Oke Links March/April 2019 by Links Magazines

March/April 2019 | Issue 14

172

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

to enjoy this Spring

CHAGWORD DARTMOOR’S LITERARY FESTIVAL Pru Leith, Michael Morpurgo, Jo Brand and many more...

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Celebrating the great outdoors! As I write, the remnants of winter snow are melting under bright sunshine and bulbs are pushing their way up through thawing ground. Also growing like a weed is our new puppy, Lewis, happily ‘helping’ - or more truthfully, hindering - a garden tidy-up. Spring is on its way!

The deadline date for any inclusions in the May/ June issue of Oke Links will be March 29th 2019. For all editorial enquiries please contact me via email at: jane.honey@linksmagazines. co.uk or 07971 917071. THE LINKS TEAM: Publisher: Tim Randell Editor: Jane Honey Design: Sara Venner and Julian Rees Customer Services: Rachel Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard

01822 615627 The lucky winner of the tickets for afternoon tea with Jenny Murray at The Plough in March was Karen Newton, Moretonhampstead I hope they enjoyed their experience!

Many of those featured in this issue of Oke Links will be looking forward to the arrival of longer, warmer days. The growers involved in the Chagfarm and Chagfood enterprises, the subject of this edition’s feature, are obviously keen weather watchers. I was fascinated to meet these passionate, hardworking young people, whose love of the land is matched by their enthusiasm to educate and share their ethos and beliefs. And more clement weather will definitely suit our local people subjects - Dartmoor ranger Ian Brooker, conservationist Mike Watson and gardenrescuing volunteer Brian Wilkinson, who are all never happier than when out in the great outdoors. Our charity focus this time is Westcountry Rivers Trust. Guardians of our watercourses, the organisation was the first rivers trust to be formed in the country and works with farmers, landowners and communities to improve the health of our waterways, protecting wildlife habitats and putting rivers at the heart of our culture. In keeping with the outdoors theme, those who are involved with Okehampton Community Garden will be looking forward to the new growing year - you can read about the organisation on page 5. And North Tawton Primary School is aiming to spruce up an area of land in an effort to make the school grounds more inviting. Anyone interested in helping can read about the project on page 19. A happy Easter to you all!

Jane Jane Honey - Editor Don’t forget to email me with your events and news at: jane.honey@linksmagazines.co.uk or call 07971 917071

11 Contents

58 16

5 NOTICEBOARD

26 GARDENING

58 FEATURE

12 LOCAL PEOPLE

29 FARMING DIARY

60 WALKS WITH WINNIE

17 SPORT

31 FINANCE

62 FOOD AND DRINK

18 EDUCATION

32 WHAT’S ON LISTINGS

66 HISTORY

20 CHARITY

43 WHAT’S ON EXTRA

70 TRADE SECRETS

23 HEALTH

50 MUSIC AND ART

Delivered by the Royal Mail to the following towns and villagers: Okehampton • Moretonhampstead • Chagford • Chichacott • Stockley • Belstone • Bondleigh • North Tawton • Sampford Courtenay • Taw Green • Sticklepath • South Zeal • Throwleigh • Wonson • Lydford • Lewdown • Bridestowe • Gidleigh • North Bovey • Sourton • Meldon • Boasley Cross • Bratton Clovelly • Portgate • Lewtrenchard Front Cover image courtesy of Sarah Marsh, Coombe Trenchard www.coombetrenchard.co.uk

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Community garden is a blossoming concern! Okehampton Community Garden in Fatherford Lane first opened its gates in 2012 -and we have come a long way over the past few years. In 2017 we formed a relationship with Okehampton Men in Sheds and now we have both projects running alongside one another. This year we have been very fortunate to have received some funding from Active Devon to get people ‘connecting actively with nature’, teaming up with Kate Dixon of Forest Chi to bring Tai Chi in the garden, starting on Thursday, April 11th. These sessions run over 12 weeks - they are aimed at the over 50s and are free to attend, spaces are limited so booking is advisable. We have a small ‘Home Ed’ group who meet up regularly on Tuesday from 2pm, starting again on April 2nd. This group is very informal, a great way for families to get together and enjoy nature. We regularly meet at the garden on a Tuesday and Thursday from 11am until 5pm. If you would like to get involved with the garden, then do pop along. Our sessions are very informal

and relaxed and there is always coffee and tea available, come along whenever suits you, stay for as long as you like, drink as much tea as you like! We do ask for a small donation towards refreshments of £1 a session. These sessions will begin again on Tuesday, April 2nd. We host regular social events at the garden, we plan to have more evenings cooking in the fire pit, summer activities for the children and other random events. Please follow us on facebook.com/ OkehamptonCommunityGarden/ to keep up to date with events. If you would like to know more about us please email us on okehamptoncommunitygarden@gmail.com or call Linda on 07928 735956. Linda Harper Okehampton Community Garden

Could you be a volunteer driver? Due to increase in requests for transport, Okehampton District Community Transport Group particularly needs drivers in the Lewdown, Chagford and North Tawton areas. Do you have an hour or two to spare daily, weekly or monthly? Do you enjoy meeting new people? If so, ODCT would love to hear from you! The group recently held a lunch for a group of drivers who were about to retire from the service, who had actually managed to notch up more than 46 years’ service between them! Sue Wonnacott of ODCT said: ‘We provide transport to hospital/medical appointments and social visits, both locally and further afield. We pay our drivers 45p per mile and also indemnify your no claims bonus and policy excess.’

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Drivers are also required for our two wheelchair accessible vehicles. The group provides training for wheelchair handling. Upcoming trips being organised by the transport group are to the Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary at Buckfastleigh, followed by a trip to the Abbey on March 16th; a visit to Homeleigh at Launceston on March 23rd and the ODCT coffee morning followed by lunch at Betty Cottles on March 30th. In April, there’s a trip to Tavistock on April 6th; to Green Lanes Shopping Centre at Barnstaple on April 13th and to Exmouth on April 27th. Please ring Sue on 01837 55000 if you’d like to become a volunteer driver or for more information about ODCT.

NOTICEBOARD

Better together - valuable support offered by library friends Okehampton Library is one of 50 Devon Libraries run by Libraries Unlimited, an independent charity set up in 2016. The library boasts healthy stock levels and inspiring book displays. Staff are always on hand to help with queries, signpost services and to have a friendly chat. A familiar face to many is Carole Cornwall, the library supervisor at Okehampton. The driving force behind the successful library, Carole is supported by staff, volunteers and their invaluable Friends Group. Friends Groups work closely with library supervisors and Libraries Unlimited to ensure communities benefit from high quality library services.

A spokesperson for The Friends of Okehampton Library said: ‘As a group we have made a new year’s resolution to look at new ways to promote library services, events and activities and strengthen the library’s presence in the local community.’ Regular events such as Knit and Knatter which gets people of similar interests together and talking have taken place at Okehampton Library. Chair Yoga and Kale in the Library are two other events inspired by the health and wellbeing initiative.

Friends of Okehampton Library has 25 members and support the library with fundraising, supplying refreshments and an extra pair of hands where needed. In December 2018 over £1,000 was raised from three events including a hamper raffle, quiz and concert. Throughout 2018, the Friends of Okehampton Library helped fund a WiFi upgrade and a set of new chairs, now in situ in the adjoining rooms, where external events and meetings are regularly held. Meeting rooms are available to hire for businesses and individuals. Carole said: ‘We are extremely fortunate to have such a supportive and active Friends group which, together with our volunteers, allows us to plan and provide events and activities for the community.’

Okehampton Library has a range of meeting rooms available for hire. With free WIFI, computer usage and printing and scanning facilities, Okehampton Library is a warm and welcoming community space for everyone to use, explore and enjoy. To find out more about becoming a Friend of Okehampton Library or a volunteer or to see how your library can help you, visit devonlibraries.org.uk or speak to a member of library staff. For more information about Devon Libraries visit devonlibraries.org.uk, follow @ DevonLibraries on Twitter and Facebook. com/Devon.Libraries.

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NOTICEBOARD

Home Library Service needs more ‘readers’! The Royal Voluntary Service works in partnership with Devon Libraries to deliver the Home Library Service. This provides those who cannot get to the library with a volunteer to choose and deliver their books. Hundreds of people in Devon benefit from this service. But Cathy Saunders, service manager said many more people in rural areas could be helped by the RVS if more people could offer a few hours of their spare time.

vital to this work and without whom the service could not be delivered. She has recently been lucky enough to be joined by really proactive volunteers in Chagford and Moretonhampstead, who along with the established teams in other libraries surrounding Dartmoor, means access to those in rural locations.

‘I firmly believe more people out there who may be lonely, isolated, or struggle to get to the library could benefit from a friendly visit by a volunteer with their books,’ said Cathy.

Books choices are discussed with the ‘reader’ who may not be able to reach the library due to mobility issues, ill health or caring responsibilities. Provision can be short term due to treatment or an operation or can be longer term. Some individuals choose their own books on line and the volunteer visits with them.

She says she is grateful to the volunteer teams throughout the county who are

For more information on support provided by the Royal Voluntary Service

or volunteering opportunities, call Cathy Saunders on 07786 635163 or email DevonHLS@ royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk The RVS area co-ordinator for the Okehampton Library area is Jan Goffey. Anyone who would like books delivering, or anyone who would like to volunteer to choose or deliver books to housebound people, should call her on 01837 659042.

Crowdfunding with a green theme A year’s supply of milk, a limited edition Taw River Dairy tea towel or the opportunity to milk Jersey cows and make your own ice cream flavour are the rewards that could be offered to those supporting a special green crowdfunding campaign this spring.

Family-run Taw River Dairy, near North Tawton, is run with sustainability and the environment at the forefront of its ethos and its products are packaged in eco-friendly materials where possible. Thousands of trees have been planted

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on the farm with the aim of becoming nearly carbon neutral. With the public’s help, Taw River Dairy would like to make their deliveries greener by buying an electric delivery van - you could even have your name on the van in return for your support! If the crowdfunding goes really well, a solar panel car-port will be bought to offset the dairy’s electricity consumption. To find out more follow Taw River Dairy on social media @tawriverdairy, visit www.tawriverdairy.co.uk or Crowdfunder.co.uk and search for Taw River Dairy.

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NOTICEBOARD

Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society It is 1.30am and from under the duvet, Karla hears the persistent ring of her phone. ‘Police Control Room here. We have a report of an RTC on the B3212. There’s an injured pony in the middle of the carriageway.’ It’s action stations for Karla. For over seven years, Karla McKechnie has worked as Livestock Protection Officer for the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society (DLPS) and the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council, on call 24 hours a day. The work of DLPS began in 1962, when problems were radically different from those of today, and some areas of Dartmoor were severely overstocked and animals undernourished as a result. Fifty years on and many problems now are visitor-related, in particular from the increasing number of motorists as well as from people exercising uncontrolled dogs. Last year DLPS recorded 106 dog attacks on sheep, most dying as a result. Karla attends many of the incidents, searching the undergrowth for those badly savaged which, if not found, die a lingering death. In the spring, young lambs are particularly at risk from being chased and killed by dogs.

Road Traffic Collisions involving livestock totalled 191 in 2018 with 158 animals dying as a result. Delivery drivers, commuters on moorland rat-runs and local motorists are regularly seen with a cavalier attitude of we know the road, driving at excessive speeds. Walkers, the police, visitor centres, veterinary surgeries and the RSPCA all phone Karla about moorland livestock incidents. She identifies stock-owners from paint marks, brand marks and ear-tags and acts quickly to get help to an animal or, as a last resort, to put it out of its misery. Karla is supported by DLPS volunteers, but essentially she is at the sharp end bringing aid to the animals and liaising with owners. The work is incredibly varied, including sheep trapped in rocks, ponies with colic, a calf without its mother, animals trapped in wire and so much more. To contact Karla call 07873 587561. Interested in the Society’s work? DLPS welcomes new members. Visit www.dlps.org.uk for more information.

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NOTICEBOARD

Money problems? I’ve got three kids and my finances are not in good shape after Christmas. I’m on a low income so had to put some purchases on a credit card. I have been trying to pay it off but I’m already behind on other bills. I haven’t been able to pay my council tax in three months and received reminders from my energy provider. What should I do? First work out how much you owe make a list of who you need to pay each month and how much. If you don’t have your most recent statements, you can contact your creditors to find out. Make sure you are getting all the income you are entitled to. For example, you may be entitled to tax credits to top

up your income or help with child care, housing costs or school meals. Create a budget by adding up essential living costs, such as food and housing and take these away from your income. Any money you have spare can be put towards your debts. Citizens Advice’s budgeting tool, found on its website, can help. Council tax, rent or mortgage and energy are priority debts as there can be serious consequences if you don’t pay them. These must be paid first. Separate these and work out how much you owe. As you’re already in arrears with council tax, you must act quickly - contact your council to arrange an affordable

payment plan. You can also contact your energy supplier to sort out a payment plan. They must help you do this and you can get help from Citizens Advice if they don’t. To cut future bills you should make sure you’re on the best deal you can get. Use a price comparison tool to check. For further help with your budget, negotiating with creditors or checking which benefits you’re entitled to, contact your nearest Citizens Advice by phone, online or face-to-face. For the most up-to-date advice, please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk Alternatively pop into Okehampton Citizens Advice (Ockment Centre) Tues & Weds 10-4pm and Fri 10-1pm or call Adviceline on 03444 111 444.

Spring is here! At this time of the year, ourselves and our many volunteers will be out and about putting up notices reminding dog owners to be responsible and to keep their dogs on leads and under close control whilst visiting the moors. This is because March is the official start of the lambing and bird nesting season on Dartmoor. Surveys have shown that Dartmoor is a stronghold for species that have declined elsewhere in the UK, such as the snipe and the skylark. In order for these and other birds to continue to

thrive, it’s really important that their nests are not disturbed and their young are given the best chances to mature. As well as asking the public to moderate their activities around this season, we will also be changing our work practices

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in line with the bird nesting season. This will be reflected in what we do with our volunteer work parties – ie not so much vegetation clearance, but more litter picking etc. as the months warm up. Other works that Rangers are normally finishing off at this time of the year is all our contracts works, path surveys and erosion surveys, ready for the new financial year beginning in April.

