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Winter 2014
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CONTENTS
A different way of giving… With the festive season fast approaching and many of us racing around trying to buy gifts and decorate our homes, perhaps we should slow down and in the true spirit of Christmas, think of giving some of our time to others in our community or elsewhere in the world. Two specific articles in this issue remind us of the need to spread our giving a little wider. With a large support group in West Devon, Peter Mayston has kindly put together an article about the Santa Rosa Fund, who work so hard to provide the necessary equipment for children to achieve a basic level of education in Nicaragua. The Book Bus again features in the magazine, with our Last Word written by Jennie Davies who recently went to Malawi to help on one of the many Book Buses now based around the world. As she says in her closing paragraph, education is vital to improving standards of living and a long-term decline in poverty. However, poverty sadly is still a factor in our own communities and our local food banks in Tavistock and Bere Alston have had to increase their giving by almost 100% since we last featured them two years ago. Rosemary has put together a brief update on their situation and a growing need for more support. Jennie Davies vowed she would, on retirement, sign herself up for a trip with the Book Bus - maybe we could all share a similar kind of ‘resolution’ within our New Year celebrations. From all the team at Moor Links, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Lizzie
Lizzie Watt, Editor editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
P.S. Remember to join us on our Facebook page, for regular event listings and up to date news! Deadline for the Spring issue is Friday 7th February 2015. We would like to say a big thank you to our many local contributors, who help to keep our magazine so interesting to all. If you would like to help or have a story or event you would like to see published please do get in touch. Please contact us via email (editorial@moorlinks.co.uk), telephone 01822 853110 or visit our website www.moorlinks.co.uk. Editor: Lizzie Watt Publisher: Tim Randell Deputy Editor: Rosemary Best Writers: Rosemary Best, Nichola Williams, Pat Woodgate, Lizzie Spiers and Bethany Miall Graphic Designers: Terri Reeves and Rachel Marsh
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CONTENTS 4. Local People
Local Scout Leader, Rob Belcher, Former Private Secretary to Margaret Thatcher, Neill Mitchell and Master Florist, Amanda Randell
8. School Spotlight
Burrator’s new Discovery Centre
11. Book Review
Natasha Church of Book Stop, Tavistock gives us some advice for Christmas reading.
14. Looking Good
Dr Mary Nichols explains about the dangers of over prescribing antibiotics.
18. Village News
Pantomime’s, Workshops and Tennis
24. Naturalist
Our winter mammals we are most likely to see.
46. Piggy’s Walk
Piggy explores High Down and Widgery with wonderful views of Devon and Cornwall.
50. A Day Out To…
Bethany heads a little closer to home and reminds us all why we love Tavistock!
52. Great Escapes
Glowing open fires at Bovey Castle and an artist’s adventure to Morocco.
60. Local History
Why we have a reservoir at Burrator.
Moorly our resident hedgehog has been spotted 8 times throughout the magazine. Can you spot him too? ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Contact Tim Randell on 07540 161 929 / 01822 853110 to disuss your advertising enquiries. Email: advertising@moorlinks.co.uk or visit our website: www.moorlinks.co.uk to view our rate card. 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 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 © 2014
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LOCAL PEOPLE
John Belcher Scout Leader
In 1947 Mrs Belcher gave birth to a bouncing baby boy in Horrabridge as the maternity unit in Plymouth was full. John grew up in Plymouth, but a large piece of his identity remained on the moor and he has loved it ever since.
As a child he tried to join the Cub Scouts a year early and then remained in scouting until he was 21, rising through the ranks, earning the Queens Award and becoming the Assistant Scout Leader of his local Plymouth Group.
Early on John realised he was skilled with his hands. He excelled at woodwork and twice won the school’s award for carpentry. After a five year apprenticeship with Sellick, Nicholls and Williams studying carpentry and joinery in Plymouth and St. Austell, he gained his Advanced City and Guilds qualification and within a year was self employed. John’s company has flourished to this day and despite recently retiring he finds it hard to stop working, describing himself as someone who can’t sit still for long.
He has now served the 1st Buckland Scouts for 17 years as Leader and says “I get a buzz seeing young people enjoying themselves in our wonderful outdoor environment, learning through fun about life skills, helping others, self achievement and making new friends”.
As a young carpenter John took contract work on building sites in Devon and Cornwall, later moving into shop fitting and renovation work on old buildings, manor houses and churches. In his mid twenties he joined a self build group of eight crafts people and within eighteen months, working for 35 hours a week on top of full time employment, they had cooperatively built eight homes on the outskirts of Plymouth. This tireless and practical existence serves him well today – best known locally for his long-time Scouting leadership.
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John has led many interesting activities with through his Scouting membership, including in 2008 and 2009 the Shelterbox Dartmoor Challenge. Teams of four Leaders raced across 35 miles of Dartmoor carrying the Shelterbox, each raising £1000 through donations for the charity . This year a group of Devon Leaders and Explorer Scouts (led by John) headed to Botswana to build a scout headquarters and learning centre. The group self funded all materials and costs by raising £3000 each. www.devonscouts.org.uk Nichola Williams
editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
LOCAL PEOPLE
Neill Mitchell
Former member of Margaret Thatcher’s private office As Neill Mitchell sits opposite me chatting in a relaxed and unassuming way I find it difficult to believe I am interviewing a man who worked in the private office of Baroness Thatcher during her first term as Prime Minister. His career path has been rich and varied and he seems to be the sort of person who not only turns his hand to everything but who embraces opportunities wherever they are presented and then turns them into achievements. He has organised Royal-patronised events in Hyde Park, Wembley and Olympia, business events at the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster, was a publicly-appointed member of the governance of Network Rail Limited and regional chairman of the 7-County South West Chambers of Commerce, as well as working in the voluntary sector on the board of a number of high profile fund-raising projects.
not tally with page 250’. Neill sometimes had to deliver urgent messages to her from the Foreign Office but she had always picked up the information from the BBC radio news before he reached her. Neill also recalls her sense of humour - she disliked flippant or crude remarks, but she loved satire and thoroughly enjoyed the television series ‘Yes Minister’, even allowing an episode to be filmed at Number 10.
At the age of three Neill moved with his family to South Africa and spent his early childhood in Port Elizabeth until the arrest of Nelson Mandela, at which point his family decided it was time to return to England. Neill has necessarily spent much of his life in London but is very proud of his Devonian roots and can trace his Plymouth ancestry back for more than 300 years to the time when his forebears worked as tidal water millers in the Yealmpton area. He was born in Devon and came back to live here on the Bere Peninsula, again in 1997 when he became Chief Executive of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.
Neill was later recruited into the Department of Trade and Industry where he was in charge of the export promotion hospitality programme for VIP overseas guests. The role involved promoting 2500 UK companies involved in export but also resulted in 6 years of five star hotel treatment and an intimate knowledge of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ which he saw 55 times (all in the line of duty). While he was in London he became chairman of the Riding Club at the Royal Mews where he met The Queen periodically, when Her Majesty was on her (often un-escorted) informal strolls amongst the horses. He also had the opportunity to ride the circuit from the Mews to the Bank of England, to Covent Garden and along the Strand. A group of riders even took the horses carol singing round the pubs at Christmas - The Antelope in Belgravia even welcomed the horses right into the bar for a drink.
Neill began his career in London at Lloyds Bank International and then in his words ‘drifted’ into the civil service, initially with a posting in the Courts of Law and then at 24, a position in the Lord Chancellor’s office in the House of Lords where his role involved drafting Royal and State Letters Patent, red boxing them to the Queen’s Office for signature and then applying the Great Seal of the Realm upon their return. In 1980 he moved to Margaret Thatcher’s private office at 10 Downing Street where he worked very closely with the Prime Minister and grew to know her well. He describes Baroness Thatcher as ‘everyone’s mother’ because contrary to the public persona which was often portrayed by the media, Neill describes her as caring and attentive, frequently worrying about the welfare of her staff. Once on a tour of India she insisted that her 20 staff benefitted from the VIP tour of the Taj Mahal while she stayed and manned the office. The scientist in Margaret Thatcher meant that ‘why?’ was her initial response to every proposal put before her and a 300 page scientific document given to her at 10pm would be returned the next morning with scribbled comments suggesting that, for example, ‘the data on page 204 does www.moorlinks.co.uk
Although Neill has officially retired he recently devised and donated the Great American Heritage Trail for Visit Plymouth - the trail comprises of 37 locations of historical interest in the city of Plymouth and is part of the run-up to the 400th anniversary of the 1620 sailing of the Mayflower. He is also working on reports around the issue of the railway routes between Plymouth and Exeter following David Cameron’s interest in an article he wrote in 2011; the article reviewed acts of parliament passed in 1936 and 1937 to reroute the railway before plans were overtaken by WWII. Neill Mitchell has countless achievements to his name and yet even now he wonders if he could have accomplished more by a life in politics - although he is still not sure which party he would have joined. Rosemary Best 5
LOCAL PEOPLE
Amanda Randell
British Master Florist and RHS Chelsea Gold Medalist 2014 in the UK. Having only attended a handful of ballet lessons, she promptly advised her parents that she would like to go to a dedicated ballet school and so Elmhurst School of Dance was chosen.
Having run her award winning shop, Randell Cox, in Tavistock for over six years, before moving on to a more freelance lifestyle, Amanda Randell will be familiar to many of you. If you’ve met her she will probably have struck you as vivacious, hugely creative and talented, warm, friendly and above all extremely passionate about all things floral. Her exquisite floral designs have this year won her a prestigious, RHS Chelsea Gold Medal on her first entry to Chelsea. As she says herself, she became a slightly maniacal Cheshire Cat for days after receiving the award. Amanda has clearly always had a somewhat creative streak in her from early childhood. In her early years Amanda lived with her parents in Pakistan, whilst her father, an Army Officer, was based in Rawalpindi. Her parents decided she would be better off at boarding school 6
On leaving school, ballet was left behind and Amanda took up an apprenticeship with the famous and highly prestigious florists, Moyses Stevens in Berkeley Square, London. Whilst with Moyses Stevens, Amanda worked on many interesting contracts and society clients, not least an Arab family wedding that took place at London’s Claridges where table arrangements were 15ft long. Following the success of this particular wedding, Amanda was personally invited to fly out to the Gulf to undertake a floral ‘shoot’ for Arab Vogue. She explains that this was a most surreal event, as she was surrounded by a number of armed guards whilst she worked – as the table settings (for which she was arranging the flowers), were entirely made of gold. Her father was later posted to Paris as Defense Attaché and having always loved everything Parisian, Amanda decided to leave London and join her parents. A job however was necessary to pay her way so she applied to work at the newly formed Disneyland, initially within the gardens department. She found a gap in their décor – flowers – and so convincing them of her skills, introduced a new ‘floristy department’ to the corporation. Once again her father was then on the move, this time to Moscow and so Amanda decided to come back to the UK with her mother. For a short time she worked within the Press Office for Action 2000 (dealing with the possibilities of a millennium bug), learning PR skills that have now become so invaluable to her. On meeting the love of her life, Amanda moved to Devon to be with her future husband Tim Randell and decided to launch her own florists shop – Randell Cox in Tavistock. With her very young daughter Lily spending too much time in her pram in the shop, whilst Amanda worked – she decided that family needed to come first and sold the business to work on a freelance basis. She now creates stunning displays for many of our local hotels, and loves to be able to editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
LOCAL PEOPLE spend time providing the perfect floral creations for local weddings and events. She decided to further her qualifications and individual flare and studied for her Masters Degree in Floristy at the Academy of Floral Art in Exeter; she now teaches at the Academy herself one weekend a month. Amanda is one of only 72 known British Masters in the UK and is keen on sharing her knowledge and improving standards for those wanting to join the industry. With competition from more than 300 other florists to secure one of only 16 places at RHS Chelsea, and to then win a gold medal – it is not surprising that she is being snapped up for floral ‘shoots’ (the latest by Marks and Spencer), here in the UK, but has also recently traveled to South of France and Romania. However, her passion is not only for flowers but also people and she loves nothing more than getting to know local brides and fully embracing their magical day as if it were her own! Lizzie Watt Amanda can be contacted through her website: www.amandarandell.co.uk or on 01822 870888
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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
In 2013 South West Lakes Trust (SWLT) was successful in securing funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), South West Water, Biffa Award, Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund, and West Devon Borough Council, and this funding has enabled the eagerly awaited three year ‘Burrator Historic and Natural Environment Project’ to become a reality. The whole project aims to consolidate historic remains around Burrator, improve access and increase community engagement by widening the provision of learning, interpretation and participation at Burrator.
more about Burrator and what it has to offer, from the construction of the dam to tin working and farming in the area, to help preserve it for the future. As such, whilst building works were underway an enthusiastic team of volunteers worked alongside Smith and Jones Design Consultants to research and create the content for the static and interactive displays and audio histories now in the new visitor centre.
