Moor Links August/September 2022 by Links Magazines

August/September 2022 Issue 58

Tavistock Country Bus

Fro m Ukraine

to Devon

A local service run by volunteers

Making a new home in Devon

LOCAL PEOPLE PETER BURKILL: OCEAN SCIENCE EXPERT ANNETTE PETTIFER: NO13 LADIES FASHION

W HAT’S O N

British Firework Championships Art exhibitions & open studios Heritage Open Days Fairies at The Garden House Dartmoor Walking Festival Stand With Ukraine £3.50 | where sold

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HISTORY

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COMMUNITY NEWS Transition Tavistock

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Small steps

With ongoing news reports of the war in Ukraine, the cost-of-living crisis and the impact of climate change and environmental issues, not to mention covid’s continuing presence, it can feel as if the challenges we face are insuperable. However, the message of contributors in this issue is that any action or step we take in the right direction, no matter how small, can help to change the bigger picture. Our feature article tells the story of Tatiana and her son on their flight from Kyiv to Tavistock. She is devastated by what is happening to her country, but determined to shape a new life here, and every act of kindness she has experienced has helped that process. In our opening community news article, Rob Husband explains why he got involved in Transition Tavistock’s work in all things climate and environmental, and references Margaret Mead’s observation that, ‘a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world’.

The deadline date for any inclusions in the October/ November issue of Moor Links will be September 2nd 2022. For all editorial enquiries please contact Rosemary via email: rosemary. best@linksmagazines.co.uk

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

It has also been a pleasure to see my inbox continue to fill up with news of local events and activities to the point where it has been difficult to fit everything into this issue as there is so much going on – but that’s a good problem! There are gardens to visit, with a special Fairy Trail Adventure at The Garden House, plus outdoor shows, Dartmoor Walking Festival, the return of Heritage Open Days, a feast of local art exhibitions, as well as artists opening up their studios to the public, plus music for everyone from folk to morris, jazz and classical; while Plymouth gears up to entertain with fireworks, carnival and the Seafood and Harbour Festival.

Rosemary Best

Tim: 07450 161 929 Jane: 07772 619 808

Editor

Front cover image: Fairy Trail Adventure at The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum - see page 33 for details.

contents

6 Feature 8 Local People 13 Health & Wellbeing 15 Farming News 17 Nature 18 Gardening 22 Charity Focus 24 Law 25 Community News 31 Kids’ What’s On

32 What’s On 47 Music & Art 50 Trade Secrets 51 Business 52 Food & Drink 54 History 56 Outdoors & Active 58 Tech Help 62 Business Directory

@moorlinks

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 Links Publishing 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.

FEATURE

From Ukraine to Devon Since April, Ukrainian families have been welcomed to Tavistock and surrounding villages in West Devon to live with host families. A Facebook page set up by Tavistock residents Julia Law and Michelle Davis, has been instrumental in helping to put host families in touch with Ukrainians who want to come to the UK as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Julia was inspired to set up the Facebook page after reading about Darren Tait’s deliveries to Ukraine (see Cornwall & Devon – sending love to Ukraine). She felt that a central point of information would signpost people to the many different ways they could help Ukrainian people affected by the atrocities of the war. The Facebook page, Tavistock and Ukrainian Friends, has also become a valuable communication platform for the community to share anything from useful advice about official procedures to language classes, welcome packs, activities for Ukrainian guests, and local fundraising efforts. Tatiana Lytvynenko found an offer of accommodation with Julia and her husband Gary, through the Facebook page, and she and her 15-yearold son Yurii have been living with them in Tavistock since the end of April. When I met up with Tatiana, she told me about her recent experiences. Tatiana used to live in Kyiv, where she was head of HR for an international company. She showed me a photo of her team, explaining that they are now living in various places across the world, as 6

Kyiv, Ukraine, 24 February 2022 – the queue for the ATM and pharmacy

the business had to close its operation at the outbreak of the war. Right up to 24 February when Russia started its offensive against her country, Tatiana couldn’t believe it would really happen or that beautiful Kyiv would be targeted with such destruction. As airstrikes commenced though, she quickly realised she and her son were not safe in an apartment on the 18th floor. They spent the first night in a nearby metro station with other Kyiv citizens, taking it in turns to sleep, in fear of lowering their guard in this strange and unpredictable environment. In the early hours of the morning, a bomb hit the metro station. Fortunately, they were not injured but they urgently needed to find another refuge. Tatiana described how a threeday curfew was then declared by the government to keep the streets clear while defences were erected and the military rooted out agents involved in covert activities for Russia. The city became a ghost town, as shops and businesses closed, and normal life ceased. Tatiana and Yurii moved to a bomb shelter near their home, glad of thermal jackets provided by their landlord - snow was falling outside as they tried to sleep on a cold floor in the bleak conditions.

Tatiana

Yurii persuaded his mother that they should leave Kyiv, but this meant reaching the train station on the opposite bank of the River Dnieper. Managing to get there, they squeezed onto a train leaving for Lviv. It was standing room only for most of the 10-hour journey on the tightly packed train, as a multitude of people fled the capital. Arriving homeless in a new city, Tatiana called on her good network of friends for help. A friend in Manchester who had worked for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), found them a place to stay in an apartment, turned into a hostel by its American owners. Another friend advised Tatiana to head for Poland as soon as possible; she had previously

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FEATURE

24 February - many people spent the first night of the war in the metro station

After 3 days of curfew, people try to buy food

helped him escape from Donetsk when the 2014 conflict started. So with the help of a cousin who was involved in bringing in humanitarian aid, Tatiana and Yurii reached Opole in Poland, where her friend, a hairdresser, arranged for them to stay in an apartment belonging to one of his clients. Tatiana’s plan at this point was to make her way to an English-speaking country as both she and her son could speak the language. She had become friends with a Russian lady when she spent a year working in the Emirates, and this friend now lived in Tavistock. She put Tatiana in touch with a new Facebook group, Tavistock and Ukrainian Friends. Tatiana made contact with Julia and then passed on the Facebook details to a couple more of her friends who also managed to arrange to live in Tavistock. Ever since Tatiana and her son arrived here, she has been touched by the welcome they have received from the local community. Tatiana said that she and her compatriots appreciate every show of support, from the generosity

A packed train to Lviv

Tatiana & Yurii’s bed in the bomb shelter

of their hosts, gifts and invitations, to simple words of kindness. Despite being forced to leave her country and close relatives whom she worries about constantly, she has a very positive attitude to her new life here, and was delighted to start a new role as Homes for Ukraine: Project Support Officer in July. It is very important to her and her fellow Ukrainians to find employment and they would be keen to hear from local businesses with vacancies. Rosemary Best

Can you help? If you can help with employment or know of businesses looking to recruit, or would like to host a family or help in some other way, please let the group know at Facebook: Tavistock and Ukrainian Friends.

Cornwall & Devon – sending love to Ukraine Our volunteers took the fifth aid convoy to Ukraine at the end of July. Despite already delivering more than 75 tonnes of humanitarian aid, we still receive direct requests for urgently needed medical and sanitation items from charities and hospitals working on the front line. Darren Tait, who leads the trips said: “We are totally reliant on the generosity of the people of Cornwall and Devon to fill the vans. They have been amazing since day 1. We have drop-off points all over the two counties, and if you can donate just one item, it will make a difference. And, I can assure you this aid goes directly to the people who need it, sometimes within 24 hours of delivery.” The volunteers have seen how desperate the situation is, which is why they keep doing the 2,500-mile round trip - financial support as well as aid donations make that possible. If you can help, please visit www. sendinglovetoukraine.org

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Why bother understanding the Indian Ocean? the fastest of all oceans, and the surrounding populations are also the fastest growing, placing increasing pressures on natural systems. ‘Why bother understanding the Indian Ocean?’ is on 6 October in Tavistock Guildhall - see What’s On for more details. In October, Peter Burkill will be giving a Tavistock Heritage Trust talk about why we need to understand the Indian Ocean, the least studied and arguably the most sensitive, of all our oceans. The Indian Ocean’s core temperature is rising

Seven years ago, when Peter was Professor of Ocean Science at the University of Plymouth, he started an international programme of research on the Indian Ocean. In his research, he has travelled widely, and is now also a Nikon sponsored wildlife photographer with a particular penchant for pine martens. Peter continues…

I was born in Kuala Lumpur in 1950, growing up on the beaches of Malaya and diving before there were any diving qualifications. This was to help my father who was working on seaweeds and my job was to harvest from the offshore reefs. So oceans, wildlife and wild places have always interested me. My first degree is in biology and my PhD was gained from Southampton University in ocean science. I then moved in 1975 to Plymouth to join the Plymouth Marine Laboratory where I eventually held a prestigious Individual Merit post. In that time, I set up the first marine flow cytometry facility in Europe. I should explain that flow cytometry was a laser-based technique devised for analysing cancer in human blood. I figured that human

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LOCAL PEOPLE

blood cells are fundamentally little different from microbes in the sea (that was my research topic) - and that proved correct. There were though huge challenges. Not only was the instrument seriously expensive (costing hundreds of thousands of pounds) but to operate on a ship at sea required a deck-mounted 20-foot container and a chiller that needed 3-phase electrics to dissipate 15kW of heat from the laser. It was a crazy idea with a lot of teething problems but in the end it worked extraordinarily well. With this unique capability, I amassed a very large number of publications and gained fellowships from the Royal Society of Biology, the Royal Microscope Society and very recently from the Marine Biological Association of the UK. I moved back to Southampton University as a professor in 2002 to head up the George Deacon Division for Ocean Science. That involved five years of weekly commuting between Devon and Hampshire before moving back permanently to Plymouth as Director of the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Studies (SAHFOS) on the Hoe. During this time, I also became a professor at the University of Plymouth. In 2012, I was elected President of the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR). SCOR is an international non-governmental non-profit organization, with some 40 members, that coordinates fundamental research internationally. To be elected president was a great honour and I

held the post for eight years. Unfortunately, it was also incompatible with being Director of SAHFOS, so I resigned the latter. In 2020 I decided to seek new challenges and resigned from my paid university post. Judith Petts, the Vice-Chancellor, was good enough to award me an Emeritus Chair which I continue to hold. During the last decade, I have served on many advisory boards including the Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban. While giving a public lecture in Oban, I was asked if I’d ever photographed pine martens. Like almost everyone, I had not even seen one in the wild. But this question started my interest, as the questioner had pine martens visiting her cottage in the wilds of Argyll where I now visit every year. Although wild and very shy, pine martens are addicted to peanuts so I have found I can tempt them into photographic range when I’m out of sight. I photograph them from inside the cottage using wireless connections to my Nikon cameras and flash guns. There is a lot of technology involved but Nikon cameras are good in low light and I feel I have now mastered this. Nikon’s sponsorship is invaluable particularly if

anything goes wrong while I am travelling. I have worked on all continents of Earth including Antarctica, and this year I went to Svalbard in July to photograph polar bears and will travel to Ecuador in October to photograph its extensive wildlife. So, I have been lucky both in ocean science and in my wildlife photography, and throughout very ably supported by my wife. We enjoy living in an old farmstead on Dartmoor which we bought 40 years ago in a derelict state and resurrected, although our parents thought we were crazy. We brought up our two boys there - now married with their own children. My wife is a parish councillor while I am on the village hall committee, so I like to think we are giving back something to our community!

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

Professor Peter Burkill

Dear Customers

Please forgive me if I have not had the opportunity to notify you personally of my impending retirement. Although, thankfully still fit and raring to go, I will have reached the end of the lease on the shop NO13, in September of this year. How truly lucky I have been to have have enjoyed a wonderful 27 years in the business, and I shall miss terribly the interaction and friendship with all my ‘lovely ladies’ who have visited and supported me during this time. Thank you all so very much for your genuine enthusiasm and loyalty. I am also enormously grateful to ‘our Enid’ who has unfailingly attended to the myriad nips and tucks with her amazing tailoring skills - which has often meant the difference between a sale or no sale... I am not leaving town and can be found jogging - sorry, slowly walking (!!!) around Meadowlands Park and joining the ‘ladies that lunch’ in our lovely restaurants. With many thanks and all best wishes

