Moor Links - FebruaryMarch 2018

MOORLINKS February / March 2018

Issue 32

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

n i g n i r e Volunte . . . y t i n u m the com

A FREE Y THL BI-MON E IN MAGAZ D E R E DELIV H T

BY E AIL ROYAL M

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS, COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND SIGNS OF EARLY SPRING! INSIDE THIS ISSUE: VILLAGE NEWS •• GARDENING •• EDUCATION •• FOOD •• HEALTH •• HISTORY •• WHAT’S ON CHARITY FOCUS FEATURE WHAT’S ON Home-Start South & West Devon – supporting families to build better lives

Moor than meets the eye – communities contribute to Dartmoor’s future

Half-term activities, Dartmoor art exhibitions, plays, concerts and gardening events

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WELCOME

Making a difference…

As a nation we have a strong reputation for charitable giving and volunteering, and even though last year the Office for National Statistics reported a decline in the number of hours spent volunteering since 2005, it also found that more people are becoming volunteers - 41% of the UK population volunteer with formal organisations at least once a year and 27% volunteer once a month, with many more volunteering informally. I have come across so many people in this area who spend time volunteering for a multitude of organisations that I feel the local figures may be even higher than the national average. I can’t find any records to back that up though! - so we have decided to celebrate some of the incredible activity carried out by volunteers in West Devon in this issue.

People volunteer for many different reasons and in many different roles, helping people and animals, carrying out work to benefit the environment or preserve local heritage.

However, they all seem to find that although volunteering may present challenges, it is also extremely rewarding – that is certainly the case among the people we had the pleasure of interviewing. Our ‘local people’ in this issue represent some of the amazing local, national and international charities our communities help to support, such as TASS, Rotary and Oxfam – we know that there are so many other worthwhile causes out there, so this is just a snapshot of the sort of work people are involved in. We’ve also taken a look at some of the incredible achievements of community volunteers in the first part of a two-part feature article on the projects run by the Moor than meets the eye landscape partnership. And as ever there is also a whole array of events and activities to keep you entertained into spring – many of which have been organised by dedicated volunteers.

Rosemary Rosemary Best - Editor editorial@moorlinks.co.uk 01822 853110

The deadline date for any inclusions in the April/May issue of Moor/Tavy Links will be 21st February 2018. For all editorial enquiries please contact Rosemary. Her email addresses: editorial@moorlinks.co.uk or rosemary.best@linksmagazines.co.uk

If you would like to ADVERTISE your business - contact Tim, Jane or Victoria on 01822 615627 or 07450 161 929 Email: advertising@moorlinks.co.uk Website: www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk Please note that the opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the editorial team.

We have done our utmost to ensure that all the content is correct and accurate at the time of print, but we emphasise that Moor Links or Olijam Communications Ltd accepts no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. All data contained in advertisements are subject to the Advertising Standards Authority guidelines and are accepted by us in good faith at the time of going to press. Reproduction of editorial is strictly prohibited without prior permission from the publisher.All rights reserved copyright © 2018

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

VILLAGE NEWS West Devon CVS, Burrator Discovery Centre volunteers, Buckland Monachorum parish news, National Parks UK Volunteer Awards and new Community Lottery

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LOCAL PEOPLE

22

HEALTH & WELLBEING

26

GARDENING

40

WHAT’S ON

56

MUSIC & ART

60

FEATURE

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20 CHARITY FOCUS Home-Start South & West Devon helps families with young children, supporting them through the challenges they face.

WHAT’S ON EXTRA Victorian Dartmoor, early 20th century plant hunters, ‘The Thrill of Love’ with the Tavonians, skills training with the Hill Farm Project and Lambing Live

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OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE A three-and-a-half-mile walk in the Tamar Valley with Anne Sleep of Tavistock Ramblers, taking in breathtaking views over the river to Calstock

HISTORY Dartmoor Preservation Association volunteers have spent many years clearing the Dartmoor leats, which played an important role in the history of the area.

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

Bryan Podmore, a retired London policeman who has volunteered with TASS for the last 16 years; Margaret Garton who has spent over 30 years helping communities and charities raise funds; Sophie Allen and her year volunteering with Project Trust in Nepal

Dr Jo Coldron advises on how to deal with PMS - and if you are planning a skiing holiday Tavistock Physio Clinics can help you prepare properly.

Sue Fisher gives tips on eco-friendly gardening and the best plants for late winter and early spring colour, plus a few events in the area for keen gardeners.

Our usual what’s on listings with lots of activities and events

Funding for rural arts, exhibitions at Wildwood Arts, jazz in Meavy, choral concerts and a workshop

Parishscapes projects are part of the Moor than meets the eye landscape partnership scheme and are giving local communities a chance to work together and explore ways of preserving Dartmoor’s heritage for generations to come.

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VILLAGE NEWS

Anyone can volunteer…

West Devon has a great reputation for being strongly community-minded and big-hearted.

People volunteer for many different reasons and are all aware that the benefits are huge, for themselves as well as for the groups they are helping. Volunteers are of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, from students looking to volunteer for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, to young (and older) jobseekers wishing to enhance their CVs, young parents finding they are recovering a little free ‘me time’, and early and late retirees - all with an enormous range of skills and interests to learn and share. Volunteers get out and about, make new friends and often find that their health improves as well as their sense of well-being. Their community becomes strong and vibrant with both long-established and new groups relishing the regular or one-off contribution of their volunteers.

Here in West Devon, people thinking of volunteering, and those already involved, have the advantage of the active and wide-ranging advice and support offered by West Devon Community and Voluntary Services (WDCVS); the CVS not only helps people become active citizens in their community, but also supports and promotes voluntary and community action by developing the capacity, skills and knowledge of the groups needing volunteers, connecting the groups together to encourage joint working, thereby increasing the sector’s influence overall.

West Devon CVS works in partnership with other CVS groups in Devon through Devon Voluntary Action (DeVA), in particular by running a user-friendly website dedicated to volunteering in Devon at www.devonva.org/volunteer, where you can discover information on a huge range of volunteering opportunities covering countless interests and activities. It’s easy to use by entering your postcode, clicking on preferred interests, and then signing up. As people’s levels of availability vary widely, organisations usually adjust their roles to suit an individual’s free time. For more encouragement, do have a look at a short, enjoyable and life-affirming film celebrating volunteering in Tavistock. You can find it on YouTube at youtu. be/_BsBGlYBwC0 or type in ‘celebrating volunteering’ in the search bar on YouTube.com.

Advice and support on all things volunteering is there for the asking not only on the DeVA website mentioned above, but also at www.westdevoncvs.org.uk. You can also email volunteering@westdevoncvs.org.uk, telephone 01837 53392 or call in at Tavistock Library every other Thursday morning between 10 am and 1 pm on 8, 22 February and 8, 22 March etc. You will receive a warm welcome!

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hVILLAGE VILLAGE NEWS

A love of the outdoors...

If you love the outdoors and you’re looking for somewhere to volunteer with a bit of friendly camaraderie, then South West Lakes Trust’s Burrator Discovery Centre might be just what you need. SWLT Burrator volunteers won first prize at the Dartmoor Awards last summer, and were presented with the Edward Morshead trophy by Dartmoor National Park in recognition of their contribution to ‘conserving and enhancing the scenic beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Dartmoor as well as helping others to understand and enjoy the area’s special qualities’.

I went to meet some of the volunteers and it seems that once you start at Burrator it’s easy to get hooked! Syd Jamieson retired three years ago and just popped into the Discovery Centre one day to look round – he has been volunteering there regularly ever since. Similarly, Mike Glinn and Glen Preston took retirement, but missed the company and were looking for something to keep them busy and active without the hassle of paid work. Volunteering seemed to fit the bill, and the constant gentle banter amongst the group is certainly a great indicator that ‘job’ satisfaction is being met. They are all regular volunteers at Burrator, making use of their past skills and ingenuity to repair, invent and build equipment and facilities for the centre, as well as anything else required such as tree felling, brush cutting, making charcoal to sell at SWLT venues and even laying Halloween trails for young visitors. More than 60 people a month now take part in regular volunteer activities at Burrator, including groups of volunteers with learning disabilities and mental health difficulties. SWLT works in regular partnership with Plymouth and Ivybridge Dove Projects, Active for Life, West Devon Explorer Scouts, and students from Plymouth University, who benefit from the outdoor activity while making a significant contribution to the work of the trust.

Burrator Discovery Centre has gone from strength to strength since it opened and Emily Cannon, who was appointed as Burrator heritage learning officer in 2013, has been a key figure in its development. Described as a ‘force of nature’ by one of the volunteers, she seems to have boundless energy to

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

organise and support a wealth of volunteer activity including project teams, conservation groups, visitor guides at the Discovery Centre and volunteers who facilitate educational visits, family wildlife sessions, school holiday sessions, as well as guided walks, talks and events. Over the years the volunteers’ achievements have benefited both the environment and a host of visitors – what’s more the volunteers themselves get a lot out of the experience as well, whether it’s just enjoying working in the fresh air with good company, or learning new skills and gaining valuable work experience.

Hayley, a graduate in conservation biology and Ben, a biology graduate, have been volunteering at Burrator since finishing at university, making practical use of their knowledge to help with outdoor education for family groups, schools and holiday activities. Helping children to enjoy and interpret the natural world around them, has been extremely rewarding and what is more, the work experience has also resulted in Hayley securing an apprenticeship with Devon Wildlife Trust.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering at Burrator Discovery Centre (PL20 6PE) please drop in to the centre, call 01822 855700 or email heritage@swlakestrust. org.uk

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VILLAGE NEWS

Win up to £25,000 in Community Lottery South Hams District and West Devon Borough Councils have given the green light to proposals to set up a local community lottery scheme that will be shared across the South Hams and West Devon Borough areas, generating tens of thousands of pounds per year for local good causes.

The planned lottery, with a jackpot of up to £25 000, will operate in a similar way to the National Lottery or Health Lottery; however, all funds raised will be spent in the South Hams and West Devon areas. In addition, 50% of the ticket sales will go directly to a good cause, with customers able to choose a specific cause to support if they wish.Many of

the good causes currently supported by the councils operate in both areas, and provide direct and measurable benefits to residents, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Ring and Ride services operating in Tavistock and in Ivybridge. A similar lottery scheme run by Aylesbury Vale District Council raised a gross annual income last year of over £129,000. Other councils that have recently launched their own community lotteries include Torbay, Wycombe District Council and Portsmouth Council. The new community lottery will hold its first draw in early 2018.

Please support our local bus services I am keen to promote the use of our local buses, not only for environmental reasons, but also because if more people use them, then hopefully it will mean we’re less likely to lose this vital service. More people travelling by bus saves on fuel and unclogs the lanes from unnecessary traffic. Also, if you are over 60 you qualify for a free bus pass for travel after 9.30 Monday to Friday (there is a small fee otherwise) and all day at weekends.

at 9.50, the same applies to 13.20 and 14.20 - plenty of time to get around the Co-op! Other buses allow time to go for coffee or lunch in Yelverton. You can also go straight through to Tavistock and have a couple of hours there before returning on the local bus. It is what is known as a ‘hail and stop’ service which means you can wave it down at any ‘safe’ point on the route and I have found all the drivers to be friendly and helpful.

I wonder if local residents are aware that there are eight buses a day functioning on the 55-route, a circular between Yelverton, Crapstone, Milton Combe, and Buckland Monachorum, and some go on to Whitchurch and Tavistock.

Another bus services Meavy, Walkhampton and Dousland in similar fashion. It’s possible, for instance to catch the bus from Buckland to Yelverton at 08.50 and catch the bus home again

We are also fortunate in having a number of other transport services available in the area such as Tavistock Country Bus, Tavistock Ring and Ride and the services provided by TASS and Yelvercare. Our local bus services are alive and thriving at the moment but we need to support them to keep them running.

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VILLAGE NEWS

Princetown resident wins National Park UK Volunteer Award Princetown resident, Derek Collins, a volunteer for the Dartmoor Preservation Association (DPA), recently won the individual category of the National Parks UK Volunteer Awards for his tireless work across Dartmoor National Park. He was thrilled to receive his award from wildlife presenter and adventurer, Steve Backshall, at a presentation ceremony in Kendal.

Derek was nominated by DPA director, Phil Hutt and vice president, Val Barns; Phil Hutt, said: “This recognition is richly deserved. Derek’s dedication, enthusiasm and leadership have made a massive contribution to the DPA and its mission of helping to protect and conserve Dartmoor.”

Derek has volunteered with the DPA since 2004, and in that time he has attended nearly every conservation work party – around 50 per year, turning his hand to everything from bracken management to clearing water leats, while also taking on the responsibility of keeping all the DPA’s tools and equipment in top condition. He has even created his own safety devices for each tool to prevent accidents when they are being carried to a place of work. He is also a trustee of the

DPA and voluntary warden of its hay meadows at Pudsham Down near Widecombein-the-Moor. As well as working on Dartmoor, he is just at home manning the DPA stand at Dartmoor shows, encouraging new members to join and explaining how volunteering benefits the community.

Derek still remembers the first time he took out a group of young carers on an outreach project for the DPA - their reactions as they relaxed and started enjoying the outdoors, made the experience incredibly worthwhile. Enabling people to enjoy Dartmoor as much as he does has remained a huge motivation for the time he spends volunteering and although he is now eighty years of age, he has no intention of giving up yet.

New community centre for Horrabridge Tavistock Methodist Circuit has recently employed Ali Mansfield, a qualified teacher, as Horrabridge’s community worker, and she is working with the circuit, in co-operation with St John’s Church, to create a Community and Christian Centre for the village in the Methodist Church which has been closed for several years.

The proposal is to open the building as a children’s soft play area for 0-12-year-olds, with a children’s sensory play area and a comfortable seating area for parents to gather and spend time together, as well as a community lounge/cafe, where friends can meet up and enjoy a hot drink. The centre will work closely with Horrabridge Youth Club and Tavistock Catalyst team, which already works in schools in the area. Once the community centre is open, it is hoped that it will be possible to open a Friday night youth cafe. Horrabridge Cavaliers and the scout and beaver groups have offered to help maintain the outside areas, by cutting back brambles and bushes around the church building and painting the railings.

Ali has been overwhelmed by the number of active groups in the village and has spent time visiting each group to find out

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

what facilities the community would like the new centre to provide. Suggestions to date have included a variety of art and craft sessions and a library for toys, clothes and books. If anyone has any further suggestions for the new community centre, please contact Ali as she is keen to hear from all members of the community so that the centre can support the village in the best possible way. In February she will also be running some house groups within the village: Table Talk – an informal group to chat about life’s topics and build further friendships.

Puzzling questions - a space where friends can explore some of life’s deeper questions Parenting courses for parents with children up to the age of 12, and for parents living with teenagers.

If anyone in the village is interested in joining any of these groups or has further suggestions for the community centre please contact Ali at ali@tmc.me.uk or on 07855794074

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VILLAGE NEWS

I ordered my Christmas presents online, and they were not delivered. Is there anything I can do to get hold of them or get my money back?

It is the legal responsibility of the company you bought the presents from to make sure the items are delivered.

Contact the seller explaining that you’ve not received the items. If you paid for named day delivery and it hasn’t arrived on time, ask for the delivery costs to be refunded. You should receive the difference between what you paid and the standard delivery cost.

if they refuse. If that still doesn’t work, check if the company is part of a trade association and see if they can help, or look for an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme. This is an independent third party who can help you reach a resolution.

Copyright Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice.

Set a deadline for when you need the items by (such as two weeks). The seller should contact the delivery company to make sure your item arrives.

For more information and advice contact your local Citizens Advice or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk. For the most up-todate advice, please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk pop into your local office or call Adviceline on 03444 111 444. Copyright Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice.

If your parcel still doesn’t arrive on the agreed date, you are entitled to a refund or a replacement. Contact the company in writing setting out what you want. Lodge a written complaint

Tavistock Citizens Advice (Kingdon House) Mon, Weds, Fri 10am-2pm www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk

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VILLAGE NEWS

Yelverton Community Projects Yelverton Play Park, managed by Yelverton Community Projects (YCP), is offering the opportunity to sponsor a bench in the play park. The current benches are reaching the end of their useful lives and we will be replacing them over the next year or so.

If you would like a bench ‘named’ after a loved one or a child who has enjoyed playing in the park, please get in touch with Ric Cheadle on 01822 854710.

Funding available for community projects

Buckland Monachorum Parish Council news

Community groups are being reminded that funds are available to help kick-start projects that benefit local people.

Devon County Council and Devon’s District, Borough and City Councils, made £661,086 available this year for projects that ‘enhance and make a difference to communities’. The Town and Parish Fund, known also by other titles, is administered

by District, Borough and City Councils, and is allocated to each area according to the number of people on their electoral role. Devon County Council puts in £1 and city, borough and district councils 10p per electorate. Councils recently reviewed the criteria and want to encourage even more collaboration between communities, be they projects led by voluntary and community groups, or town and parish councils.

After a long campaign by the Parish Council, a new footpath helping to link Briar Tor with the forecourt at Yelverton has been built between the Methodist Church and the roundabout.

Funded by a grant from Devon County Council and constructed by a local firm, hopefully this will help improve access for residents.

Councillor John Hart, Leader of Devon County Council, said: “The money is to encourage communities to work together to identify new ideas for their mutual benefit. It is money to kick start projects, available to help get good ideas off the ground.

We’d like to hear from communities about projects that enhance and make a difference to communities.”

In West Devon this year, a community bus shelter initiative has been granted funds to provide a safe and covered place for residents and students to wait; projects including village noticeboards and a Devon Air Ambulance night landing site in one of the remote Dartmoor towns have also been offered funding following successful applications. The Leader of West Devon Borough Council, Councillor Philip Sanders, said: “The Town and Parish fund is a great way for smaller organisations and community groups to access funds that wouldn’t be otherwise available to them. Our communities and volunteer groups are the lifeblood of our areas, and we are proud to support them”.

The Neighbourhood Plan has taken its next step towards approval and is now with West Devon Borough Council who will be responsible for arranging the referendum to determine whether residents of the parish wish to adopt it. A new website is being built so that anyone who wishes can access the plan - details will be posted on parish noticeboards when this is ‘up and running’.