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NOTICEBOARD

Moreton’s Art Raft gets Co-op backing Art Raft – the arts group working with older people who are socially isolated or living with dementia – has been chosen as a local cause supported by the Co-op. Every time Co-op members shop at their Moretonhampstead branch, 1% goes to local causes. Art Raft is one of three groups to be chosen. Now in its third year, Art Raft is a Green Hill Arts-backed group, featuring local artists working with people who pay just £3 per session. Thirty sessions were held in 2018, attended by 20 people, many of whom attended regularly each week. The impact of the group has been deeply felt in Moretonhampstead, with one attendee’s son saying: ‘Thank you for what you’re doing to help my mother enjoy her life.’

Moreton’s Health Centre has also praised Art Raft, saying that it helped them to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the official health and care regulator, the Care Quality Commission. Future plans may include widening the sessions to appeal to other age groups, including younger people, who live with social isolation. For more information go to www.artraft.org.uk

Growing archive tells fascinating story A treasure trove providing a myriad of snapshots of life in Okehampton through the last few centuries can be found at the town’s community archive in Mill Road. The archive is run by a dedicated band of volunteers, intent on preserving all sorts of little gems from Okehampton’s past, whether they are photographs, newspaper cuttings, audio recordings or memorabilia. The volunteers meet up every Wednesday at the archive’s base, which opened in 2011, to sort and collate the collection, which has been built up over a number of years. Christine Marsh, who is treasurer of the group, said the archive always welcomed donations to its expanding files and folders. ‘Nothing is rubbish to us - information doesn’t even have to be sorted out, just bring it to us in a bag!’ said Christine.

‘Often families will come across things when sorting out parents’ homes - all buildings can tell a story,’ she said. The group holds regular coffee mornings every month, which raises funds towards rent of the building and utility bills. They will be held in the Church Hall on March 16th; April 13th; June 8th; July 13th, November 23rd and December 14th and in the Charter Hall on May 4th; August 10th and September 14th. Anyone who would like to learn more about Okehampton Community Archive, or who may have pictures or paperwork they would like to donate to the collection, is welcome to come along to any of the coffee mornings or call Christine on 01837 52350.

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Ian Brooker Dartmoor Ranger and diplomat From sorting out footpath issues, dealing with injured livestock, taking groups of schoolchildren out or liaising with commoners and parish councillors, no day is ever the same for Dartmoor ranger Ian Brooker. Ian, who lives in Exbourne, clearly loves his job and is hugely proud to be a member of the international ‘family’ of countryside rangers. He joined Dartmoor National Park Authority in May 1990, moving from a country park warden’s position in West Sussex. His ‘patch’ covers Okehampton and its hamlets, plus Belstone, Sticklepath, South Tawton, Throwleigh and Gidleigh. He works from home, checking into the authority’s head office at Parke every fortnight. It’s certainly no 9-5 job - Ian works a set number of weekend days during winter and summer plus evening meetings too. A great part of the role is as a diplomat and communicator, liaising between visitors to the moor, farmers and

landowners, commoners and residents. ‘The national park actually only owns about two percent of its land - not many people realise this and it’s quite a challenge to engage with such a variety of people,’ said Ian. ‘The only bit in my patch that the authority owns is Meldon reservoir car park. ‘I love that difference between dealing with the visitors that come here and the people that live and work on the moor. They are so different in their interests and aspirations; I love being in that front line.’ Ian explained that each ranger has their own commitments and budgets their time accordingly. The nature of his

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work has changed markedly in the last few years, much of it due to the huge expansion in housing in Okehampton. ‘It’s doubled in size since I first came here. There are a lot more people taking dogs on the moor, specially morning and evening, not all of them are responsible, and it does impact on animals and ground-nesting birds.’ While the population increases and creates a knock-on effect for Ian and his fellow rangers, National Park funding has been cut dramatically, by 40% since 2010. The authority lost 20 members of staff; valuable experience disappeared and a big restructuring exercise took place. There were redundancies in the ranger team too, down to its current level of ten plus a team leader. Ian agreed that being more accountable for their funding has been positive for national parks in many senses - but that any further cutbacks would certainly affect the level of service they were able to provide. Rangers are heavily involved in any event organised on Dartmoor - whether a major one like Ten Tors or smaller community affairs. Their priority will be to the natural environment, making sure any impact is kept to a minimum.

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LOCAL PEOPLE

AMBER & MALLOW Liaison with voluntary groups is vital - Ian said committed members of the public who regularly give hours of their time to help maintain and improve the natural environment were the unsung heroes of the moor. Education is a key role too - Ian regularly takes groups of children onto the moors to learn skills such as navigation, route planning, basic safety rules and getting them involved in letter boxing. ‘It’s really good being involved with youngsters, especially if it’s a group visiting from somewhere urban. We thoroughly enjoy it - although how the teachers do it all day every day I don’t know,’ laughed Ian. As is often the case, Ian’s personal interests spill into his worklife. He is a keen walker and bird watcher and while part of his role is keeping an eye on the 103 nesting boxes in Meldon Woods, he has now qualified in ringing Pied Flycatchers - a migratory species that flies all the way to Dartmoor from West Africa. ‘I still find it fascinating that I have two pairs that have come back to the same next boxes!

He is full of praise for the way Okehampton Hamlets have taken on management of the woods and its flourishing population of dormice, a struggling native species, is testament to this hard work.

Lifestyle

Away from Dartmoor, Ian loves to travel and will frequently combine trips with visits to national parks worldwide. His enthusiasm for a job that’s more akin to a vocation is evident.

‘I love that every day is different. The phone never stops ringing. One of the most unusual questions I ever had was someone asking what time Dartmoor’s gates shut! I get calls about ordnance on the moor, disputes over trees - we are the first point of contact and the more you get involved in your local community, the better,’ said Ian. ‘I always wanted to be a national park ranger - it’s a way of life rather than a job, but I feel very lucky and very privileged to do it.’ Jane Honey

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Mike Watson He swapped dentistry for Dartmoor . . . When Mike Watson moved with his wife and two sons to Sticklepath in 1990, he originally intended to take a career break and then return refreshed. But finding he and his wife loved living on the edge of the moor, running a bed and breakfast business, the desire to return to dentistry and the hustle and bustle of the South East soon receded - and they’ve lived in the village ever since. He was instrumental in setting up a small tourism concern, Access Dartmoor, supporting the businesses that had been affected by the opening of the A30 dual carriageway in the late 1980s and really enjoyed being part of building a thriving community. ‘I really loved the B&B, we had a great time, it was a complete break for me and it was so nice that people quite enjoyed coming to see me, instead of dreading it, which I used to get as a dentist!’ said Mike. While running the B&B for some 14 years, Mike took up a hobby which became a real passion - woodturning. He’d done a residential course in the craft which he was given as a birthday present - and discovered a talent for creativity he never realised he possessed, using the hand-eye co-ordination so important in dentistry. ‘I spend hours in my workshop, I raid people’s firewood piles - I love working with reclaimed wood, using the faults in the pieces to help it tell its own story. I love using wood and metal together, I think it works really well, like copper and oak. It’s a hobby that just about pays for itself.’ Mike sells his woodwork locally but said parting with it was sometimes hard.

‘It’s almost like parting with a piece of yourself, but you have to get over that, you know you can’t keep it all. Now I get quite a kick out of the fact that someone is willing to pay for something I’ve made!’ said Mike. ‘Pretty well all the wood I use is from round here, I don’t want to be part of the destruction of rainforests, I refuse to buy those woods that are beautiful, admittedly, but I’d rather work with something like local ash and colour it to get a similar effect.’ Mike’s love of the natural environment is also nurtured by the work he does as a stalwart member of Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation Group (STOC). Every Friday, in virtually every weather, he and the other group volunteers will be clearing footpaths, bashing bracken or clearing gorse from the commons, working closely in conjunction with agencies like Dartmoor National Park, the Woodland Trust, the National Trust or Butterfly Conservation. Mike said: ‘We’ve done some great work with Butterfly Conservation, particularly around Lower Hurston. You have these great boggy areas that are gradually being invaded by willow, birch and gorse and if you left it to nature, you’d lose the wetland and gradually lose the species that live there. We

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Photo by Colin Sargent

try to preserve the rushes, sedges and devil’s bit scabious, so species like the Marsh Fritillary butterfly can thrive. ‘Then there’s rhododendron. It’s not natural to Dartmoor, it’s beautiful for three or four weeks, but the rest of the year, it’s a pain. It’s invasive, it’s a monoculture and the ground below becomes sterile, nothing else grows under it.’ Mike explained the STOC volunteers cut the rhododendron back and treat the stumps to prevent re-growth, killing the root system in situ. Bracken is another invasive plant that again creates conditions that make it difficult for other species to grow, like violets, which are important for certain butterflies. Apparently bruising bracken is more effective in controlling it - trying to mend itself takes more out of the plant than just cutting it back.

variety of training courses, from hedge laying and drystone walling to habitat management. He admits he’s learned a huge amount - and ‘absolutely loves’ the camaraderie, the work and a pint in the pub afterwards! As if he didn’t have enough to fill his time, this youthful 78-year-old is also a voluntary warden with Dartmoor National Park, supporting the rangers for a minimum of 160 hours a year through a wide variety of tasks, whether clearing fallen wood across a bridlepath or keeping an eye on erosion by riverbanks. ‘I’m a glorified litter picker really - we never, ever go out without bag so we can pick up litter wherever we are,’ he said. It’s a world away from filling molars - but dentistry’s loss certainly seems to have been Dartmoor’s gain!

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See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

LOCAL PEOPLE

Brian Wilkinson Never happier than when he’s outdoors . . . Sailing the seven seas as an engineer with the Merchant Navy, visiting major ports all over the globe, must have seemed worlds away from the peace and quiet of a forgotten woodland in deepest West Devon. Yet for several years Brian Wilkinson, who lives at Lewdown, spent hours of precious shore leave working to help clear what became known as Lewtrenchard Forgotten Garden, along with a dedicated band of volunteers. Brian explained that local historians believe the piece of woodland behind Lewtrenchard Manor had once been a formal garden, created by the well known Victorian author and parson Sabine Baring Gould for his ailing wife Grace to enjoy. ‘The land was completely and utterly overgrown with brambles but there was a stream running through it to a pond and a few specimen trees, although it was a complete jungle,’ said Brian.

enclosed spot where people can walk their dogs safely, enjoying the flora and fauna. Within the garden is an interesting old stone structure with a wide arched gateway and circular internal walls. Some believe it may have been an ice house - others that it was for storing root vegetables. The next project on Brian’s to do list is to reroof the building, using reclaimed donated slates. Brian was born and bred in West Devon - his family lived at Sydenham and he attended Lew Trenchard Primary School and Tavistock College before going away to sea. His life-long interest in the natural world was initially encouraged by his primary school headteacher. Brian’s convinced the population of insects and birds locally have been affected by insecticide use and he has noticed a decrease in the variety of wildlife he sees around his home.

Clearance work on the five acre site began about 15 years ago. During this time, bridges and paths have been restored and years of silt removed from the pond. A pipe leading to the pond was discovered and by digging back, Brian and his fellow volunteers uncovered the remains of what was believed to be an ancient holy well, the first documented evidence of which was an entry in a parish register in 1830. ‘We think the original garden fell into disrepair when the Lewtrenchard estate workers went off to the Western Front during the First World War and there was no-one to look after it,’ said Brian, who was honoured with a West Devon mayor’s award for his work in the garden in 2015. The superstructure above the well was rebuilt and rededicated in 2013. In subsequent years, the committee which looks after what’s now known as Lewtrenchard Woodland Walk planted a Hornbeam to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme. Recently a gazebo was erected in memory of a dedicated volunteer who spent many hours at the spot. Several other trees have also been planted in memory of loved ones. It’s become a quiet and peaceful 16

‘I’m an outdoors person - I am never happier than when I am outside somewhere with a chainsaw or strimmer. I’m like a caged animal in the bad weather,’ he said. Since retiring six years ago, in addition to volunteering at Lewtrenchard Woodland Walk he has been helping out on his sister-in-law’s farm and has developed an interest in metal detecting. ‘I’ve never found anything very special but I do find it fascinating. You can be in the middle of a field and you get a signal and find a coin that’s been there for 150 years and you wonder who dropped it - that connection with the past is amazing.’ I wonder what the Rev Sabine Baring Gould would make of the way Brian and his fellow committee members have rescued his forgotten garden, maintaining it for others to enjoy, more than 100 years after its inception. • For more information about the Lewtrenchard Woodland Walk, go to www.forgottengarden.co.uk Jane Honey

SPORTS CLUB NEWS

Otters flourish at Parklands Okehampton Otters is a swimming and lifesaving club based at Parklands Leisure Centre in Simmons Park offering coaching and training to a range of swimmers from seven years old. There is also a lifesaving element to the club. While most swimmers train to improve technique, keep fit, or socialise – hopefully all three – there is a growing competitive ambition within the club. Three years ago Otters employed a head coach to work alongside its strong group of volunteers. The results are starting to come through with more swimmers achieving Devon County standards times and for the first time in 2018, Otters had a home-grown regional standard swimmer - a huge achievement. In January Otters hosted the Dartmoor Gala at Parklands in partnership with Tavistock Swimming Club. Some 150 swimmers from eight clubs across Devon competed in 60 events, Otters finishing third in the medal table. The lifesaving element of Otters teaches young people how to be safe near and in water and help others. Teaching focusses on survive and save. No-one should endanger themselves rescuing someone or a pet; which means not entering the water unless competent. Reaching out, chucking a float or heaving a rope are the preferred methods.