Annette

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LOCAL PEOPLE

The end of an era

The end of an era for Annette of No13 Ladies Fashion… Having reached retirement age (and a bit more!) she will now take time for reflection and some new adventures. In 1995, to get married to Tim who was living in Modbury, Annette took a leap of faith and sold her small restaurant and home in Worcestershire. With wonderful memories of ‘window’ shopping as a young girl with her mum, who had an extraordinary eye for style and quality, Annette developed more than a little interest in clothes, and felt a natural instinct to pursue an occupation in fashion retail. Serendipity played its part, and on a day out to Lydford Gorge, shortly after moving to Devon,

she happened to park directly outside number 13 Duke Street, which had a ‘To Let’ sign in the window. The rest is history - 27 very happy years of choosing a collection each season, from a variety of designers. One of the greatest pleasures for Annette has been the repeat custom from many women both local and far afield who have treasured, and still wear, items from the early days, and who have appreciated the passion and personal service - which helps in avoiding expensive mistakes! Deciding not to go into further education, Annette started work at the age of 15 and remembers her mum taking a portion of her (very small) wage each week, which immediately catapulted her into a sense of selfpreservation. Starting out as an office junior in the motor industry (she still makes a good cup of tea), she gained secretarial skills and weekended in the local cinema selling ice cream. At 22,

she took a secretarial job in a large, busy restaurant and worked evenings and weekends learning all aspects of the trade, while saving furiously for a deposit on a mortgage. Her first leap of faith was selling the property and investing in a partnership in a wine bar in Cambridge, and after a few years taking on her own restaurant in Worcestershire where she happily lived and worked for ten years. Fifty-six years of commitment and hard work - but Annette assures me she always found time for fun and adventure along the way. She is now looking forward to the next chapter in her life. If her mother was the catalyst for opening a boutique, then it is her father’s love of gardening that is now inspiring her, and plans are afoot to take a share in an allotment – where she will no doubt look very stylish amongst the vegetables.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Physiotherapy for hip and knee pain Dr Jo Coldron advises on treatments So many things seemed to have stopped in their tracks over the two years spent battling covid, but now many are possible again, including elective hip and knee replacements. However, the backlog of people waiting for surgery, and the ongoing barriers to getting things going again, like staff sickness and chronic staff shortages, are causing continuing delays to treatment. Devon is particularly impacted; the NHS waiting list comparison website at nhswaitlist. lcp.uk.com shows that for orthopaedic waiting times we are ranked around 100th out of 106 areas in England, with the median waiting time of 24 weeks and 18,432 people on the orthopaedic waiting list as of the end of March 22 (that’s the whole orthopaedic list, not just knees and hips). Given this situation, when a patient comes to discuss chronic hip or knee pain which is stopping them walking, sleeping and enjoying life, understandably they are sometimes frustrated, upset, or even angry when we tell them that before we can refer them to an orthopaedic surgeon, they must have completed a 3-month course of physiotherapy, either private or NHS. At that point in the consultation, it must feel like another huge barrier and enforced wait, especially as the waiting times to see NHS physiotherapists are also weeks and sometimes months at the moment. The requirement for physiotherapy isn’t a new thing, and

there are referral requirements for lots of different specialties and conditions. If you’re interested you can see them all at southwest.devonformularyguidance.nhs. uk/referral-guidance/western-locality. All the referral guidelines detailed on this website have been developed with specialists to enable them to provide the best, most efficient and safest care for as many people as possible. For some conditions your GP needs to have done certain blood tests, x-rays or investigations before they can refer you, or tried various different treatments for a certain amount of time and only if they haven’t helped can we then ask for specialist review. GPs have to follow the referral rules, and if we send a referral that doesn’t comply with these guidelines it will be rejected. The main reason for suggesting prereferral physiotherapy for hip and knee arthritis is that in many cases it can drastically reduce your symptoms of pain and stiffness and can significantly improve your quality of life. Although osteoarthritis can’t be ‘cured’, in many cases the symptoms can be improved. I shall try and explain (although a physiotherapist would do it far better, I’m sure). If you have a niggle in your knee, the body then tries to protect that knee so changes the way you walk and move. This then causes weaknesses in muscle groups in that leg, which then destabilise the knee more so it hurts more, so you get weaker, and it hurts more…You are then caught in a vicious circle of increasing pain and decreasing function. A physiotherapist can assess you and give you specific exercises to build these muscles back up in a way that doesn’t stress the knee, thereby stabilising the knee and reducing the pain. I have experienced this first hand. I thought I was pretty fit and healthy and doing

all the right things for my body, but a couple of years ago my knee became so painful I was hobbling around. I couldn’t exercise, everything seemed to exacerbate it. Imaging showed arthritis of the knee and I was advised to see a physio. I went and was told I had really weak muscles on that side. After three months of tailored exercises I was pain free (almost – there are twinges to remind me) and able to run again. I continue the exercises now, because if I lapse my knee hurts, whereas if I do them it doesn’t. Some people who engage with physiotherapy will not need a specialist review or embark on joint replacement surgery because their symptoms will be so much better. For those that do still need an operation there is some evidence that suggests they will do better after surgery if they have had physiotherapy input before. There are some other things that you can do to stabilise and support the leg which can complement physiotherapy: •

Make sure your footwear supports your arch, or get arch inserts

•

Use a walking stick

•

Lose weight if overweight

•

Wear a knee brace

Engage in low impact rather than high impact exercise While waiting for your personal review you could do some of the most common exercises detailed at www.versusarthritis.org and go to the ‘exercising with arthritis’ page.

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Dr Jo Coldron Tavyside Health Centre, Tavistock 13

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Are you worried about how much alcohol you drink? Since the pandemic, more people than ever are struggling with their relationship with alcohol. At the start of this year, a record number of people googled ‘am I an alcoholic?’ Being worried that you may be an alcoholic is scary and lonely – you are probably feeling embarrassed and ashamed, and asking yourself how it came to this. Is it going to be possible for you to learn to moderate, or is your future going to be a life of daily AA meetings and a permanent feeling of deprivation? Tabbin Almond, certified coach, said: “You may well have tried to cut back but found that you couldn’t keep going. People often report waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning, heart racing, panicked by what they might have said or done the previous evening, and they will resolve not to drink the next day. But come the evening, the familiar battle will be going on in their head, and they will potentially cave in and tell themselves they will just have one drink… but it rarely is just one drink! “Then there’s the ‘rule-making’, like only drinking at weekends, or not drinking alone, or limiting the number of drinks. And sometimes those self-imposed rules stick - for a while at least. And we may even manage the odd full month. We 14

know that when we aren’t drinking, we feel so much better – health, energy, relationships, appearance – everything improves. But we don’t seem able to stick to it. Does any of this sound familiar to you? If so, you are certainly not alone, and the good news is that help is at hand.” You can escape the pain, blame and shame of having a problem with alcohol. You don’t need to have a spectacular ‘rock bottom’ before regaining control and you don’t need to rely on willpower. Tabbin has undergone rigorous, specialised coach training with Annie Grace, who has helped over a

quarter of a million people redefine their relationship with alcohol. Her certification allows her to use the ground-breaking This Naked Mind methodology and a science-based approach to making alcohol truly small and irrelevant in your life. Annie Grace (her books start with ‘This Naked Mind’) and her unique approach is an absolute ‘game-changer’ said Tabbin. It is based on freedom (not deprivation), grace (not judgement or shame) and transforming whole lives (not just physical habits). For more information contact Tabbin through her website at winetowatercoaching.com to book a free and confidential ‘discovery call’.

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FARMING NEWS

Changing with the times

On the back of the success of Lambing Live we are running a Great Gather event in partnership with The Dartmoor Hill Farm project. We are going to take members of the public with us when we round up our sheep on the common for shearing. We are expecting lots of people, and we will walk into the heart of the moor; whilst the sheep are being rounded up around us on the common, I will give a blow-by-blow account of what is happening. I will also take the opportunity to talk about farming on Dartmoor, the living history surrounding us and the symbiotic relationship between farmers on Dartmoor and the iconic landscape. It is however a real shame that when you read this the event

will already have happened. I will let you know how we get on! Tom, our eldest, will be starting big school this September, moving up from the small village school in Meavy to the much larger Tavistock College. Meavy has done a fantastic job of nurturing a happy, little boy into a very capable, young person who is looking forward to the next chapter. It was a funny coincidence that I looked back at my old articles and realised I wrote my first links article back in the summer of 2015 when Tom first started at Meavy. Time has flown as both seem to have passed by in the blink of an eye! I have briefly introduced Dave in previous articles and I now have another new recruit to the dream team at Greenwell. Charles has grown up on a nearby farm similar to ours, and was keen to do an apprenticeship on a farm whilst studying at college. He has done really well since he started and has already become a valued member of our team. He is on a steep learning curve and Dave and I are giving him plenty of on-the-job learning and plenty of stick, obviously! The fact that I have my very own Chas and Dave as entertainment will be lost on the youngsters but it made me chuckle, and they will both be getting ‘Rabbit Rabbit’ T-shirts for Christmas!

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Mat Cole, Greenwell Farm

O ur we tea lco m m ar pa e n e de tie ew lig nt p ht s! riv ed at to e

As a small business we endeavour to mind our own business and get on with our seasonal routines. It has felt good that our prices for beef, lamb and all farm produce have risen to a more sustainable level. The trouble of course is that costs have also been exploding as fuel and energy have risen. I suppose it just illustrates how we are all tied to world events and it would seem that the cost-of-living crisis we are experiencing has very little to do with anything in this country. However, we are all affected and sadly businesses will suffer and fail because of it. As a Dartmoor Farmers director, I met with Morrisons to finalise details for the lambs going into stores this season. I was expecting a catchup with the lamb buyer and his boss, then sign off some details and off we would go. But it was made very clear that most customers in stores are downgrading their purchases from finest to own brand, lamb to chicken or steak to burgers. Everyone is watching their budget. Our lamb is a regional offer in their finest range and although we are

secure and they love the product, they pointed out that as a result, sales could suffer for this coming lamb season. As a group of over 100 farmers working very hard to promote Dartmoor, the small family farms which are so important in delivering our iconic landscape and rich tapestry of thriving habitats for wildlife, it made me feel pretty vulnerable. But we have spent 15 years helping to build a sustainable future for farmers on Dartmoor by working together, and championing local, sustainable beef and lamb. This has to be a better way than just relying on the global market and getting involved in a race to the bottom on price. So please look for Dartmoor lamb in a Morrisons near you!

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NATURALIST

The growing deer population The combined population of deer in Britain today is estimated to be over two million. Of the six species present, only two are native to Britain, red deer and roe deer. Fallow deer were introduced by the Normans, and sika, muntjac and Chinese water deer were all introduced or escaped in the last century. There is also a small herd of reindeer which were brought to the Cairngorms in the 1950s and can still be seen there. Following a survey in 2016, the British Deer Society published online distribution maps of deer in Britain; five of the six species occur in Devon, only the Chinese water deer being absent. Seven sika deer were introduced on Lundy in 1927 and are still present on the island. Recently, whilst driving along a tree-lined section of a road across the moor, at the end of the day while still light, I saw two roe deer cross ahead of me. After spending the day in woodland, deer regularly move to more open areas to feed at dusk. Recent research indicates that over 74,000 deer may be involved in vehicle collisions each year in Britain. Increases in deer numbers and their distribution, particularly in urban areas, combined with more traffic, are resulting in many road traffic accidents each year. It is estimated that between 10 and 20 people are killed and over 700 injured every year as a result of accidents involving deer, either through direct collisions or swerving to avoid them. The cost of damage to vehicles alone is estimated to be at least £17 million. There is a peak in accidents during May, when young roe bucks are dispersing, and also from October to January associated with the increased movement of fallow, red and sika deer around the rut. You can reduce the risk of deer collisions by noting deer warning signs, and being more careful in wooded areas, especially around dawn and dusk. Highest-risk times are from sunset to midnight, and shortly before and after sunrise. Always report any deer-vehicle collisions to the police and try to remember to record the incident at www.deeraware.com/report-incident. You can also email the British Deer Society at info@bds.org. uk and include the following information: location, date, time, species and number of deer, plus any other comments. What is being done about it? The Deer Initiative, a broad partnership of statutory and voluntary organisations (including the RSPCA), founded the UK National Deer-Vehicle Collisions Project in

2003. If you wish to find out more about deer in Britain, the British Deer Society website at bds.org.uk has a lot of useful information. Unfortunately, deer can cause substantial damage to trees and woodlands by browsing trees. Their feeding can cause a range of problems, which can include stripping shoots, flower buds and foliage from plants, damaging woody stems, and eating the bark from younger trees. This mainly happens in winter when other food sources are scarce. In addition to the damage associated with their browsing/eating activities, male deer damage the trunks of younger trees by rubbing their heads and antlers against them. Deer also graze the understory vegetation, removing the feeding and breeding habitats for insects, birds and mammals.

Birds & butterflies If you love your garden birds, a new book all about the robin is due in September, by Helen Wilson (Reaktion Books). One of the best-known studies of robins, described so well in The life of the Robin (first published in 1943), was carried out by David Lack while he was a schoolteacher in South Devon at Dartington in the 1930s. A revised edition of the book is still in print, and is an excellent read. Finally, if you enjoy butterflies, there is still just time to take part in the Big Butterfly Count which runs until Sunday 7 August. All you have to do is choose a spot, count any butterflies you see for 15 minutes, and then enter your results on the website; just search for ‘Big Butterfly Count’ – there is even an online butterfly identification chart to help you.

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GARDENING

Inspiration from Chelsea Flower Show Sue Fisher has the low-down from this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, with on-trend garden styles, popular plants and new products to try in your own garden. The annual Chelsea Flower Show is always packed with inspiration and this year was ‘greener’ than ever before, with sustainability being a key theme of many gardens. Out of the crowd-pulling large show gardens, the coveted Best in Show award was won by A Rewilding Britain Landscape, highlighting the importance of beavers in mitigating flooding and improving water quality. Okay, so introducing beavers isn’t a garden-scale possibility, but using pretty native plants like sweet woodruff, foxglove, wild carrot and honeysuckle, and natural materials to

filter water and for making charming features, certainly is. Elsewhere, the spectacular construction of the Medite Smartply’s Building the Future really drew the crowds. Made from waste from the timber industry, yet stone-like in appearance, this exterior MDF-like material was used to construct a huge cave-like structure with a waterfall cascading dramatically from the roof. The St Mungo’s garden in cheerfully clashing colours reused material from previous shows. Other gardens aimed to educate as well as inspire, including the Blue Peter garden, Discover Soil, and Metas’ Growing the Future that promoted the importance of fungal networks. Edible gardening was a big theme in gardens of all sizes, and the varied containers used in the Wild Kitchen Garden showed how even the smallest of spaces can look wonderful and provide a rich harvest too.