A key part of the Burrator Historic and Natural Environment Project has been to restore the hundred year old ‘Iron Store’, and convert it into a Discovery Centre housing the SWLT office, the visitor centre and a classroom (which can be hired out externally). The Iron Store was a former forestry building, and is the only surviving example of an original building made of corrugated iron on Dartmoor. During an extensive consultation programme in 2011, it was found there was an overwhelming need for ‘interpretation’ to help visitors explore the area and learn
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Throughout the three year project SWLT are looking to extend their learning offer to schools and colleges in delivering curriculum based visits, along with personal development opportunities for young people and adults alike. Since July 2013 the project has delivered Forest School and outdoor learning programmes to pupils from ACE Primary, (the hearing support centre at Eggbuckland Vale Primary School) and Meavy & Yelverton District Pre-School (who have now become the new ‘Burrator Outdoor Pre-School’) Statements such as, “I’ve never done anything like this before ... it’s the best day ever!”, are now often heard!
editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
In addition over the first year of the project an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class from City College Plymouth have visited the site every Wednesday morning and in their second semester, to comply with their employability module, formed a social enterprise group and created the ‘Burrator Alive with History’ guide, aimed at 1619 year olds. The guide was launched at the Open Day, and is now on sale from the Burrator Discovery Centre. Along with these formal and informal learning opportunities, taster days for groups are also offered; a combination of practical work, orienteering, nature trails, and forest school – tailor made to the group’s needs, as well as corporate team building days. At weekends regular themed events are held, around traditional skill development such as coppicing and charcoal burning. Family sessions via our family wildlife watch programme focus on a different area each month, in September it was an evening bat watch, October seed gathering and November, fungi. Since July the centre has held monthly adult evening workshops delivered by Claire Packer from the Wet Felting Company which have been extremely well attended, and a great example of how the new classroom can be used. Emily Cannon Burrator Heritage Learning Officer
Let us do your ironing while you do something more enjoyable! We offer a free local collection and delivery service.
If you would like more information about arranging a school visit, attending a family event, getting involved in volunteering or looking to hire out the classroom please e-mail Emily at: heritage@swlakestrust.org.uk call 01822 855700 or visit us at the new Centre.
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BOOK REVIEW
Inspired by previous trips to Russia and propelled by a need to extricate himself from 21st Century life and its materialism, the author spends six months (February to July) in a log cabin by Lake Baikal in Siberia. His neighbours, including lone forest rangers and weather station employees, are few and far between. Nature around the lake is harsh, beautiful and terrifying: temperatures range from +30 in the summer down to -30 in winter, with violent storms, mosquitoes, bears and wolves to wonder at and contend with. The essential supplies Tesson brings with him have a smattering of humour and personality about them, such as “10 boxes of acetaminophen for vodka hangovers” and
unexpectedly large quantities of Tabasco. As the weeks go on, he becomes increasingly deeply connected to his environment. In March, he notes that “my being is taking root”, and by the end of April, with two young dogs as his companions and protectors, he notes: “These masters teach me to inhabit the only country worth living in: the moment”. In the midst of his developing appreciation of hermitic life, there are humorous depictions of his characterful Russian visitors and hosts, with whom he engages in energetic discussions and vodka drinking. There is also a personal price for him to pay for his stay in Russia and he describes this with intense emotion. Sylvain Tesson highlights the benefits of taking a breather from city life and re-connecting with nature, in order to slow down, know silence and to question and marvel at the fullness and completeness of life, in all its glory. Book Priced: £9.99
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Centuries of Change, by Ian Mortimer. Renowned historian discusses the great changes of the last millennium. £20.00
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The Narrow Road to the Deep North, by Richard Flanagan. This year’s Man Booker Prize winner, set on the Burma Death Railway. £16.99
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Moriarty, by Anthony Horowitz. Sherlock Holmes is dead, and darkness falls. £19.99
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CHARITY FOCUS
The Santa Rosa Fund (SRF) was established as a registered charity in 1994, to support education in the Santa Rosa barrio (suburb) of the capital Managua. The idea emerged during a school exchange visit in the 1980’s and has evolved into an organisation that now aims to distribute at least £10,000 each year to projects throughout Nicaragua. The Santa Rosa Fund is maintained by the loyal band of supporters, the large majority of whom live in or around West Devon. Their regular donations plus the proceeds from two annual events (Quiz in springtime, Music and performance poetry in autumn) fund the core of the work. Larger individual donations have enabled funding of capital projects such as the ‘Ben Dalton’ library at the Santa Rosa school and lighting for the sports hall in Cosiguina The connection with the Santa Rosa school has been central throughout. Initially this was in the form of boxes of pens, paper and other materials being sent out. Transport costs soon became prohibitive so since the 100th box, funds have been transferred to Nicaragua and purchases made locally. The scope of the support has widened to include library facilities, assistance to poorer families and teacher training. All projects are visited at least once a year by at least one of the Fund’s trustees when progress can be assessed and 12
purchasing requirements discussed. We firmly believe in local involvement and avoid imposing pre conceived concepts. Each proposal is costed and evaluated at a meeting of the trustees. As an example, installation of the computer system was initiated in this way. The concept was discussed with supporters and followed by a successful fund-raising drive. When the British Embassy in Nicaragua closed their surplus computer hardware was generously donated to the school. The Fund continues to maintain and expand the system and to provide training in its use. The Fund soon became aware of wider educational needs outside of the formal school system, with vulnerable young people loosely referred to as ‘street children’. Local groups exist that are able to offer a safe refuge and training, providing alternatives to a life of homelessness, crime, prostitution, and addiction. Annual donations are made to support their valuable work and we have provided 70 rucksacks of equipment so that students can attend school. These problems are also prevalent in rural areas, which have correspondingly low employment prospects. SRF has extended its work to include towns and villages in western Nicaragua. Here we work with a partner organisation, the Berriz Sisters, whose ‘liberation theology’ approach to education matches our philosophy. Current projects range from the regional town of Cosiguina, where library facilities, youth workers and sporting facilities have been funded, to editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
CHARITY FOCUS the small isolated village of Los Positos where students have to travel some distance to the nearest town for secondary education. Pioneering new initiatives support workshops of a women’s co-operative (safety during natural disasters) and volunteer nurses and doctors (sexual health). Co-ordinated by the SRF, visitors from the UK assist with these projects on a voluntary basis on the clear understanding that they must be entirely self-funded. It has proved to be a genuine life-changing experience for many of them. Peter Mayston
For more information or to subscribe to the newsletter, visit www.santarosafund.org.uk Contact email. mmowforth@plymouth.ac.uk phone 01822 617504 Registered charity No 1028085
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13
LOOKING GOOD
Dr Mary Nichols explains the dangers of over using antibiotics Before antibiotics were discovered there was little that medicine could offer to combat bacterial infections. Early medics throughout history had tried with other substances to help their patients. The ancient Greeks used mouldy bread to treat wounds, Russian peasants used warm soil to cure infected wounds with the more worrying side effect of the risk of catching Tetanus in the process and in Ancient Babylonia they used a mixture of sour milk and the bile from frogs to treat eye infections. Luckily, modern medicine has moved on and the treatments are, in the majority, slightly more palatable!
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As far back as 1640 a pharmacologist called John Parkington had recommended mould to be used for infections and through the centuries this possibility was looked at and refined by many scientists until in 1928 Sir Alexander Fleming finally discovered the properties of the antibiotic substance
Contact us on 855978 to make an appointment or to ask for advice Yelverton Foot Clinic Unit 1 The Rock Complex Yelverton PL20 6BS
Penicillin. Following his initial discovery and after years of painstaking research by many scientists the final development of Penicillin to be used as a medicine was made possible by the combined scientific efforts of Dr Howard Florey and Dr Ernst Chain. It took until 1943 before sufficient amounts of the drug were available and the effects on war wounds were trialled in North Africa. During the Second World War penicillin made a huge difference to the number of deaths and amputations and it is estimated that its use reduced the fatalities in war injured casualties by between 12 and 15%.From this point, the progress was rapid in the discovery of various other antibiotics to help combat the threat from bacterial infections. But nature has a way of evolving and bacteria have in their own way started to fight back. The bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics by altering their own chemistry so that they are not killed off by the antibiotics that we give
“Our Chiropodists and Podiatrists are all HPC Registered and offer clinics Monday to Saturday� Krista Linnen BSc (Hons) Home visits available upon request editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
LOOKING GOOD for them. Unfortunately, science has not been able to keep up with the rapid changes of the bacteria which results in worrying headlines in our newspapers and on TV as we are told that we will soon be running into trouble with treating even some of the simplest of infections. In recent years we have become familiar with the warnings of MRSA a resistant bacterial infection and we have to minimise the increasing number of such resistant infections How can we reduce the emergence of resistance? 1. One of the most important ways of reducing resistance is by avoiding the unnecessary use of antibiotics. Many common infections such as colds, most sore throats and flu are caused by viruses and not by bacteria. By giving antibiotics inappropriately the only effect of the antibiotics will be to potentially kill good bacteria that we have naturally in our body resulting in imbalances and the high risk as a result of developing resistance. 2. When prescribed appropriately, the full course of antibiotics should be taken as prescribed. By only taking part of a course (the commonest reason being that people start to feel better and as a result don’t feel you need to continue) most of the bacteria may have been
destroyed , but any still left can start to change and this becomes the perfect breeding ground for the development of resistant bacteria. When we are unwell we may have the expectation that antibiotics will cure our present illness. But the best advice may be that antibiotics are not the answer and in fact make our own situation and those of other patients worse. If your doctor feels that prescribing antibiotics is not recommended, it is not to save the NHS a prescription but because it may be totally inappropriate to use them for the condition and also to stop the development of resistance and greater significant problems in the future. We all have a shared responsibility, both doctors and patients to use antibiotics sensibly and appropriately to treat infections and avoid their misuse to prevent potentially life-threatening bacterial infections in the future. The Chief Medical Officer put it very clearly last year when the increase in the use of antibiotics was reviewed and found to have increased by 6% in four yearswe have a ‘’ ticking time bomb’’ at the level of seriousness of Climate Change. If we do not act, simple infections that used to be easily treated will become potentially life threatening conditions.
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LOOKING GOOD
A step by step guide from Master Florist, Amanda Randell You will need: A good selection of Christmas foliage Approx. 10 large headed single stemmed roses 4 or 5 red Hydrangea heads A small bunch of red fresias, 4 tall candles, 2 rectangular blocks of florists oasis 1 long rectangular tray 1.2 metre length of fabric or wide ribbon Florist’s wire and tape Decorative buttons/pins (optional). Any small Christmas decorations (stars /miniature baubles) 1. Start by soaking the foam, allowing them to sink to the bottom of a bucket of water. Trim them with a knife to fit snuggly inside the rectangular tray. Using the florist’s tape, tape them securely to the tray.
2. Wrap your fabric/ribbon around the sides of the oasis (it should be a good inch taller than the oasis). Pin securely either side with decorative pins or some florist wire bent double (to create a hairpin shape).
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By adding a fabric ‘wrap’ to the foam, less foliage is needed for the arrangement and it keeps the arrangement neat on a table. 3. Position your 4 candles evenly along the foam – pinning them in place with some florist wire, again twisted into a hairpin shape and taped in place. (or you can use plastic candle holders). 4. Start arranging your foliage to fill the spaces between and around the candles – cut the stems at a 45 degree angle and strip the lower stem clean of foliage. 7. Finish with a final layer of florists ‘veiling’ by adding a final twist of clematis stems, wrapping between the candles. This adds interest through movement and stops the arrangement looking too stiff and formal.
5. Start to add the Hydrangea heads, spacing appropriately. Add any fir cones you may have too (attach some wire to the base of the cone).
Call in to your local florist who will be happy to supply you with all the necessary equipment needed for this arrangement.
6. Now start to place your rose heads and freesias, spacing evenly. If you wish at this stage, embellish with any Christmas ornaments, (stars or miniature baubles fixed in with wire).
NB: don’t forget to never leave candles unattended, especially used in a woody design.
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VILLAGE NEWS
RAF Harrowbeer 1940s Weekend The RAF Harrowbeer 1940s Weekend in August was held under sunny skies which brought the visitors flocking to the former WWII Airfield in large numbers. On show where many vintage vehicles, together with stalls and displays, but pride of place was held by the Mk IX Spitfire replica which fired up its 27 litre Merlin engine every hour, to the delight of everyone. A lucky few had booked slots to be the ones to sit in the cockpit and press the starter. A true Spitfire Experience! Re-enactors in period RAF dress helped to create a scene reminiscent of what life might have been like at Harrowbeer during the early 1940s.
songs and by Buckland Monachorum Drama Group who recreated a 1940s radio play. Planning for next year’s event has already started and the 2015 1940s Weekend will be on the 15th & 16th August. You can keep up to date with what’s planned by visiting the Event’s dedicated website at www.rafharrowbeer1940s. co.uk.
Also at the event were members of the Robey Trust with their Tandem Road-Roller and Steam Lorry, which took visitors on tours of the airfield roads. A guided tour given by a member of the RAF Harrowbeer Interest Group on one of the Tavistock and District Ring & Ride minibuses was also available and was enjoyed by those wanted to know more about the Airfield’s history. Entertainment was provided by ‘Ice & a Slice’ singing period
THE COPPER PENNY INN AND HOLIDAY LETS
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Peter and Marion have farmed in the area for more than forty years. And now using their own locally reared meat and dairy serve the best home made food in the area. • • •
Three great ales – Dartmoor, Jail Ale and Tribute Function room for weddings and private parties Skittles & Live Music Food served:12 noon– 2.30pm, 6pm – 9pm every day.
