Moor Links February/March 2023

WHAT’S ON

DEVON FREEWHEELERS

Delivering blood 24/7

WOODSIDE

Helping and rehoming pets

A PLACE OF REFUGE

A local history of refugees

LOCAL PEOPLE

SIMON SOMETIMES: MUSICIAN

MICHELLE STACEY: YOGA INSTRUCTOR

The deadline date for any inclusions in the April/May issue of Moor Links will be 24th February 2023.

THE LINKS TEAM

Publisher: Tim Randell 07450 161 929

Editor: Rosemary Best

Please send editorial to rosemary.best@linksmagazines.co.uk

Advertising:

Jane Daniel 07772 619 808

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Design

Sara Venner, Julian Rees

Copywriter

Nichola Williams

In a world of change…

Change is a fact of life, and sometimes we feel it’s an improvement and at other times a backward step or worse - as we left 2022 behind, I’m sure there was much we hoped would be transformed in 2023. We have also probably all become more adaptable since the lifestyle changes forced upon us during the pandemic, but there are traditions, celebrations, and regular events which give our lives stability, and it’s important to hold onto them.

The plight of refugees is often in the news and our history article looks at refugees who have arrived in the South West over the years, including a moving account of a local Ukrainian traditional Christmas celebration on 7 January. In a changing world we can also be grateful for the loyal commitment of volunteers; in our feature article you can read about the heroic band of volunteer blood bikers who courier blood, samples, and medications to help patients and support the NHS, whilst our charity focus explains how Woodside volunteers strive to find the right home for each pet in their care. However, our two local people have both embraced change, using it as a power for good to improve their lives.

You can tell spring is on its way when the first snowdrops appear followed by the daffodils and there are several flower festivals to visit. The Box has a whole new programme of art exhibitions for 2023 and there’s the opportunity to catch a variety of music concerts from classical to folk and jazz, as well as everything from markets and shows, to talks and walks.

Rosemary Best Editor

Front cover artwork: ‘I’m still here’ by Alli Cragg. See Tavistock Picture

Framing Gallery on page 43.

@moorlinks

If you have had a blood sample taken by your doctor for testing, have you ever considered who took it to the hospital laboratory for you?

Chances are it was a volunteer blood biker from the Devon Freewheelers charity – a group of men and women from across the county who each evening pull on their leathers and helmet, and head out on the charity’s motorbikes (and cars), often riding late into the night, quietly collecting hundreds of samples from medical centres and doctors’ surgeries in our towns and villages. This free, daily, out-of-hours, reliable courier service was set up in 2009 to save the NHS money – in the past, it was not unheard of for samples to be taken to the hospital laboratory by taxi, at huge cost. Thanks to the Devon Freewheelers’ volunteers, surgeries and medical centres signing up for the charity’s free help can arrange for their samples to be picked up even when they are closed –meaning they can run later clinics for their patients.

The charity is made up of a team of trained volunteer riders, drivers, call handlers and fundraisers - all dedicated to providing a 24/7 service, delivering blood, medical test samples, medication, medical equipment and patient notes to support the NHS. Each month the team travels hundreds of miles, transporting thousands of samples. The role of the Devon Freewheelers does not end there – the volunteers regularly transport breast milk to aid vulnerable babies in neonatal units across Devon, and collect from mums donating their own milk. Devon Freewheelers also proudly supports Devon Air Ambulance (DAA), transporting freeze-dried blood

plasma, called LyoPlas, from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital to DAA’s air bases in North Devon and Exeter.

Nigel Hare, operations director at Devon Air Ambulance, said: “Devon Freewheelers has supported Devon Air Ambulance for many years. The nature of pre-hospital care means we cannot predict when a patient might need our critical care doctors and paramedics to administer life-saving treatment, which also means we cannot predict when we require replacement LyoPlas to be delivered. We are incredibly grateful for the service Devon Freewheelers provides, often with minimal notice, as it ensures our team always have LyoPlas available to administer to patients in their time of need.”

Dave Cook, a Devon Freewheelers volunteer rider who coordinates Devon riders in the east and north, and also transports LyoPlas to the air ambulance, said: “We understand that when we collect anything upward of 10 blood or fluid samples from a medical centre, each of those samples is the medical wellbeing of an individual, who has had it taken for a reason. They’re tested by a pathology or microbiology lab for confirmation of a medical professional’s initial diagnosis. Until those results are filtered back to the doctor, nurse or midwife, so that appropriate treatment can be administered, the anxiety of the patient is increased by simply not knowing what their medical predicament is. That’s ten-plus quality-oflife issues that, as a rider, we are responsible for delivering safely and quickly to their destination. That responsibility gives me enormous pride in how we as volunteers are serving the community, improving people’s quality of life.”

Devon Freewheelers

Each day, from early afternoon, the phone call collection requests come thick and fast into the office at the charity’s headquarters, in Honiton, as medical centres and doctors’ surgeries arrange for a blood biker to take their day’s samples to the many Devon hospital laboratories. No appeal for help is ever turned down – and if an urgent request comes in, the rally call goes out to the charity’s team of loyal volunteers; the blood bikers are quick to act, instantly dropping whatever they are doing to respond.

Dave Cook added: “Because of the nocturnal life of a blood biker, we don’t normally meet any of the recipients of the commodities we collect and deliver around the county. A huge proportion of the community who attend surgeries probably aren’t even aware of our involvement. We occasionally meet medical professionals at hospital. The staff are always so appreciative of our services and occasionally learn for the first time of our volunteer status.

“Having been a blood biker for nearly ten years I’m as motivated and enthusiastic now as I was when I first joined. Having had lots of personal family involvement with the NHS in the past, I know a fast, professional, and reliable courier service is crucially important for the welfare of others. I wear the Devon Freewheelers emblem with the same pride as I would a medal, and am privileged to highlight the role of the charity to anyone who’ll listen.”

Blood biker Emma Pring said: “In 2012 I had a brain haemorrhage and as a result I can no longer give blood. I was distraught and it really saddened me beyond anything else I had to deal with. After my recovery I needed something to give back. I had already got my licence and the IAM qualification, so knew I could join up with the Devon Freewheelers. Every time I go on duty, I know it is my little way of giving something back and helping people around the west of Devon. As a female blood biker, I thought the response from people may have been different towards me, but I get ‘good on you girl’ when I tell them that I ride the bikes.”

Retired police officer Phil Hicks, who serves Plymouth and the west area as a blood biker and driver, said: “It is great being a blood biker as everywhere I go, people are always so happy to see us. I have been doing it for about 14 months now and on several occasions, I have been personally thanked by the public for doing the job.”

Jamie Rutherford, a West Devon volunteer, said: “After a long shift, one cold night outside Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, I returned to the bike after dropping off the samples to find a lovely block of M&S millionaire’s shortbread on the bike seat; a guy was leaving, he just said ‘thanks’ and walked off.”

For more information, to donate, or volunteer, see devonfreewheelers.org.uk

Find Your Fire

Lettings took her all over Devon, visiting many interesting properties, and people. She also spent numerous hours talking to landlords and tenants, using her communication and problem-solving skills to the full, as she liaised with both parties to maintain good relationships, ensure properties were well maintained and legal procedures observed.

Michelle Stacey was the owner and managing director of M&B Residential Lettings, however having worked with the company for 15 years, she is now pursuing a very different career.

Keen to leave school at 16, Michelle started an apprenticeship with a Tavistock letting agency, where she soon realised she had found an occupation that suited her. From there followed a steady but ambitious career path in property management and lettings, as she gained qualifications and accrued many years of experience as a property agent before gradually working her way into the position of owning her own company. Her work at M&B Residential

It was a complex and often demanding environment, which Michelle admits took its toll over the years. She describes herself as an empath, and although a keen sense of empathy was a huge attribute in terms of carrying out her role, the constant need for empathy in a people-focused business was draining. An empath needs time to recharge their own emotional battery after giving so much of themselves to others, and Michelle found that her life/work balance didn’t allow for this. She reached a stage where she felt her empathy had been exhausted and this began to impact on her job satisfaction, as well as on her life and health. She knew something had to change, and she eventually made the difficult decision to sell the business. Working initially with the new owners to ensure a smooth transition for landlords and tenants, she left the company in March 2022.

People often reach their forties and change career or rethink aspects of

their lives, but it takes enormous courage to sell a thriving business and start afresh in a different terrain. Michelle’s personality radiates energy and it would be utterly impossible to imagine her sitting back and taking it easy. And so of course she hasn’t, and instead she’s started a new career - this time as a yoga instructor. Michelle has attended pole fitness classes for the last eight years and they have been a way to engage her energy, or work out her feelings after a bad day, so she investigated training in other stress relieving techniques. She qualified in Swedish massage, Indian head massage and aromatherapy before choosing yoga after attending a few classes herself. She is disparaging about her lack of flexibility – but has set herself a personal goal of doing the splits. However, since she started her classes in Yelverton and Plympton last year, this refreshingly, unintimidating approach to yoga is drawing in men and women of all ages, experience and levels of fitness to try out the benefits.

Michelle completed 200 hours of yoga training to qualify as an instructor, but as she was nearing her exam one of her teachers suggested that in addition to traditional yoga, she might enjoy more energetic forms. This encouraged her to explore dynamic yoga and also buti yoga with a London teacher,

Sara Fakih, whom she continues to work with closely. Michelle finds buti yoga sessions exhausting and limits the number she takes each week, but she has also found they bring people together and are emotionally empowering. Buti yoga is rapidly increasing in popularity, although Michelle is currently the only instructor in the South West.

Michelle says: “Two years ago, I would probably have said I didn’t have time for yoga. My stress levels built up with a repeated pattern of keeping busy and ignoring the warning signs. Self-acceptance is the key and then you can start to address issues. I feel fulfilled now, I’ve made some very good friends and I’ve also been able to laugh a lot! I am a bit surprised by my own success but I love seeing people enjoy the classes, and find a new sense of confidence they can also take into the outside world.”

Rosemary Best

Michelle instructs in the following types of yoga as well as pole fitness. She is also available for group parties and one-to-one sessions. For more details see Facebook: FindYourFire.Yoga.Pole or contact her on 07795 071843.

Gentle flow yoga: a gentle blend of traditional yoga, finding correct alignment and balance in the pose, whilst incorporating breath for a deeper stretch.

Vinyasa yoga: featuring variable poses strung together seamlessly, using breath.

Hot core yoga: a flowing yoga class designed to warm up

and build strength in the core muscles.

Dynamic yoga: fun, energetic and suitable for all levels, focusing on building muscles and burning calories.

Buti yoga: a music-guided workout combining cardio bursts and deep core conditioning, interwoven with primal movements.

A change of tune

Musician, Simon Sometimes is a teacher, and a creative. Of late, he has shaken off the dust and blossomed through the discovery of a whole new musical world. He is now keen to inspire others to fulfil their potential, lift their heads and take to life’s exciting stage, for there is much to explore.

In the early eighties, Sheffield was humming with new bands all jostling for fame. ABC and The Human League were forging a path and Simon felt it could be a golden ticket out of Sheffield. He formed a group with some school friends and with youthful naivety, they cut a record and played some gigs. They entered a Battle of the Bands contest at The Leadmill, and found themselves alongside a fresh-faced Jarvis Cocker. Simon says they were great times, but the band had limited experience and certainly not the necessary selfpromotion skills and confidence to go all the way.

Simon broke out of the steel works community and surprised both himself and his family by taking a fine art degree in Stoke-on-Trent. Being a rather serious young man, he did not take to the life of the hedonistic student but made the best of his time, painting in the

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studio. He was introduced to volleyball which was the start of a long career, both as a player in the English National League, and a coach for teams including Sheffield, Birmingham, Warwick Riga and Torexe. He only stopped playing a few years ago having taken part in tournaments all over Europe.