Of course, every garden was packed with luscious planting, with many gardens themed to support wildlife and boost biodiversity. Most spectacular of all was the BBC Studios’ Our Green Planet and RHS Bee Garden, with a sumptuous multi-coloured tapestry of nectar and pollen-rich plants. Lowergrowing plants including salvias, geums, verbena, geraniums, nepeta, and eryngium, woven between taller and more structural plants like Euphorbia mellifera, multi-stemmed Euonymus, statuesque angelica, and foxglove spires. Inside the Great Pavilion was total plant heaven, with specialist nurseries showcasing a huge variety of plants, from agapanthus and delphiniums to roses, restios, salvias, and zantedeschias. While it’s not possible to actually buy plants at Chelsea (until the final day when there’s a grand sell-off of exhibits), nurseries

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GARDENING

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were doing a brisk trade in orders. The coveted RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year was won by x Semponium ‘Destiny’ from Surreal Succulents, an eye-catching purple-leaved architectural plant that is the first ever between Aeonium and Sempervivum. The Sustainable Garden Product competition was packed with excellent entries. Peat-free potting composts featured strongly as, thank goodness, gardeners increasingly shun peat that is harvested from fast-dwindling bogs. The big gap in the market for a peat-free John Innes range was the well-deserved winner, from Dobbies. Runners-up included two new composts from Dalefoot, made using sheep’s wool and bracken; vibrantly coloured Ocean Plastic pots that are made from recycled fishing nets and rope; ‘Ecoline’ tools from Gardena made with a high

proportion of recycled plastic; Oxley’s aluminium garden furniture made from 95% recycled material; and Dartmoor company Twool has added a strong tree and shrub tie to its product range, made from sheep’s wool. Flower arrangers note: ‘Kenzan’ from Niwaki is a reusable alternative to florists’ foam, that securely holds woody as well as soft stems.

Things to do in the garden Keep pots and borders looking good by regular deadheading, staking, and weeding. Edging the lawn can make a big difference to appearance too. Take cuttings, especially of tender and borderline hardy plants. Once rooted, pot individually into 9cm pots and keep under cover for the winter, and these will be your ‘insurance’ plants if a hard winter strikes.

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Order spring-flowering bulbs to plant from September onwards. Narcissus (daffodils) are particularly appreciative of being planted early. Herbs like mint, parsley, and chives can be potted up ready to keep on windowsills for an autumn supply. Clean out greenhouses or polytunnels now while the weather is good. Take out all the pots and other stuff that tends to accumulate (where snails lurk) and wash the structure inside and out. Good hygiene avoids many pest and disease problems.

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GARDENING

Cottage garden wildlife A female merlin swooping fast to flush out smaller birds recently took our garden bird-count to fifty species. This year’s fledglings must be the largest number yet, with baby blue, great and coal tits eating us out of nuts and fat balls. Nuthatch and goldfinch numbers are also way up, with sparrows defying the national trend by tripling their numbers in just three years, and two greater-spotted woodpecker families also defying traditional thinking by regularly feeding on the ground – looking for grubs and spiders. All of which has delighted the nearby sparrowhawk family, happy to reduce the population, including, sadly, one of the young woodpeckers. The female sparrowhawk even decided to use the patio as a temporary nursery for its youngster – which having been clearly instructed, simply snoozed on a chair in the sun for an hour, while mother hunted.

Our half-acre cottage garden, at the end of a West Devon green lane, wraps around a mid-18th century cottage, surrounded by woods, farms, and water-meadows bordering a fast-flowing stream. These diverse interlocking habitats mean the garden supports a wide variety of large and small wildlife residents, and attracts fascinating, but sometimes annoying, animal visitors throughout the year. Since May we have enjoyed the antics of long-tailed mice, shrews, and bank voles, whose numbers have also blossomed to the satisfaction of the local weasel, which insists on using the garage for its latrine. Young rabbits forced to find new territory from adjacent fields, have taken refuge in the flower beds – delighting in tasting every new plant my wife has carefully planted this year - while a trio of baby rats have discovered the peanut feeders, to the annoyance of the feathered users. Over

the next few Links magazine issues, this column will share more natural history discoveries encountered through the seasons of a typical Devon country garden. Country Mouse

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CHARITY FOCUS

Tavistock Country Bus Tavistock Country Bus is a local charity, operating a local bus service run by volunteers. We have a new 16-seater minibus and have been serving the community in Tavistock and the surrounding area for more than 40 years. The service is now emerging from the pandemic in a strong position with two new drivers making a total of nine, and we also have new administrative and timetabling support. Drivers usually spend two to three days per month driving the routes and services which we provide. On Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays we provide a Tavistock town service. On Tuesdays & Thursdays we provide a circular route from Tavistock to Launceston passing through local villages. On Fridays we provide a service to Gunnislake, Stoke Climsland and associated villages. On the first and third Wednesdays of the month we provide a popular service to Newton Abbot and Trago Mills. On Saturdays we provide a varied service further afield including such destinations as Truro & Falmouth, Exeter, Barnstaple, Torquay, and Dawlish.

Full details of our routes and timetables can be found at www. tavistockcountrybus.co.uk. Booking is available for up to 8 seats on all Saturday and Wednesday services. As our services can be popular, please check availability and book with the Transport Office on 07580 260683 or email tavistockbus@ gmail.com

New innovations in 2022 Bus & Bike: Why not use our service to take you to the start of your cycling trip? Our minibus can be fitted with a bicycle carrier to take up to three cycles. Please note that booking at least 72hrs prior to the date of intended travel is required for this service. Bus & Boots: We have a number of walking routes specifically written to coordinate with our bus services, providing an excellent way to transport you to the start of your walk and pick you up afterwards. Why not let the Tavistock Country Bus kick off your walking adventures around Tavistock? Details of the five Bus & Boots walks (plus maps) can be found at www. tavistockcountrybus.co.uk

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Feedback & suggestions We are constantly reviewing our routes and services, and we work closely with commercial bus services, to try and provide services to residents in places not well served by their bus routes. We value feedback from customers and if you have any comments on the services that we currently provide, or have any suggestions on how we could improve our services in the future then please email suggestions to us at tavistockbus@ gmail.com

Tavistock Country Bus drivers and administrative support staff are all volunteers and we are always looking for new people to join our team. As we operate under a Section 22 licence, we do not have to hold PCV licences in order to drive our bus. We do ask potential drivers to have a driving review by our driver trainer and we also take you out on a test drive. Providing you have Class D1 on your car licence, you are eligible to drive our bus. Most of our drivers volunteer for two or three days a month but we don’t mind if you could only manage one day a month, you would still be welcome. Interested in finding out more? Then please contact us via the website at tavistockcountrybus.co.uk or email tavistockbus@ gmail.com and we will get in touch. Jeremy Langton Chairman, Tavistock Country Bus Tavistock Country Bus Days Out posters - by Margaret Stenning

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LAW

legally speaking... Our regular law column with

wanted Dad home but we agreed with the short term plan as we thought ‘rehab’ sounded good. However, once in the care home, Dad would constantly cry and beg and even shout to go home. After two weeks it was clear that Dad was massively deteriorating not rehabilitating, so we asked the NHS/Council if the money that was being spent on him for the care home could be redirected for a care package at home. The social work team said given Dad’s complex needs this would be ‘highly unlikely’. I then began looking into the logistics of care agencies, night nurses and how to borrow funds against their house.

When the initial NHS funding period ran out, the medics and social workers advised that Dad should stay in a care home. When my mum refused they discussed a ‘Best Interest Meeting’ for September. We were told that this panel of experts could potentially override the LPA my mum had for Dad’s health and welfare. That’s when I reached out to was recently interviewed by a journalist Anne, asking if it was a ‘pipe dream’ to think wanting to write about my role and we could get him home with 24 hour help, specifically asking me to explain what my without them losing their little bungalow. By job entails. this point Dad had been away from us for 3 months and was unrecognisable. For those of you who may have followed and read my regular column I hope the articles From the moment Anne arrived in late written have helped to explain the breadth of August, I felt that we finally had hope, with my experience and how I can support and help someone on Dad’s side, who would fight for clients and their families. him. Amazingly only 2 months after asking Anne for help - Dad was home with 24/7 fully Rather than a specific topic in this edition, funded care. I have taken the rather unusual approach to share with you a recent testimonial of one of I have a huge regret that I didn’t call my clients who has witnessed first hand how Anne earlier. We didn’t know what was I was able to help his wife and her parents. possible with the right advocacy. We thought all we needed was an LPA. An “In June 2021 my Dad went to hospital with earlier call would have saved Mum and a UTI, but then spent weeks in hospitals and Dad two months of separation and I truly a care home as they didn’t think he was ‘safe think Dad would not have deteriorated so to discharge’ home and needed some rehab. much, so fast, had he been discharged All this time my Mum was insistent that she home with 1:1 care sooner.

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It’s now nearly a year on from Dad’s admission and I can honestly say Anne’s advocacy has changed the lives of all of us in our family. She has made it possible for us to stay together at home, while ensuring Dad has the very best, fully funded care. We will be forever thankful and recommend Paladin Advocates wholeheartedly.” With an ageing population there are an increasing number of families for whom I may be to help, guide and provide not only practical advice but more importantly piece of mind. Do call and speak with one of our team on 01822 610303 and see how we can help you and your loved ones.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Circles in the sand I feel blessed to live near the moors, the woodlands, the coast - what a privilege. It’s sometimes easy to forget the planet needs our help; it’s as if we look at the beauty on our doorstep and say ‘looks and feels ok to me’! Behind our day to day lives, are stories of overuse, non-joined up thinking, heads buried in the sand, profit before planet. It seems we become desensitised to planetary challenges, or maybe like me you feel a little powerless. When overwhelmed by these concerns I walk. On a recent walk, I realised I had forgotten the principle of working from my own circle of influence. On a riverbank I drew three concentric circles in the sand: the inner circle was what I could influence in my own life, the middle one where I could influence locally, and the last where I might influence nationally. In a few minutes I filled the inner circle: a recommitment to travel less and differently, to shop more consciously, grow more of my own produce and have more climate conversations. The second circle took more thinking; I was aware of local groups: Extinction Rebellion, Cornwall Climate Films and Transition Tavistock, but was not yet involved. So, in my second circle I wrote Transition Tavistock. It was the place where I would take responsibility, joining with others to bring change. The third circle of national influence is in progress, exciting and challenging, but that is another story. What would happen if every person in every local community did all they could to protect this planet we call ‘home’, not just for our sakes but for all life, including our children and grandchildren. I for one feel more hopeful when I imagine this. Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead reminds us, ‘a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has’ - what would happen if we all took time to be one of those citizens?

Transition Tavistock is one such collection of thoughtful and committed citizens. The Transition movement, sometimes described as the quiet revolution, started in Totnes in 2006 and now 400 transition towns in over 50 countries are helping to reimagine and rebuild the world. Transition towns have been early adopters of new business models; in Brixton they raised £130,000 to install the UK’s first inner-city, communityowned power station - 82kW of solar panels on top of a council estate; and Transition Tavistock birthed the Tamar Energy Community (tamarenergrycommunity.com). Eco-housing, energy creation, regenerative farming, biodiversity, local transport, local coordination of all things climate and environmental are all areas where Transition Tavistock needs - no, our planet needs - thoughtful and committed citizens involved, citizens willing to bring change. As a small community group, it is easy to become apologetic, to say sorry for asking for your time. I don’t feel that way - why would I apologise for asking for help to secure a regenerative future for all? Rob Husband Transition Tavistock For more information, please email info@transitiontavistock.org.uk

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COMMUNITY NEWS

A vibrant summer in Tavistock! After an extremely successful and enjoyable Platinum Jubilee celebration, summer is now in full swing and the floral displays around town are looking blooming wonderful. From themed markets to food festivals, there are many reasons to visit your local town. In collaboration with Miss Ivy Events, we will be bringing you a fun-packed August bank holiday gala weekend with music to while away the hours, an artisan gift market, street food festival and traditional summer fete in The Meadows. Get ready for your vibrant summer in Tavistock! For more details on all the upcoming events visit www. visit-tavistock.co.uk/whats-on Tavistock BID has also been busy developing a number of projects after being awarded funding from both the Community Renewal and Devon Elevation Funds.

afield along the M4 corridor, into Wales and Surrey.

These include: •

New, colourful interpretation signage to welcome visitors at the bus station and main car parks.

•

Official town merchandise in the form of jute bags, pens, fridge magnets and tea towels. As a not-for-profit organisation, all merchandise has been made available to businesses at cost. See www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/ merchandise for details of where to find it.

•

Development of the town marketing strategy with new themes to attract different groups to the town. As the disruption caused by COVID persists, we are looking to encourage people to keep exploring their own country and are now advertising further

•

A food & drink booklet, celebrating the town’s many places to eat and drink.