Rookies aged eight to eleven years old who can already swim two lengths, learn among friends and with fun. They are taught to recognise dangers like currents and ice, learn survival techniques, how to assist someone in difficulty and give first aid including cardio pulmonary resuscitation. The Survive & Save programme, for ages 12 – 16+, progresses through bronze, silver and gold. Swimmers can use this to support Duke of Edinburgh Award training or a GCSE PE qualification. Many go on to qualify as lifeguards or instructors. Candidates particularly enjoy scenarios reflecting real life incidents requiring them to assess the situation, equipment available, people available to help and their ability to safely carry out a rescue. All will be able to contribute to society through their enduring transferable life skills. To join or support Okehampton Otters, email OttersComms@ hotmail.com or visit www.okehamptonotters.co.uk

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Caring for People in the Community

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT EDUCATION

The Ranger Ralph Club Connecting young people to nature National Parks are a great place for learning and most people would not be surprised to learn that most of the UK’s 15 national parks have a well-developed formal education offer that helps students to understand processes that formed iconic landscapes; explore what features of natural and cultural heritage make national parks special and undertake fieldwork with pupils to understand the role that National Park Authorities play in promoting opportunities for visitors while protecting the rich resource they have come to enjoy. What may be less well known are some of the ‘informal learning’ offers that some national parks provide. On Dartmoor we use a ‘progression route’ for young people to help them understand what makes Dartmoor special and to support their learning outside the classroom and, importantly, outside the formal school context.

This engagement journey starts with children and their families with a family learning club catering for families with five to 12 year olds. We provide 12 experiential education activities a year that explore Dartmoor’s special qualities. Costs are deliberately low to ensure equality of access. Typically activities include an element of learning alongside a craft or natural making activity – something to take home to reinforce learning and engagement with Dartmoor is an 18

important part of the process. Examples of activities: tin panning and pewter smelting to explore Dartmoor’s industrial past; ‘Medieval Manuscripts’ at our historic Dartmoor Longhouse; house martin and swallow nest box building or a ‘Bogtastic Day’ exploring Dartmoor’s magnificent mires. In addition, Ranger Ralph Club members receive four newsletters each year. At the heart of our work we aim to provide direct experience that is relevant and applicable beyond the immediate experience. To achieve this we use the environment, setting, context provided by Dartmoor’s landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage to provide intensive, absorbing, high quality and continuously innovative engaging activities. Importantly our experiences are authentic – not ‘Disneyfication’. Activities are designed to allow equal participation and each young person to achieve. Our ultimate aim - to build meaningful relationships with the environment, with each other and with self (self-confidence and self-esteem). We work with relatively small numbers and small scale means we may not ‘touch’ so many – but the depth of relationship and intensity of experience has been shown through our evaluations to be transformative. Further information about the Ranger Ralph Club and to join, visit www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/funzone/ join-our-club Orlando Rutter, Senior Learning and Outreach Officer, Dartmoor National Park

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SCHOOL EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

Exciting new project needs a helping hand! North Tawton CP School is located in spacious grounds with some great facilities. Our 200 pupils (two to eleven years) are lucky to have some excellent hard play areas, an all–weather tennis court, a very large sports field including two football pitches, a small apple orchard, and a fenced in Trim Trail with wooden equipment and rubberised flooring. But at the back of the school we have a large neglected space with a hidden pond and a wooded area which is overgrown and full of dead wood and brambles. The drainage is poor, making the pathways unsuitable for most of the year. This area needs immediate attention, as we have plans to use this space for enhanced learning, including story–telling, outdoor art, shelter building, drama and many more exciting activities. We even have plans for the children to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers! These activities, and many more, will of course be incorporated into our curriculum. At the moment, the neglected space is unloved and unnamed. We are going to organise a competition for the children to come up with a suitable name. In keeping with our current focus on improving reading and writing throughout the school, the prize will be a book token.

As you can imagine, we are all very keen to develop this area as soon as possible for use all year round and in all types of weather. Our immediate plans include clearing the brambles, making the pond safe and developing a seating area. The children are also very keen to include a fire pit. This will obviously require some extremely careful attention to health and safety! We are now looking for donations of gardening equipment including shears, secateurs, wheel barrows, forks, spades and the like. We are also looking for kind volunteers to share their time, knowledge, and skills to help with clearing and basic construction, as well as helping to plant 315 saplings kindly donated by The Woodland Trust. This is an ambitious project and a wonderful opportunity for everybody in our school community. We are all excited about the possibilities for revitalising this unsafe and unused part of our grounds, but we can’t do it on our own. If you are interested in helping the school please do contact us – 01837 82284 or email head@ntcps.co.uk Thank you so much in advance for your support. Sunita Chauhan, Headteacher

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

CHARITY FOCUS

Westcountry Rivers Trust Celebrating 25 years of watercourse protection Spending time in nature, breathing fresh air, watching light reflected on water or experiencing the joy of a moment among wildlife, makes us happier, healthier and is known to improve our quality-of-life.

ecosystems has often been overlooked as other more pressing demands have been placed on our natural environment. As a result, many of these precious resources fell into decline.

Scientific research has shown that being near water, in particular, can help us to enjoy better mental and physical health with less depression, less stress and a greater sense of wellbeing.

Back in 1994, several determined, likeminded river enthusiasts established the first English rivers trust: the Westcountry Rivers Trust.

For the past 25 years, Westcountry Rivers Trust has been beavering away to ensure the water courses across the region are healthy and productive for the life they support.

The Trust was registered as a charity in May 1995. It adopted a newly-conceived ‘ecosystems approach’ to conservation.

Rivers, estuaries and the coast provide a vast and varied array of natural habitats; not just in the water, but also on surrounding land. They support an array of animal and plant species, making them fantastic spaces for wildlife and the perfect place for us to enjoy the natural world. Despite their obvious importance, the protection of our rivers and other aquatic

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

Restoring and protecting rivers for wildlife For many years, the rivers of the Westcountry have been a stronghold for iconic wildlife such as otters, dippers and trout. We also have many precious natural habitats such as oak woodland, peat moorlands, culm wetlands and spectacular moorland streams. Westcountry Rivers Trust believes these habitats need to be protected and restored. As the health of rivers, estuaries and wetlands improves across the region, the fortunes of these species and many others that have, in recent years, been struggling are beginning to recover. We are working to ensure that these improvements continue. We have seen water voles and beavers, which had both become extinct, return to the Westcountry once more.

Putting river back at the heart of our culture Water has always been a cultural influence. Creative pursuits such as painting, poetry, and photography have celebrated its virtues. Rivers are great places for activities such as walking, swimming fishing, and bird‐watching. Pastimes such as these

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CHARITY FOCUS

can help us to be healthy and happy and support the social and economic regeneration of our rural and urban communities.

Working together

At Westcountry Rivers Trust, we also promote the sustainable production of food. Buying locally made or grown goods can help people learn about sustainability. It also encourages the production of food in a manner that has a lower impact on the natural environment – especially water.

We work with farmers to promote ‘water-friendly farming’. This includes producing food from their land and managing other outputs for which they do not get paid, such as ensuring clean water for us to drink or to use for recreation. We also expect them to create spaces for wildlife, store flood waters and water for times of drought, and protect the character of the landscape.

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

We know Westcountry communities are keen to work in partnership to protect and enhance their natural environment.

By enhancing our towns and cities, we can help to improve the health, wellbeing and prosperity of people living there. These features can protect us from flooding, improve air quality, provide us with spaces for recreation and leisure, protect us from high temperatures and reduce social deprivation.

Working together in partnership, we aim to protect and restore the health of our rivers – we are the ‘river keepers’.

The Trust’s mission The ethos of Westcountry Rivers Trust is built on the belief that rivers form an important part of our natural and cultural heritage and should be protected for everyone to enjoy now and in the future. The Westcountry Rivers Trust has gone from strength-to-strength over the past 25 years. We passionately believe that the next 25 years will see the advent of even greater opportunities to engage with, protect and restore some of our country’s finest rivers. If you would like to learn more about the work of the Trust or become be part of this exciting movement, please visit wrt. org.uk or call 01579 372140.

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clarepargeter@yahoo.co.uk 21

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Important health checks, screenings and vaccinations Dr Emma Chapman explains why they are so necessary

In the last edition of Oke Links we looked at the importance of attending for regular health checks, vaccinations and screenings and in this edition we continue to look at more of these. Blood pressure High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. The nurse will use a cuff that fits around your upper arm and it is inflated until it becomes tight. The test is quick and painless and only takes a minute. If your results fall outside of the normal range you will need to have it checked several more times. If your blood pressure is found to be consistently high, your GP will talk to you about how to lower it.

Child Immunisations One of the best ways to protect your baby against diseases like measles, rubella, tetanus and meningitis is through immunisation. Your baby needs their first injections at eight weeks, then 12 weeks, 16 weeks and one year. Vaccinations are offered free of charge in the UK – just book your appointments with your GP surgery. Remember, as well as protecting your own baby, you’re also protecting other babies and children by preventing the spread of disease. It may be tempting to say ‘no’ to vaccination and ‘leave it to nature’. However, deciding not to vaccinate your child puts them at risk of catching a range of potentially serious, even fatal, diseases.

Cholesterol tests Cholesterol is a type of fat that is carried around the body in the blood. High levels of cholesterol can build up in the arteries and increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. You can have your cholesterol level measured with a simple blood test at your GP surgery. High cholesterol doesn’t cause any symptoms, so you could have it without knowing. The only way to find out is to have the test. You can lower cholesterol by changing your diet, maintaining a healthy weight and taking regular exercise. If you already have heart disease or are at risk of developing it, your GP may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medicines. If you would like to find out if you are eligible for any of these checks you can visit the NHS website (www.nhs.uk) or ask your GP surgery for more information. Dr Emma Chapman Okehampton Medical Cen

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HEALTH HEALTH & WELLBEING & BEAUTY

Reiki Healing Welcome to a world of relaxation and wellbeing Enhance your overall wellbeing by rebalancing, relaxing and de-stressing with this amazing and powerful ancient form of healing. Used by millions of people all over the world, Reiki focuses on the whole person, working both on the emotional and physical bodies. Reiki (pronounced ‘ray-key’), originated in Japan and clears, straightens and heals the energy pathways, allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way. At Bawcombe Wellbeing, a healing session lasts around an hour whilst you lie on a couch or sit in a chair. During this time Claire calmly works around you, allowing the healing energy to flow throughout your body and mind. Sound therapy, by way of gongs, singing bowls, chimes and tuning forks are often incorporated into the session to enhance the overall relaxing experience and further the healing. It’s known as a sound bath or gong bath, as you are ‘bathed’ in ancient tones and vibrations. As your body relaxes and de-stresses the healing begins. Benefits of Reiki include: • Helping to relieve pain from migraine, arthritis, back pain, injury etc.

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• S tress reduction which also enhance the body’s natural healing abilities. •H elping to prevent illness and disease. • I mprovement in sleep habits. • P ost-surgery recovery. • E nhancing health following illness. • Balancing of body, mind and emotions. Beneficial changes can take place over a fairly short space of time and it is not unusual for the person being treated to leave the session feeling significantly better than when they arrived! With all its wonderful benefits on body, mind and spirit, Reiki is quickly becoming an accepted presence in hospitals and clinics. One of the important benefits of Reiki treatment is that the healing approach is non-traumatic and easily integrated with conventional or other alternative therapies.

With a lifelong passion for alternative therapies, Claire Gee is a Reiki Master Practitioner and is also qualified as an animal reiki therapist. With a treatment room at 3 West Street, Okehampton, home visits and distant healing are also offered. Bawcombe Wellbeing and Yoga Jeanie frequently team up to host an evening of yoga and meditation followed by a gong bath. The next will be held on March 22nd at the Ockment Centre, Okehampton. These events are popular and booking is essential. More details can be found on the Bawcombe Wellbeing Facebook page. For further information, or to book an appointment, please contact Bawcombe Wellbeing on 07870 570 029 or email info@bawcombewellbeing.co.uk. www.bawcombewellbeing.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/ bawcombewellbeing • A Reiki practitioner will not diagnose or recommend any form of treatment.

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bawcombewellbeing.co.uk 25

GARDENING

The seeds of success Advice from Catherine Venn, RHS Rosemoor Cosmos ‘Sweet sixteen’ Joanna Kossak/RHS

March and April sees the days start to lengthen and I am always filled with anticipation and excitement for what the coming year will bring. Most seed packets have a lot of helpful information, such as how many seeds there are, when to sow, and the conditions needed for germination. It is tempting to sow the whole packet, but this can be hundreds of seeds, giving more plants than you have space for. The size of the seed will determine your choice of pot; Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sweet Sixteen’ has long seeds, so will need a larger pot, whereas a 9cm pot will be enough for 15 cabbage seedlings. A 1 litre pot will easily give 50 seedlings for smaller seed such as Antirrhinum majus ‘Royal Bride’. Use a compost suitable for seed sowing, fill your clean pot with compost, removing any large lumps, then tap on the bench to give a firm level surface about 5mm below the top of the pot. Water well, allow to drain, then start sowing. Rather than sowing the seed direct from the packet I always tip some seed into the palm of my hand and taking a small pinch, sprinkle the seed sparingly and evenly over the surface of the compost, this allows room for the seedling to develop and makes pricking out later a lot easier.

At Rosemoor I use a thin layer of medium grade vermiculite to cover the seeds, this keeps the seeds moist and in contact with the compost. It also allows through some light which some seeds need to germinate. It is important to label each pot with what you have sown and the date. To prevent your seeds from being washed away, use a fine rose on your watering can, start pouring away from the seed pot to establish a flow, then move over to water the pots and then the reverse when you stop watering. Take care not to overwater, but aim to keep evenly moist; a pot shouldn’t feel too heavy or too light. Cover your seed pot with a clean clear plastic pot from the deli or plastic bag to provide a bit of warmth and moisture retention. Place your seeds somewhere warm and well-lit such as a window-sill, out of direct sun. You can get unheated window-sill propagators, which take several pots at a time. Check pots daily for watering and signs of germination, which is always exciting. When the second set of leaves are visible, gradually harden off to cooler temperatures by gradually removing the bag or propagator lid during the day and putting back on at night if it suddenly becomes very cold.

