Moor Links Magazine April/May issue 2019 by Links Magazines

MOOR LINKS April/May 2019 | Issue 39

220

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

to enjoy this spring

Westcountry Rivers Trust

Protecting our natural environment

PRECIOUS PLASTIC TAVISTOCK

4-PAGE

Scrapstore & The Robey Trust's new plastic recycling project

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FOOD & DRINK

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HISTORY

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BUSINESS

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Saving the environment The deadline date for any inclusions in the June/July issue of Moor Links will be 1st May 2019. For all editorial enquiries please contact Rosemary via email: rosemary.best@ linksmagazines.co.uk

THE LINKS TEAM: Publisher: Tim Randell Editor: Rosemary Best Writers: Nichola Williams, Kaye Rogers Design: Sara Venner, Julian Rees Customer Services: Rachel Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard

01822 615627 We’ve spotted Moorly 7 times in the magazine. Can

Approximately 12.7 million tonnes of plastic winds up in the oceans every year, while the world’s science community has warned that we only have 12 years to make a significant impact on global warming and keep it to a maximum of 1.5C or we risk catastrophic consequences. It seems there has never been such a clear message about the need to take action, and although much of the power for change lies in the hands of governments, there are a multitude of ways everyone can affect the outcome for the next generation - switching to reusable water bottles and shopping bags, car-sharing, making your home more energyefficient. In the recent climate strikes carried out by young people, one of the placards summed up the situation quite neatly with ‘There is no plan-et B’. We have been talking to a number of people who are trying to make a difference to the environment. Dr Caroline Puschendorf is a marine biologist, tackling the loss of coral reefs due to climate change, and Helen Dobby is a senior environmental officer with WDBC, improving recycling services and the environment. Westcountry Rivers Trust has been working with communities for 25 years, restoring the health of local rivers, estuaries and wetlands, while Tavistock Scrapstore is working with The Robey Trust on an exciting project to recycle local plastic waste.

Rosemary Best Editor

you spot him too?

5 Contents

26 22

5 Community News

26 Feature

57 Business

10 Education

29 Naturalist

60 Food & Drink

11 Kids’ What’s On

30 Farming Diary

62 Outdoors & Active

12 Local People

34 What’s On

64 History

16 Charity Focus

47 What’s On Extra

66 Tech Help

19 Health & Wellbeing

50 Music & Art

70 Trade Secrets

22 Gardening

54 National Trust

Delivered by Royal Mail to: Bere Peninsula, Buckland Monachorum, Clearbrook, Crapstone, Dousland, Horrabridge, Meavy, Milton Combe, Postbridge, Princetown, Sampford Spiney, Sheepstor, Walkhampton, Yelverton.

@moorlinks Cover photo by Tony Cobley tonycobley.com

2019

16•17•18 MAY

Livestock Competitions

Crafts and flowers

Equestrian Events

Food Halls & Shopping

Join us for a Celebration of the Cream of the Devon countryside at Devon County Show 2019, Westpoint, Exeter Advance Ticket Prices: Adults £19, over 60s £17 Visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk for further details #creamofdevon

COMMUNITY NEWS

Exploring Dartmoor’s delights Regular readers will know that Tavistock Ramblers’ walks feature in the ‘Outdoors and Active’ section; with the encouragement of the Tavistock Visitor Information Centre and the support of Links Magazines, Tavistock Ramblers has compiled some of these walks into easy-to-follow guides for visitors and locals. Six walks are now available at a modest cost to help people explore the delights of the surrounding countryside. Another initiative that Tavistock Ramblers is supporting, is The Dartmoor Way which seeks to establish a 100-mile circular walking route round the moor, taking in many of its villages and hamlets. The route survey to determine signpost locations and frequency is now underway. We all know how successful the South West Coast Path has been in encouraging walking and it is hoped that The Dartmoor Way will repeat that success closer to home.

Tavistock Ramblers, with almost 180 members, organises 150 walks annually of varying lengths and types across winter and summer programmes. The summer programme, starting in April, has just been published and comprises a rich mixture of long and short walks, some circular, some linear, with something for everyone. Since even Ramblers cannot walk all the time, there is also a programme of summer social events. From April, Sue Whiteman, who was previously the group’s membership secretary, takes over as chair from Malcolm Cooper who has been chairman since 2016. We wish her and the group every future success. For further details on the walks or if you are interested in joining this welcoming group go to www.tavistockramblers.org.uk

Milestone for Mayflower water treatment works Workers building a new £60million state-of-the-art water treatment works for Plymouth and the surrounding area raised their hard hats in celebration to mark a million hours worked since construction started. Since April 2016, more than 150 people have worked on the site at Roborough, without a losttime health and safety incident – a significant achievement given the scale and complexity of the project. South West Water’s Managing Director Stephen Bird said: “After years of planning and years of hard work on site it is exciting to see our flagship water treatment works nearing completion. The main building work has finished and we are now focussing on commissioning works ahead of putting water treated by the new works into supply later this year.” Mayflower will replace the outdated treatment works at Crownhill in Plymouth, which was built in the 1950s and is reaching the end of its useful life. It will use cutting-edge treatment processes, designed and developed by Dutch water technology company PWNT, and tested at a prototype facility at Crownhill from June 2013 until June 2015. The new technology features SIX® suspended ion exchange with resin

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

regeneration system, ILCA® inline coagulation and CeraMac® C90 ceramic membrane microfiltration. It is the first time that this combined technology will be used in the UK. Mayflower is due to become operational in autumn 2019, with the existing Crownhill works retiring from service by the end of 2019. The project is South West Water’s biggest single capital investment in its highly-rated 2015-20 business plan. More information is available on the South West Water website www.southwestwater.co.uk/mayflower

COMMUNITY NEWS

Transition Tavistock

Tamar Energy Community (TEC)

Transition Tavistock was formed in 2008 by members of the local community seeking to ‘share knowledge and practical ideas to use less energy and resources, grow more of our own food, and supply and buy more locally’. From the initial concept, many off-shoots have developed to form: Tamar Energy Community and Tavistock Community Gardening, as well as a number of projects looking at current issues, such as Tavistock and District Local Economic Blueprint, reducing plastic usage and climate change. With the goal of achieving ‘a more sustainable and better future’, the group has set up a spacious community facility in Elbow Lane, Tavistock known as Local Matters (open 11:00-13:00 Mon-Sat), for the general public to visit for advice on energy efficiency, or growing your own food, with part-packet vegetable seeds available for a donation. This active community group is always looking for the next project and also keen to attract like-minded people with energy and inspiration, looking for a challenge.

Kate Royston was one of the main instigators in setting up Tamar Energy Community, with the aim of providing the general community with access to free, reliable and impartial advice about energy efficiency, as well as taking part in projects to advance energy innovation. Anyone can seek help at Local Matters or by requesting a home visit to talk about energy usage, switching providers, insulation, heating controls, grant funding and managing fuel debt.

Tavistock Community Gardening Formerly known as Roots to Transition and Tasty Tavy, this hard-working group led by Ali Sedgwick and Sue Hepworth designed and planted out the beautiful Tavistock Community Sensory Garden with trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses, appealing to all the senses, including the ‘taste’ garden - a series of raised beds filled with fruit and vegetables. They also transformed the Rose Walk and have cultivated many areas of Tavistock with ‘Incredible Edible’ vegetables, receiving a number of awards and commendations from the RHS Britain in Bloom adjudicators over recent years.

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Community Solar was the first TEC local community-owned energy generation project which generates energy from solar panels mounted on the roofs of a number of community organisations and businesses, including Tesco Stores, Callington, Mount Kelly, and Abbey Garden Machinery. The scheme provides a number of benefits including reduced cost electricity for the hosts and a contribution to national energy needs. TEC is also one of just seven community groups in the UK looking at the peaks and troughs of energy usage. This exciting local energy initiative, ‘The Power in Your Hands’ is part of OpenLV. It involves looking at the data from Meavy Way substation in Greenlands and thinking about ways of shifting our energy usage from the peak evening period to low usage times such as the middle of the day and in the night, in anticipation of the introduction of time-of-use tariffs and decentralised energy management. For more information on any of the above groups and projects visit transitiontavistock.org.uk, or contact info@transitiontavistock.org.uk or 0800 233 5414

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COMMUNITY NEWS

An active year for Yelverton Rotary Club Our 2019 programme of fund raising and other activities is well underway and at our quiz night in February 40 friends and Rotarians puzzled over 9 fiendish rounds of eclectic questions ranging from the shipping forecast to facts about Devon. Funds raised from the event will support a summer school holiday Sport and Craft Fun Day in Yelverton – more details of the event next time! Club members provided assistance with Lambing Live at Greenwell Farm and will be running our annual Easter tea party and Easter bonnet competition at the Yelverton Memorial Hall. We also have two car boot sales planned for 19th May and 14th July. Our planned visit to the new water treatment works at Roborough has been postponed to May so that building work will be more complete and there will be less need for protective ‘gear’ to be worn.

So far this year our fund-raising activities have allowed us to continue to support our Memory Café in Yelverton; Rotary Foundation, which amongst other things is working with Polio eradication; Shelter Box, and a variety of local charities including St Luke’s, Weir Quay Sailing Club (training for young people) and Dartmoor Search & Rescue (to purchase new equipment). The Rotary Club of Yelverton welcomes new members, for more information please visit www.yelverton. rotary1175.org or facebook@yelvertonrotary or email president@yelvertonrotary1175.org

Trustees sought for Tamar TLC Tamar TLC, established in 2016 to raise, manage and distribute funds for the benefit of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is seeking new trustees, to help steer the next stage of its work. The Charitable Incorporated Organisation has already set up a Visitor Gifting scheme, mainly through donation boxes held by 15 local businesses, and organised several activities to raise money to support projects that help to conserve and enhance the Tamar Valley area. But Tamar TLC would like to do more! Les Deering, Tamar TLC trustee, says: “We are looking to strengthen our board of trustees and would like to find enthusiastic people who have (but not exclusively) working knowledge of any of the following areas: website management; event management; volunteer recruitment &

management; administration; local knowledge; links into local businesses. We meet once every 6-8 weeks, all other work can be done at a time to suit the trustee”. For further details please visit tamartlc.org/who-we-are/ and click on the Trustee Pack. For an informal chat about becoming a trustee please email alex.midlen@gmail.com. Volunteers are also needed for Tamar Valley Centre Cafe.

MIRRORS

THE SALON There is no better therapy than sitting in your stylist’s chair See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

The Rock Complex Yelverton PL20 6AZ 01822 853020 ½ À ¾ read our feedback on facebook @mirrorsthesalon

COMMUNITY NEWS

Calling all photographers! We would love you to send us your photos of ’in and around Horrabridge’ for our 2020 calendar. Last year’s calendar, sold on behalf of St John’s Church, proved very popular, selling out well before Christmas. So please take some photos with your camera or smart phone and send them in for possible inclusion. Photos for each month will be chosen by a small group of church members (this is not intended as a photographic competition). Photos need to be received by Monday 1st July 2019; please send digitally to jennie@

smileysunflowers.eclipse.co.uk or in print form (10cmx15cm) to Jennie, 1 Graybridge Rd, Horrabridge, with your name, contact number, email address and age category: adult/16 years or under.

Council Tax help scheme Following consultation with the public, South Hams District and West Devon Borough Councils will be introducing a new scheme to help those on low incomes to pay their council tax. Under the current scheme, some people claiming universal credit receive a new bill each month that their circumstances change. The councils understand this makes it very difficult for people, already on low incomes, to properly plan or budget their money. The new scheme is the first of its kind in Devon, and will assess how much support a person receives, based on their net income, so a change in someone’s income won’t necessarily create a new assessment and council tax bill. The scheme is designed only to react to changes large enough to take residents into a new income band. Residents will be able to look at a simple table and see what support they are allowed. The new system means councils are now fully in control of the scheme and can help to ease the pressure on residents, ensuring workers are not deterred from taking on extra work, because of the difficulty it has caused in the past in paying

their council tax. The Exceptional Hardship Fund is already available for people who are really struggling to make ends meet. West Devon Borough Council’s lead member for health and wellbeing, Cllr Tony Leech, said: “Cutting all the paperwork and having fewer bills going out will make it much easier for our customers to manage their budgets. We will protect our most vulnerable residents even further, by using our Exceptional Hardship Scheme to support those in most need.” Councils will work out how much money is coming into the household, ignoring any money from disability living allowance, personal independence payments and war disablement benefits, as well as child benefit and child maintenance payments. As a result, most residents would see an increase in their awards. To find out how these changes will affect you from April 2019, go to www.westdevon.gov.uk/ctr

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Money problems? Question: I’ve got three kids, and as usual, my finances are not in good shape. I’m on a low income so have had to put some purchases on a credit card. I have been trying to pay it off but I’m already behind on other bills. I haven’t been able to pay my council tax in three months and received payment reminders from my energy provider. What should I do?

Answer: First things first, work out how much you owe - make a list of who you need to pay each month and how much. If you don’t have your most recent statements, you can contact your creditors to find out. Make sure you are getting all the income that you are entitled to. For example, you may be entitled to tax credits to top up your income or help with child care, housing costs or school meals. Create a budget by adding up essential living costs, such as food and housing, and take these away from your income. Any money you have spare can be put towards your debts. The Citizens Advice budgeting tool on the website can help.

Your council tax, rent or mortgage, and energy are priority debts, as there can be serious consequences if you don’t pay them. These must be paid first. Separate these and work out how much you owe. As you’re already in arrears with your council tax, you must act quickly and contact your council to arrange an affordable payment plan. You can also contact your energy supplier to help you sort out a payment plan that works for you. They must help you do this and you can get help from your local Citizens Advice if they don’t. To cut your future bills you should make sure you’re on the best deal you can get. Use a price comparison tool to check. For further help working out your budget, negotiating with creditors or checking which benefits you’re entitled to, contact your nearest Citizens Advice by phone, online or face-to-face. For the most up-to-date advice, please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk, call Adviceline on 03444 111 444 or visit Tavistock Citizens Advice, Abbey Surgery: Mon, Weds, Fri 10-3pm www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk

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See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

A pre-paid funeral plan with Golden Charter gives you and your family peace of mind with a range of plans to suit all budgets from just £1950. Your plan will be allocated to Morris Bros here in Tavistock. We also offer bespoke plans to suit specific requests. Contact us for further details or to make an appointment. 9

EDUCATION

‘I’d rather be a rebel’ Tavistock College theatre company, Malarkite Collective, recently presented its first production - ‘I’d rather be a rebel’ - producing a high-level cross-arts work, both educating and entertaining its audience. More than 135 people watched the play over the course of the day as the cast of eight female sixth-form students shared the stories of influential women in Devon, focusing on their connections with the West Country and exploring how the roles of women have changed and are changing in society. The women chosen were Edith Splatt, Emily Pankhurst, Sylvia Calmady Hamlyn, Madame Paulo, Belinda Lee, Elizabeth Just, Joss Stone and Heather Fell - all influential and inspiring in their own way. Each of these women was seen to have some connection to the role of women today, such as Belinda Lee’s stand against the sexualisation of women in the film industry. The group researched the women, basing monologues on real speeches they had made, and also looked at the works of influential female playwrights such as Caryl Churchill, Charlotte Keatley and Laura Wade, to develop their playwriting style. The movement work was inspired mainly by the popular

dances of the eras but also included physical theatre to embody the journey of the characters. The group composed songs and created soundscapes, as well as revisiting songs of the past to contextualise the work. The narrative followed the story of Heather Fell’s determined struggle to become an Olympian and the closing speech echoed the meaning behind the whole piece: ‘This is for the women who went before me who paved the way for women of today, for the people, men and women, who stand beside me as we seek an equal playing field and those who will go ahead of us to continue to remove barriers to opportunity and equality.’

Friendship, Fresh Air, New Skills, Excitement Your local friendly club, in a beautiful location with club house and free car parking Green and Club House in rural setting

Social events

Call us on:

Join us just turn up on the day

C LU B

Club competitions

O N B WLI O

G N

Coaching for beginners and experienced bowlers

Y ELV E RT

League and Friendly matches

Open day for new members Saturday 27th April Morning 11am to 1pm Afternoon 2pm to 4pm Sunday 28th April Afternoon 2pm to 4pm

Club nights Thursday at 5.45pm Coaching Fridays at 5pm

0774 929 8857 www.yelvertonbowling.co.uk Yelverton.Bowling.Club@gmail.com Yelverton Bowling Club, Meavy Lane. PL20 6AL 10

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KIDS WHAT’S ON KIDS WHAT’S ON

FAMILY WILDLIFE WATCH

TAVISTOCK EASTER EGG HUNT

Sunday 28th April, Sunday 19th May, 10.30am-12.30pm

Monday 1st to Monday 22nd April. Another egg-citing and free trail brought to you by Visit-Tavistock and Tavistock BID. Collect your clue sheet from I Love Candy and The Visitor Information Centre to find all the eggs and earn yourself a goody bag. Vote for your favourite and you could win it! www.visit-tavistock.co.uk STORYTELLING WITH ENTERTAININGLY DIFFERENT Friday 31st May. Join the entertaining Rob Pudner for a day of storytelling with a difference throughout Tavistock. See www. visit-tavistock.co.uk for more details.

