Moor Links Dec/Jan issue 2018 by Links Magazines

MOORLINKS December / January 2019

Issue 37

YELVERTON • BUCKLAND MONACHORUM • WALKHAMPTON • HORRABRIDGE • CLEARBROOK • MEAVY • MILTON COMBE CRAPSTONE • BERE PENINSULA • DOUSLAND • PRINCETOWN • SAMPFORD SPINEY • SHEEPSTOR • POSTBRIDGE

25 PAGES OF

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR EVENTS

DICKENSIAN EVENING, FESTIVALS, FAIRS, MARKETS AND MUSIC FESTIVE FOOD AND DRINK INSIDE THIS ISSUE: VILLAGE NEWS •• GARDENING •• EDUCATION •• FOOD •• HEALTH •• HISTORY •• WHAT’S ON LOCAL PEOPLE A family of entrepreneurs and a talented grandfather

COMMUNITY NEWS YelverCare lunch club

HISTORY 700 years of St Eustachius’

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All you want for Christmas... Here we are again, nearly at the end of another year, with Christmas just around the corner. The deadline date for any inclusions in the February/ March issue of Moor Links will be 9th January 2018. 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

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Whether you are on the search for presents or festive entertainment, this issue has lots of ideas. Enjoy a host of local seasonal events in the lead-up to Christmas, kicking off with Bere Alston Victorian Evening, Horrabridge Festival of Nativity Scenes, Tavistock and Yelverton Tree Festivals and Dickensian Evening, as well as fairs, exhibitions and a host of Christmas music. I have been to talk to the owners of one of the new shops in Tavistock – Eversfield Organic’s first farm shop and deli - which offers a great selection of wares if you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift. Sue Fisher explains how to make a Christmas wreath and also has some suggestions for horticultural gifts. Kaye has been to visit Plymouth & Cornwall Cancer Fund, a local charity supporting patients of rare cancers, while Nichola met up with Stewart Pearce, who lives life on the principle that you are never too old to try anything! Plus, as we come to the end of the 700th anniversary year of St Eustachius’, Joan Torvell has written an account of its history, rising to the challenge of fitting 700 years into a mere couple of pages. I would also like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to both our regular contributors and everyone else who sends in articles and news – please keep sending it in! And finally - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Rosemary Best

you spot him too?

32 Contents

Editor

48 24

5 Community News

29 Naturalist

58 Food & Drink

11 Book Review

31 Farming Diary

60 Outdoors & Active

12 Education

32 Christmas Services

62 History

13 Kids’ What’s On

34 What’s On

65 Business

14 Local People

47 What’s On Extra

70 Trade Secrets

18 Charity Focus

52 National Trust

21 Health & Wellbeing

54 Music & Art

24 Gardening

57 Tech Tips

@moorlinks Cover photo by Tommy Hatwell tommyhatwell.com Cover wreath by Amanda Randell Floral Design amandarandell.com

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Crapstone Wetland Meadow That ‘old boggy bit’ in the corner of the recreation field in Crapstone is becoming a very special place. With the increasing urbanisation of our landscape it is more important than ever to conserve our natural areas, such as this small pocket of wet grassland. The field is owned and managed by Buckland Monachorum Parish Council; in January 2018 the half-acre ‘boggy bit’ was handed over to a small committee, made up of three parish councillors and a few local residents, to create a conservation area, along with a generous £500 to kick-start the project. Our first job was to get Tavistock Taskforce to clear some of the brambles and rushes so we could get an idea of what we were going to do. Devon Wildlife came down and suggested a plan of action and our local well-known landscape gardeners suggested a selection of trees, shrubs and flowers that would look good and increase the biodiversity of the area. With the help of local residents, we planted trees, a shrub and some water-loving plants, some of which were donated to the conservation area.

As we were fast running out of funds, we applied and received funding from Devon County Council and Tamar Valley AONB, plus raised funds with a book & toy stall at Buckland Village Hall coffee morning and the June fair. We were then able to buy a hedgehog home, a couple of bird boxes and our ‘big buy’ - an information board all about our ‘boggy bit’, supplied and fitted by local Green Scheme Solutions, which specialises in recycled plastic products. The wildlife on our doorstep is amazing and so varied, we hope that next year we will have even more to share with everyone. Susan Woollacott Volunteers are always welcome - if you are interested in wildlife conservation contact swoollacott@hotmail.com.

Demand for local foodbanks The Bere Alston foodbank continues to help people on the Bere Peninsula with both food and advice and opens Tuesday mornings 10am till 12 midday in Hope Cottage Cafe - or telephone for an appointment on 07591 019235 and we will be happy to help. We have recently gained a further 5 volunteers, but we are always looking for new referrers to direct needy people to us; please contact us on the same phone number if you can help. People in the area are very generous and donate the items we need when we run low. We also offer cleaning products and personal hygiene items e.g. soap and shampoo and sometimes have laundry detergent and pet food to offer, and can get nappies and baby formula if it is required. With Christmas coming we will be grateful for donations of festive products to give out to clients like mince pies, sweets and chocolate and all manner of goodies to ease the way through what can be a very challenging time of year for the people who need us. Chris Fine Tavistock Foodbank in the United Reformed Church also helps anyone in the PL19 and PL20 postcode areas and donations of food can be made via Tavistock churches or in Tesco and Co-op stores in Tavistock.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

VIC Friends Scheme Tavistock Visitor Information Centre is delighted to announce its new Friends Scheme to help raise much-needed funds for the VIC which is self-funded and operates with the support of local volunteers under the Tavistock Heritage Trust. The Friends Scheme costs just £10 a year and for this your name/ business name will be posted on the VIC Thank You Board and on the new dedicated page at www.heritageintavistock. org. You’ll also be recognised on VIC social media channels, given a supporter’s logo for your own website and offered a 20% discount on VIC guided heritage walks. If you would like to join please contact hello@visit-tavistock.co.uk.

COMMUNITY NEWS

YelverCare YelverCare is a voluntary care scheme offering a wide range of practical help to the residents of the parishes of Buckland Monachorum and Burrator. It was set up in 1998 as part of the Yelverton Community Projects charity and, in 2012 it received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. We now have 95 local volunteers who have been very busy giving their time and, in June of this year, we conducted our 10,000th activity. So, what do we actually do? Well, we do anything that a good neighbour would do, such as: providing transport to the shops or to the doctor, hospital or dentist, to the hairdresser or other appointments; a befriending service for people who live alone

and would appreciate a cup of tea and a friendly chat; a dog walking service; even help with working a computer or mobile phone. YelverCare also organises a lunch club on the third Wednesday of each month for our older residents in the area. A team of volunteers prepare and serve a delicious two-course, homecooked meal; it is an excellent way to meet new people or catch up with friends. We can also arrange transport to pick you up and drop you home afterwards. So, if you, or someone you know, would like some assistance or would like to come to our lunch club, please contact us on 07775 695864 between 10am and 1pm, Monday to Friday. To help support these activities, we always need new volunteers to join our friendly team, so if you have any spare time and would like to make a difference to someone’s life, please call us on the number above to find out more.

A warm Christmas at St Paul’s St Paul’s Yelverton has a new heating system and looks forward to welcoming friends old and new to all our ‘warm and toasty’ services this winter. Morning services are held at 9.15am every Sunday and for all our Christmas services see pages 32 & 33 or visit www.westdartmoor.church

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COMMUNITY NEWS

The Rotary Club of Yelverton Our Rotary year kicked off in July with our usual mix of fundraising activities in support of local and international charities. On one Sunday, due to previous bad weather, our members found themselves running a car boot sale at Yelverton Memorial Hall in the morning and a dog show at Postbridge in the afternoon. As in previous years, we assisted with the car parking at Harrowbeer 1940s Weekend and at Widecombe Fair, as well as organising a harvest barn dance in Yelverton Memorial Hall, with the proceeds partly being used for on-going funding of the Yelverton Memory Café which was founded by our club and continues to be organised and financially supported by us. We have also continued to offer defibrillator/CPR training following the installation of the defibrillator at Yelverton Doctor’s Surgery. Our main focus for fundraising is now the Christmas door-to-door collections with Santa’s sleigh in Princetown and Horrabridge plus the collections at Tesco and the Yelverton shops. A significant portion of the money collected will be donated to ShelterBox. Our evening programme of speakers and activities has also been busy with talks about the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Office, ‘plastics in the sea’, West Devon Safe Haven, the history of public libraries, Roger Mechan’s charity walks, as

well as a talk by 19-year-old Sophie Nicholls to whom we gave a grant for her Kilimanjaro climb in aid of Meningitis Research. We try to get out and do something different on ‘5th Wednesdays’ of the month and so far this year we’ve held a croquet evening (strictly beginners standard) with members of Tavistock and Roborough Rotary Clubs, had a walk on Dartmoor and the third in a series of local history walks round Tavistock. Our next ‘away-day’, in January, is a tour of the new Mayflower Water Treatment Works. Ken Farnham

Our club meets on Wednesday evenings in the Moorland Garden Hotel at 7pm for 7.30pm. The format is very informal with an optional meal followed usually by a speaker, a planning meeting, or a fellowship evening. We presently have 16 members (including 4 female). If you’re interested in finding out more about what we do, please contact our president, Sandra on president@yelverton.rotary1175.org or 07979 505723 and come along on a Wednesday evening. We’re also planning an open evening in February so look out for the advert. For more details visit yelverton.rotary1175.org and facebook.com/yelvertonrotaryclub or contact Ken Farnham on 01822 853176 or 01822 853640

Join our team! The War Memorial Hall and recreation field were established to be a community facility for the use of the ‘inhabitants of Yelverton and the neighbourhood thereof … with the object of improving conditions of life for said inhabitants’. This lofty aim is now the goal of a small number of trustees for the charity running the hall and we are keen to increase our number so that we have a broad range of voices and opinions, and are

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

truly representative of the whole of the local community. Committee members’ duties are not onerous: evening committee meetings every two to three months; you will also be invited to take part in the occasional ‘strimming day’ and Christmas event. If you are interested in joining us and would like to find out more about what we do, contact 07543 916028 or contact@yelvertonvillagehall.co.uk 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Your views matter - Future housing needs for Yelverton The Buckland Monachorum Parish Neighbourhood Plan, having been submitted for approval some months ago, was somewhat derailed by a speculative developer gaining approval for housing (in Crapstone) against the proposals in the Neighbourhood Plan, before the plan could be formally endorsed. This has had two significant effects; the first is that with the Crapstone housing development, there is now no requirement to identify a further site in the ‘Crapstone / Buckland / Milton Combe’ part of the parish; the second is that in the ‘Yelverton /Clearbrook’ part of the parish, for which there may be a need for housing, we need to consult again as

new sites have come forward since the last time consultation took place.

Dartmoor Local Plan

Dartmoor Livestock Protection

We’re publishing a draft new Local Plan for Dartmoor, and consulting on it between 3rd December 2018 and 4th February 2019. The Local Plan sets out what type of development is and isn’t acceptable in the National Park; it is what we use to decide planning applications, and sets out where future development may take place. Help us plan for Dartmoor’s future by commenting on it – it’s important to tell us what you like, as well as anything you’d like to see change. View and comment on the plan online at dartmoor.gov.uk/ localplanreview or at libraries, parish councils and also at Tavistock Visitor Information Centre during the consultation period. Join the discussion: Twitter: @DartmoorPlan; Facebook: /DartmoorPlan; forwardplanning@dartmoor.gov.uk; 01626 832093.

The Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society (jointly with the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council) funds the emergency call-out work of the livestock protection officer, Karla McKechnie.

If you are interested in where new housing may be developed in and around Yelverton, or on any other aspect of the Neighbourhood Plan, please do attend the joint Dartmoor National Park / Neighbourhood Plan consultation event which will take place on Tuesday 11th December between 3pm and 6pm at the War Memorial Hall in Meavy Lane. We would very much appreciate your views on this important subject before the Neighbourhood Plan is resubmitted for approval.

If you come across an injured animal anywhere on Dartmoor, you can report it by ringing her on 07873 587561 to give details of the injury, colour and position of any farmer’s marking and the location of the animal.

11 December, 3pm - 6pm Have a chat with us about the Plan and how it might affect you at our public drop-in event in your area at the Meeting Room, Yelverton War Memorial Hall – for a list of other drop-in events see the website.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

After all, it’s Morris! Any keen gardener will know that things may look dormant at this time of year, but in reality, when everything is dark and cold in the depth of winter, is when the garden is preparing to spring forth with life. This is just what Meavy-based Dartmoor Border Morris is doing after a successful season of Morris dancing at village pubs and fairs, raising lots of money for our chosen charity, Jeremiah`s Journey; we have retired to Meavy Parish Hall, where we meet at 8pm every Wednesday to create new dances and discover tunes to show off to the public in April. This is the time of year we welcome new dancers and musicians to come and give us a boost. We are a familybased, mixed side of various ages and backgrounds. It helps if people are physically fit, but having two left feet is part of the challenge! The side dances with sticks made of ash pole, rather than hankies, and since this style of dance hails from the English and Welsh borders, we are a ‘Border Morris’ side. We have been quite successful in the past, with trips to big events like the Royal Cornwall Show, Widecombe Fair, Looe Music Fest, through to small events like Meavy Oak Fair. We have been featured in television adverts and are still sponsored by the Black Farmer Company, and also Dartmoor

Brewery, and carry both names with pride. We also are very charity focused, and every year fundraise for a local charity, as well as organising the Pudsey Day of Morris, raising over £1000 for the BBC Children in Need appeal. If you would like to enjoy a new social life, gain new friends, or enjoy a new hobby check out dartmoorbordermorris.com. After all, it`s Morris! How much fun can we have?

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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

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BOOK REVIEW

Book Review Snap by Belinda Bauer As a police procedural crime novel which made it to this autumn’s Man Booker Prize longlist, Belinda Bauer’s new thriller is something of a rarity. Moving from the traumatic events of a sweltering early 2000s East Devon summer, Bauer’s novel follows the paths of three main protaganists: Jack, the traumatised youth, trying to maintain control as the solid walls of his comfortable and loving childhood collapse around him, DCI Marvel, the London copper sent down to the country following his own professional catastrophe, and mum-tobe Catherine whose seemingly idyllic existence gradually becomes exposed as little more than a mirage. In addressing these various slings and arrows of fortune, Bauer provides us with a compelling un-put-downable tale with enough twists and turns to keep the reader hooked to the novel’s bloody conclusion.

