas and got quite a lot done, but a wet mushy February stopped us in our tracks. But mud or no mud I am going to have them completed and job done by lambing, or as I have explained, I will have sheep roaming everywhere

they shouldn’t be! So hopefully by the time you read this I will have completed several hundred meters of fencing and bank maintenance, and you won’t meet my sheep in your garden. Often hedges banks are taken for granted, but they are pretty unique to this part of the world with thousands of miles of them making up the patchwork of small sheltered fields, creating some spectacular landscapes. Although I have heard visitors driving in the area say they wish farmers would take the banks down as they can’t see the view! Hedges also offer, if managed well, fantastic wildlife corridors and habitat to all manner of beasts and creepy crawlies. It is not until you actually get up close to one and have to repair it that you realise the effort that must have been involved in creating these large functional boundaries. There must have been an army of workers on the land using the stone and soil at hand to sculpt them. Very often you will find an antique bottles in the middle of a bank, probably discarded by a thirsty farm-hand working to create it. My late dad used to say that you can tell how many stones are in the field by looking at the hedge banks. Obvious really, but these armies of workers used whatever materials were to hand to build these boundaries. So smaller fields with lots of stone in the banks generally means there is lots of stone in the land around them. Bigger fields with more soil in the

banks suggest much richer and deeper soil. The old boys weren’t fools, they didn’t carry stones far and they would build the banks around the biggest stones in the landscape. Which explains why some fields in the stonier parts of Dartmoor have very wobbly hedge banks. A local field is called Fiddle Field for this precise reason, with some carsized granite boulders in its hedges. I still love the satisfaction of repairing a gap in a hedge bank by hand, but nowadays it is mostly done by machine as time is too precious. My grandfather would say that ‘every stone has a face’ and when you picked up a stone you weren’t to put it down again until you found its place in the wall. I suppose every region has its own type of boundary, favouring its stone, soil and the type of farming suited to that land. And as long as sheep and cattle are still welcome in this landscape, these iconic structures will still have a very useful function. Mat Cole, Greenwell Farm

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NATURALIST

What’s happening to our butterflies and moths? We can now look forward to brighter, warmer days, heralded by the early ‘yellow’ flowers such as daffodils, celandines, and primroses that precede the ‘red, white and blue’ of the late spring hedgerows. Continuing the yellow theme, one of the earliest butterflies usually first seen in February or March in gardens or hedgerows is the unmistakable sulphur-yellow Brimstone - the original ’butter-coloured fly’. As soon as they emerge, male Brimstones, which are much brighter yellow than the females, are on the hunt for females to mate. Mating occurs only in spring and the bottle-shaped eggs are laid in May or June on the underside of the food plant, alder buckthorn (widespread in Devon), or buckthorn. Larvae are found in June and July and the adults emerge in August and start preparing for hibernation. In summer and autumn, the adults take nectar from thistles, knapweeds and buddleia, and in gardens they feed on the flowers of runner beans and sweet peas. At night the butterfly rests under a leaf, with its wings together, looking just like a yellowing leaf. Brimstones are probably the UK’s longest-living butterfly, living for 10 or 11 months. They overwinter as adults in dense clumps of ivy, holly or bramble and emerge in early spring. Their distribution continues to expand northwards to the Pennines and North East England, probably driven by climate change. The results of last year’s ‘Big Butterfly Count’, run by Butterfly Conservation, revealed further declines in Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell, but increases for Marbled White and Ringlet. They also showed the lowest-ever number of butterflies since the survey began. Does this serious decline worry you? If not, it should. Just like the canary down the coal mine, if it dies we know that something is wrong. Declining numbers of butterflies and other insects should ring alarm bells, not least because many of them are pollinators. Could the recent decline in swifts, which feed exclusively on aerial insects, perhaps be due to fewer insects? Over 50 moths have colonized Britain this century, mainly European species moving north, but some have arrived through the importation of exotic plants from abroad. A report by Butterfly Conservation on ‘The state of Britain’s larger moths 2021’ revealed that the abundance of moths decreased by a third over the last 50 years, and that this was greater in the southern half of Britain than in the northern half. We are all familiar with moths being drawn to light, including coming into houses in the summer. They are also attracted to streetlights which are found nearly everywhere in urban and suburban Britain. However, a study last year in southern England on the effects of streetlights on moths, found that areas with streetlights reduce the abundance of moth caterpillars in grass verges by a third, and in hedgerows by a half, compared with similar nearby unlit habitat. Anthony John

For more information and ways you can help save butterflies and moths, visit butterfly-conservation.org

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LAW

legally speaking... Our regular law column with

The Post-Covid Care Landscape As we emerge post covid together with all the associated lifting of restrictions, not only does this bring a sense of relief, but also a very different landscape within the NHS and Social Services provision.

The demand for my role as an Advocate and Professional Attorney is ever more paramount in order to help meet the needs of my clients. Being able to navigate my clients through the system, attend and support individual choices and decision making is critical – so often at a point of crisis.

My experience of working in the sector for over 40 years now witnesses a landscape that is thwarted by a stafﬁng crisis and scarcity of resources. Never has there been a time when every service I come into contact with is struggling to deliver a standard of care they so desperately aspire to.

Families approach me to support them through the process of obtaining and receiving care for their loved ones. Alternatively, clients who don’t have family or perhaps live too far away to help practically, approach me to act as their Professional Health and Welfare Attorney. For many clients I also act as their Property and Financial Attorney to manage their day to day ﬁnances.

What this means in real terms and at the coalface for clients and patients of such services, is limited options in how and where they may receive care and support. Waiting times and waiting lists are beyond anything I have ever experienced. In turn this signiﬁcantly restricts choice.

My role as an Advocate and Professional Attorney are very similar in that I am able to represent, organise and convey the wishes of my clients. Being able to understand the various access to services, pathways and processes to secure help with funding,

hospital discharge planning, arranging and supporting 24-hour live in care packages at home, together with the ongoing arrangements and monitoring of care within the home setting. My experience and network of contacts means I am able to create options and solutions for my clients. This may require some lateral thinking, but almost anything is possible. Working together I can make that difference for you and your loved ones. Please call me to discuss how I can help you on 01822 610303.

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Anne Reed Solicitor & Advocate Paladin Advocates

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AFFILIATE

COMMUNITY NEWS

Devon Connect Devon’s new online community hub West Devon CVS as a partner in Devon Voluntary Action (DeVA) is delighted to announce the launch of Devon Connect – a new online hub for Devon communities at devonconnect.org

Who’s behind it? DeVA partners from across West Devon, Teignbridge, Torridge, South Hams, Mid and North Devon have joined forces to support the new platform which is free and accessible to everyone (regardless of where they live in Devon). The aim is to make it easier for people to find information, access volunteering opportunities and get involved in projects and campaigns that make a positive impact in their communities. Speaking on behalf of DeVA, Karen Nolan, chief executive of West Devon CVS, said: “Many of the communities we work with tell us they lack good access to up-to-date information about services and support in their local area. They also tell us that they want to be part of the conversations, opportunities, events and social groups in their neighbourhoods. This platform will help to address that, in particular for anyone living in rural or isolated environments.”

What are the benefits? Devon Connect invites anyone from the community to sign up, create a profile and contribute information. Community groups

and organisations can add local listings, events or volunteering opportunities, whilst residents can use it to find information relevant to their interests, needs or where they live. With distinct landing pages for each area of Devon (West Devon shares its page with the South Hams), the platform is easy to navigate with local hubs that provide helpful information and opportunities for members to share skills and make connections. Working together as local charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises in West Devon, we can connect our residents to their community, helping to make communities more effective, efficient and safe for everyone.

How to get started If you represent an organisation, just go to devonconnect. org, and click on the register button (top right) to get started. Once you have done that and added your own listing, it will be checked and made live. You can add as many different listings as you like, describing your service, any events, campaigns or volunteering roles. If you are an individual looking for useful and interesting information, please go to devonconnect.org and browse around.

Cycle route consultation Devon County Council is developing plans for a new pedestrian and cycle route near the A386 between the Clearbrook Leat car park and Roborough. People are being asked to provide their views on the options by completing an online questionnaire at devon.cc/clearbrooktoroborough by Friday 6 May. For a paper copy email transportplanning@devon.gov.uk or write to Transportation Planning, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 2QD. The existing Drake’s Trail offers a high quality and well used multi-use route from Tavistock, through Yelverton to the Clearbrook Leat car park, before heading towards the east of Plymouth. However, there is currently no safe, accessible

route to the north of the city. Route A is 3.3km in length and heads to the A386, following Clearbrook Road southwest from Clearbrook Leat car park, before crossing the A386 at Clearbrook junction. It then heads south along the western verge of the A386 to reach Roborough Route B is off road and 3.5km. It follows Clearbrook Road southwest from Clearbrook Leat car park to the existing footpath adjacent to Plymouth Leat. It then heads south along Plymouth Leat and around the South West Water Treatment before crossing fields parallel to the A386 to reach Roborough.

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BUSINESS

Improve your skills and grow your business with free training SMART SKILLS has attracted £3.5 million of European Social Fund investment to help businesses in Devon to upskill their workforce and the unemployed to gain valuable new skills. This means that the wide range of training provided by SMART SKILLS is free of charge. Many people ﬁnd it hard to believe this claim, but all the courses are free and do not attract a charge – it means that you can upskill yourself and/or your workforce at no cost.

So why upskill? Upskilling your workforce will impact your business in several ways. It will boost productivity in your employees and drive growth in your business which can aid turnover and higher proﬁts. It will give you a clear competitive advantage over similar businesses. Investing in your employees will create a more able, fulﬁlled and happier workforce, crucially it will aid staff retention. All the training on offer is also available to unemployed individuals, so you don’t have to be a business owner or an employee to take advantage of these great courses. Developing your skill set will open up employment opportunities and improve your job prospects which can lead to higher salary offers.

