Oke Links magazine November/December 2019

OKE LINKS WALKS | ARTS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | HERITAGE | LOCAL FOOD & DRINK | HOMES | BUSINESS

November/December 2019 | Issue 18

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FESTIVE EVENTS & ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY

LESLEY GARRETT

THE POWER OF CREATIVITY WILLOW WEAVING, PRINT MAKING, CERAMICS, ANIMATION AND POTTERY

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WELCOME

Creativity - and Christmas!

There’s something about the festive time of year that does boost the creative spirit whether it’s something as basic as trying to wrap a particularly awkward-shaped gift or decorating the Christmas tree with a tasteful colour theme.

Sitting drawing with our three-year-old grandson recently made me remember what a simple pleasure it can be - even if he mistook my dog for a cat!

I’ve learned a lot about the positive power of art and craft in this issue. Our feature focusses on the Art for All sessions run in Okehampton by West Devon Art Workshops, thanks to funding from Okehampton United Charities and the National Lottery. It’s quite incredible how these sessions are helping people in a variety of The deadline date ways, from boosting confidence to combatting loneliness. Read all about it on page 4 for any inclusions in the January/February issue The three women I interviewed for our Local People pages are all very creative souls - Katherine Miles weaves willow into the most amazing, life-sized models of animals of Oke Links will be - a skill she has developed in just a few years. Artist Tanya Morel was a successful November 29th, 2019.

For all editorial enquiries actor and director until branching out into printing making, ceramics and animation and Bronwen Wells loves nothing better than working with her hands to form please contact me via beautiful yet functional pieces of pottery in her studio near Okehampton. email at: jane.honey@ Our charity spotlight on page 16 falls on Devon Guild of Craftsmen. The Guild aims linksmagazines.co.uk to share the pleasure of making and has an extensive outreach programme providing or 07971 917071. individuals and organisations with the opportunity to acquire practical skills and THE LINKS TEAM: inspire an appreciation of making and crafting.

Publisher: Tim Randell It’s the busiest time of the year for retail therapy - and it’s a prime time to check Editor: Jane Honey out the craft fairs and markets that are being staged in our towns and villages ahead of Christmas. There are so many talented artists out there, it’s wonderful to Design: Sara Venner support them by purchasing gifts that are that bit different from the mass-produced and Julian Rees merchandise that fill the chainstore shelves in November and December. Check out Customer Services: our What’s On pages to see what’s happening in a village or town hall near you over Rachel Rees the next few weeks.

Advertising: Jane Daniel, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers and advertisers a very merry Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard, Claire Pearce Christmas and a very happy and healthy New Year on this, our third birthday edition!

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Jane Honey - Editor 07971 917071

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Contents

30 64

4 FEATURE

27 HEALTH

53 MUSIC AND ART

6 LOCAL PEOPLE

30 GARDENING

60 FOOD AND DRINK

13 SPORTS

33 FARMING

62 WALKS WITH WINNIE

14 EDUCATION

35 FINANCE

64 HISTORY

16 CHARITY

37 WHAT’S ON LISTINGS

70 TRADE SECRETS

18 NOTICEBOARD

46 WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Delivered by the Royal Mail to the following towns and villages: 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 Dartmoor robin front cover image by Peter Burkill, www.peterburkillphotography.com

@okelinks

FEATURE

Art for All Using creativity with positivity Human beings have been expressing themselves through art for millennia - but in more recent centuries, we are beginning to realise just how important a tool creativity can be in boosting wellbeing.

Over the last two years, Andy and Gill Cairns of West Devon Art Workshops have been running an Art for All class at the Ockment Centre, funded by Okehampton United Charities and the National Lottery.

The classes aim to combat social isolation - in people who are retired, or who have retired early due to illness, carers, the unemployed and underemployed of all ages.

The courses have been very successful, with overwhelmingly positive feedback, over two thirds of participants consistently stating they have experienced a significant positive impact, feeling socially engaged and with increased self-confidence. More than 80% reported a growth in artistic skills and knowledge.

Andy Cairns described the project: ‘In our classes, participants learn new skills and build confidence, but also feel a part of a community, make new friends.