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Tombland by CJ Sansom Latest in the hugely successful Tudor legal detective series. Mantle £20

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Snow in the Garden by Shirley Hughes Beautiful seasonal picture book for younger readers. Walker Books £12.99 Review and recommendations by Simon Church, Book Stop, Tavistock

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EDUCATION

All change for Walkhampton Pre-school After taking over in September at Walkhampton Pre-school, based in Walkhampton Memorial Hall, it has been an eyeopener to find out just how much work goes on behind the scenes at a pre-school. Pat Woodgate did a fantastic job and is greatly missed - we hope she is enjoying her free time. We have had a great time upgrading our equipment, and introducing longer hours as well as a drop-in toddler session each day. Our children have been looking at autumn, exploring the colours and talking about the changes that take place. We have also been making the most of the outdoor space which we are lucky to have access to on a daily basis. The children

have been making hedgehogs, wellies and umbrellas for our displays, and of course discussing the fireworks that many of our children heard and saw around Bonfire Night. With Christmas looming, we will be singing Christmas songs and carols with the local residential home, as well as enjoying lots of Christmas activities. And then we are looking forward to getting out and about in the new year. We hope you all have a great Christmas and a happy New Year. Walkhampton Pre-school

Our new opening hours are: Monday 08.30am - 1.00pm; Tuesday - Friday 08.30 -2.45pm; Toddler drop-in every day 09.00 -11.00am - all are welcome to pop in… Contact 07960 892982 or m.thomas949@btinternet.com for more details

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KIDS WHAT’S ON KIDS WHAT’S ON

BUCKLAND ABBEY CHRISTMAS WEEKEND FAMILY CRAFTING

January, 11am-4pm. Wrap up warm and bring the family to Cotehele to follow this fun festive trail. Free

Each weekend up to Christmas, 11am-3pm Fancy something creative? Why not come along to one of Buckland Abbey’s festive workshops and create your own World Encompassed style penguin to take home? Free but normal admission prices apply

MEET MOTHER AND FATHER CHRISTMAS AT COTEHELE Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd December,1pm-3.30pm. Meet Mother and Father Christmas in their grotto at Cotehele. £3 per child

FATHER CHRISTMAS WITH A TWIST

LET’S WASSAIL!

Weekends up to Christmas Day, Various Times. Time travel back with to 1577 where Francis Drake is travelling around the world. It is here many miles from home that the crew have appointed their own ‘Lord of Misrule’ who managed the festive fun and games. Adult £2.50; Child £4.50 Booking Essential

Saturday 22nd December, 11.30am 12:00pm. Join the Cotehele team at their annual Wassail as they scare away the evil spirits from the orchard to ensure a successful crop for 2019. Fancy dress encouraged, bring something noisy too! Free

WASSAIL WITH DARTMOOR BORDER MORRIS

TAVISTOCK BID A CHRISTMAS CAROL STREET THEATRE SHOW

Sunday 6th January, 12pm-3pm. Grab your bells, bring along your pot and pans and join the team at Buckland Abbey for their annual Wassail. Kick start celebrations with a Mummers Play at 1pm, then join in with the Wassail from 2pm. Free but normal admission prices apply

08 December. Join Untamed Theatre for fun and interactive performances of the Dickens Classic throughout Tavistock. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge through our winding streets to uncover his Christmas Past, Present and Future The walking performances will have limited numbers so please see the website for details.

COTEHELE

TAVISTOCK FATHER CHRISTMAS TRAIL

FESTIVE FAMILY TRAIL

15 December – 05 January Collect your map and find Father Christmas hiding throughout town. Work out what it is he likes at Christmas to earn your goody bag and to be entered into a prize draw. Collect your sheets from I Love Candy, Kaleidoscope, The Visitor Information Centre and the Toy Cupboard.

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TRADITIONAL TALES PANTOMIMES 16 December. Join Entertainingly Different throughout Tavistock for a series of mini pantomimes jam packed with songs, slapstick and silliness based on traditional tales. Lots of music and energetic fun. The above events are brought to visitors free of charge by Tavistock BID as part of their winter festival. www.visit-tavistock.co.uk

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

PLYMOUTH MUSEUM ON TOUR WILD ABOUT PLYMOUTH: CRITTERS AT CHRISTMAS Saturday 1st December, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Reindeers aren’t the only animals associated with Christmas! Come and see the taxidermy collection of animals that can be found throughout the festive season. Learn how they’ve adapted to survive the winter whilst crafting your own Christmas Critter from different materials. Suitable for all ages. COST: £3 donation welcomed

HANNAH’S-AT-SEALE A CHRISTMAS CAROL Saturday 15th December, 2pm – 3.30pm Quantum Theatre are returning to Hannah’s at Seale with their adaptation of the festive classic A Christmas Carol. COST: Adults £12; Child £8 or Family £32

THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH CHRISTMAS MAKE A PLAY IN A DAY! Saturday 15th December, 10am – 4.30pm This workshop for 8-12-year-olds will be held at the Production and Learning Centre, TR2. Get into the Christmas spirit and spend the day with the Theatre Royal Plymouth, rehearsing, then performing a classic Christmas inspired story. COST: £20 per child FAMILY WORKSHOP Wednesday 19th December and Tuesday 8th January, 12pm. Join the team and take an adventure with The Snowman and The Snowdog at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. The session will involve face painting, storytelling and making your own Snowdog to take home. COST: £8 per child Compiled by Rebecca Martin, Dartmoor National Park Authority visitor services manager and Visit Dartmoor ambassador 13

LOCAL PEOPLE

A grandfather winning at life In celebration of the achievements of the more senior generation, Stewart Pearce was nominated as the someone who will try his hand at anything, no matter what. Born in Whitstable, Stewart was schooled in Canterbury before taking a two-year chefs’ course at Thanet Technical College. He was offered a position at the Dorchester Hotel in London but as a raw 19-year-old, decided a taste of adventure was needed and took little persuading to join the Royal Marines. After receiving his green beret, Stewart’s first posting was to the Falkland Islands working as chef to the hovercraft unit sent to survey the islands. It was a challenge to feed the 15 sailors on a peat stove with little in the way of rations other than mutton, but he learnt fast and relished the experience. Stewart enjoyed promotion and further postings abroad to Singapore and twice to Oslo in Norway where he was personal chef to the commander in chief Northern Europe, NATO, catering for ambassadorial parties and intimate VIP gatherings. Whilst in Norway Stewart took the opportunity to learn to ski and explore the beautiful country, developing a love for travel. On his return to the UK Stewart became head caterer for Commando Training Centre Lympstone, regularly feeding 2000 Royal Marines and recruits. He was promoted to warrant officer, leaving in 1988 after 22 years of service, as head of catering for three Royal Marine commando units. Stewart considered the possibility of teaching catering and even took a course at Plymouth Polytechnic (now Plymouth University) and began teaching at Plymouth College of Further Education, before deciding to accept a job as catering manager at the Royal Western Yacht Club. In 1992, he was encouraged to apply to the Devon & Cornwall Police Force and

at 45, Stewart was the oldest person to date to be recruited. Stationed first at Crownhill, and later in the Tavistock and Yelverton area, Stewart very much enjoyed his second career which he describes as ‘interesting, sometimes exciting, and not at all routine’. From his early days in the Royal Marines, Stewart has always enjoyed being active, and running, swimming and cycling are lifelong passions. He has run the London marathon three times and recently swam in the 10km River Dart wild swimming event, while in 2000 he undertook a sponsored 500km cycle in China raising over £3000 for Mencap. Stewart decided the year of his retirement called for something a little more challenging, resulting in he and his friend, John Crossley cycling across America, west coast to east coast. Setting off with a lot of enthusiasm and a set of maps from Oregon, they crossed Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, the Rockies and the expansive plains of Kansas, arriving in West Virginia 74 days later. Cycling for about 10 hours most days and covering up to 100 miles each day, they encountered terrain and weather of every kind. After their tent was ripped apart by a tornado they took to sleeping in the open, often in city parks. It was

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undoubtedly the experience of a lifetime, leading to yet further long-distance cycling adventures: in 2008 a trip from Istanbul, returning through Greece, Italy and France; then five years later, a rendezvous in Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle, from where they cycled through Finland, Sweden and into Copenhagen. To cap it all, Stewart has also cycled the length of the country from Land’s End to John O’Groats twice for charity. Stewart has always balanced his professional life alongside a substantial number of hobbies and interests. He was one of the first members of the Buckland Allotment group and is still a very active member; another of his abiding passions is art, particularly watercolours and sculpture, and he often exhibits his work with Buckland Art Group. Stewart is also very much a

family man and feels very lucky to have the opportunity to see his children and grandchildren regularly. Fortunately, his wife, Maureen, shares his love of travel and many of his sporting passions too; in 2003 they backpacked together around the world visiting Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and finally USA. The Japanese hold a belief in ‘ikigai’- ‘the happiness of always keeping busy’. Alongside a healthy diet and exercise, the philosophy of ikigai expounds finding balance and purpose in every aspect of your life, nurturing friendships and enjoying whatever you do. Stewart must have some Japanese blood running through his veins because he has certainly found his ikigai, and is above all else a very busy, but happy and humble man. Nichola Williams

Looking after someone? Are you looking after someone? Attending a best interests or discharge meeting? If you are confused about what is happening, what your options are or feel no-one is on your side, then speak to Hilary Cragg of Nash & Co. Hilary will work with you, to be at your side when making decisions for someone else, to ensure that you understand what is happening and have someone to advocate for you and your loved one.

Hilary Cragg Partner Tel: 01752 827047 Email: hcragg@nash.co.uk

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Eversfield’s organic growth Eversfield Organic farm shop and deli recently opened its doors in Tavistock, with a comprehensive offering of south west produce, which is already proving popular. Behind this new enterprise is the Bury family - Mark Bury grew up in Yelverton and moved back to West Devon in 2002, seeking to escape the rat race of corporate life and embrace a traditional farming life. With a CV of accomplishments as long as your arm, from IT, to running an international brand-building agency boasting clients such as Kraft UK, Mars and Kenco Coffee, as well as CEO of a national healthcare business, Mark could have had the pick of elite roles. Instead he has chosen to turn his back on it all and focus on farming, pure and simple, recapturing some of his childhood memories of helping out on friends’ farms. He says: “When we arrived at Ellacott (the family farm in Bratton Clovelly) we spent two back-breaking years bringing the land - which had been intensively farmed back to fertility. For me and my family, organic means the best for our own health, the animals we keep and the health of our soil and wildlife.”

Mark set about planting over 30,000 trees and re-establishing miles of hedgerows, then rearing his own herd of native Aberdeen Angus cattle, fed on a 100% pasture diet of grasses and wildflower, excluding grain, as well as a flock of grass-fed sheep. When the farm gained organic certification in 2004, he was able to start developing Eversfield Organic – now a successful online business supplying organic food boxes all over the UK. Mark’s original offering combining his own Soil Association organic certified beef and lamb, with organic south west reared pork, poultry and wild game has been complemented over time with a sumptuous selection of

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LOCAL PEOPLE

organic dairy produce, charcuterie, fruit and vegetables, in addition to wild fish and larder items; Eversfield also supplies retail products to Ocado and Waitrose. Mark’s wife, Emily, and his eldest children, Anna and Hamish are also very involved in the business. Encouraged to read Marketing Management at Kingston University, Anna says that even though she knows her father obviously had a hidden agenda behind this suggestion, she doesn’t have any regrets as it has given her a very sound basis for her current role as sales and marketing director. Hamish decided university wasn’t for him and started working in the family business at the age of eighteen, proving himself a natural businessman and keeping Eversfield Organic going whilst Anna finished her degree and Mark wrapped up his work in healthcare. Mark and Anna then came back to hold the reins full-time, allowing Hamish the opportunity to spend eight months at both a local and a leading London butcher’s shop, learning valuable butchery skills, which he was then able to implement at Eversfield Organic. Anna and Hamish have played key roles in the growth of the business with Anna specialising in ecommerce, online advertising and search engine optimisation to grow the online sales significantly, while Hamish’s contribution as production director has been responsible for meeting the rapidly expanding orderbook. The new Eversfield deli in Tavistock is the result of several years of planning, as well as waiting for just the right premises to become available. The family used to run a stall at Tavistock Farmers’ Market, and also supply a number

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of online customers in the Tavistock area, so knew it was the ideal vibrant market town for a high street presence. So, when an opportunity came up to take over premises in West Street, Mark, Hamish and Anna leapt at this new and exciting challenge, despite Anna’s imminent wedding. Restoration specialists, Greenings of Tavistock carried out the shop refurbishment in under three months, transforming the shop interior with a rustic yet contemporary look, using local suppliers. The inviting coffee bar near the entrance has been influenced by Anna’s previous retail experience in food and drink, combined with Eversfield’s sustainable ethos, encouraging customers to bring in their reusable cups when they want a coffee. While at the back of the shop, the wine cave offers an enticing range of organic and biodynamic wines, spirits, ales, ciders and soft drinks – plus there’s a rumour of evening wine-tastings! Hamish has been very involved in launching this new venture and has gone to great lengths to stock a full spectrum of food and drink, which ticks the right boxes - organic, locally sourced and at accessible price points. Rosemary Best Eversfield Organic, 2 West Street, Tavistock; 01837 871400; eversfieldorganic.co.uk

hop! cs ni ga or op, t Yourones m r hFa s e Fr Fr e eLoc a l e c u d o Pr De l i v e r y e& e f Cof s he Lunc . . . tUsAt i s Come&Vi

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CHARITY FOCUS

Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund This local charity supports local people affected by cancer, and also aims to support cancer education and improve facilities for diagnosis and treatment. Founded in 1972 by the late Countess of Mount Edgcumbe, the Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund (PCCF) supports cancer patients who are under the care of Derriford Hospital and earlier this year Sue Aspley, Chairman of PCCF, formed the Tavistock and Yelverton PCCF Group. One of the most important ways in which the charity assists patients is by giving grants to those facing financial hardship following diagnosis. Last year, over £12,000 was issued to cancer sufferers and their families to help with transport, overnight accommodation and other subsistence costs. The PCCF has also funded improvements to resources to help with the diagnosis of cancer, for example, a grant of £7,000 paid for a facility to enable specialist blood testing to be performed at Derriford, rather than in Exeter, which reduced the waiting time from three weeks to just three days. Specialist equipment has been purchased for the treatment of cancer patients, such as breast boards for use during radiotherapy,

IT equipment for radiology, and a remote monitoring system for colorectal cancer patients who have completed their treatment. To improve the quality of patient care, two side rooms in Brent Ward were refurbished in 2016 to help support endof-life care. In addition, practical items, such as a chair and stairlifts have been purchased to assist patients during their treatment. PCCF also supported the introduction of patientheld records to improve communication and information exchange between and within different levels of care, as well as promoting patients’ involvement in their own care. In 2001, a major appeal was launched to provide an extension to the waiting area of the oncology department in Derriford Hospital. Plymouth artist, Brian Pollard, who was then a local GP and had always taken an interest in cancer care, was asked to design the charity’s eye-catching logo. Following the huge response to the appeal, the charity raised £150,000 towards the project. Since 1986, the PCCF has been supporting small research projects related to improving treatment and support for people

Collection Day Changes Recycling & Waste collections Weeks beginning 24 December and 31 January Usual New 24 Dec  24 Dec 25 Dec  27 Dec 26 Dec  28 Dec 27 Dec  29 Dec 28 Dec  31 Jan

Usual New 31Jan  2 Jan 1 Jan  3 Jan 2 Jan  4 Jan 3 Jan  5 Jan 4 Jan  7 Jan

Week beginning 7 January All collections will run one day late

Don’t forget  Garden waste service does not operate from 24 December – 5 January.  However, all trees up to 6ft tall will be collected between 7 – 18 January. Put out on normal collection day during non-refuse week.  Sorry, we can’t recycle cards containing glitter or plastic nor wrapping paper.