•

A green spaces trail, encouraging people to come, stay a while and explore our open areas. Pick up a copy from the Visitor Information Centre or download at www.visittavistock.co.uk/branch-out

Don’t forget that you can still redeem your Christmas Tavistock gift card. Valid for a year from the date of purchase, the gift cards support Tavistock’s businesses and ensure money is spent in the town. Whether you fancy sausages for tea or a bit of pampering, there is something for everyone. For a list of participating businesses go to tavistockgiftcard.co.uk

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A talented young singer-songwriter Holly Dais, a 13-year-old, local singersongwriter and Tavistock College pupil, recently performed her song FOMO at the Song Academy Young Songwriter 2022 competition in London – where it was one of just three entries selected for the final stage from a total of over 850 across all ages. The Young Songwriter competition is the world’s leading songwriting competition for young, aspiring songwriters, aged 8-18 and encourages young people to think about and speak up about things that are important to them, while providing an opportunity for their songs to be heard by leaders in the industry, including judges such as Tom Odell, and Tom Grennan. Although Holly didn’t win the competition, she had an amazing time at the showcase event at The Tabernacle in Notting Hill, where she performed her song with a live band in front of an audience. Her song is now also available on an album and has been aired on Amazing Radio. Holly’s parents, Lucy and Steve, are understandably very proud of her, and said that she absolutely smashed it on the night. Holly said: “It was amazing to get this far in the competition. I still can’t believe I made it into the top three in the

whole country! The other songwriters were incredible, and really inspiring. I loved every moment, especially singing with a live band.” Holly’s achievement is all the more incredible as she only started playing the piano two years ago. She was bored during the first lockdown and so decided to teach herself how to play the piano. She was obviously a natural and progressed quickly - within a year she had started writing her own songs. As Holly was clearly loving writing songs and singing, her friends and family clubbed together to treat her to a day at Momentum Studios for her 12th birthday, where she recorded her first song ‘Beauty’, including the piano, backing and lead vocals. She says that ideas for songs just pop into her head and when she sits down at the piano, the words and music seem to come together quite easily. The idea for her Young Songwriter entry, FOMO or fear of missing out, was inspired by the social difficulties young people can experience if they feel they have been excluded from an event or end up doing things they don’t really want to do so they don’t miss out. Lucy secretly decided to enter her daughter’s songs into the

competition and only told Holly when she was selected as one of the top 30 entries. You can listen to FOMO at Apple Music: apple.co/3l7Xpop; Spotify: spoti.fi/3uBtS9Y; Amazon Music: amzn. to/3Blln5a or YouTube: bit.ly/3ovc1jT

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Help with addiction If you think you have a problem with drugs in any form (including over the counter drugs, prescription drugs and alcohol) there is a solution on our doorstep in the form of Tavistock Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Members of the new Tavistock NA group meet every Saturday evening for an hour from 7-8pm to support each other. It’s a mutual aid programme, meaning that it is entirely run by its members and - as the name suggests - anonymity is a given. The meeting is held in the top room of The Printworks, which is a comfortable, quiet room set behind Bedford Square. You can go along, have

a tea or coffee, and see what the NA programme can do to support you in your recovery from addiction. There’s no need to book, you can still go in if you are delayed in arriving. There are no fees or dues and there is no requirement to attend every week. One of the members, Sam F, says: “It has made all the difference to me, having a local meeting where I can go and be with people - from all sorts of walks of life - who understand my difficulties, because we have that in common with each other. We’ve all been there, given up on ourselves, and thought there was no hope for us.”

It’s a spiritual, not religious, programme which promises freedom from active addiction for anyone who works the programme. The first thing anyone needs to do is attend a meeting and find out what it’s all about. Narcotics Anonymous is a worldwide society, with over 90,000 weekly meetings, including online video meetings which anyone with internet access can join. You can find out more at ukna.org. There is also a national helpline 0300 999 1212 which you can phone any day between 10am and midnight.

TAMIS Grand Opening On Saturday 25th June, Tavistock Area Men In Sheds held the Grand Opening celebration for our spacious, brand new, self-built ‘Shed’. The new shed was formally opened by Tavistock’s mayor Paul Ward, accompanied by his wife, mayoress Jane Ward. Also in attendance were councillors Neil Jory and Debo Sellis both of whom have been very supportive and helpful to the TAMIS project. Okehampton Shed committee members, Phil Bush, John Woodward and Terry Kempster who have given freely of their time and experience to help our group get off the ground were warmly welcomed as special guests. TAMIS regulars,

partners and all our guests enjoyed a very delicious barbeque plus home-made cakes, with more than enough tasty food for even the biggest of appetites. Amongst many other projects, TAMIS has been very busy recently making large planters for floral displays to be seen in many locations around the town. Our group now has around 30 regular members with a wide variety of different skills available, including carpenters and woodturners, electricians, engineers, and architects, plus many lifetimes of general DIY experience to call upon. TAMIS may well be able to repair your broken garden tools, mend wobbly furniture and fix items that would

We supply: Marine Fish & Corals Reef Keeping Equipment

Why not consider joining our group - it’s friendly, fun and useful. You can find details at tavistockmeninsheds.uk or email info@tavistockmeninsheds.uk. TAMIS headquarters are easy to find in King’s car park off Pixon Lane, Tavistock. We meet on Mondays from 10am until 12ish, Wednesdays from 2pm until 4ish and also now have limited opening on Fridays too! You’re sure to find a warm welcome, new friends, purpose, camaraderie, a cup of tea and if you’re lucky a piece of cake as well. Don’t delay, join today! Photo by Jan Simpson

Reef Passion

OPEN: Weds - Sat 10:30am - 5:30pm, Sun 11:00am - 4.00pm 01822 667944 • www.reef-passion.co.uk

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KIDS WHAT’S ON

TREASURE HUNT/HERITAGE WALKS Until 29 October Have fun discovering Plymouth with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks. Follow the map, identify picture clues, read directions, find the town’s treasures and learn about significant people and events. Walk 1: The Hoe to Sutton Harbour, 1.5 miles / 2.4 kms; walk 2: Sutton Harbour to West Pier, 1 mile / 1.6 kms. www. curiousabout.co.uk/plymouth.html

IMMERSION THEATRE RAPUNZEL 10 August, 3pm at RHS Garden Rosemoor 11 August, 5pm at Tawstock Court 13 August, 1pm at Sterts Theatre, Liskeard Let your hair down for a brand-new outdoor, musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale! Expect, a laugh out loud script, heaps of audience interaction, a host of catchy songs, unforgettable characters, and maybe even the odd water gun or two! www.immersiontheatre.co.uk

NATIONAL MARINE AQUARIUM SNORKEL SAFARIS Until 24 September Discover the wonders of the ocean with our incredibly popular Snorkel Safaris as we head outside of the aquarium and explore local waters right here in the heart of Plymouth Sound. Selected Saturdays and Tuesdays with fully qualified BSAC snorkel instructors, £17.99 per person at

PETER PAN 5 August, 7pm at Pentillie Castle 25 August, 7:30pm at Sterts Theatre, Liskeard Wendy Darling is certain she saw the face of a boy at her bedroom window 3 floors up – yet no-one believes her. So who can blame her when she agrees to fly away to the idyllic Neverland with him? But will the evil Captain Hook and his band of pirates capture Peter and rule all! Tickets at www.illyria.co.uk/whatson

RHS GARDEN ROSEMOOR GREAT GARDEN ADVENTURE Until Sun 4 Sept An action-packed programme of holiday fun awaits you with an explorer quest around the gardens, exciting handson workshops and crafts as well as interactive theatre performances and even visits from Exmoor Zoo – plus welly walks and crafts for little explorers. At Rosemoor Flower Show (19-21 August) take part in circus skills workshops, have your face painted and meet quirky walk-about characters. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/ rosemoor/whats-on/summer-holidays

TAVISTOCK LIBRARY

The library’s exciting, regular activities during summer holidays, are free of charge or low cost based on the Summer Reading Challenge theme - we know this will be even more important this summer as the cost of living rises. This year’s theme is Gadgeteers and we have lots of science and technology-based activities for children, young people and their families. Here are some of our events. Phone 01822 612218 for more details or go to Facebook: Tavistock Library. 2 August, 10am Connectors Bridge Building session (6-10 years) and Virtual Reality demos (11-16 years) with Willmott Dixon (free) 12 August, 2.30pm Boo to a Goose Theatre with Shipwreck Sam, tickets £1.35 on Eventbrite 26 August, 2pm & 3pm

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

26 & 30 August Litcraft Minecraft workshop (free)

TAVISTOCK PANNIER MARKET JURASSIC DINOSAUR DAY Saturday 13 August, 9am-4pm Dino activities for all the family! JURASSIC SUMMER TRAIL Children’s dinosaur trail with a Jurassic prize - trail sheets from the vegetable patch next to Bob’s Café. Explore the Jurassic World of the Pannier Market, Mon to Sat 9-4pm.

THE BOX MAGICAL MARINE PARK Until 3 September, Tues, Thurs & Sat 10:30am-12:30pm; 1:30pm-3:30pm Plymouth is home to the UK’s first National Marine Park – a unique project designed to celebrate and promote the history, habitats and industries of the important and visually stunning Plymouth Sound. Discover how special it is and have lots of creative fun with University of Plymouth, Ocean Conservation Trust, South Devon AONB, Life on the Edge and Green Minds. Free admission.

THE GARDEN HOUSE A FAIRY TALE ADVENTURE Until 11 September Explore the gardens and keep an eye out for mischievous fairies and friendly dragons! A h e t app ob y ...

CURIOUS ABOUT PLYMOUTH

ILLYRIA THEATRE

Animal Encounters, tickets £2 from the library, limited spaces

Thursday 18 Aug, 10-12 and 2-4 Join the team from Seadream Education for some free, fun, family activities. Learn about the fabulous Tamar River and its spectacular habitats, from the creatures at the base of the food chain in the oozing mud of the Hamoaze, to the wonderful carbon capture potential of the seagrass beds. We will be looking at what creatures live in the mud! Drop-in to the visitor centre, Tamar Bridge, Plymouth, no booking required.

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BRIDGING THE TAMAR VISITOR CENTRE

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

WHAT’S ON

Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 August

RAF Harrowbeer 1940s Weekend re-enactors, vintage displays, plus classic and military vehicles and will be centred around the Dispersal Bay at Axtown, near Yelverton, restored by the HIG in 2011. Although entry and parking are both free, the event does need financial support and the HIG is asking for donations to help cover costs. Full details on how you can help are on the website, www.rafharrowbeer1940s. co.uk. The RAF Harrowbeer Interest Group (HIG) will be holding one of their popular 1940s weekends on 20th & 21st August. This popular event will feature period

RAF Harrowbeer was operational between 1941 and 1946. Many different nationalities flew from Harrowbeer, mostly RAF Squadrons but also Fleet Air Arm and US Navy. The airfield was

eventually demolished in 1961 following the decision that it would not become a ‘new’ Plymouth Airport. Today, visitors will mostly be aware of the airfield’s existence, alongside the A386 at Yelverton, by the taxiways and aircraft bays that remain virtually as they were 75 years ago.

Junior & Youth Ranger summer activities Aged 12 to 19 and fancy doing something different? Get involved in a range of practical conservation projects on Dartmoor. We provide gloves, tools, instruction/support, hot chocolate and cake! 10am-3pm, for more details or to book a place please contact Emily on 07912 470778 or ecannon@dartmoor. gov.uk

Tuesday 9 August: Bridleway repairs near Yarner Woods

Friday 29 July: Bracken management on bronze age settlement, Shilstone Tor

Tuesday 23 August: Help run wildlife activities at Meldon Wildlife Festival

Tuesday 2 August: Drainage work to the Lychway, Bellever

Friday 26 August: Install picnic benches & care for new trees with ParkLife, Ivybridge

Friday 12 August: Ragwort pulling with DPHT, Bellever Tuesday 16 August: Connecting leats & improving drainage, Langaford Farm Friday 19 August: Cycling & footpath work on route, Granite Tramway

Tuesday 30 August: Wildflower seed collecting & plug planting, East Shallowford Farm Tues 30 August, 5pm to Wed 31 August, 12pm: ‘Night Under the Stars’ with night orienteering, bat walk, campfire cooking, farm tour, environmental activities etc. at East Shallowford Farm.

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

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We’d love to see you!

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WHAT’S ON

Until 15 September

“I do believe in fairies – I do, I do!” And who can argue with Peter Pan… This summer the gardens at The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, will be home to all manner of beautiful woodland fairies and friendly dragons, enticing children and adults alike on our Fairy Trail Adventure! The fairies might be hiding in the woodland dell, or dancing around the magic circle or even letting their hair down from the top of the tower in the medieval walled garden. However, where there are fairies there must be dragons – but friendly ones of course! The woodland fairies are shy creatures, and not always easy to find, so visitors will need to look up as well as down, in order to catch a glimpse of these elusive creatures (the guide map available from Visitor Reception will help). There is of course always one naughty sprite – but can you spot her? The circular walk around the garden takes approximately two hours, winding through the various ‘gardens within a garden’, that The Garden House is famous for - culminating in a visit to the wishing tree to place a ribbon and make a wish (ribbons, storybook and map available at Visitor Reception).

The gardens are also spectacular during the months of August and September, with the walled garden being a particular highlight and a riot of

colour. August sees the traditional, late summer, herbaceous borders really come into their own, with borders interspersed with later-flowering Hydrangea paniculata, Helenium, Echinacea, Persicaria and Dahlia all offering a stunning sight to behold as you enter the large wooden doors into the medieval walls of this part of the garden - giving gardeners some fantastic inspiration to take home to try themselves.

Fairies & Dragons Trail 23rd July to 15th September

The willow fairy and dragon creations have been crafted exclusively for this trail at The Garden House by Fairy Trails UK, a small family run company that designs, manufactures and installs each bespoke fairy trail from its base in Broadhempston, Totnes. Each fairy and dragon are created using skilled willow weaving techniques by a team of local craftsmen and women. Follow the enchanted garden trail and let your imagination lead you to another world of discovery - the perfect outdoor, fairytale adventure for all the family! The trail is available from 23rd July to 15th September; normal admission applies and booking is not required. The Garden House is open daily (except Mondays) from 10.30am to 5pm; the café, plant sales, book shop and art exhibition by renowned local artist Anita Nowinska, are also open. Visit www.thegardenhouse.org.uk for more details - The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, PL20 7LQ.