BUCKLAND ABBEY CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday 6th to Sunday 28th April, 10am – 4:00pm. Can you help us find all the Medieval bunnies before they cause real mischief! Once you have found all the bunnies, you can claim your special chocolaty reward. MAY HALF-TERM FUN Saturday 25th May – Sunday 2nd June, 11am – 4:30pm. Join us for one of our crafting sessions and make a pine cone spring flower or visit Naturemake, and create spectacular pieces of art. There’s something on every day this half-term.

BURRATOR DISCOVERY CENTRE FAMILY ACTIVITY ‘DROP IN DAYS’ Thursday 11th April, Tuesday 28th May, 10am-3pm –. Each day will have a different theme and will involve a nature trail, woodwork, environmental art and outdoor cooking plus much more. Please wear outdoor clothing & footwear. £3 per child, £2 per adult. For more information call 01822 855700 or email heritage@ swlakestrust.org.uk.

Wildlife Watch session followed by hot chocolate & biscuits. We meet at Burrator Discovery Centre (PL20 6PE). Please wear outdoor clothing & footwear. £3 per child, £2 per adult. For more information call 01822 855700 or email heritage@ swlakestrust.org.uk.

CLEARBROOK WILD CHILD LIGHTSABER BATTLE SCHOOL - JEDI VS SITH Saturday 18th May, 10am - 12 noon, 1pm - 3pm, 3pm - 5pm. Are you ready to learn the ways of the Force? Join our Lightsaber Battle School you must. We’ll be joined by Jedi Masters from the Saber Combat Academy. Suitable for girls and boys, 6+ years old. Dress up welcome. Clearbrook Village Hall, PL20 6JD booking is essential at www.clearbrookwildchild.co.uk.

COTEHELE CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday 6th to Sunday 28th April, 10am4pm. Join Bunny in Cotehele garden to find which items on his shopping list used to be grown in the market gardens of the Tamar Valley, and enjoy a Cadbury chocolate prize at the end. £2 per trail, usual admission applies. HALF-TERM FUN AT COTEHELE Saturday 25th May to Sunday 2nd June, 10am-4pm. Follow a new free children’s trail from the house, the pisky trail to the Mill and join in with activities throughout the week. Normal admission applies.

LYDFORD GORGE LAUNCH A BOTTLE ROCKET Monday 8th April, 11.30am-3pm. Bring along an empty fizzy pop bottle or borrow one of ours and see how high you can

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

make it fly using just water and air. Normal admission charges apply. Booking advisable on 01822 820320

PLYMOUTH MUSEUM ON TOUR ‘TALL TALES’ STORYTELLING SESSIONS Sunday 28th April, various times. Come and meet storyteller extraordinaire Ariadne from Stiltskin Theatre Company. Be illuminated and entertained by her wonderful lighthouse tales involving the ups and downs of living in our very own Smeaton’s Tower, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 2NZ - standard admission to the lighthouse applies, book essential on Eventbrite.

ROSEMOOR HALF TERM FAMILY FUN GET SET GROW Saturday 25th May to Sunday 2nd June. Get set grow garden trail: a chance for families to explore RHS Garden Rosemoor, enjoy creative play with free drop-in craft workshops and spot wonderful wildlife. Normal admission charges. On 28 May, 3:00-4:00pm - Alice in Wonderland. Join your host the Mad Hatter and all his friends as they help Alice find her ‘unbirthday’ party. Tickets from £5-£18. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor

pl A h ac a e t pp ob y ...

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

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Stemming the tide Dr Caroline Palmer is a marine biologist and founder of ‘Seeking Survivors’- a charitable organisation that tackles the loss of coral reefs due to climate change, by using an immunological approach to coral health, conservation and restoration. Caroline grew up in Kent with her twin brother Michael, and together, they were introduced to diving at a young age by their father, in the icy waters of Newhaven chalk reefs. Caroline always had a passion for travel and adventure, trekking to the peak of Kilimanjaro at 15 through ‘World Challenge’, and embarking on a self-funded gap year, exploring parts of Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands and North America. Upon her return she was determined to study more about the world’s oceans and began a bachelor’s degree in ocean science with geography, at the University of Plymouth. During her time at university, Caroline gained her commercial diving certificate (HSE Part 4); concerned about the plight of coral reefs around the world, she began teaching herself coral biology. She applied to James Cook University (JCU) in Queensland, Australia in the hope of transferring to a marine

biology degree course, and was accepted. In 2004, Caroline designed independent research into coral disease, and conducted it in Indonesia, facilitated by ‘Operation Wallacea’, whilst waiting to take up her place at JCU. In 2007, building on the idea of studying coral health to mitigate the coral reef crisis, Caroline began her doctorate on coral immunity – a new field of research. She was a PhD student at both Newcastle University in the UK and JCU, working mostly on the Great Barrier Reef. Caroline published the first report of an immune response in reef building coral and worked internationally with leading scientists. She was fortunate to be selected to spend the summer of 2007 in Hawaii studying alongside the late, renowned coral biologist, Prof Ruth Gates. Caroline married fellow biologist Rob Puschendorf in 2010. The pair returned to the UK with their young son, Benjamin

Home

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LOCAL PEOPLE

In 2016, with Rob in recovery and with the knowledge that the world’s reefs

are set to disappear by 2050, along with the 25% of marine life they support, Caroline set up ‘Seeking Survivors’ in Costa Rica. She aims to understand how immunity enables corals to tolerate adverse conditions, such as those under climate change. This information can then be used to find or engineer corals most likely to survive the future climate to support and optimise the plethora of coral restoration projects worldwide. Seeking Survivors is a collaborative and inclusive enterprise, involving local communities, international scientists, the National Marine Aquarium and the University of Plymouth. It is funded through grants, such as National Geographic and Rapid Response Facility, crowd funding (Kickstarter) and private donors. Now living in Buckland Monachorum, Caroline was recently inspired to become an ambassador for women in science. She and colleague Dr Zoe Mildon, co-founded a ‘500 Women Scientists’ Plymouth Pod – a charitable

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

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

AMANDA RANDELL COX

hello@flowersetal.co.uk www.flowersetal.co.uk

group which originated in the USA to draw attention to the presence and work of women in science. It aims to make scientific study open, accessible and inclusive to all, and this network of women support and guide those seeking to engage with science through informal meetings and outreach events. Caroline has maintained a passion for coral reefs and feels a moral obligation to try and solve the global issue of their decline - I cannot think of anyone better suited to inspire the next generation of scientists. Nichola Williams

Caroline welcomes people interested in supporting Seeking Survivors to contact her through the website at www. seekingsurvivors.org. You can also find out more about diversity and inclusivity in science at www.500womenscientists. org. For more information about Flourish please visit www.flourishlife.co.uk or follow Caroline on twitter @CVPPalmer

RHS Chelsea Gold medalist Master Florist UK & US

after Rob was offered a lectureship position at the University of Plymouth. Their daughter, Sofia was born in 2014 and it was at this time that Rob fell ill with undiagnosed cancer. Caroline’s background in immunology led her to become Rob’s advocate for diagnosis and she battled with oncology specialists to take her seriously. Rob’s eventual treatment at the Marsden in London was very successful. However, with the uncertainty of her husband’s future during the treatment, Caroline trained as a health and nutrition coach and set up her company, Flourish. She helps people create and maintain a lifestyle that supports their health, working closely on a one-to-one basis with patients with a variety of complaints, such as auto-immune or digestive disorders and offering information and personalised strategies for practical, lifestyle changes to improve their day-to-day health.

07973 226710

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Let’s talk rubbish… As senior environmental manager, and group manager for commercial services for two councils in Devon, Helen Dobby has been working to improve recycling services and the environment in West Devon for around 15 years – she says waste management is a profession that finds you and draws you in… After a childhood spent in North Cornwall, I studied media and literature in Liverpool and after graduating moved to the Midlands. An opportunity to use my marketing and media skills to develop and run a fledging recycling service for Rugby Borough Council gave me a taste for the ‘world of bins and environmental services’ which all local councils deliver countrywide. That led to a career in environmental management, designing and delivering refuse, recycling and street-cleaning services in Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Oxfordshire before finding my way home to the South West. In latter years, my remit has extended to the South Hams as well. I work with a great team and we love what we do; you can’t help but feel enthusiastic about these delivery services when

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you know how vital they are to everyone and how we all feel if they don’t happen! West Devon has seen huge changes in the way recycling services have progressed over the last 15 years. Householders have totally revolutionised how they deal with their waste and sort out the valuable stuff; while I have been here, I have seen recycling increase by around 15%, with thousands of tonnes of paper, card, glass, cans and plastic bottles now being recycled. Food waste is all recycled weekly and composting is almost second nature in our area. Householders also really help us by making sure the recyclables we have to sell are clean and well sorted. Recycling is a valuable commodity and it’s crucial I

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LOCAL PEOPLE

find the best markets in the South West, since selling recycled materials helps to contribute to the costs of council services delivered locally. One of my real satisfactions is seeing communities embrace and lead environmental change for themselves. I am delighted when communities promote recycling locally and carry out local litter picks – they are always the best local ambassadors. Councils often take criticism for service cuts due to reduced budgets, but our waste services have been designed with our communities for our communities. Recycling is ever growing and collected every week, black sack waste is collected less often because there isn’t so much to collect. Locally we have one of the lowest tonnage rates per household for black bag waste in the whole country. It’s a real example of householders leading the way our services are put together, based on what is needed.

I do find the logistics of delivering rural services more of a challenge than doing the same job in a more urban environment though. Have you ever thought about how many miles of roads there are to clean in West Devon – or how many really remote properties the collection crews have to find? Route planning is quite an art and our unique Dartmoor weather and geography can often throw a curve ball into the working day, so it’s really important we make sure everything gets done on time and safely, especially during winter. Fortunately, my team love solving problems and take great pride in helping to keep our beautiful area clean and environmentally sustainable. The most fulfilling aspect of my job is being able to make an environmental difference through working to build services which support our area, both now and into the future. I get to talk to all kinds of organisations and individuals nationally with an environmental interest –Natural England, chartered

waste institutes and the Environment Agency all impact on our area. Locally our schools, parish councils and community groups can all help to make our environmental impact the best it can be as well. While helping local residents to understand the importance of individual actions, like throwing away less food waste or composting at home, all help look after where we live for the future and I can’t emphasise how important this is. My job, along with the rest of the team, is about helping to be custodians of the most amazing area and to keep it protected. I don’t apologise for liking to talk rubbish – I positively encourage it! - although there shouldn’t be much rubbish left, once we’ve harvested the valuable bits. Most importantly I recognise how hard the team who deliver the services work and hope that this shared sense of pride shines through. Helen Dobby

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CHARITY FOCUS

Scrapstore and Precious Plastic Tavistock Ursula Mann, one of Tavistock Scrapstore’s trustees, has been one of the main driving forces in bringing the local community together to look at ways of recycling waste plastic into usable products. Scrapstores can be found countrywide and all work on the same basic principle of collecting donations of unwanted materials and finding ways to recycle them through art and craft sessions for people of all ages and abilities. Tavistock Scrapstore is a veritable treasure trove for the keen craftsperson, with shelves stacked full of everything from coloured papers, card, fabric and wool to buttons, ribbons, boxes and even old puzzles. Members pay £7 per year and can then buy bags of scrap for £2 and access sessions and workshops at reduced rates. Everything is run by a dedicated group of volunteers and the charity has gone from strength to strength, after a public appeal for fundraising and support led to a number of donations, several successful fundraising events and a grant from the Norman Family Charitable Trust, as well as support from the Lions Club, Worth Electrical, Fairway Furniture and Dart Print. Tavistock Scrapstore was originally run for people with learning disabilities from the Molly Owen Centre, until the centre was relocated. An enthusiastic committee chaired by Ursula, took over the running of Scrapstore in 2013 and a couple of years later it became a charity. With generous support and funding from Cllr Debo Sellis, the committee moved the Scrapstore to several temporary venues in Tavistock until settling into its current home at Tavistock Library. Scrapstore has created a great creative environment for people to come together and enjoy art and craft, in addition

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to providing sessions for afterschool clubs and charity groups. However, the recycling element is also a very important part of its ethos and that principle has been the catalyst for Precious Plastic Tavistock. A couple of years ago, Scrapstore stopped accepting plastic bottles, as recycling them into robots or other artistic projects, rendered the plastic difficult or impossible to recycle in the long-run. The volunteers started searching for a way of truly re-using plastic and Ursula came across the Precious Plastic website which contains instruction videos, blueprints and numerous tips on how to turn waste plastic into useful and attractive products. The idea for Precious Plastic was started in 2013 by Dave Hakkens, to help people transform plastic waste into products valued by consumers. There is now a global community of hundreds of people who share their skills and knowledge online to solve plastic pollution. Discussions with the Fab Lab team at Plymouth College of Art gave Ursula confidence that the project was viable and she worked with West Devon CVS and Transition Tavistock to find community partners, as well as talking to individuals and groups all over the UK about their plastic recycling experiences. The project needed engineering input and she was directed to The Robey Trust, a charity better known for

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CHARITY FOCUS

its magnificent collection of steam engines. However, its chairman Alex Masters, and director Hywel Edwards quickly became very engaged in the concept. Peter Keegan, head of DT at Tavistock College, also offered his support and was even able to supply a redundant injection moulding machine, which the Robey Trust engineers managed to repair. Alex’s father, Richard Masters, is an engineering lecturer at Exeter College, and another long-term aspiration for the project would be to involve pupils and students in working on business projects centred around recycled plastic products.

learn that Precious Plastic Tavistock had been awarded £10,000 by The National Lottery Community Fund to convert a shipping container into a workshop and build the basic machines needed to convert waste plastic into usable products: a shredder, plus compression moulding and injection moulding machines. There is still a lot to sort out in terms of which plastics to recycle, what products to make and how to roll out the project, but the scope is huge and there is palpable excitement about its potential, with products like plant pots, garden furniture, and even insulation being mooted.

In November 2018 an open meeting introduced the project to the community, drawing wide support, including help from Andy Cairns of West Devon Art Workshops who is now working on potential product designs. In February, the project team were delighted to

The Robey Trust engineers are now going ‘full steam ahead’ to get the project up and running to produce some simple key fobs and drink mats for a sustainable engineering exhibition at the Tavistock Steam Fair on 2nd June, followed by an Eco Fest in The

Hywel Edwards & Chris Mace of Robey Trust

Meadows on 20th July. As Alex Masters says: “Sometimes it’s good to join the dots up in weird ways. Steam engines helping to recycle plastics... who’d have guessed?” Rosemary Best

For more details visit Tavistock Scrapstore, Tavistock Library, The Quay, Plymouth Rd, PL19 8AB; tavistockscrapstore. org or preciousplastic.com or email tavyscrapstore@gmail.com Scrapstore welcomes new volunteers and members - opening times are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm; Saturday 10am-1pm

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Dealing with stress As a GP, I am acutely aware of stress and the impact it has on the mind and body. Partly of course because I and my colleagues in hospital and GP practices are exposed to stressful situations day in and day out at work, and increasingly because I see many patients who are suffering from the effects of stress. Often neither I nor the patient are able to immediately identify that stress is the cause of their symptoms, and we need to rule out other causes before we can be certain, although sometimes it is more obvious. Our body and mind are well adapted to dealing with acutely stressful situations with our fight or flight response – extremely helpful at improving performance when sitting an exam or giving a best-man speech. However, when we never get time to recover, the body and mind can start to feel ill effects. When we say we ‘feel stressed’, we are experiencing the psychological and physical effects of this sustained adrenaline and cortisol rise, which can cause: •

Headaches and insomnia

•

Low mood, snappiness, anxiety and depression

•

Overeating, undereating and increased alcohol or drug use

•

High blood pressure increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke

•

Higher blood sugars increasing the risk of diabetes

•

Blunting of the immune system leading to increased risk of infections

•

Stomach aches, heartburn and irregular bowels

•

Low libido and erectile dysfunction

•

Missed periods and a reduction in fertility

•

Musculoskeletal aches and pains

•

Worsening of underlying issues like lung disease, PMS, high blood pressure, diabetes, menopausal symptoms

When we have identified that stress is the main cause of a patient’s symptoms, we usually explore whether the cause of the stress can be avoided or removed. Sometimes this can be achieved, but may often feel impossible to change - for example the ill health of a family member, financial concerns or employment problems. Then we focus on reducing the impact of the stress and helping the patient feel better while dealing with whatever life is throwing at them. We have two routes to fight the effects of stress: promote the ‘happy’ hormones, endorphins, or prevent further physical stressors being added to the body - both work best when done in combination.

Promoting ‘happy’ hormones: •

Exercise that involves raising the heartrate, like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, boxing, all release endorphins.

•

Giving can release endorphins too. The ‘feel good’ factor after pledging £10 to Comic Relief is because the act releases endorphins.

•

Yoga and meditation have been shown to provide useful stressbusting effects through endorphin release.

•

Some foods like spicy foods and dark chocolate release chemicals similar to endorphins that act on the brain in a similar way.

•

We know laughing and smiling make us feel better and of course this is through endorphin release too. Staying socially connected and taking time to do fun, communal activities can be a highly effective ‘stress buster’.