What training courses are on offer? There are so many courses available that it would be hard to list them all here, but here

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are a few of the most popular courses that businesses and individuals want to undertake. Digital Marketing courses which include Digital Presence with Social Media, Email Marketing, Paid and Organic Search Engine Marketing and How to Measure Digital Marketing. Other in demand courses include Project Management, Coaching and Mentoring and Leadership and Management; all three courses are accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). There are a myriad of other courses to choose from, ranging from short courses through to full qualiﬁcations. Courses are taught either face-to-face or through live online sessions with experienced tutors, giving you the opportunity to learn in the comfort of your ofﬁce or home. Training is delivered through their quality delivery partners; City College Plymouth, Focus Training, Learn Devon, Petroc, South Devon College, On Course South West, and the University of Exeter. SMART SKILLS is led by Plymouth City Council and supported by Devon County Council.

If you are thinking of upskilling either for yourself or your company employees, then contact the SMART SKILLS Hub: 0800 97 55 111 (Select option 6) SMARTSKILLS.HUB@cswgroup.co.uk www.smart-skills-hub.co.uk

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Feedback from SMART SKILLS participants... “My workshop aims were to achieve a better understanding of LinkedIn, how to create successful posts, and attract followers to help gain new business. The Digital Presence with Social Media workshop from SMART SKILLS helped me achieve all of those aims.”

Alan, Not Just Travel “Thanks to the free Digital Marketing Workshops from SMART SKILLS, I feel more positive about work and how I can increase the brand awareness of my business and the services available. I feel empowered and have lots of exciting new ideas to implement to help my business continue to grow.”

Julia, Julia Woollacott Photography

The expert Skills Advisers will help to identify skills gaps, complete an organisational needs analysis, and match you with the best training options to meet your business needs. The fully funded training is available until 2023.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

A Shore Thing In June 2022, our crew of five rowers will set out on an epic adventure rowing 500 miles from London to Land’s End – we are Susan Douglass, Anya Anstey, Sian Davies, Kirsty Melin and skipper Jane Wild, the crew of A Shore Thing, and we’ll be taking part in the GB Row Challenge. We’ll cross the busiest shipping lane in the world, row against prevailing winds, cope with heat, rain, fog or whatever weather is thrown at us, rowing in shifts day and night until we reach our destination. In total it’s the equivalent of 19 consecutive marathons to raise money for Devon Mind, Cornwall Mind, and Action - Medical Research for Children. We’ve teamed up with Raring to Row, a crew taking on the Atlantic in December, to raise as much money as possible for Action and help fund important research into childhood diseases, cancers and birth complications - together we can save and change children’s lives. Our boat, Lady Jayne, is an amazing ocean rowing boat with two small cabins for sleeping and three rowing positions. We’ll sleep, cook and rest on board for approximately two weeks to complete this challenge which will be as much a mental challenge as a physical one. The idea of undertaking something adventurous came about at the end of 2019 when the world was a very different place. The situation with covid, lockdowns and rules has meant

crew changes, event cancellations, training issues and lots of anxiety. Nevertheless, we’ve kept on pushing forward throughout, a real testament to our determination and endurance. We put on our first fundraiser in early March 2020 and were blown away by the generosity and support we received. Unfortunately, it was nearly two years later before we could safely hold another event. However, our next event will be hosted by Drake’s Cafe on 2 April, where brilliant Devon band Nightshift will be playing a fun set of well-loved covers - lots of fun to be had and a raffle too. We are also raising money for mental health charities Devon Mind and Cornwall Mind. We feel it’s more important than ever that these organisations are able to support people, and help them deal with added anxiety, fear and uncertainty. Whenever we feel overwhelmed by what we’re

doing and how far we have to go, we remember why we are doing this, and how important the money we raise will be to people’s lives, providing training, counselling and support groups to those in need. The more we raise the more people they can help. Please see ashorething.uk or facebook. com/ashorethinguk for more information or you can sponsor us at gogetfunding. com/ashorething. For every £10 you donate, we will dedicate one mile to you, your business or a memorial.

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01822 612023 (24 hrs) The Old Bedford Foundry, Lakeside, Tavistock, PL19 0AZ

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FUNERAL PLANSPLANS FROM FUNERAL

FROM

Your wishes, your way. Your wishes, your way. Whatever your wishes, whatever your Whatever your wishes, whatever your budget, here help. From budget, wewe areare here to to help. From aa direct cremation a traditional direct cremation to to a traditional funeral - keep your plans with your funeral - keep your plans with your local independent Funeral Director local independent Funeral Director

Morris Bros Morris Bros 01822 01822612023 612023

www.morrisbros.co.uk www.morrisbros.co.uk 27

Est. 1989

CREATIVITY

From its inception in 1989 Landmarc has always paid the greatest respect to existing landscapes and conditions when satisfying clients requests. On several occasions this has meant employing innovative approaches to problem solving and construction. This ethos has given us the opportunity to work in excess of fifty National Trust and English Heritage properties as well as numerous projects in the private and public sector. The image on the right is a recent example of our expertise. What was originally just a field at the bottom of the garden has been transformed into a stunning natural swimming pool with a reed generation zone, jetty and waterfall and has the additional benefit of providing a haven for wildlife.

VERSATILITY

Having invested in a wide range of modern plant and equipment, this enables us to undertake the majority of works required. Our fabrication workshop gives the additional compliment of providing bespoke steel work, from traditional tree guards, estate railings, gates, pedestrian & vehicular bridges. We work in a variety of locations including AONB, SSSI and tidal/coastal areas. No two jobs are exactly alike, and each has its own particular problems. Our three decades of experience has given us a vast knowledge of how to overcome challenges.

CAPABILITY

A wealth of knowledge and our welltrained team means we can see any project through from design to completion, including project management contracts involving other trades. Working alongside machine technology & ongoing investment enables us to offer services & solutions beyond what others may be able to offer. As environmental engineers we are aware of our carbon footprint, so all machinery runs on bio-oil and we are constantly striving for more sustainable alternatives.

A small family run business with a lot to offer, at Landmarc we are big enough to cope, yet small enough to care.

LANDMARC 01803 712946 07970 256590 www.landmarc.co.uk info@landmarc.co.uk 28

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COMMUNITY NEWS

DSRT Tavistock Rescue Centre Appeal 2022 Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Tavistock would like to say a huge THANK YOU once more to each and every one of you who helped us to reach our £50,000 target for our Rescue50 Appeal. Because of your wonderful generosity, our new control vehicle is on order. What else we need to do: We need to raise money for an additional building for our rescue centre to house our rescue vehicles, as well as vital redevelopments which need to be made to the current building to improve our facilities and help us to continue to engage with our local community. Our rescue centre appeal aims to raise £65,000 in 2022. Why we need to do it: The additional building for our rescue centre will guarantee our viability as an effective

search & rescue resource because it will be used to house all three of our rescue vehicles. One of the improvements required is to enlarge our kit drying rooms. As our remit of rescue scenarios increases, including both technical rope rescues and swift water rescues, so does the need for more equipment and the ability to dry it in appropriate spaces; this demand has increased dramatically over the last 25 years since our initial kit storage rooms were created! Why we need your help: DSRT Tavistock receives no government funding and relies solely on donations to remain operational. Clearly, raising an additional £65,000 represents an enormous challenge, which is why we have launched the rescue centre appeal. We cannot raise this money on our own and need your help.

How can you help? There are many ways to donate, from shopping online through Amazon Smile and Easyfundraising, taking a punt with the SeaMoor Lotto, to just sending us a cheque (with Gift Aid). You can also visit dsrt-tavistock.org.uk/donate. html or you can donate straight to this appeal at justgiving.com/campaign/ RescueCentreRebuild For further information visit dsrttavistock.org.uk, or please contact our fundraising officer on fundraising@ dsrt-tavistock.org.uk

THE local chartered surveyors with a wealth of experience in residential property within Devon and Cornwall

As fully qualified impartial experts we offer: • RICS Homebuyer Surveys • RICS Building Surveys

Extensive, accurate and helpful reports. Efficient same day feed-back available. Reports e-mailed within 72 hours Vince Keep MRICS 07789 110 360

• Valuations for Probate, Divorce and Tax purposes • Schedules of Condition and Dilapidation reports • Party Wall Act 1996 legislation.

David Balment FRICS 07836 681 703 INDEPENDENT CHARTERED SURVEYORS, TAVISTOCK, DEVON AND CORNWALL.

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

COMMUNITY NEWS

Spring plans for Tavistock There’s a spring in our step as the sun comes out and the town starts to bloom. We are blessed to have lots of green, open space for everyone to enjoy when they visit – whether that’s for business or pleasure. We are kicking off spring in Tavistock with the annual ‘Paint the Town’ event beginning on 2 April, as local school children and other community groups reveal their garlands in the windows around town. Alongside the traditional theme of spring, designs will also incorporate ideas to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Over the Easter holidays you can expect another egg-citing town trail, running from Saturday 9 to Saturday 23 April. See Visit Tavistock on Facebook for more details.

new look and upgraded content. If you haven’t downloaded it already, you can easily do so from Google Play and the Apple App Store. In the coming weeks we will also be shooting a couple of short family-friendly films about the town. The idea is that these will be educational and entertaining, bringing our history to life in words, music and pictures – a great way to tell our story to the next generation so they learn more about where they live. We are thrilled to see more businesses coming into the town, from surfing fashion to a refill shop. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, there is confidence in Tavistock as a good place to do business, which gives us great optimism for the months ahead.

Gala Day in Tavistock on 2 June, which promises to be a wonderful day, kicking off with a pageant featuring local school children, as well as a tea dance, children’s zone, music and nostalgia. For more details on upcoming events see What’s On and visit www.visit-tavistock. co.uk/whats-on

Work is underway for a relaunch of the Tavistock town app ‘Tavistock Local’, and we are really excited about the

Plans are coming together for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, and we are thrilled to be arranging a Jubilee

TAVISTOCK PLATINUM JUBILEE GALA DAY

Tavistock BID

BID UPCOMING EVENTS

09 April – 23 April TAVISTOCK EASTER TRAIL

02 April PAINT THE TOWN & BIRD BOX MAKING, TAVISTOCK

02 April

Visit DEVON’S WORLD HERITAGE TOWN

• Historic Stannary & Market Town • A UNESCO World Heritage Site • Gateway to Dartmoor & Cornwall • Home of the Cream Tea • Shop, Eat & Enjoy

The beautifully restored Tavistock Guildhall is now open as a Gateway Centre to the Cornwall & West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. Entry is free, so do get down there to learn more about Tavistock’s role in a vibrant history.