BOX

Clever

BOX

Clever

plastic bottles

Box 1  

empty aerosols

sticker to Apply this Box 1. front of

Ensure all recycling & refuse is out by 7.30am 18

& food tins drink cans



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

all paper

books & books catalogues

Box 2 card

no staples or tape

each material Please sort in Box 2. type sticker to Apply this Box 2. front of

the

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CHARITY FOCUS

Juliet Cole , PCCF fundraising manager

£22,000 was raised through the public’s generosity and fundraising events... with cancer. Funding is made available for post-graduate training and continuing professional development for doctors, nurses, radiographers and technical staff. The charity has provided funds to support three oncology-trained nurses to specialise further in a particular area of cancer care and has recently appointed a chaplain for the palliative care team at Derriford Hospital to support patients and carers of all faiths. A major portion of the fund’s income is received through the well-situated PCCF charity shop in Hyde Park Road in Mutley, Plymouth, which opened in 1997. The shop, which is run by a part-time manager and over 20 volunteers, has been a huge success, last year raising over £21,000. Fundraising manager for the PCCF, Juliet Cole, has been in her role for two years and has been on the committee and a trustee for 25 years. She is totally committed to helping raise funds for the charity and is proud to say that she knows every penny goes to Derriford Hospital. Through her hard work and dedication, she has successfully managed to raise the profile of the charity, leading to new volunteers and a large increase in donations. Last year alone, £22,000 was raised through the public’s generosity and fundraising events, including an auction of

promises, a horse and dog show, and regular donations from a group of singers who perform in residential homes. Juliet’s main focus for this year is to develop and support a network of local fundraising groups, where volunteers are encouraged to combine their own ideas and skills, and organise a couple of events each year to raise awareness of the charity and help raise funds. Several successful groups have been springing up in the area and the Tavistock and Yelverton PCCF Group has already held a popular fashion show, an antiques roadshow and a quiz night this year. Juliet says that being a local charity makes a difference to people, knowing that all the money raised is used locally. Kaye Rogers

If you would like to become a local fundraiser, contact Juliet Cole, fundraising manager, on 07398 117001 or email fundraising@pccf.org.uk; to make a donation online, visit www.justgiving.com/plymouth-cornwallcf, or to find out more, visit www.plymouthandcornwallcancerfund.org.uk

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

The power of a smile I love smiling, I do it all the time – to my patients and colleagues, to strangers, with my children, on my own in the car. It is one of the most powerful tools I have to connect with my patients, young and old, and help them feel better in periods of distress and pain. Even in the most harrowing of consultations a smile is essential and can communicate so much which can’t be said in words. We feel the positive effects of smiling every day but how and why is it so good for us? Smiling is important from the moment we are born. If babies aren’t exposed to smiling their global development is significantly impaired. The very first milestone we check for in the long and complex journey of child development is the smile which develops at 6 weeks – a human being’s very first learned skill. Studies show that smiles are key to social cohesion and interaction. We are more attracted to smiling faces than stern ones, and this overrides effects of age, gender and race that tend to influence our initial attraction and openness to others. If we smile, people see us as more attractive, reliable, relaxed and sincere. Seeing a smiling face activates your orbitofrontal cortex, the region in your brain processing sensory rewards, suggesting that a smile actually feels like a reward. So seeing others smile makes us feel good, but I know when I smile it makes ME happy. Darwin was one of the first to detail the ‘Facial Feedback Hypothesis’, which described the fact that if you physically express your emotion, it intensifies that emotion i.e. the action of smiling makes you even happier. Smiling can also have very real and measurable effects on your physical health, as every time you smile the physical action signals the release of dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. These hormones are related to lowered blood pressure and heart rate, reduced stress and all the health problems that come hand in hand with that: they are natural painkillers and aid relaxation. This explains the strong link between positive happy emotions and frequency of smiling, with higher life expectancy overall, quicker recovery from illness and lower risk of diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. It can also moderate the effect of chronic illnesses like arthritis. A study found that social laughter increases your pain threshold, creating a higher pain tolerance. The fascinating thing is that the body doesn’t seem to know the difference between a real and a ‘fake’ smile – so you can literally smile yourself to healthiness and happiness – and what’s more, smiling is infectious. The part of your brain responsible for your facial expression of smiling when happy or mimicking another person’s smile, is located in the cingulate cortex, an unconscious automatic response area. If you beam at someone, about 50% will automatically smile back, hence

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spreading the positive effects of your smile. We can all benefit from smiling more – a free drug that makes us and those around us healthier and happier, with no side effects - there is no reason not to! Some suggestions on how to get those extra smiles into the day are: •

Smile as soon as you wake up

•

Remind yourself in the morning that you’re going to smile more today

•

Have a ‘smile buddy’ - someone else who is actively trying to smile more, or someone who naturally smiles frequently, and spur each other on

•

Seek out happy, positive experiences, like watching a comedy, looking through old photos of happy events, meeting up with good friends

•

Create cues to smile (remember a ‘fake’ smile is still beneficial) for example every time you stop at traffic lights, or set a reminder on your phone.

•

Indiscriminately smile at strangers – perhaps some will become friends!

And if all that hasn’t convinced you smiling is a wonder drug, apparently studies have shown that while you are smiling on average you look 3 years younger!

Dr Jo Coldron Tavyside Health Centre, Tavistock

Well known local Physiotherapy Clinic coming to Yelverton Tavistock Physio Clinics is delighted to Tavistock Physio Clinics is delighted to welcome clients to to its itsnew, new, welcome new and existing existing clients additional in Leg LegO’Mutton. O’ Muttton. additional clinic situated situated in Our always been to help Our Clinic’s clinic’s ethos ethoshas has always been to make help amake reala real difference to topeople’s through difference people’s lives lives through improved general fitness fitnessand andwellbeing. wellbeing. improved health, health, general We We combine combine excellent excellent Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy, Personal Personal

Training and Rehab, with Pilates, Sports and Training and Rehab, Pilates, Massage therapy andwith nutrition, to Sports provideand an Massage Therapy and Nutrition, to provideOur an exceptional service to our local community. exceptional service to our community. passion is to inspire and local motivate peopleOur to passion is their to inspire motivate people to prioritise body’sand health and stay active prioritise their body’s health stay active and and healthy throughout theirand lives. healthy throughout lives. Our team of highly their experienced Therapists and Our team of highly experienced and Allied Health Professionals loveTherapists working with Alliedclients Healthand Professionals with our developing love long working and fulfilling our clients and long and fulfilling relationships. Wedeveloping believe in finding and treating relationships. believe in not finding treating the root causeWe of your pain, just and treating the symptoms, enabling you not to just manage the root cause of your pain, treatingyour the injuries and prevent so you can symptoms, enabling yourecurrence, to manage your injuries enjoy your life to its full potential, whatever and prevent recurrence, so you can enjoy your life that be. to itsmay full potential, whatever that may be.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Tai chi for long-term neurological conditions I don’t know how you feel about exercise but as I’m writing this, Michael Mosley of ‘Trust Me I’m a Doctor’, has scientifically compared tai chi to Zumba classes in a 12-week study. He asked: “Is it possible to get the benefits of exercise without the effort?” - and appeared as surprised as his scientific researchers when the answer was a resounding - ‘yes!’. Why does this make me jump for joy? Because there are many people who cannot do Zumba, but are able to do tai chi’s soft flowing movements. 14 years ago, we set up a class for people with conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s, stroke and postpolio syndrome. Some of the original participants still attend today and the value of this weekly class has been acknowledged by their physiotherapists, GPs and neurological consultants. No matter what your age or physical ability I believe you can practise tai chi and feel its benefits. It is an effective form of self-defence, yet also a moving meditation that has gained a reputation for improving health. When you practise tai chi you are looking to relax not only the muscles but to calm the mind and the emotions as well. Slowing down and focusing on your body’s sensory information has positive effects benefits attributed to tai chi are: •

reduced stress or anxiety

•

enhanced flexibility

•

better balance and agility

•

increased leg strength

•

lower blood pressure and better blood vessel elasticity

In this specialised class we carry out both standing and seated tai chi patterns; but we’re not inactive when sitting, using swivel seats, cushions, and tai chi rulers to create the flowing patterns of the art. All movement can be demanding for those with long-term health conditions though, so I encourage self-monitoring. An onlooker might see very variable results, varying from a few centimetres of reach or bend to a full range of movement. Each person has a unique movement threshold and is encouraged to explore and understand the changes they can bring to their body by noticing sensations of ease created by muscle or breath. These classes also play an important social role, bringing people together who experience and understand similar challenges. They are the perfect antidote to those ‘why me?’ moments. You will always find a friendly face at our tai chi sessions, and you are welcome to come and give it a try – the first session is free! My name is Pippa Cherrington and I’ve been practising tai chi for 20 years and teaching for the last 15 years. I am a registered instructor with

Tai Chi Union of Great Britain and my work includes structural integration, scar work and massage. The above class runs on a Tuesday lunchtime at Whitchurch Community Hall. For more info ring 07889 532982 or visit www.pippasmovementtherapy.com.

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GARDENING

Christmas from your garden Sue Fisher explains how to make the most of your garden this Christmas Making Christmas decorations using natural materials is delightfully creative and satisfying: fun to make for all ages, truly personal, and saves a heap of cash into the bargain. Plus, it’s a great way to have a ‘green’ Christmas, now that plastic and other waste is a huge issue, avoiding the tide of manufactured decorations shipped from the other side of the world. From the garden, harvest evergreen foliage of all types: glowing red or orange stems of dogwood and willow; long slender ivy stems; berries; strips of birch bark; seed heads and cones. In future years, remember to harvest architectural seed heads and stems in late summer and store in a cool dry place until needed. After a winter gale, enjoy a woodland walk to collect conifer branches, pine cones and the like (only fallen material though – don’t cut anything living from the wild), or wave-washed driftwood branches from the beach or an estuary. Both gathering and making are lovely activities to do with children and grandchildren, or with a group of friends where you can share and mix the harvest from different gardens.

Lots of different decorations can be made for both indoors and outside. A wreath for a door or gate can be made from scratch, weaving a base from flexible willow or ivy stems, then adding moss (I rake some from my lawn) to tie around the base to retain moisture. Using thin, flexible wire cut to 12-15cm lengths, make up bunches of mixed foliage, leaving spare wire to wiggle through the base, twist and secure. On a larger scale, I love to make a long garland of greenery using a length of thick rope for the base and simply winding string around to secure stems to rope, overlapping foliage to hide the string. Little table centrepieces are simple: fill small terracotta pots (you could spray-paint them gold or silver) with clean sand or rice to securely hold a candle, then place sprigs of foliage, berries, dried flowers etc around them - but not so close as to be set alight! The same principle can be adopted on a larger scale to make welcoming pots of greenery outside, using large pots, tall stems of dogwood, hazel branches or driftwood, maybe with a tall, chunky candle in the centre. These are just a few ideas: for more inspiration, visit Buckland Abbey’s Elizabethan Christmas where the house and Great Hall are filled with beautiful displays from 1st December.

Visit our showroom to see a large range of garden machinery, tools and accessories. We have equipment to suit the hobby gardener or the professional. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are happy to discuss your requirements and offer advice. The qualified, experienced engineers in our fully equipped workshop can repair or service your existing equipment.

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GARDENING

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Seasonal jobs

Shrubs with evergreen foliage really come into their own now, giving life and structure to the garden. For variety, go for different shades of green, variegations and bright warm yellows. Large leaves like Griselinia and holly-like Osmanthus ‘Goshiki’ make a lovely contrast to small-leaved Box.

Plant garlic in midwinter to ensure a heavy crop. (The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight offers excellent gift packs).

Many ornamental grasses keep their shape and structure right through the winter, particularly upright ones like Miscanthus and Calamagrostis. Container plants for winter interest major on form and foliage. Small evergreen grasses like Carex and Uncinia; ‘wintergreen’ perennials such as Euphorbia Glacier and Ascot Rainbow and Heucheras with colourful scalloped-edged leaves in a wealth of colours. Add winter-flowering pansies and violas for bursts of bloom.

Check fences and garden structures for signs of weakness or wind damage from autumn gales. Small repairs now, can avert big ones later. Order seed catalogues and luxuriate in some armchair gardening. Now’s a good time to clean, sharpen and oil tools and send the mower for servicing while it’s not needed. It’s a great feeling to be well organised in advance of next year. Sweep and clean, or pressure wash, paths and patios, which can become dangerously slippery over winter. Wooden decking can be fitted with non-slip strips or inserts.

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Area covered includes: Yelverton • Horrabridge • Tavistock • Roborough • Princetown • Gunnislake Callington • Bere peninsula • Buckland Monachorum • Lydford • Lifton • Okehampton

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GARDENING

Sue is a garden designer, advisor and writer based on the Bere Peninsula near Tavistock. www.suefisher gardens.co.uk

Christmas gift ideas Thrifty: A propagator will save a whole heap of money by efficiently raising vegetable or annual plants from seed and propagating many plants by cuttings. Heated ones are by far the best, although even an inexpensive unheated one gets reasonable results if used indoors on a warm, well-lit windowsill. Green: A wormery enables anyone with even the tiniest garden to transform kitchen waste into superbly rich, nutritious compost. Wormeries are vermin-proof so you can safely compost cooked food too, along with brown cardboard and non-shiny paper. Wildlife: Bird feeders make wonderful gifts for all ages

from young to very old – it’s fascinating to watch the whirl of activity as different birds come and go through the day, plus

the food you provide can be a lifeline for birds in hard winters. The Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB) does a wide range of feeders and tables, plus some great gift packs too.

Time saving: A garden planner or diary makes a lovely gift and really helps make efficient use of time. A great help for looking ahead to what needs doing, enabling you to order seeds, bulbs, plants etc well in advance, and also excellent for checking back on what you did – and didn’t – grow well in your garden.