‘Becoming lonely can strike at any age and creates a vicious cycle where

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people lose confidence and the ability to make conversation or have something in common with others. Social isolation is compounded by ill health, being a carer, having a disability, and poverty.

‘Experiencing learning with others breaks down barriers, doing something new together creates a bond and friendships can occur naturally through mutual interest. Creative activities help cross bridges of age and ability; reducing stress and building confidence.’

According to the psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, engagement in art and craft activities allows participants to enter a ‘flow’ state, an immersive state of balance between skill and challenge.

Andy said: ‘Our project is aimed at lonely and isolated people who would not normally take up a creative hobby, but through taking part can learn new skills, be with others and make friends.’

Guided by a skilled tutor, Art for All

participants are able to: • Be part of a group learning about new techniques, stimulating minds and promoting comradery • Be able to make friendships at a natural pace, with informal conversations about their work acting as a catalyst • Have personalised learning support to help develop confidence in their abilities and ideas • Engage in group discussions of work where positive feedback would help boost self-esteem and encourage participation. For some, the positive comments received in these discussions may be the only compliment they receive that week • Plan content of future classes and how to reach more people through regular group forums • Plan an annual celebration of achievement for the project and take part in smaller exhibitions and displays in doctor’s surgeries and other locations As participants gain in confidence, further development of their art and craft skills are encouraged through

FEATURE

involvement with volunteering, local art groups and/or further study.

One Art for All participant, Christine, described how she got involved with the programme: ‘Having had a spell of depression and anxiety, I needed something to focus my mind elsewhere. It was very successful and for the first time in some months my anxiety decreased, I was getting out again into my community and best of all, it got me crafting at home for the first time in a long time - helping divert negative anxiety and thoughts.’

Christine said the sessions were fun, well organised and very creative: ‘Help is always available if you get stuck and techniques are demonstrated as you go along so you can keep up.

‘The nice thing is sharing and chatting with other students and getting to know new people. I have met so many lovely new friends through participating in these classes - sometimes I meet up with some of them outside of classes for craft sessions and so friendships are developed and deepened.’

Christine tried a range of craft and art activities through Art for All, from felting to wire modelling, printing to batik.

‘It has given me an insight and good basic knowledge of a whole range of activities. In particular I really enjoyed felting and have gone on to develop this craft for myself,’ said Christine.

Having taken part in an exhibition of students’ work organised by West Devon Art Workshops, Christine grew in confidence to the point she was able to stage her own work at the local garden centre recently, selling eleven pieces.

She said: ‘Since 2016, when I began classes, my mental health has improved so much - I’m not on so much medication and am happy and anxietyfree at present. I craft at home most days and now have a the confidence to run a craft club - One Okehampton Craft Club - once a month on a Monday night at the Ockment Centre. This club is well attended and I have been able to share many of the skills taught to me by Gill and Andy.’

Christine said she would recommend the Art for All classes wholeheartedly: ‘You get to meet so many fab people, as well as getting totally absorbed in different arts and crafts. The joy of the classes is quality tuition at affordable prices, as the classes are subsidised by funding.

Materials are all provided, so you just need to turn up with an apron and get stuck in!’

Participant representative Allie Cole echoed Christine’s comments, adding: ‘The social aspect of the classes is very important - many participants say how they look forward all week to coming along. The atmosphere is so friendly and nurturing.’

There is a special joy experienced in achieving something new – enhanced by being part of a group, sharing each other’s successes and supporting each other over difficult stages of this journey. It speaks to something fundamental about the possibilities of life – growing through challenge and reaching new heights through the nurturing environment created by being part of a group.

You can find the One Okehampton Craft Club on Facebook. For more information about Art for All, go to www. westdevonartworkshop.co.uk Jane Honey

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Katherine Miles Weaving wildlife from willow Entering Katherine Miles’ workshop, you are met with a menagerie of animals - leaping hares, imperious stags and thoughtful looking highland cattle - plus the odd plump chicken...

Katherine is one of only a handful of willow sculptors working in the UK, creating lifesized animals out of hundreds of Somerset-raised Black Maul willow twigs, which have been soaked to render them pliable enough to bend and weave.

‘There’s no real training on how to make animals out of willow. I don’t do drawings first - I suppose if I do a new animal I would go to Google images to work out their particular stances and just go from there.’