Simon married in 1993 and they moved to Birmingham. He took a post graduate teaching degree and was soon covering for a friend teaching art in a local, urban secondary school. Within six months he was head of department teaching art and photography. After the birth of their daughter, the family moved to Devon and Simon took up a post which would last for 17 years, teaching at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton.

For his 50th birthday, his second wife, Sally bought him a ukulele, so he taught himself some chords and began to pick out tunes. Simon met with like-minded people in Tavistock and they formed a community group, playing regularly in the area. He also tapped into a world of ukulele enthusiasts online. In 2016, Simon took part in a teaching exchange program with a school in Canberra, Australia. He and Sally spent a fabulous year living the life of Aussie natives, and

Simon continued to coach volleyball. He also joined UROC, the Ukulele Republic of Canberra and was delighted to play at the Newcastle Ukulele Festival, New South Wales and at the National Folk Festival in Canberra.

Returning to Devon, Simon began teaching at Mount Kelly part-time. He and Sally became vegan and lived a simple, low impact life. He also entered a song-writing competition called Talent is Timeless (TIST), part of a Covid lockdown project set up by Saskia Griffiths Moore, to connect and inspire song-writing for the over 50s. Through this global, age-positive, song-writing community, Simon gained the confidence to step out of his comfort zone. Benefitting from masterclasses in song-writing and monthly competitions, he embraced the opportunity to learn, write and play. Exploring themes relevant to us all and enjoying delving into some serious topics, his songs take a peek into an uncertain future. He is particularly interested in community and connection, and his deceptively, simple melodies weave together politics, philosophy, the environment and, of course, love.

Simon has come full circle, gigging and even, cutting a record. As part of TIST’s ‘create and release’ initiative, he wrote, recorded and released his single, ‘Dance through time’ which is available on Spotify, YouTube and all the major music platforms. Forty years after performing on stage at The Leadmill in Sheffield, Simon finds it a little difficult to believe that those early dreams are now being fulfilled. He embarked on a mini tour last October to launch his new single, appearing at The Camden Club in London, and Too Hoppy and The Printworks in Tavistock, alongside Franklin St, Rebecca Richards and Ken Orchard, for a beautiful evening of music and poetry. He is gradually building a loyal following in the area and further afield. Rediscovering music has been a fabulous experience and he is keen to continue pushing himself and inspiring others to get off the sofa, switch off the phone and embrace something new, exciting and maybe even, life-changing.

Nichola Williams

For details of where to see Simon perform check out simonsometimes.com and Facebook: Simon Sometimes, or if you are an avid festival goer then you can see him at The Green Gathering, Chepstow this August.

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust

While Woodside may appear to many as a pet re-cycling centre, in reality it’s much, much more. From its very conception over forty years ago at the boarding business of Carole Bowles and her late husband Dave, neutering has been the charity’s preferred tactic in the battle to reduce the frightening numbers of surplus pets needing help. From that day to this, Carole has always worked without a salary and was awarded the MBE in 2000 for her services to animal welfare. As subsidising strays through dog boarding started to take over, Carole moved to Elfordleigh and the Woodside Animal Welfare Trust became a registered charity, gradually evolving from a shanty town of donated sheds and portacabins, to today’s purpose designed sanctuary. Complete with an on-site neuter clinic, exercise fields and eco ponds with naturalised surroundings for wildlife, this is a shelter that encompasses the full spectrum of quality care, even down to low-cost neutering for owned pets (ring 01752 347503 for details, conditions apply). While initially starting with dogs, cats and rabbits soon followed and now most varieties of companion animals - up to

17 different species - are cared for in a beautiful countryside setting adjacent to Cann Woods.

Along with many other widespread locations around Plymouth, much of the Tavy and Moor Links area comes under the Woodside Animal Welfare Trust’s busy catchment range. Often covering 100 miles a day, Woodside’s community welfare van is highly important to the charity, and frequently relies on local supporter knowledge of vulnerable pets and their often-overwhelmed owners. One harrowing expedition, in partnership with the RSPCA, resulted in 29 un-neutered and neglected cats being removed from a household. Welfare officer Ange Quin was relieved to get the cats into care but felt saddened for the elderly owner who just didn’t know how to cope with the constant additions of kittens.

Tavistock has an additional connection with Woodside though, with its charity shop at No. 3 North Street which passed its twenty-year anniversary last November. As with all Woodside shops, fair pricing ensures a quick turnover, meaning fresh bargains for shoppers looking for a variety of goods. Unlike many shops today, dogs are warmly welcomed and several have learned to drag their owners inside towards the awaiting jar of treats.

Carole tells us: “Pet ownership has changed enormously since we began and we now have additional problems we would never have thought of back then. We had a joke that most of our dogs were collie crosses, now there are more full pedigree or designer mixes – and this is no improvement. We now have to cope with a host of expensive genetic complaints that owners fail to research before spending a fortune on a new pet.” While Covid pets continue to arrive now that working from home has stopped for many, foreign imports have also joined the rescue queue. Many pets settle well into family life, however others used to a pack life on the street are hard to train and can be destructive. Adoption is Woodside’s preferred choice, but it also offers permanent home-like units for those whose age and medical issues prevent this. Pets in Dunroamin and The Mews for example, quickly become favourites of staff and volunteers. Woodside does not euthanise unless an animal is beyond veterinary help or proven dangerous.

Anyone interested in adoption is advised to phone for full information and see if their location is covered for homechecks. Getting a rescue pet into a loving home is very important of course, but so is finding the right home for each pet. Some animals arrive terrified of children due to being tormented. Others, such as the husky types howl and shed. The Belgian Malinois recently became popular due to the film ‘Dog’, but this has resulted in an increase in problem rescues as it’s a very high intensity breed that needs serious training

and not suited to an inexperienced owner.

Pets currently available can be found on www. woodsidesanctuary. org.uk. Please bear in mind that this site only shows those fit and suitable to leave. Many more will be being assessed or under vet care behind the scenes. All adoptees leave neutered, microchipped, wormed, vaccinated and flea treated. There is also one more unusual safeguard – a pet must be returned to Woodside if it can no longer be kept by its adopter; this lifetime guarantee underlines the charity’s total commitment to the animals it takes in.

For more information about Woodside’s broad field of work, the free booklet ‘What We Do’, is available from the North Street shop in Tavistock. Woodside relies on public support to fund its work with animals – if you would like to help, please visit woodsidesanctuary.org.uk/support-us.

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The importance of a strong pelvic floor

Before I even start on this article, I want to make it clear that this is really important for men as well as women, and also that we shouldn’t be embarrassed to discuss our pelvic floor any more than we should be about any part of our body – it’s just a set of muscles like our biceps or abs. Everyone has a pelvic floor – it is the layer of muscles that extend from your pubic bone at the front to your tail bone (coccyx) at the back. Your pelvic floor provides the base to your pelvis (below your abdomen) and supports your bladder and bowel, and in women the uterus. It has a role in sexual function for both men and women, and as part of our core muscles, it has a role in strength and balance and therefore athletic performance.

Pelvic floor weakness

Urinary incontinence: urine leakage when coughing, laughing or running and an urge to run to the toilet. This is the most widely known symptom associated with a weak pelvic floor, and it’s often thought of as only impacting women and being related to child birth. However in fact in men too, a weak pelvic floor can be associated with urinary urge and frequency during the day and night, urinary leakage when coughing or laughing, and dribbling at the end of micturition. These are symptoms we typically label ‘prostate symptoms’ in men – but we should also consider the pelvic floor as they may not all be due to the prostate. Any woman can experience urinary pelvic floor symptoms, not just those who have had children or a hysterectomy.

Faecal continence: for both men and women a weak pelvic floor can lead to an inability to control the passage of wind and faeces.

Sexual function: a strong pelvic floor helps improve sexual function for both men (maintaining erections) and women

(decreasing discomfort and increasing the chance or orgasm).

Athletic performance: strengthening the pelvic floor, like many body conditioning exercises, leads to increases in coordination and power, improving for example golf swings, tennis serving power or penalty kick speed. A strong, stable core also decreases the chance of injury from sport.

Although any of us can experience pelvic floor weakness it is more likely in some situations:

• After childbirth

• At the time of or after menopause

• After surgery – pelvic, prostate, hysterectomy

• If overweight

• Chronic straining e.g. with constipation

• Chronic cough

The exercises

The wonderful thing about the pelvic floor is that almost everyone can do exercises to strengthen it, so whatever age you are, whatever sex, there will be a benefit from doing pelvic floor exercises. There are lots of accessible sites on YouTube or Google that explain and show you how to do these exercises. You need to do them for three months or so before you really get the full effect but if you are struggling to do them and or get any benefit there are aids you can purchase - but most of us don’t need these. Physiotherapists (both private and NHS) can help. Some exercise classes, especially yoga and pilates based classes work on the core including the pelvic floor and can be really helpful. Essentially the recommended pelvic floor exercises are the same for men and women and combine slow and fast exercises. To help you remember to do them it’s recommended that you get into the habit

of doing your exercises when you are doing regular activities, such as brushing your teeth or showering.

Slow exercises: steadily tighten the pelvic muscles and hold for as long as you can. Build up until you can manage to hold for a maximum of 10 seconds. Relax the muscles for a count of 4. You can repeat this tightening and relaxing up to a maximum of 10 times.

Fast exercises: tighten the pelvic muscles as hard as possible for just a second before relaxing. You can repeat this tightening and relaxing up to a maximum of 10 times. Gradually build up until you can manage to do 10 slow exercises and 10 fast exercises three times a day.

Dr Jo Coldron Tavyside Health Centre, Tavistock

On the trail of snails

There are around 120 species of snail in the UK. Here we take a slow and steady look at one familiar kind: the garden snail.

After dark

Garden snails need to stay moist to survive – it’s why they are most active in the darkness of our nights when the sun disappears, the temperature falls and the dew appears. During drought periods and when they hibernate over winter, snails will retreat inside their shells and tuck themselves away from the sun’s rays and out of the plain view of predators - amongst ivy, underneath rotting logs and inside outbuildings are all favourite hiding places. Garden snails have two pairs of stalks at their head ends. They can retract both if they sense threat. The longer upper stalks possess eyes at their tips (look for a tiny dark spot). Snail’s eyes allow them to sense dark and light, plus shapes, but not colour or much detail. The lower pair of stalks are organs which let the snail smell and taste their surroundings. These senses are well-developed and help the snail to detect food, as well as its own trail and those of other snails.

Snail trails

The silvery lines we find on plant and other surfaces are the trails of snails (or slugs). They are formed from mucus and act as a lubricant, reducing friction and helping snails to travel. The mucus also offers enough adhesion to allow snails to climb vertical and even overhanging structures without falling off. The holes in the leaves of our garden plants are often caused by snails.

To find out more on local wildlife

go to devonwildlifetrust.org

They, like slugs, possess a ‘radula’ – a slender tongue-like structure which is coated in tiny teeth known as denticles. The snail uses its radula like a file, scraping off tiny pieces of plant which it can then digest.

Mating options

Most snails are hermaphrodites and have both female and male reproductive organs, so can produce both eggs and sperm. This also means that snails can self-fertilise and don’t require a mate (although mating with a partner does also occur). Snail’s eggs are laid just under the surface of moist soil. A garden snail will lay around 200 eggs. High numbers of slugs and snails are a sign of a healthy garden. They provide a good source of food to animals including hedgehogs, slow worms, mice, voles, and songbirds. Using slug pellets means introducing a poison onto your patch and that poison has got to go somewhere. Scavenging wildlife (and pets) will end up consuming a dose if they eat slugs and snails killed in this way.

Stephen Hussey

Devon Wildlife Trust

Photo credit: John Hawkins

Give your garden a spring clean

After December’s bitterly cold weather, our gardens have taken a real beating and it’s inevitable that there will be some plant casualties from the cold. But the days are stretching out and spring is not far around the corner, which makes this the perfect time for some border or even whole-garden makeovers. Winter, when the garden is pared back to its ‘bones’, is a great time to assess, plan and action some fresh new looks.