Avoiding further stressors: •

Really look at your diet and avoid high sugar foods, limit caffeine and alcohol, and make sure you’re eating enough fruit and vegetables.

•

Get enough good quality sleep – this can be a challenge during chronic stress but is essential. Make sure you have good sleep hygiene (avoid caffeine after midday, avoid screen time before bed, have a bedtime routine) and avoid always relying on drugs or alcohol to sleep.

•

Manage any chronic health conditions as well as you can with input from your GP and practice nurse where needed.

There isn’t any one thing in the above list that will make stress disappear, but working each day to try and prioritise a range of things proven to have a beneficial effect, can gradually improve how you feel. For further help see: www.nhs.uk/ conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/understanding-stress/

Dr Jo Coldron Tavyside Health Centre, Tavistock

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Dementia Support at Tavistock Memory Café A cuppa, some time, and vital support Tavistock Memory Café provides local support for those living with dementia as well as their carers, and takes place fortnightly on a Saturday at the Anchorage Centre, Chapel Street, Tavistock, 2:00-4:00pm. New members can be sure of a warm welcome, and will be introduced to others sharing their dementia ‘journey’, very soon finding themselves making new friends over tea, cake and a chat. At each session we offer the carers a confidential peer support group where they are able to talk frankly, share their problems and experiences. On a regular basis, a professional speaker or carer ambassador from Devon Carers attends these meetings to give advice. Those attending who live with a dementia, can enjoy a range of activities provided by a dedicated team of volunteers, with the emphasis on fun and stimulation, all in an atmosphere where people can feel relaxed and just be themselves. These activities may include music-based seated exercise led by a qualified practitioner, table-top games such as bagatelle, dominoes and bar skittles, reminiscence chats with memorabilia which evoke wonderful memories, and quizzes where the emphasis is not on how much you know, but simply to encourage participation and conversation. Local entertainers regularly come and help us exercise our vocal chords and get the toes tapping - singing and dancing is always popular, as music touches people on many levels and at all stages of dementia. This year we are also hoping to get more involved with the Community Sensory Garden, plus two or three times a year, the whole group goes out together on a trip to a local venue or an attraction, which invariably involves tea and cake! Several of our volunteers started out by bringing their loved ones to the café, and now they no longer have caring

responsibilities, they have chosen to give others the support which they enjoyed. The feedback we receive from members is very helpful: “The volunteers are knowledgeable and helpful. They also talk to the cared-for people in just the right way; very important.” “They are all so kind and caring, I feel safe leaving her with them all. Thank you all.” Tavistock Memory Café is a charitable organisation that has a board of trustees with a wealth of expertise, who give guidance and governance. Recently the café has achieved quality assurance accreditation through the Devon Memory Café Consortium, demonstrating excellent standards of dementia support. New members are always welcome so if you or someone who you know would like to benefit from our Memory Café services, or if you are interested in volunteering with us, then please get in touch. For more information please ring Heather Rayne on 07765644843 or email info@tavistockmemorycafe.co.uk or visit www.tavistockmemorycafé.org.uk or search Tavistock Memory Café Facebook.

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GARDENING

‘Green’ gardening Whether you’re taking on a new garden or want to give your existing one a facelift, make your planning go hand in hand with environmentally-friendly practice and the results are win/win all round. Create a garden that looks more beautiful, all year round, and teems with life – from the larger birds, mammals and amphibians that are fascinating to watch, right down to worms, insects and micro-organisms that maintain a rich, healthy soil.

then shade-tolerant perennials, ground cover plants and bulbs beneath. Include evergreens for permanent structure and ensure there’s something blooming in every month of every season, preferably nectar and pollen-rich flowers to provide vital food for bees, butterflies and pollinating insects. Encouraging wildlife means a healthy balance of nature that rarely requires intervention, and going chemical-free means you won’t harm the birds and beneficial insects that usually keep on top of less welcome creatures like slugs and aphids. If you do need to intervene, there are now plenty of ecofriendly pest control methods.

Choosing a varied range of plants at all levels creates great-looking borders, plus variety really is the spice of life when it comes to wildlife appeal. Where space is limited, plant in tiers to achieve maximum good looks with, say, a tree underplanted with shrubs,

Ornamental features really ‘up’ the appeal on all counts, too. Vertical structures make an instant transformation, from a simple arch or trellis screen to an arbour or pergola with a bench beneath, where you can sit and relax in dappled shade. Well, once

plants are established, anyway – and there are lots of gorgeous climbers to choose from like roses, honeysuckle, clematis and jasmine. Perfect for hanging bird boxes and feeders into the bargain. This style of gardening is in right royal fashion too: The Duchess of Cambridge has co-designed the RHS Back to Nature garden at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show in May, with the aim of encouraging and inspiring families to connect with nature. Until then, you can read more on environmentallyfriendly gardening on my blog at www. suefishergardens.co.uk

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GARDENING

Sue Fisher GARDEN DESIGNER & HORTICULTURAL SPECIALIST

Inspirational ideas to transform your garden Advisory visits • Planting plans Complete designs tel: 01822 841895 • email: suefisher@talktalk.net www.suefishergardens.co.uk

Looking good a healthy soil which = healthy plants. Seaweed-based feeds are particularly good, especially for roses and other flowering plants. Get your lawn summer-ready with a spring feed; sow seed on bare patches; and cut fresh, crisp edges using a half-moon edging tool. Moss is going mental after the wet autumn: tackle it by spiking to reduce compaction and rake out with a spring-tine lawn rake. Don’t bother just chucking on a moss-killer: this just treats the symptom, not the cause. Trim lavender bushes to keep growth bushy and compact. Left untrimmed, plants become tall and leggy with a tendency to fall open and split in the middle. But only cut back into fresh growth: lavender won’t regrow if the old stems are pruned.

Moisture-loving plants growing in boggy soil and pond edges, start the season with a flourish of gold, with Kingcup or marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) and the unappealingly-named skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum). Don’t get too near the latter – the inspiration for the name will become obvious. A succession of bulbs create a magnificent pageant of colour through spring. For an easy and economical carpet of colour, Muscari (grape hyacinths) are unbeatable, plus they’ll often self-seed for a bigger and better display over time.

Sue’s top tips Thrifty: Sow seeds, indoors and out. Watching tiny green shoots appear and then grow into wonderful plants is hugely rewarding and saves heaps on buying ready-grown plants. If you’ve never grown anything from seed before, start with easy plants: indoors in small pots, sow French and runner beans,

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IT’S TIME TO... ...PLANT

Summer Bedding Vegetables Herbs Perennials including West Country Lupins

courgettes, pumpkins, squash, and colourful cosmos. Outside, sow hardy annuals directly in the soil where they are to grow.

Wildlife: Stop pruning hedges, dense-

growing climbers and mature shrubs, which are prime bird-nesting sites. Wait until the end of August when the main nesting season has finished. Makes a change to be told to do nothing!

‘Green’: Buy a couple of good hoes to tackle weeds, rather than resorting to chemicals. I use a long-handled one plus a short-handled Japanese razor hoe – this has a sharp point that is ideal for winkling out weeds in awkward spots. Time saving: Raise young plants in biodegradable pots that can be planted complete, rather than having to fiddle about with plastic ones. While you can buy these, it’s cheaper (and more eco-friendly) to make your own with a paper pot maker, or save toilet/kitchen roll inners. Alternatively, invest in a soil block maker and there’s no need for pots at all.

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GARDENING

RHS Garden Rosemoor 27 & 28 April RHS National Rhododendron Show Filling RHS Rosemoor’s Garden Room with hundreds of exhibits of the highest quality, this national show has over 60 classes covering all types of rhododendrons, as well as trade and advice stands plus magnificent displays of magnolias and camellias. The remarkable variety and colour of these beautiful, spring flowering plants makes it an event not to be missed. The competitions are entirely free to enter and open to anyone who wishes to exhibit. Entry forms are available direct from RHS competitions manager, Georgina Barter at: georginabarter@rhs.org.uk. Saturday 11:30 to 4pm; Sunday 10am to 4pm - normal garden admission, free for RHS members

Photo courtesy of RHS Garden Rosemoor

See the Garden spring into life National Rhododendron Show National Gardening Week Questions & Answers Panel (ticketed) Design For Living Fair Spring Plant Fair

27 & 28 April 29 April – 3 May 1 May 4 – 6 May 11 & 12 May

A glorious festival of springtime colour and events. Buy garden tickets at rhs.org.uk/rosemoor and save 10%. Great Torrington, Devon, EX38 8PH. RHS Members go free. Every visit supports the charitable work of the RHS. RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

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FEATURE

25 years of Westcountry Rivers Trust For the past 25 years, Westcountry Rivers Trust has been beavering away to ensure the water courses across the region are healthy and productive for the life they support. Rivers, estuaries and the coast, provide a vast and varied array of natural habitats; not just in the water, but also on the surrounding land. They support an array of animal and plant species, making them fantastic spaces for wildlife and the perfect place for us to enjoy the natural world. Rivers are great places for activities such as walking, swimming, fishing and bird‐watching, or creative pursuits such as painting, poetry, and photography. Spending time in nature, breathing fresh air, watching light reflected on water or experiencing the joy of a moment among wildlife, are known to improve our quality of life. Scientific research has shown that being near water, in particular, can help us enjoy better mental and physical health with less depression, less stress and a greater sense of wellbeing. The watery places across our region are steeped in our shared history and hold the key to our health and prosperity now and, more especially, in the future. Despite their obvious importance, the protection of our rivers and other aquatic ecosystems has often been overlooked as other more pressing demands have been placed on our natural environment. As a result, many of these precious resources have fallen into decline and, rather than supporting us in our lives, have begun to negatively impact upon them. Back in 1994, several determined, like-minded river enthusiasts, established the first English rivers trust: the Westcountry Rivers Trust. The Trust was registered as a charity in May 1995 and adopted the then newly conceived ‘ecosystems approach’ to conservation. This approach was built on the broad philosophy that conservation 26

is best done at a whole ‘landscape-scale’ and that the inclusion of people and communities in decision-making was critical to successful environmental restoration.

Restoring water quality in three local Devon rivers The 3Rivers project focuses on improving water quality in the rivers Tavy, Walkham and Lumburn which feed into the Tamar at Lopwell. Westcountry Rivers Trust has been highlighting problems such as poorly managed domestic septic tanks and advising on how to handle them. On farms we have been working with numerous landowners, providing free visits, advice, soil testing, wet weather surveys to flag up potential problem areas and giving small grants to focus on protecting water quality, reducing the risk of pollution for the rivers and the surrounding environment, while improving the quality of farmers’ soil and profitability. The Walkham catchment has some localised flooding issues and we are working with others, including the Environment Agency, to solve this, including improving soil infiltration and natural flood management such as woodland planting, since trees have an important role in managing water quality and flow. The Tavy is an important salmonid fishery and we have been looking at fish migration and ways to improve access to the higher spawning grounds.

Restoring and protecting rivers for wildlife For many years, the rivers of the West Country have been a stronghold for iconic wildlife such as otters, dippers and trout. We also have many precious natural habitats such as oak woodland, peat moorlands, culm wetlands and spectacular moorland streams. Westcountry Rivers Trust believes these

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FEATURE

habitats need to be protected and restored. As the health of rivers, estuaries and wetlands improves across the region, the fortunes of these species and many others, are beginning to recover. Water voles and beavers, which had both become extinct, have now returned to the West Country once more.

Using science to examine the health of our rivers At the trust, we use the latest technology in data visualisation and environmental monitoring to assess the health of rivers. This helps us target our restoration efforts and help people gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in protecting and restoring our natural environment. We also use the latest technology to monitor water quality and do biological monitoring to assess river health. When people encounter the natural world ‘hands‐on’, they are more likely to recognise its importance and be inspired to care for it, so we work with schools, colleges, universities and anyone else, helping them become a river detective, study salmon in the classroom, become a citizen scientist or design research projects: we use science to bring water to life.

Working together We know that West Country communities are keen to work in partnership with volunteers, local government and local environmental groups to protect and enhance their natural environment. We work with farmers to promote ‘water-friendly farming’, which includes producing food from their land and managing other outputs for which they do not get paid such as ensuring clean water for us to drink or to use for recreation.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

We also expect them to create spaces for wildlife, store flood waters and water for times of drought, and protect the character of the landscape. These features can protect us from flooding, improve air quality, provide us with spaces for recreation and leisure, protect us from high temperatures and reduce social deprivation.

Our mission At its core, the ethos of Westcountry Rivers Trust is built on the belief that rivers form an important part of our natural and cultural heritage and should be protected for everyone to enjoy now and in the future. Working in partnership, we aim to protect and restore the health of our rivers – we are the ‘river keepers’. Westcountry Rivers Trust has gone from strength to strength over the past 25 years. We passionately believe that the next 25 years will see the advent of even greater opportunities to engage with, protect and restore some of our country’s finest rivers. Josie Purcell Westcountry Rivers Trust

If you would like to learn more about the work of the Trust or become part of this exciting movement, please visit wrt.org.uk or call 01579 372140.

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NATURALIST

Look after our insects! I previously mentioned the ‘windscreen effect’: the relative lack of insects splattered on the car windscreen, compared with a few years ago. This casual observation has now been followed up by hard data in an international report that hit the headlines early in February, suggesting that the majority of insects could disappear in the next 100 years due to the combined effects of pesticide use, loss of habitat and climate change. In the light of this report I started to think about the insects we should be able to observe in late spring and early summer. The appropriately named maybugs or cockchafers are unmistakeable due to their size (20-30mm long) and the loud buzz they emit as they approach. They are active at dusk from May to July, strong flyers and attracted to artificial light in the same way as moths, although nowhere near as manouverable, often crashing into windows. On close examination they are large rust-coloured beetles with typical hard outer wingcases protecting the more delicate rear wings hidden underneath. Their antennae are large and open up like a fan when they are flying and despite their somewhat fearsome appearance they are vegetarian, feeding on leaves of trees and shrubs. However their fat white larvae, considered a delicacy by rooks and other corvids, do feed on roots and at one time devastated agricultural crops. Insecticides nearly wiped them out, but EU regulations currently in force restrict the use of environmentally damaging chemicals, and methods of biological control are being developed. Aphids are another ‘pest’ well known to all gardeners. They include the familar greenfly, and blackfly, respectively pests of roses and broad beans, and numerous other species such as the grey woolly aphids which feed on cabbages. Gardeners know how quickly these aphids seem to multiply if they are not kept in check. At this time of year many aphid species dispense with both wings and the time-consuming process of mating, egg-production and a larval stage - and simply reproduce carbon copies of the ‘stem mother’ from a brood pouch in the abdomen! The resulting population explosion coincides with the rapid spring growth of their food plants on whose sap they feed using needlelike mouthparts to pierce though the skin of the plant. However, their numbers are controlled to a great extent by our garden birds. Hoverflies and ladybirds are well known as predators of aphids and at this time of the year the larval stages of both

species are doing the good work. I have watched a maggotlike larva slowly making its way up a young rose stem outside our kitchen window, ‘hoovering up’ each aphid that it encountered in its path. Many hoverflies are quite large and furry and do superficially resemble small bumble bees, but they are true flies and only have one pair of wings, whereas bees - like most insects - have two pairs. The ladybird larvae, a species of beetle, are again quite unlike their adult parents, being blue-grey in colour and rather prehistoric in appearance, with small yellow spots on the sides of the abdomen. Up to 10mm in length, with the segmented body and three pairs of legs on the thorax typical of insects, they have powerful jaws to consume their aphid prey. Unfortunately, pesticides used against species such as aphids will inevitably adversely affect other beneficial insects. The decline of insect numbers could be halted and even reversed by measures such as the use of biological control of pest species; they make use of natural predators such as nematode worms to target specific pests while not harming other beneficial species. Farmers and growers who work with, rather than against natural ecosystems, have an additional benefit of reduced input costs. Many farmers are also setting aside areas of land for wild plants to grow and thrive as food for insects such as bees which are so vital in the pollination of many essential food crops. Of course, the so-called elephant in the room is climate change, which will undoubtably have an effect on all animal and plant species unless it too can be halted and eventually reversed. Pete Mayston

FARMING DIARY

What one hand gives… After 4 long years of being in and out of TB restrictions we were very pleased to get a full clear herd test in February, meaning we won’t have to test again for a full 12 months! This is a massive relief as for the last few years we have had to test throughout the year which takes time, costs money and stresses the cattle, as well as us! Last year we tested 3 times taking up 3 full weeks; it also takes four of us to get the cattle through, stopping us doing other vital jobs around the farm. Now we can freely trade our cattle which opens up our business options. Needless to say, we all had a large glass of wine the day we got the results! For the past 4 years we have sold our beef to local butcher Howells of Tavistock. It has been a great relationship - the butcher gets a reliable local supply with a great story and we get a good price and can also sign-post people to the shop to get our beef. We have our cattle processed at a local abattoir in Tideford which delivers a very good service and is a vital link in the supply chain for local butchers and producers. Sadly, the owners recently made the decision to close the operation down - not because they want to but because they have been made to jump through so many hoops of legislation, they can no longer afford to keep the small abattoir open. I am not suggesting

for one moment that abattoirs shouldn’t adhere to the very highest standards, but I think some help should be given to smaller operators who are being put under such pressure. The result of this small operation closing could make it unviable for me to continue to supply my local butcher, as the next available facility is near Truro, turning a 1-hour round trip into a 4-hour round trip. The loss will also affect many other local butchers and their suppliers. Larger abattoirs already control the market with just a few massive facilities dominating the whole sector and have little or no interest in servicing these local needs. I do hope we can find a viable solution, but it’s sad to see small businesses being driven into the ground needlessly. Big is not always beautiful! Although some of our ewes lambed in March, the vast majority are lambing now in April. After last spring’s disastrous lambing season, we decided to lamb the large majority of our ewes ten days later, so let’s hope April is kind to us. At least with longer days and hopefully better weather we should have more viable lambs on their feet come May. The ewes have scanned fairly

well this year with good crops of lambs expected. The scanning results were down on last year and some would say the ewe’s bodies remember the hardship they faced in last year’s wet, and cold spring so nature tinkers accordingly! Some farmers have also suggested that the dry summer held the ewes back a bit as the grass was short and this has lowered lambing rates. Every farm is different and as you all know we live on a wet rock here on the western edge of Dartmoor and generally a dry summer doesn’t hurt us too much. But I do think all these factors affect how nature ultimately deals with things. Hopefully by the middle of May the ewes will all have lambed and be turned away for summer, the cows will be nearly all calved and the cattle all turned out. About this time we can generally relax and by Devon County Show we are usually able to draw a line in the sand and say winter is done, summer has arrived! Mat Cole Greenwell Farm

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See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Tavistock’s main venue for Films, Theatre, Live Music and Live Broadcasts

Welcome to...

live broadcasts.. wharF gallery.. Tuesday 30th April

FAUST RHO Live

Why not come along and visit our Art Gallery which is free to enter and open to the public every day except Sundays. We change exhibitions each month and feature many local and national artists. ©Barrie Cook

Disillusioned with life, the aged philosopher Faust calls upon Satan to help him. The devil appears and strikes a bargainm: he will give him youth and the love of the beautiful Marguerite, if Faust will hand over his soul.