Becoming a professional sculptor of willow almost came about by accident, after years working as a freelance photo editor and photographic agent in the South East.

For larger four legged animals, like the highland cows or stags, she starts with a metal frame, usually created by her partner, a blacksmith. She works around the legs and creates a barrel shape for the body. Filling in the shape takes the most time, with the head going on last. Large animals will probably take Katherine up to a week to create.

She said: ‘I did a basket-making course when I lived in Brighton and absolutely loved it. Then my daughter said: “Can you make me a horse?”’

Katherine moved to Moretonhampstead four years ago after a spell in Totnes and her list of willow weaving commissions has steadily grown and grown. She now works in an old chapel right by her home, sharing the workspace with felt maker Yuli Somme.

Her first order came after she approached the Toby Buckland Garden Centre at Powderham Castle and asked if they’d like a life-sized stag at their Christmas fair - and business snowballed from there.

Katherine said: ’Ever since I was really little I’ve always loved making things, but it was always animals. And I suppose as my background was in environmental science - I had my own photo library and worked for Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund - it was always going to be that way.

‘There’s a kind of character that comes as you start building them,’ she said. ‘I find I start talking to them - I have been known to put them together at the end of the day. I know it’s utterly ridiculous but I do form attachments to them - and I always know it’s a success when people pat them!’

Painted with a mixture of 50/50 linseed and turpentine to repel water, the sculptures should last for years.

Katherine said she enjoyed a challenge and believed working out of her comfort zone stretched her skills. She particularly likes making life-sized pieces and groups of animals.

She has completed many individual commissions for significant birthdays, wedding presents or anniversaries, plus special one-off pieces, for example, a cow that lives in the shippen

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LOCAL PEOPLE

at Uppacott House, the historic Grade I Listed farmstead near Poundsgate, restored by the Moor Than Meets the Eye project.

One of her most unusual commissions last year was a 25 foot long, 12 foot high Tyrannosaurus Rex for Canonteign Falls.

‘They have a Victorian fern garden half way up their waterfall and they wanted to encourage children to go up the falls to see it. It’s now in there and the kids go mad for it!’

The dinosaur took Katherine three weeks to complete - a project she described as ‘quite a challenge but fabulous to weave’. It also created quite a stir when it was transported on a low-loader through the narrow roads of Bovey Tracey and the Teign Valley!

Living on the edge of Dartmoor provides constant inspiration for Katherine’s sculptures - hence the proliferation of Highland cows in the workshop, although no dinosaurs have recently been seen in the national park.

‘Wherever I go I spend half my time thinking “I wonder if I could weave one of those?”,’ said Katherine, who admits she’s not good at doing nothing and isn’t the type to be found on the sofa with a book.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Between commission work, Katherine runs willow sculpting workshops and attends art events and fairs including this year, Glastonbury Festival.

‘That was brilliant!’ she said. ‘I wove two nine foot high dancing hares, which I thought was appropriate. It was lovely to see people walking past looking at them.

‘I never would have thought seven years ago I would be living here, being able to make a living creating willow animals - I love it, it’s incredible!’

Jane Honey

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Bronwen Wells Potter and lover of trees You can see how the thickly wooded, steep sided valley leading down to Kigbeare Studios and Gallery near Okehampton provides inspiration for Bronwen Wells’ beautiful pottery.

Mugs and vases decorated with a positive forest of finely drawn birch trees are lined up on the shelves of her workshop, while autumn leaves adorn bowls and dishes.

Bronwen admits she’s a country girl at heart and likes nothing better than striking out on foot, surrounded by the glorious countryside we are lucky enough to live among in this part of the world.

She first became interested in art while at school in Exeter. Deaf from birth, the arts seemed much more accessible to her than other subjects and she discovered the delights of creativity. Having achieved her BTEC in art and design, she wanted to further her knowledge and enrolled at Plymouth College of Art and Design, finally graduating with a degree in illustration. But towards the end of her time at university she was introduced

to the world of working with clay and completely fell for the art of forming beautiful yet practical pieces, ranging from mugs and jugs to bowls and baubles.