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GARDENING Nigella ‘Miss Jekyll’ Tim Sandall./RHS

Centaurea cyanus ‘Blue Diadem ‘Ali Cundy/RHS

Sowing seed RHS/ Paul Dubois

Sow a small pinch of 4 or 5 seeds to a 7cm pot of Cornflower ‘Blue Diadem’, or Nigella damascena ‘Miss Jekyll’ AGM treating the pot as one plant, avoiding pricking out. Once the seedlings are just big enough to handle they can be pricked out into modules or individual small pots so that they can grow big enough to plant out.

Many vegetables including tomatoes and early cabbage can be sown now too.

Top tips

Suggestions to get you started Annuals such as the straw flower - Helichrysum bracteatum will only flower in the year sown. Perennials (which flower for successive years) such as Knautia macedonica Melton pastels can be sown in pots and pricked out. At Rosemoor we sow sweetpeas such as Lathyrus odoratus ‘Chatsworth’, sunflowers such as Helianthus annuus ‘Shocko-Lat’ and Nasturtium climbing mix; these are large, easy to handle seeds which we sow one or two to a small 7cm pot. Insert the seed to twice its depth in the centre of the compost ensuring they are covered over. Instead of pricking out we pot them on to the next size pot when large enough to handle.

Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials. Now is a good time to plant summer flowering bulbs such as Lilium oriental hybrids and Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ AGM If you have somewhere frost free for them to grow. Pot up Dahlia tubers, keeping them frost free until planting out. Keep an eye out for signs of pests and diseases. Mice can be a problem eating your seeds; try to keep them out of reach on benches. Dead head daffodils and tulips as they fade. Catherine Venn, Horticulturist

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FARMING DIARY

The sorry story of Lord Belrock The bull that farmer Stuart Luxton will never forget . . . Hello again everyone. As I write, there is snow on the ground outside and as my dad would say, it’s freezing like the devil. Cold weather in the winter is very healthy for the animals, it helps to clear the bugs and parasites. The worst kind of winter weather for the animals is mild and damp. The farm is generally quiet at this time of year. We have the daily routine of looking after the animals, preparing for the spring. If the weather is dry enough we like to do some fencing. The ewes have been pregnancy scanned - the results were a little lower than in some years but they still averaged two lambs per ewe. The reason for this is that all the hot dry weather last summer meant that we had less grass in front of the ewes when the rams went in. Unusually, we don’t have a TB test to do at the moment as we have had three consecutive clear tests. As the farm is quiet at the moment, I

thought I would tell you the sad story of a young bull we once had.

The moral of the story I think must be ‘Be careful what you wish for!’

A good few years ago, Dad went to the sales in Scotland looking for a new bull. The auction went well and a few days later, Lord Belrock arrived at the farm. A previous bull we had purchased had had fertility problems, so before we put the bull in with the cows, we decided to have his fertility checked by the vet. The fertility test involves collecting a sample of semen in a tube and examining it under a microscope. Whilst collecting the sample, it became obvious that Lord Belrock was a very well endowed young man. The comment from the vet was along the lines of ‘My word, this will give your cows a treat.’

There is still one bit to add to the story - that was attempting to explain what had gone wrong with the bull - and how - to the young lady from the insurance company . . .

When the time arrived, Lord Belrock was put with the cows. All seemed to be well to start with, but as time wore on, it was obvious that something was not right. The vet was called back to inspect the bull.

We do have a date for your diary. For a few years we have been thinking of opening the farm up for Open Farm Sunday and this year we have decided to give it a go. I believe it is June 9th this year. This will give everyone a chance to come and have a look around. More details nearer the time. This year was the first Christmas with the shop in its current form. A big thank you to all the staff who worked so hard in making it such a success. I hope everyone enjoyed their purchases. Goodbye for now - hopefully by the time I write again, spring will be with us. Stuart Luxton

The verdict was that he had broken his penis - possibly by treading on it himself.

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FINANCE

What is an ISA? Craig Davidson explains . . . Perhaps one of the most common investment questions is what is an ISA? While the basic premise is fairly straight forward (they are a tax efficient way of investing), to really appreciate why you should maximise your annual ISA allowance we need to go back to basics. The starting point for investing is buying shares in a company. But holding shares in only one company is highly risky, so to reduce your risk you could buy shares in a number of companies. This is better, but still quite focused and not diversified enough to reduce your risk. To really do that you could use Investment Funds. These are pooled investments, where your money is pooled with other investors and managed by a Fund Manager. The Fund Manager then has the ability to invest in hundreds of companies on your behalf – thus achieving diversification. Taking this one step further, you could invest in a range of investment funds – now you have a portfolio. You don’t need a lot of money to do this - £10,000 is our recommended minimum – but you will see the benefits over the long term. So where do ISAs come into this? Tax. The fund manager pays tax within the fund, which slows your growth, and you pay tax on anything you take out. An ISA is a tax wrapper which allows the fund manager to reclaim some tax on your behalf and anything you take from the ISA is tax free – no income tax on income and no capital gains tax on disposals. Crucially, an ISA is not itself an investment. The underlying investment fund

is the thing that is providing your returns – up or down. The ISA is just protecting anything you make from the taxman. Sadly, with tax breaks come limits. Currently the maximum you can invest in an ISA is £20,000 per year. The good news is that doesn’t have to be new money. If you have an investment fund not currently being protected by an ISA, you can transfer it into an ISA – up to the annual limit. That is a process known as Bed-and-ISA, and is a great way to use your ISA allowance without committing to a new investment. And finally, ISAs are open-ended – you are not tied in to any investment term, making them a very flexible and tax efficient way of investing. Craig Davidson Davidsons IFA

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KIDS WHAT’S ON

FAMILY FUN DAYS 29 MARCH MOTHER’S DAY STORY AND CRAFT At Okehampton Library. Story and craft for under 5’s and their carers, to celebrate Mother’s Day. 50p per child - no booking necessary. You are welcome to arrive early and have a cuppa, only 50p per cup. 2 APRIL HANDA’S SURPRISE A story and activity session at Okehampton Library. Celebrating 25 years of this modern classic, ‘Handa’s Surprise’ by Eileen Browne. There will be a chance to win a copy of this brilliant book. £1 per child. Booking essential - call 01837 52805. Suitable for under 5’s and their carers. 6 APRIL FAMILY WILD KITCHEN At Lydford Gorge between 11am and 2pm. Forage for wild garlic then make your own pasta and pesto lunch on the camp fire.£5 per adult, £3 per child, booking essential. 6 - 20 APRIL EASTER EGG BOOK HUNT At Okehampton Library. Find the ten egg-related books that are hidden in the

library and fill in their missing titles. Pick up an entry form from the counter. 20p per entry - all entries will receive a small Easter treat and all correct entries will be entered our prize draw. During library open hours. 6 - 20 APRIL CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT At Lydford Gorge between 10am and 4.30pm. How do wild animals make their homes? What are they like to live in? Find out by following the trail through the orchard. £3 per trail with chocolate prize. 6 - 21 APRIL EASTER FUN FAMILY WORKSHOPS Get crafty this Easter at RHS Garden Rosemoor with creative workshops for children to get imaginative and make crafts they can take home to show to their family and friends. Activities include eggy sheep, rabbit headbands, foxy hands, mole in a hole and Easter cones. There will also be an engaging, and enjoyable Easter trail around the garden as the children become Easter detectives by following the clues on the trail. For

more information go to www.rhs.org.uk/ gardens/rosemoor 16 APRIL WOODLAND BUNNIES Create your own bunny face sculpture using local wood and basic hand tools at Lydford Gorge between 11am and 3.30pm. £3 per sculpture, booking advisable. 19 - 22 APRIL CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Follow the trail through the garden and grounds at Castle Drogo between 10am and 4pm, hunting out the clues to help you claim your Cadbury chocolate prize. Normal admission applies. £2.50 per trail. 29 APRIL WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT! Story and activity session at Okehampton Library. We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one. Will you come too? Join Library staff for this special story and there will be a chance to win a copy of this wonderful book. £1 per child. Booking essential. Suitable for under 5’s and their carers.

Step back in time...

Dartmoor Railway offers a relaxing way to see the beautiful Mid Devon countryside. Induge in a traditional cream tea at the station café or genuine Buffet carriage then travel the line from Sampford Courtenay to Meldon Station.

Look out for special events throughout the year at:

www.dartmoorrailway.com Call for tickets 08000 232383 between 1pm & 11pm

Okehampton Station, Station Road, Okehampton EX20 1EJ 32

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KIDS WHAT’S ON

MARCH 17

APRIL 8 - 20

CELEBRATE EASTER EARLY AT THE DARTMOOR PONY CENTRE

OCRA HOLIDAY SCHEME

The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) is running a free ‘Pre Easter’ Event Day at the Dartmoor Pony Centre at Parke near Bovey Tracey. Families can meet the charity’s team of Dartmoor ponies who are available for adoption - Smartie, Rolo and George. The other ponies – Boss, Braveheart and little Minnie – will be there too. Find out about the Charity’s work to help ensure a future for the traditional Dartmoor pony on Dartmoor, including its conservation work at Bellever, equine assisted learning programmes using the Dartmoor pony as the ‘platform for learning’ and its welfare and herd management projects supporting moorland pony keepers. The DPHT’s ponies play a vital role in its equine assisted learning programmes, called ‘Ponies Inspiring People’. It is currently preparing courses for young people with a range of life challenges from both main-stream and special needs schools – called ‘Fresh Tracks’ – which will involve taking ponies and teenagers on adventures, from moorland treks to beach cleans! Open/Event Days are suitable for family members of all ages and abilities. Light refreshments are available and the shop will also be open. There’s a picnic area and plenty of space to walk and enjoy the afternoon exploring the National Trust’s Parke Estate, or have a great meal or teatime treat at the Home Farm Café, as well as joining in the activities at the DPHT Centre. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. The open day will begin at 11am and run until 3pm. For further information, please call 01626 833234 or see www.dpht.co.uk

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

OCRA has a fun-packed programme of activities this Easter for children and teenagers! Young people can keep fit, socialise and learn new skills at a range of multi-activity days and specialist sports camps over the holidays. Sport and art will run every Tuesday and Thursday for six to 14 year olds and includes four sessions over the day. Children can choose between four activities per session, such as football, basketball, archery, fencing, unihoc, rounders, team games, squash, Free-G (parkour), swimming, tag rugby, cricket and tennis. Art, gym and trampolining are available all day. OCRA also provides affordable breakfast and afternoon clubs on sport and art days to help working parents. Children can develop new skills at OCRA’s Easter sports camps. Its popular gym and trampolining camps for beginners or advanced competition gymnasts are led by a South West squad coach and cover a range of disciplines, including general gymnastics, Free-G, tumbling, trampolining and double mini trampoline. Football and archery camps will also be available. OCRA’s mini camps give three to five year olds a fun introduction to sport whilst developing key fundamental movement skills gym, trampoline and cricket just some of the activities this Easter. For OCRA’s full Easter programme or to book activities online, visit www.ocrasport.org.uk/get-involved/holidays. A discount of £2 per child per day is available for Sport & Art when booking online. Places fill quickly, so anyone wishing to receive OCRA’s activity programmes as soon as they are released can join its activity mailing list by contacting vicki@ocrasport.org.

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

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

01822 617232

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UPCOMING EVENTS March 1st – In Touch Tavi 2nd – Tavistock Arts Market 14th – 16th – Butchers’ Hall Spring Fair 23rd– The Big Sale Event (Miss Ivy Events) 30th – The Artisan Food & Gift Market (Miss Ivy Events)

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

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

Tavistock Pannier Market

‘Shopping heaven in the heart of Tavistock’

What’s On

WHAT’S ON OCTOBER

What’s On

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

www.tavistock.gov.uk • 01822 611003 34

Goose Fair, 10th Open 9am - 6pm

The Pannier Goose Fair,Market 10th DECEMBER will Open 9am - 6pm Dickensian remain open Evening, 7th DECEMBER Open 9am - 9pm throughout Traders in Dickensian Victorian costumeof the Evening, 7thduration Open 9am - 9pm For more details the Traders in perimeter visit our website Victorian costume improvements TavistockMarket For more details TavistockPannierMarket (February – visit our website TavistockMarket April 2019) OCTOBER

TavistockPannierMarket

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THE KING’S SINGERS

Wed 8th May - Tavistock Parish Church

Tavistock 2019

24 APRIL to 8 MAY 2019

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

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

TAVISTOCK PARISH CHURCH

Tavistock RC Church

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

www.tavistockmusic.co.uk

Tavistock 2019

Wednesday 24th April

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

MUSIC in APRIL Wednesday 24th April Tavistock Parish Church

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

Friday 26th April Tavistock Parish Church

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

Sponsored by Hansford Bell

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

Friday 26th April The Wharf Arts Centre

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

Saturday 27th April Tavistock Parish Church

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

Sunday 28th April Tavistock Roman Catholic Church

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

Thursday 25th April Tavistock Parish Church

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

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

Helen Porter 25th April

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

Alistair Kinsey

The Wharf Arts Centre

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

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MUSIC in MAY Wednesday 1st May Leeden Tor Car Park

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

Thursday 2nd May Tavistock Parish Church

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

Saturday 4th May Tavistock Parish Church

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

Sunday 5th May The Wharf Arts Centre

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

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

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

Recital series sponsored by Alistair Kinsey

Thursday 25th April Princetown Library

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

Wednesday 8th May Tavistock Parish Church

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

ART DRAMA LITERATURE LECTURES WALKS APRIL/MAY

before and during the Festival

April 1st to May 4th The Wharf Arts Centre

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

APRIL Wednesday 24th April Tavistock Library

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

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

Friday 26th April From Court Gate, Bedford Square

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

Monday 26th April The Wharf Arts Centre

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

Tavistock Library

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

Tuesday 30th April Tavistock Library

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

Tavistock ART DRAMA LITERATURE LECTURES WALKS 2019

FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL & PASS TICKETS

MAY Wednesday 1st May Tavistock Library

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

Thursday 2nd May Tavistock Library

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

Friday 3rd May From Court Gate, Bedford Square

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

Saturday 4th May Butcher’s Hall

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

Wednesday 8th May Tavistock Library

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

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

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

Sunday 7th April The Wharf Arts Centre

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

FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL PASS TICKET

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

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

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

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

www.tavistockmusic.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Regulars TUESDAYS (DURING TERM TIME) Tai Chi for good health, relaxation and vitality, 11.40am - 12.40pm, Church House, South Tawton. Everyone welcome. Contact Kate Dixon, kate@forestchi.co.uk Tel: 01837 840959 www.forestchi.co.uk TUESDAYS At Okehampton Library - 10am until 10.30am, Bounce & Rhyme for over one year olds; 11am until 11.30am, Bounce and Rhyme for under one year olds. Last Tuesday of the month, Bookworms - a book club for children aged seven to eleven between 3.45pm and 4.45pm. Free, no booking necessary. 1ST TUESDAY ART GROUP A friendly place to meet artists with a variety of skills and abilities. Bring your own materials and have fun. Tea and coffee available or BYOB. We will ask for a contribution to room hire. 7.30-9.30pm The Community Centre, Barton Street, North Tawton. organiser@themusicandart.co.uk 07890 850877 3RD TUESDAY BLUES JAM SESSION A chance to meet like minded musicians and gain experience of playing in a group. This is not an open mic, there are no slots. 12 bar Blues will be the predominant genre

FRIDAYS OCRA DANCE

and all players must be prepared to play with anyone else there. Drum kit, amps and PA provided. Tea and coffee available or BYOB. £2 contribution to room hire. 7.30pm-9.30pm The Community Centre, Barton Street, North Tawton. organiser@ themusicandart.co.uk 07890 850877

OCRA Dance is a dance group that is open to all, bringing the community together through dance, music and laughter. A variety of dance styles. Have fun learning new routines and be part of a dance group taking part in local events if you wish. 3.45pm until 4.30pm at The Pavilion in the Park. Contact: 07827 787867 or email lynne-inmotion@email.com

WEDNESDAYS At Okehampton Library, 9.30am until 10.15am, Duplo Builders and Storytime for children up to five. Free, no booking necessary.