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NATURALIST

When wildlife comes in from the cold! As autumn changes to winter and the outdoor temperature falls, animals seek cover and protection for the winter months. Suitable habitats may include leaf litter, nooks and crannies on tree trunks, hedge-banks, walls and vegetation but they may move into built environments: sheds, garages and even our houses. These incomers may include rats and mice, which few of us would wish to share our homes with, but also numerous invertebrates, and it is these that I want to consider. Some butterflies overwinter as adults and occasionally emerge early from their resting places but unfortunately they are unlikely to survive. They will perish if put outside and use up valuable energy by fluttering about. Centipedes, millipedes and woodlice are more resilient, generally keeping out of sight, moving along the edges of floors and cupboards. And of course we have the spiders..... All of these belong to the scientific ‘super-group’ the Arthropoda and have a hard waterproof skin that also doubles up as a skeleton (so they will crunch if you accidentally squash one!). Their bodies and limbs have multiple joints to allow movement, particularly the seven-segmented legs of spiders which are a marvel of bioengineering and are a fascination for some of us but probably contribute to the phobias that others feel towards these creatures, especially if they are hairy specimens. I suspect that many of us do have at least one phobia that we may not admit to but I am just pleased that spiders are not one of mine! All spiders have a body divided into two main parts, a large fat abdomen and a generally smaller front half which carries all the sensory and feeding apparatus of the ‘head’ plus the characteristic eight legs belonging to the ‘thorax’. Indoors, most spiders do not produce the elaborate orb-webs such as those of the garden spider but instead a much more chaotic sheet-web with a tubular retreat. The classic house spider is Tegenaria, the big hairy one with a leg-span of up to 10cm which makes its home in a neglected corner. Males often wander round at night but scuttle into the corner when you put the light on; they are searching for the more sedentary and long-living females. We also see a lot of the daddy-long-legs spider which resemble the similarly named insect only in terms of their long spindly legs. Their bodies are comparitively tiny and the webs they spin are quite extensive and filmy. There are another eight species commonly found indoors from a total of

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around 650 species that live in the UK, most of which are much smaller than those I have mentioned. Identification of the 10 ‘indoor’ species is easy using guides on the internet and I would paricularly recommend those published on the websites (appropriately!) of the Natural History Museum and the charity Buglife. All spiders bite and in the process inject a venom to paralyse their prey so that it can be stored and consumed over a period of time. They feed on many of the insects that enter our homes at this time of the year, so clear up the cobwebs if you need to but you may wish to allow a bit of space for these useful carnivores! Humans are far too thick-skinned to be bitten by the majority of spiders and a small area of inflammation is the worst ill effect to expect. When the noble false widow spider attained a certain notoriety in October this year, with some Birmingham schools being closed, this really was a false worry. With potential allergic reactions to bee and wasp stings, diseases carried by ticks and the bites of horse-flies and midges to worry about, spiders should come very low on the list of concerns. Pete Mayston 29

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FARMING DIARY

The end of another year As 2018 closes its curtains, I reflect on the year and it’s the weather that dominates my thoughts. You may notice us farming types love talking about it - it is either too wet too dry, too windy. ‘Never happy’ I hear you say! But it does affect almost everything we do and this year we started the year with a wet winter that got progressively worse. Spring arrived with two beasts that made March a horrid month. It then dried up and we had a heat wave until August, crops wilted away - several farmers were already into their winter feed. Fortunately, the rains did come and crops recovered, most farms managed to cut more grass and bulk up the winter feed reserves. The late summer and autumn were then fantastic. Enough rain, but dry enough not to have to live in wellies and waterproofs! Many farmers were worried about feed stocks going into the winter and rightly so because feed will be short. But the long dry warm autumn has helped a lot. The cows have stayed out and are happy grazing and October saw some amazing sunny days. Who knows what’s next, but as a wise man once said ‘they can’t take what you’ve had’! I mentioned in my last article that Dartmoor Farmers will be supplying lamb to Morrisons. It has been a great success so far with the farmers delivering great quality lambs, and as a result Morrisons is happy and numbers are set to rise. We even had a visit from the CEO of Morrisons, David Potts and his team. It was great to engage with them and discuss our aspirations and fears for the future; I think all parties went away happy. It also helped that it was a glorious autumnal day which makes the landscape and the farms on the moor a lot easier to sell! Those misty days at Princetown don’t look quite so picturesque… At Dartmoor Farmers we are also working on a pie partnership with Dartmoor Brewery to produce a Dartmoor beef and Jail Ale pie. You can rest assured the pie tastes cracking - I have road-tested a few just to make sure they get the recipe correct.

Mum is now semiretired from the business, although she still takes a keen interest. You would think she might relax and take it easy, but those of you who know her will not be surprised to hear she certainly hasn’t let the grass grow under her feet! Since taking a ‘step back’ she is now studying for a degree in fashion design. She has just started her second year and is busier than ever! She even managed a month trip to Australia before the start of term, to visit family, farming friends and take in a few sights. My mother is a mad woman, but we are all very proud of her. But can someone tell her it is ok to take things a bit easier? Christmas on the farm is a lovely time of year, all the cattle will be in the barns and the sheep are spread across the moor and the fields. We try and shut down to a tick-over for a couple of weeks but the jobs will keep coming as everything has to be fed and mucked out. Even on Christmas day I will be feeding the animals, and it is lovely to walk off the Christmas dinner with an afternoon stroll around the farm when it’s quiet and no one else but the family is around. Although I am sure with two young boys there will be plenty for me to build, put batteries in and referee over the holidays. From all at Greenwell - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Mat Cole, Greenwell Farm

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CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Christmas in the Community TUESDAY 11TH TO SUNDAY 16TH DECEMBER

Yelverton Christmas Tree Festival at Rock Methodist Church, 10.30am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and 2pm to 4 pm on Sunday

photos by Nick Shutt

THURSDAY 20 DECEMBER

SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER

10:30am Christmas Café Church at Bere Alston United Church

4:00pm Carols by Candlelight at St Peter’s, Meavy

6:00pm Advent Carol Service at St Eustachius’, Tavistock

7:30pm Christopher Robin’s Carols by Candlelight at Bere Alston United Church

SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER

FRIDAY 21 DECEMBER

7:30am Morning Prayer; 8:00am Holy Communion; 9:45am Family Communion; 6:00pm Said Evening Prayer at St Eustachius’, Tavistock

7:30pm Carol Service at St Andrew’s, Bere Ferrers

4:00pm Christingle Service at St Eustachius’, Tavistock

7:30am Morning Prayer; 8:00am Holy Communion; 9:45am Family Communion at St Eustachius’, Tavistock

WEDNESDAY 12 DECEMBER

SUNDAY 23 DECEMBER

9:30am Holy Communion at Holy Trinity, Bere Alston

2:00pm Christingle at St Peters, Meavy

10:30am Family Carol Service at Bere Alston United Church

6:00pm Christingle at St John’s, Horrabridge

10:30am Service of Carols and Readings at Holy Spirit, Milton Combe

THURSDAY 13 DECEMBER

2:00pm Christingle at St Mary’s, Walkhampton

11:00am Holy Communion at St Andrew’s, Bere Ferrers 4:00pm Carol by Candlelight at St Leonard’s, Sheepstor

FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER

6:00pm Candlelit Festival of Lessons and Carols at St Eustachius’, Tavistock

6:00pm Carols at St Mary’s, Walkhampton 7:30 pm Clarinuts concert at Rock Methodist Church, Yelverton SUNDAY 16 DECEMBER

7:30am Morning Prayer; 8:00am Holy Communion; 9:45am Family Communion; 6:00pm Holy Communion at St Eustachius’, Tavistock

6:30pm Service of Lessons and Carols by Candlelight, followed by mulled wine and mince pies at St Andrew’s, Buckland Monachorum MONDAY 24 DECEMBER (CHRISTMAS EVE)

10:30am Carol Service at Rock Methodist Church, Yelverton

4:00pm Crib Service (especially for children) at St Eustachius’, Tavistock

MONDAY 17 DECEMBER

6:00pm Crib Service (especially for children) at St Eustachius’, Tavistock

6:00pm Prison Carol Service at St Michael and all Angels, Princetown WEDNESDAY 19 DECEMBER

6:00pm Christingle at Holy Trinity, Bere Alston 7:15pm Christmas Extravaganza at St Mary’s, Sampford Spiney

8:00pm Nativity of the Lord Vigil Mass, preceded by pre-vigil service of readings and carols at 7.30pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Yelverton 2:30pm Nativity Service at St Andrew’s, Bere Ferrers 4:00pm Christingle Service of Light for all ages at St Andrew’s, Buckland Monachorum

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CHRISTMAS SERVICES

4:00pm Nativity Service at St Andrew’s, Bere Ferrers

9:30am Order 1 at St Mary’s, Walkhampton

11:00pm Midnight Christmas Holy Communion by candlelight at St Andrew’s, Buckland Monachorum

9:30am Christmas Day Celebration led by Rev. Phil Griffin at Bere Alston United Church

11:00pm Midnight Mass at St Paul’s, Yelverton

9:30am Christmas Communion at St Andrew’s, Bere Ferrers

11:00pm Midnight Mass at St John’s, Horrabridge

10:00am Christmas Day service with Angela Banfield at Rock Methodist Church, Yelverton

11:30pm Christmas Eve Service led by Rev. Phil Griffin at Princetown Methodist Church 11:30pm Midnight Mass – a service with Tavistock Methodists at St Eustachius’, Tavistock 11:30pm Midnight Mass at Holy Trinity, Bere Alston

10:00am Mass of the Nativity of the Lord at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Yelverton 10:30am Christmas gathering for all ages with carols at St Andrew’s, Buckland Monachorum 10.30am Order 1 at St Peter’s, Meavy

TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER (CHRISTMAS DAY)

7:30am Morning Prayer; 8:00am Holy Communion; 9:30am Family Communion at St Eustachius’, Tavistock

11.00am Order 2 at St Leonard’s, Sheepstor SUNDAY 30 DECEMBER

8:00am BCP Holy Communion at St Paul’s, Yelverton

3:00pm Lay Led Carols at St Mary’s, Sampford Spiney

8:00am Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer at St Andrew’s, Buckland Monachorum

MONDAY 31 DECEMBER (NEW YEAR’S EVE)

9:15am Christmas Holy Communion at Holy Spirit, Milton Combe

11:45pm Ringing in the New Year, followed by prayers at St Andrew’s, Buckland Monachorum

9:15am Lay Led SOTW at St Paul’s, Yelverton 9.15am BCP Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Sampford Spiney

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WHAT’S ON

REGULARS

1 DECEMBER – 2 JANUARY AN ELIZABETHAN CHRISTMAS

1 - 30 DECEMBER (WEEKENDS) CHRISTMAS WEEKEND FAMILY CRAFTING Every weekend in December come along to Buckland Abbey and create your own World Encompassed style penguin to take home!

What’s On Relax your way into Christmas with a superb three course Festive Lunch or Festive Dinner, or decadent Festive Afternoon Tea, in the warm and welcoming setting of The Bedford Hotel.

3 course Festive Lunch £22 3 course Festive Dinner £29.95 Festive Afternoon Tea & Mulled Wine £19 Available on most dates throughout December.

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Experience the sights and smells of Christmas, as Buckland Abbey transforms into an Elizabethan home of feast and festivity. 1 - 30 DECEMBER (WEEKENDS) FATHER CHRISTMAS WITH A TWIST Join our Lord of Misrule as he leads the festive celebrations and hands out gifts to those who join in with the revelling! UNTIL 6 JAN COTEHELE’S GARLAND IN THE GREAT HALL The Commemoration Garland will be on display from 11:00am-4:00pm. We’re also commemorating the centenary of the end of WW1 with an artwork by Dominique Coiffait to complement the 60ft cut flower garland. Normal admission charges apply. 1 DECEMBER – 6 JANUARY ‘DECK THE HALLS’ EXHIBITION IN COTEHELE GALLERY This festive exhibition within the arts and crafts gallery at Cotehele features the work of West Country makers, with beautiful pieces for your home or that extra special Christmas gift. 10am-4pm 1 DECEMBER – 6 JANUARY FESTIVE FAMILY TRAIL AT COTEHELE Bring the family to follow this festive trail around the gardens. Normal winter admission charges apply. 10am-4pm

UNTIL 24 DEC WILDWOOD ARTS WINTER EXHIBITION The exhibition features a range of new and exciting art work in a variety of mediums, plus ceramics, jewellery and felting by some of the region’s finest professional artisans. Wildwood Arts, Horrrabridge. 3 - 28 DECEMBER FACES FROM FAR-OFF PLACES Local photographer Tommy Hatwell exhibits photographs from his extensive journeys around the globe. 10:00am – 4:00pm daily at Tavistock Wharf (admission free). 10 December at 7pm, join Tommy for the stories behind the photos (tickets £3 Wharf box office). UNTIL 5 JAN MAGICAL GARDEN ILLUMINATIONS ‘GLOW’ Follow the festive illuminations along a new route, extended to the lake, around RHS Rosemoor’s Foliage Garden and Stream Field. Last entry to the garden, gift shop, last food service all at 7.30pm. Normal garden admission includes entry to ‘Glow’. UNTIL 17 FEB WINTER SCULPTURE EXHIBITION Rosemoor’s winter sculpture exhibition is an exciting and eclectic mix of exhibits from a diverse collection of sculptors, in the garden as well as inside, including WW1 centenary display. 10am - 5pm, normal garden admission applies.

Capturing those

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WHAT’S ON 1ST SATURDAY OF MONTH TAVI ARTS MARKET High quality, handmade wares from local artists - unique products not found on the high street and a chance to meet the artists and makers themselves. 9.00am to 4.00pm in Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock 3RD MONDAY OF MONTH LEARN TO TURN WOOD Learn to turn wood with Tavistock Turners & Carvers Club in 2019! We meet monthly on the 3rd Monday at 7:30pm at the Scout Hall, Pixon Lane, Tavistock. the first two visits are FREE. Membership fees approx. £3 per club night. We provide all tools, equipment and materials necessary, help and advice is freely given as needed, no previous experience is necessary, the only thing required is enthusiasm and a good sense of humour! For details see: www. tavistockwoodturners.co.uk 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. FIRST SATURDAY OF MONTH BOOK GROUP AT PRINCETOWN LIBRARY We are an informal group that meets at 10:30am-12noon on the first Saturday of each month to discuss a book we have all

STARTS

10 JANUARY

Weekly Thursday 6-6.45pm Yelverton Memorial Hall

read. Come along to see what it’s all about and pick up the book for the following month’s discussion. Alternatively drop into Princetown Library or check the Princetown Library Facebook Page. 2ND & 4TH WEDNESDAY OF MONTH CHARLESTON FRIENDSHIP CAFE A new initiative meeting from 2.00-4.00 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. EVERY WEDNESDAY THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH CREDIT UNION OFFICE 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. 11.00am - 1.00pm in the Princetown Community Centre, Tavistock Road, Princetown, PL20 6QE

NOVEMBER 29 NOVEMBER YELVERTON LADIES OPEN GROUP The Confessions of a Guide-book Writer with Sue Viccars. 7:45pm at Yelverton Memorial Hall

30 NOVEMBER TREES OF LIGHT Lions Club president Jan Meakin, will turn on this year’s Trees of Light on the front of Tavistock Town Hall at 7pm. For more details visit tavistocklions.org.uk, visit the Facebook page or call 0845 8334807.

What’s On Festive Feasting Perfect for your office party, or a pre-Christmas get-together with friends or family.

3 course Festive Lunch for groups of 4 or more

£24 3 course Festive Dinner for groups of 10 or more

£26 Festive Teatime Decadent Festive Afternoon Tea, with a warming glass of mulled wine.