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One of the finest gardens in Britain...

www.thegardenhouse.org.uk Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton PL20 7LQ Reg Charity: 203722

WHAT’S ON

17 and 18 August

British Firework Championships

27 August

West End Carnival The West End Carnival returns to the streets around Plymouth Market, offering a jam-packed day of free family activities. Organised by Plymouth City Centre Company, the carnival will have an amazing programme of free entertainment to enjoy both on stage and roaming the streets. The main stage at Frankfort Gate will play host to musical performances including acoustic band Manuka and dynamic drumming band Samba Kernow, as well as a host of circus performers. www.visitplymouth.co.uk/westendcarnival

Look to the skies above Plymouth Sound as the beloved British Firework Championships return to Plymouth. Six top pyrotechnic companies will showcase their very best work and battle to be crowned the champion, with three putting on an extra special ten-minute display each night. Enjoy brilliant views from all around the waterfront, but head to Plymouth Hoe for the best spot and enjoy all the entertainment on offer, with a funfair, live music and food and drink stalls. www.visitplymouth.co.uk/fireworks

17 and 18 September

Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival A brilliant weekend for seafood lovers, the festival offers an opportunity to find out more about your local catch and learn from some amazing chefs, who will be cooking up a storm with fishy delights inspired by cuisines from around the world. Visitors will be able to watch as some of the region’s top chefs create spectacular dishes in the cookery theatre, tuck into tasty treats on the day and take home some fresh fish and seafood. Celebrate everything that Plymouth’s waterfront has to offer in The Barbican and Sutton Harbour. www.visitplymouth.co.uk/ seafoodandharbourfest

Tavistock Court Comedy Club After the success of three comedy nights earlier this year in the slightly unconventional but atmospheric setting of the old courtroom in Tavistock’s Guildhall Heritage Centre, Tavistock can now look forward to a regular monthly comedy event. Plymouth based promoters, A Press of Suspects, will be returning with a monthly helping of their

unique brand of comedy night, including some top-notch comics and a few young upstarts. Each monthly bash promises a bundle of laughs with a great varied line-up of fantastic comics, all hosted by the engaging, anarchic, owl-obsessed Willtordian Ballorian Edwardian, aka Will Skillington. A nurse in his day-today life, Will’s take on comedy thrives on improvisation and variety, drawing

inspiration from the hilarious people in his world. Tickets are £10 or £14 – you decide, the more you pay the more the comics get. Escape from a night in front of the TV, meet up with friends and have a giggle – you’re in for a lorra, lorra fun! Check out www.apressofsuspects.com for more details and dates of upcoming events from September.

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EVERY SATURDAY

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WHAT’S ON

Until 31 October

Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) – his work in Tavistock and beyond An exhibition about Lutyens’ work - Tavistock Museum, Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 3pm. ‘Ned’ Lutyens was a highly respected architect, famed for his ability to adapt traditional architectural styles, and played a key role in designing and building New Delhi, as well as the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme in Thiepval. He was responsible for many famous buildings and monuments here in the UK, including the Cenotaph in London’s Whitehall, but some projects were much closer to home. In 1910 the Duke of Bedford commissioned him to build a house in

Tavistock for his land agent, Captain Gallie. ‘Littlecourt’ was the first house to be built in Down Road. The design was innovative and it was one of the earliest buildings to have a cavity wall - also the first house in Tavistock to use gas. In October 1925, Country Life magazine featured an article about Littlecourt, headed ‘The Lesser Country Houses of Today’. Following a devastating fire in 1945, only the ground floor remained intact. A shortage of materials during World War II limited the restoration, but many original features on the ground floor were retained. The Pimple, on Whitchurch Down, is a Grade II-listed local landmark and was

originally designed as a tower marking the entrance to a now disused reservoir. Lutyens wanted it to be a focal point, so built it on a mound from which people could enjoy far-reaching views. The roof design was copied from one of Littlecourt’s outbuildings. Lutyens also designed Castle Drogo for Julius Drewe, founder of Home and Colonial Stores, and a row of Arts and Crafts style cottages in Milton Abbot.

Saturday 27 August to Sunday 4 September

Dartmoor Walking Festival This nine-day festival is organised by Moorland Guides of Dartmoor and encompasses all that is wonderful about Dartmoor National Park, giving people the opportunity to come together and enjoy the enriching experience of being outdoors in this beautiful area. There will be several events each day during the festival ranging from modest guided strolls and children’s rambles to full day walks and more strenuous challenges!

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From history, industrial heritage and archaeology to folklore, wild swimming and Nordic walking, there really is something for everyone, including ‘accessible’ events for the less mobile in partnership with Disabled Ramblers. The festival now also regularly raises

over £1000 every year for the Devon Air Ambulance charity. Full details about the 2022 Dartmoor Walking Festival programme are available to view or download at moorlandguides.co.uk/dwf

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WHAT’S ON

Saturday 27 August

Walkhampton Annual Flower and Produce Show This year, Walkhampton Cottage Garden Society’s Annual Flower and Produce Show will return to the traditional format, restoring the cookery and handicraft classes that were dropped last year to ease compliance with Covid restrictions. The classes will be judged in the morning, and from 2pm the exhibits will be on view to the public. A tea tent will serve cakes and

other refreshments, and there will be market stalls and a raffle. Entries will be welcome from all those living in Walkhampton, Sampford Spiney, Meavy. Sheepstor, Yelverton, Horrabridge, Crapstone, Buckland Monachorum and Princetown. We are always delighted to welcome new entrants and, if you are uncertain about what is required, the website gives telephone numbers to ring

with your queries. The 2022 schedule is available at www.walkhamptonshow. weebly.com

St Luke’s Open Gardens Sunday 7 August

Lewtrenchard Manor A chance to visit the spring gardens at Lewtrenchard, Lewdown, EX20 4PN. The gardens, designed by Walter Sorel, extend over several acres with streams, a sunken garden, a profusion of shrubs, a huge rustic dovecote and a recently restored walled vegetable garden. Stroll along Madam’s Walk, on the banks of the River Lew and to the woods and beyond. Also open and free to explore are the forgotten gardens of Lewtrenchard and St Peter’s Church opposite the manor. Open 12 - 4pm; entry £5, U16s free; parking; refreshments available in hotel; dogs on leads; limited wheelchair access on level areas.

Sunday 4 September

Bowringsleigh

Join us to explore ten acres of private established gardens at Bowringsleigh, West Alvington, TQ7 3LL, hidden in a peaceful valley in the AONB near Kingsbridge. The gardens are home to a stunning collection of hydrangeas, and many rare trees in the two large

arboretums, best viewed in September when the leaves turn colour. Open 2 - 5pm; entry £5, U16s free; parking; refreshments available; dogs on leads; limited wheelchair access. For more details see stlukes-hospice. org.uk/open-gardens - printed brochures available from St Luke’s charity shops, local garden centres etc.

Country Weddings at Bradstone Our unique venue comprises 15th century gatehouse, a range of farm barns and an 11th century church plus several options for civil wedding ceremonies 4 Day Exclusive Use Packages • On-site Hosts Wedding Couples Accommodation • Wild Camping Go DIY or let us help you with our recommended suppliers

Call Romilly on 07546 099150 • bradstoneweddings@gmail.com Bradstone Manor Farm, Bradstone, Tavistock, Devon PL19 0QS • www.countryweddingbradstone.co.uk 36

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WHAT’S ON

Come out and play this summer at Buckland Abbey and Cotehele Whether discovering summer wildlife at Buckland Abbey or exploring the shaded woodland paths at Cotehele, there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained and help you create great memories together. Head to Buckland Abbey for lawn games in front of the abbey, Tudor cooking within the historic kitchen (selected dates), crafts for all the family, complete the summer trail around the garden and beat the rest at a game of skittles within the Great Barn. Peek inside the nave within Buckland Abbey to discover the Nature Showcase and learn about the estate through its many habitats, and compare the history of human

activity in these places with the actions of the team there today – don’t forget to add your pledge for nature, a small commitment for a change you can make for a greener planet.

out point. Wander down to Cotehele Mill to get even closure to nature within the meadow and catch your breath whilst admiring the view of the River Tamar from Cotehele Quay.

This year Cotehele is celebrating 75 years since the estate was given to the National Trust and the Breakfast Room within the house hosts an exhibition highlighting memories and how things have changed over those years. Outside, complete an array of games and challenges whilst exploring the garden and estate at Cotehele. Get creative within the orchard by building your own adventure and take a closer look at the natural world around you from the look-

It wouldn’t be a National Trust visit without a break for cake and Cotehele and Buckland Abbey have plenty of options. Stop by the cafes for a cream tea, grab an ice cream or locate the perfect picnic spot in the garden. Find local gifts within the shops or something unique in the craft galleries. Every time you visit, join, make a purchase, donate and volunteer, you help us to look after Cotehele and Buckland Abbey – thank you.

Unforgettable summer memories

made at Cotehele and Buckland Abbey Open daily from 10am Plan your family day out: nationaltrust.org.uk/bucklandabbey

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Cir cle Only use blue and/or white. For mor e details check out our Brand Guidelines.

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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 38

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WHAT’S ON

Friday 9 to Sunday 18 September

Heritage Open Days 2022 Thanks to the annual Heritage Open Days, each September thousands of volunteers across the country invite you to experience local history, architecture and culture. All for free. There will be lots of opportunities to explore different parts of Tavistock with guided walks and talks led by heritage experts, together with a chance to visit some wonderful historic buildings and see some of the town’s historic treasures. More information at www.heritageintavistock. org or pick up a flyer from Tavistock Visitor Information Centre.

‘Windows in Time’

This Tavistock shop heritage trail by Tavistock BID helps you find out more about Tavistock’s retail history throughout the ages - what did premises used to look like and what did they sell? Pick up your map from the Visitor Information Centre (open Thurs – Sat) and explore 43 shop windows throughout the town centre.

Tavistock Subscription Library

Read, learn, discover. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Tavistock’s 222-year-old subscription library. Read books from the 17th to 21st centuries. Learn how to use the online catalogue. Friday 9 September: 10:00-16:00 Saturday 10 September: 10:00-16:00 Friday 16 September: 10:00-16:00 Saturday 17 September: 10:00-16:00

Mount Kelly School Tours

A Heritage Open Day tour of Mount Kelly offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful grounds at both the prep school, formerly Mount House, and the college, look around the historically significant buildings, meet some of the pupils, and gain an insight into the realities of life in a modern independent school. Tour lasts approx. 60 minutes. Friday 9 September: 16:00 Friday 16 September: 16:00

Tours of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Mary Magdalen

Tavistock Catholic Church in Callington Road, Tavistock is linked to the mining heritage of Devon and Cornwall. It was built by the Duke of Bedford to accommodate the miners who flooded into the town in the mid-1800s to work in the local mines. Saturday 10 September: 10:00-15:30 Saturday 17 September: 10:00-15:30

Roots and Trees

Join local and family history drop-in sessions at Tavistock Subscription Library; draw on our library members’ experience and investigate the library’s collections for your family history or local history project. Sunday 11 September: 10:00-16:00 Tuesday 13 September: 10:00-16:00 Sunday 18 September: 10:00-16:00

Plymouth Road Cemetery Guided Walk Join Alex Mettler of Tavistock Heritage Trust for a guided walk around the grounds and buildings of the Plymouth Road Cemetery, Tavistock. Walk time c.60 minutes Sunday 11 September: 14:00

Heritage Book Fair

Join Tavistock Heritage Trust for a heritage book fair in the historic Bedford Hotel in Tavistock, with a variety of stalls selling books from local and national publishers focussing on the history and heritage of Tavistock, Dartmoor, Tamar Valley, the Cornwall & West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site and beyond. Tuesday 13 September: 11:00 – 15:00 – Tavistock Room, Bedford Hotel

Tavistock Guildhall Heritage Centre

Come along for a special guided tour of the Tavistock Guildhall Heritage Centre with Tavistock Heritage Trust, taking in the interpretation centre, Victorian cells and courtroom.

Wednesday 14 September: Tours 11:00 & 14:00

Discover Tavistock - A Guided Walk

A guided walk with Tavistock Local History Society, providing a gentle overview of the colourful history and heritage of this 1,000-year-old World Heritage Site town. Meet outside Tavistock Town Hall – lasts c. 90 mins. Thursday 15 September: 10:00

Tavistock’s Industrial Heritage Walk

A walk with members of Tavistock Local History Society exploring what has disappeared and what remains from when Tavistock was a place of significant manufacturing and industry. Meet outside Tavistock Town Hall – walk lasts 1½ to 2 hours. Thursday 15 September: 14:00

St Eustachius’ Parish Church Tours

A guided tour of Tavistock Parish Church, closely associated with the nearby C10 Benedictine Abbey of Our Lady and St Rumon, dating from at least 1265. Friday 16 September: 14:00 – 15:00 Saturday 17 September: 10:00 – 11:00

Sausages, Cider and Steam

The Robey Trust presents ‘Sausages, Cider & Steam’, a few hours exploring a blissful heritage engineering workshop packed full of vintage machinery in full swing! - a nostalgic mix of steam of all varieties with the best of the British summer BBQ. Visit ‘The Works’ premises or take the round robin trailer rides available on the hour between the town centre and Pixon Lane. Saturday 17 September: 11:00 – 17:00 Sunday 18 September: 11:00 – 17:00

Tavistock Guildhall Family Fun Day

Join Tavistock Heritage Trust for family fun and craft making in Tavistock Guildhall’s courtroom. Saturday 17 September: 10:00 – 16:00

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WHAT’S ON

AUGUST 6 Aug, 3 Sep, 1 Oct Tavistock Arts Market Tavistock Arts Market features a diverse

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Café Cinema August - we are on our summer break Saturday 17th September The Phantom of the Open (12) Film starts 8pm Pay on the door

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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. Market on 6 Aug is in Bedford Square, 3 Sep and 1 Oct markets are in Butchers’ Hall from 9am until 4pm.