Start by taking a good hard look both from indoors and outside. While I’m a great fan of keeping existing plants, they don’t go on forever. And if there are plants you’ve inherited with a garden and never really liked, or are in the wrong place – well, you won’t like them more as time passes! While some

can be renovated with selective hard pruning, there are others, especially fast-growing shrubs like forsythia, broom, and laurel – where it’s a case of “thanks, but it’s time to go” - do this asap before birds start to nest.

Then comes the fun of choosing new treasures. Putting in feature plants is a superb way to give borders real pizzazz, using shapely and stunning ‘prima donnas’ to take centre stage. If there is enough cash for instant planting, putting in one budget-busting mature plant will make an immediate transformation. At the risk of stating the obvious, choose a plant to match the amount of sun or shade; the soil; and whether the site is exposed or sheltered. Feature plants should have good shapes above all, for year-round appeal, and I’m particularly fond of multi-stem trees or shrubs and

standards with a clear stem to create height. Examples are elegant Japanese maples (acers) with beautifully shaped or coloured foliage; shaggy-barked paperbark maple or birches; snowy Mespilus (Amelanchier) with spring flowers, attractive leaves, and autumn colour; and standard wisteria that drips with fragrant blooms plus handsome foliage. If you’re fortunate to have a sheltered, sunny spot where the soil drains freely, create an exotic look with the Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops) or even an olive tree. All of these and more can be bought as specimens in a range of sizes and prices. Or start small and wait, planting three or five small saplings in one planting hole to create a multi-stem plant.

The beauty of multi-stems and standards is that they give lots of space beneath

for complementary underplanting of perennials, grasses, ground cover shrubs and bulbs: pulmonaria, hellebore, hosta, hardy ferns, brunnera and herbaceous geranium, to name just a few. Plant these in groups, drifts, or in a colourspangled tapestry of flower and foliage colour.

Things to do in the garden

Cut and laid hedges of deciduous native plants like hawthorn and hazel make brilliant wildlife-friendly boundaries. Plant this month or next using bare rooted plants (much cheaper than pot grown, and plastic free too). Complete pruning or laying of established hedges by March, before growth starts and birds begin to nest.

Reduce weeding, improve soil, and grow healthier plants by mulching with chipped bark or shredded composted, green waste. Spread a generous 5-8cm layer on bare soil between plants. Start growing tender plants indoors so long as there’s a warm, well-lit spot for them. Sow seed of flowers and veg such as tobacco plant, geraniums, and tomatoes. Buy and pot up tubers of frost-tender flowers like dahlias and begonias.

Deciduous ornamental grasses need cutting back in March before new growth establishes. Evergreen grasses just need a tidy-up, combing through with a rake or with fingers, to remove dead leaves and stems.

In the veg garden, plant garlic choosing varieties suitable for spring planting, as

well as onion sets and shallots. Towards spring as the weather warms, sow hardy veg such as broad beans, lettuce, carrots, peas and beetroot. Covering soil with cloches, clear polythene or glass, before and after sowing, gets crops off to a flying start.

Long-lived plants in patio containers just need a bit of TLC before the growing season. Repot woody plants into a larger pot, or alternatively top dress by removing a few centimetres of soil and replacing with fresh soil-based potting compost plus controlled release fertilizer. Divide perennials and grasses that have formed good-sized clumps.

Sue Fisher

Sue Fisher

Cottage garden wildlife

While ‘die-back’ fungal infection meant the sad loss of a beautiful ash tree, two of its most regular users, the greater spotted woodpeckers and treecreepers, thankfully continue to regard our garden as their territory. The only grumpy visitor has been our resident male pheasant, upset that a new greenhouse meant its favourite pastime of sneaking in to remove seed labels was over. Its mate had nested in a nearby flowerbed last year – being discovered after hissing at my wife when she stepped too close. Sadly, the egg clutch was later poached by the local fox.

We have loved watching and listening to song-thrushes using strategically placed stone anvils to break open their favourite, brown-lipped snails – leaving broken shells of multiple-colours and patterns. The discovery by Oxford scientists in the 1950s still appears to hold true – discarded shells are mostly

yellow in winter when the ground is covered in leaves, and pink or brown against a green background in summer. Rarely do we see a mistle thrush though. The pre-Christmas freeze did bring insect-foraging visits to the leaf mulch under the Japanese maple by two other thrush family members - redwings and fieldfares. It also increased the skirmishes between our six robins –each determined to claim unfair portions of food put out for them. Other winter sounds have included the return of the tawny owls – one perching nightly outside the bedroom window, noisily calling its mate - and the delightful highpitched squeaks of goldcrests foraging hidden bugs among the needles of old, recycled Christmas trees.

Spirits always lift when early morning frosts create their seasonal magic as frozen spiderweb carpets meander across the lawns and undergrowth. As only half of British spider families build webs, it’s reassuring to know the garden provides shelter for many of them. Snow flurries lasted just long enough to enjoy another seasonal pursuit – identifying the myriad tracks created by our small mammal and bird residents.

Country Mouse

It’s lambing time again…

As we move into the new year and the days slowly pull out, our focus moves to spring and new life on the farm. February will be spent looking after the ewes and making sure they are in the perfect condition for lambing. Much of the hard work of lambing is done before the ewes even start giving birth. In fact, it starts way back in the autumn, making sure the rams are introduced on the right date, and that they and the ewes are in the best of health. For the ewes this continues throughout pregnancy, making sure they are not too fat or thin, just fit and healthy. They are scanned to establish how many lambs are being carried so we can help ewes having multiple births by giving them more feed, while the singles get less food, slowing down their diet to avoid the danger of big lambs which can be difficult to birth.

If we have done our jobs and the weather has been on our side, we move into March confident that the ewes are healthy, making lambing and ultimately survival rates much better. We then move the Whiteface Dartmoor ewes and any other animals needing extra care, like triplets, into the shed where they will give birth. It’s like a big sheep hotel for pregnant ewes! They have everything they need and it is a great resource especially when the weather is against us. Sheep are very able to cope with lambing outside, but we bring them in so we can lamb them a bit earlier, and keep a closer eye on them, as well as rest our grazing fields which will hopefully have plenty of lush, fresh grass for the ewes and lambs once they leave the maternity ward.

We have, for many years run our Greenwell Lambing Live event during the first weeks of lambing and it is amazing to share the lambing story with our community, young and old. Generally, as farmers we are busy getting on with the job in hand and most people have very little understanding of what we do. Because the sheep are lambing in the barn they are at very close quarters providing a great opportunity to view a small, but magical part of our lives at Greenwell Farm. We will be running Greenwell Lambing Live 2023 every evening from 5.30pm to 7.30pm from Monday 20 to Friday 24 March, with a longer open day on Saturday 25 March from 1.00pm to 4.00pm We also welcome schools, and other groups during weekdays. Booking is essential at greenwellfarm@gmail.com or 01822 855535. See What’s On for more details.

The cattle are all still in the barns and our spring calving herd is getting closer to calving in April and May. In the same way as the sheep, the cows must be kept in good health and it is important with cows that we don’t overfeed them.

They usually only have one calf and we don’t want that baby to get too big! They have evolved to be leaner through the winter, give birth in spring as the grass comes, and then use that lush grass to produce plenty of milk. As farmers we just work with nature’s cycles to make the animals and our life as stress-free as possible, whilst harvesting what nature provides.

I would like to finish by mentioning my dad’s sister, Esme Stacey, who very sadly passed away around Christmas. She grew up at Greenwell until she married and moved to Lewdown where she farmed with Roy her husband and their family. She was always full of stories of Greenwell’s history and was an encyclopaedia of knowledge on our family history. Gemma and I will always regret not asking more questions about Greenwell and the history of the Coles. Another character gone, but her memory will live forever in her children, Phil and Jane, and her four grandchildren.

Mat Cole, Greenwell Farm

Getting to grips with the basics…

Your main tax planning opportunities to focus on for the 2022-23 tax-year are: your pension, ISAs, Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax. Don’t miss the end of tax-year deadline –5 April 2023.

Your pension

You can contribute as much as you like into your pension, but there is a limit on the amount of tax relief you will receive each year. The tax relief you receive will depend on your current income level but is very beneficial. Please contact me for further advice if you need help finding out your limits, and reviewing your existing pension arrangements. If you have children under 18, a spouse who does not work, or who may not be earning enough to pay Income Tax, you can invest into a pension for each of them, up to the age of 75. The maximum annual contribution you can currently make is £2,880 which, along with tax relief, would amount to a very attractive £3,600 per year.

Your individual savings account (ISA) allowance

The ISA allowance is £20,000 for the 2022-23 tax year. You can put all the £20,000 into a Cash ISA, or invest the whole amount into a Stocks and Shares ISA or Innovative Finance ISA. With pension contributions subject to annual and lifetime limits, ISAs represent an excellent way of topping up retirement income. There is no Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax (CGT) payable on ISA proceeds. You cannot carry over your ISA allowance once the tax year has ended, so don’t miss out.

Junior ISAs

With a £9,000 allowance, Junior ISAs are a tax-efficient way to build up savings for your children (and grandchildren), and must be opened by the parent or person with parental

responsibility. JISAs can be opened for any child who does not hold a Child Trust Fund (unless the CTF is transferred to a JISA) and who is under 18 and living in the UK.

Gifting for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes

You can make gifts worth up to £3,000 in each tax year (other allowances exist in certain circumstances). These gifts will be exempt from IHT on your death. You can carry forward any unused part of the £3,000 exemption to the following year, but if you don’t use it in that year, the exemption will expire.

Capital Gains Tax

The allowance is £12,300 and you can’t carry forward this relief, so you may look to crystallise gains up to this amount before the end of the tax year. Capital losses can also be used to offset gains. Above the CGT exemption, tax is payable at 10% for basic rate tax-payers and 20% for higher rate taxpayers. Different rules apply for property gains.

As the end of the tax year approaches, now is the perfect time to ensure you have your financial affairs in order and to double check you’ve taken advantage of all the tax-efficient allowances available to you. If you would like advice on any of the above, please get in touch now. I’m here to help.

Gary Tromans Independent Financial Adviser

Gary Tromans from Equitas Financial provides independent advice to individuals and companies in your area for all financial planning needs. His 35 years of banking and financial services experience put him in a great position to provide the best individual solutions from the whole of the market.

legally speaking...

Our regular law column with

If and when the inevitable does happen, be it an illness or an accident, it really is crucial to know who will be able to act on your behalf – who we choose to deal with our affairs and who will be responsible for ensuring our health and financial security. The importance of preparation and appointing your Attorneys (those persons you trust to act in the event you are unable to do so either in health or financial decision making) are critical to ensure your

apply to the Court for a Deputyship Order. This can take well in excess of 9-12 months during which time no one will have authority to manage your affairs.

We know that every client has their own preferences and cultural differences. To be sure those are captured, we support all our clients to create a resume of their likes and dislikes so that as Attorneys, either ourselves or those appointed, we can fulfil your wishes and optimise your quality of life.

New year, new beginnings & new lists!

It’s always difficult to think too far ahead especially in the depth of winter and with the recent news. There seems to be much to worry about with the cost of living spiralling and the NHS falling into disarray. What we know for certain is that we may not be able to change or influence many of these political and financial events, not to mention those suffering in the wars across the continents, but what we can do is look to get our own affairs in order.

wishes and decisions during your lifetime are honoured. We never know when a crisis will occur so seeking our advice and guidance in advance can make the difference between a smooth transition or even more stress and distress trying to pick up the pieces.