Are you recycling your food waste? Each year we dump (and pay for!) a huge amount of food waste in landfill, simply because it is not put in the grey bins and recycled. If you currently don›t recycle food waste, please consider doing so to help the environment and help keep future council tax rises down.

The play park at Crapstone has two new picnic benches organised by the Parish Council and funded both by the Parish Council and West Devon’s Community Fund.

The Parish Council is often asked for information on the footpaths around the parish. Each of these footpaths is ‘walked’ by a parish councillor to report any necessary work which may need doing. If you would like to see exactly where these paths are, head to the Devon County Council link where you can view and download maps of the paths. (map.devon. gov.uk/dccviewer/MyLocalPaths)

For more information about the fund, whether applying this financial year or next, contact www.westdevon.gov.uk/ article/3864/TAP-Town-Parish-Fund

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

11

VILLAGE NEWS

Why not try lawn bowling?

Why are thousands of people all over the world involved in the engrossing sport of lawn bowls? It is essentially a simple game, accessible and easy to learn, while not requiring much in the way of specialist equipment – so is it the challenge of getting it right, the camaraderie of teamwork, the enjoyment of competition, or simply a love of being outdoors doing something that’s sociable and fun?

At Yelverton Bowling Club, we’re inviting you to come and find out for yourself at our 2018 Open Day on 22nd April or our Ladies Open Day on 6th May, held at the clubhouse and green next to Yelverton Memorial Hall in Meavy Lane, where there’s ample free parking. You can try out the game of bowls, find out a bit about the club, and see whether it’s right for you. All you need is a pair of flat trainer type shoes – we will provide bowls and show you how to play. If you’re interested in taking it further, you get 4 free coaching sessions before you commit to join.

Already an experienced bowler? - then come along to one of our club nights, every Thursday from 5.30pm starting 19th April 2018. If you can’t make one of our open days, but would still like to have a go, do get in touch, we’d love to welcome you to our friendly club.

Full annual membership is £112, including green fees and entry to club competitions. We have men’s, women’s and mixed teams, playing in competitive leagues, county competitions and friendly matches, so there’s something for every level of ability. We also have a strong junior section, with coaching for juniors every Saturday morning.

To find out more, contact the club secretary, Carolyn Tiley, on yelverton.bowling.club@gmail.com , go to www.yelvertonbowling.co.uk, or follow us on Facebook

Roborough Rock Volunteers Join our National Park Rangers on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10am – 3pm, reviving and conserving the fascinating Roborough Down area. Given the rich history and expanse of the Roborough area, there are always a variety of activities on offer. Some of our regular tasks include: vegetation management, archaeological conservation, litter picking, and area enhancement. Our aim is to encourage people to come along and enjoy this corner of Dartmoor from a different perspective and to get people involved with the

conservation and enhancement of this fantastic area. No need to book - simply turn up at Roborough Rock Grid ref SX515 672. Parking is available in the nearby bomb bays. Come prepared with suitable clothing and a packed lunch. All tools and equipment are provided together with refreshments.

If you would like more details, please contact area ranger Paul Glanville on 07720509272 or pglanville@dartmoor.gov.uk

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2018 Open Days

Public Open Day: 22nd April – 11am – 4pm Ladies’ Only Public Open Day: 6th May 2018 – 11am – 4pm Club Night: Thursdays from 19th April 2018, at 5.45pm, all welcome!

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VILLAGE NEWS

Mend our Mountains Campaign will benefit Dartmoor The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) has just launched its second Mend our Mountains Campaign, with the goal of raising £1 million for a range of vital path repair projects within the UK’s entire family of 15 National Parks. This new, year-long appeal follows a successful 2016 crowdfunding campaign which lasted 10 weeks and raised over £100,000 towards upland path repairs in 8 UK National Parks. On Dartmoor, Mend our Mountains 2016 raised £8,497 but this figure more than tripled through other donations and match funding, meaning the ‘worth’ of Mend Our Mountains support grew to £27,000. The money was used to make repairs to the popular route from Princetown to Nun’s Cross, used annually by over 30,000 walkers and 10,000 mountain bikers.

The Nuns Cross scheme is our largest, long term project.

It started three years ago from Princetown and, thanks to the generosity of the public we have completed repairs to 4 kilometres of the route – we still have just over 4 kilometres to go – and this is the toughest part! The distances to transport materials and the weather conditions make it a challenge both physically and financially. Eventually though we aim to make repairs and improvements on the route from Princetown right through to the road near Gutter Tor – making this route much more accessible and opening up better access through to Burrator Reservoir and beyond, linking with the Princetown railway track, enabling a long circular route starting and finishing in Princetown. As well as huge open vistas, providing a real experience of the high open moor, the route passes through a landscape full of the stories of those who have gone

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before. When the work is complete this route will enable people to enjoy a journey through time where prehistoric people once trod, medieval travellers passed, tin miners worked in harsh conditions and where Arthur Conan Doyle sought inspiration to write perhaps his most enduring novel – the Hound of the Baskervilles.

We hope to raise funds to enable our work here to continue and this campaign is aiming to raise £40,000 – so please help us - for the benefit of all who wish to enjoy this special place – and donate to the BMC’s Mend our Mountains campaign. For further information on the Mend our Mountains Campaign or to make a donation please visit http://mendmountains.thebmc. co.uk/dartmoor/

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Bryan Podmore Bryan Podmore has been a key volunteer and trustee with TASS for many years – he explained to Nichola why his work with TASS has become so important to him‌ the Marque Club in Soho watching the likes of the Beatles, Stones, Lulu, Kinks and The Who. His days off were spent in districts such as Carnaby Street where his eyes were opened to a cultural revolution - a far cry from his sheltered upbringing.

Born in the small Welsh village of Maerdy nestled in the Rhondda Valley, Bryan had a charmed youth of freedom and carefree adventures. His father was a miner, as were most local men, and despite not having three farthings to rub together, they were happy times; safely embedded in a strong community of people who all looked out for each other, this philosophy of social responsibility has remained with Bryan throughout his life.

In 1965, aged just 19, Bryan entered the Metropolitan Police Force as a constable and was posted to Kennington Road, Waterloo. The division covered parts of London still reeling from the war and Bryan saw first-hand the devastation such deprivation can bring, with many homeless people sleeping rough. He says the support given by the church and agencies such as the Salvation Army was inspiring and he felt well placed to be able to help those who needed it most.

At 16, Bryan joined the Metropolitan Police Cadet Corps and spent three wonderful years of hard work and innocent play.

Amidst the backdrop of the swinging sixties, Bryan was well placed in the heart of London to enjoy Saturday nights at

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Bryan was selected to be part of a quick response ‘special patrol group’, one of only fifty officers specifically trained to deal with emergencies. The team was sent to Anguilla in the West Indies to calm the uprising in the 70s and Bryan spent a month working with, and helping to pacify, the demonstrators who had called for independence.

After passing the sergeants’ exam, he was posted to Tooting where he joined Mitcham Rugby Club, having enjoyed playing all sports, but especially rugby in his youth. Alongside playing for the club he joined the coaching team and had many successful seasons with the mini and youth groups. Bryan believes that for many of the local children, this was a great introduction to teamwork, discipline and responsibility, traits which he holds dear. Bryan then qualified as a rugby referee and travelled all over the UK officiating matches. His personal authority and sense of fairness made him well suited for the role and he eventually became a training officer for referees.

Bryan remained in the police force for 39 years, rising through the ranks and finally joining the traffic division which required an understanding of logistics and traffic management. After retiring from the police force, Bryan moved to Tavistock to be with Sylvia who was later to become his wife. It took a while to get used to the pace of rural life, but he immediately felt

at home, as Tavistock very much reminded him of Wales.

After 18 months Bryan decided to look for voluntary work and spoke to Peta Humphreys at Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) and she suggested helping out with the Drop-in Club in Horrabridge - 16 years later he is still there. In that time Bryan has become a stalwart member of TASS and up until recently was a trustee. He now manages the newly opened TASSBAR in Barley Market Street which sells donated books, art and records. TASS is a local charity which, relies very heavily on its army of dedicated volunteers to keep services running.

It offers a huge range of activities and events for older and disabled people, as well as supporting other local charities and support groups.

Bryan uses the word responsibility a lot during our conversation as he believes we should all look after each other and give back to society wherever possible. With a twinkle in his eye and a ready smile, I get the impression he made an excellent police officer, in the tradition of those fighting for justice. He now makes an excellent volunteer in the tradition of those who enjoy helping.

Nichola Williams

For more information on TASS visit www.tasstavistock.org.uk or call in at The Anchorage Centre, Chapel Street in Tavistock (01822 616958)

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Margaret Garton Margaret Garton has spent a large part of her life serving the community in voluntary roles. However, for the most part her roles have not been what you might consider conventional volunteering.

Practical volunteering tasks have never been Margaret’s forte, but over the years she has revealed an exceptional flair for fundraising, in particular putting pen to paper to help organisations access grants and get viable projects off the ground. She has also played a significant part in raising the profile of the humble village hall in Devon and across the UK. Margaret spent her early life in London and two of the first things that struck her when she moved to Yelverton with her

young family, were the strong sense of community support in rural areas and the vital role played by the village hall. She became clerk to Buckland Monachorum Parish Council and got involved in a fundraising campaign to help the residents of Milton Combe purchase and run their local hall. She soon realised that it was unrealistic to expect a small community to raise the amount required, so she started applying for grants. In 1977 a group of villagers walked from Milton Combe

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LOCAL PEOPLE

to County Hall in Exeter to publicise their mission and as a result, the community soon purchased the hall and its grounds, after raising £3600 through successful grant applications and fundraising. Following this success Margaret went on to help Buckland Monachorum take over ownership of its village hall, as well as support the fundraising campaign to build Yelverton War Memorial Hall.

By the 80s it was widely recognised that a meeting place for clubs, organisations and social events was the lifeblood of rural communities. Margaret was invited to be a trustee for the Community Council of Devon (now Devon Communities Together) and in the course of her work she visited every parish in Devon, meeting residents engaged in raising money to fund a local community-run hall. She built up an excellent rapport with numerous Devon villages and in 1999 she was approached by the Lord Lieutenant to become a Deputy Lieutenant of Devon, where her role frequently involved accompanying members of the royal family on visits to the county. Also as a consequence of her work with Devon communities she was invited to join the Millenium Commission which was responsible for awarding Lottery money to projects to mark the new millennium. Margaret became one of nine people tasked with dispersing £10 million, in the space of one intensive year, to communities involved in new-build hall projects across the UK – including Clearbrook village hall. In total she spent 30 years working with the Community Council, including four years as chairman, and she is full of praise for its staff who continue to be committed to helping voluntary activity in Devon.

Raising money to help the relationship counselling charity Relate, to purchase its own premises in Plymouth about 20 years ago, was one of her more challenging fundraising experiences. However, she raised £85,000, which included securing £25,000 of the amount in a competition run by TSB, where she had to put her creative writing skills to the test and

submit 500 words outlining a fundraising idea for her charity.

Her idea revolved around asking people to donate a sum of money which related to the number of happy years of marriage they had enjoyed – and it hit the mark taking the gold award in the competition.

Margaret has also been very involved in her local community – she was a West Devon Borough councillor for sixteen years and also held the office of mayor. She helped to raise funds to build Yelverton’s tennis courts and has been a staunch supporter of Yelverton Community Projects (YCP) since it started 22 years ago. Over the years YCP has grown and now encompasses three strands: Yelvercare, where approximately 40 volunteers assist 100 residents with transport, as well as a monthly luncheon club for elderly residents; Yelverton Play Park, which is financed, constructed and maintained by volunteers; and the monthly showings of Yelverton Cinema in St. Paul’s Church hall. Margaret still fulfils a monthly stint manning the phone to book in transport requests and match them with drivers.

Amongst this abundance of activity, there is one act that Margaret remembers in particular, and that is a feasibility study she was asked to carry out in 1994 on the need for a community foundation in Devon. She concluded that there was a need and although it took a number of years to establish, Devon Community Foundation now has an endowment of £6 million and is making a real difference by supporting and enabling local people to ‘achieve inspiring change in their communities’. Despite all Margaret’s achievements, she still finds the sheer scale of local voluntary activity around her very humbling and her parting words to me were: “Please don’t make me sound like a big I am”. I hope I haven’t done that, but I do think that her contribution to the local community and the wider community of Devon and beyond, is quite remarkable.

Rosemary Best

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LOCAL PEOPLE

A Year in Nepal Sophie Allen recently spent a year volunteering with Project Trust in Nepal after finishing her A levels. In the following account she shares some of her experiences and insights into a very different culture which she found hard to leave at the end of the year.

Being in a Himalayan valley can feel claustrophobic, but I have never had such a wide and clear sight of the world as from Poon Hill in the Annapurna mountain range. Once you’ve reached the top (3210 metres) and thawed your hands on a mug of hot chocolate, you can appreciate the panoramic snowy peaks - Daulagiri is the eighth highest mountain in the world!

When my senses had been satisfied in this sensory playground, it was time for the real playground; I spent 12 months living in Nepal teaching English in a primary/secondary school in the Rukum district. I was in a new project, so no one could tell us what to prepare for and a lot surprised me at first. When we arrived the only thing in our bedroom was a piece of plywood on stilts, but people slowly began bringing us a mattress, carpet, cooking utensils, food, a stove etc. I can’t be sure because I didn’t understand Nepali at the time, but I think most of these things were donations from the houses around us.

They had no idea who we were or our purpose, yet they gave us all these possessions.

sweet smelling buffalo dung which was then smeared all over the classrooms in what was called a ‘sanitation programme’.

The dung hardened to create a waterproof barrier and insulate the classrooms in temperatures which ranged from -5 to 40°C. The students took a long time to adjust to strangers and there was so much playing against you in the classroom that when a lesson went well, it was wonderful. Many students will probably never use the English skills we taught them, so focusing in my classes was a big ask, but some of the best fun I had wasn’t whilst travelling, but in the classroom.

Bathing was a particular challenge; Rukumkot’s bathing area is also a very well-kept temple with four booths, each one dedicated to a different caste of people - lower caste people

My school had nearly 600 pupils enrolled but attendance was poor, especially during the cold season and harvest. Morning assembly was at 10:30 and involved a ‘wake and shake’ style warm-up followed by the national anthem. Most students had two English lessons a day and those who came regularly showed good progress, whilst others remained totally illiterate.

Afternoon classes often finished early for no apparent reason and were a chance to play volleyball or practise speaking Nepalese. Every Friday, the students left school early to fetch

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LOCAL PEOPLE five metres of saree - more than most British students could claim! The first line of a well-known dancing tune translates to ‘buffalo’s milk is tasty.’ That lyric sums up life in the mountains – every aspect of life somehow relates to food. A lady called Sarsati often made cornflour roti on an open fire to accompany atchar, a green-potato-hemp-seed-spicy-pastething. She would have spent her day carrying a sack of corn to the riverside mill and back up the valley again, or collecting firewood, or grass for buffaloes, or even sitting in three feet of mud planting rice - she also has three daughters, no husband and severe arthritis – go girl! The Nepalese never fail to complain about making and eating the same meal, rice and dal, day after day, but practice has made perfect, and fortunately it’s rude not to feed visitors and for visitors not to ask for seconds.

are stereotyped as being ‘dirty’ so there is a lot of emphasis on hygiene, and a very particular washing routine. I remember one Saturday with about 80 people squeezed under 12 gushing pipes having their weekly bathe – at last, the touch of midwinter Himalayan spring water on a bare white body at the public taps - but there’s a certain way I have to do everything - bother, I forgot to wash my head before my leg - oh the judgemental eyes - a woman shouts incomprehensibly in Nepalese and starts scrubbing me herself.

I am now studying Geography BSc at The University of Bristol but remain in contact with my friends in Nepal. I also continue to volunteer for Project Trust (www.projecttrust.org.uk) as a fundraising mentor and representative at careers events - I am parenting six volunteers going to Nepal next summer for BVDA (www.bvda.org.uk).

Nepali women resonate in high-pitched, nasal and repetitive tones. They always star at festival celebrations in a multitude of ways: the day is spent deep-frying roti for guests, and the night in making music. They dance until dawn wearing

Finally - thank you to everyone who helped me fundraise.

Sophie Allen

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CHARITY FOCUS

Home-Start South & West Devon Home-Start volunteers help families with young children to deal with the challenges they face, by supporting the parents and helping them build better lives for their children.

Raising a young family can often have its challenges and everyone has difficult days, when just sharing similar experiences with a friend or chatting over a cup of coffee can really help to put things in perspective. But what if every day starts seeming like a ‘bad day’ and you feel there is no-one you can turn to for help or even talk to about your problems? This is exactly why Home-Start was founded in 1973 by Margaret Harrison who believed that ‘supporting a family was best done in their home where it can be shaped to the needs of the family’. She realised that other parents had the necessary experience to support and give friendship to parents struggling to cope with life’s difficulties, and by helping them, this in turn would give the children a good start in life. Her idea started in Leicester and there are now 16,000 volunteers supporting 30,000 families and 60,000 children across the UK, as well as Home-Start movements in a further 22 countries.

Home-Start South & West Devon was originally based in Kingsbridge and has spread through the area to incorporate Plymouth and the South Hams, followed by Tavistock about five years ago and more recently Okehampton and Torquay.

Home-visiting support has adapted over the years to meet the changing needs of families, but the ethos of the charity still centres around volunteers working with families to find solutions to the problems they face. These issues can arise from a host of challenges such as feelings of isolation, anxiety, post-natal illness, disability, mental health issues, bereavement, multiple births, children’s behavioural issues,

20

poverty or financial difficulties.

Families can self-refer themselves to the charity for support, or often health workers, schools and children’s centres will suggest Home-Start as an option and discuss the services it offers with families they believe could benefit from additional support. A Home-Start co-ordinator checks the circumstances of each referral and matches the family with a volunteer who they think will be able to support the family’s needs. After that, the volunteer spends two hours a week over the following 6 to 12 months, getting to know the family, listening to them and offering support depending on their circumstances, their requirements and what they want help with. For some people the volunteer can be the only person they talk to regularly, and knowing that they will see the volunteer each week can be a real lifeline. Some of the comments Home-Start receives show how important a volunteer’s visit can be: “I have a chance to go out for a coffee, someone to talk openly to.”