6 August Tavistock Live music Enjoy live music from midday in Tavistock town centre - shop, eat and enjoy the atmosphere.

11 - 13 August Tavistock Food & Craft Fair Butchers’ Hall hosts a mixed market featuring a range of fabulous, locally produced food and drink, along with a selection of local arts and crafts. Open from 9am to 4pm each day; free entry.

12 - 14 August Annual Art Exhibition Derriford Art Group’s 17th Annual Art Exhibition will be held at Clearbrook Village Hall, Clearbrook, PL20 6JD. Paintings are sold on a ‘Buy & take away’ basis and refreshments will be available. Entry is free and it’s well worth a visit. Friday 1pm - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm.

13 August Meavy Garden Society Summer Show The show has a variety of classes, including flowering plants, vegetables, herbs, pot plants and flower arrangements. 1pm - 4pm in Meavy Parish Hall. Visitors £3, and new members always welcome. All enquiries to 01822 852672 and 01822 852984. Visit www.meavy.org.uk/mgs for details.

19 - 21 August RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show Fabulous floral displays, inspirational demonstrations, live music, the chance

to buy from specialist nurseries and much more. Friday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm. Garden open until 6pm. Normal garden admission applies.

19 & 26 August, 24 September Love Local Food & Gift Market 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.

19 August Tavistock Live music Enjoy live music from midday in Tavistock town centre - shop, eat and enjoy the atmosphere.

26 August Love Local Summer Party Come and enjoy the party atmosphere in Tavistock town centre. There will be music, entertainment and face painting from midday.

27 August Sheep Dog Trials & Family Dog Show Whitchurch and Sampford Spiney Sheep Dog Trials and Family Dog Show started in 1974 in aid of St Andrew’s and St Mary’s Churches. The event returns to The Playing Field, Plasterdown (between Horrabridge and Sampford Spiney, SX518718) from 10am. The popular Family Dog Show is at 12.30pm plus stalls, games, other attractions, beer tent and refreshments. Adults £5, free entry for children, & free parking.

27 August, 24 September Tavistock Street Food Festival An array of mouth-watering street food will be on offer, including seafood, vegan, posh hotdogs, Mediterranean, Jamaican, and lots more for a delectable

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evening of food, drink and music in Tavistock’s historic Bedford Square. Chill whilst listening to live music from 5pm in Bedford Square, Tavistock; entry is free and free parking nearby.

items. Preview evening 6 Sep 7 to 9pm, and main exhibition open daily 10am to 5pm in Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock.

28 August

The fair returns from 9.30am to 7pm with a spectacular show of heavy horses, plus cattle, sheep, horse and dog shows, the ever-popular terrier race and vintage farm machinery. For those of an athletic disposition, there’s the Uncle Tom Cobley downhill race, bale tossing, and tug o’ war. Take a look around the local handicrafts and produce tent or check out local Devon food producers, offering everything from hog roast to Thai cuisine, as well as The Rugglestone, The Old Inn, and The Cafe on the Green. Entry: adults £10 (£8 in advance); children under 16 go free! Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome. For tickets and details see www. widecombefair.com

Summer Fete Turn back the clock and enjoy English tradition at its best at our summer fete in The Meadows, Tavistock. A fun, family-friendly day out with food & drink, artisan stalls, entertainment and live music, bouncy castle, face painting, traditional games and lots more! For your pooch, there’s a fun charity dog show too. And no summer fete would be complete without that most British of summer drinks – Pimms! 10:00-16:00, free entry, brought to you by Miss Ivy Events & Tavistock BID.

SEPTEMBER 4 September Dartmoor Pony & Dog Show Dartmoor Pony Moorland Show celebrates its 30th year with a combined pony and dog show from 10am at Old Playing Fields, Princetown. As well as ‘show’ classes for Dartmoor ponies, the Moorland Show is very much aimed at families, with lead rein classes for children (3 & upwards) and young handler classes (5-14 years). Pony classes £4 before 22/8 or £8 on the day. The Family Dog Show has 12 classes and entry is £1 - entries on the field from 10.30am and judging from 11am. Schedules from Anne Kelly, Duchy of Cornwall Office, Princetown, 01822 890205. Visitor admission is free and there will be refreshments and a raffle.

7 - 10 September Tavistock Group of Artists Exhibition Local artists and crafters will be exhibiting their latest works including abstract, landscape, watercolour, acrylic, oils and mixed media paintings. All artwork will be available for purchase along with prints, cards and small gift

13 September Widecombe Fair

there is full disabled access. Open Thursday 22nd 12-4.30pm, Friday 23rd 10-4pm, Saturday 24th 10am-4 pm. Entrance £2, children under 16 free. There will be a charity quilt raffle in aid of Dartmoor Search and Rescue. Refreshments available each day. Tavistock has 9 car parks, 3 of which have disabled parking. Enquiries please contact pennyknee@yahoo.co.uk.

A U C T I O N E E R S

VA L U E R S

WE ARE NOW CATALOGUING OUR AUTUMN SPECIALIST SALES

SILVER, GOLD, WATCHES & JEWELLERY

15 - 16 September 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.

Rolex wrist watches SOLD £16,000

ANTIQUES & ART

24 September All Things Green At the start of Great Big Green Week, All Things Green will be inviting organisations with an interest in the environment, the climate emergency and biodiversity to join a celebration of positive activity in Tavistock Library.

Sir David Wilkie (Attrib.) SOLD £16,000

COLLECTORS’ ITEMS

STAMPS, COINS, MEDALS & TOYS

29 September Shake the Shelves The line-up of local musicians hasn’t been confirmed yet but it will be an event not to be missed in Tavistock Library!

22 - 24 September Goosey Quilters, Devon Goosey Quilters are pleased to announce that their exhibition will be held at Tavistock Town Hall, Bedford Square, Tavistock, PL19 0AE, where

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Private collection of model railway SOLD £35,000

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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 11 - 13 Aug 3 Sept 15 - 16 Sept 1 Oct 12 Oct 20 - 22 Oct

Food & Craft Fair Tavistock Arts Market Makers Market Tavistock Arts Market Goose Fair Artisan Market 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

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WHAT’S ON

30 September

Until 1 September

Mondays & Wednesdays

Autumn Quiz

Dartmoor Dreams Exhibitions

Tavistock Area Men in Sheds

The Friends of Tavistock Library will be holding the Autumn Quiz at 7pm in the library - the quiz is gaining a reputation and will be a regular event.

REGULARS August (various dates) Higher Uppacott guided tours Experience a 14th century Dartmoor longhouse at Higher Uppacott - a medieval farmhouse (longhouse) in which people and cattle were accommodated under a single roof. Tours on 6 (6pm), 14, 17, 21, 29 August. Tours start at 10:30am (except on 6 Aug), last 90 minutes and cost £6 per person. Book on 01822 890414 or email visit@dartmoor.gov.uk.

Until 31 October Sir Edwin Lutyens exhibition ‘Ned’ Lutyens (1869-1944) was a highly respected architect, famed for his ability to adapt traditional architectural styles. He played a key role in designing and building New Delhi, and was responsible for many famous buildings and monuments here in the UK, including the Cenotaph in London’s Whitehall, and Devon’s own Castle Drogo. But did you know he also designed a gentleman’s residence right here in Tavistock? Tavistock Museum, Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 3pm

Until 31 October Judo, The Avengers and Me Chris Gallie, (stage name Cyd Child), was a stunt girl and European judo champion. She was the stunt double for Diana Rigg and Linda Thorsen in the Avengers, personal trainer for Joanna Lumley in the New Avengers and stunt double in numerous films. Exhibition at Tavistock Museum Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 3pm – her biography can also be purchased at the museum.

Through black and white photographs and poems, Carol Ballenger and John Powls celebrate a 25-year collaboration alongside their new book Dartmoor Dreams. Part 1 – Early Work can be seen at Princetown National Park Visitor Centre, 10am-4pm daily. A parallel exhibition, Dartmoor Dreams Part 2 New Work, will be showing throughout August at MAKE Southwest, Bovey Tracey, 11am-5pm.

Fridays in August Busking at The Box Inspired by the ‘because the night belongs to us’ exhibition, join us and The Box Kitchen & Bar for weekly acoustic performances by local musicians. Why not pop in to see the exhibition and then enjoy a drink and a bite to eat with the music, or stay for dinner afterwards. 4-6pm on Friday 5, 12, 19, 26 August; free admission.

Fridays Lydford Table Tennis Club

(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 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 our new website at tavistockwoodturners.org for details.

1st Saturday of month Tidy Tavi Litter Pick-Up 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.

PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB

We meet to enjoy social play each Friday afternoon at the Nicholls Hall, Lydford, from 1.30 to 4.00pm. It is a friendly, non- league session, with equipment provided plus tea/coffee. £3.00/session. Come and join us for fitness of mind and body.

The gigs are held at The Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill, Plymouth PL6 5DH starting at 7.30pm. Doors open 7.00pm and tickets are available on the door only. For further information visit plymouth-jazz-club.org. uk or phone 01752 290758.

Last Wed of month

Sunday 21 August

Tavistock Flower Club Would you like to join a warm and friendly group? We meet at 2pm in the Church Hall, United Reformed Church, Russell Street, Tavistock PL19 8BD for various activities: flower arranging, workshops, watching talented demonstrators, visiting the Devon & Cornwall Area Show and gardens; plus a chance to win flower arrangements in the raffle and meet new friends. For more information contact 01822 487202 or junecote629@btinternet.com; or visit devonandcornwallfloralart.org

The Mississippi Dreamboats A top-rated six-piece traditional jazz band inspired by the revival bands of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Admission £15 (members £12, full-time students £7)

Sunday 4 September Annika Skoogh – Celebrating Ladies of Jazz A very personal celebration of legendary jazz singers, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Blossom Dearie. Admission £12 (members £9, full-time students £7)

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WHAT’S ON

20 August, 3 & 24 September, 1 October

Jazz Cruise to Calstock A five-hour return cruise up the River Tamar to the swinging sound of the North Coast Joymakers, landing for one hour in Calstock. Take a picnic or order pasties in advance. Boat departs Commercial Wharf at 4.00 pm. Tickets £25.50 from Plymouth Boat Trips, (includes welcome abroad drink). 01752 253153 www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk

Sunday 18 September South West City Swing A five-piece good times band led by Miles Davis - swing and jazz from the 20s, 30s and 40s. Admission £12 (members £9, full-time students £7)

TAVISTOCK HERITAGE TRUST WALKS Walks start at 2pm from the Visitor Information Centre in Guildhall Square, Tavistock. Please wear suitable footwear and outer clothing. Tickets at eventbrite. co.uk - search Tavistock Guildhall.

6 August Tavistock Curiosities Join Simon Dell on this enlightening and curious stroll looking at the oddities of Tavistock which have been either overlooked or puzzled upon for decades. Simon walked the beat as a local policeman for four decades so had plenty of opportunity to find lost alleyways, little known abbey remains and curiosities hidden in plain sight! You are guaranteed to end this walk saying “Well, I didn’t know that!”

Heritage Introduction Discover Tavistock with this gentle overview of the colourful history and heritage of this 1,000-year-old World Heritage town. A 90-minute, 1-mile, predominantly flat walk takes you through ten centuries, revealing abbey and churches, mineral mining, the Industrial Revolution, the building of the canal and railways, and the influence of the Dukes of Bedford.

27 August The Canal A flat walk along the accessible route of the picturesque Tavistock Canal, from its source at Abbey Weir around 2.5 miles to Lumburn, where the canal originally branched off to the slate quarry at Mill Hill. Discover the role of the canal in developing the prosperity of Tavistock in the 19th century, pass the birthplace of Sir Francis Drake, and possibly spot the resident kingfisher! A 3-hour, 5-mile walk.

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

11 August: Richard Thomas A walk with the Admiral

Weddings flowers for life’s events creating georgously romantic & unique designs.

Workshops & demonstrations by an Academy of Floral Arts Tu t o r w i t h m a n y workshops to choose from

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The history of a suburban road. A simple story of a street, from land records in 1527 up to aerial photographs of the 21st century. You see the plans of the Victorian developer, meet the first families and follow the growth of the community up to the present day.

18 August: Ian Gasper The Galapagos: wildlife, birds and Darwin These hostile, yet beautiful volcanic isles have been so important in understanding how life on earth evolves. The talk provides a tour of most of the islands with photos of the flora and fauna: sea lions, giant tortoises, Darwin’s finches, giant prickly pear, Galapagos cotton, Scalesia forest, penguins and much more.

01 September: Peter Brinsden The fascinating art and culture of Japan Dr Peter Brinsden has a strong family connection with Japan and has visited it on many occasions, developing a deep interest in its unique and fascinating cultural traditions, which he looks at in this lecture, as well as sharing some of his travel stories.

15 September: Ian Kilpatrick Two great invasions of Russia Ian Kilpatrick talks about Napolean’s invasion of Russia under Tsar Alexander I in 1812, and Hitler’s invasion of Russia under Joseph Stalin in 1941. He explains why the invasions took place and why they failed. This talk is not a history RHS Chelsea Gold medalist Master Florist UK & US

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WHAT’S ON

lesson but a short resume of two historic events.