Lasting Powers of Attorney are documents created to appoint Attorneys of your choice. We at Paladin Advocates can also act as your Attorney for both health and financial affairs in the event you do not have family or family and friends who may live some distance away. We act for clients all over the UK and currently those in Australia, Argentina, Tanzania and Florida. The advances in technology mean we can link up and maintain effective communications whilst ensuring your safety and wellbeing.

In the event you should lose your capacity to create your LPAs, we would need to

It is not often that we get time to think about ourselves and what makes us individual – but perhaps these shorter days are a real opportunity to spend some time, to put your affairs in order and ensure your future is secure in the knowledge such documents are prepared, registered and safely stored, ‘just in case’. Please do give us a call and speak with one of our experienced team members who can help and guide you with the services we offer.

Anne Reed Solicitor & Advocate Paladin Advocates

Tavistock is a great place to live. Keeping it that way requires a guiding hand on the tiller, and that’s where town councillors come in. Local elections will take place on 4th May, and all 17 seats on Tavistock Town Council (TTC) are up for election. To be eligible, candidates must be aged 18 years or older and live or work in Tavistock. You do not need to be a member of a political party; most of the current councillors are independent.

TTC is the most local of the three councils that “govern” Tavistock, the others being West Devon Borough Council and Devon County Council. Each has its own responsibilities. The list of the town council’s responsibilities is long, and sometimes surprising. It maintains the public open spaces including The Meadows, play parks and Whitchurch Down. It cares for Butcher Park allotments, and the Dolvin Road and Plymouth Road cemeteries. The council owns and manages many historically important properties, including the Pannier Market, Butchers’ Hall, the Guildhall, the Pannier Market surround, and the Duke Street shops. As landlord, the council supports the golf, cricket, tennis and bowling clubs, the Wharf Arts Centre, and the Sensory

Garden. It organises the annual country fair and Goose Fair, and works with other organisations to deliver Dickensian Evening, the Christmas lights, and the flower baskets. Recently TTC restored the Guildhall and re-opened it to the public as a Visitor Information Centre and World Heritage Gateway in partnership with Tavistock Heritage Trust.

Town councillors are expected to attend meetings of the full council, read their paperwork beforehand, participate in debates and vote on motions using their best judgement. They may serve on committees and consultative groups. The council’s Development Management and Licensing committee, for example, scrutinises local planning applications and gives its views to the Local Planning Authority. TTC does not make planning decisions, but it does influence them. Some members sit on the Neighbourhood Development Plan strategy group, developing planning policies that will help to determine future planning decisions. Members also assess applications from local charitable and community groups for grants to support their work.

Being a town councillor is fascinating and rewarding. Councillors learn about their community and promote its best interests, either directly or as advocates. They work together with the council’s officers and staff as a team. Newly elected members receive an induction from the town clerk and are offered numerous training opportunities.

So, if you feel passionately about Tavistock, you should consider standing for election. Nominations must be submitted to West Devon Borough Council, which organises the elections, between 23rd March and 4th April. If you want more information, please contact the Tavistock Town Council offices. An opportunity to meet the mayor, town clerk and other members of the council will be provided in due course.

You don’t need to leave your home to move in with your family, go into residential care or lose your independence. Santé Care at Home live-in carers will provide companionship, personal care and housekeeping to allow you to carry on living the life you want.

Councillor Paul Ward Mayor, Tavistock Town Council

Make a difference, become a town councillor!

Parish news from Buckland Monachorum

Den and Shirley Fairchild (pictured) were recently presented with a commemorative bench by friends of the couple. Both Den and Shirley have been longstanding volunteers within the community and now, at last, they can take a seat and watch the world go by!

Over the last year, the parish council has said farewell to a number of longstanding councillors: Sally Challis heads the order of merit with 31 years’ service, but not far behind are Val Bolitho and Laurie Larkin both from Milton Combe. The parish represents the villages of Buckland, Crapstone, Milton Combe, Clearbrook and Yelverton and tries to have a couple of councillors from each village. With the retirement of Val and Laurie, we currently have no-one from Milton Combe so if you’d like to join us (wherever you live within the parish) or have a chat to find out more, just contact Kathy Griffiths the clerk on 01822 855889.

Yelverton Christmas Tree Festival

Thank you to everyone who attended the Rock Methodist Christmas Tree Festival this year. We had a good turn-out despite the very challenging icy and then wet conditions. Once again our sponsors did us proud with some stunning and creative decorations creating a beautiful display in the church. My personal thanks go to all those who worked to make the event such a success. The category winners received a tin of

The Nature Group

A new group has started up in Buckland to promote nature conservation and members have been working with the parish council to look at whether areas of land which the parish looks after, might be managed in a way which better conserves the natural environment. Areas under consideration include the unused land within the new cemetery extension, the parish meadow and parts of the cemetery itself. Signs will be erected to show what is being done and the parish council will review how the project is doing after a full year to see if it is something we can adopt for the longer term. Want to know more? Contact bucklandmonachorum.nature@gmail.com

sweets as their prize and the results in this year’s public vote were as follows:

Children’s tree: 1st Brownies; 2nd Rainbows; 3rd Penmoor Nursery

Adult’s tree: 1st Yelverton Residential Home; 2nd Laundry Cupboard; 3rd M & D Flowers and Scottish Dancers (equal)

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Froling’s firewood, wood chip and pellet boilers are being used successfully all over Europe. All of our products are manufactured in our factories in Austria and Germany.

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Plans for spring in Tavistock

We had a superb Christmas Together in Tavistock, the highlight being a particularly special Dickensian Evening early in December. Footfall was the highest since 2008 and it was a fantastic end to the year for our town centre. As we go into 2023, confidence in the town as a good place to do business continues, with new businesses set to open in the coming weeks.

The BID’s focus over the next few months is the campaign on behalf of the town’s businesses to ‘Keep it Free’ – doing our best to ensure that our on-street parking remains free of charge, benefitting those who do business here plus those who visit and use the town centre. We are also upping our game further with the marketing for Visit Tavistock, with new-look adverts, and a wider reach with more targeted destinations. Our audience on social media and traffic to the official town website is increasing as we drive to sell ourselves as the perfect countryside getaway.

Plans are coming together for a town-wide celebration of King Charles III’s Coronation in May. The theme of our annual ‘Paint the Town’ event will reflect our hopes for this new chapter in our history and we look forward to seeing the windows in town brought to life with some colourful creations. Over February half-term, young and old can take part in a Fairtrade themed trail, Paint the Town returns and during the Easter holidays you can expect another egg-citing treasure hunt! For more details on all the upcoming events visit www.visittavistock.co.uk/whats-on

Don’t forget that now is a perfect time to redeem that gift card you received at Christmas. Valid for a year from the date of purchase, the gift cards support Tavistock’s businesses and ensure that money is spent in the town. For a list of where to spend see: www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/gift-card

Tavistock BID

ANDREW BROWN DENTAL LTD

FREE KIDS’ DENTAL CLUB

11 February

Our free kids’ dental club offers fun & engaging sessions, including games, dental aids, and advice on oral health, diet, and toothbrushing. Many adults & children are currently unable to see NHS dentists due to long waitlist times and the club aims to help parents and children access information and prevent future problems. Sessions available: 10-11am and 11am-12pm at Andrew Brown Dental Ltd, Plymouth Road, Tavistock.

BID

TAVISTOCK FAIRTRADE TRAIL

25 February to 12 March, 10am to 4pm

Take part in the latest Tavistock town trail to find out more about Fairtrade Tavistock. Spot all the Fairtrade items on the list and decipher all the clues for a chance to earn yourself a prize.

EASTER TREASURE HUNT

1 to 15 April, 10am to 4pm

Another egg-citing and free trail brought to you by Tavistock BID. Pick up a clue sheet and find all the eggs to earn a goody bag. Collect your sheets from Kaleidoscope, The Visitor Information Centre and the Toy Cupboard. www.visit-tavistock.co.uk

BRIDGING THE TAMAR

FAMILY LEGO WORKSHOPS

11, 15, 17 February, 10am-12pm; 1-3pm

Build Lego railways, bridges, and maybe even vehicles of the future at a Brick Ideas family Lego workshop! Booking essential at bit.ly/feblego - £4 per person.

GREENWELL FARM

LAMBING LIVE

20 to 25 March

Experience the magic of our lambing shed with a guided tour of the sheep maternity unit and new-born lambs. Booking essential: adults £5, children aged 3 and over £2 - please email greenwellfarm@ gmail.com or call 01822 855535. 20-24 March 5.30pm - 7:30pm; 25 March 1pm - 4pm at Greenwell Farm, nr Meavy, Yelverton, PL20 6PY. Facebook: Lambing Live Greenwell Farm.

RHS ROSEMOOR

HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES

11 to 19 February

Find new ways of bringing the outdoors inside. Build your own marimo pet terrarium, or get growing with bean germinating experiments, edible windowboxes and more. With free craft and planting workshops and a great garden trail available every day. rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor

TAVISTOCK LIBRARY

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES

11 to 18 February

There will be activities for children and families every day including Wednesday and Saturday - see posters and Facebook for more information.

THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

HEY DUGGEE THE LIVE THEATRE SHOW

10 & 11 February

The show features Duggee, the Squirrels and many more of your favourite characters! Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing, Tag wants to make music, Norrie wants to dance, Roly wants jelly. Join them at the Clubhouse for this new, vibrant, interactive production bursting with music, puppets and barrels of laughs.

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE

9 to 11 April

Experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family with

astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!

HIGH 5 SPORTS CAMPS

FULL WEEK FANTASY ADVENTURE

13 to 17 February, 8am to 5pm

Experience a wild and wonderful adventure with our sport-led sessions, run by our expert team of coaches and leaders. Enjoy fantasy-themed quests and activities, super sports battles, competitions and creative art activities.

Ages 5-13. Mount Kelly (Prep), Mount Tavy Road, Tavistock PL19 9JL

THE BOX

FAMILY FUN: EVERYONE CAN DRAW

11 & 14 to 18 February, 10:30am to 12:30pm; 1:30 to 3:30pm

Celebrate the ‘Making a Mark: Dazzling Drawings from the Cottonian Collection’ and ‘Hannah Quinlan & Rosie Hastings: Portraits’ exhibitions, and join us for free creative workshops during half-term. No previous drawing experience is necessary and our fun activities have been devised with everyone in mind. Free admission.

FAMILY FUN: TELL ME A STORY

Fridays until 31 March, 10:30 to 11am

Join us for storytelling underneath our figureheads, perfect for under 5s and their grown-ups. And don’t worry, you’ll still have time to go and say ‘hello’ to Mildred the Mammoth afterwards! Free admission. Limited places available.

Mount Kelly Girls’ Football Programme

Mount Kelly Football, for girls in years 12 and 13, is run in association with the Chelsea FC Foundation. The programme, now in its third year, gives talented players the opportunity to reach their full potential academically and athletically with outstanding teaching, coaching, support, expertise and guidance from fully qualified staff and coaches. With our proven track record for high-performance swimming, Mount Kelly has a wealth of experience and all the expertise required to support highlevel athletes as they train, compete and study. The Mount Kelly Girls’ Football Programme is a unique opportunity for girls to follow their educational ambitions whilst also following their football dreams.