“I can’t thank [Home-Start] enough for where they’ve left me – happier than this time last year – in a big part due to them.” “[My volunteer] is a parent herself and I respect her knowledge and her personal experience.”

Volunteers help families in many different ways but one of the most important aspects is helping people access local services in their area, since families can often not know about the services available, nor understand how to access them.

Simply signposting or accompanying them on a first visit to a children’s centre, Citizens Advice, a health appointment or for advice on housing and finance can make a major difference to their current situation and give them the confidence to use

CHARITY FOCUS

other services in the future. An everyday task such as catching a bus can seem quite unfeasible for a person suffering from anxiety, and when a Home-Start volunteer recently helped a parent overcome their fear of bus travel, it opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

Home-Start volunteers come from a broad range of backgrounds and include both men and women from a wide age group – the only essential requirements are that volunteers must have had significant parenting experience, they need to be able to listen and be non-judgemental.

Volunteers are the backbone of the charity and Home-Start ensures that they receive a thorough eight-week training programme before they start, and can then rely on a strong network of support themselves, to help them find solutions for the families they work with. Co-ordinators get to know all the volunteers during the training and this helps them to match volunteers and families. The whole process can often be extremely positive and rewarding for the volunteers as well as

the families, helping people to step out of their comfort zone and learn new skills.

And if you’re still wondering why the work Home-Start does is so important, I think the following words from its website say it all: ‘Children’s essential social, emotional and life skills are developed when they are babies and young children. Those who have stable, loving, consistent, fun childhoods have a greater chance of developing into healthy teenagers and happier adults, with better job prospects, healthy relationships and improved mental and physical health.’

Rosemary Best

If you would like to find out more about Home-Start’s services, become a volunteer with Home-Start or make a donation to the charity please call 01752 249740 or email homestart.shpt@gmail.com The next volunteer training programme will be starting after Easter in the Woolwell area.

THE WALKHAMPTON INN HAS REOPENED The Walkhampton Inn is open again! We are hosting an official reopening party on the weekend of the 9th – 11th February with a vast selection of local real ale and cider on offer.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Managing PMS Dr Jo Coldron explains how PMS symptoms can affect some women and suggests ways of dealing with them.

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is common with about half of women experiencing significant cyclical symptoms, and somewhere in the region of 10% of those women have symptoms so severe that they impact significantly on school life, work performance or relationships. However, I have far fewer consultations discussing PMS than these figures would suggest. It’s likely that this is such a ‘normal’ part of being a woman that many of us just feel we should ‘get on with it’. I worry a little however, that some women have been met with either a complete blank from their doctor when they tried to seek medical help, or indeed a wealth of completely contradictory advice and treatments.

Kerry Ward ITEC. MAR

Reflexology & Holistic Massage Therapist

The reason for this is that it’s pretty complicated, and it’s true, that for quite a while we have been suggesting treatments that were probably fairly ineffective, and in many cases even made things worse! However, research has been trundling on in the background and we now have, although not a complete understanding of the complexities, at least a relatively robust set of guidelines that we can all work from (RCOG Green Top Guideline No 48, Nov 2016).

So now that there seems to be something that can actually make a difference to around half of us women, let’s talk about PMS! PMS encompasses an array of psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, loss of confidence, low libedo and mood swings. There are also physical symptoms, typically bloatedness, fatigue and mastalgia. However, it is the timing, rather than the type or severity of symptoms, that supports a diagnosis of PMS. If your recurrent monthly symptoms are worse in the second half of your cycle and relieved by menstruation then it is likely to be PMS. PMS also tends to be worse when we are stressed, and also seems to get worse as we get older and move towards perimenopause.

Now for the science bit, and there’s a lot of it, but essentially all we need to know is that it is to do with the cycle and the relative levels and balance of progesterone and oestrogen, and the way an individual’s body and brain react to differing levels of progesterone and its related hormones. Progesterone is closely linked to serotonin and cortisol hence the link to mood and stress. In the second half of the cycle both the oestrogen and the progesterone are higher than in the first half, and it’s the balance between the two that makes us feel either well or less well.

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Are you feeling stressed, worried, low in mood,anxious, angry and unsure why? You might find counselling could help.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Dr Jo Coldron Tavyside Health Centre, Tavistock

Rather than see our GP, most women with PMS symptoms just want to know what the evidence tells us we can do about it ourselves - so here is a list of things proven in clinical studies to help, so far: Decrease stress – easier said than done but whatever works for you, do it. Get enough good quality sleep at night.

Prioritise relaxing, non-screen time activities before bed.

Increase exercise and activity. If possible, aim to do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderateintensity aerobic activity every week.

Eat healthily and avoid high sugar and salty foods, keep well hydrated, avoid alcohol and limit caffeine. Increase your calcium rich foods.

Complementary therapies with a proven benefit and endorsed by the NHS are vitamin B6, calcium and vitamin D, Vitus agnus castus (chasteberry herb), all available without prescription.

NHS at the self-referral Depression and Anxiety Service (DAS).

If your symptoms are more severe you may well benefit from seeing your GP. The points above plus the following treatment options are likely to come up in discussion and you’ll get the most out of the consultation if you go prepared; to make sure you get the right diagnosis, bring in a symptom sheet detailing at least two cycles - the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) is the most widely used and you can find it online.

There are two main treatment options: •

Turning off ovulation with hormones

•

Improving the balance of hormones in the brain with antidepressants either continuously, or just for half of the cycle when you have the PMS

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If the course of action suggested by your GP doesn’t work then there are other options which the GP can refer you for.

Symptomatic treatments such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and evening primrose oil.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING EDUCATION

Are you skiing this winter?

If you’ve booked your ski holiday you are probably already envious of the amazing snow conditions the early birds have had in the run up to Christmas. Powder snow on the pistes and virtually all the runs to themselves. But have you given any thought to getting the most from your holiday? There can be few activity holidays that attract so many people of such diverse attitudes and physical ability. Whether you enjoy Glühwein after cruising the blues or a Red Bull before venturing off the top of a black run, a little time spent preparing your body for the physical nature of your holiday will be well worth it. Not only will you be able to get more enjoyment from your skiing, it will also help reduce the risk of injury occurring.

For skiing we need more than just strong thighs. We also need to improve our core strength, upper body strength and crucially, our balance. Gone are the days where all you were advised to do was sit against the wall until your thighs burned red hot! There is so much more you can do to prepare yourself to get more fun and enjoyment from your ski holiday. With this in mind we have put together a ski fitness class suited to all levels of fitness and ability. Each exercise has different levels of difficulty, allowing you to push yourself as far as you feel comfortable and more if you want to! Taken by Jamie, our fully qualified personal trainer who works closely with our physio team, it is held at our Tavistock Physio Clinics Health and Rehab Gym. All the exercises are designed to help prepare you for the demands skiing puts on your body.

Although strengthening your thighs is essential to improve your skiing, did you realise that having strong hamstrings can reduce the chances of injuring your anterior cruciate ligaments? This is one of the most common skiing injuries as this muscle group is a major stabiliser of the knee joint.

Equally important and often overlooked are exercises that focus on ability to balance. Virtually everyone, by doing some simple exercises, can greatly improve their ability to balance and cope better with the inherent instability of being on skis.

You may wonder why your core muscle strength matters if your legs are doing all the work. Put simply, it’s your core that joins your legs together and gives you the stability to hold the weight of your body in the correct position, regardless of terrain and speed. It also really helps when getting up after the ‘rare event’ of falling over! A strong core and upper body enable you to push against the snow and roll yourself over into a position to get up from, especially hard if your skis are still attached to your feet! We have put a selection of videos on our website showing some of our ski class exercises to give you an idea. In the words of retired heart consultant, Mr Lewis, ‘I hate going to the gym, but I couldn’t believe how much these classes helped my skiing last year, so I’m back!’.

If you would like to join our class or have a taster session, please telephone the clinic to book a place. Whilst we can’t offer a Glühwein afterwards you are welcome to stay for a coffee. Above all, we hope you have a fab skiing holiday and let’s hope the snow conditions remain this good for the rest of the season.

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GARDENING

Spring crocus

Late winter gardening With environmental topics like wildlife and waste so much in the news, becoming a more ecofriendly gardener is a great resolution with which to start the gardening year.

Small actions can make a huge difference if we all do something, and so often these can be of benefit to our gardens and bank balances too: a real win-win situation all round.

Composting is the perfect illustration: regular readers will know I’m hugely enthusiastic about recycling all garden waste as well as composting food waste in wormeries, creating a wonderful nutrient-rich soil improver which also gives a huge boost to the biodiversity of the soil. More worms, more birds, healthier plants.

Rubbish can be seen in a whole new light from the gardener’s point of view. Anything that can hold compost and have drainage holes made in it can become a plant container: like hot water tanks hacksawed in half, old baths and shower trays, baskets, galvanised buckets – even toilets. Recycle cardboard and lay newspaper in thick layers to make weedsuppressing mulch; use pieces of nylon tights for plant ties; large jars and plastic bottles make mini-cloches and slug

guards; plastic punnets make excellent seed trays or pots.

These are just a few examples – there are plenty more.

With wildlife in mind, avoid harmful chemicals and use an environmentally friendly alternative – the choice is increasing fast, with many more options coming on the market. Or tolerate a little nibbling to some extent – many ‘pests’ are food for birds and other creatures, after all. Our garden plants can be fantastic sources of food, but which plants to choose and how to combine them makes a massive difference. The latest RHS study Plants for Bugs can be found online at www.rhs.org.uk/ plants4bugs and makes fascinating reading, along with recommended plants at www.rhs.org.uk/ perfectfor pollinators.

Best wishes for a happy gardening year.

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GARDENING

Seasonal jobs

Looking good now

Buy First Early potatoes and set to ‘chit’ or sprout in a cool, frost-free, well-lit spot. If you have under-cover space like a greenhouse or polytunnel, plant a few tubers now in large containers or bags to enjoy the delicious gourmet treat of spring new potatoes.

Crocus, snowdrops and winter aconites are the first wave of a magnificent succession of spring bulbs. Create swathes of blooms almost anywhere – under trees and shrubs, naturalised in grass, on rockeries or in pots.

On a warm, well-lit windowsill, the first seeds of the season can be sown. These include frost-tender veg like tomatoes and cucumbers, and half-hardy annuals that need a long growing season such as tobacco plant and petunia.

Cut back the dead growth of deciduous ornamental grasses and herbaceous perennials before new shoots emerge.

Tie in bundles and stuff in out-of-sight spots under hedges or overhanging shrubs as wildlife homes, and an excellent source of bird nest material.

Prune winter jasmine as soon as it’s finished blooming. Clematis that flower later in summer can be cut hard back now, but don’t touch spring-flowering ones or you’ll take off this season’s flowering growth.

Sue Fisher is a garden designer and writer based on the Bere peninsula.

The earliest perennials include pulmonaria, bergenia (elephant’s ears) and hellebores – all tough, easily grown, and happy in shade or sun. The marbled leaves of Arum italicum ‘Marmoratum’ give a real lift to shady spots.

Dogwoods and shrubby willows with coloured stems have looked great since autumn, but the strengthening sunlight intensifies their colours even further.

Camellias start to become smothered in sumptuous blooms: pinks, reds, white, even creamy-yellow and striped. Fingers crossed that late frosts don’t spoil the show.

Arum italicum ‘Marmoratum’

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GARDENING

26th March

‘Make the most of a Small Garden’

Sue’s top tips Thrifty: Many perennials and ornamental grasses can be propagated by division straight away if you buy good-sized plants that can be divided into at least two or three clumps. Also, dahlia tubers can be potted now and started into growth under cover, then take cuttings from the new shoots in a month or so.

Wildlife: Plant at least some of the bulbs and perennials blooming now: these early flowers are a life-saving source of food for bees just emerging from hibernation.

‘Green’: Buying local is better for the environment: less distance is travelled, and it avoids the ever-increasing threat of imported pests and diseases.

Around here there are lots of excellent nurseries and small garden centres that either grow their own stock or use local suppliers.

RHS CHELSEA GOLD MEDALIST 2014

Time saving: Sort through patio pots, tubs and hanging baskets, and give them a thorough clean as algae and mould build up over time. Now’s a good time to buy new containers too, so you can plan what to grow this year.

Favourite plant There are hundreds of varieties of Narcissus - the botanical term for all the daffodil family that bloom from late winter right to the end of spring - but this name is often used just for those that bear several small heads of bloom on one stem. They are much more garden-worthy in my opinion, standing up well to wind and rain, and often beautifully scented too. Once widely grown commercially all around the Tamar Valley, they are still a glorious spring sight in the banks, woods and fields. suefisher@talktalk.net www.suefishergardens.co.uk 01822 841895

Discover how to ‘Make the most of a Small Garden’ when Moor Links gardening writer Sue Fisher gives a talk to G.R.O.W. (Grass Roots of Walkhampton). Sue is a garden designer and writer with over 35 years of experience; she is a regular contributor to BBC Gardeners’ World magazine, has written ten gardening books and contributed to many others. Her talk covers a wide range of topics including small garden design, features, use of colour and the best plants for small spaces, and is illustrated with an extensive range of her own photographs.

The evening will round off with a Q & A on any gardening queries.

7.30pm at Walkhampton Memorial Hall, Walkhampton PL20 6JX. Entry £3 for non-members.

Workshops available

One to one’s or groups Experience playing with flowers with your friends and learning techniques you can use at home.

MDPF

Master Florist 07973 226710 01822 870888

www.amandarandell.co.uk 29

GARDENING

10th to 11th March

Rosemoor Spring Flower Competitions

Photo courtesy of RHS Garden Rosemoor

Focusing on camellias, early magnolias and rhododendrons, in addition to the RHS early camellia competition, the show will also include classes for ornamental shrubs and a Rosemoor daffodil and RHS hyacinth competition too. Come and view the exquisite displays of top quality blooms from competitors all over the South West and beyond.

Saturday 11.30 - 4pm and Sunday, 10am - 4pm (show opens at approx. 11.30am on Saturday after judging). Normal garden admission applies (free for RHS Members) and the competitions take place inside The Garden Room, Rosemoor’s events building. Visitors can save 10% on garden admission by booking online.

The hyacinth competition is in its third year at the Rosemoor Show and has previously been held with the Early Daffodil Competition at RHS Garden Wisley. There will be trade and advice stands plus a superb range of early spring shrubs and flowering plants available to buy in the plant centre.

The competitions are entirely free to enter and open to anyone who wishes to exhibit. Entry forms are available from georginabarter@rhs.org.uk or can be downloaded from the RHS website.

We will also be serving our Sunday carvery on 11 March or why not treat your mother to an afternoon tea* on 10 March, brought to your specially reserved table complete with an exclusive floristry demonstration for ticket holders. March is also a wonderful time to explore Rosemoor, when the upper woodlands are full of wood anemones, naturalised daffodils and fritillaries carpet the meadows, while rhododendrons and camellias burst into colour throughout the garden. * Afternoon Tea - Online booking only, £20 per person.

www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor

Winter Sculpture Exhibition until 18 February Mud and Machines, Half Term Family Fun 10 – 18 February Spring Antiques Fair 3 & 4 March Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea* 10 March

SPRING IN BLOOM

Spring Flower Competitions 10 & 11 March Community Free Day* Book free tickets online

20 March

South West Alpine Garden Society Show 24 March

Visit us as Rosemoor bursts into a riot of colour Great Torrington, Devon 01805 624067 For Tickets and promotions rhs.org.uk/rosemoor *Book tickets online . RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

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GARDENING

Snowdrops signal an end to winter Surely one of the best signs that winter is almost over is the sight of snowdrops pushing up through cold, dark earth and dead leaves. Whether it’s a single, brave flower standing alone that catches your eye, or great swathing clumps of white; the sight of the first snowdrop is a key moment in the calendar.

There are autumn flowering varieties that can be seen from late October, but somehow they seem to lack the ‘ta-dah’ impact of those that flower optimistically after the shortest day. Snowdrops persevere through the worst of weather and although they appear delicate they manage to shrug off winter storms and continue flowering for long enough to be a good value plant in any garden. If the sight of snowdrops makes you want to plant some, then wait a few weeks as now isn’t the time to buy them and they are usually purchased ‘in the green’ when they have just finished flowering.

would have seen them they have been around long enough to earn a place in our hearts. They’ve certainly won over the growing band of enthusiasts, known as ‘galanthophiles’ who travel around the countryside and gardens in February, looking for new and unusual varieties.

And there are plenty of varieties for galanthophiles to spot. According to Matt Bishop, a snowdrop expert who sells rare and unusual varieties and is a former head gardener at The Garden House, there are in the region of 2000 different cultivars! You don’t have to be an expert to appreciate them. Once you start looking more closely you will see plenty of variation. Favourites with visitors at The Garden House include Galanthus plicatus ‘Wendy’s Gold’ which has cunningly replaced the green stem and ovaries with yellow, and Galanthus nivalis ‘S.Arnott’ which is almost completely green inside the inner petals.

Snowdrops are native to Asia, not the UK, although given that Shakespeare

The Garden House

Weekends in February – Snowdrops at The Garden House Calling all snowdrop enthusiasts and garden visitors… the ten-acre garden will be opening every weekend in February and is home to a collection of snowdrops in formal and informal planting with many unusual varieties, as well as early spring bulbs and winter colour. Adult admission is just £5.50 (gift-aided) or £5 standard. Children and Friends of The Garden House enjoy free entry. The tea rooms will also be serving our winter warmer menu.