£20 Available on most dates throughout December.

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In the heart of Dartmoor

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WHAT’S ON 30 NOVEMBER - 9 DECEMBER ST EUSTACHIUS’ CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Come and view the stunning sight of some sixty trees beautifully decorated by local groups and organisations. This event is organised by the Friends of St Eustachius’ Christmas Tree Festival. Join us for a number of events during the festival, including our Advent Carol Service on Sunday 2nd December at 6pm.

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Winter Collections

DECEMBER

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1 DECEMBER TAVISTOCK STANNARY BRASS BAND Come along for a morning of traditional brass band music on Bedford Square 10:30am-12:30pm and support our independent traders on Small Business Saturday. Free event as part of Tavistock BID’s winter festival. www.visit-tavistock. co.uk

1 - 9 DECEMBER HORRABRIDGE NATIVITY SCENE FESTIVAL The festival includes exhibits from village organisations neighbouring churches and individuals, filling every nook and cranny of St John’s Church, Horrabridge. Entry is by donation for church funds and refreshments are available. The festival ends with a carol service at 4.30pm on Sunday 9th December. Open daily from 10.30am (12pm on Sundays) to 4.30pm.

1 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS FAIR The Meavy Parish Hall Christmas Fair will have a wide variety of craft stalls, plus refreshments available, raising funds for the upkeep of Meavy Parish Hall. 12:004:00pm 1 DECEMBER BERE ALSTON VICTORIAN EVENING An evening of festive entertainment in Bere Alston with Santa’s grotto from 5:00pm, Christmas market and street entertainment from 6:00pm and shops staying open late, plus children’s activities and refreshments. 1 DECEMBER IN THE MOON OF WINTER Phoenix Chorale presents Magnificat by John Rutter and a selection of contemporary carols at 7.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square, PL1 5EG. Tickets on Eventbrite.co.uk - adults

2 DECEMBER FESTIVE BOTANICAL PAINTING Watercolour painting with Grace Buttall Fine Art, 10:00am - 6:00pm £95, materials and refreshments included, along with a cream tea and sandwiches for lunch. Contact Grace on 01822 481078 2 DECEMBER TAVISTOCK RAMBLERS AT COTEHELE We will be walking the route on pages 58 & 59 around Cotehele on 2nd December. Why not join us? www.tavistockramblers. org.uk 2 DECEMBER THE DRAT PACK Fine saxophonist Neil Maya leads this lively swing, jive, jazz & Latin band fronted by charismatic singe Adam Moran. 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Plymouth. Tickets on the door

ANTIQUES VALUATION DAY TAVISTOCK

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WHAT’S ON £9 (members £7, full-time students £5) information 01752 721179, plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk 2 DECEMBER FESTIVE WATERCOLOURS Learn how to create beautiful seasonal watercolours with Shari Hills and make your very own collection of unique, personalised Christmas Cards. 10am-4pm, £70 at Wildwood Arts, Horrabridge 4 DECEMBER PRINCETOWN HISTORY CLUB AGM and Christmas Social - 7:30pm at Princetown Community Centre www. princetownhistoryclub.weebly.com 5 DECEMBER FESTIVE WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS Create your own festive wreath with fresh foliage and berries with artisan florist Miranda Hackett at Cotehele. Booking essential, £60 per person. Call 01579 351346 to book. 10.30am-12.30pm

6 DECEMBER CS RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP PRINCETOWN Are you retired? Join us for a friendly chat and a cuppa (or something a wee bit stronger) at 12.30pm in the Restaurant of the Prince of Wales Hotel, Princetown. Meet old friends or make new ones. Our Guest Speaker will be Paul Rendell presenting his illustrated talk entitled ‘Old Yelverton’. 7 DECEMBER TAVISTOCK DICKENSIAN EVENING Come along for our Christmas Light Switch-on at 5:45pm on Bedford Square and then enjoy an evening of late-night shopping until 9pm. There will be a host of entertainment including steam engines, Morris dancers, a Magician, Father Christmas and an animal enclosure featuring real Reindeer.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

8 & 9 DECEMBER CREATIVE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP 9:00am-1:00pm with Tommy Hatwell at Church Lane, 1 Church Lane, Tavistock, PL19 8AA. £15 per person per session, for details visit www.tommyhatwell.com 9 DECEMBER TAVISTOCK SANTA FUN RUN Join CHICKS family fun run from 3:00pm to 4:00pm and raise funds for vital respite breaks for children. Register at www. chicks.org.uk/santa. Entry: £10 for adults, £5 for children or £25 for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children). For info email events@ chicks.org.uk or call 01822 811125. 9 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CAROLS FOR THE COMMUNITY You are invited to this annual carol event organised by The Salvation Army in Tavistock Town Hall at 6:00pm, with the mayor, Geoffrey Cox MP, and Tavistock

Give the gift of Gaia. It’s time to gather loved ones close and indulge in the personal tokens and cherished moments that make an enchanted season even more magical. The Gaia Christmas Gift Collection is a handpicked selection of our artisan, natural products. Enjoy precious moments to relax, breathe and connect with nature in mind, body and spirit.

The Christmas Cracker £15 2 x Mini Bath Oils

Some mini treats offering an introduction to Gaia’s blends. Each gift contains an awakening and calming oil which have been carefully chosen for its physical and psychological properties. Presented in a Gaia Christmas Cracker.

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Gift Box Sets £45-£59

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Treat your loved one with either a gift set combining the Gaia essentials to aid sleep with the Morning Ritual set, invigorate mornings with the Morning Ritual set or choose from Gaia’s oil range sets. The signature Awakening for uplifting invigoration, Balancing for harmonic grounding or Calming for comforting relaxation.

Give the gift of Gaia with a spa voucher this festive season for ultimate wellness and rejuvenation. Use towards an invigorating spa day at Devon’s award winning destination spa or a soothing spa treatment using Gaia’s natural products to ensure complete relaxation.

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WHAT’S ON Church Schools Federation Choir. A collection will be taken in aid of the Tavistock Area Children’s Centre. Come and enjoy your favourite carols! 9 DECEMBER FREESTYLE FELT Freestyle Felt, a workshop suitable for novice felt-makers - choose to make a simple decorated bowl, fingerless gloves, a reusable book-cover and/or festive tablerunners suitable for giving as Christmas Gifts. All materials included. 10am-4pm, £70 at Wildwood Arts, Horrabridge 10 DECEMBER CS RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP PRINCETOWN Join our Coach trip to the Royal William Yard, Plymouth for Christmas lunch in the Seco Lounge. Booking is essential. Reservations and deposits will be taken at our meeting on 6th December or ring Mike on 01822-890799

Computer Problems?

11 DECEMBER A TALK ON DARTMOOR SEARCH & RESCUE A chance to learn about Dartmoor Search & Rescue as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, with a talk by Neil Richards, DSRT. Burrator Discovery Centre, 7:30pm-9:30pm, £4 per person (including refreshments). For more information or to book your place call 01822 855700. 11-16 DECEMBER YELVERTON CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Community Christmas Tree Festival at Rock Methodist Church, Yelverton with 25 decorated Christmas trees open from 10.30am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and 2pm – 4 pm on Sunday, entrance free. 13 DECEMBER YELVERTON LADIES OPEN GROUP Beetle Drive & Christmas Party – open to guests. 7:45pm at Yelverton Memorial Hall 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

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13 DECEMBER MOOR’S EDGE U3A Christmas Party at the Woolwell Centre 2.30pm 14 DECEMBER DEVONSHIRE ASSOCIATION A demonstration with artefacts on ‘The medieval longbow, truths and legends’ by Chris Thomas 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 14 DECEMBER CLARINUTS A concert with five very talented clarinettist friends who play for the sheer fun of it, at Rock Methodist Church, Yelverton at 7:30pm, with seasonal music, plus items from Handel and Leroy Anderson.

January 2019

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WHAT’S ON 14 DECEMBER MURDER MYSTERY DINNER A night of fine food and high intrigue, in the stunning setting of Two Bridges Hotel. Call 01822 892300 for details.

Discovery Centre. Support, materials and refreshments will be provided – just drop in between 10.00am – 4.00pm. £7.00 per wreath. For more info call 01822 855700, email: heritage@swlakestrust.org.uk or pop into the Discovery Centre (PL20 6PE).

15 DECEMBER WREATH MAKING Make your own Christmas wreath using natural materials at Burrator

15 DECEMBER STANNARY BRASS BAND AT CHRISTMAS An ever-popular Christmas concert in St Eustachius’ Church, Tavistock, with special guests the St Austell-based Acappella Sound and Barbershop. 7:30pm, £7 for adults, £2 for under-18s - available from Stags Estate Agents, Tavistock or on the door

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)

16 DECEMBER FESTIVE FOOD, DRINK AND GIFT MARKET Gift market in Tavistock’s historic Pannier Market with a range of items from specialist & local businesses including jewellery, leather goods, glassware, wreaths. 11am and 4pm. 16 DECEMBER CENTREPIECE MAKING WORKSHOP Make a table centrepiece at our Christmas craft workshop at The Bedford Hotel starting at 9:30am, includes tuition, materials, and two-course lunch. 19 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Do join us for our annual Christmas

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

DECEMBER 5th December UP (A Pixar Animated Film)

3 December Laura Quigley Devon’s spies of WW2

19th December A CHRISTMAS CAROL (George C Scott & Susannah York)

12 December Pam Kemp The splendour of Antarctica

2nd January MAMMA MIA HERE WE GO AGAIN

JANUARY

(Pierce Brosnan and Cher)

Scrambles amongst the Alps: mountaineering in the 18th and 19th centuries 14 January Rod Martin Tavistock’s grocers 21 January Peter Brinsden Galapagos: the enchanted islands 28 January Brian Freeland Richelieu: the cardinal and his ‘city’

7 January Andrew Thompson

16th January SAVING GRACE (Brenda Blethyn) 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.

Special Thali Taster Ni ghts Every Wednes day £12.95 Reservations Only

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67 West Street Tavistock PL19 8AJ www.tharikstandoori.co.uk 40

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WHAT’S ON Extravaganza - an evening of carols and entertainment familiar to you all at St Mary’s Sampford Spiney from 7.15pm. Tickets are £5 with children attending free, includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie at half-time. Tickets are available from Helen Sims on 01822 853784. 20 DECEMBER CS RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP PRINCETOWN Join us for Christmas lunch at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Princetown. Christmas draw commences at 11.30am followed by lunch at 1.00pm. Booking is essential. Reservations and payment will be taken at our meeting on the 6th December. Or ring Mike on 01822-890799 22 DECEMBER LET’S WASSAIL AT COTEHELE Come and join us at our annual wassail as we scare away the evil spirits from the orchard to ensure we have a successful crop for 2019. Fancy dress encouraged,

bring something noisy too. Free.11.30am start 23 DECEMBER TAVISTOCK FESTIVE MARKET Come along to Bedford Square for some last-minute Christmas shopping and entertainment at this festive outdoor market. Join Jack Frost for seasonal stories, songs and interactive silliness. A Tavistock Pannier Market and Tavistock BID collaboration. www.visit-tavistock. co.uk 25 DECEMBER TAVISTOCK CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH Join Tavistock Rotary for Christmas Day Lunch in the United Reformed Church in Russell Street, Tavistock at 11:30am. TASS can collect you before 11.30am and take you home at 3.30pm. To book contact Christine Ellis on 01822 616507.

JANUARY 3 JANUARY CS RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP PRINCETOWN Join us for a friendly chat and a cuppa (or something a wee bit stronger) at 12.30pm in the Restaurant of the Prince of Wales Hotel, Princetown. Meet old friends and make new ones. Our Guest Speaker will

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WHAT’S ON

be Ron Howell with his illustrated talk entitled ‘3000 years of History Under the Sea’ 6 JANUARY NEW YEAR WASSAIL Join in at Buckland Abbey to ensure we make as much noise as possible to help awaken the trees from their winter sleep and wish them a bountiful new year. Dartmoor Border Morris performs its traditional Mummers play from 1:00pm. 8 JANUARY PRINCETOWN HISTORY CLUB Coins, Slate and Daub: Fieldwork and Excavations at Ipplepen, South Devon 2007 - 2018 with Derek Gore - 7:30pm at Princetown Community Centre www. princetownhistoryclub.weebly.com 10 JANUARY MOOR’S EDGE U3A The work of a store detective with speaker, Julie Turner, at the Woolwell Centre 2.30pm 10 JANUARY YELVERTON LADIES OPEN GROUP Keep Moving! - with Wendy Greig. 7:45pm at Yelverton Memorial Hall 16 JANUARY VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT DAY What are you doing in 2019? Do you have an interest in volunteering with us? Come and learn all about how you can help us

look after Cotehele. Join us for a casual chat, tea, cake and to meet the team. No need to book, just drop-in anytime during the day. 11am-3pm 18 JANUARY DEVONSHIRE ASSOCIATION Social Evening in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Tavistock, Cllr Paul and Mrs Jane Ward, both members of the Devonshire Association. Joint speakers John Mather and Jenny Bennett, also members of the DA, recounting their geological trip through Nepal. Pre-booking essential – please note 7.00pm start 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

24 JANUARY WINTER WARMERS WORKSHOP Students will learn how to make nuno-felt using merino-wool fibres and silk fabrics, forming a drapey scarf, suitable for novice felt-makers. 10am-4pm, £70 at Wildwood Arts, Horrabridge 24 JANUARY YELVERTON LADIES OPEN GROUP History of Yelverton & Surrounding Villages

AMBER & MALLOW

Lifestyle

19 JANUARY WASSAILING Come and experience an authentic Devon village wassail at Bere Ferrers Parish Hall from 7pm. £5.00 per adult, free entry for children - this includes a hot pasty and cider or apple juice (free for children). 22 JANUARY PRINCETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 8.00pm in the Prince of Wales restaurant, Princetown for all residents of the Dartmoor Forest Parish Council area.

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

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WHAT’S ON with Paul Rendell - open to guests. 7:45pm at Yelverton Memorial Hall 27 JANUARY THE MAGNOLIA JAZZ BAND New Orleans style band formed by banjoist Pete Miller at The Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill, Plymouth at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door £9 (Members £7, Full-Time Students £5). Information 01752 774343; plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk 28 JANUARY BERE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Mr David Price will give a talk on ‘A Journey through the Rainbow’ at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Bere Alston at 7.30pm. All are most welcome. 30 JAN – 2 FEB ROBIN HOOD AND THE BLACK KNIGHT Buckland Monachorum Drama Group’s pantomime for all the family. 7.30pm daily, plus Saturday matinee at

2.30pm. Tickets cost £6, concessions on Wed & Sat matinee. Full details at bucklandmonachorumdramagroup.co.uk

FEBRUARY 1 FEBRUARY IMAGINATION AND ALLEGORICAL ART EXHIBITION Joint-themed exhibition of two of the region’s finest artists - David Brooks and Richard Slater (Royal Institute). Wildwood arts, Chapel Lane, Horrrabridge, PL20 7SP www.wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk; info@wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk; 01822 258529 5 FEBRUARY PRINCETOWN HISTORY CLUB David Lemon on Building the Kariba Dam - 7:30pm at Princetown Community Centre www.princetownhistoryclub.weebly.com

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

13-16 FEBRUARY GOATFINGER A tale of intrigue, espionage and goats…. Meavy Amateur Dramatics (MAD) presents Goatfinger performances Wed to Sat at 7:30pm, plus Saturday matinee at 2:30pm.