Fresh and frozen meats from our own three farms: South Gulworthy Farm Hurditch Horn Farm Three Oaks Farm • • •
Beef, Lamb, Pork, Venison Fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, cream, cheese, eggs and bread. Home Made Cakes, Jams & Chutneys
Farm shop opening times: 8am – 5pm Monday – Saturday Sunday 12 noon – 3pm
COPPER PENNY INN AND FARM SHOP Chipshop, Tavistock, PL19 8NT Telephone: 01822 833288 Email: peter@copperpennyinn.co.uk www.copperpennyinn.co.uk 18
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VILLAGE NEWS
Community Bakery Workshops for Children
Bill & Ben – the Twilight Men’
Following on from the Buckland Monochorum’s successful Community Bakery Workshops that are held monthly, the Community Bakery Group are now starting a Childrens Workshop group.
Buckland Monachorum Drama Group recently put on the three-act comedy, ‘Bill & Ben – the Twilight Men’ during which the audience were served a three course meal. The plot centred around a village pub, where a newcomer to the area was attempting to woo the landlady, much to the annoyance of the barman! It all came right in the end though when it turned out that the newcomer was a burglar targeting local houses. Oh, and everyone agreed the food was delicious!
These will be run periodically through-out the year, with themed work-shops linking in with key events. All makings will be provided and the cost will be £6.00 per child with profits going towards Buckland Chapel Trust Community for re-decoration of the hall. For further details or to book a place, contact Michelle Brougton : michelle.broughton7@gmail.com
Bere Peninsula Foodbank We first ran an article on the Bere Peninsula foodbank two years ago, shortly after it was launched as a satellite service for the Tavistock foodbank. Foodbanks are designed to help people who have reached a crisis point due to illness, losing a partner, sudden job loss or delays in receiving benefits. Clients receive a three-day pack of non-perishable food in exchange for a food voucher. Nationally the need for the service has increased over the last three years with over 900,000 people receiving food from foodbanks in 2013-14 which is more than twice the figure for the previous year. In the last year the foodbank has received 32 vouchers and fed 57 adults and 28 children. It currently has good stocks of food and excellent volunteers who not only help sort food but provide comfort to clients where necessary. The foodbank
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organisers are very grateful to regular contributors like Yelverton Rotary Club, and the W.I. who donated food instead of giving each other Christmas presents. The rest of the food has been donated by people from the Bere Peninsula who have never let the foodbank down; whenever an appeal has been made for a particular product, it has appeared in abundance within a very short time. Food vouchers are given out by the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Tavistock Childcare Agency, WDBC Housing, Young Devon YES and local midwives and nurses. The voucher can then be exchanged on Tuesday mornings (10:00-12:00am) at the foodbank situated above Hope Cottage Café at Bere Alston United Church. To contact the foodbank please call 01822 841337.
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VILLAGE NEWS
Crapstone War Memorial Buckland Monachorum parish’s war memorial at Crapstone recently underwent restoration works ahead of this year’s Remembrance Service. The works were undertaken by Devon company Woodbury Stone Restoration Ltd and funded by grants from the War Memorials Trust Small Grants Scheme and the Devon Remembers War Memorial Restoration Fund. At this year’s Remembrance Sunday Service it is believed more than 250 people from the local community attended, more than in any previous year. To mark the the thousands of horses who bravely lost their lives during the first world war, more than 20 riders and their horses also took part in the service. The minutes of Buckland Monachorum Parish Council state that at the 21st January 1919 meeting, the Parish Council discussed ‘the raising of a memorial in the parish to those who had fallen in the war’ (1914-1918 war) At the 29th March 1922 Parish Council meeting, the Chairman, Mr. S Edgcumbe, ‘reported the erection of the War Memorial at Crapstone and that he had accepted, on behalf of the Parish Council, the custody of the same’. Crapstone War Memorial remembers 36 parish men who fell in the 1914-1918 war. Yelverton and District Local History Society has published ‘Crapstone War Memorial - A short history of those recorded on the memorial and those who gave their lives in the First World War’ priced at £3.95 - visit the Society’s website www.yelvertonhistory.org.uk
Yelverton Tennis club honours former member Yelverton Tennis Club gathered together on 18th October for the finals of its Autumn Tournament. During the afternoon some hard-fought, close matches were enjoyed, producing new champions for the men’s singles, ladies’ singles and ladies’ doubles, while the holders of the men’s doubles and mixed doubles retained their titles. Vince Keep, Chairman, welcomed Ray Every and son Dan thanking them for the beautiful cup that the family, including son Paul, had kindly donated in memory of Ray’s wife Shirley. Shirley, who sadly died last year, had been a keen sportswoman and popular member of the club, playing competitive tennis for many years. Vince Keep, Chairman, thanked all competitors and supporters who made the event so successful. www.moorlinks.co.uk
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PEAS IN PODS
Volunteers - Burrator Historic and Natural Environment Project We regularly host students needing placements for work experience or university courses, and volunteering is extremely popular! Work either on your own specific project using your skills or get involved in a wide range of activities as part of a group. Volunteers are currently involved in site maintenance tasks, carpentry, gardening, conservation works such as pond clearance, archaeological preservation works, wildlife surveys, historical research, visitor centre guides in the new centre, and environmental education assistants. If you would like more information about getting involved in volunteering please e-mail Emily at: heritage@ swlakestrust.org.uk, ring 01822 855700 or visit us at the new Centre.
Palette and Paint There are many thriving group activities on the Bere Peninsula and one of the most long-standing is the Bere Ferrers Art Group. Founded in 1998, the group has grown in popularity and stature. It meets on Tuesday mornings in the Church Hall except for the summer months of June, July and August. Because of the size of the hall and the importance of the amount of time given to instruction, membership is limited to a maximum of twenty-five. Several members are self-taught; one has been painting for 40 years, another took up the hobby when he retired. Many enjoy painting local scenes, whilst others favour a more abstract style and different mediums are used such as pastel, oil, pen and ink wash watercolour and acrylic The Secretary* of the group publishes a programme for a term with details of the sessions led, every other week, by a tutor with a particular specialism such as seascapes for instance. Those members who have an interest in the specialism benefit greatly from the demonstration and guidance given by the tutor. Other sessions might be led by Daphne McDonald, a founder member of the group who has been exhibiting and selling her work for many years, or the members might 22
have free rein to do exactly the sort of art they want to. Workshops are sometimes held on a particular theme too. These remarkable people don’t keep their talents under wraps. The Bere Ferrers Art Group stages two exhibitions a year. *For information about the current membership of the Bere Ferrers Art Group, contact the Secretary, Bev Slaughter. bev. tavy@gmail.com
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PEAS IN PODS
Tavistock and District Ring & Ride Tavistock & District Ring & Ride provides door-to-door transport for the elderly, disabled or rurally isolated, who have no access to their own vehicle and are unable to use regular public transport (such as buses or taxis). This allows potentially house bound people the opportunity to shop and use local amenities. Our minibus is adapted to accommodate wheelchairs, and carers are welcome to travel too. Passengers book their journey on our minibus simply by
phoning the Ring and Ride Co-ordinator [at least] one day before they wish to travel and they are then picked up at their door, (with assistance from the driver if necessary) and brought into Tavistock. After a short period to allow for shopping etc, the minibus will return them to home. The minibus collects from a different area each day, and once a week there is a visit to Plymouth. To find out more, please contact our Co-ordinator on 01822 618028 (from 9.30am to 12.30pm Mon to Fri) or by email: coordinator@tdltp.co.uk. Further information is also available from our website: www.tdltp.co.uk
CHICKS at Christmas Tavistock-based charity CHICKS is once again holding special Christmas breaks for disadvantaged children at its retreats in Devon and Cornwall. From 23rd – 27th December, a group of disadvantaged children from across the country will be spending a traditional family-style Christmas with the charity. Surrounded by caring CHICKS staff and volunteers, the children will take part in a whole host of festivities including a trip to the pantomime and a visit from Father Christmas not to mention enjoying presents, games, stockings and a traditional turkey dinner on Christmas day. Away from challenges and issues such as poverty, abuse, neglect and caring responsibilities, the children will be able
to experience the magical Christmas every child deserves. For some of the children it may be the first Christmas they’ve ever known. The biggest challenge the charity faces this Christmas is financial; raising enough money so that disadvantaged children can have the break they desperately needed. If you’d like to support CHICKS then please send a donation to ‘CHICKS at Christmas Appeal, CHICKS Moorland Retreat, Brentor, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0LX’ or you can make a donation over the phone by calling 01822 811020 or online at www.chicks.org.uk.
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NATURALIST
Observations of our mammalian wildlife are usually fleeting; a pair of eyes reflected in the car headlights or the realisation that something grey-brown and furry has just disappeared into the undergrowth is often the best we can expect. Winter time does however leave these animals more exposed to our view and sightings may become more frequent especially at dusk or dawn. Otherwise a little bit of detective work is needed to study the evidence they leave behind - footprints, pathways, feeding debris and droppings. Grey squirrels, rabbits, roe deer, badgers, foxes and hedgehogs have all appeared in our Tamar Valley garden during the many years we have lived here.
have had a chequered history in the British Isles. Formerly ‘farmed’ in man-made warrens such as the ones at Ditsworthy on Dartmoor in the Plym Valley, the population reached plague proportions in the 1950’s but the introduction
Grey squirrels and rabbits are the two species that are instantly recognized by everyone and both are active in daytime even in winter months. Grey squirrels are relative newcomers, introduced in the late 19th century by, amongst others, the Duke of Bedford at his Woburn estate. They are now perfectly happy in both urban and rural environments but because of the damage they can wreak on young saplings they are considered by many to be a pest. This year’s Autumnal hazelnut crop has been ideal for them and our local individuals seem to have spent weeks collecting and storing them for winter consumption. Here in the Southwest they do not seem to spend much time in hibernation possibly due to milder winters. Introduced by the Romans as a source of food, rabbits
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NATURALIST of the myxomatosis virus nearly wiped them out. Now the population fluctuates, controlled in part by man and a useful food source for predators like buzzards and foxes, they are not always welcome visitors to our gardens. I would now add roe deer to the list of mammals that we can see on a regular basis especially in our part of the Tamar Valley. In winter they are greyish brown in colour with a white rump around a short tail and 70 cm. high at the shoulder, the size of a large dog.. Years ago they would occasionally appear on the hillside opposite our house, then they began cropping roses and day lilies in the flower garden and now they can often be spotted in the daytime. Nationally the deer population is known to have increased; locally I believe that abandoned former market gardens, now reverting to woodland provide them with their ideal habitat. Two of our largest mammalian predators, badger and fox are often seen in the car headlights and during the winter their well-worn pathways through hedgerows and under fences can easily be found. A badger sett, when located, is an amazing construction with numerous entrances, piles of fresh excavated material indicate that they are in residence. They are remarkably clean in their habits though you may
come across a smelly ‘pit latrine’ some distance away from the sett! In contrast the distinctive strong smell from a fox’s burrow always gives away its location. Both species have diets which are surprisingly omnivorous including fruit and earthworms as well as small mammals. I think you anyone catching a glimpse of a hedgehog is extremely lucky as this much loved species has unfortunately suffered a drastic decline in numbers in recent years and with its diet of insects and molluscs it is an extremely welcome visitor to our gardens. If you want to encourage hedgehogs in your patch make sure that you only use methods of slug and snail control which do not harm hedgehogs and other wildlife and resist the temptation to be too tidy as they also like plenty of undergrowth to hide in. Of course there are many other mammals we may spot in our gardens, on country walks or even when driving and they all remind us that although our country is one of the most densely populated in Europe we are never far away from the wild, a fact I think we should celebrate even when they have eaten all our lettuces or nibbled our rosebuds! Peter Mayston
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Autumn leaves, weeds, prunings and more, all pile up at this time of year. Rather than burning or binning garden waste, turn it into compost – a rich source of nutrients and a fantastic soil conditioner to boost plant growth. To make good compost with the minimum of work, get the ingredients right, mix well and leave to ‘cook’ for a few months. The golden rule is to
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mix or layer “dry” and “wet” materials; for example, lawn clippings and green weeds (wet) with leaves or shredded prunings (dry) - too much of one or the other leads to trouble! Potential troublemaking ingredients to avoid are diseased plant material or the roots of perennial weeds – put these in your green waste collection instead. Woody branches take ages to rot, so
Dartmoor Pond Services Ellis Taylor
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GARDENING
chop up or shred any that are more than a centimetre in diameter. Other biodegradable waste can be composted too: uncooked kitchen scraps such as fruit and vegetable peelings, teabags and coffee grounds; paper, card and envelopes (plain, not shiny); wood ash; vacuum cleaner contents; pet bedding and manure (rabbits, guinea pigs and the like, but not dog or cat faeces that can carry disease); and even choppedup wool or cotton clothing. Don’t put cooked food waste in a standard bin where it’s likely to attract rodents, but it composts fantastically well in a wormery or a vermin-proof bin. If you have lots of autumn leaves, keep separate in a wire-mesh bin or plastic bags, as they take a year or more to break down. Waste rots down faster and is kept tidy in a compost bin: always have at least two so one “cooks” whilst the other fills. The classic design is of wood, about a cubic metre in size: buy readymade or make your own. However, a bin made of four wooden shipping pallets tied together works pretty well, and is free – always a plus! While big is good, small can work well too. A couple of years ago I trialled a range of smaller bins for a feature in BBC Gardeners’ World magazine, with very interesting results. The plastic ‘cones’
worked OK; small wooden bins were a bit of a waste of space; but the costlier and well-insulated models were streets ahead in performance, particularly the ‘Green Johanna’ that could take cooked food waste too.