SATURDAYS LEGO BUILDERS

THURSDAYS SNAP (SPECIAL NEEDS ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK)

At Okehampton Library between 10.30am and 11.30am, for children aged 5+. Free, no booking necessary.

SNAP is a social club for children and young people with special needs. The club offers a fantastic opportunity to try lots of fun activities, socialise and make new friends. 7pm - 8.30pm, term time only, at the Pavilion in the Park and Okehampton College Gym. Contact: snap.okey@gmail. com, 07851 257733 or 01837 659990.

THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH WHIDDON WIDE COMMUNITY CHOIR

FOURTH THURSDAY PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP This friendly support groups meets at Castle Ham Lodge, Okehampton. Tea, comfort and mutual support are on offer. Newcomers are welcome. For more information call 01837 55813.

This friendly choir has been running for several years - if you are interested in singing around the parishes you are welcome to join the choir at their regular meetings between 10am and 12.30pm. For more information email ruthfcurtis@ icloud.com

QUIRKY serving home-made brunches, healthy CAFÉ snacks, teas, coffees, shakes and cakes! Locally sourced plant-based menu Open: M&T 0830-1700 • W closed T&F 0900-1700 • S 0900-1600 • S 1000-1400

DROP IN & RELAX! Have a chat or read a book... 5 West Street • Okehampton • EX20 1HQ • 07806 770926 •

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

c @Mooplehog 39

WHAT’S ON

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH RUN IN THE PARK

14 MARCH ROCKS

Joint the regular 5k and 2.5k runs around stunning Simmons Park in Okehampton. Suitable for adults of all ages, young people and families, leaving the Pavilion in the Park at 9.30am.

A community play by MED Theatre at Meldon Village Hall. See Music and Art for more information.

LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH OKEY FOLKY FOLK SESSIONS

Nick Wyke and Becki Driscoll will create music infused with England’s shared stories, songs and melodies at St Mary’s Church, Belstone. See Music and Art for more information.

At the Plume of Feathers in Okehampton. Singers, musicians, poets, step dancers and audience all welcome! The fun starts at 8pm. For more information call Debbie Jessop, 07773 479375.

March 12 MARCH EXETER SINGERS WITH CANTABILE The Singers, conducted by Tony Yates, and joined by local apace group Cantabile, will present a programme including sacred, folk and ‘King’s Singer’ type songs, plus popular swing numbers from the musicals at St Bridget’s Church, Bridestowe at 7.30pm. tickets £8.50 to include a glass of wine and nibbles. Enquiries to Georgina Hodgson on 01837 861183.

15 MARCH FANTASTIC FIDDLING!

16 MARCH BIG BREAKFAST Meet up with family, friends and neighbours at Sampford Courtenay Village Hall for a slap-up English breakfast, between 8.30am and 11am. Tickets cost £6.50 per person. Please reserve your seat by calling Nicky on 01837 880300 or email nickyvhmc@gmail.com 16 MARCH BIG BREAKFAST IN AID OF FORCE Organised by the Lions Club of Okehampton, enjoy a wonderful slap up breakfast in The Charter Hall, Okehampton between 8am and noon. FORCE will also be running a bric-a-brac stall and there will be a giant Easter Egg raffle. Okehampton Lions have staged a Great Devon Breakfast for the charity

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twice before, raising the impressive total of £2,528 so far. All funds from the event will be donated to FORCE, supporting families with cancer in the Okehampton area. 16 & 17 MARCH SPRING FLOWER FESTIVAL At RHS Rosemoor. See What’s On Extra for information. 16 MARCH OKEHAMPTON CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT At All Saints Church. See Music and Art for more information. 16 MARCH CRAFTS AT THE CASTLE See page 56. 20 MARCH MORETONHAMPSTEAD HISTORY SOCIETY Jacqueline Sarsby gives a talk based on her recent book ‘A Dartmoor Farmer, his Daughters and his Diary’ about William Downing of Throwleigh between 1910 and 1950. The talk is at the Union Inn, Moretonhampstead, at 7.30pm.

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WHAT’S ON

20 MARCH & 27 MARCH BASIC COMPUTER TRAINING At Okehampton Library between 10am and 12.30pm. Are you confused by computers? Sign up to a free IT sessions for beginners! The sessions will be delivered by Elite Training South West. This course runs over 2 sessions – booking essential. Call the library on 01837-52805 or email okehampton.library@librariesunlimited. org.uk 22 - 24 MARCH CHAGWORD See What’s On Extra for more information. 23 MARCH COFFEE MORNING The Inner Wheel Club of Okehampton is hosting a coffee morning in the Charter Hall, Okehampton between 10am and noon. Raffle, tombola, homemade cake stall. All are welcome to help us raise funds for local charities. 23 MARCH FUN WITH FIRE At Lydford Gorge. See page 55 for more information. 26 MARCH WALK WITH WINNIE

28 MARCH OKEHAMPTON U3A - A TALK BY DEVON FREEWHEELERS

April

The Freewheelers are a team of volunteers who are dedicated to supporting our NHS in delivering essential blood supplies. The Freewheelers have a fleet of motorcycles and provide a 24 hours a day, seven days a week service. The team completed over 4,000 missions in 2018 and the talk will cover the wide range of deliveries which they make. The talk takes place at 2.30pm at The Ockment Centre. For further information call 01837 89209.

5 APRIL FREE DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING

29 MARCH WOMANS A performance by Scratchworks Theatre at Crediton Arts Centre. See Music and Art for more information.

8 APRIL BOTTLE ROCKETS

30 MARCH CD & DVD SALE At The School Room, Bratton Clovelly. DVDs and CDs all in good condition and reasonably priced. Come and browse and buy and enjoy a coffee and home made cakes. Free entry - something for everyone! Raising funds for Bloodies. For more information contact Mary Tomes on 01837 871541 or email poppetmary@gmail.com

Enjoy a circular walk from Castle Drogo with Denise Horner at 2.30pm. See Walks with Winnie for more information.

Oke PADS (Okehampton Public Access Defibrillators) will be running free training to the public on how to use defibrillators stationed in publics areas. The two hour training sessions will enable participants to carry out effective CPR in an emergency. This session takes place at 9pm at the in Okehampton Church Hall, Market Street, Okehampton. To book please email okepads@gmail.com or visit okepads.wixsite.com/okepads for more information.

At Lydford Gorge. See page 55 for more information. 11 APRIL TAI CHI A new free session for the over 50s running for the next 12 weeks at Okehampton Community Garden. Booking advisable as spaces are limited. For more information email okehamptoncommunitygarden@gmail. com or call Linda on 07928 735956.

Mothering Sunday

Sunday 31st March Treat Mum to a delicious Sunday roast, served between 12-2pm. £37.50 per person for three courses including flowers for Mum. Booking essential.

Easter Sunday

Sunday 21st April Enjoy a traditional Easter spring lunch served with all the trimmings. £37.50 per person for 3 courses.

A Family Run Hideaway in Devon 42

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WHAT’S ON

11 APRIL BUG HOME MAKING At Lydford Gorge. See page 55 for more information.

20 APRIL OKEHAMPTON FAMILY CLIMATE ACTION DAY See What’s On Extra for more information.

11 - 13 APRIL DANGEROUS CORNER

21 APRIL OPEN GARDEN

Red Spider Company tackles a classic play by J B Priestley. See Music and Art for more information.

At Andrew’s Corner, Belstone. See What’s On Extra for information.

13 APRIL MORETON MAKERS OPEN DAY A variety of creative workshops and guided tours of the places and people that make a dazzling array of fabulous crafts. Turning metal, clay, wool and leather, the raw materials of Dartmoor, into well made distinctive and useful every day items - pots, pokers, potions, boots, textiles and felt! Between 10am and 5pm. Enquiries to 01647 440708 (Penny Simpson Ceramics) or Green Shoes, 01647 440735. 13 APRIL EASTER EGG HUNT AND COFFEE MORNING At The Ockment Centre. See What’s On Extra for information. 13 APRIL MAKE A PIXIE DOOR At Lydford Gorge. See page 55 for more information. 13 & 14 APRIL OPEN GARDENS See What’s On Extra for more information. 17 APRIL MORETONHAMPSTEAD HISTORY SOCIETY

23 APRIL SHOEMAKING WORKSHOP At Green Shoes, Cross Street, Moretonhampstead between 9.30am and 5pm. All materials included to make a pair of shoes, plus as much help as you like! Booking essential. Call 01647 440735 or email info@greenshoes.co.uk 25 APRIL OKEHAMPTON U3A - STAINED GLASS A talk by Alan Endecott. Alan is a stained glass artist and writer. He undertakes church restoration work as well as undertaking private commissions. His talk will be illustrated with slides and he will demonstrate the work involved in the creation of a stained glass panel. The talk takes place at 2.30pm at The Ockment Centre, Okehampton. For further information call 01837 89209. 26 APRIL AN EVENING WITH JONATHAN AGNEW Lewdown Cricket Club are hosting a dinner with the world renowned cricket pundit and presenter of Test Match Special as guest speaker at Launceston Town Hall. Tickets cost £35 to include a two course dinner with proceeds in aid of Lewdown Cricket Club and Devon Air Ambulance Trust. For tickets or more information please contact gw@aldersportswear.com

Philip Photiou gives an illustrated talk based on his latest book on the ‘Civil War in Plymouth’ at the Union Inn, Moretonhampstead at 7.30pm.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

27 APRIL SHOEMAKING WORKSHOP At Green Shoes, Cross Street, Moretonhampstead between 9.30am and 5pm. All materials included to make a pair of shoes, plus as much help as you like! Booking essential. Call 01647 440735 or email info@greenshoes.co.uk 27 APRIL HYDRO TURBINE OPEN DAY At Castle Drogo. See page 56 for more information. 27 APRIL CLASSIC CAR DAY At Finch Foundry. See page 54 for more information.

May 4 - 6 MAY OKEHAMPTON LIONS CLUB BEER FESTIVAL See What’s On Extra for more information. 4 MAY SUMMER CONCERT By Mount Kelly Choral Society supported with full orchestra and exceptional soloists at St Eustachius’ Church, Tavistock, 7.30pm. Tickets £12 available from Bookstop in Tavistock or www. ticketsource.co.uk/mountkelly We have included as many events as possible here in the magazine but for a full and comprehensive list please see our new community website: www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk All event listings are FREE. Send details to editorial@okelinks. co.uk or upload directly to our website by pressing the SUBMIT button 43

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

March and April

What’s on at the Museum? Opening on Monday, March 25th, the Museum is once again looking forward to a very busy and exciting season. Following the excavation of the Roman road and settlement of the Romansfield development on the outskirts of Okehampton, the Museum will unveil a new exhibition of finds from the site, including interpretation to reveal Okehampton’s Roman heritage. During the first two weeks of the new season, free admission for all visitors will give as many people as possible the chance to come and see the exhibition. In the Museum’s John Young gallery, ‘Whitehorse Hill: A Prehistoric Dartmoor Discovery’ will be running from March 25th until June 30th. This is a fascinating exhibition of the most important excavation to be undertaken into prehistoric Dartmoor in over 100 years. The items that were discovered in the ancient cist are of national and international importance and provide one of the best glimpses into life in Bronze Age Southern England that academics and scientists have ever had.

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To complement the Whitehorse Hill exhibition, former Dartmoor National Park senior archaeologist, Jane Marchand will be guest speaker at the Tea & Talk on Wednesday, April 10th at 2pm. As always there’s plenty for children to do throughout the Museum, including a children’s Easter Trail from April 6th. Further information can be found at www.dartmoorlife.org.uk.

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

March 22 - 24

Chagword

Dartmoor’s literary festival

The fourth Chagword is to be held over the long weekend of March 22nd until March 24th. As ever there is an exciting and eclectic line-up catering for a wide range of tastes. The festival opens on Friday night with comedian Jo Brand offering advice on ‘How to do female’, with Saturday’s menu graced by Prue Leith talking about her extraordinary career. Other speakers over the weekend include: TV historian Sam Willis and James Daybell guiding audiences on a thrilling historical adventure; Robin Ravilious on why James Ravilious is one of the greatest photographers of English rural life and best-selling novelist, Salley Vickers, introducing her latest novel celebrating the power of the written word and the importance of libraries. Ian Robertson and Henry Blofeld will be swapping stories from their long and exceptional careers on the airwaves; novelist and playwright Nell Leyshon will de-mystify creativity and the writing process; poets Christopher Reid and Tiffany Atkinson will be sharing a few shaggy dog tales and Costa-award winning author Andrew Miller, described in the Irish Times as ‘one of the most impressive novelists at work today’ will also attend.