We have included as many events as possible here in the magazine but for a full and comprehensive list please see our new community website: . dartmoorlinks.co.uk All event listings are FREE. Send details to editorial@ tavylinks.co.uk or upload directly to our website by pressing the SUBMIT button

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

Welcome to...

live broadcasts................. Thursday 6th December

ANTONY & CLEOPATRA

Broadcast live from the National Theatre, Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo play Shakespeare’s famous fated couple in his great tragedy of politics, passion and power.

Sunday 9th December

Saturday 15th December

Tuesday 22nd January

THE KING & I

CBEEBIES CHRISTMAS SHOW

THE QUEEN OF SPADES

Wednesday 30th January

Thursday 31st January

The King And I comes to cinemas in this unmissable event recorded live from London’s iconic Palladium.

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!

The much anticipated annual CBeebies Christmas Show is coming to the big screen for a family-friendly cinema experience

LA TRAVIATA

Richard Eyre’s stunning naturalistic production contrasts the superficial glamour of 19th-century Parisian high life with intimate scenes for Violetta with Alfredo and Giorgio Germont, culminating in the heartbreaking final act

The penniless soldier Gherman has fallen in love with Liza, even though she is engaged to his friend Yeletsky

I’M NOT RUNNING

I’m Not Running is an explosive new play by David Hare, premiering at the National Theatre and broadcast live to cinemas.

THE WHARF GALLERY Tommy Hatwell – FACES FROM FAR OFF PLACES 3rd December 2018 – 18th January 2019

Local photographer Tommy Hatwell presents a delightful selection of his new photographs.

MUSIC..................................... JOEY THE LIPS Friday 7th December

BON JOVI EXPERIENCE Saturday 8th December

THE KINGSTONS Friday 14th December

DESPERADO Saturday 15th December

For 2018 Joey the Lips have a new line up and will be videoing their wharf show so be sure to come along and join in the fun.

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

...with Malavita and The Cabarats, a Christmas ‘special’ night of music with 3 outstanding bands.

Relive those classic hits from The Eagles with breathtaking accuracy delivered by Desperado.

ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE Sunday 16th December

BJORN BELIEF Friday 21st December

ROCK & ROLL OUTLAWS New Years Eve

VOODOO ROOM Saturday 19th January

The Ultimate Elvis tribute With a full repertoire of songs covering all era’s, the 50’s, 60’s & the iconic Vegas 70’s, The 2 set show is a must for people who love ELVIS and his music.

Bringing the very best of Abba hits alive with an outstanding performance by this amazing band

See the old year old and the new year in with Tavistock’s finest rock covers band!

Paying tribute to Jimi Hendrix & Cream - a stunning “Power Trio” featuring some of the UK’s finest musicians, performing an incredible show in the true spirit of these legendary superstars.

COMING TO TAVISTOCK WHARF IN EARLY 2019 LENNON RETROSPECTIVE February 2019

Online booking available for all music events at...

KRIS BARRAS BAND March 2018

www.wegottickets.com REBECCA DOWNES BAND March 2018

GLENN TILBROOK April 2018

For full details and how to book events visit our website: www.tavistockwharf.com

Tavistock Wharf Box Office 01822 611166 FACEBOOK.COM/TAVISTOCKWHARF Dates and times shown may vary, so please check our website for all up to date information: www.tavistockwharf.com

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

W hat’s O n 3 December - 3 January Penguins: a LEGO® brick trail

28-30 November Design to Sell Design to Sell at Plymouth College of Art provides a unique opportunity for students to design, make, promote and sell their own work - including illustration, painting, glasswork, metalwork, ceramics, photography, fashion, textiles, printmaking and more. 28th 6pm - 8pm; 29th 9.30am 3.30pm; 30th 9.30am - 12.30pm

Set off on an adventure to find the 19 Rockhopper penguins and one very special Emperor penguin in Plymouth city centre shops and cafes - they’re all life-size, and made out of LEGO® bricks! And don’t miss the Santa Express train at Drake Circus! Download a map from visitplymouth.co.uk.

4 December Evening Lecture: Unwrapping Christmas Carols Helen Astrid leads you through 300 years of musical history. Discover the legends and stories behind your favourite Christmas carols and join in a special festive sing-a-long at the end. £5 per person. 7:00pm at Roland Levinsky Building (Lecture Theatre 2), Plymouth University. Booking essential on Eventbrite

1 December In the Moon of Winter

29 November to 16 December Plymouth Christmas Market

Phoenix Chorale presents John Rutter’s Magnificat and a selection of pieces from across the globe including two regional premieres. 7.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square, PL1 5EG. Tickets on Eventbrite.co.uk - adults £10, children (U16) free (£12 on the door).

8 & 9 December Native Makers Market Native Makers is back with its two-day festive artisan makers’ market at Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard. With the return of Native Cubs Craft, delicious snacks, fun and free activities, over 60 local emerging makers, plus plenty of Christmas sparkle, there’s no reason not to pop by! 10am-5pm, donations welcomed on the door.

With over 50 traders in traditional wooden cabins in Plymouth city centre piazza, the market offers a great opportunity for Christmas shopping, along with a Bavarian Bar, delicious festive street food and live music from Thursday to Sunday, including a Spanish guitarist, Sandy Sparkle and Ocean City Sound.

www.visitplymouth.co.uk D@visitplymouth E@visitplym

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Saturday 1st December

Bere Alston Victorian Evening Join in the fun of an evening of festive entertainment as Bere Alston steps back to Victorian times and the streets are packed with stalls, Morris dancers, hand bell ringers, a brass band, a fire juggler, and a steam engine. Santa’s grotto will be in full swing from 5:00pm, the Christmas market and street entertainment start from 6:00pm and shops stay open late. If you’re feeling a bit peckish there will be many different foods on offer, with roasted chestnuts, mince pies, bacon butties, as well as mulled wine and live music in The Edgcumbe. Children can meet Sven the reindeer and enjoy mini-steam-train ride, as well as face-painting and a chance to win a prize in the

children’s art competition. Local shops will be working hard on their window displays hoping for a chance to win the best dressed window competition. And finally, don’t forget to come in period dress for a chance to win the best dressed Victorian competition.

Saturday 1st December to Sunday 9th December

Horrabridge Nativity Scene Festival The Festival of Nativity Scenes at St John’s, Horrabridge, is now in its fifth year. Participants are as enthusiastic as ever and the festival is fast becoming a regular attraction in the pre-Christmas period. Most of the village groups contribute a nativity scene for display in the church. Exhibits are also produced by neighbouring churches and by individuals, filling every nook and cranny of the church. The exhibits have sometimes included a huge variety of materials, with scenes constructed from cardboard, wood, flowers, felt, paper, cloth, candles, and any other material you can think of - the ingenuity and originality of the designs is amazing. Stars, candles and lights abound and the whole effect is magical, enhanced by visiting organists playing in the background. This year’s festival is again being well supported by many groups and individuals and is sure to be just as wonderful. Do drop in and see it. Entry is by donation and refreshments in the form

Chriast tmas

of tea, coffee and cake are available. The exhibition is open daily from 10.30am – 4.30pm (Sundays 12noon – 4.30pm). The festival ends with a carol service followed by mulled wine, at 4.30pm on 9th December.

EXCITING EXPERIENCE GIFT BUNDLES! Rather than a toy, why not buy someone a fun experience this Christmas and make memories! Our gift bundles start from just £13.50 and include a voucher for our THE G IFT O climbing centre along with a F ADVE NTUR E! variety of merchandise options to choose from, all gift-wrapped!

Photo by Nick Shutt

CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH A DIFFERENCE! With a fun range of team building climbing challenges on offer, your Christmas party will be one to remember! We DISCO have packages to suit all UNT F LARG E GR OR ages and budgets, and AVAIL OUPS ABLE can also provide fresh food and drink.

Book over the phone: 01752 717567 | Visit us: The Ship, PL6 5AA | plymouth.clipnclimb.co.uk Ordering gift bundles and booking your party in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment!

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Friday 7th December

Dickensian Evening This is one of the town’s favourite dates in the calendar, seeing the town ablaze with colour and cheer. Most shops and offices stay open late, inviting visitors and locals to share with them in an evening of festivities and traditional Dickensian dress. It is a joy to see so many people and businesses working together to produce such a spectacular evening. This year you can expect the traditional light switch-on as usual at 5:45pm followed by entertainment throughout the town, with Christmas carols from local school choirs, Morris dancers, stilt walkers, traditional Christmas rides, magic, REAL reindeer alongside other festive creatures in an animal enclosure in Bank Square. And of course, Father Christmas will be on hand to spread the festive joy. To complement the town’s shops and eateries, we can also expect a host of other wonderful stalls, selling mince pies, cider, Christmas puddings, delicious waffles, BBQ food and beer. This year

we will also be welcoming our outstanding sensory and community gardeners. In addition, you can visit the Christmas Tree Festival in St Eustachius’ Church and the Winter Market in Butcher’s Hall; while Tavistock Heritage Trust will also be opening the Guildhall, so drop in for mulled wine, mince pies and craft stalls, as well as a chance to look around the historic magistrate’s court, one of Tavistock’s hidden heritage gems! Do come back into town the following day to enjoy Untamed Theatre’s street performance of Dicken’s ‘A Christmas Carol’. Then don’t forget to pick up those Christmas gifts you had your eye on the previous evening!

Friday 30 November 30 to Sunday 9 December

Tavistock Christmas Tree Festival For the tenth year Tavistock Parish Church will be awash with lights and a hive of activity during the annual Friends of St Eustachius’ Christmas Tree Festival. 65 trees will be on display, all decorated by local businesses, schools, associations and charities, with a wide variety of styles and innovative ornaments, reflecting the nature of each organisation. Refreshments, tea, coffee and light lunches will be available, while local musicians will also be performing - it really is an experience not to be missed.

The grand ‘switch-on’ happens at 2.30pm on Friday 30 November with the Mayor of Tavistock officiating - the church will be open that evening until 6:00pm. Regular opening hours are 10:00am to 4.30pm. On Dickensian Evening, 7 December, mulled wine will be served in the church and the festival will stay open until 9.30pm.

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

1st December to 5th January

BID Winter Festival There is something for everyone this December with a host of events for visitors to Tavistock brought free of charge by Tavistock BID as part of its winter festival. Tavistock Stannary Brass Band starts off the month with a morning of traditional brass band music on Bedford Square and then the following week you can join Untamed Theatre for fun and interactive performances of a Dickens classic as you follow Ebenezer Scrooge through Tavistock’s winding streets to uncover his Christmas past, present and future. From 15 December, collect your map and find Father Christmas hiding throughout town, and get a goody bag if you work out what it is he likes at Christmas. Then make the most of some last-minute shopping and join Entertainingly Different for a series of mini pantomimes jam-packed with songs, slapstick and silliness based on traditional tales, with lots of music and energetic fun.

Finally, just before Christmas Day, come along for seasonal stories, songs and interactive silliness with Jack Frost at the Tavistock Festive Market. www.visit-tavistock.co.uk 1 Dec: Tavistock Stannary Brass Band - Bedford Square 10:30am-12:30pm 08 Dec: A Christmas Carol Street Theatre Show - Limited numbers for walking performances - see website for details 15 December – 05 January: Tavistock Father Christmas Trail - Collect your sheets from I Love Candy, Kaleidoscope, The Visitor Information Centre and the Toy Cupboard. 16 December: Traditional Tales Pantomimes - throughout Tavistock 23 December: Tavistock Festive Market - Bedford Square

Sunday 9th December

Tavistock Santa Fun Run Ho ho ho! Join us for CHICKS festive family fun run from 3:00pm to 4:00pm and give hundreds of children across the UK the chance to attend a CHICKS break! You can sprint, jog, walk or skip along the 1.5-mile route and we’ll provide you with a free santa suit as part of your entry fee! The route, which starts at Bedford Square car park and finishes by the bandstand in the Meadows, is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs; well-behaved rein-dogs on leads are also welcome to join in the fun. Entry: £10 for adults, £5 for children or £25 for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children). Register at www. chicks.org.uk/santa. Any questions? - email events@chicks. org.uk or call 01822 811125.

Entry: £10 for adults, £5 for children or £25 for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children). Any questions? email events@chicks. org.uk or call 01822 811125.

Christmas Opening Hours

Christmas Eve 11am-6pm • Christmas Day & Boxing Day - CLOSED New Years Eve & New Years Day - CLOSED • Open all other days as normal

Monday: 12pm to 9pm Tues to Sat: 11am to 9pm

TO PLACE AN ORDER PLEASE CALL 01822 613311

36 Brook Street, Tavistock, Devon PL19 0HE

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk YOUR LOCAL

YOUR LOCAL

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Tuesday 11th to Sunday 16th December

Yelverton Christmas Tree Festival It’s time for the annual Rock Methodist Church community Christmas Tree Festival held in Yelverton. 25 Christmas trees all sponsored and decorated by local schools, businesses and local interest groups brighten up the church in a stunning display. Each one is themed by the group decorating it, which results in some beautiful and very imaginative trees. The standard of decorations seems to get better every year and there just aren’t words to describe the impact of seeing the trees fully decorated, it’s like fairyland. One of my favourite memories of the festival was when a group of children from a local nursery arrived to decorate their tree, needless to say there was much chattering and shrieks of delight during the process. When they had finished they all went quiet, sat

on the carpet around the tree and sang some carols. All the other decorators stopped and listened - it was a truly magical moment. So do come and see the festival, it is well worth a visit - open from 10.30am - 4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and 2 – 4 pm on Sunday, entrance is free. This year there is an extra bonus with the Clarinuts concert on Friday evening, giving people a chance to see the trees in the dark as well as hear some excellent music. For our other Christmas services see pages 32 & 33. If you would like to sponsor and decorate a tree it costs £30 - this includes the cost of the tree which you can take home afterwards. There may still be time to join in when you read this – just! Please contact Marion Luckhurst on 01822 854404.

Saturday 19th January

Wassailing Come and experience an authentic Devon village wassail at Bere Ferrers Parish Hall. Join in the torchlight procession (weather permitting) through the village with flaming torches, provided free by the organisers, before the wassailing of the orchard ceremony, where wellies are a really good idea. Bring your pots and pans and wooden spoons to make as much noise as possible and scare away the bad spirits - as well as a slice of toast to put into the trees. The Spirit of the Orchard, Orchard Fairy and Orchard Father will all be in attendance. Dartmoor Border Morris will be dancing and participation is welcomed

but optional! The Tavy Tars will also be singing and there’ll be a bonfire (weather permitting). This event for all the family starts at 7:00pm and costs £5.00 per adult with free entry for children – entry fee includes a hot pasty and cider or apple juice (juice and pasty are free for children).