Come and celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with us in 2nd June: Jubilee Gala Day and Pageant 5th June: Steam Fair and Picnic in the Park

for more info

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KIDS WHAT’S ON

TAVISTOCK EASTER TRAIL 9 to 23 April Another egg-citing and free trail brought to you by Tavistock BID. Help the White Rabbit find Alice. Collect your sheets from Kaleidoscope, The Toy Cupboard, The Visitor Information Centre or download them at visit-tavistock.co.uk/towntrails

NATIONAL TRUST EASTER EGG HUNTS @ BUCKLAND ABBEY & COTEHELE 9 to 22 April, 10am - 4pm Explore the beautiful gardens of Buckland Abbey and Cotehele, following the trails to find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Trail £3 per child including trail map, pencil & chocolate egg prize, normal admission applies, no need to book, last entry 3.30pm. EASTER ADVENTURES IN NATURE @ LYDFORD GORGE 5 to 18 April, 10am to 4.30pm Pick up your activity pack at the Devil’s Cauldron entrance (EX20 4BH) then follow the orchard trail to find and complete 10 nature-inspired activities to earn a chocolate egg. Can you mix a mud pie for an earthworm, try a job as a honey bee? Dogs on leads welcome; tea-room open; last entry 4pm; trail £3 per child, normal admission applies.

RHS ROSEMOOR UNBELIEVABLE SCIENCE WITH MORGAN & WEST 22 May Morgan & West present captivating chemistry, phenomenal physics, and bonkers biology in this fun for all the family science extravaganza at RHS

abigail’s @The Knightstone Tea Rooms

Garden Rosemoor. Expect explosive thrills, chemical spills and a risk assessment that gives their stage manager chills. Doors open at 2.30pm, show starts at 3pm. Tickets include garden admission. SUMMER HALF-TERM: THE POWER OF SUPERBEES 28 May to 5 June, 10am - 5pm Create a buzz this summer half-term at RHS Garden Rosemoor, and learn how to encourage these fantastic pollinators into your garden. There will be a garden trail, daily activities and interactive performances to help you discover more about our garden visitors. Normal garden admission applies.

SOAPBOX CHILDREN’S THEATRE SPELLBOUND FAIRY & GOBLIN FESTIVAL 21 & 22 May, 11am To 4pm Dress to impress in your best fairy and goblin outfits - adults and children alike for storytelling performances, theatre, arts and crafts at Devonport Park, Plymouth!

TAVISTOCK LIBRARY GREEN FINGERS 8 April Our Green Fingers children’s group started in March, and will be meeting up with the Community Gardeners for another session. PUPPET MAKING & POETRY WORKSHOPS 14 April The puppet making workshop is for 6 to 10-year-olds from 10am to 12pm, and the poetry workshop is for 7 to 11-years-old from 1pm to 3pm.

Freshly Prepared Hot Lunches & Light Bites Always a Good Selection of Home-made Cakes Cream teas & High Teas plus Prosecco Afternoon Teas & Roast Dinners Served Every Sunday

Crapstone R0ad, Yelverton PL20 6BT

01822 853386/07447 744427 modwan@sky.com

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

EA N ST O E W FR R OM S BO U IN £15 ND O C R .95 A K OA - 2 Y IN ST CO S G LA UR PE M S B ES CI AL

Demand for tables is always high - especially during peak hours so, to avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend booking tables in advance. Visit c @theKnightstone for booking details.

YOUR BABY AND YOU 27 May This session is for parents and carers of under 3s to come along with their children from 1.30pm to 3pm.

THE BOX HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS: AMAZING ANIMAL PUPPETS 12 to 16 April, 10:30am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 3:30pm Inspired by our spring exhibition featuring the work of artist Zadie Xa, come along and create your own amazing animal puppets using a range of craft materials. Drop-in session - please be aware you may have to wait a short while if the session is busy. HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS: FABULOUS FORMS 18 to 23 April, 10:30am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 3:30pm Fancy being a sculptor? Take your lead from the wide range of works on display in the ‘Breaking the Mould’ exhibition and have fun making a mini sculpture to take home. Drop-in session - please be aware you may have to wait a short while if the session is busy.

THE GARDEN HOUSE EASTER TRAIL 9 to 23 April Our wooden animals at The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum are out of hibernation and have popped up around the garden along with lots of other exciting Easter things to find. When you’ve found them all, come and collect your prize from Visitor Reception! Garden admission applies. Trail £3 per child. More details at www.thegardenhouse.org.uk pl A h ac a e t pp ob y ...

BID

Preschool for 2-4 year olds • 9am-3pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-1pm Thursday - Term time only

Buckland Monachorum Village Hall

Contact Jane Beard on 01822 853634

bucklandbeehive@hotmail.com www.bucklandbeehive.com

BUSINESS

Be More Curious:

Questions are powerful because they create change Whether it’s your first foray into investing or you’re exploring your options for the future, curiosity through questioning gives rise to understanding and confidence. The Plymouth branch of Charles Stanley Wealth Managers are here to encourage more questions, so we can provide more answers. When our curiosity is triggered, we think more deeply and rationally and come up with solutions that are more creative. Questions are powerful because they empower someone to create real change. Taking an active interest in planning your finances – from ensuring you are up to date with tax exemptions and allowances to planning for retirement – can maximise your income and boost your overall wealth. This is one are that using your innate curiosity really can transform your life. How much do you really save each year? Where are you spending too much? Am I borrowing money in the most efficient manner? Do you know what your maximum ISA allowances is this year? What about Junior ISAs – or JISAs – for your children or grandchildren? Will this be a tax efficient way to help future generations? How much will good financial planning save from the taxman when my inheritance is eventually distributed to those I love? You should be confident asking questions – even if you think you are at risk of being seen as lacking knowledge. As the old Chinese proverb goes: “He

who asks a question remains a fool for five minutes. He who does not ask, remains a fool forever.” Sometimes, we ask questions simply to start a conversation – it is the endpoint of these conversations that produce a transformative course of action. Never be afraid to ask questions – however basic – as these will add fuel to your curiosity. The more you question, the more your knowledge and understanding grows. This means you are better prepared for the future to delve into your future planning more deeply. Columbia University in the US cited four basic rules of questioning in its journalism course. They are as follows: • Prepare carefully, familiarizing yourself with as much background as possible. • Establish a relationship with the source conducive to obtaining information. • Ask questions that are relevant to the source and that induce the source to talk. • Listen and watch attentively. Being curious about your financial future today can help you feel confident about tomorrow, by giving you the peace of mind that your finances will be robust and secure.

For more information on how we can help you be more curious, contact a member of our Plymouth team for your free ﬁnancial health checklist. www.charles-stanley.co.uk/helpand-contact/people-locations/ plymouth

01752 545 969 John Stewart

Branch Manager/Investment Manager Charles Stanley Plymouth

With your free financial health checklist, we’ll help you: • Take advantage of your available allowances and exemptions • Ensure you have control of all your ﬁnances • Ensure your money is working in the right way to give you the retirement you want

Contact the team today to get your free copy: plymouthbranch@charles-stanley.co.uk The value of investments, and any income derived from them, can fall as well as rise. Investors may get back less than originally invested. Charles Stanley & Co. Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

WHAT’S ON

Plymouth’s pirates, parades and parties Each year, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company work together to offer a buzzing events programme and the 2022 calendar is jam-packed with unmissable events, year-round fun and something to suit everyone! For all the latest details see visitplymouth.co.uk.

It is expected that serving troops from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and over 400 veterans will march along the iconic Royal Parade, exercising their Freedom of the City. Please come and support Plymouth’s long-standing ties with the armed forces.

SATURDAY 7 & SUNDAY 8 MAY

PIRATES WEEKEND PLYMOUTH The family fun begins in May, with the return of the award-winning Pirates Weekend Plymouth promising a swashbuckling two days of fun inspired by the high seas, with plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy on Plymouth’s Barbican and Sutton Harbour. SATURDAY 14 MAY

COMMANDO GUNNERS’ 60TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE Celebrating Plymouth’s military history, the Commando Gunners’ 60th Anniversary Parade marks the 60th anniversary of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery in Plymouth.

SATURDAY 21 MAY

LORD MAYOR’S DAY May also sees the announcement of the new Plymouth Lord Mayor with the traditional welcome, followed by themed entertainment and free activities for all the family in Plymouth city centre. FRIDAY 27 TO SUNDAY 29 MAY

FLAVOUR FEST The South West’s largest free food and drink festival – see Food & Drink for details.

THURSDAY 2 TO SATURDAY 4 JUNE

1 BIG SUMMER There’s an impressive line-up of live music over the Jubilee bank holiday weekend with the 1 Big Summer music festival on Plymouth Hoe. Thursday features a full, live 30-piece orchestra and a soundtrack transporting listeners through three decades of iconic white isle classics, including special guests Basement Jaxx. Friday is the ‘1 Big Summer’ day festival and features one of the biggest artists in the world, Years and Years. While Saturday will see two of the biggest bands in brit rock history performing on the same stage for the ultimate finale - The Libertines and Supergrass! Saturday is also one for the whole family with ‘The Great British Sausage and Cider Festival’ offering street food and entertainment all day.

just the ticket for a great day out

Come and visit the South Devon Railway for a 14-mile round trip steam train ride along the beautiful valley of the River Dart.

southdevonrailway.co.uk

Buckfastleigh • Staverton • Totnes Riverside

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

We’d love to see you!