Tuesday 14th May

ALL MY SONS Broadcast live from The Old Vic, London

Academy Award-winner Sally Field (Steel Magnolias, Brothers & Sisters) and Bill Pullman (The Sinner, Independence Day) star in Arthur Miller’s blistering drama All My Sons.

Thursday 16th May

COFFEE SHOP........ Did you know that The Wharf has its own coffee shop open 6 days a week (except Sundays) serving a varied menu to suit all tastes and at very reasonable prices. With an outside seating area running alongside the canal, on a hot sunny day there can be no better place in Tavistock to enjoy a cream tea or slice of cake!

WITHIN THE GOLDEN HOUR

Wheeldon’s Within the Golden Hour is based around seven couples separating and intermingling, to music by Vivaldi and Bossi and lit with rich colours suggested by sunset.

THEATRE.......... SALLY MORGAN

World renowned psychic, television and theatre star and the UK’s favourite award-winning medium Sally Morgan is back and better than ever with her phenomenal interactive 10 year anniversary show.

Monday April 1st

ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE FOR ALL MUSIC EVENTS AT...

www.wegottickets.com

c tavistockwharf

For full details and how to book events visit our website:

tavistockwharf.com or call Tavistock Wharf Box Office

01822 611166

MUSIC..................................... GLEN TILBROOK Tuesday 2nd April

JEAN GENIE Friday 5th April

HI ON MAIDEN Saturday 6th April

THE JAM’D Friday 12th April

The singer of Squeeze, expect to hear not only his solo work but the big hits like Up the Junction and Take Me I’m Yours.

An outstanding tribute to the legend that is David Bowie, a truly nostalgic trip back through the hits.

Endorsed by the real Iron Maiden, this band goes from strength to strength and are no strangers to the Wharf.

The Jam’d are totally committed to giving an unforgettable, authentic performance with all the energy, passion and style of the Woking 3

THE UPBEAT BEATLES Saturday 13th April

SAM BROCKINGTON Sunday 14th April

BON JOVI EXPERIENCE Saturday 20th April

GUNS 2 ROSES Friday 26th April

Over two hours of non-stop music – from She Loves You to I Am The Walrus and beyond – this band will have you dancing in the aisles from the very beginning.

Singer songwriter Sam Brockington last played Tavistock Wharf in 2014 and islooking forward to making his long awaited return this month.

Fronted by Jon Bon Jovi “clone”, Tony Pearce, the complete Bon Jovi Experience return by popular demand with their spectacular show.

Guns 2 Roses are the closest also mirror images to the original GNR line up, with ever changing authentic stage outfits to catch the era and stage performances down to the last detail.

RIVIERA DOGS Friday 3rd May

WOMEN IN ROCK Saturday 4th May

THE CUCKOO COLLECTIVE & THE WIRELESS Friday 10th May

BRYAN ADAMS EXPERIENCE Saturday 11th May

Started as a side project in 2013 they are now firmly established as the first choice for 80s nostalgia in the South West.

Outstanding and stunning to experience, not just a tribute, but a celebration to all Women who simply Rock!

The Cuckoo Collective return to the Wharf after a 3 year break for a unique gig following many requests from a loyal local audience

Bryan Adams Experience is a celebration and tribute to the hit songs and enduring popularity of Bryan Adams

TUBULAR BELLS FOR 2 Sunday 12th May

GUITAR LEGENDS SHOW Saturday 18th May

NEW JERSEY BOYS Sunday 19th May

STEVE TURNER Thursday 30th May

Two blokes juggle over 20 instruments live on stage in a spellbinding performance.

The ‘Guitar Legends’ will mesmerise you with the Greatest Guitar Hits of all time...

The New Jersey Boys, based in Devon, take their audience on a nostalgic musical journey through the career of one of the biggest selling groups of all times – The Four Seasons.

Known as a pioneer of highly sophisticated English concertina song accompaniments, stretching the boundaries of traditional forms, with one of the best voices in the business

See our community www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk Dateswebsite and times shown may vary, so please check our website for all up to date information: www.tavistockwharf.com

W hat’s O n 11 & 12 May Pirates Weekend Plymouth

7-27 April Plymouth Beach Cleans Come along to our beach clean events and collect rubbish, plastic nurdles and even mermaids’ purses (shark eggs). We meet on the beach in suitable clothing/shoes, all equipment is provided. April: 7th at 14:00 at Mount Batten; 15th at 10:00 at Bovisand; 21st at 13:00 at Bovisand; 27th at 15:00 at Mount Batten.

Enjoy a swashbuckling day out as this award-winning family event returns with two tall ships, shanties, puppeteers, stilt walkers, storytellers, arts & crafts and the Pirate Trail - and arch-enemies Jonty Depp and Captain Barbossa! The Barbican and Sutton Harbour 10:00am-4:00pm

25 May Lord Mayor’s Day

14 April Plymouth Philharmonic Choir

Welcome the new Lord Mayor and enjoy the carnival procession - this year’s theme is ‘The Future’ with a visit from 8-foot tall Titan the Robot. All-day entertainment in the piazza features local community groups, dancers and singers, food and craft stalls from 10am to 4pm.

Bach: St Matthew Passion at 7pm at Plymouth Guildhall with soloists Neil Jenkins, Catherine Hamilton, Alison Kettlewell, Nicholas Hawker, John Hobbs and Darren Jeffery. Tickets £19 on the door, £17 in advance from www. plymouthphilchoir.org or Mainly Stationery, Tavistock students and children £5

31 May - 2 June Flavour Fest 2019 The South West’s largest free food and drink festival transforms the city centre piazza with live music, a marquee bar and more than 100 traders showcasing the best regional produce, plus cooking demos with Great British Bake Off stars Nadiya Hussain on 1 June and Steven Carter-Bailey on 2 June.

4 May Charity Star Wars Family Fun Day & Exhibition May the 4th be with you! Fun day raising money for 2 charities, ‘Heads Together’ and ‘Hugs from Henry’ at the Crowne Plaza, Plymouth, with Force for Charity Star Wars characters, Jedi training classes, kids stage show, crafts, bouncy castle - adults £5, children £3, under 1s free.

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THE KING’S SINGERS

Wed 8th May - Tavistock Parish Church

Tavistock 2019

24 APRIL to 8 MAY 2019

Fifteen days of music & arts events in Devon’s top award-winning market town Introducing this year’s Festival: President, Andrew Wilson

The beating heart of the arts in West Devon and East Cornwall! The Tavistock Festival CIO (charity no. 1169664) is pleased to be working in partnership with:

TAVISTOCK PARISH CHURCH

Tavistock RC Church

Welcome to our 17th Festival and my first as Chairman. The 2019 Tavistock Festival builds on all that our former Chairman, Christopher Kirwin, has achieved and this year’s programme offers high class events across the arts to capture the interest of all. We are grateful to Andrew Wilson, local conductor and renowned world-wide prize-winning composer, who continues as our President and we are also indebted to all those who have worked tirelessly to plan the Festival. None of this would be possible without the support and encouragement of our generous sponsors - our own Friends of the Tavistock Festival, the Bedford Hotel, Olijam Communications Ltd (Tavy, Oke and Moor Links magazines), Alistair Kinsey, Miller Town & Country, Plymouth Music Accord, The Wharf Arts Centre and the Mount Kelly Foundation, plus the Malcolm Arnold Society, Tavistock Library, Tavistock Pannier Market and the Tavistock Rotary Club. The Festival is introducing online ticket sales for a number of concerts – a number of different providers are involved so please ensure that you use the correct online details. Please do make contact or view our website for more information. Dr Sean Sweeney, Chairman sean.sweeney01@btinternet.com

www.tavistockmusic.co.uk

Tavistock 2019

Wednesday 24th April

Festival Opening by the Chairman. Reception & Entertainment from 12.30 pm in Tavistock Parish Church of St Eustachius – retiring collection

MUSIC in APRIL Wednesday 24th April Tavistock Parish Church

1.00pm: To Music Borne - brief musical interlude from local musicians, Rosemary Turner (soprano), Mary Mazur Park (piano) and Leslie Mazur Park (oboe).

Friday 26th April Tavistock Parish Church

7.30pm: Plymouth Area Police Choir. The choir sings an eclectic mix of popular music and their vocal quartet whose genre is ‘close harmony.’ Tickets £10 available from the beginning of April from the Parish Centre or on the door. Proceeds from tickets in aid of church funds.

Sponsored by Hansford Bell

7.30pm: Peter Fisher (violin) and Margaret Fingerhut (piano) Including works by Malcolm Arnold, Clive Jenkins and Andrew M Wilson. Tickets £12 (aged 18 and under - £6) from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ tavistock-festival, Miller Town & Country Tavistock Office or on the door. Sponsored by the Malcolm Arnold Society and Hansford Bell

Friday 26th April The Wharf Arts Centre

8.00pm: Rock On with Guns 2 Roses. Tickets from £16 from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office. Call 01822 611166 www.tavistockwharf.com

Saturday 27th April Tavistock Parish Church

7.30pm: South West Chamber Choir directed by Stephen Trahair, organist Dr Sean Sweeney ‘A Voice from Heaven’ six centuries of a cappella and accompanied English anthems for chamber choir, including works by Taverner, Byrd, Gibbons, Purcell, Stainer, Stanford, Howells and many more. Tickets £8 (under 18s £5) from www.wegotickets.com or on the door.

Sunday 28th April Tavistock Roman Catholic Church

7.00pm: Levowan XII (a group of twelve voices from across the South West delivering a variety of accessible chamber music) and musicians from Mount Kelly. Retiring collection to help defray expenses. Sponsored by the the Mount Kelly Foundation

Thursday 25th April Tavistock Parish Church

1.00pm: Lunchtime Recital by Stella Searson (piano) & Hannah Griffiths (cello) in a programme of French and Spanish music. Tickets £5 (children free) on the door. Recital series sponsored by Alistair Kinsey

7.30pm: An evening of jazz with Helen Porter. Tickets £10 (aged 18 and under £5) from www. ticketsource.co.uk/tavistock-festival, Miller Town & Country Tavistock Office or on the door.

www.tavistockmusic.co.uk

Helen Porter 25th April

Tuesday 30th April Tavistock Methodist Church 1.15pm: Children’s Concert - a fun event for local school children and their families. Retiring collection to help defray expenses. Sponsored by

Alistair Kinsey

The Wharf Arts Centre

7.00pm: Live Broadcast Performance of Gounod’s ‘Faust’ from the Royal Opera House. Tickets £12 (£10 children/Friends of the Wharf) from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office. Call 01822 611166 www.tavistockwharf.com

MUSIC in MAY Wednesday 1st May Leeden Tor Car Park

5.15am: Dartmoor Dawn Chorus in the company of the Dartmoor Border Morris dancers, followed by breakfast at the Fox Tor Café in Princetown.

Thursday 2nd May Tavistock Parish Church

1.00pm: Lunchtime Recital by Mary Mazur Park (piano) and Leslie Mazur Park (oboe). Tickets £5 (children free) on the door. Recital series sponsored by Alistair Kinsey

Saturday 4th May Tavistock Parish Church

7.30pm: Mount Kelly Choral Society present Haydn’s Creation with professional soloists and orchestra. Tickets £12 (under 18s free) from www.ticketsource.co.uk/mountkelly, Bookstop or on the door. Sponsored by the Mount Kelly Foundation In association with the 2019 Tavistock Festival.

Sunday 5th May The Wharf Arts Centre

7.00pm: Devon County Youth Brass Band 15th Anniversary Concert. Tickets £7 from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office 01822 611166 or on the door. Supported by the Friends of the DCYBB

Monday 6th May Tavistock Methodist Church 9.30am for 10.00am -12pm: ‘Let’s Sing.’ Enjoy a fun and stimulating singing workshop of memorable music in different styles, directed by Dr Sean Sweeney. Suitable for all ages, refreshments available. Tickets for participants £10 (aged 18 and under free). For booking details, contact Rosemary Turner 07866 488630 or talk2turners@ btinternet.com marking emails ‘Let’s Sing’ applications by May 1st, but preferably by April 24th.

Tuesday 7th May Tavistock Methodist Church 1.00pm: Lunchtime Organ Recital by Dr Sean Sweeney. Tickets £5 (children free) on the door

Recital series sponsored by Alistair Kinsey

Thursday 25th April Princetown Library

7.30pm: Talk by David Lemon, writer, journalist, adventurer and ‘Elephant Man’ - ‘The African Elephant’. Tickets £3 in advance from the Library, or princetownlibrary@ librariesunlimited.org.uk, Princetown Library Facebook page or on the door

Wednesday 8th May Tavistock Parish Church

7.30pm: Mount Kelly Concert Society present legendary a cappella group The King’s Singers. Tickets - £20 from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ mountkelly, Bookstop or on the door. Sponsored by the Mount Kelly Foundation in association with the 2019 Tavistock Festival

ART DRAMA LITERATURE LECTURES WALKS APRIL/MAY

before and during the Festival

April 1st to May 4th The Wharf Arts Centre

An exhibition of art works by Anthony Arnold – open during the Wharf’s normal opening hours

APRIL Wednesday 24th April Tavistock Library

11.00am: Talk by David Lemon, writer, journalist, adventurer and ‘Elephant Man’ - ‘The African Elephant’. Tickets £3 in advance from the Library (01822 612218), Tavistock Library Facebook page or on the door.

www.tavistockmusic.co.uk See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Friday 26th April From Court Gate, Bedford Square

2.00pm: Tavistock Walk with Simon Dell. Tickets £5 collected by Festival Stewards at the start of the walk.

Monday 26th April The Wharf Arts Centre

2.00pm: Friends of the Wharf Talk Series. Talk by Barbie Thompson, ‘Horses in Art and War’. Tickets £5 (FOTW £4) on the door.

Tavistock Library

7.00pm: A screening of ‘Macbeth’ – Tickets £2.50 in advance from the Library (01822 612218), Tavistock Library Facebook page or on the door. A stand-alone event or as a prelude to later talk and play reading. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Tuesday 30th April Tavistock Library

30-45 minute drum-making workshops hosted by Scrapstore in the Library for schools attending the Children’s Concert; slots available from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 2.45 pm; booking essential by contacting the Library 01822612218 37

Tavistock ART DRAMA LITERATURE LECTURES WALKS 2019

FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL & PASS TICKETS

MAY Wednesday 1st May Tavistock Library

10.30am: Talk by Aaron Wilkins of Tavistock Library, ‘The Attribution of Blame within Macbeth’. Tickets £3 in advance from the Library (01822 612218), Tavistock Library Facebook page or on the door.

Thursday 2nd May Tavistock Library

11.00am: Kate Ryder meet the author and book signing. Kate writes romantic suspense set in the West Country, her novels are written in a true-to-life narrative and deal with darker subjects. 7.00pm: Reading of extracts from Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ come along and join an informal reading of some of the play. Tickets £2.50 in advance from the Library (01822 612218), Tavistock Library Facebook page or on the door.

Friday 3rd May From Court Gate, Bedford Square

2.00pm: Tavistock Walk with Simon Dell. Tickets £5 collected by Festival Stewards at the start of the walk.