As her father Andrew explained, who was signing for Bronwen during our interview, use of the hands is very important when you are deaf and the physical act of throwing a pot, then experimenting with the illustrations to decorate it, and finally drawing them on the surface of the fired clay, is both satisfying and inspirational.

She discovered Kigbeare towards the end of her college course, when she was visiting various studios with her signing interpreter. She said Maddy, Kigbeare’s owner, had been ‘fantastic’ in giving her the opportunity to work there - essentially being a self employed

artist can be quite lonely and being in an environment with other creative people was definitely a big plus.

Quite apart from loving the creative side of her work, she enjoys making practical, functional pieces which are at the same time attractive and a pleasure to use and she takes great delight in watching people’s reaction to a commissioned piece.

In fact, she has quite a claim to fame the Duchess of Cornwall bought a dog bowl from her during the recent royal visit to Tavistock!

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LOCAL PEOPLE

A lot of her design work and research takes place at home, while the physical side of throwing the pieces and firing them in her kiln is done at Kigbeare. It’s the opening of the kiln which is the only aspect of her work that she’s not too keen on - you can never be sure how something you’ve put hours of work into is going to look once it’s been fired!

All her work is hand-thrown using stoneware clay and each piece is individually hand-painted. It’s a labour intensive process but it ensures that every item she makes is completely unique.

Bronwen admits that although she did a short course to learn the basics, she’s principally been self taught when it comes to being a potter. However, she loves researching new methods and processes and she finds learning new techniques every bit as inspirational as creating a new pattern.

Describing herself as a potter who draws, rather than a pure artist, she has an online shop, trading under her business name Ink and Clay and attends craft fairs and markets all over the county. She also has a permanent exhibition at the National Trust’s Cotehele in East Cornwall.

Aside from ceramics, she loves transferring her beautiful designs to print-making, where they can be applied to materials and greetings cards, and she also enjoys photography.

As to ambitions for the future, Bronwen is quite determined to remain her own boss, enjoying the flexibility of being self employed. Ultimately she said she would love to have her own pottery studio but in the mean time is building up her own personal style, based around the things she loves the most - flowers, fish - and of course, trees.

Jane Honey

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Tanya Morel Artist and actor With a father in the army, Lydfordbased artist Tanya Morel spent much of her childhood abroad, her school years at boarding school in London.

Her great passion being theatre, she trained as an actor in the capital and spent many years working successfully in touring theatre and independent film and TV production, both in front of and behind the camera.

She undertakes projects for the arts-inspired learning charity Daisi, teaching print making and animation, which she loves she’s also a member of the Tamar Valley Printmakers.

At the moment the group is working on a project through the Mayflower 400 celebrations, collaborating with 20 artists from Cape Cod in America. Their work will ultimately be hung in the Museum of Modern Art in Cape Cod. Explaining that working as an artist could occasionally be quite a solitary way of working, Tanya said she found the companionship gained by working with the other Tamar Valley artists very refreshing.

As a founder member of the highly-acclaimed Oddbodies Theatre Company, she has performed internationally, with the company’s film work being showcased at film festivals around the world including the award-winning Mrs Lustleigh’s Fancies and the feature-length adaptation of Gogol’s Diary of a Madman.

The new millennium and a deep desire to start a family sparked a move to Lydford with her husband, the Devon-born theatre director and actor Paul Morel. Three children later and following a foundation degree in art and design from Kensington and Chelsea College, she graduated with a first class degree in fine art from Falmouth University.

Tanya now works mainly as an artist, currently concentrating on print making and ceramic sculpture, although she also draws and is involved with animation and the moving image.

Coming from a creative family, her path through life seems to have been inevitable: ‘My mother was a painter, my sister is an artist, my brother is a writer - actually my dad, although he was in the army, was very artistic,’ said Tanya.

‘When I was young I was torn between art and drama - I chose drama because I thought I could always come back to art, which is absolutely what has happened!’

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Tanya’s work is figurative; interested in people, her subject matter is very often narrative, driven by her extensive background in theatre and performance.

‘I will see an image or read a story that will inspire an image but pretty much all my work is people,’ Tanya explained.

‘When I’m working on an image, there’s always a narrative going on, I am always trying to capture an atmosphere.