WHAT’S ON

Thursday 2 June

Tavistock Platinum Jubilee celebrations Join us in Tavistock town centre to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and mark this tremendous achievement with a fun-packed, delightfully nostalgic day. At the time of going to press, some activities remain subject to grant approval but there will be plenty to see and do whatever your age. Kicking off the day and the bank holiday weekend, will be a pageant featuring local school children carrying flags they have designed. Replicating the ‘River of Hope’ parade in London, Tavistock’s theme is love of the natural world and our hopes for the future. If you want to dress up in your best vintage costume, then pull out all the style-stops as there’s a prize on offer. Drop into the town hall for Tea-Dance with a Twist, where Plymouth Dance can lead you through the dance steps to the

sounds of a bygone age (ticketed session). You’ll be ‘made in the shade’ in the Guildhall car park as we go all out to channel the 1950s. Think Brighton Pier, striped deckchairs, parasols, scrummy hotdogs, and ice-creams, with live music on Bedford Square to get you jiving to the funky sounds of the 1950s to the 1970s. Eat, drink and enjoy whatever ‘razzes your berries’! Across the road on the church lawn will be the KidsZone with our traditional Punch & Judy show featuring the hilarious antics of Mr Punch and his long-suffering wife Judy! The amazing Rainbow Gecko will be there with a magical bubble-show and face-painting, or try splat-the-rat, and send coconuts flying at the coconut shy.

Thursday 2 June

Elsewhere in town, there’ll be music and a Carnaby Street scene, complete with DJ and old-style decs. Look out for art on the street in the form of couturemodels in fabulous costumes by AJ Art ltd. Influenced mainly by theatre, art and fashion, these fabulous clothing creations are made mostly from recycled materials. Wowzer what a day! Brought to you by Tavistock BID and Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Tavistock Town Council, West Devon Borough Council and Tavistock Lions.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon Ceremony Tavistock Town Council invites the local community to join them for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon Ceremony to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 70th year as our monarch and Head of the Commonwealth. There is a longstanding tradition in our country of celebrating

royal jubilees, weddings and coronations by lighting beacons, and so the beacon will be lit at 9.45pm on 2 June, near what locals refer to fondly as ‘The Pimple’ on Whitchurch Down, with refreshments provided by Tavistock Lions. If you would like to join in with the official Platinum Jubilee Weekend celebrations and pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen, please park in the town and walk to the ceremony if you

are able to as, parking is limited. The beacon was last lit on Whitchurch Down as part of a chain of 1,000 beacons for Her Majesty’s 90th birthday in 2016. On 2 June, Tavistock will be joining communities across the commonwealth as more than 1,500 beacons are lit to celebrate another unique milestone for Her Majesty The Queen, one which no previous monarch has achieved before.

- Est. 1982: 40 years of holiday letting excellence -

Join Devon’s Holiday Letting Experts With 40 years’ experience in holiday letting, we can deliver industry leading booking levels, combined with hands-on support from our team of experts, based in our office on Dartmoor. Call | 01647 401615 (select option 2) or Email | help@helpfulholidays.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June

Peninsula Platinum Jubilee Open daily 2 to 5 June

Friday 3 June

Art exhibition: Bere Peninsula Art Group exhibition in Coach House Barn, Fore Street, Bere Ferrers.

10.45 T rain rides and coffee at Tamar Belle, Bere Ferrers Station

Bowling Taster Sessions: Bere Alston Bowling Club, is offering taster sessions for all ages, so come and test your skills on any afternoon of the celebrations. Over the four-day national bank holiday, The Bere Peninsula Platinum Jubilee Group is co-ordinating a full schedule of activities, planned by a wide variety of peninsula groups and organisations, so the whole community can join in the festivities. In addition, The Flower Show Committee in Bere Ferrers is designing flower displays around the village. Bere Alston In Bloom Group is planting a Union Jack and a crown outline in flowers. And we are all encouraged to plant seeds to grow red, white, and blue flowers in our gardens. All events are FREE (refreshments individually priced), and full details of activities and how to take part are at bereferrersparishcouncil. org.uk. All are welcome for these very special Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations!

Peninsula Coronation Exhibition: The History Group is collecting Coronation and Jubilee memorabilia for a peninsula exhibition. Venue TBC Sailing Training Days: Weir Quay Sailing Club has arranged sailing training days on the historic sailing barge ‘Lynher’ for peninsula cubs, scouts, young sailing club members and the Youth-2-Youth group. Come and see this beautiful boat sailing on the Tamar.

Thursday 2 June 14.00 1950s fun and games at The Recreation Field, Bere Ferrers 18.15 Musical event at The Quay, Bere Ferrers

11.00 C arriage naming ceremony at Tamar Belle, Bere Ferrers Station 11.30 H istory walk from Bere Ferrers Station to Bere Ferrers Recreation Field 13.00 J ubilee lunches at The Old Plough Inn, Bere Ferrers 15.00 C hildren’s party at Bere Alston Parish Hall 17.00 C rabbing, BBQ & music at Weir Quay Boatyard 20.00 J ubilee bingo at Bere Alston Bowling Club

Saturday 4 June 10.00 - 16.00 J ubilee Carnival Fun Day at Bere Alston School field 20.00 1950s D ance/Disco at The Club, Bere Ferrers

Sunday 5 June

20.30 Jubilee quiz evening at Edgecumbe Hotel, Bere Alston

10.45 B ritish Legion Parade & Church Service at St Andrew’s Church, Bere Ferrers

21.15 Lighting Jubilee beacon near Bere Alston Bowling Club

12.30 S treet party in the lane by St Andrew’s Church, Bere Ferrers

the PVC windows (now over 30 years old!).

Events in June

Buckland Monachorum The monthly Market and Coffee Shop is up and running again in the village hall on the second Saturday of the month, 10am to noon. Browse the various stalls, or just drop in for tea/coffee and cake and catch up on the local gossip. It is also hoped to restart the popular quiz evenings, plus other events in the hall later in the year. The hall has recently had new heating and dimmable lighting installed and will be fundraising for further projects, such as kitchen upgrades, roof insulation and replacing

18 to 20 May: Two comedies Buckland Monachorum Drama Group’s spring production is two one-act comedies: The Worst Day of my Life by Alan Richardson and The Senior Speed Date by Jeff Bray, with three performances Wednesday to Friday (please note no Saturday show). For details and tickets head over to www. bucklandmonachorumdramagroup.co.uk

There are three community events to look forward to in June. Firstly, there are plans for a ‘Beating the Bounds’ walk on Friday 3 June, followed by a Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 5 June. On Saturday 11 June, the Summer Fair is back! Volunteers will be required for all of these and details can be found on Facebook and on bucklandmonachorum. com

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

SUNDAY & MONDAY 1st & 2nd MAY 2022

OPEN 10AM - 4PM AT

EAT GROW ENJOY

PANNIER MARKET

See a wonderful array of gardenalia

Country, garden and community stalls Show gardens and nurseries Plus food and entertainment

BUTCHERS HALL

also open on both days with a Nature Inspired Market

FREE ENTR Y

DESIGN BY LINKS MAGAZINES

TAVISTOCK COUNTRY GARDEN SHOW

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.TAVISTOCK.GOV.UK FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

BUTCHERS HALL THEMED MARKET & EVENTS VENUE Located in the heart of Tavistock, within the market complex, Butchers Hall is home to a fantastic array of vibrant themed markets and events

MARKETS & FAIRS FOR 2022 2 Apr Tavistock Arts Market 14 -16 Apr Spring Fair 7 May Tavistock Arts Market 26 - 28 May Makers Market 16 - 18 Jun Food & Craft Fair 2 - 3 JulySummer Arts Market weekend 21 - 23 July Summer Fair 11 - 13 Aug Food & Craft Fair 3 Sept Tavistock Arts Market 15 - 16 Sept Makers Market

1 Oct Tavistock Arts Market 12 Oct Goose Fair Artisan Market 20 - 22 Oct Autumn Fair 5 Nov Tavistock arts Market 10 - 11 Nov Makers Market 2 Dec Magic of Christmas Market 3 Dec Tavistock arts Market 4 Dec Magic of Christmas Market 14 - 23 Dec Magic of Christmas Market All events are free to enter

All dates correct at time of press, check our website for further events throughout the year

Tavistock Town Council Working for the local community

Visit our website WWW.TAVISTOCK.GOV.UK & follow us at: Butchershalltavistock

ButchershHallTavistock

Butchers_Hall

WHAT’S ON

2 April, 7 May

3 April

9 April

Tavistock Arts Market

St Luke’s Open Gardens

Parish Council coffee morning

Tavistock Arts Market features a diverse group of local artists and craftspeople who fill Butchers’ Hall with a range of handmade art and handcrafted items. You’ll find many different styles of art for sale, as well as a range of jewellery, wood and textile goods, artisan soaps, pottery and much more. We are open in Butchers’ Hall from 9am until 4pm.

Explore Bere Ferrers Spring Village Gardens, a selection of local gardens with hidden gems. Refreshments, plant sales and local produce available in church hall. Open 11am - 4pm; entry £5, U16s free; please park carefully in village; sorry no dogs; very limited wheelchair access. Maps available at St Luke’s stand.

2 April

3 April Plymouth Philharmonic Choir

Charity Band Night with Nightshift The crew of A Shore Thing are taking part in the GB Row Challenge and raising money for Devon Mind, Cornwall Mind, and Action - Medical Research for Children. Support them at Drake’s Cafe, where brilliant Devon band Nightshift will be playing a fun set of well-loved covers - lots of fun to be had and a raffle too.

2 April Paint the Town & bird box making

Local businesses, in conjunction with local primary schools and community groups, create bright and wonderful window displays throughout Tavistock. Come and make a bird box with Dartmoor rangers on Bedford Square. www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/whats-on

Now Offering

10%

Commission on Gold & Silver

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir performs Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi in Plymouth Guildhall at 7.30pm, with over 130 singers, a 50-piece orchestra and 4 first class soloists: Catherine Hamilton (Soprano), Alison Kettlewell (MezzoSoprano), Robin Lyn Evans (Tenor) and Darren Jeffery (Bass-Baritone). Details at plymouthphilchoir.org; for tickets call 01822 853791 - £18 in advance, £20 at the door, under 16s & students £5.

Until 5 June The Box - Another Crossing Part of the ongoing Mayflower 400 commemorations, each participating artist has created work utilising only tools, materials and processes that existed in 1620, highlighting the sophistication of historic craft practices like beadwork, joinery, metalsmithing, leatherwork and pottery. Free admission, Tues to Sun, 10am-5pm at The Box, Plymouth.