Sue Fisher is a garden designer and writer based on the Bere Peninsula. Tel 01822 841895. Email: suefisher@talktalk.net Website: www.suefishergardens.co.uk
Seasonal jobs - Once all the leaves have fallen, take a hard look at the structure of your garden. Now’s the time to take out shrubs that don’t pull their weight and replant so borders look great next year. - Rejuvenate big clumps of herbaceous perennials by lifting, dividing and replanting. Discard the old centre of the clump. - Cover bare veg beds to prevent winter rains washing out nutrients. I like to spread compost or manure on mine, then cover with cardboard, landscape fabric or polythene. Remove in spring and the ground is in perfect sowing condition. - Order seed catalogues to browse at leisure on winter evenings. Sue Fisher
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WHAT’S ON
DECEMBER Open until 31 December First World War exhibition at Cotehele
Price: winter admission £5 (members and under 18s free) Not many people are aware that Cotehele House is a war memorial. To commemorate the centenary of the First World War we are holding an exhibition in the House of items loaned from members of the local community, who have generously shared their stories with us. The exhibition will be on until the end of 2018. This year’s theme is ‘Over by Christmas’. Open 11am-4pm
Open until 31 December Christmas garland and decorated hall - Cotehele
The Garland is complete, the log fire is burning - come and join us in the Great Hall to admire this year’s creation and enjoy music by a variety of local choirs and musicians performing under it. 11am-4pm daily. Price: winter admission £5 (members and under 18s free)
12 & 13 December On a Cold Winter’s Night
A new play for Christmas inspired by medieval mystery plays. St Michael & All Angels,
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Princetown Fri 7.30pm, Sat 4.30pm £5 advance, £6 on door, under 11s free. For details and tickets see www.tinyurl.com/ onacoldwinter
12 December Holly Wreath Making Workshop – Buckland Abbey
Join a local floristry professional whilst you create your own holly wreath to take home. All equipment provided, bring your own extra decorations and fresh flowers too. Booking essential, £40 per person. 10am-1pm and 2-5pm
13 & 14 December Children’s Christmas Special – Morwellham Quay Visit Santa in his underground grotto, listen to a Christmas story, dress up in Victorian costume, join in making Christmas Crafts and indulge with mince pies. Book online for 10% discount: www. morwellhamquay.org Children & Adults £8.95 to include train ride
14 December Christmas Gift Fair – Morwellham Quay
Come and browse the stalls of local handmade gifts and one-off presents to buy for the special people in your life. www.morwellhamquay.org
16 December Christmas Extravaganza Sampford Spiney Church
An evening of music, poetry and mulled wine in Sampford Spiney Church. 7.15pm All Welcome
16 – 21 December Yelverton Christmas Tree Festival - Rock Methodist Church, Yelverton will once
again be home to many beautifully dressed trees. Opening Hours: Tues – Saturday 10.30am – 6.30pm, Sunday 2pm – 4pm
17 December Carols at the Castle – Pentillie
Come along for some good old fashioned carol singing at Pentillie Castle at 6.30pm. Warming winter refreshments available. No booking required. This is a FREE event, but a donation in the charity pot would be gratefully received! Proceeds will go to Kernow Young Carers. For more information please contact the office on 01579 350044.
18th December Civil Service Retirement Fellowship, Princetown Christmas Lunch and Party. Entertainment by Geoff Lakeman and Speakeasy. Grand Draw commences at 12.00 noon in the Prince of Wales, Princetown. Lunch will be served at 1.00pm. Booking essential. Call Mike on 01822890799 for more details and/or reservations.
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20 December A Christmas Carol – St Peter’s Church, Meavy
Meavy Amateur Dramatics (MAD) will be performing an hour-long reading, in period costume, of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Doors will open at 6.00pm and light refreshments including mulled wine will be available through a donation. Tickets will be £5 for adults and £2 for children – raising funds for St Peter’s Church, Meavy. Tickets can be obtained from David Tall, 01822 852221 or dmrmtall@ mvdartmoor.freeserve.co.uk.”
20 December Let’s Wassail - Cotehele
Pack your trombone and join in for this pagan festival to scare away the evil spirits in our orchards. Why not come along in fancy dress? Assistance dogs only please. 11.30am Free Admission
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20 December A Christmas Carol –St Peter’s Church, Meavy A period costume reading of a Christmas Carol, by Meavy Amateur Dramatics. Tickets £5 adult, £2 children - in aid of Church Funds. 01822 852221 or dmrmtall@ mvdartmoor.freeserve.co.uk. Refreshments available by donation.
21 December Christmas Carols – Great Barn, Buckland Abbey
Mount Kelly Choral Society (under the baton of their new Musical Director: Maria Collier). Between 2 and 4pm.
21 December Candlelight Carols (6pm) – Sampford Spiney Church
Do join us in our beautiful moorland church for traditional carols and we now have an
effective heating system thanks to the generosity of many of you!
21 December Carol Service – Rock Methodist Church, Yelverton 10.30am. All Welcome
22 December The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! – Pentillie Castle
Squashbox Theatre will be hosting a festive children’s puppet show on Monday 22nd December. Packed with songs, puppet comedy and quizzes, the show is suitable for children aged 5+. Starts at 3pm. Duration: 1 hour. Refreshments available. Tickets: £3.50 child, £5 adult, £15 family (2A 2C). Booking is essential as numbers are limited. Book 01579 350044 or www.pentillie.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON 31 December Retro Vegas New Year’s Eve Ball – Moorland Garden Hotel Take a trip back in time to discover Las Vegas’ golden age of style at our Retro Vegas Ball. Hark back to the 1950’s heyday of the legendary ‘Rat Pack’, the glittering Hollywood silver screen, cocktail dresses, mobsters and cocktails at the roulette table. Arrive with a Passionfruit Martini and canapés, before a wonderful five course gala dinner, with half a bottle of wine per person and disco entertainment until 1am. At midnight Big Ben will count us down to the New Year with a glass of Champagne for all. For more information please contact the Events Team on 01822 852245 or www. moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk
JANUARY 8th January Civil Service Retirement Fellowship, Princetown
Join us for a friendly chat. Our guest speaker will be Mike Fitzpatrick who will be revealing some ‘Historical Facts and Hysterical Tales’ about the Prince of Wales and its landlords. Anyone who is retired is welcome. We meet at 12.30pm in the Prince of Wales, Princetown.
10 January Wassailing – Bere Ferrers 6pm Church Hall and then progressing to the Orchard
The annual festivity to charm the apple orchard into producing a bumper crop. A chance to enjoy pasties, cider and music. All Welcome
13th January 2015 Princetown Neighbourhood Watch
Meeting at 8.00pm in the restaurant of the Prince of Wales, Princetown. All residents of Dartmoor Forest Parish Council are welcome to attend.
13 January Apple Tree Pruning Workshops - Cotehele
An introduction to apple pruning with Cotehele’s Orchard Officer, Chris Groves. Part theory, part practical. Tools provided. Book early to avoid disappointment on 01579351346. Dates: Tuesday 13 January or Thursday 15 January; 10:30am Price: All Tickets £15
14 January Volunteer day - Cotehele
What are you doing in 2015? Do you have an interest in working with us in Cotehele house, gardens, reception, Mill or in the great outdoors on the Estate? Come along for a chat, tea, cake
and to meet the team and learn how you can help look after Cotehele. Booking not necessary 11am-3pm Price: Free
14 January Dartmoor Decorative and Fine Arts Society (DDFAS) Lecture
James Russell talks about the fascinating artist Edward Seago and his journey following the circus, ballet and gypsies through his many landscapes as well as following Prince Phillip to Antartica. Charter Hall in Okehampton. Coffee and delicious brownies are served from 9.45 with the lecture starting promptly at 10.30. For a voluntary donation of £10 (refunded if you join the Society) non members are very welcome. For more information please contact Sara-jane Cumming on 01822 860281
23 January Virtual Reality ‘Burrator’ – St Leonard’s Church, Sheepstor
A talk with live Virtual Reality demonstrations by the University of Birmingham’s Human Interface Technologies Team showing how, since 2011, the Burrator area has been recreated using the latest 3D computer modelling techniques. see how Virtual Reality is being used to support the recovery and rehabilitation of hospitalised
Free fundrasing pack includes: recipes; posters; balloons; fun games and a collection box.
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patients and to bring the history of the region into the 21st Century. Discover how you can get involved and help sustain the project for the benefit of future generations. Doors Open at 6.30pm Talk Commences at 7pm followed by demonstrations. Food & refreshments. Free entry.
25 January CSRF - Burns Night in the Prince of Wales, Princetown
Join us at 7.30pm for a convivial evening of Haggis, Neeps and Champit Tatties ‘with a wee dram’ accompanied by a piper. Booking essential. For more information call Mike on 01822890799.
26 January GROW Walkhampton – Cheese & Cider Tasting.
Come and try excellent cheeses from Country Cheeses and
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sample some local ciders. Enjoy a talk on apple trees and cider making. Walkhampton Memorial Hall. 7.30pm £3 entry. Visit our website at www. growalkhampton.weebly.com
30 & 31st January Bere Alston Pantomime – Sleeping Beauty
The pantomime returns to Bere Alston with the Peninsula Players’ production of Sleeping Beauty. Come along and join in the fun! Tickets at £5 for adults and £3 for children will be on sale in January in the village look out for posters 7.30pm in the Parish Hall
FEBRUARY St Luke’s Hospice Coffee Mornings
A coffee morning with your friends, W.I groups, toddler groups, churches or local businesses. Anyone can join and help raise money for St Luke’s. So dig out your best crockery, turn on the kettle and get the whole community drinking coffee for St Luke’s this February. To request your coffee morning pack, call 01752 246597 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ coffee
2 February – 14 February Meavy Panto – “Turnip and Sprout Ride Out” Watch the tale of Meavy’s hapless highwaymen. Meavy Parish Hall. Tickets available from Yelverton Stores and the Royal Oak Inn, Meavy
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WHAT’S ON 4 February Bere Alston Gardening Club Holy Trinity Church Hall, Bere Alston Celia Stevens from Buckland Monachorum will be telling us the Story of the Bramley Apple, the favourite apple for all pies and crumbles. 7-30 p.m. Entry £2 to include refreshments.
5th February Civil Service Retirement Fellowship, Princetown
Join us for a friendly chat. Our guest speaker will be Simon Dell who will be presenting his illustrated talk entitled ‘ The History of Dartmoor Prison’. Anyone who is retired is welcome. Meet at 12.30pm in the Prince of Wales, Princetown
8 February VIA – Tommaso Starace – St Leonard’s Church, Sheepstor
Tommaso Starace and his band will perform “The photos of Gianni Berengo Gardin in Music”. Doors will be open from 7.00pm, and tickets available from Patrick Drennan on 01822 853186, at £8.50 for adults, and £6.00 for concession/children
11 Februay Dartmoor Decorative and Fine Arts Society (DDFAS) Lecture
The Irish Country House – lecture by Tom Duncan. Charter Hall in Okehampton. Coffee and delicious brownies are served from 9.45 with the lecture starting promptly at 10.30. For a voluntary donation of £10 (refunded if you join the Society) non members are very welcome. For more information
please contact Sara-jane Cumming on 01822 860281
14 February View from a Window Cotehele This exhibition in Cotehele
Gallery features Trevor Price and Joan Bose amongst a showcase of new work by British and West Country artists. Dates: 14 February - 29 May, 11am-4pm Free event (normal admission charges apply)
14 February Apple grafting weekend
A weekend of apple grafting workshops with more than 20 local apple varieties to choose from and we’ll show you how to do it. Take away a grafted tree for only a fiver. Booking not necessary. Saturday 14 February to Sunday
FILM PROGRAMME WINTER Saturday Evenings Cafe Cinema
Children’s Cinema
Dec 13th Saving Mr Banks (PG) and on Tuesday Dec 16th Matinee Jan 17th Belle (12A) Feb 21st The Hundred Foot Journey (PG) Mar 21st Mr Turner (12A) TBC
Doors open at 10.45am, feature starts 11.15am Dec 13th Mr Peabody and Sherman (U) Jan 17th How to Train Your Dragon 2 (PG) Feb 21st Planes 2 : Fire and Rescue (U) Mar 21st The Nut Job (PG)
BYO and refreshments available £4 on the door
Suggested Donation £2 Refreshments available
Please note there is no matinee cinema from January. For film details please check our website www.yelvertoncinema.co.uk
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editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
15 February, 11am-4pm Normal admission charges apply + ÂŁ1 graft material, ÂŁ2 root stock, ÂŁ2 workshop (limit two trees per workshop)
16 February Build and fly a kite - Cotehele We’ll show you how to build a kite in the Education Room then you’ll be able to go outside and tick off no 7 in your National Trust 50 things to do before you’re 11ž scrapbook when you fly it high in the sky above the bowling lawn 11am Free event (normal admission charges apply)
17 - 19 February Bushcraft for Kids - Cotehele
This activity has been specially designed by our partner Serious Outdoor Skills to be fun, informative and hands-on where you will learn some survival, bushcraft and wilderness skills. There will be numerous outdoor activities to keep you rngaged, active and entertained. Booking Essential. 10am-12pm or 1pm-3:30pm Price: All Tickets ÂŁ6
23 February GROW Walkhampton ‘Easier than last year Quiz’ and Curry Night!
Join us for a great quiz (which will be easier than last year!) and a fantastic homemade curry served with rice. Walkhampton Memorial Hall. Entry ÂŁ5 Visit our website at www. growalkhampton.weebly.com
28 February WALKSTOCK – Walkhampton Memorial Hall (7.30pm)
Local bands play to an overwhelmingly appreciative crowd. For most band members it is the highlight of their gigging year! Tickets: ÂŁ8 available from Pat Woodgate (details by e www.moorlinks.co.uk
mailing poshpat@live.com) Other details: Bring your own drink. Fancy dress theme (optional) come as anything beginning with the letter ‘T’.