06 October: Peter Burkill Why bother understanding the Indian Ocean? Peter Burkill started an international programme of research on the Indian Ocean 7 years ago. You may think that the Indian Ocean is remote and not of interest, but it is warming extremely fast and the consequences for those living around the rim are very significant. His talk covers what we currently know of the Indian Ocean and what we need to know in the very near future.

YELVERTON & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY YDLHS meets on the third Tuesday of the month in Meavy Parish Hall at 7.30pm. The August event is outdoors.

16 August: Morwellham Walk A guided walk at Morwellham with Rick Stewart. Meet in main car park 6.45pm for 7pm start.

20 September: Joyce Reith My Wartime Years

PRINCETOWN HISTORY CLUB From September to May, the club meets at Princetown Community Centre at 19:00 for 19:30 start, on the first Tuesday of each month. In June, July and August, there are outdoor visits, usually involving a short walk - meet at 18:30 for 19:00 start. princetownhistoryclub.

weebly.com/programme.html.

2 August: Visit to Reverend Bray’s inscribed stonest Led by Dr James Fox. Meet in the car park opposite Two Bridges Hotel.

6 September: Mike Jeffrey Moretonhampstead Model Mill

4 October: Emma Cunis Dartmoor Women Through the Ages

MEAVY GARDEN SOCIETY Meetings normally start at 7.30pm in Meavy Parish Hall. Refreshments, time to chat and often plants for sale from 7pm. Visitors (£3) and new members always welcome. Enquiries 01822 852672 and 01822 852984. More details at www.meavy. org.uk/mgs

13 August: Summer Show A variety of classes, including flowering plants, vegetables, herbs, pot plants and flower arrangements. 1pm - 4pm in Meavy Parish Hall.

19 September: Jeremy Wilson The History of Tea in Relation to England

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 August: no meeting

13 September: Ben Mee Dartmoor Zoo - Ben brings us up to date with conservation work at the zoo.

11 October: AGM and Glen Bird The Bootneck Baker - Glen was in the final selection for The Great British Baker.

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 on the first Thursday of the month. During the summer months we take coach trips for lunch on the third Thursday of the month. Reservations and £10 deposit for coach trips are taken at the preceding meeting, or book with Mike on 01822 890799 or mikeandkate132@gmail.com.

Meetings: 4 August, 1 September, 6 October (Joyce Reith on Wartime Memories in Devon) Coach trips & lunch: 18 August, 15 September

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MUSIC AND ART

The Box Until Sunday 4 Sep

George Shaw: The Local The exhibition features the Turner Prize-nominated artist George Shaw, a Devon-based artist, living and working on the edge of Dartmoor. It focuses on three chapters of Shaw’s life, and the title ‘The Local’ references his personal experiences and observations of isolation, loss and belonging, as well as being a common way of referring to the nearest pub: a place anchored to the community and where experiences are shared. Shaw is known for his use of Humbrol enamel paint, and while landscape

is his main subject, his focus is always on the suburban surroundings of his childhood. ‘I would hope that the world the exhibition presents is one which others recognise, be it Midlanders, Plymothians or from the other side of the planet.’ (George Shaw) Until Sunday 4 Sep

because the night belongs to us Mod, hippy, punk or raver, all have found their time and space in Plymouth. ‘because the night belongs to us’ presents the story of Plymouth’s nightlife and culture over the past 60 years, exploring the fun, dangers, relationships, and drama that we form at night, from the Van Dike Club of the late 1960s to the world-famous Union Street and its club culture of the 1990s, from avant-garde jazz, through psychedelia, acid house and hardcore punk. The culmination of a five-year community engagement project, it has been developed with many contributions from the people of Plymouth.

Saturday 17 September

Suthering Julu Irvine and Heg Brignall are a couple in life and in music, and have taken the folk scene by storm with their unusual and fresh approach. They are true storytellers with beautifully matched voices, natural humour, and wonderful chemistry and charisma on stage. Their distinctive sound mixes dramatic piano, intricate, fingerstyle guitar, flute, whistles and harmonium, bringing an exciting take on folk storytelling while creating

new narratives for women and unearthing the female heroines of folk. The performance starts at 7.30pm at Brentor Village Hall and there will be a bar (120 mins run time with interval). Adult ticket £13, child £8 - tickets can be purchased at villagesinaction. co.uk/events/suthering For more details visit suthering. com or facebook.com/suthering

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MUSIC AND ART

Drawn to art, in all its forms… From painting, printmaking, metals, and textiles, to assemblage, jewellery, glass, and ceramics, there’s something to suit all tastes at Drawn to the Valley arts events this summer.

Gill Cairns - Dartmoor Impressions

Wednesday 3 to Sunday 7 August, 10am to 4.30pm

Tavistock Annual Summer Exhibition The artists’ collective kick off their showcase events at Butchers’ Hall, where around 100 of the group’s artists will be showing and selling their work. Laure Bury from Mary Tavy was one of the founder members in 2003. She will be exhibiting some of her most recent impressionistic oil paintings on canvas. Laure’s colourful paintings reflect her love of the place where she lives and the nature that flourishes in her partially-rewilded garden. Matt Kavanagh from Tavistock joined Drawn

Ceramicist Corrinne Wright Foliage inspired dishes

to the Valley last year and is exhibiting in the event for the first time. Matt’s drawings are quite extraordinary - he is a ballpoint pen artist, and his incredibly detailed pieces are created by using a Bic biro for his monochromes and Staedtler ballpoint pens for his colour drawings. Tavistock couple Gill and Andy Cairns will also be showing their diverse art: Gill is a collage, mixed media, textiles, and watercolour artist, while Andy works in assemblage, often using old, weathered materials that bring their own histories to the pieces.

27 August to 4 September

Open Studios 70 Drawn to the Valley artists will be taking part in this year’s Open Studios. The art trail meanders up the Tamar Valley on both sides of the river, from Plymouth and Rame on the south coast, up to Mary Tavy and Launceston. Some artists are joining together to offer a range of art in shared studios, including

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eight artists based at Tavistock Library, offering a series of demonstrations and workshops so you can try your hand at different techniques, from drawing to embroidery and jewellery making (£5 per workshop for materials). Pastels artist Daphne Leeworthy and acrylics painter John Pettitt, meanwhile, are holding their shared open studio at The Pavilion at Lydford Sports Hall. Within the West Devon and Dartmoor area, visitors can also visit solo open studios in Yelverton, Lewdown and Longcross, where ceramicist Corinne Wright is opening up her pottery and studio. Visit www. drawntothevalley.com for information on all events, artists, and locations.

16 September to 15 October

Drawn to Cotehele An exhibition at Cotehele House by Drawn to the Valley artists, inspired by the beautiful house, gardens and wider surroundings of Cotehele. National Trust admission price applies. Open daily 11am - 4pm.

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MUSIC AND ART

5 to 9 October, 13 to 16 October

Two Moors Festival Artistic director Tamsin Waley-Cohen, has chosen the theme of ‘Friendship’ for this year’s festival, reflecting the vital lifeline of friendships during the extended lockdowns and isolations of the last two years. The internationallyrenowned Two Moors Festival takes place over nine days: on Dartmoor from Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 October, and on Exmoor from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 October, and has been welcoming outstanding international artists and the rising stars of the next generation since 2001. Tickets are on sale now at www. twomoorsfestival.co.uk. Highlights of the 2022 festival on Dartmoor include:

I Fagiolini – ‘Re-Wilding The Waste Land’ at St Eustachius’ Church, Tavistock Performance of Schubert’s song cycles – Schubert’s Winterreise with Benjamin Appl and James Baillieu 150th anniversary celebrations for Ralph Vaughan Williams, and 400th for Matthew Locke, in Exeter Cathedral, where he once carved his name

IFagiolini: photo credit Matthew-Brodie

‘At the Schumanns’: three concerts at the historic country house of Great Fulford, near Exeter A family interactive concert in Chagford with the Albion Quartet

Fridays, 2 September to 7 October

Decoding History’s Art Join art historian Dr Geri Parlby on an artistic journey across 17th, 18th & 19th century Europe. Every piece of art can tell a story if you know how to read the clues. A 6-week course at Tavistock Guildhall from Friday 2 September, 10.30am to 12.30pm. £45.00 per person for the complete course or £8.00 per session, supporting Tavistock Heritage Trust. Bookings and Information via geri. parlby@heritageintavistock.org 2 September: Bernini to Fragonard From the power and glory of Italian Baroque sculpture and art to the

flirtatious French Rococo period 9 September: Hogarth, Reynolds, Stubbs and Gainsborough The great masters of British Art 16 September: The Age of Enlightenment, Revival and Revolution From England, France and Spain – the often anguished art of Jacques-Louis David and Francisco Goya

30 September: History Painting to Orientalism Drama and sex appeal in art from Théodore Géricault, Eugène Delacroix and Jean-Auguste Ingres 7 October: 19th Century Realism A raw new world through the eyes of Gustave Courbet, Jean-François Millet and the Barbizon School

23 September: The Birth of Romanticism From mystical Blake and Fuseli to the contrasting landscapes of Constable and Turner

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Representing the region’s ﬁnest artists See the website for events , opening times & further info plus view our online gallery

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

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TRADE SECRETS

Quilt Direct

Where did the business start and how has it developed over the years?

It all began in 1986 when I opened a needlework shop in Paddons Row, Tavistock, called Moor Silks and Yarns. Over the years the business has evolved and grown, I moved from Paddons Row to bigger premises on Market Street, Tavistock, before realising my dream and creating an online store. In 2018 we moved into our current premises in Pitts Cleave, just outside Tavistock and we’ve not looked back since! We are proud to say we now have two teaching studios and stock over 14,000 items.

How did you learn about the art of sewing? Having come from a family of sewers, I have always had a keen interest in

all things sewing. I found out several years after setting up my shop to my surprise my great grandmother was actually a professional quilt maker. My Aunt was also a skilled seamstress and created a Princess Ann ‘Sindy’ wedding dress within 2 hours of seeing the original. So, I guess it was in my genes.

What is the most ambitious quilted item you have created?

That’s a tough one but, I’d have to say creating three different sampler quilts in 3 weeks during lockdown was quite a challenge. We took part in the Moda ‘Stitch Pink’ Challenge for breast cancer in 2020 and we created four different colour ways for our customers to choose from. This was not made any easier by the lack of supply of fabrics and threads at this time.

What products does Quilt Direct offer? We stock everything sewing related. From hand sewing needles

to top of the range Bernina sewing overlocker & longarm machines and everything in between. We are also the only stockists in the UK of Accuquilt, a Fabric Cutting System.

What additional services can customers take advantage of?

We have 5 Bernina longarm quilting machines and offer a quilt finishing service but we are passionate and always encourage people to come along and learn how to use the longarm machines and finish their own quilts. After spending so many hours putting a quilt together it is very rewarding to finish it yourself too. We have two spacious teaching rooms where we offer demonstrations on Bernina & Accuquilt products, host our tuition and have visiting guest tutors too. We also offer a click and collect service so you can order online and pick up in store, where you will be assured a friendly face and warm welcome when popping in to pick up your sewing supplies.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I enjoy resourcing, working, and practicing with the best quality products and then helping customers achieve the best possible results whatever project they are working on. It makes me so proud to know have helped so many customers achieve so much enjoyment with their precious sewing time in my past 36 years in the business.

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BUSINESS

New water treatment and control system on borehole

AquaTech Water Services AquaTech Water Services is a small, well established, family run business providing a personal yet professional approach to supplying and improving your private water supply, whether commercial or domestic. We offer a complete service for affordable and reliable private water systems, including surveying and consultancy, system design and installation, servicing and maintenance, 24/7 breakdown cover and emergency work, renovations and the installation of new supplies. We are registered with Trading Standards on their ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme for your peace of mind, and are also members of the Federation of Small Businesses. Our business founders are Richard and Jan Wood, who started the business in 2009. Richard is a qualified electronics engineer, combining his agricultural background with many years’ experience in the private water industry, while Jan has extensive knowledge of administration and the daily running of a business. Richard and Jan are now semi-retired, but Richard conducts our borehole surveys, still offering his experience in new supplies. Dom Halley and Jess Wood manage the day-to-day running of the business, with the support of our trusted water engineers and office staff. Dom is our lead role, offering his consultation, technical advice and

knowledge to the team and customers alike. Jess runs the office side of the business, along with Claire; their many years of office experience enable them to offer an expert and individual service. Our engineers: Rich, Toby, Dave and Joe, carry out our maintenance, breakdowns, installations, water testing and delivery services. With all their different qualities and experience, we have an engineer for every job. Over the years, the business has grown successfully, increasing our number of employees, customers and knowledge and fine-tuning our systems to offer the best system we can. We can offer our expertise to anyone who has private water, including golf courses, farms, domestic properties and commercial sites. We also work with all supplies, including wells, springs and boreholes

Aqua Tech Water Services

and can offer all kinds of equipment including water storage, alarm systems, many different kinds of pumps and control systems, and bespoke treatment to suit the individual water quality. Having the freedom of your own private water supply starts with an excellent design and quality equipment. We design a complete water system suited to you, your property and the usage required, giving you high quality water that is clean, safe and palatable. If you would like help with an existing or new supply, with servicing the water treatment you already have or advice on potential improvements, please feel free to contact us at 01409 241312 or email us at aquatechwaterservices@ gmail.com. Please visit our website to find out more at www.aquatechwaterservices.co.uk.