For residents of Crapstone, Buckland, Clearbrook, Yelverton, Milton Combe and all places in between! Buckland Monachorum Parish Council cordially invites YOU to come along at 10:30am to Yelverton Memorial Hall for a coffee morning and a ‘bit of a natter’ about what we’re up to and what you’d like us to be up to! The coffee’s on us! We’ll run through a few planning matters, give an update on the Yelverton to Plymouth cycle path and answer any questions. You can then test your knowledge of the parish with a quiz - and there’s a fabulous prize…

14 to 16 April Butchers’ Hall Spring Fair If you are looking for something a little different, that inspires and celebrates the very best our region has to offer, visit our award-winning Butchers’ Hall for a truly unique experience. Open from 9am to 4pm each day; free entry.

17 APRIL Car Boot Sale & Easter Egg Hunt In aid of Children’s Hospice South West, at Walkhampton Memorial Hall and field. Gates open for car boot owners at 12 noon, and for bargain hunters from 1pm. Vans £10, cars £5, table tops £5. Contact Isobel 01822 855041 for more information and to book a space.

Antiques • Collectables • Jewellery • Quality Furniture Architectural Salvage • Garden Furniture & Ornaments • Tools & Machinery Parade Business Park, Pixon Lane, Tavistock (

01822 616992

drakesauctions.co.uk

Top prices realised on Mid-Century Modern furniture

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Easter Egg Hunt starts at 2pm. Entry £2 for each child, including a free drink. Competition for the best hat with prizes for the best three. Pedestrians free, ample parking, refreshments in hall. All welcome.

23 April

18 to 20 May

Stylish Homes & Furnishings Market

Two comedies

If you love decorating your home, you’ll love this market full of tantalizing products. Think stylish… think sophisticated… think OMG that’s just perfect for that empty corner in my living room! We’ll bring you the very best from local crafters and traders with an emphasis on style from chic, classy, trendy, modish, nifty, luxurious to minimalist. Free entry, open from 10am in Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock.

21 May Love Local Food & Gift Market

Our popular Shake the Shelves series takes place on the last Thursday evening of each month in Tavistock Library. On 28 April from 7-9 pm, the Youth Cafe Zephyr musicians and other local musicians will be performing a wide range of music.

Support local businesses at our everpopular market where you’ll find an array of local gift, and food & drink exhibitors - perfect for buying that special present. So, look no further than this market for a collective of local traders who specialise in offering an array of the finest wares. Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock from 10:00am to 4:00pm, entry is free and we’re all covid-safe here.

1 & 2 May

23 May

Tavistock Country Garden Show

Willow Weaving Workshop

28 April Shake the Shelves

We are delighted to present Tavistock Country Garden Show 2022 on the spring bank holiday weekend, in Tavistock Pannier Market - a great day out for all the family.

1 May Martin Dale Quartet The South-West’s finest modern jazz quartet. Martin has played with many of the top British jazz musicians. Admission £10 (members £8, full-time students £5). The Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill, Plymouth PL6 5DH at 7.30pm.

15 May The Dart Valley Stompers Led by award-winning reed player Jeremy Huggett on clarinet, saxophones & vocals. Admission £12 (members £10, full-time students £5). The Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill, Plymouth PL6 5DH at 7.30pm.

Buckland Monachorum Drama Group presents two one-act comedies: The Worst Day of my Life by Alan Richardson and The Senior Speed Date by Jeff Bray (please note no Saturday show). For details & tickets see www. bucklandmonachorumdramagroup.co.uk

Join Lynn, and learn the art of willow weaving whilst creating beautiful willow structures for your garden, such as bird feeders, small garden sculptures and more. Coffee and light lunch provided. Also enjoy a unique ‘closed access’ opportunity to stroll around the garden during your lunch break. 10am to 3pm at The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum; £60 per person. Book at www.thegardenhouse.org.uk

26 to 28 May Butchers’ Hall Makers Market Celebrating the very best our region has to offer in the award-winning Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock. Open from 9am to 4pm each day; free entry.

4 June Platinum Jubilee Barbecue and Fete Wondering what to do on HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend? Join us in the grounds of Sampford Manor in Sampford Spiney from 2pm to 6pm for a barbecue and

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WHAT’S ON

fete – licensed bar, games, music, ice cream, stalls, lots of bunting and a toast to Her Majesty at 4pm! Tickets are £10 each (includes BBQ and strawberries/ under 12s free) and available from simonpatrickhill@outlook.com – tickets are limited so please book early.

REGULARS Mondays & Wednesdays Tavistock Area Men in Sheds (TAMIS for short) meets every Monday from 10am until 12ish, and Wednesday from 2pm until 4ish at the Shed - we share the King’s facilities and car park off Pixon Lane. For full details of our group’s purpose, objectives, activities and contacts see tavistockmeninsheds.uk or email info@tavistockmeninsheds.uk

3rd Monday of month Tavy Turners and Carvers Club

30 April:

MEAVY GARDEN SOCIETY

Green Man Festival

All evening meetings normally start at 7.30pm in Meavy Parish Hall. Refreshments, time to chat and often plants for sale from 7pm. Visitors welcome £3. Enquiries 01822 852672 and 01822 852984. More details at www.meavy.org.uk/mgs

10.30am in Bovey Tracey.

1 May: May Day 5.15am - yes, there are two 5.15s! This is so we can morris dance as the sun rises on May Day morning - car park below Leedon Tor on the B3232 Yelverton to Princetown road. Fox Tor Café will serve a full English from 6am.

Black Prince Flower Boat Festival 10.30am in Cawsands & Kingsands. Lots of morris sides, flowers and boats - a big fundraising event by the local Lions Club.

The procession down the high street starts at 12 midday, with much ‘fun of the fair’ in the field below the church. Dartmoor Border Morris will be dancing all afternoon.

7 May: Tamerton Foliot May Fair

WE ARE NOW CATALOGUING OUR SPRING SPECIALIST SALES

SILVER, GOLD, WATCHES & JEWELLERY

Watches by Tag Heuer & Rolex

ANTIQUES & ART

The Dolphin Hotel 7.30pm on Plymouth`s historic Barbican with The Plymouth Morris.

18 May:

23 April:

The Leaping Salmon

1pm at The Dolphin Hotel in Plymouth`s historic Barbican.

VA L U E R S

11 May:

We have a full diary of local fairs, county shows and pub visits, and will be collecting for Dartmoor Search & Rescue Group. For up-to-date details please check dartmoorbordermorris.com or our Facebook page.

St George’s Day

The Royal Oak Inn

1st Saturday of month

DARTMOOR BORDER MORRIS

A U C T I O N E E R S

4 May: 8 pm with guests Lodestone Border Morris - the first of many traditional nights dancing outside a pub!

Meet outside Meadowlands Leisure Centre. No need to register - just turn up! 10:00am to midday. All necessary equipment provided, but please bring your own gloves and wear stout footwear.

Gardening for Wildlife

2 May:

We meet on 3rd Monday of the month, 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Scout Den, Pixon Lane, Tavistock. New members most welcome - see tavistockwoodturners. co.uk for details.

Tidy Tavi Litter Pick-Up

25 April:Roger Hooper

The White Thorn Inn 8 pm at Shaugh Prior with guests, Beltane Border Morris.

Oriental & European Ceramics

COLLECTORS’ ITEMS Collection of antique coins & gold sovereigns SOLD £14,000

25 May: Horrabridge at 8pm, with guests Wreckers Morris from Cornwall.

For free valuations

or to book a home visit please telephone (01752) 721199 or Email images and contact number to info@eldreds.net 1 Belliver Way, Roborough, PL6 7BP

info@eldreds.net . (01752) 721199 Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

16 May:Mike Poultney

5 May, 2pm:

A Year on the Plot

Bridestowe placenames

Mike is on the RHS vegetable growers list. Also includes a raffle.

Joint talk with the History Section

MOOR’S EDGE U3A We have a wide range of groups on offer, as well as a speaker each month. If you are retired or semi-retired you are welcome to attend two monthly meetings before joining, so why not give us a try! Monthly meetings take place at 2.30pm at the Woolwell Centre. For more details visit u3asites.org.uk/ moorsedge/events

12 April: Ashley Jones Fraud Protection The regional fraud protect advisor from SW Regional Organised Crime Unit discusses the most common fraud types, with tips for spotting scams and frauds in our daily lives.

10 May: Brian Freeland Women of the Raj Brian will give a dramatised account of what it was like for women married to a soldier or civil servant, who were uprooted to move to India during British Colonial Rule.

14 June: Sara Nuttall-Worsley Children’s Hospice South West

CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP (Princetown Group) If you are retired, no matter what your previous career was, you are very welcome to join us. Meetings take place in the restaurant of the Prince of Wales, Princetown at 12.30pm. During the summer months we take coach trips for lunch on the third Thursday of every month.

7 April: Robert Hesketh Exeter’s Heritage

21 April: St George’s Day lunch Coach trip to a select hostelry for lunch. Reservations and deposit of £10 per person will be taken on 7 April. If you can’t attend on 7 April, please book with Mike on 01822-890799 or mikeandkate132@gmail.com.

5 May: Meeting (Reservations and deposits will be taken for the coach trip and lunch on 19 May)

19 May: Lunch

Sara will talk about the work of the charity to support children and families dealing with terminal illness.

YELVERTON & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

DEVONSHIRE ASSOCIATION

YDLHS meets on the third Tuesday of the month in Meavy Parish Hall, starting at 7.30pm.

(Tavistock and Devon branch) The two talks below will only be available on Zoom but we hope to arrange regular outings during the summer and return to the Parish Centre in the autumn. For further information check on www.devonassoc.org.uk or ring 01822 616001.