Saturdays and Sundays in February from 11:00am – 3:00pm at The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton

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01822 854769 Galanthus elwesii ‘Sickle’ at The Garden House © Petra Hicks

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FARMING DIARY

A farmer’s much-needed faithful friend…

When you see farmers at work, you usually expect to see them in wellies, flat cap, overalls or waterproofs covered in a light splattering of soil and cow muck. They might have a stick, be on a quadbike, horse, landrover or tractor, but more often than not they will be accompanied by something else…no, not a smell that would be unwelcome in your kitchen (although that is often the case), but a trusted companion whose loyalty is never in question. Most farmers, especially livestock farmers, have their trusted sheep dog just a few feet away from them at all times. They are the oil in the engine of any livestock farm and very often the most valuable worker in the team (don’t tell Graham). Only a whistle away and ready to jump into action. We could not handle our livestock (especially the sheep without our team of sheep dogs. They can be a motley bunch they sleep outside, usually smell, have been known to have a ‘dust up’ with the neighbour’s dog from time to time and they usually have the postman’s mud flaps in their kennel too! But almost without exception they live and love to work.

I have been lucky enough to have had some fantastic dogs on our farm over the years and I can honestly say I spend more time with them than I do anyone else at work. Those of you who have been unlucky enough to pass me in the lanes will be very aware that there are always two dogs on the back of my quad bike, leaning into me, waiting for that whistle to leap into action. Well those two dogs for the last nine years have been two sisters called Meg and Ness. They are both amazing dogs and have allowed me to handle sheep and cattle around the farm with ease. But recently I have had a massive wake up call. I made the mistake of relying too much on this fantastic pair and didn’t have a new puppy in training. So, when Ness got injured a couple of years ago and had to effectively retire, I began to struggle and Meg had to work extra hard. I have since taken on a new puppy, Flo; we have been coping while she has been learning, and she is improving all the time and now coming up to full working strength - but it takes time.

With Meg getting older I have also taken on another puppy, Honey, who is six months old.

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The week before Christmas, Meg injured one of her back legs and had to have an operation. She is currently on bed-rest for six weeks. So, as you can imagine my work life has suddenly become a whole lot tougher! Poor old Meg and Ness both want to work but currently aren’t able to and Flo and Honey are on a very steep learning curve. Fortunately, at this time of year the sheep don’t want too much hassle as they’re in lamb, but spring and lambing season are just around the corner and I am just praying Meg makes a full recovery. This spring could be very hard work otherwise!

On the farm we move our focus to the spring and all the new life about to appear. Lambing as usual will start in March and with several hundred ewes to cope with it is always a testing time. We are trying to keep the ewes fit and in good condition to be able to cope with motherhood and ensure as many lambs as possible are viable. As usual and for some crazy reason, as well as everything else we deal with at this time of year, we are once again running our ‘Greenwell Lambing live’ event.

We welcome the public, schools and colleges to visit us for the annual guided tour of our lambing sheds at Greenwell, to get an idea of what we do on a livestock farm on the edge of Dartmoor. It is a great opportunity for us to talk about what we do and why we do it, and we hope to educate, inform and hopefully persuade you, ‘our customers’ to buy local and support your local farmers.

We look forward to seeing many of you then. Email greenwellfarm@gmail.com or call 01822 855535 to book.

Mat Cole Greenwell Farm, Dartmoor

33

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NATURALIST

NATURALIST

The joy of birdsong Late winter/spring is just the right time to learn more about birdsong, as we gradually become aware of the sound that has largely been absent since last autumn. More and more birds are starting to sing and you can hear many of them in your garden and nearby woods. Try to learn one song at a time and listen to a CD of birdsong or look on the internet for, say, Blue tit song or Robin song; the RSPB website and other websites have bird song recordings. You can get considerable pleasure from the simple act of listening to birdsong.

In late spring/early summer the dawn chorus is one of the delights of the countryside. This usually starts an hour or more before dawn and the earliest songsters normally include skylark, robin, song thrush, and blackbird. May is the time when the dawn chorus is at its richest.

Birds possess a vocal organ that humans lack - a ‘syrinx’ in their lower trachea; this complex structure is what produces the sound. The purpose of song in birds is twofold: to obtain a territory and to attract a mate. Males often sing from prominent song-posts around their territory. Mistle thrushes sing from the tops of tall trees; suburban birds, such as blackbird, starling and woodpigeon, sing from rooftops or TV aerials. ‘Subsong’ is a very quiet, soft song that some birds sing in the winter. I once heard (and saw) a male blackcap singing a subsong, which was barely audible, in a dense bush near St Andrew’s Church in Plymouth. Birds also use many different calls to communicate and these calls are very specific in their meaning. Contact calls help to keep flocks of birds together in flight, while alarm calls warn other birds of a predator; there are also begging calls of fledged young, courtship calls, and many other calls specific to each species.

Apart from ‘proper’ birdsong, confined to the true ‘songbirds’ (or passerines), there are many unique sounds made by other birds: the ‘drumming’ or ‘bleating’ of snipe, the ‘churring’ of nightjars, the bubbling call of the curlew, the onomatopoeic sound of the cuckoo, the screaming of swifts, the drumming of woodpeckers, the hooting of owls, the ‘coo-ing’ of pigeons and doves, the frog-like croaks of ‘roding’ Woodcock at dusk, and many more. Most of these sounds can be heard within a 10-mile radius of Yelverton or Tavistock.

The question of which bird is the ‘best’ songster is debatable.

Some say the nightingale, others the blackbird or song thrush, and others the blackcap. Some birds mimic the sounds of other birds. Starlings are well-known mimics and they include the songs of lapwing, curlew and other birds in their repertoire; jays often mimic the call of a buzzard. One exceptional mimic is the marsh warbler. Studies showed that this bird mimics the songs of around 140 different birds, half of them learned in its African wintering area. Indian hill mynahs, which are related

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to starlings, are also excellent mimics, particularly of the human voice! In America mockingbirds include the songs of over 100 different birds in their range.

Birds that are widespread may have different ‘dialects’ in their songs; for instance, the songs of chaffinches in Scotland, southern England and Germany contain distinctively different phrases. The French composer Olivier Messiaen found birdsong fascinating. He notated bird songs worldwide and incorporated transcriptions of birdsong into all his music from the 1950s onwards. One piece he composed for flute and piano (La merle noir) was based entirely on the song of the blackbird.

Despite the appalling living conditions of troops in the First World War, birds and birdsong were often written about in their letters and diaries. The sound of skylarks singing was even included in John McCrae’s memorable poem ‘In Flanders Fields’.

Tony John

35

EDUCATION

An update from Horrabridge Primary and Nursery School Last term was very exciting and productive for the children at Horrabridge Primary and Nursery School - here are some of the highlights…

As in previous years, the children in upper key stage 2 had an active start to the term. Year 5 class spent a week sailing in and around Plymouth Sound, and year 6 class spent a week at a PGL centre, Beam House, in north Devon, taking part in activities ranging from body-boarding to archery. Our school teams took part in numerous sporting events; our girls’ football team chose their new team kit and embarked upon a series of matches against other local schools. Thanks to the generosity and hard work of the school PTA (following successful fundraising events such as Ladies’ Night) children are able to access a range of play equipment at break and lunch time. Recent First Aid training across the school means that our children also know how to stay safe and look after one another if necessary.

children in year 4! Children in reception class made bird feeders, while our eco councillors were busy working on the vegetable beds and creating a boxed compost heap. Children throughout the school also took part in art sessions supported by staff and students from Marjon University and their beautiful work is displayed around the school. It was also a musical term with whole class ensemble tuition in recorders in years 3 and 4, plus small group and individual tuition in brass for some. Our handbells group continued to represent the school locally, and the school choir took part in several performances over the Christmas period.

Many of the children benefited from the school’s new garden area last term, taking part in various outdoor learning activities, including an extended foraging project for the

We have invested a lot in our library over the last year, turning it into an ‘accelerated reader’ library which provides children with a structure for independent reading, that teachers can also use to monitor progress. Children work towards halftermly reading targets and enjoy quizzing on the books they read. Together with activities like the space-themed storytelling for nursery and reception children, and support from members of our local community with reading in the school, our reading programme means all children are getting a great start in literacy.

36

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EDUCATION

Clearbrook Wild Child chosen as a Co-op charity of the year We are really thrilled that Clearbrook Wild Child has been chosen as one of three charities of the year at the Co-op store in Yelverton. We’ll get 1% of any own brand purchase made in the store if you select us as your supported charity, plus a share of any carrier bag sales sold instore. This means that we will be able to continue to put on our events at no cost for the parents. We don’t want any children to be excluded from taking part because we have to charge for events so it’s really important to us to ensure our events are always free and open to girls and boys of all ages. If you shop in Yelverton Co-op, please support us - you need to be a member of the store and choose us at www.coop.co.uk/membership.

Clearbrook Wild Child had an amazing first year – we made bows and arrows, watched meteors and carried out numerous experiments, all in the name of mad science. This year we’re going to try our best to do even more. We’re currently working on dates for 2018, but the Perseids Meteor/Star Gazing event will definitely be taking place on Sunday 12th August. We’re

also going to have a Harry Potter themed afternoon on Saturday 26th May (during half-term week), which will finish with an actual game of quidditch!

If any readers have ideas for events they’d like to take part in (or help us run), please get in touch. We’re open to any ideas, as long as they’re cool. Please email info@clearbrookwildchild. co.uk or ring/text 07812 116 345.

Potential Wild Childers can keep up to date with what we’re doing by visiting our website at www.clearbrookwildchild. co.uk or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ clearbrookwildchild.

Great start for Buckland Beehive ​ It has been a fantastic first term for the staff and children at the Buckland Beehive pre-school in Buckland Monachorum.

At the official opening in September, Celia Stevens donated an apple tree to the pre-school which the children enjoyed planting. We continue to look after the tree and watch its progress throughout the seasons - hopefully it will produce some apples for us to enjoy!

We have introduced Toddler Days on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 9.30am and 11.30am, so children younger than two years old can experience the pre-school environment with a parent or carer - and most importantly meet the

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pre-school pets. We have two goldfish called Sunshine and Raindrop, two guinea pigs called Honey and Bee and if you are really lucky, Walter the dog will pay a visit and join in all the games.

We have had visits from the police, a fireman, vets, a chef and trips to the hospital and a local farm to learn all about ‘people who help us’. We have explored our local community with numerous walks, made loads of craft items to take home and decorated the hall with a winter picture of the Arctic and an igloo, which the children loved playing hide and seek in.

The children starting school in September will soon be visiting the local school to help make their transition as smooth as possible and so we invited the reception class from St Andrew’s to come and see our nativity play at the end of term, as well as over fifty parents, grandparents and friends! It was a great success and a lovely end to a very successful term.

The Beehive is all about fun and learning through play, making friends and exploring our local environment, learning how to care for animals, ourselves and others as well as generally preparing our children for their next steps.

For further information please contact Jane Beard on 01822 853634 or bucklandbeehive@hotmail.com

37

KIDS WHAT’S ON

BUCKLAND ABBEY COSMIC SPRING TRAIL Saturday 10th February – Sunday 18th February, 11am-4pm Join the team this half term as they launch their Cosmic Spring Trail inspired

by Andrew Logan’s giant glittering egg.

Free but normal admission charges apply.

BURRATOR DISCOVERY CENTRE HALF-TERM FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS Thursday 15th February, 10am – 3pm Enjoy a great family day out at Burrator Reservoir. Drop into the Discovery Centre and take part in a variety of activities including a themed nature trail, woodwork, environmental art and outdoor cooking around the Burrator Discovery Centre.

COST: Small charge per person. For more information email heritage@swlakestrust. org.uk or call 01822 855700

EASTER FUN H N U F M HALF-TER ALF HANNAH’S-AT-SEALELYDFORD GORGE

HAYNE

FUNNY FACES TRAIL

COMEDY WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAHY AWARDS EXHIBITIONS

Saturday 10th February – Sunday 18th February, 11am-3pm

Saturday 10th February – Sunday 18th February, 11am-4pm

Take a wander around the orchard and keep a look out for funny faces hidden in the trees along the way. Free but normal admission charges apply.

A unique opportunity to view these hilarious images from the 2017 awards.

Free

BUILD A BIRD BOX

WILDLIFE WEEK

COTEHELE

Saturday 10th February, 1pm – 3pm

Monday 12th February 2018 - Sunday 18th February 2018

BUSHCRAFT FOR KIDS

Come along to Lydford Gorge to make your own bird box, with materials and guidance provided by our ranger team. COST: £5 per bird box. Booking advisable Call 01822 820320

A week of fun wildlife activities including animal hunt, crazy golf, quad games, workshops and much more. Plus, special guests throughout the week to talk about their wildlife wonder.

FUN WITH FIRE

ROLLER DISCO - FAMILY SKATE

Monday 12th February, 12pm-3pm

Saturday 24th February 2018 and Saturday 31st March, 3.30pm - 5.30pm The Revolution Skate Team returns with their roller disco! The Sports Hall (bottom of the drive, near the car park). COST: £5 entry, 50p skate hire

Monday 12th - Wednesday 14th February, 10am-12noon and 1.30-3.30pm each day Build a shelter, light a controlled fire and learn survival skills in the wild.

This activity is run by Jack at Serious Outdoor Skills - read about Jack at: www. seriousoutdoorskills.co.uk. COST: £6, booking essential, phone 01579 351346, suitable for 7-15-year-olds

Learn how to light a fire without matches, and then mix up some tasty dough to cook on a stick over the campfire. COST: £2.

Booking advisable TORCHLIT WALK

Pre-school for 2-4 year olds • 9am to 1pm daily Monday to Friday • Term time only

Buckland Monachorum Village Hall

A happy place to b ...

Contact Jane Beard on 01822 853634

bucklandbeehive@hotmail.com

38

Wednesday 14th February, 5pm - 6pm

PLYMOUTH MUSEUM

Light your way to Whitelady Waterfall with a flaming torch, enjoy enchanting music as the night descends then head back to warm up with a hot chocolate and toast marshmallows over the fire. COST: £2 per person and a charge for torches if needed

BREAKWATER Wednesday 14th February, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm STEM Hub, City College Plymouth, Kings Road, Plymouth PL1 5QG Discover the secrets of this amazing landmark in our interactive workshop.

Free. Booking essential: tickets from Eventbrite

To promote your business to 13,800* readers - call 01822 615627

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KIDS WHAT’S EDUCATION ON

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S FIRST STEPS Friday 23rd March, 1pm

LF-TERM FUN A F -T H ERM FUN winning, bonkers family fun? COST: £7.50 WILD ABOUT PLYMOUTH: AQUARIUM EVOLVING Thursday 15th February, 11am to 1pm National Marine Aquarium, Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0LF Go along to the National Marine Aquarium for a fun, interactive half-term morning.

We’ll be looking at marine life and learning how different specimens have evolved to live in this underwater world.

COST: £6.50 per person. Booking essential: tickets from Eventbrite FAMILY HARD HAT TOUR Friday 16th February, 1pm to 1.45pm National Marine Aquarium, Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0LF. Join staff from The Box and Willmott Dixon for a special hard hat tour of the construction site.

Discover how the building contractors are transforming the space and what objects will be going into The Box when it opens in 2020. Free. Booking essential: tickets from Eventbrite

EASTER WEEKEND EVENTS (more details to follow in the next issue)

BUCKLAND ABBEY

per person. Booking essential: tickets from Eventbrite

CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT

THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

BURRATOR DISCOVERY CENTRE

THE LITTLE MATCHGIRL AND OTHER HAPPIER TALES

FAMILY WILDLIFE WATCH PROGRAMME

Tuesday 20th February – Saturday 24th February

Sunday 25th March, 10:30am – 12.30pm

Inspired by the beautiful and devastatingly sad Hans Christian Andersen tale, The Little Match Girl, and combining Andersen’s other tales, The Princess and the Pea, The Emperor’s New Clothes and Thumbelina, The Little Matchgirl (and Other Happier Tales) reveals a spellbinding world of magic and mystery. For adults and families with children aged 9+

Saturday 24th March onwards, 11am-5pm

CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday 24th March throughout the Easter Holidays, 10am-4pm

COTEHELE COSTUME SUNDAYS AT COTEHELE MILL Sunday 25th March, 11am-4pm Come and meet the mill team dressed in Victorian costume. You’ll be able to watch milling and baking demonstrations and buy a bag of Cotehele Mill flour to take home.

7.30am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday 51 weeks a year From birth to 8-years old.

Vacancies for babies.

Offering the extended 30 hours of funding

PLYMOUTH AFTER DARK: FAMILY RAVE Saturday 17th February, 2pm to 4.30pm University of Plymouth’s Student Union, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA. A first for Plymouth!

The amazing Big Fish Little Fish comes to the city for the first time for one of its highly popular ‘Family Rave’ events with tunes provided by DJ Slipmatt. Why not come along and enjoy some award-

This hour-long, interactive show, specially adapted for children aged 3+, features ballet excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty, performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet. A feast of dance, music, costumes and lots of fun, this is a perfect introduction to ballet. COST: £10 per person

Trimal House, Yelverton Business Park

01822 855644 Manager: Joanne Davey BA Hons Proprietors: Debbie & Keith Parriss

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

www.edgemoornursery.com 39

WHAT’S ON

REGULARS

10 FEB - 4TH JUNE

FROM 19 MARCH

Cotehele Gallery is dedicated to exhibiting and selling the work of West Country artists and craft makers. This exhibition features Paul Jackson, one of Britain’s leading ceramicists with a new range of his work in a show called ‘Madrugada’.

Normal admission charges apply. 11:00am - 4:00pm

ART OF REFLECTION – THE COSMIC EGG Andrew Logan’s giant glittering Cosmic Egg will be on show to mark spring rebirth and Easter at the abbey. Normal admission charges apply. 11am-4pm

A NEW DAWN IN COTEHELE GALLERY

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS IN FEBRUARY & MARCH CHARITY LUNCHES AT LEWTRENCHARD MANOR Charity lunches supporting Devon Air Ambulance are available between 12.00 noon and 2.00pm. Two course lunch £17.50, three course lunch £21.50, with tea, coffee and petit fours £3.50. Charity envelopes will be provided for donations.