Formed in 2010, the Chelsea FC Foundation is one of the world’s leading football social responsibility programmes, using the power of football and sport to motivate, educate and inspire. In addition, the Chelsea FC Foundation works on a broad range of initiatives focusing on employment, education, social deprivation, crime reduction and much more. For more details see chelseafc.com/en/foundation

We are keen to receive applications from local talented young footballers moving in to year 12 in September 2023 and we have several scholarships and means tested bursaries available. To apply for a place on the programme please contact the admissions team at admission@mountkelly.com

Sunday 2 April

Exploring Burrator book launch & walk

At 10am, author Paul Rendell will be signing copies of his book, Exploring Around Burrator at Burrator Discovery Centre, coinciding with the opening of the Burrator Reservoir - 125/100 exhibition. Tea and biscuits will be available. Copies of the book can also be purchased at Burrator Discovery Centre after 2 April (cash sales only). At 11am, there will be a free, 2-hour guided

walk with the author looking at the building of the dams which started on 9 August 1893 and the raising of the two dams in December 1923, as well as visiting the site of the suspension bridge and the outcrop of rocks known as Burrator. Booking is required for the book launch and the guided walk on 01837 54727 or at paul.dartmoor@ gmail.com

RAF Harrowbeer Heritage Centre & tearooms reopen

RAF Harrowbeer officially opened on 15th August 1941, operating as a fighter station at Yelverton for the remainder of WW2 under the control of 10 Group Fighter Command which was responsible for the defence of the South West of England. RAF Harrowbeer was also headquarters to the first Air Sea Rescue Squadron and reputed to be a staging point for the Secret Operations Executive (SOE). The runways and dispersal bays are still clearly visible, but little remains of the buildings apart from the old watch office which has served as Knightstone Tearooms for the last 25 years. Having closed as a

traditional tearoom, and following refurbishment, it has recently reopened as Knightstone Tearooms/ RAF Harrowbeer Archives, Educational and Heritage Centre. Michael and Lucy Hayes are opening the tearooms on Wednesdays (10am-4pm) and Sundays (11am to 4pm), serving tea, coffee, cold drinks, small cakes and biscuits, and welcome visitors to drop in for refreshments and take the opportunity to browse the archives and visit the museum to learn more about the history of RAF Harrowbeer. The site also houses an Anderson and

a Morrison air raid shelter, an ARP post, and a genuine WW2 airborne lifeboat. The centre welcomes groups and school visits by prior arrangement, and is available on additional days. For further information please visit www.rafharrowbeer-dartmoor.org.uk or contact 01822 853679.

Located in the heart of Tavistock, within the market complex, Butchers Hall is home to a fantastic array of vibrant themed markets and events

Until Sunday 12 March

Snowdrop Festival at The Garden House

Each year from mid-January to early March, The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, described as one of the finest gardens in Britain, becomes a mecca for snowdrop lovers from all over the UK, and often from around the world. During the Snowdrop Festival, galanthophiles (snowdrop enthusiasts) are keen to view the vast collection of over 350 species on show, as these many varieties pop their heads up in various locations around the 12 acres of garden. Such a large collection of snowdrops ensures a long-lasting display with some of the early varieties such as Galanthus Elwesii var. monostictus and G. reginaeolgae starting to flower from as early as October (native to the shores of Mediterranean Greece and Turkey) and others that take over the display, end with their showy drifts of white spanning well into March.

The Snowdrop Festival at The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, PL20 7LQ, runs from Friday 13 January to Sunday 12 March, and is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week from 10.30am to 3.30pm. The café, plant sales and bookshop are also open to visitors. Normal garden admission applies or free entry for members.

During the Snowdrop Festival and beyond we have many new creative workshops in our dedicated workroom, ranging from talks with snowdrop specialists, lino printing to willow weaving and jewellery. See the What’s On section of our website for all the details and bookings.

For more details about the festival and our creative workshops see www.thegardenhouse.org.uk

Photos by John Richmond

Monday 20 to Saturday 25 March

The Mousetrap

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the world’s longest-running play. This thrilling West End production is THE genre-defining murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time… case closed! As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst! One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts. Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim? Can you solve this world-famous mystery for yourself? Now celebrating 70 years, the iconic thriller is visiting over 70 venues across the country, including all cities where it originally played 70 years ago, plus many more.

Sunday 12 February & 26 March

Tavistock by Twilight Walk

With Simon Dell in aid of Devon Air Ambulance

Join Simon outside Tavistock Guildhall Centre for a stroll around the town at twilight, looking at the darker side of Tavistock – a town which he walked for almost 30 years on the beat as the local community policeman. Discover the dark secrets which lie in the backstreets and buildings of the town, of shocking goings-on, of historic intrigue and the myths and legends of Devon’s only world heritage town. Dress warmly. Not suitable for children under 12. 12s to 16s must be accompanied by an adult. A donation of £5 to the Devon Air Ambulance charity is welcomed. Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome. For more details and bookings visit moorlandguides. co.uk/walk-list

Monday 20 to Saturday 25 March

Come and see the magic of spring in our lambing shed with a guided tour of the sheep maternity unit to see the ewes and new-born lambs. We will be running Greenwell Lambing Live 2023 every evening from 5.30pm until 7.30pm from Monday 20 to Friday 24 March, and then there will be a longer open day on Saturday 25 March from 1.00pm until 4.00pm. Mat Cole and his team will be on hand to answer any questions. Numbers are restricted so booking is essential: adults £5, children aged 3 and over £2. Group and school tour visits are also available during the daytime - £100 per tour for up to 30 people. Larger

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept millions of people from every corner of the globe on the edge of their seats. Starring Todd Carty (EastEnders, The Bill) and Gwyneth Strong (Only Fools and Horses, EastEnders). See theatreroyal.com for details and bookings.

Sunday 12 February, 7.30pm until 9pm

Sunday 26 March, 8pm until 9.30pm (clocks go forward and lighter evenings start this weekend)

groups are also welcome at a small additional cost. To book please email greenwellfarm@gmail.com or call 01822 855535. 20-24 March 5.30pm - 7:30pm; 25 March 1pm - 4pm at Greenwell Farm, nr Meavy, Yelverton, PL20 6PY. For more details find us on Facebook: Lambing Live Greenwell Farm.

‘Lambing Live’ at Greenwell Farm

FEBRUARY

4 February

Tavistock Arts Market

Tavistock Arts Market is a vibrant monthly market featuring a variety of talented, local, artists, designers and makers 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. Open from 9am until 4pm, entry free.

14 February

Poetry Lounge

Tavistock Library launches Poetry Lounge at 2pm - an open afternoon to share favourite poems or read your own. Refreshments and good conversation on offer!

14 February

Devon Valentines

Sneak away for Valentine’s Day to The Bedford Hotel - a romantic and historic place to wine and dine the one you love, with a superb three-course dinner prepared with the finest local ingredients and served in our candle-lit Woburn Restaurant. £60 per person including a glass of fizz on arrival – to book call 01822 613221.

14 February

Dartmoor Valentines

Show the love this Valentine’s Day and enjoy crackling log fires, flickering

candlelight, and award-winning Devon food at Two Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor. Contact 01822 892300 for bookings and more information.

11 to 14 February

Valentine’s Lunch or Afternoon Tea

Treat your loved one to a delicious 3-course lunch (£39) or afternoon tea (£27) at The Horn of Plenty - add a glass of prosecco or champagne to make it doubly delicious.

17 February

The Great Tavistock Pancake Flip Time

How many times can you flip a pancake as you cross Bedford Square? Take part our version of the traditional Shrove Tuesday race right in the centre of Tavistock. 11:00-14:00. Entry free

23 February

Shake the Shelves

An evening of music at Tavistock Library from 7 to 9pm, featuring local artists and the young band members of the Youth Cafe’s Zephyr Project. Tickets £2 on the door and bring your own refreshments.

MARCH

4 March

Tavistock Arts Market

Tavistock Arts Market is a vibrant monthly market featuring a variety of talented, local, artists, designers and makers 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. Open from 9am until 4pm, entry free.

11 March

Love Local Food & Gift Market

Support small, local businesses at our ever-popular market where you’ll find an array of local gift, and food & drink exhibitors - perfect for buying that special Mother’s Day gift or spoiling yourself for a change. 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.

11 & 12 March

Yelverton Art Festival

A celebration of local art in Yelverton War Memorial Hall on Saturday 12 - 5pm

and Sunday 10 - 4pm, with an exhibition by local artists, art workshops for all the family and a cafe. Proceeds will support Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund (PCCF). Free Entry.

11 March

Murder Mystery Dinner

A night out with a difference, at The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock. High intrigue, dark secrets, and super-sleuthing. There’s murder in the air, that’s for

‘Shopping heaven in the heart of Devon!’

sure, but can you unravel the clues and identify the culprit? Enjoy a delectable dinner while a dastardly plot unfolds during the evening. 4-course Murder Mystery Dinner £49 - call 01822 613221 to book.

11 March

University of Plymouth Choral Society

UPCS sings Mozart: Requiem at 7:30pm at the Minster Church of St Andrew, Royal Parade, Plymouth. For details see www.uopcs.org.uk/concerts-and-events

18 March

Plymouth Brick Festival

We are very pleased to announce that the Plymouth Brick Festival will be celebrating all things LEGO at Plymouth Guildhall from 10am - 5pm!

18 March

Family Barn Dance

Save the date and enjoy a night of

dancing to Flash Company Ceilidh Band at Coronation Hall, Mary Tavy. Tickets are £6, available at Mary Tavy Post Office & Store from 1st February.

23 March

Shake the Shelves

An evening of music at Tavistock Library from 7 to 9pm, featuring local artists and the young band members of the Youth Cafe’s Zephyr Project. Tickets £2 on the door and bring your own refreshments.

24 March

Quiz

The Friends of Tavistock Library are holding another of their popular quizzes. Tickets are £5 per person and refreshments will be available. Doors open 6.30pm.

25 March

Paint the Town

Local businesses, in conjunction with local primary schools, will create

bright and wonderful window displays throughout town to bring Tavistock alive for spring. Activities will be taking place on Bedford Square. 10:00-16:00, entry free. visit-tavistock.co.uk/paint-the-town

26 March

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir performs Dvorak: Stabat Mater at 7.30pm in Plymouth Guildhall, with soloists Catherine Hamilton, Allison Kettlewell, Robin Lynne Evans, Eddie Wade. Ticket manager 07949 311030 or buy tickets online at wegottickets.com. For further information, and ticket prices visit plymouthphilchoir.org.

28 March

Transition Tavistock Book Group

Our online book group session takes place every 2 months; reading books are connected to environmental matters and/or sustainability. Join us for the next session on Tuesday

An award-winning showroom that provides the most comprehensive range of Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Tiles in the South West.

Welcome to the latest edition of Puzzles in Association with Chilcotts Law in loving memory of Mollie

Mollie was Chilcotts much loved Yorkie, who had her own fan club but sadly passed away in November. Many of our clients requested to see her when they called in. We hope that you enjoy the puzzles page, whilst they are challenging, they are not too difficult to solve. You will find the answers in the next edition.

At Chilcotts Law- It’s all about You

It’s all about You. We offer tailored legal solutions to meet your needs. Our solicitors have outstanding legal knowledge, practical experience and advice that is delivered in plain English along with first class client care, why look anywhere else.

New Services

Welcome to the latest edition of “Puzzles in Association with Chilcotts Law in loving memory of Mollie”. Mollie was Chilcotts much loved Yorkie, who had her own fan club but sadly passed away in November. Many of our clients requested to see her when they called in. We hope that you enjoy the puzzles page, whilst they are challenging, they are not too difficult to solve. You will find the answers in the next edition. At Chilcotts Law- It’s all about You. We offer tailored legal solutions to meet your needs. Our solicitors have outstanding legal knowledge, practical experience and advice that is delivered in plain English along with first class client care, why look anywhere else.

We are delighted to be able to now offer advice on Family law matters.

Welcome to the first edition of “Puzzles in Association with Chilcotts Law in loving memory of Mollie”. Mollie was Chilcotts much loved Yorkie, who had her own fan club but sadly passed away in November. Many of our clients requested to see her when they called in. We hope that you enjoy the puzzles page, whilst they are challenging, they are not too difficult to solve. You will find the answers in the next edition. At Chilcotts Law- It’s all about You. We offer tailored legal solutions to meet your needs. Our solicitors have outstanding legal knowledge, practical experience and advice that is delivered in plain English along with first class client care, why look anywhere else.

Sudoku - #023

By Height

Rank these famous buildings in height order, smallest first.