19 April: Robin Blythe-Lord The History of Mount Batten The story of a peninsula

17 May: Rick Stewart Arsenic in the Tamar Valley

29 April, 7.30pm: Andrew Muir

PRINCETOWN HISTORY CLUB

Dendrochronology and the dating of early buildings

The club meets, at 19:00 for 19:30 start, on the first Tuesday of each month. From September to May, the venue is

Princetown Community Centre. In June, July and August, there are outdoor activities to various places of local interest, usually involving a short walk. Meet at 18:30 for 19:00 start. For more details see princetownhistoryclub. weebly.com/programme.html.

5 April: Dr James Fox Rev Bray’s inscribed stones in Cowsic Valley A visit is planned for August

3 May: Barbie Thompson A Zoom talk on Dartmoor parole towns 7 June: A visit to Lydford. Led by Andrew Thompson. Meet in the carpark opposite the Castle Inn.

TAVISTOCK HERITAGE TRUST All talks are from 7 to 8pm in Tavistock Guildhall, unless otherwise stated. Tickets are £5 and available at tavistockguildhall.org or from the Guildhall during opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm.

14 April: Philip St Lawrence Singeing the King of Spain’s Beard

21 April: David Rippon St Petersburg and Moscow joined by a great waterway

28 April: Henry Guly The Camino de Santiago

5 May: Malcom Hart Fossils of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

19 May: Barbie Thompson Horses in Art with a Military Slant (via zoom)

26 May: Dave Nilsson Around the country in 80 ghosts

2 June: Jan Diamond Firenze Bella and the Great Flood of 1966

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Tavistock

FESTIVAL2022 30TH APRIL - 21ST MAY 2022

21 DAYS OF MUSIC AND ARTS EVENTS IN OUR BEAUTIFUL MARKET TOWN Welcome to another Tavistock Festival of Music and Arts. You will see that we have planned a fabulous programme and we hope we have provided a range of events to capture the interest of all. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and our hosts for making the Festival possible and we are indebted to those who have given freely of their time in the preparation that has been necessary over the past two years. We are so glad to be back! Additional information for each event will be published on our website as it becomes available. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact me.

A display of work by twelve local artists with free workshops for adults on Tuesdays and Thursdays Further details at www.drawntothevalley.com Tuesday 3rd May - 1.00pm Tavistock Parish Church

Dr Sean Sweeney (Organ) Music by Bach, Dupré, Elgar, Franck and Guilmant Tickets £5 Sponsored by Alistair Kinsey Thursday 5th May 2022 Tavistock Parish Church 1.00pm

Mary, Kamila and Leslie Mazur- Park Music for Oboe, Piano and Piano duet Tickets £5

Dr Sean Sweeney Chairman

Sponsored by Alistair Kinsey

Tavistock Parish Church 7.30pm

Further details at www.librariesunlimited.org.uk

Tavistock Library - 7.00pm

The Wheelhouse Folk Choir Admission free

Stannary Brass Band Further details at www.stannarybrassbandtavistock.co.uk Tickets £8 Sunday 8th May - 2.30pm Tavistock Parish Church

Choral Workshop A fun and informative session for singers of all abilities Tickets £5

Sunday 15th May - 3.30-5.30pm Bedford Hotel

Afternoon tea with entertainment from Fine Whines Featuring early jazz and swing classics from the 1930s Tickets £8 Tuesday 17th May - 1.00pm Tavistock Parish Church

Monday 9th May - 7.30pm Tavistock Guildhall

Stella Searson/Sarah Rowe Piano A popular duet recital by these local performers Music by Dvořák, Kreisler, Debussy, Scott Joplin, Moskovski and Seiber, all inspired by dance Tickets £5

Haizea Wind Quintet Tickets £8 Tuesday 10th May - 1.00pm Tavistock Methodist Church

Children’s Concert An exciting concert for children given by talented young musicians preceded by a flag-making workshop at Tavistock Library Admission free

Sponsored by Alistair Kinsey Thursday 19th May - 7.15 pm

Live broadcast of the Royal Ballet’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Further details at www.tavistockwharf.com

Sponsored by Alistair Kinsey Saturday 21st May - 7.30pm Tavistock Parish Church

Wednesday 11th May - 7.30pm Tavistock Parish Church

North Devon Sinfonia Sibelius Finlandia, Tchaikovsky Symphony 2, Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade Tickets £10

Helen Porter - Unexpected Song A new solo show from this popular singer and songwriter Tickets £6

Sponsored by Miller Town and Country Saturday 28th May - 7.30pm St Andrew’s Minster, Plymouth

Friday 13th May - 1.00pm Tavistock Parish Church

Nina Savicevic (Piano) A young national prize winner. Music by

University of Plymouth Choral Society Summer Concert Mary Mazur-Park – Piano/Organ Dr Sean Sweeney - Organ/Piano

Full details can be found at:

www.tavistockfestival.org

MUSIC AND ART

Yelverton Scottish Dancers last October - a very relaxed group weekend in a nice hotel with evening dancing after dinner. My dancing history dates back to joining the hospital club when I was a student nurse, followed by Weymouth Dancers, and two dance groups in Bristol before our last move to Dousland. Scottish dancers and clubs are like a big, friendly family and I still have contacts and attend dances in Bristol and Weymouth.

Scottish Country Dancing has been around for hundreds of years and some of today’s dances date back to the 1740s! However, in the early 20th century it declined so the Scottish Country Dance Society (SCDS) was formed in 1923 by a group of ladies in Scotland to preserve the traditional music and dances. Royal status was granted in 1951, and now there are branches worldwide, thousands of dances in the repertoire and new ones being devised all the time (I even do some myself). Yelverton Scottish Dancers was started about 30 years ago by Derek Morgan and his wife Enid; my husband and I joined in 1993 and I took over in November 2007, when Derek retired. After a break during the lockdowns, we wondered if we would be able to restart,

but changing classes to Thursdays at 4:30pm in December has created a resurgence with a number of beginners joining. The group meets weekly from September to May or June to socialize and exercise to lively Scottish music. Country Dance is a form of dancing done by groups of all ages in couples. I teach the steps and the formation sequences in what I hope is a very relaxed atmosphere - we spend a lot of time laughing (especially when the teacher goes wrong!). I also teach dances which feature on the function programmes for the many other clubs in the area, such as Plymouth, Saltash, Liskeard, Tavistock, Bovey Tracy, and Exeter. Unfortunately, since covid we have not been able to organise the annual Spring Dance with Peter Tavy Dancers, but our annual Newquay weekend (now changed to Bideford) took place

How to get involved: contact me, Brenda Burt on 01822 852984, or come along to Yelverton Memorial Hall on Thursdays 4:30pm to 6:30pm. You don’t need a partner, just comfortable clothing and a lightweight pair of shoes (trainers are hard to point your toes in), and don’t forget your sense of humour!

Comments from members: Great fun, great exercise, lovely group of people. Always Scottish danced, wonderful therapy, and music and movement for the little grey cells, lots of laughter essential. Love Scottish Dancing, started it as a teenager then started again when retired, still dancing at 85. Good cookies!

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MUSIC AND ART

Large Pear by Benedict Homer

Stone Sisters by Olivia Clifton-Bligh

Sunday 1 to Tuesday 31 May

Delamore 20th Anniversary Arts and Sculpture Exhibition The Delamore exhibition takes place during summer at the beautiful Delamore House and gardens at Cornwood near Ivybridge, on the edge of Dartmoor. The exhibition, which is the largest of its kind in the South West,

Sea Meadow by Kate Wrigglesworth

boasts over 150 artists and specialises in showing sculpture in a natural outdoor setting. The gardens are rarely open to the public, and can be seen at their best during May. In addition to the main exhibition, the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts (SWAc) will be holding its Summer Exhibition in our Stables Gallery. Now in its 20th successful year, the exhibition has raised over £120,000 for local charities and this year it is supporting Overcoming MS. (See page 15.) Open daily including weekends and bank holidays from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Admission is £10 and includes an exhibition catalogue; free admission for under 16s. Disabled access to the main

Lightness of touch by Penny Silverthorne

gallery is provided via a ramp at the front door to the house; access to the gardens is possible but not always easy, particularly for wheelchairs during and after wet weather. Dogs are allowed in the outer field only. For our full catalogue, further information about the exhibition and advance ticket bookings please visit www.Delamore-art.co.uk or telephone 01752 837236.

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MUSIC AND ART

Thursday 12 May

Suthering Suthering means ‘the sound of the wind through the trees or wind under a bird’s wing’ and folk duo Suthering (formally known as Julu & Heg) have been making waves for years throughout the UK’s folk and acoustic scene with their fresh and feminist interpretations of traditional and selfcomposed songs. A couple in life and in music, they have taken the folk scene by storm with their unusual approach to folk. Julu and Heg are true story-tellers who champion female characters, creating new narratives for women and unearthing the female heroines of folk. What sets them apart is their wonderful chemistry and charisma on stage, natural humour and two beautifully matched voices. With an unusual mix of cascading, dramatic piano; intricate, fingerstyle guitar; flute, whistles and harmonium, Julu and Heg bring an exciting take on folk storytelling with their evocative and distinctive sound. Julu and Heg have also just released their debut album ‘If We Turn Away’, which explores themes of community, connection,

environment and conscience and has been influenced by the duo’s experiences during the pandemic. From the first dramatic notes of Black Bull of Norroway, written by Julu based around a Scottish fairytale, to the final beautiful echoes of Boatman, the listener is led on a complex journey, across ten songs eight original and two traditional, through Suthering’s beloved home of Dartmoor.

