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Yelverton Golf Club
Once described as a ‘good walk spoiled’, golf has now become THE sport in this very diffi cult year. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, it has been one of the only sports that has continued. Your local club, Yelverton Golf Club, has seen a huge increase in membership this year, with many people taking up golf and discovering for themselves how wonderful the game of golf really is. Not only are the health benefi ts, both physically and mentally immeasurable, but social distancing can be practised with ease. Established in 1904, the club was designed by Herbert Fowler, one of the greatest course designers of his time. Using old mine workings as natural hazards, he created a challenging course for even the most discerning golfer. The views across Dartmoor stretch as far as the eye can see, where ponies, cattle and sheep have happily co-habited the fairways with golfers for more than a hundred years. The clubhouse, beautifully traditional, is friendly and welcoming, offering a fi ne selection of food and drinks to members and visitors alike. The carvery, served every Sunday is a must, but booking is essential. The raised decking area, is perfect for summer, whilst the spacious dining room offers a fabulous setting for any special occasion, be it weddings, birthdays, christenings etc. Set menus are available, however bespoke packages can be arranged. Conference room facilities are also available. Contact General Manager Sarah George on
sarah@yelvertongolf.co.uk or 01822 852 824.
The golf team runs a fun and vibrant golf shop, headed up by PGA professional Adam Frayne, who along with assistant Matt Cooper, offers a variety of coaching packages including the junior coaching programme which takes place every weekend. A full custom fi t experience and repair service is also available using the recently launched workshop and the simulator room which includes Trackman technology and can be hired for private use. Further golf facilities include the practice range, short course, chipping and putting green. The golf team also arranges visitor and society bookings and can help with any membership enquiries. Contact Lauren Chapman
on membership@yelvertongolf.co.uk or 01822 853 593.
01822 852824 Golf Links Road • Yelverton • PL20 6BN www.yelvertongolf.co.uk
Tavistock Local History Society
The society, founded in 1984, exists to advance the education of the public in relation to the history and heritage of Tavistock and the surrounding area. In normal times, we usually meet monthly on the second Tuesday from September to April, and during the summer, we organise external visits to places of local historic interest, including an all-day coach trip. However, due to the pandemic our meetings have had to go online. During 2020, we successfully used Zoom to host talks on:
‘The Victorian construction of history and the Drake Statues’ by Andrew Thompson, a society member, archaeologist and historian ‘The remarkable Lady Shelley: socialite, traveller, close friend of Wellington - and visitor to West Devon’ by Clive Charlton ‘On the Road in 17th Century Devon’ by member and leader of the Thorington Collection project Kevin Dickens ‘The Traders of Tavistock’ by Linda Elliott, the author of two books on the past Tradesmen and women of Tavistock, and the ‘Windows in Time’ initiative
‘Tavistock’s Policing Past’ by member and former society chairman Simon Dell. Our programme for 2021 has been planned with Zoom meetings from January to April, outdoor meetings from May to August, and (hopefully) meetings back in the Parish Centre from September to December. (There will not be a coach outing in June) 2021 programme:
Archaeology at Calstock, Cothele & Bere Alston’ with Chris Smart who is a landscape archaeologist specialising in the heritage of Roman and medieval in Devon and Cornwall. Tuesday 9th March 7.30pm (Zoom) AGM followed by ‘A History of the Census’ with Tony
Vigars. The census will happen again on Sunday 21st March 2021 and will be online. The 1921 census is the next one due to be released to public view in 2022. Tuesday 13th April 7.30pm (Zoom) ‘White Horse Hill’ with
Dartmoor National Park Authority archaeologist Dr Lee Bray. Tuesday 11th May 7.00pm (outdoor visit) ’The Merrivale
Landscape 5,000 years of human activity’ with member Andrew Thompson – heritage consultant, archaeologist and historian. Tuesday 8th June 7.00pm (outdoor visit) ‘Lydford: Burgh, Mint & Stannary Prison’ with
Andrew Thompson. Tuesday 13th July 7.00pm (outdoor visit) – ‘Powdermills:
19th Century Gunpowder Factory’ with Drew Campbell, author of ‘Powdermills – The story of the Dartmoor gunpowder factory’ (2019). Tuesday 10th August 7pm (outdoor visit) ‘Gunnislake Chapels & Church’ with member
Stephen Docksey. Tuesday 14th September 7.30pm (Parish Centre) – ‘Powdermills:
Its History & People’ with Drew Campbell. Tuesday 19th October 7.30pm (Parish Centre) – ‘Turner in Cornwall & Tavistock’ with
Dorothy Kirk. Tuesday 9th November 7.30pm (Parish Centre) – ‘The Railway
to Princetown’ with Brian Poole. Tuesday 14th December 7.30pm (Parish Centre)Social & Members’ Projects Evening.