Chagword is always keen to involve young people. In January, writer Claire Barker spent a day with all the children at Chagford’s new primary school, inspiring them to write short stories. The main event will be a Children’s Bookfest day on Saturday, March 9th, to be held at the beautiful and spacious hall in the school. Acclaimed writer and illustrator Sarah MacIntyre will start off with an interactive story time and then she’ll be joined by award-winning writer Philip Reeve to take everyone on a magical adventure. In the afternoon TV naturalist and local resident Nick Baker will tell stories to inspire young people about the natural world. The afternoon will be rounded off by a new adaptation of Wind in the Willows by the zany Pocketwatch Theatre, with live action, puppetry and music. Full details of the festival and programme can be found on the website www.chagword.co.uk.

The Saturday evening star will be Michael Morpurgo who will share a world premiere performance of his new novel. The festival concludes with reflections on the Archers and life behind the microphone by Timothy Bentink, better known as David Archer.

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The ticket office will be open from the beginning of March, both in person and by phone. Tickets for some events get sold very quickly, so book as early as you can.

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

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MUSIC..................................................... DARKSIDE OF PINK FLOYD Friday 15th March

THE TOTAL WHO SHOW Saturday 16th March

SAINT AGNES Sunday 17th March

ELO AGAIN Friday 22nd March

Not just an ordinary Pink Floyd tribute, The Darkside of Pink Floyd entertain audiences with a fantastic light show and passionate performances.

The show is not just an imitation but one of the greatest exponents of the music that defines their generation.

A dedicated south west mini tour playing their hometown (!!) Tavistock

A NIGHT OF ELO brings back the age of Glam Rock to the 21st century and pays tribute to the beautifully crafted songs of Jeff Lynne.

KICK UP THE 80S Saturday 23rd March

UNRAVELLING WILLBURYS Friday 29th March

JOEY THE LIPS Saturday 30th March

GLEN TILBROOK Tuesday 2nd April

Playing some of the biggest hits of the 80’s, the band produce authentic recreations of bands such as Wham, Duran Duran, & Madness

The Unravelling Wilburys, a band of good ‘ol boys, replicate the sound and songs of 80s ‘super-group’ The Traveling Wilburys

Fast, fun and furious - we guarantee you won’t be able to stand still!

The voice and face of Squeeze. It’s over 40 years since he first joined Chris Difford to form the what became that evergreen band.

HI ON MAIDEN Saturday 6th April

THE JAM’D Friday 12th April

THE UPBEAT BEATLES Saturday 13th April

BON JOVI EXPERIENCE Saturday 20th April

The band has toured many countries, appeared on television, recorded for an Iron Maiden tribute album and in 2000 were invited by Iron Maiden to perform at the official convention.

Widely regarded as the UK’s leading tribute to The Jam, The Jam’d are totally committed to giving an unforgettable, authentic performance with all the energy, passion and style of the Woking 3.

Breath-taking harmonies, punchy musicianship and an acute attention to detail make for an uncanny resemblance to the originals – plus a touch of good old scouse humour, of course!

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

GUNS 2 ROSES Friday 26th April

COFFEE SHOP Did you know that The Wharf has its own coffee shop open 6 days a week (except Sundays) serving a varied menu to suit all tastes and at very reasonable prices.

Those purveyors of hair metal days Guns N Roses have many tribute bands to their name but none as popular as Guns2Roses

With an outside seating area running alongside the canal, on a hot sunny day there can be no better place in Tavistock to enjoy a cream tea or slice of cake!

ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE FOR ALL MUSIC EVENTS AT...

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

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

March 16 & 17

Spring Flower Festival, RHS Rosemoor Come and view the exquisite displays of top quality blooms from competitors all over the South West and beyond. With a focus on camellias, early magnolias and rhododendrons, in addition to the RHS Early Camellia competition, the show will also include classes on ornamental shrubs and a Rosemoor Daffodil and RHS Hyacinth competition too. The RHS Hyacinth competition is in its fifth year at the Rosemoor Show and has previously been held with the Early Daffodil Competition at RHS Garden Wisley. There will be trade and advice stands plus a superb range of early spring shrubs and flowering plants available to buy in the Plant Centre. The competitions are entirely free to enter and open to anyone who wishes to exhibit. Entry forms are available from georginabarter@rhs.org.uk or to download from the RHS website. To complement the competitions, one end of the Garden Room will have a big display of daffodils by R A Scamp Quality Daffodils as per last year’s event.

The festival is the first of four major events at Rosemoor during 2019 to be sponsored by Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management, in a new deal announced in January. Steve Bowyer, head of site at RHS Garden Rosemoor, said: ‘I am truly delighted to have the support of AFWM. The three-year deal means that we can invest in the show to increase its size; bring in more exhibits, displays and demonstrations, and generally ensure it continues to be a very enjoyable event for all our visitors.’ John Waldie, managing director of AFWM said: ‘As a keen gardener I am delighted to be working with the RHS. We have been amazed by the professionalism of the staff at Rosemoor whose attention to detail and excellence is as great as the garden itself.’ The Spring Flower Festival at Rosemoor is open from 10.30am until 4pm on the Saturday and 10am until 4pm on the Sunday. Entrance free to RHS members, normal garden admissions apply to non members.

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

April 13, 14 & 21

Gardens open for charity tranquil fishing lake - home to a resident kingfisher - with daffodils and wild flowers in a beautiful setting. It’s a steep walk to the lake of approximately 20 minutes, or five minutes by car. Dogs on leads are welcome and there is parking and a toilet at the lake.

Spring is here and many National Garden Scheme gardens will be open in Devon over the coming months, with the renowned NGS cakes and teas coming a close second to the lovely gardens! All the gardens mentioned below offer refreshments and entry for children is free.

Andrew’s Corner at Belstone is open on Sunday, April 21st from 2pm to 5pm. This is a well-established, wildlife friendly, well labelled plantsman’s garden in a stunning high moorland setting. See a variety of garden habitats including woodland areas and a pond and a wide range of unusual trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants with rhododendrons and bulbs. Andrew’s Corner is a family

Monkscroft at Zeal Monachorum (EX17 6DG) will be open on Saturday, April 13th and Sunday, April 14th from 11am to 5pm. This is the pretty, medium sized garden of the oldest cottage in the village. The garden is packed with spring colours; primroses, primulas, daffodils, tulips, magnolias and camellias and views to the far hills. There is also a

friendly garden with a quiz sheet, fairy doors, playhouse, fruit, vegetables and chickens. At NGS open gardens, the money taken at the gate goes to Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Hospices UK, Carers’ Trust and other nursing and caring charities which are supported by the NGS. The money taken for the teas and plants also goes to these charities unless stated otherwise. For more information and to see all the gardens opening near you in 2019, please visit www.ngs.org.uk or pick up a yellow Devon Gardens Open for Charity booklet at your nearest garden centre.

April 20

Okehampton Family Climate Action Day 2019 has been designated as YOGA -Year Of Green Action - and the week beginning April 16th is a week of international climate-focused events.

what we can do to stop their populations declining, with a childrens’ insect mask making and parade – come in costume and get a prize!

In Okehampton, a day of activities for the whole family is being planned, to put questions of climate into context and demonstrate different forms of simple action we can all take.

There will be chalk-graffiti for children (and grown-ups!) to draw how they would like their world to look in the future.

The focus will be on pollinators and

A ‘make your own wrap’ food stall will be

There will be storytelling about bees and growing.

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running in the local vegan cafe Mooplehog in the high street, while a seed swap and bee-friendly plant table is being organised by local growers, which can be found at the Harvest Workers’ Co-operative shop in Red Lion Yard. There will also be an extinction rebellion stall highlighting issues about climate change, plus much more! Okehampton Family Climate Action Day will take place in Red Lion Yard between 11am and 2pm. You can also find Okehampton Family Climate Action Day on Facebook.

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

May 4 - 6

Beer and Gin Festival There’s an opportunity to raise a glass, enjoy a game of golf and some live music plus raise money for charity at a special event being held in Okehampton during the early May Bank Holiday. Okehampton & District Lions Club, in conjunction with Dave Wills Catering and Okehampton Golf Club, will be running a Beer and Gin Festival over the weekend of May 4th to 6th at Okehampton Golf Club. There will be 12 real ales sourced locally and a few craft ciders, along with more than 20 different gins to sample throughout the weekend. The festival will start on the Saturday at 3pm, with food available to purchase throughout the weekend prepared by Dave Wills Catering. During the Saturday evening there will be live music provided by the fantastic Rushwood & Co. There will be a free shuttle mini bus running every 20 minutes from the town centre to the golf club, starting from 6.30pm until midnight.

On the Sunday, Okehampton Golf Club will be hosting the Real Ale Open Golf Competition, which will be a 4BBB. To enter a team please contact Okehampton Golf Club 01837 52113. The Bank Holiday Monday will be the last day to sample all of the ale, cider and gin - and once it’s gone, it’s gone! All the profits made from the beer and cider during the weekend will go to support local charities and organisations. Members of the Lions Club are looking for local businesses and organisations to help sponsor a barrel of ale or cider. If you are interested, please contact Lion Kevin Pedrick on 07969 512668 or email kevin.pedrick1970@gmail.com

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April 13

Easter Egg Hunt & Coffee Morning Following on from the success of its Christmas garden and Santa’s grotto, The Ockment Centre in Okehampton is getting ready to embrace Easter this year. The garden will begin to get ready from April 8th in preparation for the Easter Egg Hunt and Coffee Morning on April 13th. During the morning there will be an Easter egg hunt for the children for only £1.50 per child. There will also be refreshments available, with stalls and a raffle. The Ockment Centre is raising money for a new river bank viewing platform - its garden is open to the community and people are very welcome to come in and use it. Whilst visiting the garden do pop down to reception to say hello and see what’s going on in the Centre. Fundraising this year has started with quiz sheets available to pick up on reception for a £1, a jumble

sale was held at the beginning of March and there is much more to come. Keep your eyes peeled for avbingo night, quiz night and a singo bingo!

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MUSIC & ART

March 15

Fiddle duo play Belstone North Devon folk fiddle stars Nick Wyke and Becki Driscoll bring their beautifully crafted acoustic sound to St Mary’s Church, Belstone this spring as part of their ‘Beautiful Spaces’ tour. Fresh from a 2018 visit to Canada and with a new album on the way, the duo will showcase some of the material from their forthcoming release ‘Cold Light’, alongside old favourites from their extensive catalogue of tunes and songs. The joyful combination of English fiddle partnership Nick Wyke and Becki Driscoll welcomes you from the first note. This is a masterclass in the art and

mystery of connection. Nick and Becki’s refined arrangements feature intricate subtleties that build to driving rhythms, stunning harmonies and dramatic crescendos. These compositions are infused with shared stories, songs and tunes from England’s West Country and beyond – and it can all start from just one simple riff. This is music for the heart, the mind and the soul, and an evening in Nick and

Becki’s company will remind you of the importance of each. The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £8 in advance / £10 on the door. Advance tickets from www.wegottickets.com/ englishfiddle Tea and coffee available in the interval a percentage of the proceeds will go to church funds.

March 8 - 16

A futuristic comedy MED Theatre is touring its new community play ‘Rocks’ in March 2018, taking in Manaton, Cornwood, Meldon and Moretonhampstead. ‘Rocks’ is a futuristic comedy written by playwright Mark Beeson and set on Dartmoor around the year 2050, looking at issues such as artificial intelligence, surveillance and nuclear waste. The play also looks backward in charting Dartmoor’s geological history down the ages. ‘Rocks’ continues MED Theatre’s tradition of producing and touring community plays with and for local Dartmoor people, stretching back over three decades. ‘Rocks’, like most MED community plays, is a bespoke piece written for its large multigenerational cast by artistic director and playwright Mark Beeson.

Hall and March 15th and 16th in Moretonhampstead Parish Hall. All performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased on the MED Theatre website (www.medtheatre.co.uk) or by emailing info@medtheatre.co.uk or calling 01647 441356. ‘Rocks’ is part of MED Theatre’s Moor Connection programme, supported by the National Lottery through a grant from Big Lottery Reaching Communities. Chapel Lane Horrabridge Yelverton Pl20 7SP

The dates of the performances are March 8th and 9th in Manaton Parish Hall, March 12th in Cornwood Village Hall, March 14th in Meldon Village

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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

Art, felting, jewellery, embroidery workshops & classes

MUSIC & ART

Chagford Art Group - happy, caring and sharing! The Chagford Art Group includes members across a wide age range. Aimed at anyone with an interest in painting and developing their abilities, around 30 group members share their experience of a wide variety of artwork styles and maintain the help and self-help principles upon which the group was founded 44 years ago.

The many works produced by members include portraits, landscapes, seascapes, animals, village and city views, aeroplanes, floral, and naive art. Members sell work nationwide, some even abroad and in the group’s annual exhibition in the Jubilee Hall, Chagford. This local exhibition attracts visitors from across the UK. Over four decades the group’s reputation has spread with overseas

purchasers becoming friends who maintain contact, some even arranging their holidays so that they also can visit the annual event. This happy, caring and sharing art group meets throughout the year almost every Thursday afternoon, 2pm until 4pm at the Chagford Cricket Club. Occasionally, demonstrations are given by professional artists and in the summer, weather permitting, members go outside to extend their personal inspiration. Any potential or experienced painter who would like to learn more about Chagford Art Group should contact Maureen Dady, chairman, on 01626 821237, or Ursula Radford 01837 840547.