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Wednesday 30th January to Saturday 2nd February

Robin Hood and the Black Knight Buckland Monachorum Drama Group’s winter production is the pantomime, ‘Robin Hood and the Black Knight’ which has been especially written for the group by Donna Baker. Featuring a cast of adults and children, this is a show all the family can enjoy. The story is about Robin Hood, who is living in the Greenwood with his merry men and his mum, Mother Hood! When he meets Maid Marion wandering in the forest, they instantly fall in love, but when he hears that her uncle, the Sheriff of Nottingham, has betrothed her to the Black Knight, he promises to rescue her from the castle. If that wasn’t enough, he also has to deal with a conniving aunt, who wants her son to replace Robin as head of the Merry Men! Will Robin win the day and marry Maid Marion? Well, you’ll just have to come along and find out!

Performance dates are at 7.30pm, with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday. Tickets cost £6 with concessions available for Wednesday evening and Saturday matinee shows. Full details at bucklandmonachorumdramagroup.co.uk

The West Devon Club An ideal venue for celebrations, parties and special events such as weddings and wakes WINTER IS HERE - CHRISTMAS IS ON THE WAY - ENJOY A MULLED WINE IN OUR WARM COSY AND FRIENDLY CLUB WITH A GREAT PROGRAM OF ENTERTAINMENT

FORTHCOMING EVENTS 7 Dec Dickensian • 16 Dec Grand Xmas Draw • 18 Dec Christmas Quiz • 22 Dec Christmas Party Disco 31 Dec New Year’s Eve Party with Total Stranger and The Professionals Disco • Bingo every Wednesday January Membership Renewals • More to follow...

Get online and check out the website to see the latest events at the club

3 Abbey Place, Tavistock, PL19 0AB • 01822 613025

westdevonclub@yahoo.com

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NATIONAL TRUST

Christmas ‘Elizabethan-style’ at Buckland Abbey Step back in time and experience an Elizabethan-style Christmas at Buckland Abbey. With cooking in the kitchen, decorations throughout the abbey and an awe-inspiring 8-metre-high Christmas tree in the centre of the Great Barn - it is a Christmas not to be missed! The doors to the Great Barn are swinging open to reveal a Christmas from the natural world. The centre of the barn is dominated by a 20,000-pinecone painted tree which has been lovingly created by visitors, local scout groups and volunteers. Come and see this remarkable sight from 1st December. There are lots of things to do this December with great family trails from hunting for Christmas penguins in the abbey to completing the star trail on the estate. Or perhaps come along to one of our weekend craft sessions and create your very own Buckland penguin to take home. Or why not come along to one of our ‘Father Christmas with a twist’ sessions and join the Lord of Misrule as he leads the festive celebrations and hands out gifts to those who join in with the revelling!

AN ELIZABETHAN CHRISTMAS OF FEAST AND FESTIVITY 1st December-2nd January Experience the sights and smells of Christmas, as Buckland Abbey transforms into an Elizabethan home of feast and festivity.

NEW YEAR WASSAIL Sunday 6th January Join in to ensure we make as much noise as possible to help awaken the trees from their winter sleep and wish them a bountiful new year.

CHRISTMAS WEEKEND FAMILY CRAFTING Weekends 1st-30th December Every weekend in December come along to Buckland and create your own World Encompassed style penguin to take home!

FATHER CHRISTMAS WITH A TWIST Weekends 1st-30th December Join our Lord of Misrule as he leads the festive celebrations and hands out gifts to those who join in with the revelling!

Christmas at to Add some colour your weekend this Buckland Abbey

autumn at Gibside With a stunning display in the Great Barn, floral displays throughout the abbey and bad behavior from the Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest Lord of Misrule - there's to do teeming with wildlife and autumn colours,lot's with walking routes for all ages and abilities. at Buckland this Christmas time. Call 01822 853607 for details 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. for ever, for everyone. © National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered charity, number 205846. registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Photography © National Trust Images\Grant Images. Wyness.

#nationaltrust #nationaltrust

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NATIONAL TRUST

Commemoration garland at Cotehele

GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOPS AT COTEHELE Saturday 1, 8, 15 and 22 December, 4-6pm

Cotehele’s annual Christmas garland, built from flowers grown on the estate is always a big event, and this year, the centenary of the end of the First World War, is being marked with an extra-special display. West Country print-artist, Dominique Coiffait, has worked alongside the garden team to transform the Great Hall into an artwork to commemorate the armistice. The artwork represents the ebb and flow of life and seasons at Cotehele, with flowers and foliage interwoven with reproductions of the First World War artefacts that the local community have shared for the four years of the centenary exhibitions. We’re open every day until 6 January 2019, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Come along as a family and decorate your own gingerbread house which Cotehele’s chef has baked and assembled for you. Take away your decorated house for Christmas (decoration materials provided). Booking essential, £30 per family (max 2 adults, 3 children). Call 01579 351346 to book.

Over the festive season, there are also lots of other events to enjoy – including choir performances under the garland, family trails, wassailing, gallery exhibitions, roasts in the restaurant, and even a visit by Mother and Father Christmas. Visit our website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele for more details about everything happening at Cotehele at this magical time of year.

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT DAY

LET’S WASSAIL AT COTEHELE Saturday 22 December, 11.30am start Come and join us at our annual wassail as we scare away the evil spirits from the orchard to ensure we have a successful crop for 2019. Fancy dress encouraged, bring something noisy too. Free event. Wednesday 16 January, 11am-3pm What are you doing in 2019? Do you have an interest in volunteering with us? Come and learn how you can help us look after Cotehele. Join us for a casual chat, tea, cake and to meet the team. No need to book, just drop-in anytime during the day.book.

Remembering the to Add some colour Armistice with Cotehele's your weekend this Commemoration Garland

autumn at Gibside

Open daily until 6 January

The annual Christmas garland, built from flowers grown in Cotehele garden is always a Go crunching through and discoverof a forest big event and this fallen year,leaves the centenary the end teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking of the First World War, will be marked with an routes for all ages and abilities. extra-special display.

nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside

nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele When youvisit, visit, donate, volunteer orthe joinNational the National Trust, your When you donate, volunteer or join Trust, your support helpsusus look after special places support helps toto look after special places <in thearound region>Tavistock, <like such as Buckland and Cotehele ever, everyone. property X, propertyAbbey Y and Proeprty Z> in forfor ever, for for everyone. © National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered charity, number 205846. registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Photography © National Trust Images\Rich Burrow. Images.

#nationaltrust #nationaltrust

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MUSIC & ART

New cinema for Plymouth Arts Centre Plymouth Arts Centre’s unique independent cinema is to relocate to a new home and double in size. A new 118-seat auditorium is to be built in Plymouth College of Art and will open to the public on 10th January 2019. The 61-seat cinema in Looe Street enjoyed a record year in 2017, with nearly 18,000 admissions across 135 films. Its live event cinema, film festival, and regular talks by internationally renowned film makers such as director Ben Wheatley, and Oscar winners Roger Deakins and Mia Bays continue to build in popularity. Tim Bolton, Vice Principal at Plymouth College of Art, said: “Plymouth College of Art shares many fundamental values with Plymouth Arts Centre and we have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship spanning numerous years. We welcome this opportunity to continue to collaborate with them, to enrich the arts and cultural fabric of the South West. “We’re confident that the new, enhanced space will improve the viewing experience for cinema-goers, and hope that together our shared resources will enable Plymouth Arts

Centre to continue their mission to bring independent cinema to the city.” The withdrawal of the Arts Council England’s NPO funding for the Arts Centre in April 2018 put extreme pressure on all areas of the charity’s organisation. The Board has taken the difficult decision to sell the Arts Centre’s Looe Street building and the Trustees have reluctantly reached an unavoidable decision to halt the visual arts programme for the time being. PAC Home, the centre’s highly regarded network of artists and arts professionals, is developing plans to continue independently. Plymouth Arts Centre will be launching a major fundraising campaign to support the cinema. If you would like to donate or become a friend, visit www.plymouthartscentre.org/supportus for details.

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MUSIC & ART

Friday 1st February

Imagination and allegorical art exhibition Wildwood Arts is thrilled to be hosting this joint-themed exhibition of two of the region’s finest artists - David Brooke and Richard Slater (Royal Institute). Themes for David’s paintings often originate from mythology, although interpreted and embellished by his imagination, and there is often something of a humorous or quirky nature about his work. David is a member of the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts, the National Acrylic Painters’ Association, the Society for Art of Imagination and the Bath Society of Artists. His paintings have been exhibited in London at the Royal Institute of Oil Painters and United Society of Artists, and the Royal West of England Academy, Bristol. He has also exhibited in New York and Miami. Richard Slater has developed a wellcrafted, poetic and often allegorical style which places him at the centre of the British neo–romantic movement. He portrays local landscapes as abstracts with a narrative through the medium of vibrant colours. Working with equal dexterity across the mediums of pastel,

David Brooke

oil and watercolour, Richard Slater creates complex images of local rural scenes, villages, buildings, wildlife and flora. His paintings are in the permanent art collection of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. He was elected to the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour in 1999, and remains a member with his work being exhibited yearly at the Mall galleries in London. He is also a full member of the St Ives Society of Artists as well as being listed in ‘Who’s Who in Art. His paintings represent the art of a master of his craft and are both an enduring joy and an investment for the future.

Richard Slater

Wildwood arts, Chapel Lane, Horrrabridge, Yelverton. PL20 7SP www. wildwoodartsdartmoor. co.uk; info@ wildwoodartsdartmoor. co.uk; 01822 258529

Richard Slater

Dartmoor’s Art Gallery

Representing the region’s ﬁnest artists

Peter Tavy Inn on the edge of Dartmoor

Fine art inspired by Dartmoor and the Westcountry of England We also offer a range of art classes & felting workshops Gift vouchers also available 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.

Chapel Lane, Horrabridge, Yelverton Pl20 7SP

•

01822 258529

INFO@WILDWOODARTSDARTMOOR.CO.UK • WWW.WILDWOODARTSDARTMOOR.CO.UK

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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 David Brooke 55

MUSIC & ART

Friday 14th December

Clarinuts Clarinuts is composed of five very talented clarinettist friends who play for the sheer fun of it. Originally part of a larger musical group, which for various reasons had to disband, they have now been playing together for around 10 years and come from different parts of the area - Bude, Okehampton, St Cleer and Plymouth. Their enjoyment of playing shines through in the music they produce, which covers a wide range of styles, from classical to pop.

They are delighted to be joining Rock Methodist Church at Yelverton at 7.30pm on the Friday of its Christmas Tree Festival week, to provide a concert with lots of seasonal music, plus items from Handel and Leroy Anderson. This will definitely be a wonderful evening’s entertainment and truly a concert not to be missed.

13th to 16th February

Goatfinger A tale of intrigue, espionage and goats…. Our scene is set in a lawless, barren town - it’s name? - Meavy. Baddies of all different shapes and sizes have begun infiltrating the local pubs and causing mischief, holes are being dug in the village green, chickens are being stolen from coops and the Royal Oak no longer serves Jail Ale! Only one man and one goat stand in the way of this badness. Goatfinger and James Bondage. The two young spies must save all the village pubs, prove their friends’ innocence, and get home in time for tea. Can they do it? Not without the help of their friends. Luckily they have Uncle Bertie Badger and Wolfie Wolf to help them on their way. But Bertie and Wolfie have a problem of their own - the stunningly beautiful Red Riding Hood and her friends from the Cutting Company. Who will get the girl? Who has been ruining the village green? Will everyone finally accept Goatfinger and

James’ dating interspecies friendship? Only time will tell... Goatfinger performances Wed to Sat at 7:30pm, plus Saturday matinee at 2:30pm. Meavy Amateur Dramatics (MAD) is a diverse group of individuals with ages ranging from 5-75 who get together every Thursday evening in Meavy Parish Hall and are always on the look-out for new talent! Be it behind the scenes, front of house, prop and set making, or on the stage itself! Please feel free to drop by as everyone is welcome!

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Lots of new gift ideas - introducing the latest range of traditional cold-pressed soaps, pamper hampers and limited editions. Corporate gifts also available.

by James Bird courtesy of Tavistock Times Gazette

Grace Buttall Fine Art

Drawing & Painting

Art Classes

Established in 1997 • Purely handmade in Devon by Jackie Kenderdine Vegan friendly • Not tested on animals • www.kenderdine.co.uk 56

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TECH HELP

Tech tips from ChezvousPC Upgrading to fibre can be a little confusing. Some companies are able to offer nice cheap fibre in comparison to others, but may not be very clear about precisely what they are offering. For example, we had a customer who paid £47 a month for 130mb broadband (Plymouth with BT), which of course is expensive. What she had never been told was that her line was only capable of getting 30mb so she should never have been on that tariff. There are two types of fibre – full speed and half speed - make sure you get the right one! If over the next few weeks and months you have a Windows update and lose the sound as a result, then I am afraid this is a well-known issue. The most recent update to Windows (version 1809) has been a disaster. It had to be withdrawn once because of problems such as people losing data. The new update is more stable, but there are still issues. We have always recommended taking the updates in the past as they are usually well-crafted and necessary, but this may not be

the case with 1809. So, take the update, but make sure your system is backed up first. If you don’t have a backup – call us! If you get an email or even multiple emails from someone who tells you their ‘dark web nickname’ and then shows you your email address and a password, it is fake. This is a scam to try and extort money from you by way of a ransom. There is nothing to worry about even if in one of the emails they do get a password correct. This could have been obtained in one of the many data breaches we are hearing about. As long as you know you have not been compromised, then there should be nothing else to worry about. If you are uncertain, then please give us a call. TIM, Tim and Carol – ChezvousPC

For help with any home or business IT needs, give us a ring on 01822 855822 or visit chezvouspc.com

PC, Tablet & Mac Help for home or business Got a computer problem at home or office? We are the LOCAL help you have been looking for! We sell new PCs, laptops, tablets, printers, etc. We can even set your new equipment up for you. Got a virus? We can remove it. We also fix and maintain all Apple Macs and iPads. Also networking, cabling, broadband issues, email, etc. Range of experience with people of all ages/abilities for teaching.