1. Empire State Building

2. Eiffel Tower

3. The Shard

4. Christ the Redeemer

5. Merdeka 118

6. Shanghai Tower

7. Statue of Liberty

8. Burj Khalifa

9. Leaning Tower of

10. Statue of Unity

Utile, 10. Blimp,

Mangle, 12. Nether, 14. Thrive, 18. Sarong, 21. Bliss, 22. Pilot, 23. Pommel, 24. Recant, 25. Ebb

Lacuna, 2. Bugeye, 3. Gibbon, 4. Elapse, 6. Icing, 8. Daint, 11. Mot, 13. Rag, 15. Hobnob, 16. Idiom, 17. Ensile, 18. Superb, 19. Relic, 20. Nutant.

Pisa

28 March at 7.30pm. Full details on the current book and how to join can be at transitiontavistock.org.uk/events/ book-group

APRIL

6 to 8 April

Butchers’ Hall Spring Fair

If you are looking for something a little different, visit the award-winning Butchers’ Hall Tavistock, for the best of the region’s wares. Open from 9am to 4pm each day; free entry.

REGULARS

Until March

Tavistock Library Winter Offer

Our services and signposting to information can help with a range of challenges, including: the cost of living; food; loneliness; health and wellbeing; digital access and support; employment, skills and business. The library space is open weekdays 9am to 6pm & Saturdays 9am to 4pm. You don’t have to join but if you want to, it’s free – just ask or join at devonlibraries.org.uk. With support from Friends of Tavistock Library, there is an extra session on Wed 2pm to 5.30pm, with refreshments available.

Until 31 March

Charity Lunches

Our Charity Lunches are a long tradition at The Horn of Plenty, and over the past decade we’ve raised over £70,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, thanks

to the generosity of our guests. This year we’re aiming to fund another Macmillan support worker at Derriford Hospital, and would really appreciate your support. Two-course lunch £24, or 3-course £29, plus voluntary donation to Macmillan. Daily except on Sundays.

3,10,17,24 February & 10,17,24,31 March

Tamar & Bere wellbeing walks

Join our free walks on Thursdays in the Tamar Valley – they’re a great way to meet new people, explore your area, and improve your health. No need to book. For more details check out Walking, under Exploring tab at tamarvalley.org.uk

25 February to 12 March

Tavistock Fairtrade Trail

Take part in the latest Tavistock town trail to find out more about Fairtrade Tavistock. Spot all the Fairtrade items on the list and decipher all the clues for a chance to earn yourself a prize. 10am to 4pm

1 April to end of May

Burrator Reservoir - 125/100 exhibition

South West Lakes Trust is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the completion of Burrator Reservoir in 1898, and also 100 years since commencing the enlargement of the reservoir by raising the height of the dams in 1923. A free exhibition at Burrator Discovery Centre, Burrator, Yelverton is open

during normal centre opening hours from 11.00am to 4.00pm. Please check which days the centre is open on 01822 855700.

Monday & Wednesday

Tavistock Area Men in Sheds (TAMIS for short) meets every Monday from 10am until 12ish, and Wednesday from 2pm until 4ish at the Shedwe 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

Wednesday

Yelverton Bridge Club

We meet 1.45-4.15pm on Wednesday afternoons to play Rubber Bridge at St Paul’s Church Hall in Yelverton. A friendly and welcoming club, we encourage all abilities, from inexperienced to rusty, who want to progress their bridge game. Come along and try with no obligation. £35 annual membership. More Info: jane. whitehead@outlook.com

Wednesday, fortnightly

Tavistock Photography Club

We meet fortnightly at Tavistock United Reformed Church in Russell Street, doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. All ability levels are welcome - come and try us out before you join. We aim to cater for all photography genres, with speaker nights, presentation evenings & even more workshop

the ticket for a great day out

evenings to get hands on. See our new website for more information at tavistockphotographyclub.com

Friday

Lydford Table Tennis 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.

Sundays

Sunday Explorers

Come along for our new and improved take on Sunday School with snacks, interactive stories, games and crafts for 0 to 11-year-olds and parents, 2-3pm during termtime at Abbey Chapel, Bedford Square, Tavistock, PL19 0AD. There will be tea, coffee and cake for parents. For more info please email sundayexplorers@abbeychapel.org.uk

1st Tues of month

Tavistock Peace Action Group

TPAG meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the United Reformed Church, 1 Russell Street, Tavistock, PL19 8BD. Doors open at 7:30pm and all are welcome.

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.

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 tavistockwoodturners. org for details.

DEVONSHIRE ASSOCIATION TAVISTOCK & DEVON BRANCH

Our winter series of monthly talks takes place in the Parish Centre, Tavistock at 7:30pm (members £2, others £3). For further information contact tavistock@ devonassoc.org.uk or see www.devonassoc.org.uk.

17 February: They sailed away

Dr Stuart Windsor of Devon Family History Society tells the tale of the Devonians who left for another life abroad.

17 March: Stuart Clarke

A talk by former international news photographer and founder of ‘The Moorlander’, the Dartmoor local paper.

21 April: Bees, Butterflies & Booze

The story of Papillion gin - the distillery is named after an endangered Dartmoor butterfly and this will be a hands-on evening learning both about the plants used for flavouring and the company’s support for the Butterfly Conservation Project.

TAVISTOCK LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

All meetings are free for paid-up members, £3 for others. The meetings

below take place on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at Tavistock Parish Centre & via Zoom. For more details contact 07746 577598 or secretary@tavistockhistory.co.uk

14 February: Laura Quigley

The Devil Comes to Tavistock - author Laura Quigley talks about the Fitz family who, from the fifteenth century occupied the mansion, whose site is now occupied by the Fitzford Cottages. The gatehouse is all that remains of it today. It is from this gatehouse that the last member of the family, Mary Fitz, is said to reappear in a ghostly procession to Okehampton and back as a penance for her life.

14 March: AGM & Andrew Thompson

AGM followed by ‘The Trendle and the Tavistock Area in Prehistory’ with member Andrew Thompson –archaeologist, historian and heritage consultant. We know little of Tavistock’s story before the founding of the abbey in 974. Investigations into the Trendle, a prehistoric earthwork with a bank and ditch straddling the Old Exeter Road have given some insight into the area’s prehistory. First mentioned in 1846, and excavated in 1967-9; Andrew shares recent research with us.

YELVERTON & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

We hold monthly talks at Meavy Parish Hall, 7.30pm on the 3rd Tuesday. Annual membership is £7. From June to August outdoor walks and visits start at 7pm. www.yelvertonhistory.co.uk

21 February: Michael Gee

Devon’s Orchards: how we took to cider

21 March: Alan Bricknell

William the Conqueror 1066-1087 (+ AGM & raffle)

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.

7 February: Andy Crabb

DNPA archaeologist, Andy, talks on the archaeology of Mardon Down

7 March: David Lemon

The Zimbabwe Ruins

4 April: Paul Rendell

The Tors of Dartmoor

MOOR’S EDGE U3A

We have a wide range of groups, and a speaker each month. If you are retired or semi-retired you are welcome to attend two monthly meetings before joining. Monthly meetings currently take place on Tuesday at 2.30pm at the Woolwell Centre, but will be moving to a Friday in 2023. For more details visit u3asites.org. uk/moorsedge/events

10 February: David Follett

Tragedy to Triumph - following spinal injury in a road accident at 17, David became English National Wheelchair Badminton Champion.

10 March: Mike Temple

Mercy Ships

WEST DARTMOOR U3A

We meet on the third Thursday of each month at 10am in the lower hall of Tavistock Methodist Church. We have a wide range of groups and a speaker each month. For more information visit www.westdartmooru3a.org.uk or contact the membership secretary on 01822 616644.

16 February: Neil Littleales

Demystifying DNA, a springboard to your ancestry

16 March: Laura Quigley

Crossing the Atlantic before The Mayflower

CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP

(Princetown Group)

If you are retired, no matter what your previous career was, you are very welcome to join us. Guest speakers

attend our winter meetings which take place in the restaurant of the Prince of Wales, Princetown at 12.30pm. For bookings and details contact Mike on 01822 890799 or mikeandkate132@ gmail.com.

2 February: Simon Dell

Georgian Improvers

2 March: Paul Rendell

Tales of Winter on Dartmoor

& VALUERS

WE ARE NOW CATALOGUING OUR SPRING SALES

’ ITEMS

WE ARE NOW CATALOGUING OUR SPRING SALES COLLECTORS’ ITEMS BOOKS, STAMPS, COINS, MEDALS & TOYS

BOOKS,

ANTIQUES & ART SILVER, GOLD

SILVER, GOLD

& ART

For free valuations to include items or to book a home visit please telephone (01752) 721199 or Email images and contact number to: info@eldreds.net

For free valuations to include items or to book a home visit please telephone (01752) 721199 or Email images and contact number to: info@eldreds.net

For free valuations to include items or to book a home visit please telephone (01752) 721199 or Email images and contact number to info@eldreds.net

For free or or Email

1 Belliver Way, Roborough, PL6 7BP enquiries@eldreds.net . (01752) 721199

1 Belliver Way, Roborough, PL6 7BP

1 Belliver Way, Roborough, PL6 7BP enquiries@eldreds.net . (01752) 721199

www.eldreds.net • (01752) 721199

The Box

Plymouth’s award-winning museum, art gallery and archive, has an ambitious programme of exhibitions for 2023. Organised into three seasons, the programme complements a range of permanent collection displays and will weave historical and contemporary art and objects together to help audiences understand more about the world today, as well as the importance of history and creativity. One focus in spring 2023 is on powerful women:

4 February to 4 June 2023

Sue Williamson: Between Memory and Forgetting

Sue Williamson (b.1941) is a British-born South African artist and activist. Between Memory and Forgetting presents an extended overview of her work, dating from 1981 to the present day. The exhibition will be displayed in the beautifully restored St Luke’s Church and includes two different sets of portraits that shine a light on some of the women who played key roles, not only in South Africa’s liberation struggle, but also in the years that followed. A new sevenmetre sculptural commission made of embroidered fabric, titled Towards Another World provides a reflection on the futility of war and considers the significance of memorials; those who are honoured, and those who do not receive a mention. It takes two identical looking memorials dedicated to women and children that died during the AngloBoer War (1899-1902), as its starting

point. The monuments are located in Bloemfontein, South Africa and in Plymouth, UK. The title of the sculpture comes from a sentence engraved on the Boer War memorial in Plymouth. The work features silhouettes embroidered by local communities in Cape Town.

4 February to 4 June 2023

Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings: Portraits

Portraits is an exhibition of drawings, etchings and films grounded in research into how various communities have been represented at different moments in history. The works are linked by ideas of power and authority, seen through the lens of class, social relations and the state. The exhibition interrogates what a community is, and investigates ideas of belonging and self-recognition. Quinlan & Hastings continually produce thought-provoking work that establishes relationships between notions of belonging, institutional power and the safety of the LGBTQ+ community through lived experiences. Two of the highlights in the exhibition will be important works acquired by The Box in 2020/21: a Michelangelo-inspired twopart drawing that shows protestors confronting a group of police and other armed forces, and a video work that explores the iconography, politics and relationships associated with gay culture.

For all exhibitions and events at The Box see theboxplymouth.com

Sue Williamson, A Few South Africans, Virginia Mngoma, 1984

Imperial Ladies Auxiliary, 2021 by Hannah Quinlan & Rosie Hastings

Gatekeeper, 2021 Mother, 2021 by Hannah Quinlan & Rosie Hastings

Thursday 9 March

Ninebarrow

Ninebarrow are a multi-award-winning folk duo, who are impressing audiences across the country with their innovative and captivating take on the folk tradition. Described by Mark Radcliffe as sounding like ‘two halves of one voice’, by Seth Lakeman as ‘a fantastic duo’ and by Kate Rusby as ‘absolutely amazing’, Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere combine breathtaking vocal harmonies and melodies, delivering songs that are inspired and rooted in the landscape and history of the British Isles. Nominated in the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Emerging Artist and most recently picking up Best Duo in the Folking.com awards 2019, their latest album, ‘A

Pocket Full of Acorns’ (released in March 2021) was released to wide-spread critical acclaim including coverage on BBC1’s Countryfile and BBC Radio 4’s ‘Front Row’.