UNTIL 31 MARCH

EVERY DAY UNTIL 18 FEB RHS ROSEMOOR WINTER SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

BERE FILM GROUP Bere Alston United ChUrCh, Fore street

1st & 3rd wednesdAy eACh month

1.15 reFreshments 1.45 Film £2 inCl trAnsPort (If required)

7th February MYSTERY FILM followed by short A.G.M. 21st February the KInG & I (yul brynner) 7th March MRS BROWN (Judi Dench & Billy Connolly) 21st March THE ROAD TO HONG KONG (Hope & Crosby)

Rosemoor’s winter sculpture exhibition has an exciting and eclectic mix of exhibits from a diverse collection of sculptors, spread throughout the garden. Pick up a trail and see how many sculptures you can discover. Most of the pieces exhibited are for sale. Plus free, guided sculpture walks leave the Visitor Centre at 11.30am most Wednesday mornings.

THURSDAY AFTERNOONS UNTIL OCTOBER

EVERY WEEKEND IN FEBRUARY

ART FOR ALL

THE GARDEN HOUSE SNOWDROPS

Classes to combat social isolation through art open to local people, young and old, at Kingdon House Community Centre, Pym Street, costing £8 for 4 sessions. For more details see www.westdevonartworkshops. co.uk, call 01822 258351 or email westdevonartworkshops@gmail.com

The ten-acre garden at the Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton is home to a collection of snowdrops in formal and informal planting; it hosts many unusual varieties, as well as early spring bulbs and a great background of winter colour. Open on Saturdays and Sundays 11am - 3pm; adults £5, members and children free; the tea rooms will be serving a winter warmer menu.

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

FIRST SAT 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 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.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

THE HORN OF PLENTY

Book Luxury Afternoon Tea at our normal price of £14.50 per person ...and enjoy a glass of Prosecco each, absolutely FREE! Offer valid Mon - Sat until 30th April excluding 14th February.

Please call 01822 832 528, quoting “Links Prosecco offer” The Horn of Plenty, Gulworthy, Tavistock, Devon PL19 8JD

40

Moor than meets the eye and RAMM have collaborated to present the story of how Dartmoor was perceived through the eyes of artists during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, including oil paintings, watercolours, early photographs and postcards. Gallery 21, Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), Exeter - Free Entry 10am to 5pm Tue to Sun

Normal garden admission. 10am - 5pm

4th April A TOWN LIKE ALICE (Peter Finch & V McKenna)

contact either 01822 841021 or 01822 841185 if you would like to know more.

DARTMOOR: A WILD AND WONDROUS REGION

THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH CREDIT UNION OFFICE Savers can obtain loans at 2% or less.

Children can save too. All savers are

To promote your business to 13,800* readers - call 01822 615627

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WHAT’S ON 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

FEBRUARY 2-10 FEBRUARY THE HUNCHBACK OF OLD MEAVY TOWN Meavy Amateur Dramatics presents the annual pantomime - a lighthearted adaptation of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Performances in Meavy Parish Hall on 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th February at 7:30pm and 4th February at 2:30pm.

Tickets are on sale from the Royal Oak at Meavy, The Game Larder in Yelverton, The Dartmoor Bakery and online at www. wegottickets.com - £8 (£4 for children on 4th February). Further information: secretary@mad.meavy.org.uk 6 FEBRUARY PRINCETOWN HISTORY CLUB Elizabeth Stanbrook – ‘Dartmoor’s War Prison, Constructing, supplying and skulduggery’ - 7:30pm at Princetown Community Centre www.princetownhistoryclub.weebly.com 8 FEBRUARY MOOR’S EDGE U3A Monthly meeting at the Woolwell Centre at 2.30pm. Speaker - Tony Cannon from Devon Air Ambulance

8 FEBRUARY

10 FEBRUARY

BEARNES HAMPTON & LITTLEWOOD VALUATION MORNING

THE BIG JAZZ CHOIR & CANORYON LOWEN

Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood valuations for antiques, jewellery and ceramics with Lucy Marles (Jewellery specialist) and Nic Saintey (Ceramics & General Valuer) who will offer advice and valuations on items you may be thinking of selling at auction.

No appointment necessary – for further information please call 01392 413100.

The Big Jazz Choir and Canoryon Lowen, present The White Book of Winter - a collection of songs about winter, with music composed by Big Jazz Choir musical director, Helen Porter and words by Gillian Anderson. 7.30pm at St Eustachius’ Church, Tavistock (PL19 8AU), with a retiring collection for Pancreatic Cancer UK. Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on door.

The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock 10:00am1:00pm 9-17 FEBRUARY ‘CAPTURING DARTMOOR’ PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION This very local photography exhibition at Wildwood Arts, Horrabridge captures the essence of Dartmoor - the people, places, flora and fauna - with work from a wealth of talented professional photographers and printers in the area. (See Music & Art for more details)

Sale of Collectors’ Items, Stamps, Coins, Medals, Books & Toys

20th February at 10.30am

Sale of Jewellery, Silver, Antiques & Art

27th March at 10.30am

10 FEBRUARY BRAHMS CHORAL WORKSHOP Phoenix Chorale is holding a Brahms choral workshop with director of music, Marcus Alleyne including excerpts from Ein Deutsches Requiem and his well-known Cradle Song. £20 and lunch available for £3. 10:00am to 4:00pm at St Peter’s C of E Church, Wyndham Square, Plymouth, PL1 5EG. Places can be booked on wegottickets.com or for more information email info@plymouthphoenixchorale.org or visit www.plymouthphoenixchorale.org

Sale of Wines, Spirits & Related Items 10th April at 10.30am

Chinese Bottle Vase, SOLD £10,000

Valuations for auction, probate and insurance purposes Regular specialist auctions with live online Internet bidding For professional advice and valuations, please call 01752 721199 email: enquiries@eldreds.net

www.eldreds.net

1 Belliver Way, Roborough, Plymouth PL6 7BP See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

41

WHAT’S ON

10 FEBRUARY

and George Forrest. 7.30pm in Buckland Monachorum village hall. Tickets cost £6: contact 01822 855336 or visit www. bucklandmonachorum.org.uk

MATTHEW BIGGS - TWO GREAT PLANT HUNTERS

10 FEBRUARY

For bookings call 01822 833668 or email helen@counterparts.org.uk

Matthew Biggs, gardener, plantsman, writer, television presenter and frequent broadcaster on Radio 4’s ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’ presents a fantastic one-man show in the guise of two great plant hunters of the past – Ernest Wilson

What’s On Valentine’s Night Dinner Wednesday 14th February

Five superb courses by candlelight. £55

Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday 11th March

Treat your Mum to a relaxed and traditional 3-course Mother’s Day Lunch.

Adults £25, Children £16

Millinery Workshop Friday 9th March

Hat making for all abilities, including tuition, materials and lunch.

Woburn Restaurant. £55 per person. Call 01822 613221 to book your table, or book a table online.

14 FEBRUARY

BIRD BOX DAY AT LYDFORD GORGE

THE TWO BRIDGES HOTEL VALENTINE’S DINNER

Come along to Lydford Gorge to make your own bird box, materials and guidance provided by the ranger team. 1-3pm, £5 per box, booking advisable

Seven superb courses, prepared by awardwinning executive chef Mike Palmer and his talented team. £55 per person. Call 01822 892300 to book your table, or book a table online.

12 FEBRUARY

14-17 FEBRUARY

FIRE AND FOOD AT LYDFORD GORGE

VALENTINES DINNER AT LEWTRENCHARD MANOR

Learn how to light a fire without matches, and then mix up some tasty dough to cook on a stick over the campfire. 12-3pm, £2 per person, booking advisable

Enjoy Matthew Peryer’s amazing six course champagne dinner. Table reservations available between 7.00pm and 9.00pm, early booking is essential.

14 FEBRUARY

16 FEBRUARY

TORCHLIT WALK AT LYDFORD GORGE

DEVONSHIRE ASSOCIATION TAVISTOCK & WEST DEVON BRANCH

Light your way to Whitelady Waterfall with a flaming torch, enjoy enchanting music as the night descends then head back to warm up with a hot chocolate and toast marshmallows over the fire. £10 (£8 for members) per torch, £2 for accompanying adults and children over 5, booking essential. 5-6pm

‘The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape: a World Heritage Site’, an illustrated talk by Ainsley Cocks, researcher and information officer at the Tavistock Parish Centre, Plymouth Road at 7.30 pm. Contact Barbara Edwards on 01822 852636 or edwardsbobbarbara@ btinternet.com

14 FEBRUARY

£45

01822-613221 bedford-hotel.co.uk

THE BEDFORD HOTEL VALENTINE’S DINNER Five superb courses, prepared by awardwinning head chef Raoul Ketelaars and his talented team, served in the candlelit

17 FEBRUARY APPLE PRUNING WORKSHOP AT LYDFORD GORGE Join the ranger team in the orchard to learn the art of pruning apple trees. Part ANTIQUES VALUATION DAY TAVISTOCK

Thursday 12th April

The Bedford Hotel In the heart of Tavistock

1 Plymouth Road | Tavistock PL19 8BB 42

The Bedford Hotel Plymouth Road 10.00am - 1.00pm

Sold for £4,300

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

To promote your business to 13,800* readers - call 01822 615627

editorial@moorlinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON theory, part practical. Tools provided.

11am-1pm, booking essential, normal admission applies.

Town Hall, Thur 8 Mar - Meavy Parish Hall.

(For more details see What’s on Extra)

Wildwood Arts for an invitation (See Music & Art for details)

23-24 FEBRUARY

28 FEBRUARY

17 & 18 FEBRUARY

DRY-STONE WALLING COURSE

THE NEIL MAYA QUARTET

APPLE GRAFTING AT COTEHELE

Learn how to build and repair a dry-stone wall from foundations to capping stones, led by experienced practitioner Martin Stallard. Postbridge area, £50.00 for HFP contributors or £60.00 for non-contributors.

To book contact Dartmoor Hill Farm Project on hfp@dartmoor.gov.uk or 01822 890913

Mary Tavy Live! presents an evening of traditional jazz with The Neil Maya Quartet, featuring innovative reworkings of jazz standards, its own compositions and in particular the music of Dave Brubeck.

Tickets: £8 (adults) £4 (child) available

Come along for a weekend of apple grafting workshops. We’ll show you how to graft your own apple tree. There will be more than 25 local apple varieties to choose from. No need to book, just drop in.

You’ll be able to take away a grafted tree for only a fiver. 11:00am - 4:00pm

24 FEBRUARY 20 FEBRUARY YELVERTON & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY A talk by Rick Stewart on ‘Morwellham: Tavistock’s Port’ at Meavy Parish Hall at 7.30 pm. More details available on our website www.yelvertonhistory.org.uk 20 FEBRUARY TAJ AND TIGERS A talk on India presented by Mark Davison, who worked as a guide in Africa, led expeditions and travelled widely - tiger sanctuaries, havelis, famous monuments, trains and electric tuk-tuks – how to survive a visit to India! 6:00pm at The Bedford Hotel. £5 per person, payable on the door, and donated to literacy project The Book Bus. 23 FEBRUARY DESPERATE MEASURES West Country band Desperate Measures plays jazz standards ranging from gentle bossa novas to swinging blues. 7:30pm at Meavy Parish Hall with a licensed bar; Tickets cost £8 23 FEBRUARY TO 10 MARCH

BELL RINGING RECRUITMENT MORNING Come along to Tavistock Parish Church, Plymouth Emmanuel Church and Hatherleigh Parish Church for a bell ringing taster session between 10am and 12pm. This is part of a national campaign to commemorate 1400 bell ringers lost during WW1, by recruiting 1400 new ringers and training them to ring for the 100th centenary of Armistice Day on 11 November. For more info contact Tim Bayton on 07743 066225 or educationofficer@devonringers.org.uk.

24 FEBRUARY TAVISTOCK SEED SWAP Bring your seeds along to swap and have a go at growing something different in 2018.

No seeds to bring? Come along anyway, pick up some seeds, ‘have a-grow’, and bring your own seeds back next year!

There’ll be lots of growers and gardening advice together with tea and cake at Local Matters, Elbow Lane from 09:30 to 14:00.

For more details call into Local Matters (11:00 to 13:00 Mon – Sat), email hello@ tamarenergycommunity.com or call Rob Meredith on 01409 254450

‘THE THRILL OF LOVE’

24 FEBRUARY - 13 MARCH

Tavonians Theatre Company presents The Thrill of Love by Amanda Whittington, a gripping play about the true story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain. Why does she plead ‘not guilty’ but offer no defence? Tickets are on sale at local ticket outlets or online at www. tavonians.org.uk - Fri 23 Feb - Mary Tavy, Coronation Hall, Sat 3 Mar - Tavistock,

‘AN ARTISTIC JOURNEY’ RICHARD SLATER Wildwood Arts, Horrabridge is very privileged to be exhibiting the work of this fantastic local artist, Richard Slater of the British Neo–romantic movement, who was elected to the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour in 1999. Preview on 24th February 6:00 -8.30pm - please contact

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

What’s On Valentine’s Night Dinner Wednesday 14th February

A romantic Tasting Menu dinner to delight the one you love. £55

Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday 11th March

A delicious Mother’s Day treat in the stunning Dartmoor setting of the Two Bridges Hotel.

Adults £28, Children £18

Wedding Fair

Sunday 29th April We’d love to show you our stunning wedding venue.

From 12 noon. Free entry.

01822-892300 twobridges.co.uk

In the heart of Dartmoor

Two Bridges | Dartmoor PL20 6SW 43

WHAT’S ON from Mary Tavy Post Office or by calling 01822 810408. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Tea and coffee will be available in the interval. 7.30pm at The Coronation Hall, Mary Tavy 1 MARCH C.S. RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP Retired? Join us for a friendly chat at our get together at 12.30pm in the Restaurant of the Prince of Wales Hotel, Princetown.

Our guest Speaker will be George Blake who will be relating amusing tales of Prison Life. Anyone who is retired will receive a warm welcome. Meet old friends and make new ones.

6 MARCH PRINCETOWN HISTORY CLUB Ciaran Stoker Belgian Refugees in Devon during WW1- 7:30pm at Princetown Community Centre www.princetownhistoryclub.weebly.com 8 MARCH MOOR’S EDGE U3A Monthly meeting at the Woolwell Centre at 2.30pm. Speaker - Paula Clarke from Castle Drogo 9 MARCH FASCINATOR WORKSHOP Join local milliner Penny Blackmore for a millinery workshop making fascinators and cocktail hats, including expert tuition, materials, refreshments on arrival and two course lunch, £45 per person. To book your place call The Bedford Hotel on 01822 613221.

10 - 18 MARCH TAMAR VALLEY SPRING EXHIBITION ‘Growing in the Tamar Valley’ will be held at the Tamar Valley Centre, Drakewalls, Near Gunnislake, Cornwall, PL18 9FE 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (10.00 am to 2.00 pm Sunday) 10 - 11 MARCH

“Tulips, Topiary, Tradescanth and Thyme”, an illustrated talk by Dr Janet Few on 17th Century Gardens at the Tavistock Parish Centre, Plymouth Road at 7.30 pm. Contact Barbara Edwards on 01822 852636 or edwardsbobbarbara@btinternet.com 16 MARCH - 7 APRIL ‘HOMESPUN FROM DEVON’ SUE LEWIS

This exhibition at Wildwood Arts, ROSEMOOR SPRING FLOWER Horrabridge celebrates a method of COMPETITIONS ‘painting with wool’ used by local artist Focusing on camellias, early magnolias Sue Lewis, using locally sourced and rare and rhododendrons, in addition to the RHS breed fleece. (See Music & Art for more early camellia competition, the show will details) also include classes for ornamental shrubs and a Rosemoor daffodil and RHS hyacinth 17 MARCH competition too. Saturday 11.30 - 4pm and MOZART’S GREAT MASS IN C Sunday, 10am - 4pm in The Garden Room.

MINOR Normal garden admission applies (free Mount Kelly Choral Society presents one for RHS Members). The Sunday carvery is of Mozart’s choral masterpieces, the Great open on 11 March or why not treat your Mass in C minor with soloists Catherine mother to afternoon tea on 10 March.

Hamilton, Bianca Phillips, Andrew Farris and Joseph Wicks. 7.30pm at St. 11 MARCH Eustachius’ Church, Tavistock. Tickets £10/ MOTHER’S DAY AT free to under 18s available from Book MORWELLHAM QUAY Stop, Mount Kelly College reception, on Come to Morwellham Quay to celebrate the door or online at www.eventbrite.co.uk Mother’s Day! Make a bread roll, a (fee applies). For more details visit www. chocolate lolly and rope, find copper ore kellychoralsociety.com and pan for gold; go to Victorian school. and dress up as a Victorian. With free 17-18 MARCH entry for every mum this is the place to be DAFFODIL WEEKEND AT on Mother’s Day! COTEHELE 16 MARCH DEVONSHIRE ASSOCIATION TAVISTOCK & WEST DEVON BRANCH

Come and see the vast collection of daffodils grown on the Cotehele Estate and enjoy a display of historic and new varieties. There will be a guided tour of daffodils in the garden plus self-guided

Drake’s Auctions Drake’s Auctions Tavistock Tavistock

Auctioneers

Valuers

Sales are held at Parade Business Park, Tavistock, fortnightly on Mondays.

Viewings held from 9-12 noon Saturday and 12-4.30pm on the Sunday preceding sale.

See our website for the full auction calendar.

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

For more information call: 01822 616992

www.drakesauctions.co.uk f Unit 6 Parade Business Park, Pixon Lane, Tavistock PL19 9RQ 44

To promote your business to 13,800* readers - call 01822 615627

editorial@moorlinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON trail of labelled daffodils in the garden for children.11am-4pm Normal admission charges apply for non-members 17 MARCH 2018 EXETER FESTIVAL CHORUS Exeter Festival Chorus conducted by Nigel Perrin, presents Rachmaninov’s Liturgy of St John Chrysostom. 7.30pm Exeter Cathedral. Tickets: nave £28, £23, £20 (reserved); side aisles (restricted view) £14 front, £7 rear (unreserved); students £5; children (under 18 years) £1 19-24 MARCH ‘LAMBING LIVE’ AT GREENWELL FARM Come and see the magic of spring in our lambing shed with a guided tour of the sheep maternity unit and the new-born lambs. Adults £5.00, children aged 3 and over £2.00. Group and school tours £100 for up to 30 people. To book please email greenwellfarm@gmail.com or call 01822 855535. Greenwell Farm, nr. Meavy, Yelverton, PL20 6PY

20 MARCH YELVERTON & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY A talk by Derek Gore on ‘Fieldwork and Roman Excavations at Ipplepen’ (+AGM & raffle) at Meavy Parish Hall at 7.30 pm.