MARCH 4 March Bere Alston Gardening Club Holy Trinity Church Hall, Bere Alston
All event listings are FREE.
Send us event details for our Spring issue (mid March to May) by Friday 7th February editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
A Talk by Lee Stenning from Mount Edgcumbe on Camellias. Mount Edgcumbe holds one of the National Collections of camellias so this promises to be an interesting evening. 7-30 p.m. Entry ÂŁ2 to include refreshments.
4 March Villages in Action – Meavy Parish Hall
A concert featuring Kathryn Roberts and Sam Lakeman For more details contact David Tall on 01822 852221 Or email : dmrmtall@ mvdartmoor.freeserve.co.uk
5th March Civil Service Retirement Fellowship, Princetown
Join us for a friendly chat. Our guest speaker will be the well known John Walters from BBC’s SpringWatch who will be presenting his illustrated talk entitled ‘The Wildlife of Dartmoor’. Anyone who is retired is welcome.
Come on over to the Elephant’s Nest at Horndon this winter and see what we have on offer...
Dinner Christmas z COURSES
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Weekend on dati Accommo deals
13 March St Joseph’s School Choir Rock Methodist Church,
Yelverton will be hosting the wonderful choir from St Joseph’s School. Light entertainment with a varied programme. All welcome. Tickets on the door. £6.
(ORNDON n -ARY 4AVY n 4AVISTOCK $EVON 0, .1 "OOKINGS 01822 810273
www.elephantsnest.co.uk 33
CHRISTMAS CHURCH ST ANDREW’S, HOLY TRINITY, UNITED CHURCH - Bere Alston & Bere Ferrers Thursday 18th 7.00pm Carols by Candlelight - United Church Sunday 21st 9.30am Holy Communion - Holy Trinity 10.30am Morning Service - United Church 11.00am Elevenses - BF Ch Hall 3.00pm Carols & Tea - Trinity Hall 6.00pm Carol Service - St Andrew Monday 22nd 6.00pm Christingle - Holy Trinity Christmas Eve 2.30pm Nativity Service - St Andrew 4.00pm Nativity Service - St Andrew 11.30pm Midnight Mass - Holy Trinity Christmas Day 9.30 am Family Service - United Church 10.00am Communion & Carols - St Andrew
ST. ANDREW’S, AND CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - Buckland Monochorum & Milton Combe Sunday, December 21st 10.30am Readings and Carols at Milton Combe 6.30pm Lessons and Carols by candlelight, followed by coffee and mince pies Wednesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve 4.00pm Season’s Greetings – informal, with carols 11.00pm Midnight Christmas Holy Communion by candlelight Thursday, December 25th - Christmas Day 8.00am Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer 9.15am Christmas Holy Communion at Milton Combe
BA (Hons), Masters, A-levels, BTECs and more in Art, Design and Digital Media.
10.30am
Christmas worship for all ages, with carols 11.30am Shortened Holy Communion from BCP Wednesday, 31st December - New Year’s Eve 11.45pm Ringing in the new year, followed by prayers in the church
WEST DARTMOOR MISSION COMMUNITY Sunday 7th Dec 4.00pm Christingle - St Paul’s Yelverton Wenesday 17th Dec 6.00pm Prison Carols - St Michael and All Angels Princetown Wednesday 17th Dec 8.00pm Christmas Extravaganza - St Mary’s Sampford Spiney Sunday 21st Dec 4.00pm Evening prayer and Carols St Leonards Sheepstor Sunday 21st Dec 6.00pm Carols by Candlelight - St Pauls Yelverton Sunday 21st Dec 7.00pm Carols by Candlelight - St Mary’s Sampford Spiney Christmas Eve Crib Services 4.00pm St Paul’s Yelverton 5pm St John’s Horrabridge Midnight Services (all starting at 11pm) Christmas Day 8.00am St Paul’s Yelverton - BCP Communion 9.30am St Paul’s Order 1-Gary 9.30am St Mary’s Walkhampton - Order 1 10.30am St Peter’s Meavy- Order 1 10.30am St John’s Horrabridge - Order 1 11.00am St Leonard’s Sheepstor - Order 1 11.00am St Mary’s Sampford Spiney - BCP 11.00am Princetown United Church Sunday 28th December 10.00am St Pauls Yelverton Mission Community Service
Come along to our next Open Day: Sat 10 Jan 1pm-5pm
+44 (0)1752 203 434 plymouthart.ac.uk www.moorlinks.co.uk
35
WHAT’S ON EXTRA
Every November gardeners, volunteers and visitors at Cotehele, the National Trust house near Saltash, create a 60ft long Christmas garland using tens of thousands of flowers grown all year long on the estate. The giant swag then hangs in the Great Hall throughout the festive season. Each year the garland is different, depending on which of the specially grown flowers have done well. This year we have 31,000 flowers, but some years, due to the weather, we get as low as 20,000 – with 30,000 being the ideal. The Christmas garland can be seen daily from 11am-4pm until 31 December (except 25 and 26 December). Winter admission is £5 (members and under 18s free); Also free entry for locals with a PL postal code between 27 - 31 December– bring a utility bill. Check the website to find out when choirs will be performing under the garland and find out what else is on at Christmas: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ cotehelechristmas or telephone 01579 351346. Members of Meavy Amateur Dramatics (MAD) will be performing an hour-long reading, in period costume, of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Sam Regan de Bere. The performance will take place in the wonderfully atmospheric setting of St Peter’s Church Meavy at 6.30pm on Saturday 20 December. Doors will open at 6.00pm and light refreshments including mulled wine will be available through a donation. Tickets will be £5 for adults and £2 for children – raising funds for St Peter’s Church, Meavy. We look forward to adding to the wonder of the festive season through this imaginative production and hope you will be able to join us. Tickets can be obtained from David Tall, 01822 852221 or dmrmtall@mvdartmoor.freeserve.co.uk.”
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WHAT’S ON EXTRA
“Turnip and Sprout Ride Out: the illustrious tale of Meavy’s hapless highwaymen” So what’s the story? The year is 1760. The Devil’s apprentice in Devon - a knarled and narky demon called Damien - has enjoyed a century of lecherous kings, restoration rakes and saucy actresses. But now he turns his attentions to a less salubrious cause: the dandy highwayman. On a day trip to Yelverton, and with mischief on his mind, Damien determines to corrupt the nearest innocent souls and set them on the road - or should we say ‘highway’ - to hell.
The time has come for us to Stand and Deliver! Performance dates: Thurs 2nd Feb 7.30pm, Fri 3rd Feb 7.30pm, Sat 4th Feb matinee - 2.30pm, Thurs 12th Feb 7.30pm, Fri 13th Feb 7.30pm and Sat 14th Feb 7.30pm. Tickets available from Yelverton Stores and The Royal Oak Inn
But what will happen next? Who can tell? Well, if anyone can, MAD can - in their own inimitable way.
The Walkhampton Show is the oldest traditional show in the area. We have over 100 classes, which incorporate flowers, vegetables, photography, knitting/sewing and cookery. The 2014 show saw the arrival of the much enjoyed Scarecrow Competition too. This year we are looking for new members to join the Walkhampton Cottage Garden Society and help make the 2015 show the best yet! Exhibitors, we want to hear from you too! Do you have an idea about a class or something we could do better on show day? There will be FREE cheese and wine at our AGM on 12th January 2015 at 7:30pm in Walkhampton Memorial Hall. Come along and be part of the Show! See our website www.walkhamptonshow.weebly.com or contact Rachel 01822 855962
www.moorlinks.co.uk
Photo courtesy of Neil Adams
Buckland Monachorum’s next Drama Group production is “Maid in China – the Mystery of the Willow Pattern Plate’. This is a ‘comedy play/musical’ with a cast of all age groups centred on the story of the Willow Pattern Plate. Performance dates are the 28th to 31st January 2015 and further information can be found on the Drama Group’s page on www.bucklandmonachorum.org.uk.
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MUSIC & ART Local bands playing live music over Christmas and New Year Thursday 11th December
Open Mic Night – hosted by Fallen Cedars (see the Wharf or Fallen Cedars website for details). Venue: The Wharf, Tavistock
Friday 12th December
Jessica and the Rabbits – a fun 7 piece soul/funk/blues band. Venue: Walkhampton Inn, Walkhampton
Thursday 18th December
Lodestone Border Morris dancers 8 p.m - performing a seasonal mummers play. Grand Christmas draw Venue: Drake Manor, Buckland Monachorum
26th December
Dartmoor Boarder Morris Dancers Venue: Royal Oak, Meavy
New Year’s Eve
The Rock Inn, Yelverton : Jessica & the Rabbits Walkhampton Inn : Orangutan Wheelbarrows Royal Oak Inn, Meavy : DocsRox The Burrator Inn, Dousland : Street Talk
A welcome return to Villages in Action (VIA) for this brilliant saxophonist, Tommaso Starace, and his band (piano, bass and drums). The performance is based on 15 images of Berengo – one of the most celebrated black and white photographers of Italy – who gained admiration from the likes of Henry Cartier Bresson and Elliott Erwitt. Tommaso has selected 15 of his favourite images. They are all taken in Italy and depict a story that helped inspire the music to each photo. Doors will be open from 7.00pm, and tickets available from Patrick Drennan on 01822 853186, at £8.50 for adults, and £6.00 for concession/children. There will be refreshments served in the church when the doors open at 7.00 p.m., during the interval, and after the performance , with all proceeds (less the Villages in Action cut) divided equally between Friends of St Leonards Church, Sheepstor and Sheepstor Village Hall. Look up Tommaso’s website to get an advanced flavour! www.tommasostarace.com. www.moorlinks.co.uk
39
MUSIC & ART
Tavy Tars are a group of nine singers and musicians based in Bere Ferrers, whose repertoire is based on sea shanties and songs of the sea.
The Tars have also done many local events and if you would like to book them, contact details are on their website as are links to videos of them performing. Mike Grimshaw
The Tars performed at John Lewis in Oxford Street for last year’s Christmas shoppers, Plymouth Pirate weekend, Falmouth International Shanty Festival, Plymouth Seafood Festival plus various Seasalt shop openings. Another highlight was, for the second year running, singing on the Scillonian to Scilly and back as an RNLI fundraiser-and yes it was rolly! To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Tars recorded a new CD last autumn that was released this spring. Called ‘Take Me in Your Lifeboat’ after the title track of the album, sales from the CD have already raised £530 for the RNLI and a cheque was recently presented on the RNLI’s Plymouth lifeboat. The album is available from any member of the Tars, through the Tar’s website www.tavytars.co.uk, or iTunes and Amazon downloads. Photo courtesy of Barry Perrins (RNLI)
Having posted the date of Walkstock (28th February) on Facebook, we had 42 people saying they were ‘joining’ within the first few hours and some were even discussing babysitters! Bearing in mind this was 4 months before the event, it shows how keen people are on Walkstock. If you haven’t heard about it, let us explain: It is a fundraising event for the Walkhampton Preschool, but is for the adults (and older teens.) Local bands play to an overwhelmingly appreciative crowd. For most band members it is the highlight of their gigging year. The bands are Fallen Cedarswith original material and covers, this is a very talented five
40
piece (now with an excellent drummer), Longfaces (originally named The Cashiers) - this band does classic rock/pop covers to really get the party going. Last but not least, Threes a Crowd- 3 young lads whose witty covers of unlikely pop songs keep any crowd thoroughly entertained. Venue: Walkhampton Memorial Hall Date: February 28th 7.30-11.30 Tickets: £8 available from Pat Woodgate (details by emailing poshpat@live.com) Other details: Bring your own drink. Fancy dress theme (optional) come as anything beginning with the letter ‘T’.
editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
MUSIC & ART
Once upon a time small handmade gifts were exchanged and the idea of “it’s the thought that counts” prevailed. Artists were commissioned by wealthy benefactors to create unique pieces. Now we are encouraged by Arts Markets and Open Studios to talk to the artists/makers themselves and they are bravely opening their studios to share their knowledge and skills. We are very lucky here in the Tamar Valley to have a wealth of Artists and Craftsmen to work with. We can either commission a piece, learn a new skill to make our own special gifts to give or purchase a completed bespoke individual hand made present instead. From Ceramics and Glass, Textiles, Print, Photography, Sculpture and Painting, Drawn to the Valley Artists of the Tamar Valley hold exhibitions and run open studios each year. Get hold of a copy of their little blue directory for 2014 and contact the artists direct. Tavi Arts Market has a delightful range of Art and craft available from the makers themselves. If you would like to learn and make your own, visit Orchard Learning Studios who have a lovely range of courses. They
arrange for the artist to work from their studio in Gunnislake and provide a lunch as part of the day. With Sewing from Scratch, Photography and editing courses they would make a fabulous present in themselves or go and make Divine Decorations and Angels for the Tree. Lets celebrate individuality this year and make, buy or commission something unique! www.drawntothevalley.co.uk www.orchardlearningstudios.co.uk Tessa Jane
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NATIONAL TRUST
The festive season has arrived and here at Buckland Abbey, Garden & Estate we have lots of events planned to get all the family into the Christmas spirit this winter. Throughout December we invite all to step back in time as we deck the halls and transform the Abbey into a Victorian home. See the kitchen busy preparing for Christmas dinner, play traditional games and look out for characters from years past sharing their stories of spending Christmas at the Abbey. Don’t forget to see our hand crafted garland; hanging from the Georgian Staircase, which features over 400 handmade decorations by our resident costume group. If you’ve left your Christmas shopping to the very last minute, head to our shop for hundreds of gift ideas. With toys for the children, books for the grown-ups and local products too, there is something for everyone. National Trust membership also makes an ideal gift, giving the beholder free entry to all National Trust properties, countryside estates, car parks plus more for a whole year. Pop into our reception for more details.