All are welcome to try out our Zoom meetings by using the ‘contact us’ link on our website tavistockhistory.co.uk and requesting a link for a particular meeting. Our membership comes from all over West Devon and beyond, and we encourage anybody with an interest in local history to join us. Annual membership is £16. For more information go to our website, or for general enquiries, contact the secretary, Tony Vigars, on 07746 577598 or tony.vigars@ hotmail.com. We have also published a number of booklets, including an index to all 27 of Gerry Woodcock’s ‘Tavistock’s Yesterdays’ and the bestselling ‘About Tavistock’. We are actively engaged in a number of local historical projects, including preserving the Thorington photographic archive, digitising the Ward and Chowen archive, and transcribing and mapping all the burial memorials in Tavistock.
Tavistock Library online events
The library is offering a full programme of online events (until further notice) with information on Facebook @ TavistockLibrary, and at www. devonlibraries.org.uk/web/arena/ tavistocklibrary, including a book group meeting on the first Monday of the month, weekly Bounce and Rhyme sessions, craft events and talks with Andrew Thompson looking at the history of Tavistock from prehistory to current times. All information about services available will also be posted on our Facebook page and on posters in the library windows for people not using social media. Contact the library via email tavistock.library@ librariesunlimited.org.uk or ring 612218 for further information.
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February
1 February:Tavy Tales Book Group 4 - 5pm 2, 9, 16 February: Bounce and
Rhyme 1.30 - 2pm
March
1 March: Tavy Tales Book Group 4 - 5pm 2, 9, 16, 23 30 March: Bounce and
Rhyme 1.30 - 2pm 4 March: World Book Day - a stories extravaganza with stories and poems being shared online by staff and friends in costume all day from 11am to 3pm Three talks before Easter by Andrew Thompson
April
12 April: Tavy Tales Book Group 4 - 5pm 6, 13, 20, 27 April: Bounce and
Rhyme 1.30 - 2pm Three talks after Easter by Andrew Thompson
27th March to 11th April National Parks Fortnight
Plans are being put in place for people to celebrate National Parks Fortnight which is scheduled to take place from 27 March to 11 April. Covid-19 restrictions permitting, it is hoped people will take the opportunity to enjoy the Dartmoor safely during ‘Discover National Parks’ fortnight. Dartmoor National Park Authority is monitoring the latest coronavirus advice and responding accordingly. It is hoped that, should restrictions lift or change, some events can be put on for people to enjoy safely within the rules. For the time being, people are encouraged to keep an eye on the national park’s social media pages and website as information will be updated on a regular basis. Alternatively, sign up to receive newsletters with the latest updates at dartmoor.gov.uk.
Until end of March Hunting for Harvest Mice nests
Bere Ferrers Spring Flower Show Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
In autumn 2016, Devon Mammal Group began a pilot project looking for harvest mice in Devon. It came to our attention that this charismatic species is under recorded in our county. With just a handful of records we wanted to change this and we would like to survey as many tetrads (10 x 10 km grid squares) as possible in Devon. Devon is a large county, and with over 90 tetrads this is no small challenge. However, we offer training sessions for anyone who wants to learn, in the hope that the new found knowledge will be put to use and more records will come flooding in! We have been running a number of dedicated training days, as well as smaller training sessions across the county, plus Zoom training sessions during lockdown. We have also made a 3-minute YouTube video showing how to look for them, but please don’t forget to let us know if you find any. Between now and the end of March 2021, while the harvest mice aren’t nesting, it’s a great time to look out for evidence of their nests. If you would like to take part in this year’s search and training, or sign up to the mailing list for updates on how the search is progressing, contact Sarah Butcher at harvestmouse@devonmammalgroup. org. We also have a Twitter feed and Facebook page @HarvestMiceDVN. How to look for Harvest Mice: youtube. com/watch?v=nhttOGQriY0&feature=y outu.be
AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS
www.eldreds.net
Free Auction Valuation Service
Email images and contact number enquiries@eldreds.net or telephone (01752) 721199 Forthcoming Auctions
Tuesday April 27th
Model Railways, Toys, Coins, Militaria, Medals & Collectables
Unfortunately, we do not expect the pandemic situation will have improved enough to hold our normal show in late March 2021. However, it may be possible to celebrate our daffodils in other ways, such as outdoor displays or daffodil trails. Please keep a watch on local media as spring approaches. (Bere Ferrers Spring Flower Show committee) Princetown Group is ready - as soon as we get clearance from the government that we can meet again without coronavirus restrictions, we shall be organising our regular monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month. Unfortunately, that won’t be until after March - but keep reading Moor Links for news of our first 2021 meeting in the restaurant of the Prince of Wales Hotel, Princetown. You will also notice a few changes as the pub has undergone a refurbishment following a massive flood last year. Stay Safe