Musica Viva Concert Series

In the spring of 2018, at the outset of his appointment as music director of The Arts Institute, University of Plymouth, concert pianist Dr Robert Taub initiated the Musica Viva Concert Series. The series offers a programme of concerts and workshops, bringing top-tier performances to Devon and the South West.

As director of music, Robert aims to share music with as many people as possible through the Musica Viva series. He explains: “There is a wide spectrum of music in our programme that withstands the test of time. Some of the pieces that are new will survive for future generations; equally, there is music that was once new and is still vital today. As an example of this, as part of our Beethoven 250th anniversary festival I asked Jonathan Dawe to explore sketches that Beethoven had written but had never used and compose a new piece from them. It was a great

way to bring the music that Beethoven once had in mind into the 21st century. This can add greatly to our artistic experiences.”

Robert believes it is important to establish a series of pre-concert talks, he says: “We generally hold an informal talk in the 30 minutes before a performance. This gives audiences the opportunity to hear the guest artists speak about interpretive issues. Ultimately, everybody will hear pieces differently; each person brings their own life experiences and they are free to listen, absorb and embark upon their own musical journey. But if there are elements in the talk that can help them with this, then so much the better!”

11 March

New Music at Levinsky Hall

This promises to be an exciting evening of works of our time performed by

St Leonard’s Church, Sheepstor, Yelverton PL20 6PF. Doors Open: 18:45, concert begins: 19:30. Tickets: £16 in advance at ninebarrow.co.uk/sheepstor (+ 43p booking fee) or £18 on the door (if available)

the translucent London-based Trio Kurtag. The concert will also include the premiere of a new composition commissioned by Musica Viva from David Bessell. Dave specializes in electronic music, and Trio Kurtag performs a wide range of repertoire of the present day. This is a unique concert, a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in music that is literally being heard for the first time along with music that has been recently composed. The evening starts with a pre-concert talk at 7pm, with music commencing from 7.30pm. Tickets are available at plymouth.ac.uk/whats-on/ spring-2023-new-music-at-levinsky-hall

Photo credit: Greg Funnell

Yelverton Art Festival

Yelverton Art Festival has attracted over 100 displayed artworks each year since its inception, ranging from the traditional to the more contemporary. The fourth exhibition is planned for this spring in Yelverton War Memorial Hall, and as in previous years the event will be a charity fundraiser. The event offers local artists the opportunity to exhibit and sell their art and creative work. Along with exhibited artworks for sale, there will also be the opportunity to browse the stalls and purchase various excellent art works, including jewellery, sculptures in different materials, pottery, glasswork, woodturning and printmaking. A wide selection of handmade and printed cards will also be available.

Andy Cairns of West Devon Art Workshops (westdevonartworkshops. co.uk) is also organising free, family oriented dropin workshops available to all (donations welcome).

Refreshments and delicious homemade cakes will be on offer to aid with fundraising, along with a raffle including prizes from local businesses, artists and individuals. Yelverton Art Festival has raised in excess of £3,000 for charity, and this year the festival will support Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund (plymouthandcornwallcancerfund. org.uk), which supports local people

Saturday 25 March Bere Ferrers Spring Flower Show

With spring not too far away, Bere Ferrers is looking forward to celebrating its 2023 Spring Flower Show. The date for the 73rd show is set for Saturday 25 March and will once again take place in the church hall in Bere Ferrers. Doors open to the public at 1.30pm, while all the various prize cups will be presented at 4.30pm. Despite the wet and cold of winter, we are sure the hall will be filled with masses of superb blooms. Although the beautiful ranks of daffodils take centre stage, there are classes for other spring flowers, pot plants and vegetables, as well as domestic produce, flower arrangements, cakes and bread, photographs and more. One of the most keenly sought prizes is for the best example of the ‘Bere Ferrers’ daffodil variety. Although it tends to bloom relatively late in the season, expert local growers usually coax some fine examples into flower by show day. The long history of daffodil growing on the Bere Peninsula is reflected not

only by the Spring Flower Show (one of only a handful in the region), but also by the splendid arrays of flowers that appear in March on local hedge banks and woodlands. These are hardy survivors of bulbs that were thrown out or abandoned decades ago, especially during the Second World War, when flower growing had to be replaced by food production on many local farms.

affected by cancer through financial grants, contributes to funding education and small research projects, and is currently funding training posts for cancer nurse specialists. We look forward to seeing you at the festival. If you are interested in exhibiting artwork please contact yelvertonartfestival@ gmail.com

Saturday 25 March

Bere Ferrers Spring Art and Craft Fair

Demonstrations and displays of painting, glass blowing and lacemaking, plus stalls selling handmade jewellery, pottery, wooden items, fused glass and many more locally crafted items. The BFSClub from 1pm to 4.30pm, free admission, bar, light lunches, and refreshments available. thebfsclub.co.uk

Clive Charlton Bere Ferrers Spring Flower Show committee

Tavistock Festival 2023

Planning is well underway for Tavistock Festival 2023, and over a period of fifteen days audiences and participants can enjoy a variety of concerts and workshops. Tavistock Library is hosting several events and we see the welcome return of The Wheelhouse Folk Choir; Helen Porter returns this time with her Big Jazz Choir, and by popular demand, we again host Nina Savicevic, a young concert pianist. Thanks to generous sponsorship we will be able to offer free entry to all the lunchtime concerts and some evening events, but donations will be welcomed to offset costs.

Two new ventures this year include a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at The Bedford Hotel and a large children’s choir, combining children presently rehearsing

Vocal Harem

Vocal Harem, a non-auditioning female choir, was formed at the end of September 2007, with its first rehearsal taking place at Tavistock College. Our first set of music was bought then, and fifteen years on, our library now boasts over 100 titles. The repertoire is eclectic, including classical, folk, spiritual, jazz and songs from the musicals and film as well as the world of pop. The choir is led by musical director, Rosemary Turner

in their own schools in preparation for the festival concert. Chairman Dr Sean Sweeney and friends will also present a lunchtime concert with a ‘Coronation’ theme and we hope Tavistock will turn out with flags ready to sing some wellknown songs!

The festival runs from Saturday 22 April to Friday 5 May, a day before the Coronation. In preparation, three free lunchtime concerts have been scheduled leading up to the main festival period on 2nd, 9th and 16th March at 1pm in Tavistock Parish Church and admission is £5 (promoted by the Friends of Tavistock Festival). Full programme details for these concerts and the rest of the festival programme can be found at www.tavistockfestival.org. Tickets will

be available online and at the door. We look forward to seeing you.

Sponsored by: Miller Town and Country, Alistair Kinsey, Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, the Bedford Hotel, Tavistock Library, Tavistock Wharf, Tavistock Guildhall, Tavistock RC Church, Tavistock Methodist Church, Tavistock Parish Church and Links Magazines.

with Leslie Mazur-Park as deputy MD, and Kamila Mazur-Park is our brilliant accompanist. We love singing and it has been proven to enhance wellbeing, boosting both mental and physical health. Rehearsals take place between October and May each year, culminating in our Gala Concert in Tavistock Parish Church, which this year will take place on 13 May - we have a very exciting programme so why not save the date?

If you would like to be involved with Vocal Harem, you are most welcome to come and join us. We meet on Tuesday evenings, 7-9pm at Tavistock Town Hall. Everyone is offered three free sessions to decide whether they wish to commit to full membership. If you are interested, please contact Rosemary Turner on 07866 488630 for further details.

With 40 years’ experience in holiday letting, we can deliver industry leading booking levels, combined with hands-on support from our team of experts, based in our office on Dartmoor.

How the wine industry was nearly destroyed

The effects of the pandemic have been devastating and longlasting. Plants can also be affected by catastrophic diseases and infestations - in the 1860s one tiny pest nearly wiped out the world’s vineyards. Phylloxera vastatrix is a microscopic aphid that feeds on vine roots, injecting poison that weakens and eventually kills them. Originating in America, where vines have resistance, phylloxera aphids spread incredibly quickly. European vines have absolutely no resistance though, and when the aphid was accidentally introduced to France (probably in 1858) vines began dying at a fearsome rate. By 1860 southern France, Douro and Austria were suffering significant losses, but it wasn’t recognised as a new problem until 1863. Researchers were preoccupied with another vine problem, powdery mildew, and digging up dead vines had provided no indication of a new pest as Phylloxera vastatrix aphids leave when the plant dies.

Phylloxera spread like wildfire - large swathes of France including Bordeaux were quickly destroyed with massive impact. At the time one third of France’s workforce was reliant on the wine industry! How many gilets jaunes would we see if a third of France faced unemployment? By 1868 phylloxera began spreading globally. The Agricultural Society in Montpellier commissioned a botanist, Jules-Emile Planchon to unravel the mystery. His breakthrough came when he dug up healthy vines and discovered the microscopic menaces munching on the roots. Discovery was not a solution though. Frenzied activity followed; new chemical treatments and less scientific methods (a toad for every vine for example!). None worked. Planchon knew that American vines grew well in Europe, but a proposal to graft European vines onto American roots appalled French purists. Also many things could go wrong - for example the vines might simply reject one another. More crucially, wine from native American vines tasted terrible, so something had to be done!

When grafting was finally tried the results were almost miraculous. The American roots resisted the phylloxera while grapes grown on grafted-on European vines retained their original character - and the process was easy! The wine trade was back in business. There’s a sting in the tail however as there remains no ‘cure’ for phylloxera. American rootstock still provides resistance, but a mutation could put us back to 1860. Phylloxera has never taken hold in some places - Chile and South Australia in particular - though growers are planting some grafted vines as long-term insurance! Areas such as Washington State and Argentina are intriguing - phylloxera is present but somehow not a major problem. Finally, the Assyrtiko grape from Santorini in Greece has recently been found to be naturally resistant - though it’s not clear whether the grape or the volcanic soil provides the protection. So enjoy your wine, but bear in mind that phylloxera may not be finished with the vine yet!

‘The phylloxera, a true gourmet, finds out the best vineyards and attaches itself to the best wines.’ (Cartoon from Punch, 1890)

A place of refuge

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine allowed churches to move Christmas to 25 December this year, breaking alignment with the traditional 7 January celebration (and with Russian Orthodox churches). When you’re separated from your homeland though, it’s hard to change the date you celebrate Christmas Day as well, so on Saturday 7 January, 90 people gathered to celebrate a traditional Ukrainian Christmas in the small, packed church of St Michael de Rupe at the top of Brent Tor. The climb to the church was cold, wet and slippery, but inside, the atmosphere was very special. Women and children in Ukrainian traditional blouses and headdresses crowded together with host families and friends to hear readings and sing carols in English and Ukrainian. The children acted out the nativity, recognisable in any language with the familiar shepherds, wise men and angels, and Tania Kovalchuk explained the symbolism and significance of the shared food and drink. It was a joyful occasion despite thoughts of people left behind in Ukraine; praying for peace and liberation, the women and children managed to convey their strength, resilience and hope for the future.

The welcome given to people fleeing the war in Ukraine has been overwhelming. Villages and towns in Devon have hosted many families, with communities, schools, churches and local government services helping settle in our guests. Nevertheless, this is not a new phenomenon: there is a long history in the South West of welcoming and assimilating people escaping religious persecution, political upheaval, war, ethnic cleansing or poverty. In ‘Seeking Sanctuary’ (pen-andsword.co.uk/Seeking-Sanctuary-Paperback), local author Jane Marchese Robinson describes how, through researching a coin found in Devonport, she came across the story of around three thousand Portuguese refugees who came in overloaded boats to Falmouth and St Ives in 1828, fearful of a civil war between two would-be kings in Portugal. The refugees were moved on to Plymouth and accommodated in warehouses and on board ships for several months, before many of them were despatched to support the young Portuguese Queen Dona Maria in the Azores.