Buckland Abbey, Garden & Estate is open for the festive season between Friday 5 – Sunday 21 December from 11.30am – 4.30pm. The estate then is tucked away for the winter and returns as fresh as a daisy from Saturday 14 February 2015. For more details on all our events, please visit our website, call us on 01822 853607, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Santa Claus at the Abbey Saturday 6, 13, 20 and Sunday 7, 14, 21 December, 12noon4pm Bring the kids along (and big kids too!) to see Santa Claus in his grotto before he heads off to deliver his presents. Normal admission plus £4.50 per person, includes gift. Murder at the Christmas Abbey Saturday 6 December, 7-10.30pm Fancy yourself a sleuth? See if you can identify the culprit at an evening of murder, mayhem and festiveness! Booking essential, £39 per person. Includes three course meal.
© National Trust 2014. The National Trust is a Registered charity no. 205846.
www.moorlinks.co.uk
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FOOD & WINE
A delicious and ‘therapeutic’ recipe to make this Christmas. With thanks to Buckland Monachorum Community Bread Making Group. Yum!
3.
Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
zest 1 orange, plus juice ½ 4 tbsp Cointreau 85g dried cranberries 85g mixed dried fruits 550g strong white bread flour, plus extra for kneading 2 x 7g sachets easy-bake dried yeast 85g golden caster sugar good grating of nutmeg 85g butter, plus extra for the tin 1 large egg 250ml warm milk sunflower oil, for the bowl 25g pistachios, chopped 300g golden marzipan
Method 1. 2.
Stir together the zest and juice, Cointreau, cranberries and mixed fruit in a small bowl and leave to soak. Meanwhile, mix the flour, yeast, caster sugar and nutmeg in
4.
5.
a large bowl. Add ½ tsp salt and rub in the butter. Beat the egg with the warm milk, then pour onto the flour mix. Stir with a round-bladed knife, then use your hands to bring the mixture together as a soft dough. Tip onto a work surface and knead for a couple of mins, adding a little flour only if you need to stop it sticking. Oil the bowl, return the dough and cover with cling film. Leave to rise for 45 mins-1 hr in a warm place until doubled in size. Line and butter a large roasting tin with baking parchment. Roll the risen dough out firmly to a long strip about 70 x 18cm. Add the pistachios to the soaked fruit, then scatter the mix along the dough. Roll the marzipan into a sausage the same length as the longest side of the dough, then place it down the centre of the dough and roll up together firmly, a bit like making a sausage roll. Trim the ends, then cut the rest into even lengths and arrange, cut side up, in the tin. Cover with cling film and leave to rise for 45 mins-1 hr until really well risen. Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Bake for 15-20 mins until golden. Will freeze for up to 6 weeks. Brush with melted butter and dredge with icing sugar, or mix a little water into the icing sugar, drizzle over the buns and scatter over the nuts. Eat within 2 days.
To decorate •
melted butter and icing sugar, or icing sugar mixed with a little water, plus chopped pistachios, if you like.
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2 Moorland Villas, Yelverton, PL20 6DT 01822 852008 44
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FOOD & WINE
Charles Steevenson shares his advice for a very merry Christmas!
Expectations run high, possibly too high as we draw near to Christmas Day. Perhaps I can help demystify the often ominous task of recommending appropriate wine which not only compliments your Christmas fare, suits your budget, but also ticks the ‘To do Box’ and leaves time for other seasonal tasks. Can there be a more invigorating start to the festivities than a glass of highly charged Bucks Fizz as you explore the contents of bulging stockings & marvel at Santa’s generosity. Traditionally made with two thirds Champagne & one third orange juice … yes a Champagne base ideal, but the quality of Bucks Fizz is more dependent on the quality of the orange juice rather than the fizz. A sound Cava, Prosecco Spumante or indeed any sound dry bubbly wine will do, thus leaving the Champagne to be a starring feature later in the day.
Depending on your Christmas day routine, can there be a more festive welcome home after your annual visit to church than a smouldering glass of Mulled Wine? Make your own or try my ready to go traditional German Gluhwein, just heat & serve … so easy … so popular. ‘Please can we open our presents now?’ A plea from the excited children, how can you refuse – a cue for the grown-ups to tuck into an enticing glass of Champagne – a handy hint, the word Champagne does not guarantee quality, so choose with care! And now for the most eagerly anticipated meal of the year, the full Christmas feast. To complement the table, I would suggest a Pinot Noir, the noble red grape of Burgundy. Soft, succulent, hints of damson, truffle, possibly toffee and spice, not too heavy & great with turkey & ham alike. Alas, unless budgets are high, I would steer you towards a Pinot from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or California. Burgundy? not sure, often overpriced & destined to disappoint. If Pinot Noir is not your thing, it’s time to
explore the Clarets … whatever you go for, don’t overwhelm your food with a huge blockbuster Red. For the White, where do I start, for me a classic wood influenced White Burgundy – again options from the Southern hemisphere will not disappoint, maybe too a dry German Riesling, so uplifting and yummy … your choice. And now … the Christmas pud, for me the climax to the meal. Yes, a luscious, sweet ever so smart Sauternes would be great. My choice, a Rutherglen Muscat from Australia. Fortified, intense raisin & dried fruit overtones, our Campbell’s Muscat proudly displays two gold medals & voted the best wine not only with Christmas pud but also Stilton cheese & rich chocolate. … Nearly forgot, Port. No Christmas is complete without a Port. My handy hint, go for a Tawny Port, serve it chilled, a great way to revitalise what might be a slightly over indulged & jaded palate … the end of a perfect day. Charles Steevenson
Modern and Traditional Lighting Gallery Unusual Mirrors and Occasional Furniture Giftware and Objet D’art
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PIGGY’S WALK
It is about 3 miles (2 hours) with a good ascent and steep descent. Park in the carpark at High Down, just off the A386 at Lydford. The lane to the carpark is just beside the Dartmoor Inn. Leave the carpark by the gate (1) and take the wide path that heads more or less south east diagonally across High
Down. Ignore any turns, continuing on the path, which soon narrows and descends to the river Lyd. Cross the river (2). This can be difficult when the water is high – go upstream a short way to find an easier crossing. Follow the path uphill keeping to the right where it divides. Soon you come
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to Doetor brook. Follow this up the shallow valley between Brat Tor (Bray Tor on some maps) on the left and Doe Tor on the right. The path can be indistinct, but if you keep near the brook you won’t go wrong. Take care – some areas are rough. At the top of the valley there is a small abandoned quarry (3) and a boundary stone. Turn left here and head uphill to the back of Brat Tor. Going is quite easy. Although there are no obvious paths, your destination – the cross on the tor top – is very obvious (4). This was erected by the artist William Widgery in 1887 to commemorate www.moorlinks.co.uk editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
BIKE TRAIL
Crock of Gold Leaving from Princetown and heading East onto the moors, this is a challenging 17 mile route taking in some beautiful sights and hidden gems. There are 4 river crossings via stepping stones so please be careful on those! Starting from Princetown, we take the road towards two bridges. After 300 m take the bridlepath through the gate to the right. This trail leads us through the farmyards at Tor Royal, over open moorland past the Crock of Gold cairn circle to the ruins at Swincombe and our first river crossing.
During the summer when the river is low, it is possible to cross on the stepping stones, and hidden in the valley this is a beautiful place to stop for a while. The trail continues straight over the road and up over the hill to Hexworthy. Here we drop down onto the road and veer right for a while to the top of Combestone Tor, time for another break to take in the stunning views out over the valley towards Dartmeet.
Taking the bridlepath just back from the top of the Tor, we head straight down the front of the Tor towards Dartmeet, there is a tricky descent just before the second of our river crossings over the West Dart river, follow the path up to the road. Down to the right there is normally an ice cream van in the car park, so this is an ideal time to take a break and enjoy the scenery. There is now a long road climb as we head west, back up the hill towards Princetown. After Pixieland at the top of the hill we take a right into the woods and take the bridlepath through Brimpts farm back down to the river, a lovely spot and perfect for a little dip on a hot day. Further along is the third of our stepping stones, which then leads to a climb through Babeny, back onto the moors then descending down into laughter hole. This is the last of our river crossings, from here we head up a tricky rocky climb, veering left up the bridlpath at the farm gate and then straight over the moors below laughter tor. At the end of the trail, take a right along the road, then left into the Prince Hall hotel, the trail then heads past the adventure centre and back onto the moors.
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BIKE TRAIL Keep taking right turns when you come to a bridlepath junction, and it will come back onto the bridlepath we headed out on, back through Tor Royal and on into Princetown, and time for a well earned pint in the pub or coffee at the café.
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At Rockin Bikes we are always very keen to talk about trails and routes with you so if you’re new to the area or just after some inspiration for your next ride feel free to pop in for a chat.
A range of bikes, clothing and accessories to suit all needs Come and see us at our new larger shop to find all your perfect Christmas gifts. We would like to wish all of our customers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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49
A DAY OUT TO...
Sometimes we need reminding of the beauty that is right on our doorstep. That’s why in this issue we’re having A Day Out To…Tavistock!
Tavistock is so steeped in history and Devonian culture that omnipresent fast-food chain McDonald’s was driven out of town back in 2006 (and I doubt even a McPasty would have won us over). It is a history still in the making after the recent purchase of the town centre’s grade II listed 19th century Guildhall by the council. The Guildhall was one of the first purpose-built police station and magistrate court complexes, and even influenced the design of the Old Bailey in London. Ironically, the building which was initially created to control rowdy local miners may now be turned into a gateway centre for The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. Tavistock has an impressive mining history; we use the term ‘Stannary Town’ fairly casually, but this title reflects the fact that Tavistock was once one of Europe’s richest sources of tin. By the 19th century tin had waned but copper was booming, as was the nearby mining village
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of Morwellham. You can’t get much closer to the area’s mining heritage than a visit to this open-air museum, and a trip down into a former working mine. Informative tour guides explain the role of mining in the village and the wider area, and the rest of this charming museum allows you to experience Victorian life in rural Devon. Of course Tavistock’s history is not limited to mining; Sir Francis Drake was born around 1540 on the site of what is now Crowndale Farm, near Tavistock College. Plymouth Hoe may be home to the more famous Drake statue, but the original stands proudly in the middle of the roundabout on Plymouth road. In the other direction, opposite the striking Town Hall and Guildhall buildings, stands St Eustachius Church. The span of the Church’s history is mind boggling; in the churchyard you can see ruins of Tavistock Abbey, once one of the wealthiest Abbeys in Devon, founded in 961 with the accompanying church built in the 13th century. Despite editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
A DAY OUT TO... seeing centuries of war, and being rebuilt several times, St Eustachius still stands proudly in the centre of the town. The tower clock plays different melodies daily, so listen out for the likes of Auld Lang Syne! Tavistock clearly has a rich history, much of which can still be seen today, but perhaps one of the characteristics locals are proudest of is the town’s impressive array of independent businesses and markets. In 1105 Henry I granted a Royal Charter to the monks of Tavistock Abbey to run a weekly Pannier Market (named after goods-carrying baskets), a market that remarkably still runs to this day selling handmade crafts, food, books, clothing and much more. A Farmer’s Market, voted best in the Southwest, is held on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Saturday of the month in Bedford Square, selling fresh and local food. If you can’t find what you’re after in the markets, Tavistock has no shortage of quality butchers, greengrocers, cheesemongers, organic specialists and many more businesses providing the best of local produce. Cafés and restaurants are also abundant, from sit-down dinners at places like The Bedford Hotel and the Terrace to the many pasty shops dotted around town (we won’t start a debate about which is the best!). On the high street, and in all the nooks and crannies of the town, you’ll find almost every kind of shop imaginable, many of them unique to Tavistock. Dickensian Evening, held on the last Friday of November, is a shopping event not to be missed; see the switching on of the Christmas lights and shop keepers dressed up in Victorian clothing, whilst getting some Christmas shopping done. The Town Hall regularly hosts vintage and craft fairs and flea markets as well as music and dance events, and even more music and theatre events are held at The Wharf arts centre, which also has its own cinema. www.moorlinks.co.uk
Tavistock is an ideal starting-point for walks and bike rides, whether you want a gentle 1 ¼ mile stroll along the Tavistock Viaduct, or an epic 21 mile cycle (or walk) along the Drake’s Trail to Plymouth. The Moorland Guides organisation also runs regular guided walks around the town, or take yourself off for a stroll over nearby Whitchurch Down to the, affectionately named, ‘The Pimple’. This three-sided folly sits on the entrance to a former underground reservoir, and was created by Edwin Lutyens, the architect who designed Castle Drogo. From here you’ll get great views of the moor and beyond. We may be a tad biased here at Moor and Tavy Links, but the evidence speaks for itself – Tavistock is a fantastic place for, not just one, but many days out. Bethany Miall
Based in Crapstone, we are a visiting computer “help” service. We come to where the problem is, which is usually the best way to fix things; it certainly beats lugging the culprit down to us to be told the fault is not there! We are now in our 12th year so we have a wealth of experience in repairing just about anything and setting up new equipment too. We sell computers and laptops from recognised major manufacturers; we do not “build” computers and we do not sell secondhand “reconditioned” equipment. Our normal service will provide you with your choice of computer and our expertise to transfer everything from the old machine to the new one including set up of email accounts and printers. We also sell Microsoft Office software at High Street prices and we recommend, sell and install Norton Anti-virus, but we are happy to install an alternative if you prefer. We can offer a low cost teaching service, provided by Carol, our Office Manager. This takes place in your home on your own computer, working at a pace to suit you and is at a much cheaper rate than a technician’s visit.