Mike Fitzpatrick, Princetown Group Secretary (new email: mikeandkate132@gmail.com)
Tuesday March 23rd
Antiques, Pictures, Silver, Jewellery, Watches & Gold
Please contact our Roborough offi ce for free valuations & professional advice
Live Online Auctions
01752 721199 enquiries@eldreds.net 1 Belliver Way, Roborough, Plymouth PL6 7BP
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Rocky Shoreline near Godrevy by Shirley Kirkcaldy
Evening stroll, Michael Hill
March to June Wildwood Arts Exhibitions
Organising exhibitions during lockdown is difficult. However, Wildwood Arts will be holding a ‘shared exhibition’, combining a joint exhibition of Michael Hill and Shirley Kirkcaldy’s work, together with the annual Spring Exhibition.
A ‘Shared Perspective’ brings together the works of Michael Hill and Shirley Kirkcaldy, in an exciting collaboration that promises a fascinating insight. With their individual styles bridging the gap between abstraction and realism, they both remain authentic to their subject matter, focusing on the mood it evokes and their unique perspectives. From seascapes to landscapes, painted in oil and mixed media, the exhibition will encompass the true essence and energy of the southwest environment: its changing light, alternative weather conditions and different yet common viewpoints. Whilst the Spring Exhibition will comprise of Wildwood artists and an array of work bringing the promise of brighter times, with a spectrum of colours representing the Southwest and spring. The exhibition catalogue and virtual exhibitions can be viewed online at www.wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk from 6th March until June, or in the gallery should Covid-19 restrictions be lifted. You can also find details of all our artists and their work on the website. In addition, Wildwood is offering a ‘click and collect’ or local delivery service.
Horse among the seed heads, Richard Slater
Sea trout, Michael Moss
JO MADGWICK UPHOLSTERY
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01822 852138 /07707475327
Call me to arrange a free estimate A Shared Perspective & Spring Exhibition: March 6th 2021
Featuring new work from Michael Hill & Shirley Kirkcaldy and other Wildwood artists. View on-line from 06/03/2021 at: www.wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk
Show Up and the Edwin Davis Memorial CIC
On April 28th 2018 my husband, Edwin Davis, took his own life by jumping from the viaduct in Tavistock. It was a brutal end to his lifetime battle with a form of bi-polar illness and left me and my four children devastated. Right from that first day though, I was determined to find a way of using this experience to help support better mental health in young people: to try and be part of slowing down the appalling rate of suicide in this country, the biggest killer of men under 45 with an average of 16 men a day finding this their only way out.
But how? I didn’t want to be a ‘fire starter’. One person I approached about setting something up pointed out that most charities started following a death in the family or a trauma, last 18 months on average. Whatever I did, I wanted to have longevity. Over the next year, travelling to meet people who worked in the field of mental health, who had started up their own charitable endeavours, or who were creative thinkers, it dawned on me that I was actually doing work in this field already. I have worked as a teacher in secondary schools for 35 years and seen the impact high-quality arts and drama education can have on young people, their sense of self, and their confidence which has such a profound impact on good mental health. I have also always done outreach work in primary schools. Over the last few years funding for the arts in secondary schools has got smaller and in primaries has, in some cases, pretty well dried up and so I could see a niche for providing this. But where to get the funding? This is when the seeds of Show Up started to grow. A company that would provide the weekly workshops, the scripts and the productions - as I had done over the last decade - and another company that would provide the funding for this work: the Edwin Davis Memorial Community Interest Company. On the second anniversary of Ed’s death – d-day as I call it – I handed in my notice at Okehampton School so that I could devote my time to achieving my goal and setting up the two companies. It was a leap of faith, but one I had to take. I knew that a decent website was my first priority – my calling card if you will. In this digital age it is essential to look professional online as this is the first place most people will see you. A business acquaintance and now friend put me in touch with the design company FatCalf Media based in Tavistock, and I met Tim, the director, who immediately grasped what I was trying to do. I invested my own money in this and Tim backed me all the way, giving me a discount and providing not only the name for Show Up and its tagline - all about the drama - but also the fantastic look of the website which really captured the company’s intention. Check it out!