“Excellent musicians, beautiful harmonies and a fresh approach to traditional music” Tony Birch, FATEA Magazine Suthering is performing in St Leonard’s Church, Sheepstor at 7.30pm. Please contact 01822 853186 or drdartmoor@doctors.org.uk for tickets which are £12 in advance. For more details visit suthering.com or facebook.com/suthering, or listen to their music at suthering.bandcamp.com

Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May

Art & Craft Exhibition Buckland Art Group once again presents its annual Art & Craft Exhibition. View over 100 original paintings and craft work by local artists, for sale at very reasonable prices, whilst enjoying tea, coffee and cakes - an ideal opportunity to treat yourself, or buy a present for a friend. Buckland Art Group has been going for over 40 years and continues to attract membership from both amateur and professional artists, with a shared passion of painting and creating for pleasure, and working in a variety of media including water colours, acrylics, oils and textiles. Whilst numbers have fluctuated with passing years, a core group of enthusiastic ‘pleasure painters’ return year after year. The exhibition is open 10am to 5pm each day in Buckland Monachorum Village Hall. Admission

is free and there is free parking in front and behind the hall. The art group meets on Mondays in Buckland Monachorum Village Hall and during the summer there are field trips to local venues whenever possible. Our aim is to paint every session, either individually or under guidance, for we are fortunate to have several members who exhibit regularly and frequently give their time for demonstrations. We also invite established local artists to take us out of our comfort zones by helping us explore different media or methods, opening new avenues of creativity for members. Annual membership is £12 plus £2.50 per session. Anyone who is interested in joining us is welcome to contact Iain Grant on 855683 or basmudoc@gmail.com; Derek Mahoney

on 855032 or derek.mahoney@ care4free.net; or just come along at 7.15pm on Mondays (during term time).

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

MUSIC AND ART

Saturday 28 May to Saturday 4 June

Drawn to the Valley Spring Exhibition The theme of this year’s exhibition is ‘The Valley Awakens’ and it focuses on new works and ideas to celebrate the new world we find ourselves in. Spring 2022 finds many of us emerging from a most unusual two years, but this season is always a time of regeneration and the Spring Exhibition features new works from our artists that have been shaped and inspired by the unprecedented experience of living in the Tamar Valley during a worldwide pandemic. On the last day of the exhibition, 4 June, we are planning to have an afternoon tea with cake in celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Original artworks will be available for sale at the exhibition and can also be purchased online at drawntothevalley.com via the ‘Gallery’. The exhibition takes place at the Tamar Valley Centre, Gunnislake, PL18 9FE and is open daily 10.30am to 4.30pm. e in Bere Ferrers is designing flower displays around the village, and Bere Alston In Bloom Group is planting a Union Jack flower bed and an outline of a crown in flowers. All events are FREE (refreshments individually priced), and a full schedule of daily activities can be found at bereferrersparishcouncil.org.uk. Open daily will be: Bere Peninsula Art Group exhibition in Coach House Barn, Fore Street, Bere Ferrers; bowling taster sessions at Bere Alston Bowling Club; Peninsula Coronation Exhibition by the

history group; sailing training days at Weir Quay Sailing Club. All are welcome for these very special Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations!

Dave Mather

Matthew Kavanagh

Michelle Izzard

Lyn Edwards

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MUSIC AND ART

Monday 2 to Saturday 21 May

Drawn to the Library Tavistock Festival of Music and Arts is partnering with Drawn to the Valley to host an exhibition of the work of local artists in Tavistock Library in May. Drawn to the Valley is a network of artists and makers who live and work in the Tamar Valley. We have an active group in Tavistock who are delighted to have this opportunity to share their love of our beautiful countryside and its flora and fauna with you! The exhibition is appropriately entitled ‘Drawn to the Library’ and aims to entice us all back into the library after two years of uncertainty due to Covid. Jan Horrell,

senior librarian, is delighted to host this event, promoting the library as a community space. During the threeweek exhibition, twelve artists will present their original artwork in and around the two meeting rooms adjacent to the main library. These are open to the public when not in use for scheduled meetings and have recently showcased the work of several local artists. For this new exhibition, the artists will also present a series of free art workshops for adults, on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week.

Entry is free and the work will be for sale. Further information about the exhibition and how to book the workshops will be available in the library and at drawntothevalley.com

Saturday 2 April, 11am-4pm

Wildwood Arts: Meet the artist Continuing our series of exhibitions of outstanding contemporary art, Wildwood Arts is delighted to present an opportunity to meet our featured artist of the month for April, Mike Moss. Please drop into the gallery anytime between 11am and 4pm to talk to him about his work and watch while he demonstrates his techniques and processes. A solo exhibition of Mike’s work will also run throughout April and is available to view in the gallery and online. Originally from Preston, Mike emigrated to Australia in his early twenties and later travelled to New Zealand where he held his first exhibition. He returned to the UK to attend colleges of art in Preston and Plymouth before settling in Cornwall. In 1984 he won the Western Morning News Open Art Competition and has received many awards since. He is a

Birthday, Anniversary, Remembrance?

Mike Moss

member of the Cornish Watercolour Society and Gwynngala. The sensitivity of colour in Mike’s watercolours reflects his deep understanding of the subtleties of the natural world, capturing the peacefulness that can be found in nature. In contrast his oils are loud and powerful, overflowing with energy and vibrance, portraying the wildness of nature. His artwork offers a wonderful demonstration of how to use different mediums to their strengths. For more information visit wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk

Featured artist: Mike Moss

MEET MIKE MOSS AT WILDWOOD SATURDAY 2ND APRIL 11AM-4PM

Commissioned

ANIMAL

PORTRAITS by

JANE LEITCH Way Cottage Studio, Gidleigh TQ13 8HR 07776216785 Email: janey.leitch@btinternet.com

www.janeleitch.co.uk

Dartmoor’s Art Gallery Representing the region’s ﬁnest artists

www.wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk

Chapel Lane, Horrabridge, Yelverton PL20 7SP • info@wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk • 01822 258529

Traditional, investment & contemporary ﬁne art . prints . ceramics . jewellery . glass . textiles

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Saturday 30 April

Tavistock Street Food Festival Shelve the diet for another time and join us for a temptingly, tasty time in Tavistock. We’re bringing a host of street foods and drinks, many from local producers, for a delectable evening of food, drink and music in Tavistock’s historic and very beautiful Bedford Square. An array of mouth-watering street food will be on offer, including seafood, vegan, posh hotdogs, Mediterranean, Jamaican, and lots, lots more. Meet friends and family for a scrummy Saturday evening, grab some food, find a sunny spot, laugh, dance, hug (safely), and have some fun. Try new foods and chill whilst listening to live music – drink in hand, naturally! From 5pm in Bedford Square, Tavistock; entry is free and there’s loads of free parking nearby and plenty of space for social distancing too.

Friday 27 to Sunday 29 May

Plymouth Flavour Fest Foodie fans are in for a real treat this year - Flavour Fest is the South West’s largest free food and drink festival, and brings hundreds of local producers together, offering an extensive range of produce for sale, as well as a wide variety of delicious street food. In addition, regional cookery stars will be demonstrating their skills as they cook up some tasty treats on the chef stage. Showcasing local cookery talent as well as some of the region’s best food producers this ever-growing food festival in Plymouth’s city centre piazza is a great day out. For more details, please go to visitplymouth.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

How to pair your wine and chocolate this Easter This year I’m looking at what we eat most at Easter. It’s not roast lamb. Nope, not hot cross buns - chocolate! It’s shocking how easy it is to take two such delicious things and end up going ‘yuck!’ - so here’s a guide to which wines to enjoy with your chocolate, be it pudding, brownie or Easter egg! Texture is important. Most chocolate is silky smooth, so soft, velvety wines are your friends! Also, there’s a ‘rule’ that wines should be sweeter than desserts, and so it is with chocolate mostly! Ripe, full and fruity wine often gets described as sweet even when it’s not - we just perceive it that way. Real or perceived, sweetness offsets natural bitterness in chocolate. Chocolate and wine need to be equal in terms of intensity. If you were doing a tasting with just chocolates and wines, you would start with light (white) chocolate, then milk chocolate and finally dark, bitter, high-cocoa content stuff.

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White chocolate is usually not ‘real’ chocolate as it doesn’t normally contain cocoa. Matches here are wines that are light in body and sweet - sweet Riesling for example. Slightly sweet Rosé d’Anjou will work, as would White Zinfandel (it’s pink!) and notably sweeter. Fizz lovers will enjoy sparkling Moscato d’Asti. These work because sweet wines are balanced with acidity, which keeps your mouth fresh, cleaning away the sticky chocolate (as do bubbles). Milk chocolate is creamier, with more mellow flavours. Proportionately, chocolate and cream are roughly 50/50, so a medium bodied wine with some ripe fruit character will balance this out. Ruby port is a favourite, but some Pinot Noir and lighter Merlot can be great. The adventurous amongst you might try a Gewurztraminer from Alsace or Chile! Dark chocolate merits flavoursome, fullbodied wine - big Zinfandels (Primitivo in Italian), fruity Cabernet Sauvignon and

the weightier Merlots. Choose wines with plenty of fruit though - very tannic wine will emphasise the bitterness in the cocoa and feel ‘hard’ in the mouth. Intensely sweet ‘PX’ (Pedro Ximinez), and Rutherglen Muscat - from Spain and Australia respectively - are some of the sweetest wines in the world, and bring nuttiness, rich fruit, caramel and coffee notes that complement the chocolate’s dark notes and offset the bitterness beautifully. These are wines for sipping! Two last thoughts. If you’re a real fan of white chocolate, try it with a good Pinot Noir. It’s such an unexpected match it’ll make you look confused for a moment - but it’s worth it! The fat in the ‘chocolate’ does what the fat in rich meats does, releasing the wine’s intense fruitiness. Finally, no I can’t really help you with After Eights - you’re on your own there! Happy Easter from all of us at SW Bottleshop!

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OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE

Out and About with Tavistock Ramblers An easy 3½ or 4½-mile walk up the valley of the West Dart towards Wistman’s Wood with John Noblet of Tavistock Ramblers. This remote ancient oak woodland is a legendary spot, and some say it is the haunt of pixies. The walk then visits Crockern Tor where the Stannary Parliament, the government of the Dartmoor tinners, used to meet centuries ago. The walk is partly on a good track but partly on open moorland on minor paths, which are rocky in places. Park in a small car parking area opposite the Two Bridges Hotel (SX609750).