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GREAT ESCAPES
Brochures and literature associated with Bovey Castle proudly announce as their strapline ‘You’ve Arrived’. Well it certainly feels that way when arriving at the grand front entrance to Bovey Castle.
A latter-day footman, dressed in plus fours, tweed jacket and brogues, will greet you and politely announce that he will take your keys and park your car for you; heaven knows what he made of my rather clapped out mud splattered little Peugeot! From here on in, the transportation to opulent ‘Lord or Lady of the Manor’ status begins. I hate to use the synonym ‘Downton Abbey’, but if you can conjure that image then it describes the setting, the interior decoration and the extremely attentive staff all too well. Bovey Castle was built in 1890 by Frederick, the son of William Henry Smith (WH Smith) after his father purchased the 5,000 acre estate from the Earl of Devon for £103,000. Frederick clearly had an eye for design and a taste for opulence. The interior decoration boasts a stunning Jacobean style staircase, ornate plaster ceilings, oak paneling, carved stone archways, enormous stone fireplaces as well as a drawing room by Scottish neoclassical architect, Robert Adam. It became a hotel in 1930 (after it’s sale to help pay large death duties) and has since undergone many changes and additions, under its various ownerships – but still maintaining the feeling of lavish country house. Today the hotel boasts 64 unique and sumptuous bedrooms, drawing rooms, a library, dining room, private dining 52
rooms, 14 holiday lodges, a luxury indoor swimming pool, spa facilities, bistro restaurant, tennis courts and of course it’s world renowned 18 hole golf course. In 2008 the hotel underwent a multimillion pound refurbishment by Annabel Elliot, giving every inch of the hotel the stunning, elegant, country house feel it so truly deserves. Within the last year the hotel has changed hands once again and is now owned by Peter Rigby as part of his Eden Hotels Collection, with further plans for upgrading and renovating. During my afternoon visit I was offered a tour of the hotel and its various Classic and State bedrooms and as such I would offer a few words of advice; if you are tempted to dip in to your holiday funds for a special weekend away, spend as much as your piggy bank will allow, on your choice of room. All the rooms are exquisitely furnished but the standard classic rooms are a little on the pokey side, with small windows and unexciting views, accessed via a narrow and slightly shabby back staircase. However, if you choose a Valley Room to a Grand State Room (with it’s huge roll top bath and uninterrupted views of the golf course and the moor beyond), accessed via the main staircase, you will definitely feel ‘You’ve Arrived’. Each room comes with all the expected trimmings; piles of fluffy white towels, bathrobes, slippers and a basket full of bath time goodies. However, if your piggy bank really doesn’t want to relinquish its contents, then take the 30 minute drive over the moor one afternoon and indulge yourself with one of Bovey Castle’s rather decadent ‘Afternoon Teas’ in front of a roaring fire in superbly squishy sofas. (Afternoon Tea from £25 per head.) With dog towels and children’s wellies prominently displayed in the entrance porch, it comes as no surprise that the hotel generously welcomes children and dogs. Bovey Castle is currently offering various ‘Christmas Experience’ options for stays during the festive period. For more information visit: www.boveycastle.com Lizzie Watt editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
GREAT ESCAPES
Marrakech painting holiday and short breaks
The great thing about Morocco is that it’s so near the UK (3 hrs flying) yet so totally different. With its mix of Berber, Arab and French heritages it is also a kaleidoscope of cultures with a strong tradition of hospitality, great food and the best café-style people-watching. Marrakech stands on a plain near the Atlas Mountains and marks the terminus of the ancient trans-Sahara camel caravan routes. Tablets of salt, gold bars, massive ivory tusks and gangs of slaves used to find their way to Europe via Marrakech. Nowadays it’s a hub for exploring the Medina (old town) and souks (labyrinthine covered marketplaces); the slaves are long gone, but the gold is still there! Painting Holiday: Venture Co and Bristol artist / instructor Linda Alvis have a unique painting holiday to Morocco. We join leading Berber artist Rachid Zizi and explore new techniques, styles, materials and subjects. He will guide you to his favourite spots where you can put brush to paper without being disturbed. We pack a lot into the week including time in Marrakech, the d’Agafay Desert and glorious Essaouira on the coast. Nonepainting partners welcome. Short breaks: There are heaps of riads (traditional townhouses built around a central courtyard with a fountain as centre-piece) in Marrakech: some are great, some are shoddy but all are living museums! Combine the riad with a visit to the hammam (traditional steam bath) and massage and you have a restorative weekend break. Add in a visit to the “Land of Stars” lodge in the nearby d’Agafay Desert and you’ll have a week to remember. www.moorlinks.co.uk
Traveller’s tips: the Atlas Mountains are less than 3 hrs drive from Marrakech and Essaouira on the Atlantic coast is 3 hrs in the opposite direction. We can create a tailor-made holiday from £110 per person per night, guiding you to the hidden gems and best places to stay. www.ventureco-worldwide.com mark@ventureco-worldwide.com 01822 616 191. Painting Holiday (17th to 15th Oct 2015. £1,885 incl BA flight) http://www.ventureco-worldwide.com/africa/morocco/ moroccos-madinas-sand-seas-and-sea-scapes Winter 2014/15 Marrakech Short break Special: 3 nights Dar Touyir Riad Marrakech and 2 nights in the “Land of Stars” luxury lodge, d’Agafay Desert. £445.
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BUSINESS
IT FAQs
Gidon from The Technology Company answers your technology questions
Q. Do I need a strong password and what’s the best way of choosing one that I can remember?
Wi-Fi network will be subject to any blocks and filters setup, rather than having to install and configure software on each device.
We do recommend using a strong password for important online accounts like email and online banking. For other sites, just ensure the password is different to the one used for your important accounts.
To enable and setup these controls, you’ll normally start off by connecting to your router from a web browser. Check with your provider for details.
One idea for a secure password is to choose a phrase that only you know. You can include spaces and try and include capital letters and numbers. For example: It was sunny when I got married in 2002. Check your efforts using the Microsoft password checker: http:// tinyurl.com/ttcpword. If you have lots of passwords to remember try using a Password Manager like Roboform or LastPass.
Q. We have many devices connecting to the Internet, including smartphones and tablets. How do I ensure younger members of the family are browsing safely? Try and choose a broadband provider that offers router level parental controls (most do). They all call it something different, for example: BT Parental Controls; Sky Shield; Virgin Websafe and TalkTalk Homesafe. Router-level controls mean that all devices connected to your home
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Q. I’d like a portable wireless speaker to play music from my phone or tablet. What are the options and what do you recommend? Bluetooth is the most common option for battery operated wireless speakers. It will work with almost any smartphone or tablet. There is some loss in audio quality compared to lossless options like Sonos and Airplay, but Bluetooth sound quality is improving all the time. There are a range of speakers to choose from depending on your budget. The minute X-mini WE at £30 has impressive sound for its size. The Creative D100 (£60) jumps up in size but has good sound for the price. The Braven 570 (£99), Pure Jongo S3 (£109) and the rugged Braven BRV-1 (£129) all offer superb sound, good battery life and handy extra features for a little more. We’d highly recommend listening before purchase. If you have any questions now or for a future column, and for all previous articles, please visit thetechnologycompany.co.uk/linksqa.
editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
BUSINESS News from Geoffrey Cox MP
Bringing broadband to our rural communities It is no secret that those of us who are fortunate enough to live in traditional rural communities do not always have access to infrastructure which is as reliable or as comprehensive as that enjoyed by our urban neighbours. From bus routes to school funding, it is fair to say that successive governments have struggled to truly address the various issues that have faced residents of the countryside – and the South West in particular – for so many years. However, things are now, at last, changing for the better. I have written previously in this column about how decisions taken by this government mean that the rural population is now getting a better deal than ever before in different ways, and this is most certainly the case when it comes to the provision of superfast broadband. Some readers will already know about the pioneering Connecting Devon and Somerset programme. This is a public-private partnership between several local authorities and British Telecom, whose Openreach division is providing the equipment and technological expertise needed to ensure my constituents in West Devon and other communities throughout the region experience faster and more reliable internet connections at the earliest opportunity. The Government has recently announced several funding increases to further boost the speed and scope of the programme so that as many people as possible can start to enjoy superfast broadband as soon as possible. The latest commitment of an additional £22.75 million should result in 95% of premises being upgraded by 2017, and I am assured
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that solutions for the remaining 5% are being investigated as a priority. If you have not yet been upgraded to superfast broadband and are unsure of when this might happen, I would encourage you to visit the Connecting Devon and Somerset website at www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk. Once there, simply enter your postcode into the ‘Where and When’ box and within seconds you will be given a clear idea of whether your home address is due to be included in the rollout and, if so, how far along the installation process your local exchange is. Geoffrey Cox, MP
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BUSINESS
Why is it important that I make a Will and have a Power of Attorney? As a Solicitor specialising in Wills & Probate, I am frequently asked these questions, as it is a common misconception that Wills and Powers of Attorney, are only applicable to those who have lots of money, complex assets or an extended family. This is not the case. If you die without a Will, you are considered to die Intestate, and the distribution of your assets will be dictated by law. Spouses and children will benefit under these rules, but probably not the way that you would have intended. The Intestacy Rules have changed very little since 1925, whereby spouses only receive a legacy plus half of the residuary estate, children can receive money at 18, step children are completely overlooked and unmarried couples are not included. These Rules certainly do not take into account the modern family setup, and those not included would have to make a claim.
be given legal authority, by way of an LPA or they will have to seek authority from the Court. LPA’s have to be prepared when you have capacity and it is important that you seek legal advice to make sure you are choosing the most suitable people, and that the forms are correctly executed otherwise they could fail at registration. To discuss making a Will, updating an existing Will, or preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney, please contact the Wills & Probate Team at Curtis Whiteford Crocker on 01752 204444 or by emailing lucy@cwcsolicitors.co.uk
Finally do not overlook the importance of making your Will through a Solicitor as home made Wills can be fraught with problems, are easily contested, and can end up being disregarded if they fail to be validly executed. Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA’s) are also important as this legal document allows you to choose who would make decisions for you if you lose capacity. Do not assume that your spouse or children have this authority, as they too must
Lucy Atwill, Curtis Whiteford Crocker
Do you have a Will?
Wills are cheap and simple to prepare when you consider what could go wrong if you don’t make one. If you die without a Will, you die Intestate and your estate will pass according to the Intestacy Rules, potentially benefitting those who you would not have chosen to inherit.
Do you have a Power of Attorney?
If you lose the mental capacity to make decisions, your family is not automatically entitled to deal with your affairs unless you have prepared a Lasting Power of Attorney.
For more information please contact Lucy Atwill on 01752 204444 or lucy@curtissolicitors.co.uk Offices located at Mutley Plain & Torpoint, but if you are unable to attend at the office, we offer HOME VISITS!