During the First World War, a sixth of the population of Belgium fled from the German invaders and many came to settle in South West England. Housing, clothes and food were provided by local people and money was raised to support them until they went home after the war. (Remember, Agatha Christie’s famous fictional detective, Hercule Poirot, was a refugee from Belgium). The Aliens Restriction Act required foreign nationals (aliens), chiefly German nationals to register with the police, and where necessary they could be interned or deported. In the lead up to, as well as during

and after the Second World War, many refugees arrived in the UK including 70,000 Jews, plus Belgians, Dutch, and Poles. However, Italians, Germans and Austrians, including some Jewish refugees, were labelled ‘enemy aliens’ and many were interned after mid-1940. After the war though, resettlement camps were set up in the UK to accommodate displaced Polish soldiers and their families with the 1947 Polish Resettlement Act, such as Ilford Polish Camp, Newton Abbot.

Later, Tavistock was home to 400 to 500 Asians expelled from Uganda by Idi Amin in 1972; they lived in army barracks at Plasterdown, arriving in the middle of winter – very different to the temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius they were accustomed to. Specialist support services were established to assist in their settlement and ongoing support. This group came with a high standard of educational attainment and a culture of hard work and many were able to make an impressive contribution to business and public areas in the UK.

In the 1990s, Kosovan refugees arrived in Plymouth following brutal wars in the Balkans; one of these, Baki worked for Devon and Cornwall Refugee Action and is mentioned in Jane’s book. Syria is a more recent emergency, beginning in 2011 with more than 4 million people forced to relocate to neighbouring countries of which 10,000 were welcomed into the UK. In Devon and Cornwall, local people have responded to assist in the settlement of families with a multi-agency approach including both statutory and voluntary groups such as Students and Refugees Together (START).

It is important to challenge the narrative that refugees are a drain on the host country. The majority of refugees are resourceful people who contribute to the economy and the

culture of the host country, bringing artisan skills, such as watchmakers, and silversmiths, or professional skills in law and medicine, or commercial enterprise. Pete Squire, a Tavistock town councillor, has experience of enforced migration both within his own family and in helping other people displaced from their homes. His late father-in-law was a Czech refugee, interned in a WW2 concentration camp, who subsequently came looking for his parents. His mother, a Ukrainian from Lviv had married a Czech doctor and both escaped the Nazi invasion of Poland by clambering through mineshafts to a boat at Gdansk which ended up in Plymouth where they settled, and later pursued respected careers as doctors. When the Ugandan Asians arrived in

The Bedford Hotel

In the heart of Tavistock

1972, Pete’s father-in-law, by then a Quaker, became a sentinel at the now demolished Plasterdown Camp where he witnessed families exercising privacy by adroitly hanging blankets in the mizzen huts. One of their descendants worked quite recently at Refugees Devon in Exeter, while in the 90s Pete had a social care responsibility for the Kosovan refugees arriving in Plymouth, and in recent years has helped to successfully settle Syrian families in Tavistock.

Currently, Afghan citizens escaping the Taliban regime are stuck in hotel accommodation in the UK, physically safe but unable to live a family life: maybe we will accept that challenge too and find them homes and new lives amongst us. And of course, the Ukraine war continues. Where there is civil war, persecution and misery, there will always be people brave enough to leave their country to make the emotional and physical journey in search of sanctuary and a new start.

Ugandan Asians expelled in 1972

Arrival of Polish Jewish refugees, London 1939

Belgian refugees 1914

Jean Jameson & Catherine Carr

Out and About with Tavistock Ramblers

A delightful walk in the Tamar and Danescombe valleys for early spring with John Noblet of Tavistock Ramblers. The sight of daffodils and other spring flowers is almost guaranteed. Starting at Calstock quay the walk goes through some of the older streets of Calstock, a legacy of the industrial past, to the railway station and the end of the massive viaduct that dominates almost every view of the village. Then into the Danescombe valley where mining and then flower growing were both important ways of life. A stroll along the historic waterfront and under the viaduct completes the walk.

Park in the main village car park on the quay SX437685 PL18 9QA (or catch the bus from Tavistock).

1. Walk out of the car park with the river on the left and turn immediately right opposite the mural on the end wall of the village hall into a smaller parking area. Go through the metal gates in the corner and up the road past a row of cottages on the left. Bear right by

a pink house, cross Fore Street and continue uphill on Church Street.

2. Near the top turn left into Station Lane, at first between hedges and then alongside a high stone wall. Go down the steps onto the station

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platform. Walk along to the end and cross the tracks. Bear left out of the station car park, and go down the hill.

3. Cross the road by the bus stop into Higher Kelly, which soon affords good views across the valley to Cotehele House. The tarmac lane ends and becomes a footpath with hedges on both sides, a bamboo thicket and then continues alongside a post and wire fence. At the top, bear left by a misleading waymark to a bridge over the old incline railway. (This incline, built about 1860 and long before the viaduct we see today, connected mines on higher ground with the quay). Ignore the steps and continue to a tarmac lane.

4. Turn sharp left downhill, go under the incline railway and then bear right by a wooden gate. Almost immediately turn sharp right to go under the incline railway yet again. The path is rocky here, so be careful. The path begins to descend gently into the Danescombe Valley before bearing right uphill past an old daffodil packing shed. Go left at a path junction and descend gently to the valley towards the sound of water in the brook.

5. Go sharp left at the bottom with the stream on the right. Pass an old engine house, now a holiday let, and

then a couple of cottages with a mine chimney behind on the hillside. Further down is another industrial ruin, an old saw mill, and just beyond this is a path junction opposite a row of cottages.

6. Continue straight on (although if you turn right it is a pleasant walk, up and then down at first, along the river to Cotehele Quay and a short diversion to Cotehele House). The track goes sharp left as it reaches the river by an ornate building, once a hotel. There are good views both up and down the river. Pass large limekilns, go under the bottom of the incline railway and walk towards the viaduct along the historic quayside and back to the parking area (or bus stop).

Tavistock Ramblers walk on most Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays. There is a variety 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. If you just want something shorter to start with, try a Ramblers Wellbeing Walk to get active. There will be one near you.

You will also find a series of self-guided 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.

LTB Blinds & Curtains

Where are you based and how long have you been in business?

We are based in Tinhay Industrial Estate, Lifton and have been in business for 30 years.

We started with Tavistock Blinds as a shop front in Paddons Row, Tavistock. Paul - the boss, and my husband! - then acquired a shop front in Bodmin, so the company became Tavistock and Bodmin Blinds. The ‘L’ was added in 1994 with the purchase of the unit in Lifton, so the Company became Launceston, Tavistock and Bodmin Blinds abbreviated to LTB Blinds.

You specialise in blinds and curtains, describe what kind of products and service you provide

We offer a measuring and fitting service covering most of Devon and parts of Cornwall and manufacture most of our products here in Lifton. Paul decided to add curtains to the mix 18 years ago and we haven’t looked back. We can offer a variety of blinds in any type, size, and colour and we specialise in conservatory roof and side blinds at very competitive prices. We also make and install made to measure curtains with accessories such as curtain poles, tracks, tie backs, cushions, and more.

What size of jobs do you do?

Any size ranging from one small roller blind to fitting a range of blinds and curtains to every window in a house. We also deal with several local businesses, schools and South West Ambulance. We have a lot of enquiries for unusually-shaped windows which we can offer a range of options to suit.

How big a team are you?

We are a team of nine close friends and family - from me in the office to Paul’s step dad Steve on the manufacturing side.

What do you think makes LTB stand out?

We have been operating as a local family run business, offering good quality blinds and curtains, for 30 years and pride ourselves on being personal, friendly and professional. And we offer a warranty with all the products we supply and install - we have no desire to keep replacing or repairing inferior systems!

Dartmoor Electrical

Beau Burgess started out as a labourer for a scaffolding company when he was 15 years old. He soon realised that scaffolders began to struggle as they got older, and he was advised to retrain in a career he would still be able to do when he was older. So he looked into becoming an electrical engineer, and decided to enrol himself on a full-time course. He trained at college and worked with a few oneman-bands to complete an advanced level apprenticeship in electrical installation (building and structures), and gain the necessary certification to become an electrician. The work he was involved in was very varied, ranging from the Derriford Hospital extension, re-wiring the whole of The Holiday Inn on Plymouth Hoe to a new build at the house of Duran Duran’s previous manager and a huge L-shaped extension for a multimillionaire, where Beau spent a year working in the loft.

Although Beau had to work hard, the apprenticeship provided him with the opportunity to gain the experience and qualifications he needed. Before taking on a long-term work commitment, he travelled round the world for a year which was great life experience. On his return he became a self-employed subcontractor working at Plymouth Dockyard on the re-fit of nuclear submarines and warships, as well as carrying out maintenance on tower cranes. He continued his training to become an advanced electrician approved by the

NIC EIC, gaining further Level 3 awards in the requirements for electrical installations BS 7671: 2018; in initial and periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations; and in domestic, commercial and industrial electric vehicle charging equipment installation. He also took the CompEx training course which meant he could work in hazardous areas with potentially explosive atmospheres. After nine years, including taking on a managerial role, he decided it was time for a change.

He started up Dartmoor Electrical a year ago after moving to the local area; finding difficulty in getting tradesmen to help with his house renovations, he decided to give it a go himself. His customers often say they struggle to find good, reliable, friendly tradesmen - so that is exactly what Beau aims to be. He specialises in covering the local area, taking on all aspects of the jobs himself and making it a priority to leave customers fully satisfied with high standard work, fully compliant with current regulations. Since starting the company, it has made him realise how much he always loved this type of work, meeting new people, working on different properties and having varied challenges every day, as well as coming home with a sense of achievement, knowing his customers are happy, and in some cases, electrically much safer.

Book recommendations for winter

Booksellers’ choice

Nina Simone’s Gum by Warren

Ellis

This spirituallycharged memoirof-sorts looks at the living potential of objects: what they can hold, what can be projected onto them and how they can inspire events much bigger than their form. The book is centred around Ellis’s encounter with his idol Nina Simone in 1999. In a moment of rapture, propelled by the terror and awe of the singer’s transcendental performance, he climbed onto stage after her concert and took the piece of gum she had stuck on the piano. The gum stayed with Warren

By Katya Church of Book Stop, Tavistock

for twenty years. When he decided to look into preserving it, Ellis was propelled on a profound journey of connection and memory. This is his beautiful and reverent account of the shared power of objects and how they can bring out the very best in humanity.

Published by Faber &

Faber; £10.99

Top 5

First novel from beloved British comedian; £16.99

The Lost Rainforests of Britain by Guy Shrubsole

Yes, there are still rainforests in Britain, and many are here in Devon; £20

Boy by Patrick

Mother’s

Gale

A beautifully crafted novel of war, Cornwall, and

the relationship between a mother and son; £9.99

The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer

Plymouth Before The War From The Air by Chris Robinson

Fantastic photographic chronicle; £18.95

The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold

Second novel from the Blue Peter Book Award winning author of The Last Bear; £7.99

www.safe-sound.co.uk safeandsoundtavistock@gmail.com

Moor Links Business Directory

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“I have been advertising in the Links magazines for some time now and I believe it has had a positive impact on my business. The response from the latest editions has been extremely good with customers saying how much they enjoy the publication as it is informative and allows them to fi

local businesses and trades. I would certainly be happy to recommend this publication to anybody looking to promote their business locally”.

Mark Hussey, Moorview Glazing

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