Whether you are picking up a paintbrush for the first time or you’ve been involved in art for years, creating as part of a group is always helpful and inspirational and members produce works in all media, from oil, watercolour and pastels to pen and ink and gouache.

Coming up this spring Antiques Fair • 2 & 3 March Flower Festival • 16 & 17 March Community Free Day* • 19 March SW Alpine Garden Society Show • 23 March Wool & Yarn Fest • 6 & 7 April *Book garden admission including free tickets online at rhs.org.uk/rosemoor Great Torrington, Devon, EX38 8PH Every visit supports the charitable work of the RHS RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

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MUSIC & ART

March 16

Okehampton Choral Society Okehampton Choral Society will be performing a special programme for their next concert on Saturday March 16th at All Saints Parish Church, Okehampton, starting at 7.30pm. The opening work is Mozart’s ‘Solemn Vespers’ a work of sublime beauty, written when he was 24. It includes the wonderful ‘Laudate Dominum’ - a haunting melody and perhaps the most famous part of the work. Following this will be Haydn’s ‘Maria Theresa Mass’ which was written towards the end of his long successful career and is full of his typical joyous energy.

The concert falls on the eve of St Patrick’s Day and to celebrate this, the society will be giving the premiere performance of an exciting new piece for choir and orchestra ‘The Prayer of St Patrick’ by the society’s conductor, the composer Andrew Wilson. The choir will be accompanied by a full orchestra led by Paul Mathews and will be joined by a starry line up of professional soloists. Refreshments will be served after the concert. Tickets are £10 (£5 students) available from choir members, Cargo Cult in The Arcade or on the door.

April 11 - 13

Drama tackles 1932 Controversies

March 29

Scratchworks Theatre – Womans 46 BC, Ancient Rome. The hero, Leta, has been declared a traitor. Her punishment is worse than death, ‘Damnatio Memoriae’ – to be erased from history. Whilst noble Gladiators and infamous Emperors around her are becoming legends, her name will be forgotten forever. Join Leta’s journey to reclaim her place in the history books, from crashing the Colosseum to bargaining with Brutus, she will go to the ends of the empire to make her mark. A feast for the eyes and the ears with physical comedy, clowning and original music, Womans is a raucous tale of the first female resistance. The play, brought to audiences by Villages in Action, was performed at South Zeal in February - there’s another chance to see it at Crediton Arts Centre at 7.30pm. Tickets: Adult £9, child £7, benefits £7, family £25. Call 01363 773260 or book online at www.creditonartscentre.org

Lewdown-based amateur dramatic group Red Spider Company is in the midst of rehearsals of J B Priestley’s ‘Dangerous Corner’, that shocked audiences between the wars when it dealt with subjects such as divorce, pornography and homosexuality. Directed by Alan Payne, the production deals directly with these issues, that being set in an atmosphere of the 1930s, bring tension and drama to a gripping production. Priestley himself was familiar with divorce, having left his second wife before marrying for the third time and among his several affairs was a relationship with Dame Peggy Ashcroft, the renowned Shakespearian actress. The author was almost continuously embroiled in controversy. A staunch Socialist and oft accused of an anti-Irish prejudice, Priestley was a founder member of CND. His radio programmes in WW2 were second only in popularity to Churchill’s own although the latter was reputed to have influenced the BBC to cancel them as he felt them too left wing. In his declining years he refused a Life Peerage and a Companion of Honour Award but eventually accepted an Order of Merit decoration in 1977 just a few years before his death in 1984 aged 89. Tickets for the production to be held on April 11th,12th & 13th in Lewdown Victory Hall are bookable on 01837 871625 at £8. Tickets: Adult £9, child £7, benefits £7, family £25. Call 01363 773260 or book online at www.creditonartscentre.org

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NATIONAL TRUST

Foundry gears up for spring! Situated in the heart of Sticklepath village near Okehampton, there is much to see and do at Finch Foundry, a site of industry and heritage. Owned for generations by the Finch family and looked after by the National Trust since 1994, the site today contains working waterwheels, historic machinery, a blacksmiths forge, displays of life in days gone by, a National Trust shop, pretty garden and tearoom. There are hourly demonstrations in the forge featuring the industrial sized hammers and shears, with expert talks about how things work and about the lives of the Finch family themselves. The resident blacksmith is on site five days a week, demonstrating his craft and making a variety of ornamental and useful items for sale - you can take home your very own iron snail or bottle opener that’s been made right in front of you!

In its heyday, Finch Foundry produced over 300 tools a day. Each month during March to October 2019 a different implement or object will be featured in more detail, explaining its use. Visitors can also discover the origin of well-known sayings, such as ‘nose to the grindstone’, ‘on tenterhooks’, and ‘underdog’. During the Spring, the garden at Finch Foundry comes to life, with different plants flowering every week. If you would like to buy a particular plant for your own garden, you may well find it in our plant sales section at the back of the shop. For Easter 2019, there will be an enjoyable family quiz trail with chocolate prizes at the end! On Saturday, April 27th, the popular Classic Car Day returns, featuring all kinds of historic cars. If you own any sort of older, unusual, or classic vehicle which you’d like us to include, please telephone us or email finchfoundry@nationaltrust.org.uk

See sparks Add some colour to your weekend flying at this Finch autumn at Gibside Foundry Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking routes for all ages and abilities.

nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside Call 01837 840046 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/finch-foundry When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your

helps usTrust to look 2019. after special places <in the region> <like ©support National The National property property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. Trust isX,an independent registered charity, number 205846. © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust #nationaltrust Photography © National Trust Images. #nationaltrust Images\John Millar.

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NATIONAL TRUST

Magical woodlands and cascading waterfalls From Saturday, March 2nd the whole of Lydford Gorge including the roaring Devil’s Cauldron pothole - will re-open. Take a wander through mystical woodlands with cascading waterfalls, tranquil pools and gurgling streams to clear the stresses of the modern world from your mind and help you reconnect with nature. Plan a day of adventure; combine a walk in the gorge with one of the many family activities running this Easter. For more info visit the website or call 01822 820320. The shop and tea-rooms will be open 10am-5pm. Fancy trying the new Lydford stack? A griddled cheese scone stacked with hot bacon, melting brie, fresh tomatoes and onion chutney. A lunch time indulgence to see you through whatever you’ve got planned. FUN WITH FIRE Saturday March 23rd, 12pm-2pm : Learn how to light a fire without matches and cook bread on a stick over the campfire. £2.50 per person, booking advisable CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT: Saturday April 6th-Monday April 22nd, 10am-4.30pm - How do wild animals make their homes? What are they like to live in? Find out by following the trail through the orchard. £3 per trail with chocolate prize.

FAMILY WILD KITCHEN: Saturday, April 6th, 11am-2pm Forage for wild garlic then make your own pasta and pesto lunch on the camp fire.£5 per adult, £3 per child, booking essential. LAUNCH A BOTTLE ROCKET: Monday April 8th, 11.30am-3pm - See how high you can make a pop bottle fly using just water and air. BUG HOME MAKING: Thursday, April 11th, 10.30am-1.30pm - Construct a home for all sorts of creepy crawlies. £2 per person. MAKE A LYDFORD PIXIE DOOR: Saturday, April 13th, 12pm3pm - Doors for other magical creatures are also encouraged. £4 per door. MAKING WOODLAND BUNNY FACES: Tuesday, April 16th, 11am-3.30pm - Create your own bunny face sculpture using local wood and basic hand tools. £3 per sculpture, booking advisable. Normal admission applies to events.

What does spring Add some colour to at Lydford Gorge your weekend this autumn to at Gibside mean you? Wild garlic, adventure, fun... Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking routes for all ages and abilities.

nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside Call 01822 820320 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your

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NATIONAL TRUST

Colour returns to the gardens After a long cold winter we’re looking forward to spring returning to Castle Drogo and the Teign Gorge. The gardens burst into colour at this time of year as the spring bulbs pop up and in the gorge the ancient woodlands start to turn green. Inside the castle it’s been a busy few months. As we near the end of the building project to make the castle watertight there is lots of work to be done to get the castle looking like the Drewe family home once again. Throughout 2019 the Drogo house team along with specialist contractors and conservators will be repairing and redecorating rooms and starting to unpack the furniture and collection. They have already made great progress over the winter, in the Drawing Room the ceiling and window seats have been painting and the two grand chandeliers have been taken down, cleaned and repaired. We are always looking for new faces to come and join the team who keep Drogo running - if you’d like to find out more, join us at one of our volunteering open days on April 10th and 13th - visit the website for more information.

CRAFT CASTLE CAPERS: Tuesday, April 9th and 16th, 11am4pm - Get your hands dirty by joining in a variety of fun filled crafty activities. Prices of activities will vary please call 01647 433306 for more details. Normal admission applies. A small charge for the craft. CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT: Friday, April 19th -Monday, April 22nd, 10am–4pm - Follow the trail through the garden and grounds, hunting out the clues to help you claim your Cadbury chocolate prize. Normal admission applies. £2.50 per trail. HYDRO TURBINE OPEN DAY: Saturday, April 27th, 11am-4pm - The hydro turbine building on the River Teign will be open for you to look inside. A knowledgeable guide will tell you about the history of this building along with how it was restored and how it works. Free event .

The castle, garden, shop and café are open everyday from Saturday, March 9th.

Wander Add some through colour to your spring weekendblooms this the autumn at Gibside at Castle Drogo The garden, castle, shop, cafe and Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking9 estate are open everyday from routes for all ages and abilities. March. Call 01647 433306 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/castledrogo When you visit, donate, volunteer join the National When you visit, donate, volunteer or join theor National Trust, your support your helps us to look after special places <inafter the region> <like Trust, support helps us to look special places property X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. [South West] for ever, for everyone. © National Trust 2019. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered number © National Trust registered charity, number 205846.charity, Photography 205846. Photography © National Trust Images. Images.

#nationaltrust #nationaltrust

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FEATURE

Small scale community farming is this the way forward? Three local families are certain it is...

Passionate about the land, their animals and living in a sustainable way is completely evident when you talk to the enthusiastic growers involved in the Chagfood and Chagfarm enterprises. The sister projects are part of a growing movement in the UK known as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), aiming to connect consumers with where their food comes from and how it is produced. Chagfood grows organic vegetables, flowers and herbs on six acres of land at the Rushford Mill estate near Chagford and was established by local man Ed Hamer, his wife Yssy and a colleague, Chinnie Kingsbury, in 2010. Following consultations, they realised there was a clear demand for locally produced, organic vegetables. Coincidentally, when the project was in its infancy, the National Lottery launched the Making Local Food Work fund. Chagfood became the first CSA concern to be funded through the scheme, enabling the purchase of polytunnels to extend their growing period. The market garden has expanded - they are now growing more than 100 different varieties of vegetables, from potatoes and onions, to spinach, chard and tomatoes and last year, more than 1,500 squashes! Vegetable boxes are now purchased by 110 households in the area, who commit to supporting the enterprise through an entire growing period. Ed said: ‘Farming is quite unique as an industry, very few face so many variables, but with the CSA model, risk as well as rewards are shared with consumers. In a good year, members 58

will receive a bumper box of produce, in a bad year, they share the loss. It means you can farm organically on a small scale but remain profitable.’ And Ed believes that demand for locally grown, organic produce is increasing all the time. ‘Traceability and trust in how food is being produced is becoming more important, there’s much more awareness of the health and social benefits and more interest in people who provide access to farms and encourage people to get involved. ‘We feel it’s so important to demonstrate that small scale farming can be viable, you don’t have to get bigger and bigger to make a living.’ Chagfood also employs an additional grower, Dan Burston, and relies on a committed team of hard working volunteers who come to help out with the harvest every Thursday throughout the year - come rain or shine! Chagfarm, a not for profit community interest company (CIC) was created by Sylvan Friend and his brother Davon in 2013. Sadly, Davon died two years ago but Sylvan, a carpenter by trade, supported by his partner Katherine, has continued raising the farm’s free range pigs, chickens and bees. He made the difficult decision to discontinue his small herd of goats recently as demand was not quite enough to make the smallscale goat dairy financially viable. He now butchers the meat himself and is adding value to his produce by creating a new range of charcuterie. To try and make meat processing as low impact as possible, solar panels and a biomass boiler have been installed, thanks to grant funding from the Big Lottery.