More details available on our website www.yelvertonhistory.org.uk 20 – 24 MARCH MONTY PYTHON’S ‘SPAMALOT’?

PGS Productions presents the riotous comedy based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Devonport Playhouse at 7:30pm, Sat matinee 2:30pm.

Contact the Box Office on 01752 560726 for tickets: adults £16, concessions £14, under 16s £10

exploring the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age ceremonial complex at Merrivale, and a nearby extensive prehistoric settlement dating to the Middle Bronze Age. Start at Four Winds car park near Princetown (Grid Reference SX 5607 7488) 1.30-3.30pm. Book at www. rammuseum.org.uk 22-24 MARCH THE BRENTORIANS PRESENT ’TOM, DICK AND HARRY’ The Brentorians 2018 production is Ray Cooney’s hugely successful farce “Tom, Dick and Harry”, produced at London’s Duke of York’s theatre in 2005.

Performances Thurs 22nd, Fri 23rd & Sat 24th March, 7.30pm, Brentor Village Hall Tickets £5.00 – 01822 810412

21 MARCH

24 MARCH

PREHISTORIC DARTMOOR: MERRIVALE GUIDED WALK

BURRATOR EVENING TALK & GUIDED WALK

Free Guided Walk led by Dr Lee Bray, Dartmoor National Park Archaeologist,

‘Wembley Walk - A new use for an old road’ by Brian Poole. A 4-minute illustrated

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

45

FINALIST AT THE SOUTH WEST WEDDING AWARDS Voted as one of the ‘Best Town Wedding Venues’ in the South West

‘YOUR LOCAL VIBRANT EVENTS VENUE’

Flea Market

Tavistock Town Hall, a perfect, THE SOUTH WEST flexible‘FINALIST setting for yourAT event.

Whether you’reWEDDING holding a gala AWARDS’ dinner, aVOTED wedding,AS sales fayre,OF THE ‘BEST TOWN ONE or even an exercise class, WEDDING VENUES’ IN THE SOUTH our facilities and friendly and experienced staff make ourWEST.

A selection of antiques, collectables, vintage items, bric-a-brac and unusual what-nots...

elegant Gothic building at the heart of Tavistock the ideal place for your event.

New Traders Welcome

• Fully Licenced Bar • Licensed for Civil Ceremonies • Capacity from 2 – 400 people • Full disabled access Call Ross and his team today to • Modern kitchen facilities • Full days hire from £85.00* discuss your needs and reserve *depending on event and room requirements

townhall@tavistock.gov.uk www.tavistock.gov.uk

Tavistock Town Hall Bedford Square Tavistock PL19 0AE

your time and date

01822 617232

EVERY THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

10AM - 4PM Refreshments available Disabled access

Call Ross and his team today to discuss your needs and reserve your tim

t f

01822 617232 T. 01822 617232 E. townhall@tavistock.gov.uk www.tavistock.gov.uk www.tavistocktownhall.co.uk townhall@tavistock.gov.uk Tavistock Town Hall, Bedford Square, Tavistock, PL19 0

Tavistock Pannier Market BUSINESS AS USUAL

With Pannier Market improvement works underway, it is still business as usual at the Pannier Market Complex.

The newly refurbished Butchers Hall is trading Tuesday - Saturday, 9 - 4.30pm Pannier Market Town Hall traders Tuesday - Friday 9 -4.30pm - Market perimeter shops open as usual throughout the works Butchers Hall will launch in Summer 2018 as a new market venue and will host a variety of themed markets and events.

For more information call 01822 616134

For more information 01822 617232 www.tavistock.gov.uk

talk followed by an interpretive guided tour of Wembley Walk. 2.30pm-4pm. £4 per person (inc. refreshments). Please book your place in advance on 01822 855700 or heritage@swlakestrust.org.uk, or pop into the Discovery Centre.

Memorial Hall at 7:30pm. Admission £3 per person, includes refreshments. For more information about G.R.O.W. events see our website www.growalkhampton. weebly.com 30-31 MARCH

25 MARCH

DRY-STONE WALLING COURSE

GREAT BRITISH SELL OFF Over 25 exhibitors will be selling off items at rock bottom prices. The perfect chance to grab a bargain! Dot’s Teas will be serving coffee, tea and cakes. 10:30 - 15:30, Tavistock Town Hall. Entry £1.00 (under 16s free)

Learn how to build and repair a dry-stone wall from foundations to capping stones, led by experienced practitioner Martin Stallard. Postbridge area, £50.00 for HFP contributors or £60.00 for non-contributors.

To book contact Dartmoor Hill Farm Project on hfp@dartmoor.gov.uk or 01822 890913

26 MARCH

3 APRIL

MAKING THE MOST OF SMALL GARDENS WITH SUE FISHER

PRINCETOWN HISTORY CLUB

Moor Links gardening writer Sue Fisher will be talking about a wide range of topics including small garden design, features, use of colour and the best plants for small spaces. She is a local awardwinning garden writer, designer, lecturer and broadcaster with a lifelong passion for plants and gardening. Walkhampton

WHAT’S ON

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: www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk All event listings are FREE. Send details to editorial@moorlinks.co.uk or upload directly to our website by pressing the SUBMIT button

To find out about...

Alan Endacott Sittaford Stone Circle 7:30pm at Princetown Community Centre www.princetownhistoryclub.weebly.com

A

WHAT’S ON in your local area VISIT

Dartmoorlinks.co.uk

FRIENDS OF WHARF LUNCHTIME LECTURES TAVISTOCK WHARF ORGANISED BY DR ANN PULSFORD, IN AID OF FRIENDS OF THE WHARF EVERY MONDAY 2PM. ALL WELCOME

FEBRUARY

MARCH

5th February Robert Hesketh A curious look at Devon’s churches

5th March Peter Brinsden China: fantastic facts ancient and modern

12th February Ian Kilpatrick A festival of the sea: Brest 1996

12th March Pat Ward Gertrude Jekyll country

19th February Colin Pomeroy Expeditions in extremis: the heat of Oman and chill of Antarctica

19th March Prof Malcolm Hart Jurassic calamari: recent work on fossil squid in the footsteps of Mary Anning, Henry de la Bech and William Buckland

26th February Ian Gasper The silk roads: a short history See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

26th March Clive Charlton Plymouth and area’s New Zealand connections 47

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

Welcome to...

Hello again...

Well we’re really pleased to be able to announce that 2018 will be seeing many new bands coming to the Wharf for the first time; some tributes, some doing original music but we strive to keep the programming as versatile as possible to cover all tastes.

Please always keep an eye on our website as occassionally bookings can change after going to press, which is out of our control, so the website and our social media pages need to be checked before you venture forth for one of our shows!

As always we are pleased to see so many new faces coming through the door, which we know is in much part due to our inclusion in the excellent Links magazines.

live broadcasts Wednesday 7th February

TOSCA LIVE FROM ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

Wednesday 14th February

TWELTH NIGHT FROM THE RSC

The painter Mario Cavaradossi helps a fugitive escape & attracts the attention of Scarpia, the sadistic Chief of Police. Scarpia captures Cavaradossi and has him tortured within earshot of his lover, Tosca.

Twelfth Night is a tale of unrequited love – hilarious and heartbreaking.

Twins are separated in a shipwreck, and forced to fend for themselves in a strange land.

Sunday 25th February

Wednesday 28th February

We hope to see you at one of our shows soon.

THEATRE................

WHERE IS MR CHRISTIE? Sunday 18th March

The disappearance of Britain’s best-known crime thriller writer in December 1926 caused a national sensation.

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF THE WINTER’S TALE CAPTURED LIVE LIVE FROM THE ROYAL Tennessee Williams’s twentieth OPERA HOUSE century masterpiece Cat on a Hot Tin Roof played a strictly limited season in London’s West End in 2017.

King Leontes, possessed by a mad jealousy, believes his pregnant wife Hermione is having an affair with his childhood friend King Polixenes.

His actions tear their families apart.

Tuesday 6th March

Thursday 27th March

Online booking available for all music events at...

CARMEN LIVE FROM THE NEW WAYNE MCGREGOR / ROYAL OPERA HOUSE THE AGE OF ANXIETY / NEW

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

The young soldier Don José intends to marry Micaëla, a girl from his home village. But when he meets the sensual and fiercely independent Carmen, he sacrifices everything to be with her.

CHRISTOPHER WELDON

The Royal Ballet celebrates the centenary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth with an all-Bernstein programme from the Company’s three associate choreographers.

Tavistock Wharf Box Office 01822 611166

MUSIC.....................................

ADAM WAKEMAN & DAMIAN WILSON Thursday 8th February

WOMEN IN ROCK Saturday 10th February

SARAH MCQUAID Sunday 11th February

LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Friday 16th February

Adam Wakeman, keyboard player with Ozzy Osbourne & Black Sabbath.

Damian Wilson, songwriter & vocalist widely known in the rock world.

The UK’s only live show dedicated to the world’s greatest female rock legends, WIR delivers a blistering impressive show.

The precision & sophistication of the writing & playing blows me away, writes guitar legend Michael Chapman to Sarah McQuaid’s fifth solo album.

One of the most well known and respected tributes on the scene today incorporating the very best of Thin Lizzy

KICK OF THE 80S Saturday 17th February

THE UNRAVELLING WILLBURYS Sunday 18th February

KANE’D Friday 23rd February

REEL TO REEL MARILION TRIBUTE Saturday 3rd March

A show full of fun incorporating the very best of the 80s pop era with plenty of costume changes!

George Harrison, Roy ‘The Big O’ Orbison, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Jeff Lynne of ELO from 80s supergroup, are recreated by The Unravelling Willburys.

Kane’d is fronted by sisters Steph, Stacey & Chez... 3 gorgeous power house rock chicks with an all-male backline.

Real to Reel deliver a performance of classic “Fish” era Marillion from the 1980’s, expect to hear Kayleigh, lavender, Market Square Heroes to name a few.

THE JAM’D Thursday 8th March

LEVERET & SPIRO Sunday 11th March

POWDERFINGER Friday 16th March

KRIS BARRAS Friday 23rd March

Paying tribute to one of the most popular bands to emerge from the punk era, The Jam.

Leveret is the finest of traditional English folk today: a trio of poise & subtle gesture, of deft layering, graceful swing & gorgeous understatement.

Neil Young has released over 90 albums and Powderfinger does a stunning job of recreating this enigmatic performer.

Kris Barras is one of the UK’s most exciting blues-rock guitarists and has recently been signed to a recording contract, catch him whilst you can at the smaller venues!

NIRVANA UK Saturday 24th March

PECKHAM COWBOYS Friday 30th March

JEAN JEANIE Saturday 31st March

NIRVANA UK, are a three piece international touring Nirvana tribute band from Birmingham.

Godawful, Genius, South London Blues, Grime Rock ‘N’ Roll Racket!

John Mainwaring as David Bowie is an original recording artist in his own right, having worked with Bowie’s own producer Tony Visconti.

FACEBOOK.COM/ TAVISTOCKWHARF

Plymouth History Festival 5 May to 3 June Various locations

12 to 13 May The Barbican, Sutton Harbour & West Hoe Park

Lord Mayor’s Day

Flavour Fest

26 May City Centre

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1 to 3 June City Centre

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Britain’s Ocean City Half Marathon 20 May Plymouth Hoe

Armed Forces Day 30 June Plymouth Hoe

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Until 31 March

Dartmoor: A Wild and Wondrous Region Moor than meets the eye (featured on page 60) and RAMM have collaborated to present ‘Dartmoor, a Wild and Wondrous Region’, which tells the story of how Dartmoor was perceived through the eyes of artists during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The largest exhibition of its kind in a generation, it includes oil paintings, watercolours, early photographs and postcards from RAMM’s own collection as well as loans from British museums and private collections, many of which have rarely been seen in public before.

The exhibition is one of the outcomes of the Moor than meets the eye project, ‘In the Footsteps of the Victorians’, which has produced a detailed history of the changes that took place during the Victorian era, transforming the communities and landscape. These developments were captured by artists and the RAMM exhibition traces the story of Dartmoor, from a ‘dreary mountainous tract’ to the ‘epitome of the picturesque’.

This dramatic change in popular opinion was largely brought about through the imagination of visiting artists, such as Samuel Palmer, J.M.W.Turner and Thomas Rowlandson, as well as local artists, such as William and F.J. Widgery. The coming of the railways also brought ever greater numbers of tourists to Exeter and Dartmoor and made Dartmoor landscape art immensely popular.

Gallery 21, Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), Exeter Free Entry 10am to 5pm Tue to Sun In addition, there will be a number of associated events such as Dartmoor guided walks, a talk on Interpreting Dartmoor’s Prehistoric Archaeology and Mr Mortimer’s Wild and Wondrous Travelling Exhibition of Dartmoor for all the family on 14th February. For more information visit www.rammuseum. org.uk A book documenting the Wild and Wondrous Region exhibition is also available, based on the project ‘In the footsteps of the Victorians’ which involved volunteers from communities across Dartmoor in researching the history of the Wray Valley and surrounding area on the eastern edge of Dartmoor during the nineteenth and early twentieth century; the book includes fascinating insights on the social and economic changes brought about by the arrival of the railway in the 1860s.

9 & 10 February

Matthew Biggs – Two Great Plant Hunters Matthew Biggs, gardener, plantsman, writer, television presenter and frequent broadcaster on Radio 4’s ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’ presents a fantastic one-man show in Peter Tavy and Buckland Monachorum, where he will be appearing in the guise of two great plant hunters of the past – Ernest Wilson and George Forrest. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of the audience for a performance which was first seen at this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Show, where it was very enthusiastically received.

and contributed to two books for Gardeners’ Question Time, as well as writing regularly for Gardeners’ World magazine, BBC Gardens Illustrated and the Royal Horticultural Society’s Journal ‘The Garden’.

Matthew has written a number of books including Lessons from Great Gardeners, and Secrets of Great Botanists; he co-authored What Houseplant Where with Roy Lancaster

Saturday 10th February at 7.30pm in Buckland Monachorum village hall - for tickets contact 01822 855336 or visit www. bucklandmonachorum.org.uk

The evening will consist of two 45-minute sessions, one for each gardener, and end with a short question and answer session on any aspect of gardening. There will also be a chance to buy some of Matthew’s books.

Tickets cost £6: Friday 9th February at 7.30pm in Peter Tavy village hall – for tickets contact 01822 810868 or visit www. petertavyparishcouncil.org

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

23rd February to 10th March

Tavonians Theatre Company presents ‘The Thrill of Love’ ‘I am guilty, I’m a little confused’, so said Ruth Ellis, following her arrest for the murder of David Blakely.

The Thrill of Love by Amanda Whittington and sponsored by Miller Town & Country Estate Agents, is a gripping play about the true story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain. A divorcee with a young child to care for, Ruth works in the kind of nightclubs where there’s more than just a drink on offer. The girls work hard, play hard and dream of a movie-star life. Then she meets the wealthy, womanising David, a racing driver with whom she becomes obsessed. Fame comes - but not in the way she imagines. Why does their relationship end in murder? Why does she plead not guilty but offer no defence?

Why does she show no remorse? And who is she trying to protect?

‘Absorbing... the writing is playful and pin-sharp’ - Telegraph Following on from the success of Cheshire Cats, Shadowlands, The Railway Children and My Boy Jack, Tavonians Theatre Company will be coming to a venue near you:

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Fri 23 Feb Mary Tavy, Coronation Hall Sat 24 Feb Upton Cross, Sterts Studio Wed 28 Feb Launceston, Town Hall Fri 2 Mar - Callington, PrimRAF Sat 3 Mar - Tavistock, Town Hall Thur 8 Mar - Meavy Parish Hall Fri 9 Mar - Holsworthy, HATS Theatre Sat 10 Mar - Okehampton Charter Hall Tickets are on sale at local ticket outlets or online at www.tavonians.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

19th-24th March

‘Lambing Live’ at Greenwell Farm Come and see the magic of spring in our lambing shed with a guided tour of the sheep maternity unit to see the new-born lambs. Mat Cole and his team will be on hand to answer any questions.

Numbers are restricted so booking is essential: adults £5.00, children aged 3 and over £2.00. Group and school tours are also available for £100 for up to 30 people. Larger groups are also welcome at a small additional cost. To book please email greenwellfarm@gmail.com or call 01822 855535.

19th-23rd March: 5.30pm – 7:30pm 24th March: 1pm – 4pm Greenwell Farm, Nr Meavy, Yelverton, PL20 6PY Find us on Facebook – Lambing Live Greenwell Farm

Training days with the Hill Farm Project attendance certificate will be issued. The course will be held in Postbridge area tbc, at a cost of £50.00 for HFP contributors or £60.00 for non-contributors. For bookings email the Hill Farm Office on hfp@dartmoor.gov.uk or phone 01822 890913 11th April to August

Bee-spoke beginners course for beekeeping on Dartmoor

The Dartmoor Hill Farm Project (HFP) provides year-round training for farmers and local residents involved in managing Dartmoor’s special landscape. HFP is supported by the Prince’s Countryside Fund, the Duchy of Cornwall and Dartmoor National Park Authority; it is also working with the Moor than meets the eye landscape partnership, featured on page 60, to develop a new programme of heritage skills.

23rd and 24th February, 30th and 31st March

Dry-stone walling – two-day practical courses in February and March This course will teach participants how to build and repair a dry-stone wall from foundations to capping stones. Led by experienced practitioner Martin Stallard the training will provide all of the key skills required to restore a boundary to a stock-proof condition. The course will also look at different styles and techniques that reflect the available stone. An

This course has been designed to meet the challenges of keeping bees on Dartmoor for prospective, new or novice beekeepers. It will include a mixture of theory and practical aspects covering topics from swarming to hive management - 8 sessions commencing in April and running through the season to the honey harvest in August. It will take place at the Buckfast Abbey Bee Department and out on Dartmoor using participant’s hives as the resource for training. The course will be led by Clare Densley from the Abbey’s Bee Department.