Saturday 4th May Butcher’s Hall

(alongside the Pannier Market) 9.00am to 4.00pm: Festival Artists’ Market in association with Tavistock Pannier Market. For details contact the Market Reeve, Duane Carruthers, on 01822 611003 or panniermarket@tavistock.gov.uk.

Wednesday 8th May Tavistock Library

10.00am to 12.00pm: Literary Workshop with Myfanwy (Vanni) Cook -‘Going Gothic’ a creative writing short fiction workshop focusing on Gothic fiction writing inspired by classical music with a Gothic edge’. Tickets £3.50 in advance from the Library (01822 612218), Tavistock Library Facebook page or on the door. 2.00pm to 3.00pm: Talk by John Carter - ‘Fibs, Facts and Farces’ tales from the Arab World. John spent twenty years in Arabia and, as an Arabist, has been involved in political, military, commercial and industrial affairs. Tickets £3 in advance from the Library (01822 612218), Tavistock Library Facebook page or on the door.

FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL EVENTS April: Mon 1st, 8th & 15th May: Mon 13th & 20th The Wharf Arts Centre

2.00pm: Friends of the Wharf Talk Series (for details see What’s On Section of the relevant Links magazine). Tickets £5 (£4 Friends of the Wharf) on the door.

Sunday 7th April The Wharf Arts Centre

2.00pm: Recorded Broadcast Performace Verdi’s opera ‘La forza del destino’ from the Royal Opera House. Tickets £12 (£10 children-Friends of the Wharf) from the Wharf Arts Centre Box Office. Call 01822 611166 www.tavistockwharf.com

FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL PASS TICKET

Again this year, we are offering members of the Friends of the Festival the chance to buy a Festival Pass; one of these passes enables you to obtain a discount on the price you pay for your tickets – minimum cost of Friends Membership is £30. Dependent on the class of Pass you purchase, you will qualify for varying discounts on your tickets – please contact Christopher Kirwin, Trustee responsible for the Friends on 01822 859477 or bridgemoorhouse@gmail.com for Friends Application Form and relevant pass request (cheques payable to Tavistock Festival) at Bridgemoor House, Yelverton, PL20 6EA. We are now a charity, so please request a gift aid tax reclaim form - any sum not used up by the end of the Festival will be viewed as a donation to the Friends.

BRONZE PASS: £50 SILVER PASS: £100 GOLD PASS: £200 PLATINUM PASS

DISCOUNT DUE £10 DISCOUNT DUE £30 DISCOUNT DUE £75 BY ARRANGEMENT

Please note that tickets purchased through Miller Town & Country will need to be paid for in cash or by cheque or through BACS – credit cards cannot be accepted.

www.tavistockmusic.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

REGULARS UNTIL 31 MAY

outdoor setting. Delamore Estate, Cornwood, PL21 9QT, open daily 10.30am to 16.30pm. Admission is £8. www. Delamore-art.co.uk; 01752 837663.

at 10:30am-12noon each month to discuss a book we have all read. Come along to see what it’s all about, drop into Princetown Library or check the Princetown Library Facebook Page.

SPRING SHOWCASE IN COTEHELE GALLERY

UNTIL 22 APRIL TAVISTOCK EASTER EGG HUNT

FRIDAYS FROM 26 APRIL

Daily, 10am-4pm. The spring exhibition in Cotehele’s gallery features work from exciting new artists and craftspeople from the South West. Normal admission charges apply.

BUCKLAND MONACHORUM CRICKET CLUB

7, 14, 21, 28 APRIL

Another egg-citing and free trail brought to you by Visit-Tavistock and Tavistock BID. Collect your clue sheet from I Love Candy and The Visitor Information Centre to find all the eggs and earn yourself a goody bag. Vote for your favourite and you could win it! www.visit-tavistock.co.uk

COSTUME SUNDAYS AT COTEHELE MILL

26 MAY – 07 SEPTEMBER

11am-4pm. The water wheel is turning and the team will be in Victorian costume milling flour the traditional way. There’s a free family trail and look out for baking and hands on activities too. 8 - 18 APRIL THE RHYMING RABBIT EASTER HOP ABOUT Find the Rhyming Rabbit on a hop about garden trail at RHS Rosemoor and enjoy craft activities based on the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. Every day, 10am - 6pm, drop-in craft workshops, weekdays (excluding bank holidays) 11am -1pm and 2pm – 4pm. Normal garden admission, free for RHS members. 1-31 MAY DELAMORE ARTS AND SCULPTURE EXHIBITION The exhibition boasts over 150 artists, specialising in sculptures in a natural

Tavistock Therapy Centre healing mind, body & spirit Emdr Play Therapy Emmett Massage Hypnobirthing

Facials Counselling Shiatsu Mindfulness Hypnotherapy

THERAPY ROOMS AVAILABLE email: admin@tavistocktherapy.com www. tavistocktherapycentre. co. uk facebook.com/tavistocktherapycentre

TAVISTOCK SUMMER TRAIL Take ‘A walk in the park’ and decipher the floral clues, with the first of our children’s book-themed summer trails brought to you by Tavistock Community Gardeners and Tavistock BID. Collect your map from the Visitor Information Centre and I Love Candy. www.visit-tavistock.co.uk

Cricket training nights in Crapstone for children aged 9 to 16. Sessions run from

WE ARE NOW CATALOGUING OUR SPRING AUCTION CALENDAR ANTIQUES, WORKS OF ART, SILVER & JEWELLERY

LAST TUESDAY IN MONTH PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP Join us at the Anchorage Centre, Tavistock from 10.30am to noon. We also have monthly exercise classes and social coffee mornings. For more information please contact Pam on 01822 614204 or Val on 01822 613992.

R.O. Lenkiewicz

Diamond Bracelet EST £8,000 - £10,000

ANTIQUES & ART, SILVER & JEWELLERY

FIRST SATURDAY OF MONTH BOOK GROUP AT PRINCETOWN LIBRARY We are an informal group that meets

Peter Tavy Inn on the edge of Dartmoor

Pink sapphire & diamond Omega “Chronometre” necklace & earrings c1950’s SOLD £15,000 SOLD £1,800

Please contact our Roborough ofﬁce for free valuations to consign items for these sales

Valuations for auction, probate and insurance purposes Charming 15th century pub in the village of Peter Tavy. Renowned for good food & well-kept real ales. Walkers, cyclists, children and dogs are welcome. Mon-Fri Midday-3pm & 6pm-11pm Sat-Sun Midday-11pm (Sun 10.30pm)

Peter Tavy, Near Tavistock PL19 9NN www.petertavyinn.co.uk • 01822 810348

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Regular specialist auctions with live online Internet bidding

For professional advice and valuations, please call 01752 721199 email: enquiries@eldreds.net

www.eldreds.net

1 Belliver Way, Roborough, Plymouth PL6 7BP 39

WHAT’S ON 6:00 till about 8:00pm and often include a BBQ. If interested please email chair. bmcc@gmail.com. For under-8s, Sunday morning sessions start from Sunday 12th May. Register your interest at www. allstarscricket.co.uk

pm in Buckland Monachorum Village Hall, supporting those living with dementia and their carers - join us for a cuppa and a chat. For more information phone Margie (01822) 853152, Mandy 855347, or Trish 852163.

CD, Poético, and works by Chopin, Barrios, Lovelady, Tesar, Villa Lobos and George Shearing. 7.30pm at St Peter’s Church, Meavy. Tickets £9 (in aid of St Peter’s essential repairs), contact 01822 852672 or 01822 854577

EVERY WEDNESDAY 2ND & 4TH WEDNESDAY OF MONTH CHARLESTON FRIENDSHIP CAFE A new initiative meeting from 2.00-4.00

WHAT’S ON Jazz Sunday Lunch

JazzSunday Sunday Lunch 3rd March

Sun 5thSunday May &7th Sun 2nd June April

A delicious 3-course Sunday A delicious 3-course Lunch, with a generous helping Sunday Lunch, a generous of livewith jazz. helping £25 of live jazz.

£25

Traditional Afternoon Tea Valentine’s Dinner Dainty sandwiches, tempting Thursday 14th February

cakes, warm scones and plenty Five coursesevery of tea orsuperb coffee, served afternoon 3pm-5pm. by candlelight. £14 £55

Mother’s Day Day Lunch Father’s Lunch

Sunday 31st Sunday 16thMarch June 3A delicious courses, in the (and stylisha 3-course lunch bottle of of Jail AleBedford for Dad Hotel. to take setting The home £26 and enjoy)

THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH CREDIT UNION OFFICE

11 APRIL

Savers can obtain loans at 2% or less. Children can save too. All savers are covered by a free life insurance. Call in for more information or ring 01752 201329.

Woolwell in Bloom - a talk by Soraya Lewis-Coleman at the Woolwell Centre 2.30pm

11.00am - 1.00pm in the Princetown Community Centre, Tavistock Road, Princetown, PL20 6QE

12 APRIL DEVONSHIRE ASSOCIATION

APRIL 2 APRIL PRINCETOWN HISTORY CLUB Megan Lowe - Butterflies of Dartmoor7:30pm at Princetown Community Centre www.princetownhistoryclub.weebly.com

Bedford

Hotel

Tavistock

www.bedford-hotel.co.uk 01822 613221 1 Plymouth Road, Tavistock, PL19 8BB

13 APRIL THE DRYSTONES

High intrigue, dark secrets, and supersleuthing at The Bedford Hotel. Enjoy a delicious dinner, while a dastardly plot unfolds. 4-course Murder Mystery Dinner: £44. Call 01822 613221 to book 6 APRIL

14 APRIL

ALISON SMITH - CLASSICAL GUITAR

DARTMOOR BORDER MORRIS MUMMERS’ PLAY

This highly acclaimed international guitarist performs music from her latest

The Mummers’ play at 1:00pm in the Great

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

abigail’s

The

Annual General Meeting, followed by an illustrated talk by Richard Finamore on the work of the Devon Rural Skills Trust at 7.30 pm at the Tavistock Parish Centre, Plymouth Road. For further details contact Barbara Edwards edwardsbobbarbara@ btinternet.com, 01822 852 636 or visit www.devonassoc.org.uk

This lively, young folk duo have been nominated for the 2018 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award’. 7.30pm at St Leonard’s Church, Sheepstor, doors open at 6.45 pm, refreshments available. Advance tickets: Adults £9, Child £7, Family £25 – contact 01822 853186 or drdartmoor@doctors.org. uk. Tickets on the door: Adults £10

5 APRIL

£25 (children £16)

01822-613221 bedford-hotel.co.uk

MOOR’S EDGE U3A

@ The Knightstone Tea Rooms Serving freshly prepared hot lunches and light bites, selection of home-made cakes, cream teas, high teas and Prosecco afternoon teas Roast dinners served every Sunday (booking recommended) 1940’s weekend, 3rd weekend of every month, serving a selection of

“Wartime Specials”

Coming soon - High Tea & Cream Tea picnic hampers.

Full details will be published on our Facebook page @theKnightstone Also available for private functions OPEN EVERY DAY BETWEEN 10AM AND 4PM DOG FRIENDLY AREA • FULLY LICENSED • FREE WIFI

Crapstone R0ad, Yelverton PL20 6BT

01822 853386/07447744427 • modwan@sky.com To promote your business to 13,880* readers - call 01822 615627

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON Barn of Buckland Abbey explains how good overcomes evil, based on an original medieval story, with some adaptations! Usual National Trust entry charges apply. www.dartmoorbordermorris.com 14 APRIL PLYMOUTH PHILHARMONIC CHOIR Bach: St Matthew Passion at 7pm at Plymouth Guildhall. Tickets £19 on the door, £17 in advance from www. plymouthphilchoir.org or Mainly Stationery, Tavistock - students and children £5 15 APRIL MEAVY GARDEN SOCIETY “Growing Vegetables” with Roy Halsey, a judge for the National Vegetable Society. Meeting starts at 7.30pm in Meavy Parish Hall. Refreshments, and plants often for sale from 7pm. Enquiries 01822 852672 and 01822 852984. Visitors very welcome.

information 01752 721179, plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk 27 & 28 APRIL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS WITH GOING DIGITAL Improve your technical photography skills with these day-long courses at Cotehele. Booking essential. For details and to book visit www.goingdigital.co.uk.

YELVERTON & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY ‘The History of the Plymouth Naval Dockyard’ - a talk by Commander Crichton at Meavy Parish Hall at 7.30pm

THE TIN BOX - STARTING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY Maureen Selley from the Devon Family History Society joins us to talk about how to research your family history. Walkhampton Memorial Hall at 7:30pm, £3 per person includes refreshments. Reserve a ticket by visiting www.growalkhampton. weebly.com 29 APRIL Sue Andrews: History of the three hares motif. All meetings take place in Holy Trinity Church Hall, Bere Alston at 7.30 pm, all are welcome. Admission is £2 and includes tea/coffee and biscuits. 30 APRIL

21 APRIL

MAY 1 MAY ROSEMOOR GARDENER’S QUESTION TIME

29 APRIL

BERE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

16 APRIL

£4 per person (including refreshments). Please book your place on 01822 855700 or heritage@swlakestrust.org.uk

NEW ORLEANS HEAT

BURRATOR DISCOVERY CENTRE EVENING TALK

Highly popular Midlands based 7-piece traditional jazz band with great UK & European reputations. 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Plymouth. Tickets on the door £10 (members £8, full-time students £5)

Come and discover the weird and wonderful biology of lichens and learn how to identify some of those common in Dartmoor’s woodlands with Alison Smith, Lead Community Scientist, Plantlife. Burrator Discovery Centre, 7:30pm-8:30pm,

WHAT’S ON Wine Tasting Dinner Thursday 2nd May Sample a selection of seasonal wines, partnered with a superb dinner menu using the finest local, seasonal ingredients. £59 including dinner and wines

Wedding Fair Sunday 9th June from 12 noon View our stunning wedding venue, and meet a host of suppliers who can help create your perfect wedding day. FREE Entry

Spring Breaks Until 30th June

Stay from £80 per person, per night, including dinner and breakfast. (Minimum 2 nights)

ANTIQUES VALUATIONS TAVISTOCK

Two

11th April & 13th June The Bedford Hotel Plymouth Road 10.00am - 1.00pm

A 20th century diamond solitaire ring Recently sold for £5,100

St. Edmund’s Court, Okehampton Street, Exeter EX4 1DU T: 01392 413100 W: www.bhandl.co.uk E: enquiries@bhandl.co.uk

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Bridges otel

Dartmoor

www.twobridges.co.uk 01822 892300 Two Bridges, Dartmoor, PL20 6SW

WHAT’S ON Hosted by the Potting Shed’s Sarah Chesters, the knowledgeable RHS Rosemoor team will be ready and waiting to answer those tricky gardening queries. Ticketed event. 1 MAY AN ENGLISHMAN IN MOSCOW A talk by Godfrey Weldhen at the Bedford Hotel, Tavistock - 6.45pm for 7.00pm (the talk will last approx. an hour). Tickets £5,

available at www.bedford-hotel.co.uk/ moscow or at hotel reception. 1 MAY DARTMOOR BORDER MORRIS Morris dancing at sunrise around 5.30am in the car park of Leaden Tor (just below Sharpitor) on B2312. Breakfast in Fox Tor Cafe from 6am (by prior arrangement). At 8pm, traditional Morris dance outside the Royal Oak Inn, in Meavy with Tavistock based Lodestone Border Morris. www. dartmoorbordermorris.com

BERE FILM GROUP Bere Alston United ChUrCh, Fore street

1st & 3rd wednesdAy eACh month

1.15 REFRESHMENTS 1.45 FILM

£2 FOR REFRESHMENTS & TRANSPORT (IF NEEDED)

3rd April

BILLY ELLIOTT

(Jamie Bell and Julie Walters)

17th April

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

(Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt) 1st May

KINKY BOOTS

(Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor) 15th May

SONG FOR MARION

(Terence Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave) 5th June

SWIMMING WITH MEN (Rob Brydon and Jane Horrocks)

this project is supported by tASS. If you would like transport to and from the film tASS will try to provide it for you. contact tASS on either 01822 617525 or transport@tasstavistock.org.uk contact either 01822 841021 or 01822 841185 if you would like to know more.

FRIENDS OF WHARF LUNCHTIME LECTURES ORGANISED BY DR ANN PULSFORD, 2PM TAVISTOCK WHARF

APRIL 1st April David Tovey Marine painting in Cornwall from Turner to Alfred Wallis 8th April Pam Kemp The splendour of Antarctica 15th April Peter Marsden Who sank the Mary Rose in 1545? 29th April Barbie Thompson Horses in art and war

MAY 13th May Tommy Hatwell Photography: around the world and back again 25th May Peter Brinsden Nelson’s three great battles: The Nile, Copenhagen and Trafalgar

4 MAY CANCER RESEARCH CAKE SALE Our spring cake sale in aid of Cancer Research UK will be at the Rock Inn from 10 am to 12 noon, with a wide range of cakes, savouries, marmalade, etc. We look forward to seeing you at this popular event. 4 – 6 MAY ART & CRAFT EXHIBITION & SALE Free admission to the annual exhibition by Buckland Art Group in Buckland Monachorum Village Hall, 10am-5pm each day. View original paintings and craft work by local artists whilst enjoying tea and cakes. 4 – 11 MAY BERE ALSTON CARNIVAL WEEK 4 May Bere Alston carnival procession for ‘Musicals’ Carnival Week on The Down with judging at 1.30pm, starts at 2.30pm. 9 May - Carnival Quiz Night in the Edgcumbe Hotel at 8pm; 10 May - Family Bingo at 7pm in Bere Alston Parish Hall; 11 May - Family Fun Day at Bere Alston Primary School from 10am to 5pm. (Carnival procession entry forms from jf.maddock@ talktalk.net) 6 MAY SPRING GARDEN FETE More than 40 exhibitors with a range of artisan & gift products, plus workshops, entertainment for children and dog show. 10:30am-4:00pm at the Moorland Garden Hotel, Yelverton. Entry costs £2:50, under5s enter free. 7 MAY PRINCETOWN HISTORY CLUB Jim McNeill – Exploration - 7:30pm at Princetown Community Centre. www. princetownhistoryclub.weebly.com 8 MAY DARTMOOR BORDER MORRIS 8pm at the Burrator Inn, with guests, Plymouth Morris for some top-quality dancing & hankie waving intertwined with stick bashing & bells. Bring the family and have a go!