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FEATURE

Again, working to the CSA model, people from the community sign up as members of Chagfarm, committing to buy a certain amount of produce every year. Chagfarm members have a say on everything, from what is produced, to future growth and plans for development. Sylvan believes modern consumers have become too detached from the origin of their food and how it is produced. ’Our members can choose to have a relationship with the animals, they come up to the farm, they see how the pigs roam and forage in the woods,’ he said. Chagfarm in conjunction with Chagfood recently secured an additional 100 acres. It means the latest family to join the growing projects, Freya Meredith and partner Seb Powell, can realise their dream of running a small scale dairy herd. When I met her, the fledgling Hill and Coombe Dairy was awaiting the arrival of its first Jersey cows, which will supply raw, unpasteurised milk, sold in traditional glass bottles. Freya and Seb will be running a ‘calf at foot’ system, very different from big dairy concerns where calves are taken away from their mothers. ‘The yield we get will be lower, but we know people are willing to pay a bit more for milk that’s produced ethically,’ said self-confessed cow lover Freya. ‘Consumers are more interested in where milk comes from now. The organic milk market has doubled in the last ten years. We also believe

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quite a lot of people in this area want to go plastic free, hence the glass bottles.’ The couple have two heavy horses they hope to use for as many jobs around the farm as possible, from haymaking to muck spreading - maybe even milk deliveries one day! Freya said the aim was to build up to a herd of around 30, ideally, ‘A2 cows’ - selectively bred animals that produce milk lacking in A1 beta casein proteins. A2 milk is believed to be a healthier and more easily digestible product. They will be keeping their bull calves to grow on, instead of having them slaughtered at birth - Jersey cows aren’t known for their meat but Freya is confident there will be a market for their grass-fed organic beef. ‘We are incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to join Chagfood and Chagfarm in this venture,’ said Freya. ‘They have shown us that being able to support our family through small scale community farming is not an impossible dream. We look forward to working with them to build a diverse mixed farm system and offer our local community a wider range of healthy sustainable produce. ‘ For more information or for anyone interested in becoming a member of Chagfood, Chagfarm or Hill and Coombe Dairy, email chagfood@gmail.com, membership@chagfarm. org or hillandcoombedairy@gmail.com Jane Honey

WALKS WITH WINNIE DOG WALK

Walks with Winnie This walk has been kindly written (and walked) for us by Denise Horner of Dartmoor Nordic Walking with her dog, Winnie. www.dartmoornordicwalkng.co.uk www.pentranger.co.uk ‘Dartmoor Nordic Walking’ and ‘Walks with Winnie’ are on Facebook. Approximate distance: 5k Time: Allow around an hour and a half. Difficulty: Flat in parts but there are hills. Nordic Walking poles will help. Start and finish at Castle Drogo between Chagford and Drewsteighton. Castle Drogo: SX724903

This is a circular walk starting and finishing at Castle Drogo car park. Parking is free if you are a member of the National Trust. There are café, shop and toilet facilities by the car park, with doggie poo bins towards the start of the walk. There are seats at the start, to relax and enjoy the views, which are amazing! With the car park behind you, head out of the entrance and turn immediately left, crossing the road and walking along the path on the right. By the sign and notice board, take the path toward the

open grass space through the small set of trees, not down to your right. We will come back that way. In the open space, take the higher path in front of you, looking towards the moors on your right, with a view of Castle Drogo in front and Hunter’s Tor just below it. Stay on this path until it takes you right and down a small slope to join a path from the right. Turn left and follow this higher path with views across the valley, the River Teign below and Cranbrook Castle Hill Fort in the distance. Carry on through a gate until you come to a fork in the path. Take the top path - now the Hunter’s Path (taking the right path would bring you down to Fingle Bridge). Hunter’s Path will take you through

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Drewston Common and Woods, passing a very large and old tree on your left. The path continues to the right, down the hill and up the other side, when you can see the track on the opposite side, rounding the corner. Stay on this, rounding the corner until you see a path on your left heading back on yourself and uphill. Take this path, then the first path on your right, again heading uphill. Poles would be good at this point! You will now be on a nice grassy track at the top of the woods, with views to your right of Drewsteighton. You will then come across two set of signposts, take the left each time, signed ‘Piddledown’, again uphill until you reach a gate at the edge of the woods. Going through the gate you will enter a field which may contain cattle or sheep. Head straight uphill, keeping the fence on your right. At the top of this hill you will have an even better view of Drewsteighton behind you. Pass through another field gate, over the brow of the hill and down towards a wooden gate. This will now bring you back to the path you started on.

2 The Square, Chagford, Devon TQ13 8BT • moorlandpaws@gmail.com

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WALKS WITH DOG WINNIE WALK

Map for guide only.

Turn right here and head towards the Castle, café and well-deserved tea and cake! You may find taking this walk in the opposite direction feels less hilly, as the uphill bits are more gradual! If you would like to join me and Winnie on this walk, we will be starting at 2.30pm on Tuesday, March 26th. Please book and pay for your place in advance on the ‘Book a session’ page on www. dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk £8 per person. Well behaved Dogs welcome. For any enquiries email denise@ dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk

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f 61

FOOD & DRINK

Spring is on its way! Jason Mules has some refreshing drink suggestions to try When picturing that ideal spring day, a few things come to mind immediately. Perhaps that just-warm-enough sun providing you with endorphins and a nice tan without frying your skin red - or maybe it’s a gingham picnic cloth, a basket full of cold cuts and cheese and the shade of an oak tree with your significant other that indicates you have hit that wonderful time of year. A spring afternoon is made even more perfect with a cool, refreshing adult beverage. Here are some can’t-miss drinks to accompany your ideal spring day. Pimm’s Cup: This uniquely British cocktail, known as the gardeners’ choice, has a tang of citrus and herbs and a relatively low alcohol content. Start with a Collins-size glass; half fill with ice, add a few cucumber slices, borage leaves and any other garnishes you’d like to experiment with. Add one and a half ounces of Pimm’s No 1 Cup - the spirit that gives this cocktail its name. Top the glass off with soda or lemonade and repeat for an increasingly good time! Bloody strawberry gin and tonic: The name alone lets you know it is refreshing, but you really don’t get the whole idea until you take a sip. Begin with a highball glass, pour in three ounces of your choice of gin and squeeze half a blood orange into the glass. Dice one large strawberry into thin slices and drop all but one into the glass as well. Fill the glass up with tonic water and stir. Green tea mojito: In a Collins glass, muddle a tablespoon of lime juice, two teaspoons of sugar, three large mint leaves, and a shiso leaf (if you can source them - if not, use a fourth mint leaf). Once the leaves are lightly bruised, add ice until the glass is about three quarters full. Pour in one ounce of white rum and approximately half a cup of the freshest green tea you can find, having chilled it first.

this dry white wine from the Loire Valley, made from 100 percent Melon de Bourgogne grapes, delivers remarkable quality for the price. The Muscadet region sits along the Atlantic coast and it seems like you can taste the salty air when you sip a bright, mineral Muscadet. Yet these wines have body too, thanks to the local practice of ageing the juice on its ‘lees’, comprising the dead yeasts and grape skins. Lees-ageing adds creaminess and complexity to a wine already packed with peach and apricot flavours. Muscadet is the traditional pairing for oysters and great with all kinds of seafood. Another unbelievably good value wine is Vinho Verde, a low-alcohol white wine from northern Portugal, meant to be consumed when young. Because it’s bottled early, a little fermentation continues in the bottle and a slight fizz develops, making this wine incredibly refreshing.

Light French reds Beyond the well-known regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, you can find some really fresh, light easy-drinking red wines all over France. With low tannins and usually no oak ageing, these reds are perfect in spring and summer. It’s even ideal to serve them slightly chilled. In Beaujolais, red wine is made from the Gamay grape, high in acidity, earthy, and delicious with roast chicken. There are 10 ‘crus’ in Beaujolais, meaning special sites marked for their superior terroir - wines from these areas can age quite well. The Loire Valley makes red wines in the ‘glou glou’ style, meaning deliberately lowalcohol, fresh, and easy to drink. The native grape Pineau d’Aunis is often made in this style and benefits from being naturally high in acidity as well. While in Eastern France, the Jura produces light reds made from Trousseau and Poulsard, as well as Pinot Noir, all with an elegant spring in their step!

Elegant, high-toned white wines I’m about to tell you about one of the best kept wine secrets out there: Muscadet. Not to be confused with Italian Moscato, 62

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Jason Mules Waitrose, Okehampton

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FOOD & DRINK

Gorgeous granola - it’s not just for breakfast! Baked in just a little honey and Westcountry rapeseed oil, it’s good to find a granola that’s not too sweet - and even better, contains no palm oil. Midfields Granola, founded by Sharon Davies 16 years ago, is a family run, cottage industry based on Dartmoor. Some of the company’s band of loyal customers have been buying right from the start, when Sharon took the plunge and swapped running a B&B to baking luxury granola. She’s developed a family-run business employing hard-working local people who care about the high quality product they are making. Unlike many cereals, Midfields Granola contains a high percentage of ingredients, including oats from Scotland, seeds, nuts and dried fruit, all of the highest quality. Delicious served with natural yogurt or milk of your choice, it also tastes great as a nibble at any time of day. Wheat free is the best selling variety, suitable for people who are sensitive to wheat. Another version - Sweet Freedom - is made with a fruit syrup with 25% less sugar. A couple of years ago, Sharon noticed a gap in the market for a gluten free granola suitable for coeliacs and she developed her successful Gluten Free Toasted Oat and Almond Granola, recently adding a Very Fruity Gluten Free Granola to the range, made in Midfields’ small gluten free kitchen. Packaging is nearly all recyclable and easy to reseal. Labels are designed and printed in-house by Sharon’s partner Brian, who also does most of the office work. Sharon develops new recipes, attends tasting days and festivals and promotes the business. In keeping with the company’s family ethos, Sharon’s son-in-law, having relocated from Richmond to Belstone, takes care of the deliveries within a 30-mile area. Midfields also sell to shops outside of the Westcountry.

To see the full range of Midfields Granolas, visit www. midfieldsgranola.co.uk

Granola Topped Apple Crumble - serves 6

Crumble topping 150g (5oz) plain flour 75g (3oz) butter (chilled) 75g (3oz) Midfields Granola (original or wheat free) 75g (3oz) soft light brown sugar 1 Litre (1/4pint) pie dish Apple base 3-4 cooking apples, peeled and cut into thick slices 2-3 tbsp caster sugar 1 tbs water

Method Pre-heat oven to 180c (350f) gas mark 4. Place prepared apples, water and sugar into a saucepan and cook over a gentle heat until slightly soft. Taste and add more sugar if needed. Tip into pie dish. Place the flour in a large bowl, add chopped butter and rub in until it resembles fine breadcrumbs -this can also be done in a food processor. Mix in the sugar and Granola and sprinkle over the cooked apple. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden.

great

taste gold Midfields Granola.. the award winning HAND MADE cereal

See the fullSee rangethe on full our range websiteon www.midfieldsgranola.co.uk our website

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Promotional Feature

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

Incredible opportunity

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

Will Muncey at DB Heating Ltd

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

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

Unit 10, Atlas House • West Devon Business Park • Brook Lane • Tavistock • Devon • PL19 9DP 64

Customers benefit

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

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HISTORY

Chagford Local History Society

Bowdens yard

Delving into the past - and looking to the future Chagford is fortunate in having a new heritage centre, housed in specially refurbished rooms and integrated with Chagford Library. Financed by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the centre consists of an archive storage room and a research room, which also serves as a display area. We have industry standard cataloguing software and a team of trained volunteers are steadily building up a detailed and searchable catalogue of our extensive archive. Over the next few months people will be able to make appointments for researching here and we’re looking at regular opening times in the future. As part of the HLF project, we’ve mounted appealing exhibitions. Last year an exhibition on the history of Chagford pubs brought to light a number of 200-year-old deeds, and each history was displayed in each of the four pubs. A further exhibition celebrated the history of the Chagford Swimming Pool, to coincide with its 85th anniversary in August. The Lottery grant paid for the printing of a new town trail, researched and designed by our volunteers. So popular has it been that we’re now into a second and larger print run, this time sponsored by one Chagford’s historic inns. We were involved in an exciting collaboration with the Villages in Action project ‘Unearth: discovering the hidden histories of Devon’s Rural Communities’, which culminated in a drama production in the Jubilee Hall in October, with songs provided by Jim Causley. The latest exhibition, held in Chagford Church, was part of the activities to mark the end of the First World War and was greatly appreciated by many visitors. The final project funded by the two-year HLF grant is now being researched, the Heritage of Chagford Commons.

Chagford Square pre 1862

During the winter and spring we hold talks given by experts (£4 for non-members; members free) on the last Thursday of the month and we have member-only excursions in the summer. Our March 28th talk will be on ‘historical graffiti’ and on April 25th, distinguished medievalist David Stone will share his research into medieval Chagford. Newcomers are most welcome to join our growing 100+ membership and enjoy our activities. For more information contact society secretary Ralph Mackridge on enquiries4clhs@gmail.com, via the website at www.chagfordlocalhistorysociety.org.uk or phone 01647 433204. Ralph Mackridge

We’re also developing an exciting new website, which we expect to go live by the early summer. And alongside all these activities we continue to run the normal business of the Society. 66

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HISTORY

Cramere Pool

A Royal Visit - and a local man who made quite an impression! The Prince of Wales, later to become Edward VIII, visited Okehampton on May 25th, 1921 and spent some time in the town before carrying out a tour of the Duchy of Cornwall. He must, however, be the only member of the royal family to walk to Cranmere Pool. In a distinguished group of seven people, he made the pilgrimage accompanied by Sir Walter Peacock, Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey, Mr William Proudfoot, Lord Clinton, Mr Jim Endacott and Mr Raleigh Philpotts. There were two extra members; one an intrepid, un-named reporter from the Western Morning News who presumably carried the heavy camera equipment and for his efforts certainly deserved a scoop. The Heir Apparent, having tested the weight of the equipment, observed: ‘You deserve 50 photographs for carrying this ten miles!’ The other member was William Rich - a Dartmoor worthy of his time - redoubtable, garrulous, an expert moors man and with his sturdy, thickset figure and white beard, a familiar sight. William Rich acted as the guide to Cranmere Pool and to a visit to the Rattlebrook Peat Works. On this particular day, the Prince had ridden from Prince Hall, where he was staying and afterwards travelled to the Rattlebrook works then a major employer of local labour. These peat works, high up on Dartmoor, were in fact only some two and a half miles in a direct line from Bridestowe Station, but the exceptional gradient necessitated a railway line double that length to overcome the 100ft difference in height. A little-known fact about this moorland railway is that it was standard, not narrow, gauge, as believed by many people.

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Furthermore, since its inception, the journeys had been made with horse drawn trucks. However, with the ending of the First World War, a local engineering firm produced a petrol-driven vehicle. One of the trucks it pulled had been cleaned and special prepared for the Prince so he could make his descent in relative comfort and dignity. However, the Prince refused this luxury and asked for ‘Rich’s whereabouts’. He then joined Rich in one of the workmens’ trucks. As the Prince sat down, Rich, in his inimitable style, asked ‘Hello my boy - how’s your father?’ As they made their descent through the flag-waving crowd, Rich delighted the Prince by waving, bowing and generally acknowledging the cheers of those who had turned out to see the heir to the throne! When they reached their destination, Rich shook the Prince of Wales heartily by the hand, saying: ‘Goodbye Sir - when you get home give my love to your mother!’ To which the Prince replied: ‘I will Rich, I will.’ Our William Rich clearly made an impression because the next time the Prince visited the Royal Cornwall Show, Rich was among the people lined up to be presented to him. Ignoring the others, the Prince walked straight up to him and shook hands, saying: ‘Well Rich, how are you?’ As Edward VIII, he was only to reign for 324 days before his abdication. Hilary and Mike Wreford Okehampton Local History Society

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