Book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited.

The course will be held at Buckfast Abbey Bee Department with up to 5 sessions at locations on Dartmoor. Weekday afternoons. The first two sessions will be 11th and 18th April, with other dates to be agreed by course participants between April and August excluding July. at a cost of £100 for HFP contributors or £120 for non-contributors. Fee to be paid upon booking. Email the Hill Farm Office on hfp@dartmoor.gov.uk or phone 01822 890913 Other Information: Bee suits and equipment will be lent out for each session. The course will carry a certificate of attendance.

53

NATIONAL TRUST

Springtime at Buckland Abbey Springtime at Buckland is all about giant eggs, the natural world and getting out and about as we wave goodbye to winter. This spring sees a final flourish of the hugely popular Art of Reflection exhibition when Andrew Logan’s Cosmic Egg goes on show in the Great Barn. The astonishing Cosmic Egg, a universal symbol of the principle of life, stands over 4 metres high and is covered in mirrored swirls, representing cosmic time and space; it will be at Buckland to celebrate the rebirth of spring and Easter, reflecting and provoking thought about the world today. Alongside the Cosmic Egg, there will be a brand-new spring trail encouraging visitors to get out to enjoy and appreciate the natural world around us. So why not stick on those wellies and get out and about? – there’s always a warming soup or hot chocolate in the restaurant for the end of a bracing walk, or if you fancy getting more involved with the work we do why not consider volunteering with us? We’d love to hear from you.

COSMIC SPRING TRAIL From Saturday 10 February Join us this half term as we launch our spring trail inspired by Andrew Logan’s Cosmic Egg and the natural world.

ART OF REFLECTION – THE COSMIC EGG From Monday 19 Mar Andrew Logan’s giant glittering egg on show to mark spring rebirth and Easter at the abbey.

CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday 24 March-Sunday 8 April 11am-5pm Bring the whole family together this Easter and treat your loved ones to the magic of our Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt.

Become a nature detective to follow Bunny’s clues and finish your adventure with a delicious, chocolatey treat.

The Art ofcolour Reflection Add some to Andrew Logan's Cosmic your weekend thisEgg

A final flourish of the Art of autumnexhibition at Gibside Reflection as the iconic five metre high Cosmic Egg makes its way to Buckland Abbey to celebrate Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking spring rebirth and Easter routes for all ages and abilities.

From Monday 19 Feb Call 01822 853607 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland When youvisit, visit, donate, volunteer orthe joinNational the National Trust, your When you donate, volunteer or join Trust, your su��ort hel�susus look after s�ecial �laces the south�west support helps toto look after special places <in theinregion> <like such as Cotehele, and Lanhydrock for everyone. property X, propertySaltram Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever,for forever, everyone. © National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered number © National Trust registered charity, number 205846.charity, Photography 205846.

Photography © ALMoS Images.

54

#nationaltrust #nationaltrust

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editorial@moorlinks.co.uk

NATIONAL TRUST

Dessert and daffodils at Cotehele The estate is open every day from dawn to dusk (dogs welcome). The 1,300-acre estate includes woodland and fields, industrial ruins, flora, fauna and working farm buildings. Pack your rucksack, pull on your boots and explore miles of paths at Cotehele.

There’s something new in the garden for you to discover 365 days of the year. Spanning 14 acres plus 12 acres of orchard, it has variety far beyond the average garden on account of its terrain, rills and juxtaposition to the house. The Edgcumbe tea-room on Cotehele Quay is open now; The Barn Restaurant, shop and gallery re-open on 10 February; the house and mill re-open on 10 March.

To find out what’s happening at Cotehele, opening times, volunteering opportunities and more, visit our website: nationaltrust.org.uk/Cotehele or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

A NEW DAWN IN COTEHELE GALLERY 10 February – 4 June, 11am-4pm Cotehele Gallery is dedicated to exhibiting and selling the work of West Country artists and craft makers. This exhibition features Paul Jackson, one of Britain’s leading ceramicists.

SPRING PUDDING CLUB AT THE EDGCUMBE TEA-ROOM 16 March, 7-8.30pm Start with a bowl of soup then indulge in four homemade desserts created from the best of the season’s ingredients. If you love puddings, this is a night out you won’t want to miss.

Booking essential, £20 per person. Call 01579 351346 to book.

DAFFODIL WEEKEND AT COTEHELE 17 – 18 March, 11am-4pm Come and see the vast collection of daffodils grown on the Cotehele Estate. Enjoy a display of historic and new varieties of daffodil. There will be a guided tour of daffodils in the garden plus activities for children. Normal admission charges apply.

Awaken senses Add someyour colour to at Cotehele your weekendthis thisspring Take in the vibrant colours of spring autumn at Gibside with a walk around the Cotehele garden and estate. It's the perfect way to clear your mind andand recharge your Go crunching through fallen leaves discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking batteries. routes for all ages and abilities. nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside

nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele When youvisit, visit,donate, donate,volunteer volunteer National Trust, When you or or joinjoin thethe National Trust, youryour support helpsus ustotolook lookafter after special places Tavistock support helps special places <inaround the region> <like such as Cotehele, Buckland Abbey and Lydford Gorge for ever, for property X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone.everyone. © National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent charity, number 205846. © National registered charity,registered number 205846.

Photography Trust Photography © National Trust Images\Chris Lacey.

Images.

#nationaltrust #nationaltrust

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

55

MUSIC & ART

Carn to Cove wins new project funding for rural arts Carn to Cove has won a substantial award from the Arts Council of England ‘Strategic Touring Fund’ to develop its work in rural communities in Cornwall, Devon and the South West with a new project ‘Locomotor’. Villages in Action has been working with Carn to Cove and is delighted that the rural touring project of the Cornish charity, Creative Kernow, has been awarded funds to develop its already outstanding work in bringing the arts to rural communities.

There are three strands of new activity which Locomotor will be delivering to help make high-quality arts available for rural communities: First is the development of a sustainable rural touring offer in Devon. Carn to Cove has been working with Villages in Action since March 2017, when it had to suspend its rural touring programme. The objective is to secure and resource the volunteer network in Devon already active in our local communities to provide ‘Great Art for Everyone’ with high quality performances. It will also seek to build further capacity through advocacy to local authorities around the social and

economic impacts of arts activity, developing new partnerships in Devon and Cornwall, and testing new models of working between villages, and market and coastal towns.

Secondly, the award will support an international programme to present more diverse work of different cultures in the South West. Carn to Cove hosted the ‘New Directions International’ showcase in Falmouth in 2016 for the National Rural Touring Forum and this new project will build on the international partnerships that have emerged from 2016 – including Cornish companies touring overseas as well as artists from Spain, Lithuania and Sweden performing and undertaking workshop and participation activity across rural touring schemes in the South West of England.

Thirdly, the Locomotor project will improve long-term sustainability by enabling the development of new online tools and web presence to improve box office income with centralised online ticketing and marketing.

SPRING EVENTS Valentines – it’s not just about the 14th!

Bring your loved one for a relaxed evening and dinner with bookings between 6.30pm and 9.00pm any day from the 12th to the 16th.

Wedding Open Evening – Thursday 22nd February 4.00pm till 7.00pm If you have made the commitment to the next stage of your lives together come and visit to see how the Crystal Room looks and to discuss how we can help make your day.

Mothering Sunday – 11th March Make Mum’s Day – Lunch or Afternoon Tea in our fabulous Crystal Room, lunch is between 12.00 and 2.00pm at £24.95 per adult and afternoon tea between 3.30pm and 5.30pm at £18.95 per adult. Children £15 each for both events

Easter Day Lunch – 1st April Celebrate Easter with your family, three course lunch is £24.95 per adult, children £15, available between 12.00 and 2.00pm

To book any of these do please call our Events Team on 01822 852245 or email events@moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk Full details of these and other offers are available on our website moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk Moorland Garden Hotel, Yelverton, Plymouth PL20 6DA 56

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MUSIC MUSIC&&ART ART

Exhibitions at Wildwood Arts, Horrabridge Owner of Wildwood Arts gallery, Cheri Hunston, is delighted to present a series of exhibitions over the coming months, showcasing some of the incredible highquality art in the local area, inspired by Dartmoor, its nature and its wildlife.

9th to 17th February

‘Capturing Dartmoor’ photography exhibition This very local photography exhibition captures the essence of Dartmoor the people, places, flora and fauna - with work from a wealth of talented professional photographers and printers in the area. Cheri is working with photographer Maxwell Law to curate the exhibition. Much of his archive of images is nature based and his work has been widely exhibited and published, as well as gaining him the Licentiate Distinction from the Royal Photographic Society.

Everyone is welcome to the opening event on 9th February (6:00-8:00pm) to meet the photographers and purchase prints.

24th February to13th March

‘An Artistic Journey’ Richard Slater Wildwood Arts is very privileged to be exhibiting the work of this fantastic local artist, Richard Slater (Royal institute of Watercolourists), whose wellcrafted style, portraying complex local landscapes as abstracts with vibrant colours, places him at the centre of the British Neo–romantic movement. He was elected to the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour in 1999, with his work being exhibited yearly at the Mall galleries in London. His paintings are in the permanent art collection of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter and his work is also in the BBC art collection.

Through his paintings, this exhibition will endeavour to trace his artistic journey over his many years as an artist.

Richard Slater will be in attendance to meet visitors at the preview on Saturday 24th February (6:00 -8.30pm). Please contact Wildwood Arts for an invitation.

16th March to 7th April

‘Homespun from Devon’ Sue Lewis This exhibition celebrates a method of ‘painting with wool’ used by local artist Sue Lewis. She collects a wide array of locally sourced and rare breed fleece, such as Blue-Faced Leicester and Perendale, straight from the sheep, washes it, hand-dyes it and transforms it into beautiful artwork depicting

Richard Slater

Dartmoor scenes. She also recently acquired her own first sheep and is now building up her flock to source the wool!

Sue Lewis will be in attendance for a private viewing on Friday 16th March (6.30-8.30pm). Please contact Wildwood Arts for preview invitations and for additional times when Sue will be in the gallery.

Exhibitions are open Tues-Sat 10am4pm. For further information contact 01822 258529 or e-mail info@ wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk

57

MUSIC & ART

10 February

Brahms choral workshop Phoenix Chorale will be holding another of its popular choral workshops with director of music, Marcus Alleyne. This year the workshop will include a wide variety of Brahms’s works for choir including an opportunity to sing his well-known Cradle Song and excerpts from one of his best-known works, Ein Deutsches Requiem, which was almost a disaster at its premiere, when apparently the timpanist misread the dynamics as ‘ff’ (very loud) at the beginning and drowned out the rest of the orchestra.

Johannes Brahms is one of the most respected and well-liked composers of the Romantic period, who composed for symphony orchestra, chamber

ensembles, piano, organ, and voice.

All levels of singers are welcome to join us from 10:00am to 4:00pm at St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square, Plymouth PL1 5EG. Registration opens at 9:30am and the workshop costs £20, including hot and cold drinks and a music booklet for participants to keep. A light lunch is also

Desperate Measures

Members of the group first started to meet for jazz jam sessions in late 2008. Rehearsals moved from a cellar in a private house to the village hall in Meavy which has the advantage of

Places can be booked on wegottickets. com or for more information email info@ plymouthphoenixchorale.org eat • drink • laugh • sleep

thE

Who’d Have Thought It inn

Valentines by Candlelight

23rd February

Desperate Measures is a jazz band based in the West Country, playing jazz standards ranging from gentle bossa novas to swinging blues.

available for £3. Friends and family are invited to drop in at 3:15pm to listen to an informal performance.

being opposite a nice pub! Although band members come from a wide area stretching from Truro to Totnes, Meavy has now become their adopted home.

In June 2009 the band played summer afternoon jazz and blues on the village green at Milton Coombe and now plays regularly for Sunday jazz lunches at The Bedford Hotel, as well as performing at a variety of other events.

7:30pm at Meavy Parish Hall with a licensed bar; Tickets cost £8

This wonderful 16th Century Inn is transformed into a romantic setting lit only by candles for this special evening

motHErs Day Your mother is your first friend, you’re best friend, your forever friend.

Table bookings now being taken

Milton Combe Duck Race Easter Monday.

Join us for an Easter Roast and enjoy this fun family event

f Milton Combe• PL20 6HP 01822 853313 the.whody@gmail.com www.whodhavethoughtitdevon.co.uk

58

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BOOK REVIEW

Review and recommendations by Natasha Church, BookStop, Tavistock The Sun and her Flowers

by Rupi Kaur.

Simon & Schuster £12.99 Rupi Kaur is a Canadian poet and performer, of Punjabi descent. In this book, she depicts various aspects of her life, which feel universal. It is a self-reflective, biographical collection of sensitive, accessible, beautiful and hard-hitting poetry, which speaks loudly and clearly of family, love, sex, beauty, anger, a rape and healing. Often with poetry books, I find myself dipping in sporadically. This book is best read cover to cover. Some favourite lines: i do not weep because i am unhappy i weep because i have everything yet i am unhappy from the poem: all you own is yourself*** a lot of times we are angry with other people for not doing what we should have done ourselves -responsibility it is a trillion billion dollar industry that would collapse if we believed we were beautiful enough already their concept of beauty is manufactured

Recommended Top 5 Reads: The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage – Philip Pullman The first in a new trilogy – long awaited!

David Fickling Books £20

Women & Power: A Manifesto - Mary Beard.

An entertaining yet serious book, by the renowned classicist, about how women have been treated throughout history.

Profile Books, £7.99.

Mythos: A Retelling of the Myths of Ancient Greece - Stephen Fry. A lively, intelligent retelling, perfect for the 21st century reader. Penguin £20.

A Gentleman in Moscow – Amor Towles A count is put under house arrest in Moscow, 1922, and experiences a new kind of richness.

Cornerstone £8.99

Life in the Garden: A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week – Penelope Lively Part memoir and part exploration of gardens in literature.

Penguin £14.99

i am not - human

Visit the showroom to see our Everhot, Rayburn and Esse range cookers

01822 614206

Unit 6 Crelake Industrial Estate,Tavistock

www.thedartmoorstovecompany.co.uk See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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FEATURE

Moor than meets the eye The Moor than meets the eye landscape partnership aims to show that there is more than meets the eye to Dartmoor and the 4000-year story of its landscape and people. In the first half of a two-part feature, find out how the scheme is ‘bringing communities and organisations together to explore Dartmoor’s past, conserve its wildlife, and improve understanding of this rich landscape’.

Thirteen organisations are involved in the collaborative Moor than meets the eye landscape partnership, led by Dartmoor National Park Authority. This huge five-year undertaking was

granted £1.9 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund and has a total budget of £3.8 million. Eighteen projects have already been completed since the scheme was launched in 2014, and there are ten projects currently running, with more in the pipeline, supported by the expertise of the Moor than meets the eye (MTMTE) team, based in Princetown. Volunteers have been an essential part of many of MTMTE’s projects, but the Parishscapes projects in particular have enabled communities to come together and explore projects of local importance, with the aim of engaging a wide range of people in enhancing the local heritage for the community to enjoy now and in the future.

Fourteen parishes are involved: Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Buckland in the moor, Gidleigh, Ilsington, Lustleigh, Manaton, Moretonhampstead, North Bovey, Throwleigh, Widecombe in the moor, Bickington, Chagford and Dartmoor Forest. £10,000 is available for each parish to invest in heritage projects and Emma Stockley, the MTMTE community heritage officer, has worked with all the parishes to help existing groups of historians, archaeologists, conservationists, artists and many other volunteers come together. The Parishscapes projects have really captured the imagination of the communities; although the original estimate of volunteer involvement was targeted at 1064 hours, Emma has already recorded in excess of 9000 volunteer hours - and there are still two years to go.

One of the first parishes to get involved was North Bovey when its Conservation Group proposed a project to repair a favourite historic feature, Dickford Bridge, which involved members of the community working with a stone mason and learning how to make the necessary repairs, including shaping and engraving a new boundary stone. A very successful community project taster day then led to the parish setting up the annual North Bovey Heritage Festival and the North Bovey Interest Centre in the parish hall, with equipment such as moth traps, a bat detector, butterfly and moth identification cards.

This was followed by the North Bovey Wool Project which has enabled the community to investigate the area’s history of wool production, including opportunities to learn new skills such as felting, spinning and weaving.

The community of Moretonhampstead leapt at the chance to explore parish links with the murder of Thomas Beckett in

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FEATURE

1170. In 1174 King Henry II granted ‘one hundred shillings’ worth of land in Moreton[hampstead], namely Doccombe’ to the Chapter of Canterbury, confirming the original grant made

by William de Tracey as penance for his role in the murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170. In a Parishscapes project, entitled Life in the Manor of Doccombe, led by the Moretonhampstead History Society, residents and community groups have come together and attracted support from several other organisations.

In March 2017 a community archaeology project took place aiming to shed light on the post-medieval farmstead of Vinnimore in the Bovey Valley. This Lustleigh Parishscapes excavation brought a number of different groups and organisations together and volunteers worked alongside professional archaeologists from Oakford Archaeology to uncover the remains, including excavating two hearths, one of which had the remains of a bread oven within its walls. The farmstead did not prove to be medieval but the presence of hearths, and window glass, suggested its status was higher than initially thought.

Thanks to a Parishscapes grant for the community of Buckland in the Moor and funding from the Dartmoor Communities Fund, the lettering on the Buckland Beacon Ten Commandment

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

Stones monument has been restored to its former glory. The monument was first created in 1928 to celebrate the rejection of the proposed new book of common prayer by parliament and over 1500 letters were cut into two tablets of natural granite.