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GREEN NEWS
Local & Community Food Feeding ourselves from afar is becoming less and less viable for all kinds of reasons. Making a change to local food, even if it’s only for part of a weekly shop, cuts down on food miles and oil use and keeps money going around our local economy. Liz Whitwell tells us of plans in our area. With busy lives and tight budgets we often tell ourselves that the supermarket is the only option. But things are changing in our area making buying local a viable choice, and there are even opportunities to get involved in growing your own. We have excellent local shops and a thriving farmer’s market in Tavistok and although they might not have the ‘BOGOF’ offers of the supermarket, they offer everyday good value and usually better quality. Food that’s full of food, not additives, makes for much better value than just comparing price per kilo. There’s now an online farmers market too, at www. tamarvalleyfoodhubs.org.uk. It’s a really easy way to get access to small, local producers without the need to visit them individually. Consumers place their order by midnight
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on Tuesday and producers deliver it to the hub on Friday, ready for collection. For a small additional charge you can even have it delivered. Any producer in or around the Tamar Valley, whether a large established business or someone with a surplus from their allotment, can join and sell their food. If you’d like to get more involved in growing your own food, there are lots of different ways that communities can organise themselves, and help is available from organisations such as TGL. I’m really hoping that Chagfood’s veg box scheme can be recreated here. They rent 7 acres of farmland and, run by a professional grower, deliver affordable veg to Chagford and surrounding area. Consumers commit to a regular monthly fee and in return receive a weekly share of the harvest as a veg box. Buckland Food Growers, in Buckland Monachorum, was set up with assistance from TGL. Nearly 5 years on they’ve got around 40 families who are working in groups to produce veg, eggs, pork, honey and cider.
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GREEN NEWS Roots to Transition is a community growing project in Tavistock which is renovating the Rose Walk in the Meadows (the gated path running from Plymouth Road to the canal between the tennis courts and the bowling club). Volunteers have cleared the area of weeds and are cultivating a potager, (an area of both edible and ornamental plants). Anyone can help themselves to the produce that’s in season, making sure that they leave some for the next person! The scheme won a ‘Thriving’ award from the RHS and a community garden is being planned next year that will greatly expand the produce available. If you’d like to get involved with any of these schemes, or set up one of your own, you can visit the Transition Tavistock website and follow the links. Liz Whitwell is a member of Transition Tavistock, a local eco charity that seeks to bring our community together by sharing knowledge and practical ideas to use less energy and resources. Meet us at Green Drinks, 2nd Tuesday of each month, at The Union Inn, King Street, Tavistock Web www.transitiontavistock.org.uk Email transitiontavistock@gmail.com
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HISTORY
Prior to the build of Burrator dam and its subsequent reservoir, the farmed landscape looked very different. The upper hillsides were almost treeless and tracks and streams ran down the deep valley where the reservoir now sits. In the 1500s, Plymouth’s water supply came from local sources such as streams and wells within the city but as the town quickly grew these sources became inadequate and unhealthy. In 1585 the Plymouth Corporation obtained an Act of Parliament to construct a leat (a manmade six foot wide channel that is gravity fed), which would provide a direct source of water for the city from Dartmoor. Construction of the Plymouth Leat was completed by April 1591 and it became known as Drake’s Leat, after Sir Francis Drake, who had managed the project. In 1871 the 17 mile (27.4km) long leat was lined with granite to improve the flow and reduce heavy water loss. In the 1790s the Devonport Leat was constructed to channel water to the developing docks of Devonport near Plymouth. It was 24 miles (38.6km) long and remained in use until the early 1920s.
By the late 1800s there were again serious problems with the water supply for Plymouth. The open leat was unable to cope with increased demand, which was made worse in winter by snow and ice often blocking the watercourse, while in summer the water supply dried up. In 1891 a report by Plymouth Water Engineer, Edward Sandeman, recommended that a reservoir, dams and a water pipeline to Plymouth be built in the Burrator area. Once the decision on the site of the dam was made in the 1880s it was important for the Plymouth Water Corporation to acquire an extensive tract of land known as ‘the catchment area’ and thereby control the quality of the water that was to fill the reservoir. The acquisition was not completed until 1917. Granite stones marked PCWW1917 can still be found along its boundary. Work began on the main Burrator dam in 1893 and on the smaller Sheepstor Dam the following year - it took five years to complete both dams. Granite blocks for the construction of the dam were obtained from a specially opened quarry approximately 150 metres upstream from the dam site. Once they were dislodged from the rock face by normal quarrying methods they were manhandled to the adjacent stonemasons’ yard using winches and chains. Here they would be cut to the desired shape using the `feather and tare` method and then lifted into position on the dam wall by steam crane. Burrator Dam was built differently to modern dams, using gravity construction. This means that its strength relies on mass bulk to retain all that water!
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editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
HISTORY
Before the foundations were built, a trench 15 metres deep in places was cut into the solid granite along the line of the dam. Granite core stones, known as ‘plumbs’ and weighing up to 8 tons were then placed within the dam structure and secured with concrete. Cut granite facing stone blocks were then used on both sides of the dam. The Sheepstor Dam was built on a dividing ridge between the River Meavy and Sheepstor Brook when it was realised that water would escape over a low watershed from the new reservoir. This may look like a modest structure but it needed unexpectedly deep foundations because of soft underlying rocks. The rest of the structure consists of an earth embankment with a core of puddled clay. The dam was faced with cut granite blocks on the water side to prevent erosion. Work started on raising both the Burrator and Sheepstor Dams by three metres in December 1923 after it was identified that the water supply was insufficient for Plymouth’s needs following amalgamation with Devonport and Stonehouse in 1914. A new quarry was opened on the west side of the dam and a temporary suspension bridge was erected across Burrator Reservoir to provide access to and from Sheepstor Village. In 1970 the Sheepstor Dam was raised again to reduce the risk of a surge of water flooding Sheepstor village.
Some additional heritage facts at Burrator - did you know? •
The Princetown Railway was originally a horse-drawn tramway which followed the contours of the hills and ran from Princetown to Plymouth quarries.
•
The whole area around Burrator Reservoir contains a wealth of archaeological remains, dating from 2500BC and boasts at least 150 identified historic features.
•
There are more than 20 ancient farm sites in the Burrator catchment which demonstrates the high quality of the farmland.
•
The Burrator area is especially rich in the remains of tin stamping mills
Today Burrator Reservoir is owned, maintained and operated by South West Water, which was formed in 1989 when the water industry was privatised, and is managed by the charity South West Lakes Trust who work towards sustainable recreation, access, education and nature conservation. If you would like to learn more about the areas unique heritage come and visit the new Discovery Centre. Weekly opening times are displayed outside the centre or please ring the office on 01822 855700. For event information please view the Burrator page on the SWLT website www.swlakestrust.org.uk.
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TRADE SECRETS
Our section ‘Trade Secrets’ delves a little deeper into the myriad of possible careers we choose and why we choose them.
Karen Higginson PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER Why did you become a teacher?
I went into teaching after I did a Performance and Teaching degree at the Royal College of Music. I was able to use my music qualification to teach, as well as still playing as a violinist in orchestras. I enjoyed this and wanted to be more involved in school life. I really wanted to make an impact on younger children, especially in the area of music.
How much training is involved, what qualifications do you need to become a teacher?
There are many different paths into teaching. Mine is unconventional! I did a Post Graduate degree (PGCE) at Goldsmiths College which enabled me to use my primary degree to teach secondary school music and maths, but I have always liked working with younger children. My first full time job was actually as a Head of Music, and later I formally retrained at Bath University as a Primary Teacher. The standard route would be to take a B.Ed (Bachelor of Education), a three or four year degree course. Alternatively there are now alternative programmes in the local area designed to encourage people into teaching. Perhaps one of the most important things is to have a specialism or skill, like drama, art or a language, that can help you stand out when applying for jobs. Others move to teaching from having been a teaching assistant.
Where do you teach?
At Whitchurch Primary school. I am currently teaching year 5 but have taught in other years.
How long have you been teaching?
I have been at Whitchurch for eight years. I have also taught in London, Berkhamsted, Australia and New Zealand.
Who else works with you?
The school employs a wide-ranging number of staff from cleaners, administrators, teaching assistants and meal time assistants. I personally have two higher learning classroom assistants who work alongside me in the classroom. We 62
welcome parents, volunteers and governors who can support the children and staff in a variety of ways. We also work very closely with staff at Tavistock College as we try to ensure a smooth transition to secondary school.
What is involved in being a teacher? How does your day usually unfold?
Like most teachers, I am usually at school by 8am and often still there at 6pm, especially if there is a staff meeting. We often work in the evenings, weekends and holidays , but having a work- life balance is important. Getting involved with things like school choirs and competitions with the children will also mean extra work and time. Every day is different, but every day spent in the classroom with the children is rewarding.
What would you say to someone thinking of this as a career?
Although it is a pressured and demanding job, it is very rewarding. If you love working with children and you can be organised and forward thinking then perhaps it’s for you. My career path was not linear and I have travelled; I think it has helped my teaching to have some life experience behind me.
What is the best thing about your job?
I really enjoy being creative. I like using my love and knowledge of music in the classroom in an innovative way. We use lots of role play within the curriculum to allow the children a more practical way to learn. I love this as it means I get to be a little bit child-like every now and again!
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LAST WORD
Malawi – one of the world’s poorest countries and the land of many volunteers, undertaking sterling work in health, education, social and environmental projects. I knew the raw facts but only gained any real understanding when I was a volunteer with the Book Bus charity in south Malawi in September. The contrast between rural primary schools in England and Malawi was stark. Here we have attractive, child-centred facilities and approaches to learning. There you find bare brick classrooms (some incomplete) or simply grass-roofed open shelters, classes of between 40 and 90 to one teacher, very few books and no equipment apart from blackboards. The Book Bus gives children the chance to enjoy books on a personal level. We met wonderful Malawian teachers but lessons inevitably comprised largely copying from the blackboard and rote learning. We were there to provide a small taste of interactive learning through shared reading and activities, impossible in their normal school day. Each day at 7am we climbed on board Matilda, our Book Bus, wonderfully adorned with illustrations by Quentin Blake (one of the charity’s trustees) and set off from our comfortable accommodation at family-run Fisherman’s Rest near Blantyre. Comfort was soon left behind, as we turned off the tarmac road for a lurching journey on deeply rutted, steep tracks to reach a remote village tucked away in the Malawian hills. The bus, decorated with African bunting, crammed full of books and creative materials, was greeted wildly enthusiastically en route and on arrival at the school. With the children in neat lines outside for assembly, we listened to their wonderful singing, soon joining in the marching song that led them to their classes. As the sun rose higher, we read with small groups of children, the children each holding their own copy of the book – a delightful novelty for them. Conditions were far from ideal: sitting on mats in the shade of a tree or building, often with chickens clucking around us, sometimes hindered by gritty dust blowing over us. One day a squealing trussed-up pig was trundled past ‘my class’ in a wheelbarrow. We aimed to bring the stories in the books to life, to fire imaginations. With the help of translators when necessary, we organised acting and art work arising from the story. The children drew and coloured carefully and had to be restrained a little with the glitter glue! All the things we take for granted at our primary schools were treats to them. An inflatable globe was a wonder revealing the world, including the vast distance 66
between the UK and Malawi. They joyously taught us their games and action songs and we taught them ours. English is the gateway to achievement, which starts by completing the 8 standards (years) of primary school. The handwritten lists of those who had passed the exam for secondary school were proudly displayed outside every head teacher’s simple office but only a small percentage of pupils get this far. Raising aspirations is a tough task with this level of rural poverty – most children were barefoot and wore ill assorted garments, though some were in uniform; living conditions were extremely basic. Each morning included a lengthy break, not for games but for children to receive specially formulated nutritious porridge (‘phala’) in regulation plastic mugs. Cooked at the schools in large pots over wood fires – we soon realised that was why children often arrived at school carrying a stick – for many this would be their only meal of the day and thus a powerful incentive to attend school. We have much to learn from the warm people of Malawi. I noticed in particular their ability to take pleasure in small things, their readiness to laugh, their strong sense of loving duty to family, their politeness and ungrudging thanks. From teachers’ and children’s comments, I believe too that some of the children also learned from their Book Bus experiences with us. Not only did their delight and confidence in reading increase but some of the older children, including the more traditionally shy girls, had been eager to talk about their future aspirations. Apparently, the teachers especially appreciated having three female volunteers as role models! Many of us will have a vivid memory of a positive learning experience that has influenced our lives. If we have left some children with such a memory, we will hopefully have encouraged them to achieve at school. My time in Malawi underlined the fact that the main way out of poverty, a way of living that seemed an endless present, is through education. Reading – and, in Malawi, reading in English – is at the heart of that journey. Jennie Davies www.thebookbus.org editorial@moorlinks.co.uk
EXCELLENCE Mount Kelly provides pupils with the individual attention and support so essential for successful learning. Working with average class sizes of 15 our highly qualified staff are able to focus on helping children to achieve their personal best, inside the classroom and out, in an exceptional learning environment. Best of all they enjoy the experience.
Mount Kelly offers a range of scholarships, bursaries and discounts across all year groups as well as a choice of flexible fee payment arrangements. For more information or to arrange a visit please contact Vanessa Bowles, Director of Admissions admissions@mountkelly.com or 01822 813193 Mount Kelly . Parkwood Road . Tavistock . PL19 0HZ www.mountkelly.com
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