Find Us On

f Search chezvouspc Call us on 01822 855822 for an engineer visit

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FOOD & WINE

Sweet Wines Sweet wines, pudding wines, dessert wines, call them what you will, but one thing for sure is that they all, not only, have high levels of residual sugar, after all fundamentally that is what makes sweet wines, ‘sweet’, but also their reception when offered to the uninitiated will generally be mixed. When hosting various wine tastings, it is often my practice to conclude a tasting by sampling a little gem to complement the pudding, maybe to check the salty tang of a soft cheese or purely enjoy on its own for pleasure. Sweet wines are made in most of the world’s key wine producing regions; their individuality, possible intensity and luscious fruity notes can be so diverse - something for everyone. And yet often I witness inverted snobbery from those who claim not to like sweet wines, and yet these ‘bah- humbug’ kill-joys will often confess to having a penchant for a scoop of honey, a spoonful of jam, or even an intensely sweet humbug. That said, for many, and this includes the gastronomes from France, who do know a thing or two about food and wine, sweet wines are seen as the perfect complement to cheeses, pâtés and puddings alike. Think of one of the sweetest wines, that being port and how we happily associate this with salty stilton. As with red, white and indeed rosé wines the extreme range of styles of these wines is equalled by the spectrum of colours, sweetness and honeyed floral notes offered by sweet wines. As someone who spends much time compiling hotel and restaurant wine lists, I will always try to encourage my customer to list at least three or maybe five different sweet wine options – wines to cover all eventualities. A light less cloying not too sweet wine such as a young sauternes to pair up with a creme brûlée or a pavlova. A classic Loire chenin blanc, such as Coteaux du Layon is ideal with fruit based midweight puds, and don’t forget the delicious German Auslese wines... so many options!

Many will be surprised that all white wines including sweet wines must have a degree of natural acidity. Every wine needs a punctuating full stop to mark the wine’s finish. Without acidity the finish will be dull and incomplete. The secret of maximising such a finish is understanding at what temperature each wine will be best served. A well-chilled riesling can accentuate the perceived acidity, in fact riesling is one of the few grapes that favours being served well-chilled. By contrast, if one is to serve a chenin blanc based sweet wine too cold, it will have a detrimental effect, the magical honey glow will be lost and all the fragrance will be suppressed. Continuing with the food match theme, rich fruit puddings and mid-weight to heavy puddings will in turn need a wine with concentration, maybe a touch of citrus spice to match, yet not overwhelm the pud. A wonderfully complex Hungarian Tokaji, the nutty slightly orange-peel style of a vin santo or maybe an Alsace Gewürztraminer could be a consideration... And then there is chocolate - rich chocolate is potentially such a hard food to match, dark soft and often bitter. To check the chocolate’s edge and also rise to the challenge of equalling the intensity and structure, possibly explore a Banyuls, a vin doux naturel or fortified wine from south western France. Two thoughts to consider: luckily for Father Christmas, a half bottle of pudding wine neatly fits into a stocking; and remember, a meal without a pudding wine is not a real meal, it’s a missed opportunity. Charles Steevenson

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FOOD & WINE

Tavistock Christmas Day Lunch Tavistock Rotary is delighted to invite people to join us for Christmas Day Lunch in the United Reformed Church in Russell Street, Tavistock. Christine Ellis, the lunch organiser, said: “This promises to be a brilliant party and we still have some places available. Thanks to Tesco, the food will be superb, and our new kitchen team will be there to make sure that it’s perfectly cooked. There will be lots of fun, singing and, if possible, the Queens Speech. As always, thanks to the generosity of the volunteers, there will be no charge for the day.”

Celebrations begin at 11.30am on Christmas morning. There will be a traditional Christmas turkey dinner and the very best of good company. This will be followed by a drink, mince pies and Christmas cake before our guests are taken home. Volunteers from TASS will happily pick people up from their homes before 11.30am and will take them home at around 3.30pm. To book a place at the lunch please contact Christine Ellis on 01822 616507.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & SEASON’S GREETINGS from all the team at the Moorland Garden Hotel

We look forward to welcoming you to the hotel soon!

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MUSIC & ART OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE

Out and About with Tavistock Ramblers A delightful 4Â˝-mile walk in the Tamar valley with John Noblet of Tavistock Ramblers. This is a fine stroll at any time of year, but in winter, when the trees are bare, the views are even better. Start in the free car park on Calstock Quay (SX437685).

The area is rich in agricultural and industrial history and the walk passes plenty of evidence of these activities before arriving at the fine medieval National Trust property of Cotehele, once the home of the Edgcumbe family. 1. Walk out of the car park with the river on your left and past the village hall and the Tamar Inn. Turn left into Commercial

THE

Road, then almost immediately fork left into Lower Kelly to continue towards the massive viaduct dominating the view ahead. This was completed in 1907 and built of concrete blocks, very unusual for the time. The farm on the other side of the river was once a boatyard where many Tamar sailing barges were built. Pass under the viaduct and soon you will see Cotehele House in the distance in the trees above the river. Pass a working boatyard, noting the unusual opening hours, and then the old

LEAPING SALMON

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OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE

railway carriage. Go under a bridge, once an incline plane for a mineral tramway serving the mines around Gunnislake, and then a huge lime kiln. 2. The road goes sharp right by an elegant house just where the river bends to the left and into the Danescombe valley. Ignore a concrete track on the right, but continue ahead. Just past a row of cottages turn left signed to Cotehele House. The track climbs steadily at first through beech and oak woods before levelling out. Bear left at a path junction and start to go downhill. Pause at the viewpoint for a splendid outlook of Calstock and the river. Pass a 15th century chapel with a curious story relating to Sir Richard Edgcumbe avoiding his pursuers all those years ago. 3. The wide track gradually descends to Cotehele Quay. Pass to the left of several large stone buildings on the quay to join a road by Quay House signed as a footpath to Cotehele Mill. Alongside the quay is the Shamrock, built in 1899 and now the last Tamar sailing barge in existence. 4. At the bridge continue on the track straight ahead (not over the bridge) and up the valley. Where the path forks, bear right

uphill and immediately right again signed to Cotehele House. At the top, go through the white gate and carefully cross the road to enter Coteheleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main drive. Go past the car park entrance and then follow the road to Cotehele House reception. 5. To continue the walk, pass reception and through a wooden gate behind the toilets, signed as a public footpath. The path goes below the front of Cotehele House and overlooks the lower garden before bearing right alongside a stone wall. At the path junction retrace your steps back to Calstock the way you came. Come and join Tavistock Ramblers for more walks in the Tamar Valley or on Dartmoor or other parts of West Devon. Walks vary from short strolls to all-day treks and everything in between. See www.tavistockramblers.org.uk for the programme of walks on offer. We will be walking around Cotehele on 2nd December. Why not join us?

N ow !

D AY

THE NEW INN | Restaurant & Bar

OPEN HOURS CLOSED 1ST WEEK OF JAN

Morning Coffee From 10am Tue-Sat

Lunch 12-3pm Tue-Sun Dinner 6pm â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;til late Tue-Sun Last food orders 9pm

We only use the freshest ingredients from local suppliers and farms from fish to meat and game lovingly created into mouth watering dishes by our Michelin Chefs Malcolm and Mathew. Booking highly recommended.

BOOKINGS & RESERVATIONS 01837 82247 . WWW.NEWINNSAMPFORDCOURTENAY.CO.UK

SAMPFORD COURTENAY . OKEHAMPTON . EX20 2TB

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Breakfast Sat & Sun 9-10.30am Closed Mondays

HISTORY

700 years of St Eustachius’ Church As we reach the end of St Eustachius’ 700th anniversary year, Joan Torvell takes a look back at its history. All photos by Ossie Palmer

Little evidence has been written about the founding of Tavistock Abbey and the records that do exist were not accessible to the local populace, as most folk were illiterate at that time. The abbey was built by Ordulf, Earl of Devon, and according to legend he dreamed he was praying one night under the stars outside his home above the present Kelly College, when he saw a vision - an angel in a brilliant column of light, was directed to build an abbey where the light touched the ground. Ordulf, with the support of his brother-inlaw, King Edgar the Peaceful, built the abbey in the north west corner of the market. It was an excellent situation near the ford, where the trackway from Exeter to Cornwall crossed the river, with water, wood for building and fuel, an abundance of fish and fertile lands. Subsequently Ordulf had the remains of a Celtic saint, Rumon, brought from Cornwall and the abbey was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St Rumon. Tavistock Abbey followed the rule of the Benedictine order and carried out pastoral work, caring for the sick (at the hospital in Abbey Chapel and a leper house at the bottom of Spring Hill), and providing education, employment and welfare services (equivalent to today’s food bank) for the local populace. Sixteen years later, the Danes

came up the River Tamar in their longships, were repulsed at Lydford, and fell back on the richer prize of Tavistock Abbey, which they plundered and burnt down. It was soon rebuilt, possibly by Ordulf, but on a grand scale, with stone. I give credence to the legend that the abbey invented the well-loved Devon cream tea, as milk, flour and fruit were available in quantity for the scones, cream and jam - and the labourers working on this magnificent building were partially rewarded with a cream tea! Alongside the complex buildings of Tavistock Abbey, a church was also built, but nothing of this church survives. However, a new church was built by Abbot Robert Champeaux and dedicated in 1318. Research has not given any evidence for the choice of Eustachius as patron. My theory is that this monastery was built in a huge hunting forest belonging to the king, and Eustace or Hubert was chosen as he is the patron saint of hunters. St Eustachius was a Roman general in the second century, who was converted to Christianity and disgraced, exiled and martyred by his family for refusing to sacrifice to Roman gods. In the church there was no furniture. A rood screen divided the chancel from the main body of the church and tradition has it that women stood on the north side

The Arts Society South Devon offers enjoyable opportunities to discover and support the arts of yesterday, today and tomorrow, this is just a sample of our forthcoming lectures. 12th December 2018 The Great Fire of Westminster The lecture looks at the work of Augustus Pugin and Charles Barry who rebuilt the Palace of Westminster after it was destroyed by fire in 1834.

9th January 2019 Jacob Epstein This lecture examines the life of Jacob Epstein, one of the most famous sculptors working in Britain whose career was dogged with criticism, ridicule and anti-Semitism. SOUTH DEVON

For more information on these and to see a full list of the coming seasons lectures please visit our website

www.theartssocietysouthdevon.org.uk • email: info@theartssocietysouthdevon.org.uk 62

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HISTORY

Tavistock Abbey

The Fitz Monument

There’s also the story of John Fitz... and men on the south, the warmest area! By the middle of the 14th century the church had fallen into disrepair and was roofless, but by the end of the century it had been rebuilt in the Perpendicular style, with the addition of the south aisle, the Clothworkers’ Aisle, funded by a bequest from Constance Coffyn, the widow of three wealthy, Tavistock wool merchants. The work was completed in 1447.

stained-glass windows all tell their own stories of the people associated with this place. In its earliest days, St Eustachius’ was a focal point in the town for worship, social gatherings, music, celebration, sorrow and refuge. It has suffered perilous times but still survives, serving the same needs of its people.

The dissolution of the abbey in 1539 ended the old order; the lands and properties were gifted to the Russell family, who held the patronage until 1912. Stone from the abbey remained a ruin was used for many of the buildings we see today. However, the church remained in use and its interior tells its own story: the Glanville memorial (erected 1615) depicts Judge Glanville holding a skull, with his wife, Alice, kneeling beside him and the small figures of four children, heads missing. Was this vandalism a result of the boredom of parliamentary troops during the Civil War? In the book, “Homage to Eustachius” by Gerry Woodcock, the skull was believed to be the Judge’s niece, sentenced to death for murder (though prior to him becoming a judge). There’s also the story of John Fitz - a naughty boy of Tavistock, who is possibly the son kneeling piously in the Fitz Monument which commemorates Sir John Fitz, who died in 1859, and his wife, Mary Sydenham; it is said that Francis Drake was baptised in the 15th century font, whose cover is a splendid example of 20th century carving by Violet Pinwell. There are legends surrounding the roof bosses, in particular the Three Hares, and a beautiful 14th century panel carved with lilies, and a Cornish piper may have come from the abbey. In addition, there is the breath-taking Victorian organ screen with its carved figures; artefacts including the early Saxon holy water stoup, the painting by local artist Arthur Read, of ‘The Dawn on the Third Millennium’, presented in 2000, the well-known window attributed to William Morris and the little-known soldier of the First World War. Gifts to the church over the ages, from Tavistock Abbey, the Bedford family and citizens of the town, as well as memorial brasses and

For the comprehensive story of St Eustachius’ Church read ‘Homage to St.Eustachius’, by the late Gerry Woodcock, well-known historian, respected teacher at Tavistock College, chairman of Tavistock Local History Society and distinguished lecturer.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Joan Torvell

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BUSINESS

High performance success for Barton Garages Barton Garages Ltd has achieved incredible results with its multi-award-winning range of engine decontamination machines, according to EDT Automotive - becoming the EDT network’s highest performing garage-partner since joining in January 2018. The team at Barton Garages began noticing an increasing number of customer vehicles at the Yelverton-based workshop which were suffering from a high concentration of carbon build-up, putting their engines under undue strain and potentially shortening vehicle lifetime. Co-director Tracy Barton, says: “We felt it was time to take things up a level and offer an additional service to our customers to ensure vehicle health and prevent problems further down the line.” After conducting some initial market research, Tracy discovered a wealth of positive reviews about engine decontamination equipment and about working with EDT as a business partner. EDT’s unique engine decontamination technology thoroughly cleans the oil system, effectively preparing it to receive the new oil without any of the impurities from the residue normally left after conventional servicing. Since January 2018, Barton Garages has undertaken over 300 EDT treatments and has multiple further bookings scheduled. It also offers a complementary service, Forté Power-Clean, which cleans other problem areas in vehicles such as the fuel injectors and the inlet manifold with very effective results.

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Tracy says: “I can’t praise EDT highly enough: our customers are extremely happy with the results and they’ve told us that they can instantly feel the benefits. After just one treatment their cars are performing better, power delivery is improved and there are significant fuel-saving benefits too, meaning we can help the environment and save our customers money.” Barton Garages is a family run business offering diagnostic testing, repairs, MOTs, servicing, air conditioning, tyres and exhausts. John Barton established the business in 1991 and was joined in 1992 by his son Adrian, who was then 16 years old. Over the years the garage has grown, adding five technicians and relocating to the then newly built business park in Yelverton. This September saw the third generation of the Barton family joining the business, when the team welcomed Adrian and Tracey’s son, Lewis. ‘Wishing all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!’ (Adrian, Tracy and the team) The business also proudly sponsors local sportswomen: Trish Deykin who won gold for the second time in the AG European Championships women’s triathlon in Glasgow 2018 and has just won the Helen Rollason award in the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards; Darcey Hepworth who plays for Plymouth Argyle Ladies FC and was European gold medallist and silver medallist at the 2017 world championships; as well as Tavistock CFC boys under-9yrs football team.

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Who else works with you? Well sometimes there are other entertaining characters dangling from the tree, but mostly its pretty lonely at the top.

over the design of their tree and I like to maintain that standard. Occasionally you get trees that look like they’ve been decorated by five-year olds- they are very difficult to manage. I’m not a fan of those. What would you say to someone thinking about this as a career? If you don’t mind having a prickly tree up your skirt whilst holding a smile all day long this could be the job for you. You do get to wear some very nice frocks although they can get a bit dusty. What is the best thing about your job? Christmas day of course – I get to share in all the fun and have the very best view from the very top of the tree. Nichola Williams

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