Other Parishscapes projects have taken a more artistic approach to exploring local heritage. The recent Granite Elements art exhibition at Princetown Visitor Centre was inspired by the history and ecology of the Granite tramway which linked Haytor to Stover. It was the result of a twoyear Bovey Tracey Parishscapes project led by local resident and artist Bridget Arnold, which brought artists, historians and local experts together, and included fifty events, such as creative writing and art workshops, guided walks and exhibitions. Drama has also played its part in the Parishscapes project; the parish of Throwleigh involved large numbers of the local community in staging ‘Miss Varwell’s Throwleigh’ which celebrated the history and traditions of the village by telling the story of Emmie Varwell who arrived in Throwleigh at the turn of the century.

Parishscapes projects are providing the opportunity for people to take ownership of their local heritage, by encouraging communities to learn about and enjoy their cultural and natural environment. Although projects will continue to run for another two years, Andy Bailey and Emma Stockley of MTMTE are now working with groups to develop skills and enable the process started by these communities to continue after the end of the scheme, preserving local heritage for future generations.

Rosemary Best For more information visit www.moorthanmeetstheeye.org An exhibition based on the MTMTE project ‘In the Footsteps of the Victorians’ is now on display at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter – see What’s on Extra for details.

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BUSINESS

Tech Tips from ChezvousPC Lightning damage

Meltdown and Spectre

It’s that time of year again – we seem to be in storm season, and a few customers have already been caught unawares and lost equipment because of electrical damage. We would always suggest you have some form of surge protection in place – both for the BT line, and your electrical sockets.

However, the best advice we can give you is to unplug devices if you know a storm is imminent – especially the router from the BT socket!

The latest ‘big news’ out of the tech sector are the security threats that appear to affect nearly all computer processors developed by the big three manufacturers – Intel, AMD and ARM. But what does it mean for you at home? Well, probably not a lot; providing you are running either a Windows computer or an iMac and you have the newest version of the operating systems, it’s likely the problem will already have been patched. If, for whatever reason your computer is unable to perform its automatic updates, it really is something you should get sorted out.

Windows 10 updates Some of the updates to Microsoft’s newest operating system appear to take a bit longer than others. The latest ‘Creators’ update can take up to 4Gb worth of data to download, and it isn’t unusual for your computer to be out of action for more than 30 minutes while it is installing. Be patient with it though – when it advises you not to turn off or unplug your computer, there’s a good reason, and it’s best to let it complete in its own time. Otherwise you risk causing even more problems by cutting it off halfway.

Upgrade Time For a long time, adding more RAM has been seen as a cheap and easy way to improve the performance of a sluggish PC, but prices do seem to be very high right now. Forecasts suggest the price may plateau around the second quarter of 2018, so it might be worth holding off for a little longer…

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Council survey to understand businesses’ future needs Two councils in Devon are calling all businesses who might want to expand in Devon or relocate to the area, to help them plan for the future. A short two-minute survey is being promoted by South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council as part of their work on the councils’ Joint Local Plan, their plan for future development in the area.

Cllr Graham Parker, Lead Member for the Joint Local Plan said: “We need to plan for the future and that means building a clear picture of what the needs of our businesses might be. Do we need to make provision for more land, more buildings, and what type of buildings - office, retail or industrial?”

said: “This piece of work will further support the Joint Local Plan that is currently with the inspector, waiting to be examined. We would now like to build a database of business needs that will help us to ensure that our Joint Local Plan moves from a paper exercise to reality. In essence the Joint Local Plan has established the need for development, now we need to help make it happen by further understanding that need and delivering it.”

If you would like to take part in the survey please visit: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SHWD_DevLandNeed

Cllr Judy Pearce, Lead Member for the Joint Local Plan

Jump-Start your business with 12 hours of free support The European Regional Development Fund and local authorities have made funding available to support businesses across Devon, with two major business support programmes, allowing you to access a wide range of expert business support and advice at no cost to you - the Growth Support Programme and Start-Up & Grow Programme.

Whether you are looking to launch a new business this year or grow your existing business, Business Information Point can advise on these fantastic free programmes to help you achieve your business goals. Support is offered as a 12-hour package that gives you tailored one-to-one advice with an experienced business advisor as well as access to free business skills workshops, and telephone and email support. The value of this support would normally be £600, but your only cost is your

commitment to the full 12 hours. The more effort you put in to engaging with the advice given by your business mentor, the more you will gain.

You will receive specific sessions covering all major aspects of your business. Starting with an initial consultation to get to know you and your business, the advice is then tailored to your specific requirements providing practical support and recommendations you can apply immediately. After your initial one-to-one meeting you will work step-by-step with your business advisor through the following modules: marketing, digital innovation, financial planning and human resources. In some cases, support is delivered in a workshop setting and the digital innovation module is delivered by our partner Cosmic, digital marketing and IT experts based in Honiton.

You can find more information about the Growth Support Programme and Start-Up & Grow Programme at www. businessinfopoint.co.uk/projects. You can either register your interest on our website, call us on free-phone 0800 592 872 or email team@businessinfopoint.co.uk.

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OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE

Out and About with Tavistock Ramblers A three-and-a-half-mile walk in the Tamar Valley with Anne Sleep of Tavistock Ramblers.

Starting in the heart of Bere Alston at the Recreation Ground car park (SX451667)

This walk takes us deep into the Tamar Valley with a few ups and downs. There are breathtaking views over the river to Calstock and reminders of the times when daffodil growing was a big industry hereabouts.

Turn right out of the car park and walk carefully to the end of the road and turn left. Carry straight on at the crossroads passing a house called Highfield on the right.

At the next crossroads turn left into Broad Park Road.

Continue for nearly half a mile before turning right into Tuckermarsh Lane (opposite Drake’s Park). After 120m (on the sharp bend) go through a wooden gate on the left signed as a footpath and then immediately right through a metal gate to cross a field. There are splendid views of Kit Hill, Calstock and the viaduct, completed in 1907 and still in use. The path descends through woodland to meet a track.

Go left and almost immediately bear right on a wide track.

Go to the left of the entrance to Dean Farm and then gently downhill on a good track through oak woodland.

At the bottom, turn right behind the cottages at Tuckermarsh Quay where there was once a regular ferry crossing to the Cornish side. Take time to admire the river view before walking up the track away from the river. Ignore a bridge on the left and continue ahead on a footpath climbing through the woods with a stream on the left.

Where the path forks, go left over a wooden footbridge.

There is a short steep section before it levels out, becoming a concrete track and passing houses to reach a lane.

Turn left steeply downhill and go past a few houses to reach a junction. Turn right uphill to cross an old railway bridge with splendid views behind.

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www.beau-yelverton.co.uk At the top, the remains of Gawton Mine, with its leaning stack, can be seen on the left. Turn right at the crossroads signed for Bere Alston. After nearly half a mile go straight on at another crossroads and back to the start point.

Although this is no longer an area where daffodils are commercially grown, there are still plenty to be seen in spring. The story goes that during the war, the fields of daffodils were cleared to make way for growing vegetables.

Many of the bulbs were thrown into the

surrounding hedgerows and that’s why we still see so many lining our roads and fields today.

Join Anne and other members of Tavistock Ramblers for this walk on Wednesday March 28th. They will be leaving the start point in Bere Alston at 10.00am.

If you can’t make that day, have a look on the website www.tavistockramblers.org.uk for more walks in the area.

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Map not to scale – for guidance only. Please refer to OS Map (SX451667) See our new community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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HISTORY

Dartmoor leats Leats have been in use on Dartmoor since medieval times and were originally constructed to provide power for local industries, before later being used to channel Plymouth’s municipal water supply. Dartmoor Preservation Association volunteers have spent several years clearing gorse and scrub from the dry leats on Roborough Common so that Plymouth Leat and Devonport Leat are now clearly visible again.

The word ‘leat’ comes from the Old English word ‘gelaet’ meaning a conduit or a trench and is particularly common in the South West to describe the proliferation of manmade channels built to transport water. Waterwheels were an essential part of mining operations, providing power to drive stamps for crushing ore, bellows for the smelting furnaces and pumps. Early medieval blowing houses usually sourced their water as close as possible and short leats were often constructed to divert water from the nearest river to the operations site. However in later centuries, longer leats were constructed, such as the Grimstone and Sortridge Leat which still carries water from the River Walkham, west of Great Mis Tor, and was used to supply the waterwheels at Sortridge Consols, as well as a number of farms and houses.

Powdermills gunpowder factory in Postbridge was one of the more unusual local mills to make use of a leat. It was built in 1844 to provide gunpowder to local tin mines and granite quarries and used waterwheels to power the grinding machinery until it closed about 1900. Leats from the River Walkham serviced various mills in Horrabridge from the 14th century until the 20th century. A leat still flows to the site of Phoenix Mill in Horrabridge which was used as a paper mill very briefly towards the end of the 18th century, and then later for fulling, leather and wool before it became a flour mill in the 20th century.

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Plymouth Leat, also known as Drake’s Leat, was built between 1589 and 1591. Drake became Mayor of Plymouth in 1581 and was also a Member of Parliament when the Water Bill proposing a leat to supply water to Plymouth was presented to parliament in 1584, receiving royal assent the following year. The leat started under the present site of Burrator Reservoir, diverting water from the River Meavy and continuing for approximately 17 miles, following the contour lines to allow a steady flow along the leat to Plymouth. It was originally planned to provide water for naval and merchant shipping, as well as fire-fighting in Plymouth, although Drake also had a vested interest in helping to get the bill passed as he was granted a lease to build and work six mills along the leat, at a time when corn mills were extremely profitable.

Over time public ‘conduits’ were also constructed to supply water free of charge to the population; the sides of the leat were lined with stone or slate, and sections were roofed to prevent pollution. In the 1820s, reservoirs were built in Plymouth at Drake’s Place and North Road and the city’s water supply system was considerably updated during the 19th century. When a dense snowfall during the ‘Great Storm’ of 1891 brought the leat to a standstill for several days it was obvious that an alternative solution needed to be found.

HISTORY

Researching your ancestors’ military history

The Plymouth Corporation Act of 1893 authorised the construction of a reservoir at Burrator Gorge and water ceased to flow along Drake’s leat in 1898.

In the 1790s Devonport was a separate town with a busy port and an increasing requirement for water. Plymouth was unwilling to share its water supply so a bill was lodged with Parliament proposing a new leat for Devonport which was approved in 1792, with the leat eventually being completed in 1801. Considerable engineering skill was employed in building the leat which starts just north of Wistman’s Wood and takes water from the West Dart, Cowsic and Blackbrook rivers along aqueducts, a tunnel at Nun’s Cross and even a waterfall at Raddick Hill, using sluice gates, weirs and ‘bullseye’ stones to control the flow as required. The leat originally ran for 28 miles and terminated in a reservoir in the site of Devonport Park. More reservoirs were built around Devonport as the town expanded, then in 1878 a large one was built at Crownhill and water was piped from there into the town.

Devonport Leat now supplies a nearby waterworks site that distributes water as far away as Plymouth, Tavistock and surrounding areas, with excess water flowing into Burrator Reservoir via a waterfall. Remains of the continuing dry section, as well as sections of the dry Drake’s Leat can still be seen between Burrator and Plymouth, particularly between Yelverton and Clearbrook where the two leats run close to the cycle path. In addition to Devonport Leat, there are still a number of leats on Dartmoor that carry water, including Grimstone and Sortridge Leat, Wheal Friendship Leat, Wheal Jewell Leat, Hamlyn’s Leat, Holne Town Gutter and Gidleigh Leat.

Rosemary Best and Keith Ryan (Dartmoor Preservation Association)

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About 60% of the military records of soldiers who fought in World War One were destroyed during the Second World War. Those records that remain may be found in the British Army service records on the ancestry.co.uk website; medal cards for all soldiers are also listed. Burial records may be found at the Commonwealth War Graves site and also on Ancestry UK. Various other records such as WW1 diaries, army pension records, navy lists and prisoners of war are also listed on Ancestry UK. The website findmypast.co.uk also gives records of servicemen in WW1. A specialist website called the longlongtrail. co.uk focuses on WW1 and gives some very good information about how to research soldiers, units, regiments and battles of the WW1 British Army. Another website called the greatwar.co.uk offers an overview for researching records.

Under the Data Protection Act details of WW2, military records are not yet generally available.

However, various lists such as British prisoners of war, army roll of honour, civil defence gallantry awards from 1940-1949 and WW2 civilian death records are available on Ancestry UK. The Commonwealth War Graves website also lists WW2 casualties.

The Napoleonic Wars are covered in Waterloo records 1812-1817 on Ancestry UK, and miscellaneous naval records are also available, such as officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, the navy lists, the navy medal and award rolls, and medals given to merchant seamen. And there are various other lists which cover long periods of time, such as the military campaign medals of 1793-1949, again found on Ancestry UK. Findmypast provides records of servicemen of the Anglo-Boer War, Korean War, Spanish Civil War, Napoleonic War, and the Malayan Emergency, as well as peacetime army lists, army deserters, RAF servicemen and military nurses.

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Ancestry UK provides lists of Scottish soldiers in colonial America, soldiers and casualties of the Boer War, RAF records 1918-1940, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps index 1917-1920, the Women’s RAF index 1918-1920 and the Women’s Royal Naval Service index 1917-1919.

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LOCAL PROPERTY

Beautiful local properties on the market….

BRIDESTOWE Superb detached country residence with stylish interiors comprising a converted large period coach house and stables formerly serving a nearby manor house set in about 1.8 acres of grounds.

The property was originally converted some 30 years ago and was subsequently completely re-modelled and expanded resulting in this delightfully individual, spacious and versatile residence. OIRO £635,000 Miller Town & Country 01837 54080

TAMERTON FOLIOT A characterful detached cottage occupying

a beautifully maintained and impressive plot enjoying a high degree of privacy and views across the village. Features include a large detached double garage with parking forecourt, extensive gardens and wellproportioned living accommodation. Benefits include PVCu double glazing, gas central heating and offered to market with no onward chain. Viewing highly recommended. OIEO £425,000 Mansbridge Balment 01752 791333

MARY TAVY Beautifully presented three bedroom period house situated on the fringe of this popular village, enjoying views over open countryside to the river. The property has been sympathetically restored by the current owners over the last decade but has retained much of its original charm and character such as period fireplaces, high ceilings, picture rails and mullion windows. OIRO £700,000 Miller Town & Country 01822 617243

ROBOROUGH An exciting new development of 2-5 bed homes

situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and just six miles from Plymouth City Centre. 100% A Energy Rating, Solar Panels, TripleGlazed Windows, Airtight Construction, Help to Buy Available and 10 year Builder’s Guarantee. Phase One Release, 3 and 4 bed homes from £255,000.

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TAVISTOCK Opulent executive individually designed residence situated in sought after location. Hallway, Open Plan Kitchen/Dining Area, Sitting Room, Utility, Cloakroom, Four Bedrooms, including Master with En-Suite and Dressing Room, Bathroom, Gardens, Double Garage, Ground Floor Underfloor Heating, First Floor GCH, DG, Parking for Several Vehicles, Gardens. £695,000 Kirby Estate Agents 01822 612010

TAVISTOCK Stunning property set within a select development with the advantage of a private lift, garage, allocated parking and visitors parking. Entrance Hallway, Landings and Lift Access on Each Floor, Cloakroom, Kitchen/Dining Room, Sitting Room, Study (originally third bedroom), Master Bedroom with En-Suite Shower Room, Bathroom, DG, Underfloor Heating, GCH. £340,000 Kirby Estate Agents 01822 612010

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BGL Before...

The Modern Garage With Village Principles

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Barton Garages Ltd 01822 853939

After...

Unit E Yelverton Business Park Yelverton Yelverton PL20 7PE

barton-garages@btconnect.com Don’t FREEZE in your conservatory this winter!

JANUARY

SALE

Insulate your conservatory ceiling without replacing the existing roof!

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TRADE SECRETS

Trade Secrets Juliana Hopkins COUNSELLOR/PSYCHOTHERAPIST Why did you become a counsellor?

After becoming a primary school teacher, I was inspired to take a course in counselling as I felt a fascination with philosophy and psychology and wanted to continue to work with people. Whilst I enjoyed teaching I felt a real vocation for counselling. I believe I am a good listener and have an empathic nature.

How much training is involved, what qualifications do you need to become a counsellor?

Courses are between 3 and 5 years.

Initially you take an Introduction to Counselling Skills Certificate which gives you an idea of the parameters of the job and whether you’d be suitable.

Course options can then develop through diploma, degree to doctorate. Once qualified with a diploma you need to gain experience and most employees would expect you to be accredited with a professional body such as the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy). Accreditation means that you have at least 450 hours of experience, that you have monthly

supervision, that you adhere to a code of ethics and that you continue to develop personally and professionally. It is written into our code of conduct that we look after ourselves too.

How long have you been a counsellor?

I gained my diploma in counselling after studying for four years whilst still teaching. I gave up my teaching post after maternity leave. I have been practising for 15 years and I am now an accredited supervisor.

Where do you work?

I have a beautiful, comfortable therapy room/cabin in my garden which I hope is a quiet place where my clients can feel safe and at ease. I also work in Exeter one day a week and occasionally work with other external agencies. I work for Marjon’s student counselling service at certain times of the year too.

Who else works with you?

I am self-employed, working with individuals and couples. I have a supervisory meeting once a month to

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What is involved in being a counsellor?

How does your day usually unfold?

There is some flexibility but I try and stick to a routine working week, aiming to see no more than five clients per day.

What I offer is time – their time, in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental setting where they are fully heard. These are the conditions that enable people to feel safe enough to explore their emotions and experiences, and get to know themselves better. This increased clarity of self-understanding helps them positively inform their own choices.

Sometimes coming to counselling is seen as a sign of weakness or failure. I would say that taking care of our mind is an act of strength.

What would you say to someone thinking of this as a career?

It is essential that you are able to listen both attentively and actively. You must be non-prejudicial, trustworthy and open. It is such an interesting subject and you learn a lot about yourself; however it is an oversubscribed career and can be difficult to gain experience.

What is the best thing about your job?

It is hugely rewarding. I have close relationships with my clients and is has been wonderful to see them feel better about themselves and their choices. I always find great worth in people and enjoy the opportunity to witness people as they see their own self-worth.

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