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WHAT’S ON 9 MAY MOOR’S EDGE U3A View from the wings - a talk by Brian Freeland at the Woolwell Centre 2.30pm 11 MAY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino at 11:00am at the Town War Memorial in the Guildhall Car Park, Tavistock. 11 MAY

guests Leslie and Mary Mazur-Park playing oboe and piano. Tickets: £7:00 for adults, free to under-18s, available from Book Stop, choir members and on the door. 12 MAY TEA TASTING & COCKTAIL MAKING How about tea tasting and tea-based cocktail making? 2:00pm at Moorland Garden Hotel, canapes, talk about tea, tea-tasting, cocktails. £30 per person, book on 01822 852245.

TAVISTOCK SCHOOL REUNION

16-18 MAY

The Tavistock School Reunion Association’s annual reunion at The Bedford Hotel, Gallery 26 on Saturday 11th May at 7pm - open to all pupils, staff, and partners, who attended the school prior to 2009. Admission £3 (membership of association: single £7, couples £10). For further information please contact Christine Jones 01208 873356 or Elizabeth Cole 01822 614292.

DEVON COUNTY SHOW

11 MAY NSPCC PLANT SALE NSPCC Plant Sale with cream teas, 2 4pm in the garden of St Paul’s Church, Yelverton. Donation of plants welcome, please contact Sonja Cheadle on 01822 854710. 11 MAY VOCAL HAREM ANNUAL GALA CONCERT

Join us for a celebration of all things Devon at Westpoint, Exeter. 18 MAY MOZART’S REQUIEM University of Plymouth Choral Society and Sinfonia present Mozart: Requiem, Eine Kleine Nacht Musik, Ave Verum Corpus & Bruckner: Locus Iste at 7.30 pm at The Minster Church of St. Andrew Plymouth. Tickets £16 (u26 £6) from theartsinstitute@ plymouth.ac.uk or 01752 585050

BUCKLAND FOOD GROWERS FAMILY OPEN DAY Ever dreamed of growing your own food, raising your own livestock or learning the ancient art of cider making? Then come along from 1 until 4pm at Buckland Abbey for sheep shearing, pig racing, BFG snail race, splat-a-rat, treasure hunt, craft stalls, cider-tasting and BBQ. www. bucklandfoodgrowers.org

AMBER & MALLOW

Lifestyle

19 MAY ST LUKE’S OPEN GARDENS Sandhill House, Sandhill, Gunnislake, Cornwall PL18 9DR - great views, mature trees & shrubs, and water features. Open 2 - 5pm; refreshments available; dogs on leads welcome; plant sales; local stalls.

Vocal Harem Choir presents its 12th Annual Gala Concert at St Eustachius’ Church, Tavistock at 7.30 pm, with special

Computer Problems?

19 MAY

01822 600105 or 07768 852555 help@berecomputing.co.uk www.berecomputing.co.uk

The local I.T. Guy - providing support for small business and home users • PC and Mac set-up and installation • Virus and spyware removal • Networking and broadband set-up and troubleshooting • Affordable websites for small businesses and the self-employed • CCTV supply and installation

Bere Computing

KEEPING YOU SAFE ONLINE AND AT HOME See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

An inspirational new lifestyle store in the heart of Tavistock • Well Considered Gifts • Interior Accessories • Interior Styling & Design • Extensive Fabric Library

The Barn, 5 Market Rd Tavistock 01822 617853 Open Tuesday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00 Saturday 10.00 to 17.00 43

The heart of Three great venues at the heart of our beautiful bustling market town

TAVISTOCK TOWN HALL Whether you’re holding a gala dinner, a wedding, sales fayre, or even an exercise class, our facilities and friendly and experienced staff make our elegant Gothic building the ideal place for your event.

01822 617232

townhall@tavistock.gov.uk

VOTED AS ONE OF THE ‘BEST TOWN WEDDING VENUES’ IN THE SOUTH WEST

UPCOMING EVENTS April 6th Tavistock Arts Market 19th Chocolate & Coffee Festival (Miss Ivy Events) 20th Tavistock Arts Market

May 4th Tavistock Arts Market 6th Dartmoor Radio Rally 18th The Artisan Food & Gift Market (Miss Ivy Events) 25th Artisan Food and Drink Market 26th – 27th – Garden Festival

01822 616134 Looking for a unique venue with lots character? Butchers’ Hall is available to hire for private functions and events OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9am - 4:30pm OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9am - 4:30pm OPEN •TUESDAY - SATURDAY ‘Shopping heaven in the heart of Tavistock’ ‘Shopping heaven in the heart of9am Tavistock’ - 4:30pm

Tavistock Pannier Market

What’s On WHAT’S ON

‘Shopping heaven in the heart of Tavistock’

What’s On

OCTOBER

Tavistock Goose Fair, 10th OCTOBER Open 9am - 6pm Garden Goose Fair, 10th DECEMBER Festival Open 9am - 6pm

Dickensian Sun 26th – Evening, 7th 9am May - 9pm MonOpen 27th

DECEMBER

Traders in Dickensian Victorian costume Evening, 7thThe Pannier Open 9amMarket - 9pm will remain For more details Traders in visit our website open throughout Victorian costume

www.tavistock.gov.uk 01822 611003 www.tavistock.gov.uk 01822 611003

www.tavistock.gov.uk • 01822 611003 44

the duration of TavistockMarket

For more details the perimeter TavistockPannierMarket visit our website

improvements (February – TavistockPannierMarket April 2019) TavistockMarket

To promote your business to 13,880* readers - call 01822 615627

TavistockMarket TavistockPannierMarket

editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON wildlife’ by Paul Martin, Education Officer, Devon Wildlife Trust. Burrator Discovery Centre, 7:30pm-8:30pm, £4 per person (including refreshments). Please book your place on 01822 855700 or heritage@ swlakestrust.org.uk

19 MAY EMILY BACON’S GOOD TIME JAZZ A fine vocalist with a top-rated traditional jazz band all the way from the North-east of England. 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Plymouth. Tickets on the door £10 (members £8, full-time students £5) information 01752 721179, plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

25 MAY ST LUKE’S OPEN GARDENS Fardel Manor, Cornwood PL21 9HT - 13th century manor house with 5 acres of gardens, including herb garden, rose garden, arboretum and lake. Open from 2pm - 5pm; free parking; refreshments available; plant sales; sorry no dogs except guide dogs

20 MAY MEAVY GARDEN SOCIETY Meeting starts at 7.30pm in Meavy Parish Hall. Refreshments, time to chat and often plants for sale from 7pm. Enquiries 01822 852672 and 01822 852984. Visitors very welcome.

JUNE

21 MAY

1 JUNE

YELVERTON & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

USAATO FASHION AND ARTS SHOW

‘Flying to the end of the runway: the history of Plymouth’s airports and air services’ - a talk by Clive Charlton at Meavy Parish Hall at 7.30pm

Sustainable fashion event combining music, Japanese dancers and Usaato clothes – plus pop-up shop selling Usaato clothes. 5:00-7:00pm at The House, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, doors open at 4:00pm. Tickets: £20 at www.eventbrite.co.uk

22 MAY DARTMOOR BORDER MORRIS 8pm at the Cornwood Inn, performing their merry Morris dance with flag-waving Harberton Navy Morris. If you like what you see, please like & share our Facebook page!

2 JUNE TAVISTOCK STEAM FAIR

22 MAY BURRATOR DISCOVERY CENTRE EVENING TALK ‘Why ponds are wonderful havens for

Robey Trust’s steam fair with Robey engines, tractors, commercial vehicles, vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, military vehicles, trailer rides, children’s entertainment, trade stands, a licensed bar and refreshments. 10:00am to 5:00pm at The Wharf, Canal Road, Tavistock, PL19 8AT

2 JUNE ST LUKE’S OPEN GARDENS Horrabridge Village PL20 7SZ - Explore the delightful riverside cottage gardens with a map available from St Luke’s stall in Weir park in the village centre. Open from 11am - 4pm; free parking; refreshments and plant sales available in some gardens; sorry no dogs; gardens not suitable for wheelchairs; light musical entertainment 4 JUNE PRINCETOWN HISTORY CLUB Ken Ringwood - Lesser Known Tors. Meet at Norsworthy Bridge, 7:00pm 6 JUNE REMEMBRANCE SERVICE 75th Anniversary of Operation Overlord, D-Day at 11:00am at the Town War Memorial, Guildhall Car Park, Tavistock.

MILTON COMBE PIANO FESTIVAL All concerts start at 7:30pm in The Church of The Holy Spirit at Milton Combe 23 JUNE Lucy Parham and Henry Goodman join forces to bring Rachmaninoff to life in the moving musical tale ‘A Heart in Exile’. 26 JUNE A wonderful shared recital of solo classical piano, and solo Spanish guitar with Stewart French. 28 JUNE Solo piano recital by Luka Okros, including works by Chopin and Schumann.

Fully Off-Road Trail • One-to-One Tuition • Small Group Tours Family Fun for Ages 10+ • Free Parking • Forest Tour & Skills Track

Come and find us at: The Forestry Commission Hut Forest View, Heathdown Elfordleigh PL7 5ED 07549 010291 www.plymouth-segway.com

People just want to ride them !

cdf OPEN DAILY: 09.00 - 17.00

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

om e @ay.c linegw onuth-s okmo Bo .ply w w w

Come and try Segway...

READ OUR REVIEWS

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Open every day over the Easter holidays

Try out ou climbi r 44th Ascen ng line, an epi dor, which is c2 one of 6ft tall and excitin our most g challen vertical ges ye t

Check out our website: plymouth.clipnclimb.co.uk Call us on: 01752 717567 Booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment! 46

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editorial@tavylinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Saturday 8th June

Buckland Monachorum Fair & Buckland Bounder Things are gearing up for this year’s Buckland Monachorum Summer Fair, along with the fourth Buckland Bounder, a scenic multi-terrain run of just over 6 miles starting at 3:00pm. The Fair starts at 1:00pm with a fancy-dress parade on the theme of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, led through the village by the City of Plymouth Pipe band. This year there will also be a village scarecrow competition open to everyone and the theme for this is ‘anything goes’ - register for this at www.bmsf.co.uk until 31 May; judging takes place at the Drake Manor Inn on 7 June from 7:00pm (scarecrow designs need to be able to travel to the judging area). There will be flower, cake and craft stalls, refreshments in the Chapel, maypole dancing, singing from the

Photo by James Bird, courtesy of Tavistock Times Gazette

children of St Andrew’s School, a family dog show, face painting, a children’s play area, model steam train rides, as well as live music with local musicians, a hog roast, ice-creams and candy floss. To book a stall and for further details see www.bmsf.co.uk The hilly Buckland Bounder route sets off from Buckland Monachorum onto Roborough Common and the Maristow Estate, drops down over the open moor and through woods, to Lower Grenofen and the River Walkham before a steep climb back up to open moorland and

more fantastic scenery, before finishing in the village. There are various prize categories and all competitors receive a memento and a pint of Dartmoor Brewery Jail Ale. Entries are now open at www.bucklandbounder.co.uk, with a pre-entry rate of £10 before 8th June (or £15 on the day). Participants must be aged 16 years and over. The Buckland Bouncer children’s fun run of approx. 1.5 miles starts at 1.30pm and registration open from 12.30pm in Buckland Chapel.

Monday 6th May

Spring Garden Fete

This is a fabulous day out for all the family - whatever the weather! More than 40 exhibitors bring an exciting range of artisan and gift products -

everything from handmade jewellery and soaps to home and garden ware, woodwork and beautiful gifts. If you are feeling creative, why not try your hand at one of the workshops run by Orchard Studios, and take home your own artwork. There will also be music from Jazz singer Samantha Montini, and entertainment for the children. Dogs on leads are very welcome and you could also enter them in the charity fun dog show. 10:30am-4:00pm, Miss Ivy Events at the Moorland Garden Hotel, Yelverton. Entry costs £2:50, under-5s enter free.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Saturday 4th to Saturday 11th May

Bere Alston Carnival Week The carnival procession is the first event in Bere Alston Carnival Week and the theme this year is ‘Musicals’; carnival entries assemble at the recreational field on The Down at 1.30pm for judging, with lots of prizes to be won for best floats, walking groups, individuals, horses, cycling/rollerskates etc. Then the procession leaves the field at 2.30pm and follows the bus route around the village back to the recreational field. Thursday 9th May is the Carnival Quiz Night in the Edgcumbe Hotel at 8pm; Friday 10th is Family Bingo, starting at 7pm and eyes down at 7.30pm in Bere Alston Parish Hall. Family Fun Day is the finale of the week on Saturday 11th May at Bere Alston Primary School from 10am to 5pm, with lots

Photo courtesy of Stuart Hingston

of fun activities and entertainment, plus a dog show starting at 3.30pm - entry only £1 per person. (Carnival procession entry forms are available from Fiona Maddock at jf.maddock@ talktalk.net - entry is free and open to anyone)

Sunday 19th May

Buckland Food Growers Family Open Day Have you have ever dreamed of growing your own food, raising your own livestock or learning the ancient art of cider making? If the answer is yes, then come along to the Buckland Food Growers Open Day near Buckland Abbey from 1 until 4pm. Entrance is free and there is lots to do for all the family! During the afternoon, there will be a sheep shearing demonstration, pig racing, the famous BFG snail race, splat-a-rat and lots more activities for children including a treasure hunt and craft stalls. For the adults there is also the opportunity to taste some of the cider as we find out which cider will be awarded the top prize in this year’s competition. We will also be having a barbecue where you can sample some of the tasty BFG produce! So why not come along, meet the animals, join in with the fun and support a local community group!

Buckland Food Growers is a community farm, based at Buckland Abbey, Yelverton. The event is free to attend and there is no need to book. Parking is available at Buckland Abbey and the way to the field will be signposted. For more information please visit the BFG website www. bucklandfoodgrowers.org

Antiques • Collectables • Jewellery Quality Furniture Architectural Salvage Garden Furniture & Ornaments • Tools & Machinery We offer house clearance and valuation services, and accept goods at our ofﬁce weekly, please contact us for more information.

For more information call: 01822 616992

www.drakesauctions.co.uk cdf

Unit 6 Parade Business Park, Pixon Lane, Tavistock PL19 9RQ 48

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Sunday 19th May

St Luke’s Open Gardens Sandhill House, Sandhill, Gunnislake PL18 9DR Located at the top of Gunnislake, Sandhill House is a hidden gem with commanding views across the Tamar Valley. Open exclusively for St Luke’s the spring gardens feature mature trees and shrubs, lawns and water features. Enjoy the wide variety of flowers and the unique history of this private space. Open 2 - 5pm; refreshments available; dogs on leads welcome; plant sales; local stalls; light musical entertainment in the garden.

Sandhill House

Saturday 25th May

Fardel Manor, Cornwood PL21 9HT The 13th century manor house, former home of the Raleigh and Hele families, has 5 acres of gardens, divided into a number of beautifully maintained outdoor rooms, including a secret herb garden, rose garden and the main lawned area. Grass paths lead through the arboretum to the tranquil lake. You can also access the beautifully restored private chapel. Open from 2pm - 5pm; free parking; refreshments available; plant sales; sorry no dogs except guide dogs.

Sunday 2nd June

Horrabridge Village PL20 7SZ

Fardel Manor

easter family adventures

Explore the delightful riverside cottage gardens of this historic village, with a fine selection of private gardens. Map available from St Luke’s stall in Weir park in the village centre. Open from 11am - 4pm; free parking; refreshments and plant sales available in some gardens; sorry no dogs; gardens not suitable for wheelchairs; light musical entertainment.

easter egg trail café family walks archery canoeing tree surfing 10 minutes from Tavistock

tamartrails.co.uk 01822 833409

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

MUSIC & ART

Saturday 6th April

Alison Smith - Classical Guitar Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this highly acclaimed international guitarist perform an exciting and appealing programme, including music from her latest CD, Poético, and works by Chopin, Barrios, Lovelady, Tesar, Villa Lobos and George Shearing. Delighting audiences with her fluid technique and expressive playing, she has performed nationwide and across Europe, as well as broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio Scotland. Her performance at the International Guitar Festival of Great Britain was described as ‘a master class of classical guitar played with friendly charm and sublime expertise’.