We met a few obstacles starting as we did in summer 2020: making the films for the website in lockdown was pretty interesting, as for example children in one school had to balance on the edge of a sink to be seen clearly on camera, and stay two metres away; and we had to create a social distanced film studio in my kitchen! But what I learned, very rapidly, was when I reached out to past students, members of staff I was working with, parents and the students themselves, they were only too happy to help and came to support immediately. Some of what they said about the effect of the drama work they had done with me was deeply moving. In essence, for many, they said, it was what gave them a sense of self and a confidence to be that self. This was what Ed and many like him lose, somewhere along the way, so they don’t have the inner self-esteem that builds resilience in our oftendifficult world. Their words made me
more determined than ever to ensure as many children as possible in Devon and beyond would get the opportunities that the Show Up experience brings. The website was launched on September 12th 2020 and much to my delight donations immediately came in to the linked Just Giving page set up for the Edwin Davis CIC. This money is very welcome of course, and I can’t thank donors enough, however these funds are a drop in the ocean compared with the amounts needed to keep Show Up delivering to schools across the Tavistock, Plymouth and Exeter area who have already signed up. I want to work with schools for a minimum of one academic year because the longer I am part of the fabric of a school, the more profound the impact on students. I am also keen to expand as much as possible, for example I want to develop digital projects, and I want to train up another teacher, who I am working alongside at the moment so we can double delivery by next year. My weeks are now spent delivering workshops for four days and seeking out funding wherever I can in the remaining time. I am not yet a registered charity so can’t apply for funding to many of the ‘big boys’ like Comic Relief and Children in Need. As a result, I am looking to local manufacturers, retailers and individuals who see the importance of what I am doing. Any contribution is very welcome and will immediately help one of the schools. These are difficult and unpredictable times for all of us but being part of a community and helping that community is one of the best ways to navigate our own mental health and wellbeing. We all need to ‘Show Up’ for our young people and for each other. I leave you with these thoughts: ‘The true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more professional dancers or artists. It’s to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds and who can lead productive lives.’ (Kelly Pollock 2019) ‘If you think your child’s academic studies are more important than the arts, think again. (Plato 400BC)
Harriet Davis
If you are interested, know of any funding streams or just want to find out more, please go to showupnow.co.uk or email harriet@showupnow.co.uk.
Tech tips from Chezvous PC
If you subscribe to Microsoft 365 – what used to be called Office 365 - and you have multiple users, you will have noticed that you see each other’s documents. This is not brilliant, particularly in an office environment. In order to change this, the owner of the subscription needs to ‘share’ Office with you rather than you ‘using’ one of their installations. From their Office account they ‘share’ with you to an email address. Once the email is received, the new user needs to have or create a Microsoft Account. That will then enable you to use what they share, in your own right, but keep other files separate from each other.
Winzip and WinRAR are programs that I regularly see on computers. They are 3rd party programs that do the job of software ALREADY on your computer to compress a folder and its contents for transmission usually by email. You may even end up paying for it after a while, unnecessarily. Folder compression was built into Windows a very long time ago – simply right click on the folder you want to compress and choose ‘send to’ then ‘compressed (zipped) folder’ and Windows will do it for you. When you receive a compressed folder just right click on it and choose ‘extract all’, then follow the wizard.
Wi-Fi printers are very useful, but really frustrating if you cannot get them to work as intended. The first issue is where it can go in the house. My rule of thumb is quite simple – same room, no problem; one room away and it will work well, but two rooms away is often asking too much of it, especially if you add in granite walls etc. Unfortunately, the transceivers in printers are never as good as they might be in our computers, so it does not always follow that ‘my computer works so why not my printer?’ You can always set it up in the same room as the router and then move it to where you would like it to be, then you will soon know whether it works. There are also repeaters and extenders you can employ to improve the Wi-Fi at distance if you really can’t change the printer location.
TIM Lambie Chez Vous PC
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