Wells • Boreholes Servicing • Breakdowns Control systems pumps • Filtration

Private Water Engineers www.aquatechwaterservices.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

A quick guide to sweet wines and sweetness in wine Let’s start by clarifying what a dry wine is. Wine is made by mushing up (technical jargon!) grapes. Yeast then eats the sugar in the grapes, turning it into alcohol. If all the sugar is eaten, the wine is ‘dry’ meaning it has no sweetness. This is different to the dry sensation tannins create in your mouth. Coming from grape skins, stalks, seeds and sometimes from oak barrels, tannins can help age wines and are mainly found in red wine - they are more of a texture than a flavour. If a customer asks for something ‘not too dry’ they normally mean something with low tannins. To make wine sweet, you stop the yeast from eating all the sugar (for example by filtering it out) so the remaining sugar provides sweetness. Sugar or concentrated grape juice gets added sometimes, but usually with cheaper products - this is called chaptalisation (because in the wine world everything needs a fancy word!). Most confusion around HOW sweet wine is, arises from the numerous - not always helpful - terms in use. Some

are ‘official’ terms used in the trade, while others have been invented to try and describe sweetness in layman terms. When faced with a wine list, ‘offdry’ means there is a little sweetness in a white wine, whilst ‘medium sweet’ is used to describe reds with some sweetness. Why? No idea. You may hear other terms such as semi-sweet, semi-dry or medium. It’s unnecessarily confusing, so most wine lists have a 1-5 scale of sweetness to help you! Within ‘sweet’ there is still quite a range, so here are some clues. Lighter sweet wines are usually paler in colour with lower levels of alcohol. Ice wines may be as low as 6%; wines such as Rutherglen Muscat are deeply coloured and around 17%; fortified wines have spirit added to them and usually start at 20% ABV. There are many different styles of sweet or dessert wines, made in wildly different ways! Ice wine involves letting grapes freeze on the vine, then crushing them to remove the water, leaving a concentrated

and incredibly pure juice. Rutherglen Muscats are made in Australia in furnace-like sheds! Both are delicious but very different. The epitome of dessert wine making involves a form of grey rot! Botrytis Cinerea is a form of rot that coats grapes, gently piercing the skin and allowing water to evaporate. The grapes become raisin-like and have to be picked laboriously by hand to separate them from ‘healthy’ grapes. Unique conditions are needed - the vineyard must be misty in the mornings and bright and sunny in the afternoons. Many of the world’s most famous dessert wines are made this way, Sauternes and Tokaji for example. Dave Anning

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FOOD & DRINK

Pan-roasted venison steak With poached rhubarb and rhubarb coulis, and a red wine and thyme jus Recipe by Robin Bickley, Head Chef of Drake Manor Inn

Ingredients 4 X 8oz venison steaks Unsalted butter for cooking

Red wine & thyme jus 2 cloves garlic

2 shallots Thyme Bay leaves 1 tbsp butter 250ml red wine 250ml Beef stock 2tsp veal jus

Poached rhubarb 1 stick rhubarb

4 tbsp caster sugar 4-5 tbsp water

Rhubarb coulis 2 sticks rhubarb

Recipe To make the jus, add the sliced shallots to a pan on a low heat with a drop of oil. When soft, add the garlic and thyme, and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add the bay leaves and red wine, reduce it to half and add the stock. Continue to reduce. Prepare all the rhubarb by removing leaves, and cutting into 1-inch pieces. For the poached rhubarb, bring the water to the boil, add the sugar and mix it through. Add one stick of rhubarb and boil for 4 minutes until it is soft but holding its shape. Drain the rhubarb pieces, retaining the cooking liquor. Add the coulis rhubarb to the liquor, boil for 6 minutes, or until soft. Remove the rhubarb and blend till smooth, adding some of the cooking liquor to add sweetness (any left-over liquor is

great with a dessert). Pass the coulis through a sieve and put it in the fridge to thicken. Oil and season the venison steaks generously with salt and pepper. Put a heavy-based frying pan on the stove to heat with a touch of oil. When hot add the steaks. Sear on both sides ensuring they have good colour, add butter, turn the heat down and baste. Cook to personal preference - I recommend medium rare for this dish. Allow to rest for a few minutes before plating. Finish the jus by whisking in the veal jus and the unsalted butter to give it richness and shine. Put it through a sieve to remove onions and herbs. Assemble the dish; we serve it with hasselback potatoes, cauliflower puree and tenderstem broccoli with almonds.

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HISTORY

Mary Anning her life and work Mary Anning, the celebrated fossil collector of Lyme Regis, was nominated as a Royal Society Local Hero in 2009 and one of the ten most influential women in the history of science. Mary was born on 21 May 1799 into a poor family with ten children, only two of whom survived to adulthood. Lyme Regis was then a very important holiday destination for the middle classes who were prevented from going abroad by the Napoleonic Wars. Her father supplemented the income from his carpentry business, by collecting and selling fossils to tourists. When Mary was one year old, she and some adults were sheltering under a tree during a storm. Unfortunately, the tree was struck by lightning and she was the only survivor, although afterwards she was said to be much livelier and more intelligent. She had no formal education except learning to read and write at Sunday school. The rest of her knowledge was self-taught - she spent many hours copying out scientific papers to learn about geology. Mary was very keen on helping her father with the fossil collecting and cleaning, and learned her skills from him. When he died at a young age, after a fall from a cliff, she was able to take on the fossil business to support her family, which included her mother and her brother Joseph.

fossil when she was just twelve years old. She sold the fossil and it was put on display, but even with the fossil sales, the Annings were still poor. Fortunately, a friend who bought fossils from them, Lieutenant Colonel James Birch, decided to sell his fossil collection and give the money to the Anning family. Mary’s fossil discoveries also attracted the attention of some of the leading geologists and palaeontologists of the day. These were emerging sciences at the time and the scientists who

Credited to ‘Mr Grey’ in Crispin Tickell’s book ‘Mary Anning of Lyme Regis’ (1996)

the forefront of these new sciences. They visited Mary at Lyme Regis and bought fossils from her, as well as collecting fossils with her and often presenting the finds as their own work without reference to Mary. The large fossil reptiles Mary found, such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, caused great excitement and much debate at the time. The fossils embedded in the rock layers were beginning to cast doubt on the theory that God had created all creatures on the earth at once, and challenged the teachings of the church.

The fossils Mary found were sea creatures, as the cliffs around Lyme Regis were once the bed of a shallow sea. She found fossils such as ammonites and belemnites which were related to present day molluscs, such as squid. In 1811 Mary and Joseph unearthed a reptile known as an ichthyosaur, and Mary went on to organise the excavation of this huge

collaborated with Mary included William Buckland, William Conybeare, Henry de la Beche and Gideon Mantell, who were at

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Mary made one trip away from Lyme

HISTORY Below: ichthyosaur

ammonites

Regis, travelling to London by boat to see her fossils on display at the British Museum. She stayed with the Muchisons who were also keen fossil collectors. Mary eventually received some recognition for her work when fossil species were named after her, including a fish and a belemite. In 1846 she was made an honorary member of The Geological Society of London and received a pension from the government in addition to a yearly grant from The British Association for the Advancement of Science, in recognition of her contributions to geology. Mary’s fossil discoveries had a huge influence on Darwin’s book, On the Origin of Species, which states that all species evolved from a common ancestor. Mary died of breast cancer in 1847 aged just 48, and a stained-glass window was placed in the local church in her honour. Her gravestone at Lyme Regis, which she shares with her brother

The Cobb Lyme Regis

Joseph and some of his children, has recently been restored with permission from Sir Crispin Tickell, one of Mary’s descendants. Mary Anning’s work has been hugely motivational for women in science, as she came from a poor, working class background, and yet through her acquired knowledge of geology, she was able to converse with some of the leading scientists of her day. Her life and work have been the inspiration for numerous books including

adult and children’s books, as well as a recent film called Ammonite, which revealed unknown aspects of her life. On 21 May this year, 223 years after her birth, a bronze sculpture of Mary Anning was unveiled on Lyme Regis seafront, on the corner of Long Entry and Gun Cliff Walk, overlooking the beach where she made some of her greatest discoveries – she remains a true inspiration. Dr Ann Pulsford

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

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OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE

Out and About with Tavistock Ramblers A lovely 4½-mile walk (that can easily be shortened to 2¾ miles by just doing the first loop) down to the River Tamar, with John Noblet of Tavistock Ramblers. Follow the riverside path through woods and meadows with views across the river to Calstock and Cotehele and under the iconic railway viaduct. Park at Bere Alston station (SX440674). Good paths and tracks. Downhill to start but uphill coming back! 1. Walk away from the station building towards the lane and go sharp left up the concrete track, signed as a bridleway, that climbs alongside the

car park. Walk past houses on the right and a disused railway cutting on the left to reach a path junction. Continue straight ahead on a lesser path towards woodland. After passing under an old railway bridge there are good views across the Tamar Valley. 2. Turn left at a T-junction down another concrete track. Pass a house called Kingston and bear left, signed to Tuckermarsh Farm. Fork left onto a footpath into the woods. This very old

footpath descends gently downhill with a stream on the right. Ignore a footpath on the right to reach a tarmac lane at the bottom. 3. Continue ahead towards some palm trees and follow the footpath in front of the cottages. This is Tuckermarsh Quay, once a hive of activity on the River Tamar. There are views of Calstock on the Cornish side of the river and the impressive railway viaduct. Go through a gate, keeping alongside the river.

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OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE

Cross a small stream, where once there was another small quay and, ignoring the track coming down from the left, go straight ahead up a short steep path which bends to the left and continues alongside the river. 4. Ignore several side paths to reach a footpath sign going steeply down a few steps to the river. The path now continues along a flood prevention embankment towards the viaduct. This impressive structure, completed in 1908, is built of concrete and carries the Tamar Valley branch line 120’ above the river. 5. Go under the viaduct and continue on the riverside path. On the far side are old quays which once shipped ore from the local mines. The prominent building on the bend of the river was built in the 19th century and was, for many years, a small hotel. Cotehele House can be glimpsed in the trees and Cotehele Quay is further downstream. Go over a stile and bear right, still alongside the river.

6. Pass the ruins of an old stone building to reach a gateway. Go left, and immediately left again into an old green lane. Cross the lane to North Ward Farm and continue ahead on a track with a hedge on the left. This track can often be muddy but there are great views across fields to the viaduct. 7. Go through a gate onto a lane and turn left. Go under the viaduct and continue straight on between farm buildings. Go sharp left just before the farmhouse to meet the riverside path again. Turn right and walk back to the steps passed earlier. 8. Go right at the top and almost immediately left up a path that climbs steadily through the woodland. Bear left at the top. There are old mine shafts and a few ruins on the left. Go through a kissing gate into a field. Bear left across

the field to reach another kissing gate. Go right on the lane, under a double bridge and back to the station.

Tavistock Ramblers walk on most Saturdays and Sundays, and some Wednesdays. There is a mix of short walks and longer all day hikes to suit all. 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. Two books of Tavistock District walks and several leaflets of walks in the area are available in the Tavistock Information Centre.

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TECH HELP

Online security tips and tricks The big discussion we are having at the moment with a number of clients, especially businesses, is around security, as there are a number of scams doing the rounds via text, phone and email. So, we have a number of tips and tricks to help keep you safe and secure online. We just want to remind you that Microsoft, BT, TalkTalk, HSBC, TSB etc will NEVER call you to say you have a problem with your PC or device and that they want access to fix it. If you ever get these calls, hang up. If you get the ones where they are threatening to cut you off, again hang up and leave the phone for a short period of time. Additionally, there are scam emails such as one supposedly from Morrisons that has done the rounds, saying you can win a £500 voucher; if you click on it, it asks if you have a Paypal account and if you can log into it to be entered in the draw for a chance of winning. Don’t do it! We are noticing that a number of people don’t think about their security online especially when it comes to social media accounts. We highly recommend adjusting your settings on Facebook to ‘Friends only’ and ensure any contact information such as email or phone numbers are set to ‘Only me’ meaning that only you can see your them and nobody else. You can do this with your date of birth as well. When posting online be extra-vigilant about what you are posting and where you post it. For example, there have been a number of ‘perfectly innocent’ social media posts going around which ask you to tag friends and fill out things such as favourite movie, favourite animal, your nickname as a kid etc. However what people forget by doing these fun, little posts with friends and family is that if these posts are not ‘locked down’ to

only friends and family (plus your friend’s account might be set as public), then every man and his dog can now see that information…which, when you think about it, covers the security questions that are often asked by companies to help secure your online accounts. This year we are looking to do group bookings for anyone wishing to know more about securing themselves online. To express interest in this please visit www.abcservice.co.uk/ computer/events

IT Consultancy

Would you like an IT audit carried out on your business? A full audit is carried out and then a report is supplied afterwards identifying potential risks and what needs to be done to remedy those risks. Contact us today for further information.

ABC Guard

We are now in full swing with ABC Guard, powered by Emsisoft - a little leaflet is available about this at reception OR hop online to have a little nosey and see what it offers at abcservice.co.uk/computer/computer-security

Archie’s Corner

We now have the Archie the Husky calendars available - we provide either pre-printed calendars with Archie the Husky illustrations throughout OR personalised ones. For the personalised ones you supply 12 photos which are then inserted into a template ideally photos need to be high resolution. Personalised calendars £15, pre-printed £10 – for details see www.archiethehusky.co.uk

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Moor Links August/September 2022

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