7.30pm at St Peter’s Church, Meavy with refreshments during the interval, parking available in the village. Pre-concert suppers can be booked at The Royal Oak, Meavy on 01822 852944. Tickets £9 (in aid of St Peter’s essential repairs), contact 01822 852672 or 01822 854577, or by post to Moorholme, Dousland, Yelverton, PL20 6LY (with SAE please cheques payable to ‘Meavy Church’), or on the door. www.alisonsmithguitar.com

Saturday 13th April

The Drystones The Drystones are a lively, young duo making big waves on the UK folk scene. Alex Garden on fiddle and vocals, with Ford Collier on guitar, tin whistle and vocals, have had a strong musical partnership since forming in 2011 to play at their local folk festival in Priddy, Somerset. They have played festivals across the country, including Glastonbury and Sidmouth Folk Week, have supported Seth Lakeman and Steeleye Span, produced two albums and, somehow, squeezed in their music degrees. Combining the traditional union of fiddle and guitar with technical mastery, they produce an unexpectedly large live sound and have a seemingly telepathic communication. It’s no wonder they’ve been described as ‘indecently talented’ (Mike Harding) and earned themselves a nomination for the 2018 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award’. www.thedrystones.co.uk

7.30pm at St Leonard’s Church, Sheepstor, doors open at 6.45 pm, refreshments available. Advance tickets: Adults £9, Child £7, Family £25 – contact 01822 853186 or drdartmoor@ doctors.org.uk. Tickets on the door: Adults £10 (Part of The Villages in Action 2019 spring programme www.villagesinaction.co.uk/events)

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MUSIC & ART

1st to 31st May

Delamore Arts and Sculpture Exhibition Delamore Arts takes place every day in May, based at the beautiful Delamore House and gardens, at Cornwood near Ivybridge on the edge of Dartmoor. The exhibition, which is the largest of its kind in the South West, boasts over 150 artists and specialises in showing sculpture in a natural outdoor setting. Delamore House was built in 1859 and the gardens, which are rarely open to the public, were laid out at a similar time with plantings of newly imported rhododendrons and magnificent trees.

Seen at their best during May, they are an ideal backdrop for sculpture. The many pieces on exhibition are created by local, national, and international artists and are available to purchase. In addition to the main exhibition, the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts (SWAc) will be holding its summer exhibition in the recently converted Stables Gallery. Now in its 17th successful year, the exhibition has raised over £100,000 for local charities and this year it is supporting Children’s Hospice South West. Delamore Arts takes place annually at Delamore Estate, Cornwood, near Ivybridge, PL21 9QT, and is open every day in May, including bank holidays, from 10.30am to 16.30pm. Admission is £8 and includes an exhibition catalogue (under 16s free entry). There is a small cafe providing teas and coffees with a selection of homemade soups and freshly made rolls. Disabled access to the main gallery is provided via a ramp at the front door to the house; access to the gardens is possible but not always

Chapel Lane Horrabridge Yelverton Pl20 7SP

easy, particularly for wheelchairs during and after wet weather. Dogs are allowed in the outer field only. For more information visit www.Delamore-art. co.uk or contact 01752 837663.

PLYMOUTH ANTIQUE & COLLECTORS FAIR Plymouth Guildhall PL1 2BJ 5th May 2019 Open to public 09.30am. Closes 3.30pm Find quality antiques and specialist collectable items at affordable prices.

Do you have any items you want valued? Get a free valuation from one of our experts. Entry: Adults £3.00

Accompanied children under 16 FREE

DARTMOOR’S ART GALLERY Representing the region’s ﬁnest artists www.wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk email: info@wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk 01822 258529

Art, felting, jewellery, embroidery workshops & classes

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

£1OFF

On presentation of this advert One ticket per person

jackiehickling@live.co.uk

c Plymouth Antique and Collectors Fair 01822 833726 / 07773 814615 www.plymacf.com

MUSIC & ART

Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May

Annual Art and Craft Exhibition by Buckland Art Group Come and view original paintings and craft work by local artists, for sale at very reasonable prices, whilst enjoying tea, coffee and cakes - an ideal opportunity to treat yourself, or buy a present for a friend. We have been able to exhibit well over 100 original paintings created by our members in each annual exhibition over the past few years. The children of St Andrew’s School, Buckland Monachorum will also have their best work on display. Buckland Monachorum Village Hall, 10am to 5pm each day, admission is free. Buckland Art Group meets on Mondays at 7.15pm and alternate Thursdays at 1.45pm in the village hall in Buckland Monachorum. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the start of Buckland Art Group; members vary from total amateurs to professional artists, working in a variety of media including watercolours, acrylics, oils and textiles, with a shared passion of painting and creating for pleasure. Our aim is to paint every session either individually or under guidance, as we are fortunate to have several members who exhibit regularly

and frequently give their time for demonstrations. During the summer there are field trips to local venues and we also invite established local artists to take us out of our comfort zones by helping us to explore different media or methods, thereby opening new avenues of creativity for members. Annual membership is £12, plus £2.50 per session - anyone who is interested in joining us is welcome to come along or contact: Iain Grant on 855683, basmudoc@gmail.com or Derek Mahoney on 855032, derek.mahoney@care4free.net

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MUSIC & ART

Saturday 1st June

Usaato in Plymouth - sustainable fashion meets the arts Following a very successful career in haute couture in Brussels and Japan, Usaburo Sato founded Usaato in 1996, when he moved to Chiang Mai in Thailand and discovered communities using traditional ways of making and dyeing cotton. Usaburo believes that we should be able to wear clothes that are not only beautiful, but also feel good and are made in an ethical and sustainable manner. His clothes are all hand-dyed and hand-woven by communities in Thailand and Laos and created according to the principles of circular manufacture, centred around the well-being of the worker and the environment. Although synthetic dyes are cheaper and easily available, they have a significant impact on the environment and the workers’ health, so only natural dyes are used; cotton is grown in mixed fields containing a variety of plants, reducing the need for the pesticides used when growing cotton as a solo crop. Workers are paid a good living wage and enjoy being able to continue to practise their traditional crafts. Usaburo regularly travels the world with a small group of Japanese dancers and musicians, who work with local

communities to produce an event combining music, dance and Usaato clothes – much more than just a fashion show. This year’s collaboration in Plymouth between local and Japanese artists, choreographed by local dance expert Adam Benjamin, features two dancers from Japan, taiko drummer Gaishi Ishizaka, a flautist, a didgeridoo player, local Taiko group ‘Taiko Journey’ and a host of local volunteer models. After the show there will be a popup shop selling the beautiful clothes modelled by the performers. With care, the clothes will last a lifetime and have minimal impact on the environment. Disposable fashion is one of the largest global polluters and by supporting these traditional textile communities, we get to wear beautiful clothes that don’t cost the ‘earth’. 5:00-7:00pm at The House, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA - doors open at 4:00pm so come early and browse through the beautiful clothes. Tickets: £20 at www.eventbrite.co.uk Check Facebook for details: www.facebook.com/events/2135609876518164/

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naturally nourishing skincare, soaps & shampoo bars

made in Devon visit our online shop at

dartmoorskincare.co.uk 07522 866614

ft 53

NATIONAL TRUST

Spring highlights at Cotehele The garden at Cotehele is a rainbow of spring colour, with magnolias, tulips, rhododendrons and camellias joining our later-flowering daffodil varieties to lift the mood and energise the spirit. There’s lots of fun to be had too, with our Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt running over three weeks this year, not just Easter weekend, so families have more choice over when to follow the trail. We’ll have a new trail and family activities in May half-term as well. After exploring outdoors, you could refuel in the Edgcumbe tea-room or Barn restaurant. Both are open daily, 10am-4pm and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in both. During the school holidays we’ll also open the Piggery by the house, where you can pick up drinks and snacks, including Cornish pasties, for easy eats on-the-go. See our website for more info on Cotehele and all our events: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele

CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT AT COTEHELE Saturday 6 – Sunday 28 April, 10am-4pm. Join Bunny as he looks around Cotehele garden to find which items on his shopping list used to be grown in the market

gardens of the Tamar Valley, and enjoy a Cadbury chocolate prize at the end. £2 per trail, usual admission applies.

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS WITH GOING DIGITAL Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 April Improve your technical photography skills and get to know all the features of your camera in these day-long courses run by a partner in the beautiful surroundings at Cotehele. Booking essential. For more details and to book visit www.goingdigital. co.uk.

GARDEN FLOWERS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP Wednesday 1 May, 10.30am-12.30pm. Join artisan florist Miranda Hackett in the Long Room at the Edgcumbe tea-room on Cotehele Quay for a morning of creativity. Miranda will show you how to pick seasonal flowers to make beautiful decorative wreaths, which she’ll demonstrate and then help you create your own. £60pp, includes all materials. Booking is essential on 01579 351346.

Moments to remember made at Cotehele Visit Cotehele in spring for flowers galore, mindful walks in the garden and the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt. These are the places that make us. nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele 54

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NATIONAL TRUST

Step into spring at Buckland Abbey A carpet of flowers, newborn lambs and walks in the countryside; where better to enjoy a day out than at Buckland Abbey? From frothy blossom to delicate wild flowers, the gardens at Buckland burst into colour in the spring sunshine. With plenty of seats where you can stop to admire the view and enjoy the sound of birdsong, it’s the perfect place to escape the bustle of everyday life. As you head out onto the wider estate, you’ll be following the footsteps of the monks as you wander through farm and woodland. Pause to take in the views across the valley, down to the river and to Cornwall beyond, and you’ll find it easy to understand why the Cistercians chose this special place for their home all those centuries ago. Following the red trail will give the best views of the bluebell displays, which tend to be at their best in early May.

‘COMING HOME’ EXHIBITION. Apprentice portrait trail Sat 27 April - Sun 1 Sep, 11am-4.30pm Collect your trail booklet from reception and find all the animals hidden around the abbey. But in order for you to become the master painter, you’ll also need to complete the outdoor trail too.

MAY HALF-TERM FUN Saturday 25th May – Sunday 2nd June, 11am – 4:30pm Join us for one of our crafting sessions as you make your very own pine cone spring flower to take home. Or visit Naturemake, and let your imagination run wild to create spectacular pieces of art. With something on every day this half-term, you won’t want to miss it.

COMING HOME - DRAKE AT BUCKLAND ABBEY Saturday 27th April – Sunday 22nd September, 11am-4:40pm Take the opportunity to see an original portrait of Sir Francis Drake on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, in our

Step into Spring Add some colouratto Buckland Abbey your weekend this

A carpet of flowers, newborn lambs and walks in the countryside; where better to enjoy a day out than at Buckland Abbey?

autumn at Gibside

Or why notthrough comefallen along and ouranew Go crunching leaves andsee discover forest teeming with wildlife with walking exhibition fromand theautumn 27th colours, April, 'Coming routes for all ages and abilities. Home - Drake at Buckland Abbey'.

nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside

nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey When you visit, donate, volunteer join the National When you visit, donate, volunteer or join theor National Trust, your support your helps us to look after special places <inafter the region> <like Trust, support helps us to look special places property X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. South West/Buckland Abbey for ever, for everyone. © National Trust 2019. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered charity, number 205846. © National Trust registered charity, 205846. Photography ©number National TrustPhotography Images\Buckland Abbey Images. images.

#nationaltrust #nationaltrust

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Recycling & Refuse collections over the Easter and May Bank Holidays

Box 1

BOX

Clever

plastic bottles

  & food tins drink cans

empty aerosols

only. Empty aerosols cans, Empty rinsed squash wash and plastic bottles. tubs, pots Sorry, no or trays.

the

sticker to Apply this Box 1. front of

books & books catalogues

card

no staples or tape

l each materia Please sort in Box 2. type

the sticker to Apply this Box 2. front of

Collection Day

New collection day

Friday 19 April

Saturday 20 April

Week beginning 22 April

1 day late

Week beginning 6 May

1 day late

Week beginning 27 May

1 day late

Friday collections during the 3 weeks above will now be collected on the Saturday. These changes also apply for Garden Waste customers.

Box 2

BOX

Clever

all paper



Normal Collection day

Please put your waste out before 7.30am on your collection day

For more information and to check your collection week online

www.westdevon.gov.uk westdevonboroughcouncil

£40

@WestDevon_BC

Blooming great deal!

Join our Garden Waste Club today and let us take away your garden waste all year round! For only £40 we'll collect 4 large sacks every other week* Existing subscriber? Great news – as a bonus for being a valued customer, we are extending your service to 31 March 2020 at no extra cost! Service does not operate over Christmas and New Year

To sign up and for full terms and conditions visit

www.westdevon.gov.uk/gardenwaste

West Devon 56

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BUSINESS

Plastic Free Devon Angela Blackman is the face behind this local online business, selling high-quality, affordable plastic-free alternatives to everyday products. She is passionate about reducing singleuse plastics and encouraging other people to do the same, in a bid to help eliminate plastic waste in the oceans. From her cottage home near Weir Quay, Angela sells a range of carefully sourced plastic-free goods such as handcrafted soap and scented shampoo bars made with natural ingredients, and plant-based sponges and soap pouches produced from ramie or sisal fibres. For dental care, there are bamboo toothbrushes and a handmade vegan toothpaste. Angela offers an assortment of organic cosmetics and wooden products such as nail brushes and soap dishes. She also has a range of other plastic-free products, including 100% biodegradable bamboo cotton buds, fully compostable waxed cotton food wraps which can be washed and reused, paper drinking straws, ceramic tealight burners with scented wax melts to fragrance your home, and even various ornaments made from recycled bicycle chains. Since the start-up in July 2018, the business has attracted much interest and now has clients all over the UK and, with the emphasis on ‘affordable’, delivery costs are kept to a minimum, all packaging is recycled and Angela is happy to deliver locally free of charge. The inspiration for launching Plastic Free Devon came from the recent publicity on the effects of plastic on ocean life. Deciding it was time to change

attitudes, Angela said: “We are trying to be too ‘convenient’, rather than being kind to the environment”. She started by making changes to her own routines and bought glass food tubs for shopping from fresh food counters. She moved to using water-soluble concentrated cleaningliquid pods, getting milk delivered in glass bottles, and instead of standard kitchen towel, she started buying rolls of bamboo cloths, which can be machine-washed and used over and over. She recycles anything she can and has made a positive choice to reduce waste generally - she now has this down to a fine art with just half a small bin-sized load of waste per fortnight! Selected food wrappers are sent off to national company, Terracycle, who melt down the plastic for making into new products. As part of the drive to bring about change, Angela wrote to the major supermarket chains to ask them about their proposals for the reduction of single-use plastics. She has been encouraged by their responses which she lists on her website, and she urges readers to approach other companies to persuade them to make changes too. Kaye Rogers

For more information on becoming plastic-free, visit www.plasticfreedevon.com, or contact Angela on plasticfreedevon@hotmail.com or 07446 068191

Helping business ﬂy... Helping youryour business to to fly... Traditional values but with a fresh modern approach

We are a firm of Chartered Accountants and aim to be flexible for our clients so that they can focus on their business. Can’t meet during office hours? No problem, just give us a call and we’ll arrange a convenient time for you. Tax, VAT, accounts or bookkeeping. Whatever your needs, get in touch.

Chartered Accountants

Andrew Wing LLB FCA 01822 669001/07849 747703 admin@wingsaccountants.co.uk • www.wingsaccountants.co.uk f @wingsaccountants • t @wingsaccounts

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Promotional Feature

Local Heating & Plumbing Engineer wins place on UK Training Programme Local Heating and Plumbing company DB Heating Ltd continue to drive the knowledge of their engineers forward and now one of their employees has been selected to attend a ten month “money can’t buy” training programme provided by the UK’s leading boiler manufacturer. Will Muncey, a 22-year-old engineer from Tavistock, was put forward amongst other applicants from various companies across the UK. 3900 of which were invited to present their very best rising stars to be considered. Will was successfully selected to be amongst the privileged final 40 contestants for the much coveted “Apprentice of the Year” title. Worcester Boilers, part of the Bosch Group and based in the Midlands, facilitates the Worcester Apprentice Support Programme. This ten-month programme is only available to Platinum Worcester Approved Dealers like DB Heating Ltd.

Incredible opportunity

Will has been working at DB Heating Ltd as an apprentice heating engineer for four and a half years and has just qualified. Will says “I was already very happy to have just qualified,

Will Muncey at DB Heating Ltd

so when I found out that I had been selected for such an incredible and rare opportunity, I was over the moon! I have a unique opportunity to learn in much more detail about the boilers we are fitting every day. We get to see the boiler in every stage, from the production line right through to working in a customer home. It’s real, hands on, money can’t buy experience.” The programme is 15 days, completed over ten months and includes; 3 days specifically on Gas and Oil boilers, at least 4 days in the field with a Worcester engineer. Not to mention the other days intensive training on renewables, electrics, water and system treatments, customer handover and how to provide the very best experience for the customer. Worcester Bosch are the market leading boiler in the UK and more than 40% of all boilers installed in the UK are Worcester boilers. They have also been awarded “WHICH Best Buy” status for eight years running and have a Five Star rating on Trust Pilot. Lawrence Barnes, Director of DB Heating Ltd says “Given the volume of applicants put forward by proud business owners across the UK, for Will to be one of the few selected is down to sheer hard work, tenacity and talent. When Will has completed the programme he will be one of the most experienced engineers in the region, we are all very proud of him”. It doesn’t stop there for Will, once the course is completed he will then only have a few weeks before he finds out if he has won Apprentice of the Year, so watch this space!