1. Walk away from the road through the gate and up the broad track. At the end of the track pass to the right of the house on a path alongside a stone wall. 2. Pass a footpath finger-post and, ignoring a minor path, bear left after 75m where the track divides. Head for a gateway in the wall ahead. The humps on the ground to the left are ‘pillow mounds’, artificial burrows for rabbits farmed here in the 19th century. Wistman’s Wood and Longaford Tor are visible ahead. Go through the gateway and bear left on a path, grassy at first but then rather rocky. Follow this

towards Wistman’s Wood to reach a stile. For the longer option to visit this remarkable wood where the trees are probably over 300 years old, cross the stile and continue on the path. Be warned, however, that after the first trees the path becomes rougher and is not for the faint-hearted. Return to the stile. 3. To continue the walk without visiting the wood, do not cross the stile but turn right up the slope alongside the wall. After about 100m go left through a gate.

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Continue uphill diagonally away from the wall and almost immediately the rocky outcrop of Littaford Tors appears ahead. Pass to the right of the lowest pile, then go left towards a bigger outcrop, the main part of Littaford Tors, with splendid views in all directions. On the hillside across the river valley beyond Wistman’s Wood, is the line of the Devonport Leat. This leat, nearly 40 miles long, was constructed in the 1790s to provide a water supply to Devonport. At the time Plymouth Dock, as it was known, was a major naval dockyard and larger than its neighbour, Plymouth. In the other direction, to the east, are the ruins of the Powder Mills where gunpowder was once manufactured. 4. Now go back to the lower outcrop and follow a grassy path down towards a stile over a wall. Cross the stile and bear left on a faint track, at first parallel to a stone wall. When the wall veers off to the left, continue ahead in the direction as before towards the insignificant outlying rocks of Crockern Tor. The main rocks of the tor are on the slope beyond.

5. Keep left around the tor to the bottom right (southern) side. The Parliament Rock looks rather like a chair and it is here that the Lord Warden of the Stannary Parliament is said to have taken his seat. Be careful, it is rather rocky here. Now head down towards a boundary wall. The mast of North Hessary Tor is straight ahead and a cottage is on the left. At the wall, turn right. Ignore the first gateway opening and turn left through the second. Bear right on an obvious path to meet the outward track and back to the parking area.

Tavistock Ramblers walk on most Saturdays and Sundays and many Wednesdays. There is usually a mix of short walks and longer all-day hikes. Go to www. tavistockramblers.org.uk to see the latest programme of walks on offer. You are welcome to join us. You will also find a series of selfguided walks on the website to download or print. Printed walks are also available at Tavistock Visitor Information Centre for you to enjoy.

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HISTORY

Why Vigo Bridge? The plaque on Tavistock’s Vigo bridge built in 1773, suggests that the name Vigo: ‘Evokes historical echoes. Francis Drake had twice raided the Spanish port of Vigo in 1585 and 1589.’ The late Gerry Woodcock, writing in 1985 said that whilst the origin of the name was obscure, he was certain the bridge took its name from a property at the site of the bridge. It was, he said, local tradition that the property had been so named to commemorate naval actions at Vigo. He mentions the two attacks on the port launched by Drake. He also alludes to another attack in 1702, which it turns out was far more significant. Drake’s assault on the port of Vigo in 1585 was nothing short of a pantomime. The Spanish had illegally seized English merchant ships, in itself undeniably an act of war, yet war had not been formally declared between the two countries. Queen Elizabeth’s council had pressed for a retaliatory seizure of the Spanish Flota (the annual Spanish South American treasure fleet) as a pre-emptive strike against Spain in case war was declared. Queen Elizabeth had reluctantly given her consent, but then recalled her order. When her fresh order to proceed was given, Drake was in no mood to be delayed again. He made such haste to leave Plymouth on 14 September 1585 that he sailed with inadequate supplies. By the time he reached Vigo he desperately needed food and fresh water for his fleet if he was to continue and seize the Flota. When the English fleet appeared at Vigo, the governor offered to parley, pointing out that the impounded English merchant ships had all been released unharmed, their contents intact – and that Spain and England were not at war. After two hours of parley both men left satisfied. Drake would not attack the town, while the governor would permit Drake’s fleet to provision and water ashore unhindered. For two weeks the 54

Battle of Vigo 1702

townsfolk and sailors good humouredly fraternised while the English bought their supplies. On 11 October Drake sailed away, but discovered he had now missed the Flota and had to sail back to Plymouth.

Drake’s assault on Vigo in 1589 was an insignificant success in a comprehensive disaster. The English had thwarted the Spanish Armada in 1588, but the Queen and her advisers expected another attack by Spain. Around two thirds of the Spanish fleet had limped back to Santander and it was essential the English destroyed as much of that surviving Spanish fleet as possible. The strategy rapidly became very complicated. First, Drake had to destroy the remnants of the Armada. Secondly, he was to land a force of 13,000 soldiers at Lisbon to help the Portuguese liberate their country from

the Spanish. Thirdly he was then to sail to the Azores and seize the Flota. Again, Drake’s fleet sailed poorly victualled. Furthermore, the greater part of the fleet had been supplied not by the Queen, but by London merchants, who wished to make considerable profits from this venture. The merchants dictated the strategy once the fleet left Plymouth. The destruction of the remnants of the Armada was therefore abandoned, as too risky, and Lisbon was to be the true target. By freeing Portugal from Spanish domination, the English merchants would regain their very lucrative Iberian trade routes closed by Spain. The assault on Lisbon was a fiasco. The Portuguese people declined to support the English troops, so Drake was eventually forced to sail away to his next target, the Azores. By now his effective force had been reduced by disease to around 2000 men. As Drake made his way towards the Azores, he did manage to sack Vigo and lay waste to the surrounding countryside, but that had never been an objective. Shortly after his fleet was scattered by severe storms, and he had to abandon the seizure of the Flota. Drake had to limp home having lost around 10,000 men and gained nothing. As the Venetian ambassador put it: “…Everyone can see

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HISTORY

Admiral Rooke

that the attack on Portugal has brought loss to the English in persons and reputation…” It seems unlikely anyone would wish to name their property in honour of either of these two assaults by Drake. The attack on Vigo in 1702 was entirely different. At that time the English formed part of the European Grand Alliance against the French. The English and Dutch fleets, commanded by Admiral Rooke, were to attack Cadiz to weaken French power in Spain – but the attack failed and had to be abandoned. However, Admiral Rooke learned that the Franco-Spanish Flota was at Vigo. The Flota usually landed its treasures at Cadiz, but the presence of the allied fleet had made that impossible, so Vigo became the alternative destination. The Flota reached Vigo on 22 September. The customs master of Cadiz refused to consent to landing the treasure there though, and negotiations took

Monument to the Galleons, San Sebastian (relating to Battle of Rande 1702)

until 20 October before unloading was permitted. On 23 October the allied fleet arrived at Vigo and battle was joined immediately, resulting in the annihilation of the entire Franco-Spanish fleet, although the town of Vigo could not be taken. The failure at Cadiz was redeemed by a resounding, albeit accidental, victory. Although little or no silver was left to be seized by the allies, they did seize some other commodities. When one of these commodities arrived in England it changed English fashion for nearly one hundred and fifty years. Before 1702, snuff taking in England had been confined to wealthy foreigners. However, among the merchandise seized at Vigo were several thousand barrels of the finest grade snuff together with over fifty tons of coarse snuff. The officers took shares in the barrels of the finest snuff. However, the coarse snuff, which was called ‘Vigo’, was

You ne ed us!

It seems more probable therefore that the house that gave its name to Vigo Bridge would have been named to acknowledge Admiral Rooke’s ‘Vigo’, rather than the ‘Vigo’ of Francis Drake. Andrew Pain

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shared out amongst the sailors. They sold it in waggon loads at Plymouth, Portsmouth and Chatham at three pence or four pence a pound, resulting in a rapid rise in the popularity of snuff taking in England. The fact that snuff had originally been seized from the Franco-Spanish fleet, no doubt gave a patriotic impetus to the habit. Snuff taking became an essential fashionable accomplishment for both men and women, and remained throughout the Hanoverian age. No doubt those entrepreneurial enough to have bought the original coarse snuff from the sailors so cheaply, thereby starting the trend, would have made considerable profits.

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Upholstery Service (From Tavistock Pannier Market)

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Give your furniture new life Linda Radford is the talented person behind Fabric & Furniture, based on the Devon-Cornwall border. She has always had a love for renovating, refurbishing and upholstering pieces of furniture, together with making her popular bespoke footstools and ottomans - let’s face it, we all need to put our feet up! In recent times, it has become more popular for people to re-use, recycle and save their cherished items of furniture. There is a trend for upcycling old pieces that may once have been transported straight to landfill, be it an old dining table, a sofa or that favourite but now uncomfortable old armchair. We have also learnt to appreciate our homes in a new way of late; we want them to be cosy, comfortable and a relaxing place to be. If a piece of furniture has been well made, it often proves to be more economical to reupholster than buy new, so that a staple piece can continue to be used and loved for years to come.

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Do you have a perfect piece of furniture that fits exactly? Is there something special in your lounge to put your feet up on? Perhaps you have a chair with sentimental memories - these things make a home. Items can be refurbished and reupholstered for reasons of repair or just for a change of colour, style or vibe, resulting in a fresh item of furniture unique to its owner. The bonus

is that you are also saving it from landfill or being ‘stored’ in the garage! Reupholstering starts with thinking about your requirements. Maybe you need new webbing for the ever-popular Ercol chair; replacement cushion inserts for the sofa to make them firm once more; new seat pads for those dining chairs; or just a change in upholstery style for a different look. Your upholsterer can guide you and also assist with the choice of fabric, potentially offering you swatches to help with the selection process. From bold prints to classics from Linwood, Abraham Moon, Ross and more, the choice is endless. Take your time when choosing – this is your piece and it will sit in your home, so it should be just right for you. Linda is always happy to discuss pieces of furniture with customers, with no obligation to proceed. She holds some fabrics in stock and offers a furniture collection and delivery option if required. So you can have your furniture reupholstered without even leaving your home. You can also find her footstools, cushions and other related items in her online shop at etsy. com/shop/fabricandfurnituresw. Linda can be contacted on 07484 093494 or via fabricandfurniture.co.uk, Facebook, Instagram, or Whatsapp.

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Moor Links April/May issue 2022

Articles inside

History

Kids’ What’s On

Law

Local People

Community News

Naturalist

Food & Drink

Feature

Health Wellbeing