01822 611300 reception@dbheating.com www.dbheating.com W T

Unit 10, Atlas House • West Devon Business Park • Brook Lane • Tavistock • Devon • PL19 9DP

Customers benefit

“When I was starting in the industry this kind of opportunity just did not exist” says Lawrence “after this course Will will know everything there is to know about the Worcester boiler system and that can only be a benefit to our customers and our business. We are providing our customers with local, home-grown and well trained engineers that know what they are doing and can therefore save the customer money in the long run”. DB Heating Ltd has been operating for more than 30 years in West Devon and employ fifteen local people at their branch in Tavistock. They clearly know how to train, motivate and retain their staff through quality training and knowledge.

Our Price Promise Did You Know?

DB Heating Ltd is happy to match and will endeavour to beat any like-for-like written quotation. We pride ourselves on offering our customers a high quality and competitive service. If you feel that another company has offered a more competitive quotation, please do not hesitate to get in touch

£££££££££££.£ Terms and conditions apply

We fit the best! The latest LPG, oil and natural gas boilers from the UK’s most trusted brand.

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FOOD & DRINK

Friday 19th April

Chocolate and Coffee Festival If it’s Easter it must mean chocolate - and a fabulous day out for all the family is guaranteed at a special event being held in the heart of Tavistock this Easter. The town’s first ever Chocolate and Coffee Festival hosted by Miss Ivy Events, will be staged in the beautifully restored Butchers’ Hall next to the Victorian pannier market on Good Friday between 10.30am and 4pm. Chocoholics be warned - attending the festival are producers offering every sort of chocolate you could wish for - from truffles, ice cream and cake, to milkshakes and even wine! For the caffeine fiends, a huge range of coffee specialists will be there to tempt the most discerning of tastebuds. If you fancy getting creative, you can join in a chocolate workshop with specialist Nicola Brook, and anyone feeling that Lady Luck is smiling on them can try winning a prize in the chocolate tombola. A whole range of activities are on offer for the youngsters, with an Easter egg hunt, Easter egg decorating with Domea Favour, Easter egg painting and some cheeky appearances from Willy Wonka! A hot chocolate

and coffee bar will run throughout the day and the relaxed atmosphere will be accompanied by live contemporary music. Tickets: £5 for adults; family tickets for 4 people are £14 - to include chocolate fondue sticks and an Easter egg hunt for the children. Under 5s free entry. Tickets available on www.missivyevents.co.uk

18th May, 15th June, 13th July, 14th September

Artisan Food and Gift Markets The events in Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock will feature locallyproduced food and a number of artisan producers selling items such as pies, honeys, sauces, cakes, jewellery, glassware and much more. Visitors can enjoy socialising in the coffee and cake bar and the Make-Space – a comfy area with taster workshops to learn craft skills such as crocheting, cross stitching, making jewellery and needle felting or bring your own crafts along. Entry is free – there will be a small charge for materials used in the Make-Space. (Organised by Miss Ivy Events & Tavistock BID)

25th May, 29th June, 27th July

Tavistock Street Food Festivals With an array of street foods including Cuban dishes, woodfired pizzas, Mediterranean cuisine and artisan burgers, there will be plenty of taste sensations for everyone to savour. Visitors can also sit back in the prosecco and ale bars and enjoy live music. 16:00-20:00 at Bedford Square in Tavistock, entry is free of charge. (Organised by Miss Ivy Events & Tavistock BID)

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FOOD & DRINK

Orange and soy dressing This recipe is courtesy of The Who’d Have Thought It in Milton Combe; ‘Whody’ chef Darren, recommends using this dressing as a perfect accompaniment for a mixed leaf salad, with beetroot, segments of orange and goat’s cheese.

Ingredients 100ml orange juice 20ml of light soy sauce 1 red chilli 20 ml of rice wine vinegar 50ml of sesame oil

Method Finely chop the red chilli - I like to use the seeds as well to give the dressing that extra wow factor. Then mix the orange juice, soy, vinegar and chilli together, and whisk in the sesame oil. Wash the mixed salad leaves in plenty of water, spin them dry and put them in a bowl. Then add the orange and soy dressing to the salad. Mix chopped beetroot, segments of orange and goat’s cheese in with the salad and serve.

Who’d Have Thought It inn thE

Milton Combe

01822 853313

www.whodhavethoughtitdevon.co.uk

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MUSIC & ART OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE

Out and About with Tavistock Ramblers An easy 4-mile walk with David Simkins of Tavistock Ramblers. There are great views of Dartmoor and the Plym valley, two Bronze Age stone rows, a massive cairn known as the Giant’s Basin, the ancient farmhouse of Ditsworthy Warren and the ruins of Eylesbarrow tin mine. The walk is on stony tracks and open moorland but with two stream crossings. To get to the start, go over Burrator dam, through Sheepstor and take the lane signed to Nattor. There is a small parking area at the end of this lane. (SX578673).

1. Go back up the lane from the parking area to the cattle grid and turn sharp left on a good track alongside a post and wire fence. Follow this track, with Gutter Tor on the right, for just over half a mile. The River Plym gradually comes into view and as the track approaches Ditsworthy Warren House, notice the long, low mounds on both sides. These are “pillow mounds” and are the artificial buries for the rabbits. Warrening was an important business here and elsewhere on Dartmoor until well into the 20th century.

2. Pass to the left of the house which is several hundred years old. If the building seems familiar this may be because it appeared as the family home in Steven Spielberg’s film of ‘War Horse’. Behind the house is the pound in which the dogs were kept that were used to flush the rabbits out of the pillow mounds. You can see several kennels built into the wall. 3. The track crosses a small stream and then a wider one with stepping stones. Go slightly left on the grassy path towards

SPRING EVENTS Easter Day Lunch – 21st April

Celebrate Easter with your family, three course lunch is £24.95 per adult, children £15, available between 12.00 and 2.00pm

Wedding Open Day – Sunday 28th April, 12.00 to 3.00pm

If you have made the commitment to the next stage of your lives together come and visit to see how the Crystal Room looks and to discuss how we can help make your day.

Miss Ivy Events Spring Fete, Bank Holiday – Monday 6th May 10.30am – 4.00pm Miss Ivy Events will provide you with Artisan and Gift Exhibitors plus Live music from Samantha Montini. Entry £2.50. Refreshments Available.

Tea Tasting and Afternoon Tea – Sunday 12th May,

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Hannah Ruth Tea will be providing a tea tasting, followed by the Hotel’s afternoon tea which will be accompanied by your new chosen favourite tea. £30 per person.

To book any of these do please call our Events Team on 01822 852245 or email events@moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk Full details of these and other offers are available on our website moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk Moorland Garden Hotel, Yelverton, Plymouth PL20 6DA 62

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OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE

the huge standing stones ahead. As you walk up the stone row the Giant’s Basin is on the right and a second stone row is on the left. They are almost parallel and the path passes between two cairns, one at the end of each stone row. The path then heads gently upwards towards the prehistoric settlements further up the hillside with a third, smaller, stone row. Continue uphill to go through the broken-down walls of one of the Bronze Age settlements with several hut circles on either side. Carry on to reach Higher Hartor Tor. The views from here are magnificent with Plymouth Sound and the Cornish hills on Bodmin Moor in the distance. 4. From Higher Hartor Tor, take the grassy path half left, ie north, towards Eylesbarrow to reach another stony track. The track to the right leads to Plym Ford which was once on a route

Aqua Tech Water Services

across the moor from the abbeys of Buckfast and Tavistock. 5. However, turn left instead, away from the river, and pass the ruins of several old mine buildings on the right and wall field enclosures on the left. 6. Go left at a fork to walk downhill past the ruins of more old buildings on both sides of the track. On the right is a striking skyline of Dartmoor tors. Pass several marker stones inscribed PCWW 1917 denoting the catchment area of Burrator Reservoir.

Wells • Boreholes Servicing • Breakdowns Control systems pumps • Filtration

Private Water Engineers www.aquatechwaterservices.co.uk

Tel: 01409 241312 Mob: 07825748720 Email: aquatechwaterservices@gmail.com See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Cross an old bridge over the Longstone Leat, pass the Scout Hut in the trees and back to the parking area. David will be leading this walk for Tavistock Ramblers in the summer and also several other similar walks. Watch a video of this walk and other short walks in West Devon and on Dartmoor on the Tavistock Ramblers website www. tavistockramblers.org.uk Have a look on the website for lots more walks - there are short strolls and all day treks and everything in between. You are welcome to join us!

HISTORY

‘The Dartmoor Conchies’ The story of Dartmoor Prison’s conscientious objectors of the Great War... 11th November 2018 saw the culmination of commemorations relating to the Great War 1914-1918. As thousands of people attended services on Remembrance Day around our county, here in Tavistock record numbers came along on a poignant sunny day to draw to a close, a year of events reflecting upon the final year of the Great War, a century before. Many were aware that for some men and women, the Great War did not suddenly end on 11th November 1918. Those scarred in mind and body bore those scars for decades and indeed until their death many years later – such is the reality and toll of war. It was not until 1919 that the treaty between Germany and its former enemies was signed – the Treaty of Versailles. Many also would not be aware of the hundreds of conscientious objectors (COs) who were kept in work centres and prisons until 1919 and some even until 1920; these were the men who had refused to kill or fight during the war. Conscription started on 2nd March 1916, but many men refused to fight and so the issue of ‘conscientious objection’ raised its head and the ‘conchie’ was born. The most common ground for refusal, was a religious one, but the next largest group of COs were political activists, and in total there were approximately 16,000 conscientious objectors to armed service during the First World War. The usual procedure for a conscientious objector was to apply to his local tribunal for exemption from military service. Men whose hearing at a tribunal was unsuccessful, often found themselves in prison if they failed to comply with the directive to serve in the army. A number of prisons around the UK were emptied of convicts to make way for the COs. In all, more than 6,312 conscientious objectors were arrested; 5,970 were court-martialled and sent to prison, where they endured privations both mental and physical, and a number suffered long-term physical or mental illness as a result; 819 men spent over two years in prison and at least 73 COs died because of the harsh treatment. Some conscientious objectors - known as ‘absolutists’ - refused to do any war-related work or obey military orders, while ‘alternativist’ conscientious objectors were offered so-called ‘work of national importance’ in a scheme put forward by the Home Office - this was generally agriculture, forestry or unskilled manual labour. 64

One such work centre was at Dartmoor Prison in Princetown. During the Great War, it was emptied of its criminal inhabitants and handed over to the military authorities in 1917 to become the Princetown Work Centre. That year over a thousand conscientious objectors were moved into the prison and they remained there until 1919, engaged in work of ‘national importance’. Many of the objectors at Princetown were put to work outside on seemingly pointless work. A large tract of moorland was enclosed in a huge wall (now known as Conchies’ Wall) and the land was turned into a ploughed field, still to this day known as Conchies’ Field. The Mis Tor working party hiked up to the slopes of Great Mis Tor to the north of the village at Princetown and on land owned by the Duke of Cornwall they toiled day after day digging the most unbelievable drainage ditches, far in excess of what might be reasonably required to drain the land. Another Tor Royal party built a road, seemingly going nowhere across the open moors, known today as Conchies’ Road. One of the men from the working party was Ted Ashby; when he was walking to work through Princetown Square one day, he called in at Bolt’s Store on the corner opposite the Railway Inn to buy some sweets. The shop assistant that day was Isobel Worth, the daughter of a prison officer - they fell in love but their feelings for each other had to be kept a secret from the villagers, lest her father found out. Ted and Isobel eloped in April 1919 when he was eventually released and they had five children, the youngest being Margaret, who in 2018, unveiled a memorial on the gate to Conchies’ Road to the conscientious objectors, including her father.

HISTORY

Conchies

Four men died at Princetown Work Centre, including Henry ‘Harry’ Firth and Henry Haston. In the February of 1918 Mark Hayler, a Quaker, nursed Henry Firth and recalled later: “I was working at the hospital at the time I attended him. I was a sort of orderly you know... and he was a local preacher with the Methodists, and his wife came down from Yorkshire, and I can see her now sitting not in the cell but on a chair outside the door. He had pneumonia. He’d been badly treated at Dartmoor, he should never have been sent out onto the moor in bad weather. He should have got an indoor job, and he got this cold and he got pneumonia. It was the only funeral from Dartmoor and the whole of the men attended the funeral, they insisted, they couldn’t have prevented them and they followed behind the coffin and down to the railway and it was put on the little train at Princetown and taken down to Plymouth... And some of the COs got hold of some fog signals and they put them on the line here and there. As the train went out of the little station at Princetown they went off, a sort of farewell. And I remember a thousand men sang a hymn ‘Abide with me’. He makes no mention of the villagers watching the funeral procession and throwing stones as it passed. And so, what happened after the Armistice on 11th November 1918? It appeared that no-one, and certainly not the Government, was in any real hurry to release the conscientious objectors - certainly not until the surviving soldiers were brought back from the front, which took months. In Princetown

Dartmoor Work Centre

Ted Ashby playing the violin on a work break

Work Centre the release of the COs occurred in the April of 1919, some months after the war ended. Men found it almost impossible to obtain employment after release. Mark Hayler, who had been at Princetown Work Centre, later wrote, ‘It’s dogged me all my life. I don’t know what else I could have done. And when the whole war was over and I was looking for a job…and then I was interviewed by committees and so on and the last question was always ‘What did you do in the Great War?’. Soldiers returned to a hero’s welcome in the main, but the COs were generally shunned by society, carrying those scars for the rest of their lives. Simon Dell MBE

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Tech tips from ChezvousPC Does your laptop randomly turn off? Believe it or not, we have had a couple of instances where users’ wrist devices – Fitbit and other makes - have been responsible for causing this to happen. Carol experienced this when her partner was able to use the computer all day long, but as soon as she used it – shazam – shut down! It seems the magnets used in Fitbit wristbands are capable of making a laptop shut down; there is a magnetic sensor in the lid that corresponds with a contact in the base to tell the machine the lid is closed and to go into standby. So if you wear devices on your wrist, watch out! Windows 7 users: are you no longer getting Windows updates? Usually if you have some sort of antivirus software, then Windows Defender is turned off. If that is the case, the Windows update will not be working and your PC will be going out of date, which we all know is undesirable. Turn on Windows Defender and update it, then go to the Windows

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Nick Rule TRADE: FARRIER AND BLACKSMITH

for a short time while he or she builds up their own customer base. There are expensive higher qualifications, but the four-year course offers full training in making a variety of horse shoes from scratch, fitting the shoe and detecting any underlying foot health problems that might require specialist shoes.

Where do you work?

Why did you become a farrier? Essentially, I have always been interested in rural crafts and in my teens I considered becoming a blacksmith but didn’t want to be tied to the workshop so I combined it with my love of animals. As a farrier I have the best of both worlds as I am also a blacksmith.

What training or qualifications are involved? There is a four-year apprenticeship diploma course run by one of a handful of agricultural colleges. The nearest is Morten Morrel near Leamington Spa. Each apprentice must work alongside an approved training farrier for four years with occasional block release to the college. On successful completion the apprentice can join ‘The Worshipful Company of Farriers’. It’s not unusual for an apprentice to stay with his trainer

My time is split between making horse shoes at the forge and being out and about visiting yards and fitting shoes. I work all over Devon and also visit some of my old customers in Wiltshire, such as Di Hayes the world champion carriage driver.

Who else works with you? I am fortunate to have an apprentice, Ben Tanner, working alongside me at the moment. We have been working together for four years and I hope he will continue to work with me part-time when he graduates this summer. I also work closely with equine vets who often refer horses to me for specialist shoeing. Part of the farrier’s role is to determine how best to alleviate lameness or foot disease through the application of a particular type of shoe.

How does your day usually unfold? I try to arrange my diary so that I am in one area each day. Each horse will generally need a new set of shoes

every 5-6 weeks. Alongside my regular visits I am also called out to re-shoe horses that have lost a shoe or to see horses with foot health issues such as laminitis or a foot abscess. To fit all four shoes can take up to an hour and a half – each horseshoe must be individually shaped on site to fit perfectly. No two horseshoes are ever the same as each hoof is different. I have about 200 horses on the books so it keeps me busy.

What would you say to someone thinking about this as a career? Think carefully! This is a very physically demanding job and you must of course be very comfortable around horses. I have had some near misses in my time, but injuries can happen. You also have to have good hand-eye coordination as the horse shoes are shaped by hand and measured by eye.

What is the best thing about your job? I love my job as a whole. I really enjoy meeting interesting people – I have worked for the Queen, Prince Charles and Princess Anne. I am also farrier to Olympic eventer Mary King, and so helped to secure our team silver medal in 2012. I also enjoy expressing my creative side at the end of the day by working in the forge on various blacksmithing projects.

FARRIER Nick Rule Dip WCF 07876 406 432 nickrulesok@gmail.com

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