‘On the face of it my images can seem quite benign but when you look at them a bit more closely, they can be quite sinister - I am a bit drawn to the dark side,’ said Tanya.

‘I also think there is humour in my work and sometimes you can achieve that through the title. I love titles, they are really important to me - some artists hate that side but I love thinking of titles, they’re part of the narrative.’

A print Tanya has recently completed, entitled Thanksgiving, was inspired by a picture of Sicilians on a hill dating from the

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1970s, which Tanya particularly loved. She is delighted that this particular work has recently been chosen to be hung at the Royal West of England Academy.

Tanya said she and Paul felt ‘incredibly privileged’ to live on the edge of Dartmoor with the River Lyd running through the garden and said being able to work as freelance artists while bringing up their family in such an inspirational place was a source of great joy to them both.

that all three of their children share hers and Paul’s love of music, theatre and dance.

She is also passionate about encouraging the arts, in whatever form, particularly from a young age and is clearly delighted

‘A love of the arts is part of being a rounded human being, to enjoy a creative process,’ said Tanya.

Jane Honey

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SPORTS CLUB NEWS

The beautiful game - just a bit slower!

Following a successful pilot of Walking Football in 2018, Okehampton Community and Recreation Association (OCRA) has continued with regular weekly sessions on Tuesdays at 6.15pm until 7.15pm, on the All Weather Pitch.

The OCRA Walking Football Club is going from strength to strength with regular attendees enjoying the game they love in a friendly and sociable atmosphere.

Walking Football, a slow-paced version of the beautiful game aimed at the over 50s, arrived in Okehampton with the support of Active Devon and has proved to be a hit with all ages.

The sport was originally devised in 2011 by Chesterfield FC Community Trust. Subsequent TV coverage of the game by Sky Sports has led to a swift increase in its popularity, with clubs and groups starting up all over the country.

As the name suggests, Walking Football is non-contact and anyone that is deemed to have moved too fast while the ball is in play will be penalised with a free-kick. The ball should not be played above hip height and slide tackles are banned - the style of the sport helps minimise injuries while also helping to increase cardio-vascular fitness.

The Okehampton Walking Football Club competed in their

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first friendly match over the summer and following the support of Okehampton Argyle, now have a kit to wear. The group have also extended their socialising beyond the pitch by adding a regular team social at OCRA’s Pavilion in Simmon’s Park.

OCRA is a charity based in Okehampton and provides the community with sporting, wellbeing and recreational opportunities for Okehampton, the Hamlets and surrounding areas.

For more information regarding Walking Football or about the sporting opportunities provided by OCTA, visit ocrasport.org.uk

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EDUCATION

Exploration and innovation at Lew Trenchard It’s all go at the primary school The pupils at Lew Trenchard Church of England Primary School have had a busy start to the academic year in their new classes.

Each class has started the term exploring a theme; Great Links (Reception and Year 1) are thinking about ‘Changes’ while learning about the Royal Family.

Fox Tor (Years 2 and 3) are exploring the theme of ‘Innovation’ through learning about Isambard Kingdom Brunel and will be visiting Bristol later in the autumn term as part of their learning. In their outdoor learning on ‘Welly Wednesday’, they have been building their own bridges.

Brentor (Years 4 and 5) are thinking about ‘Exploration’ through their

learning about the polar explorer, Ernest Shackleton.

Oke Tor (Year 6) have been exploring ‘Contrasts’ by comparing the Maya with the Anglo Saxons. They have also been learning about living things and their habitats, having the opportunity to explore life cycles through their class pets, Steve the Giant African Land Snail and John, Ringo, Paul and George - the

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EDUCATION

butterflies that they hatched in class.

The class have also attended a life skills event at Okehampton Leisure Centre, where they learnt how to keep themselves and their friends safe when they’re out and about.

We hope that our pupils will be inspired by the people and events that they have been learning about, as well as thinking about the qualities that are needed to realise our aspirations. Through exploring an overarching theme, we are hoping that the pupils will not only gain knowledge and skills, but will develop wisdom through discussion and questioning together.

As a whole school, we have been thinking about ‘Wisdom’ in our collective worship, the different ways that we

GOOD ADVICE IS PRICELESS

gain wisdom and how this helps us to develop as life-long learners. We have also begun to think about how important wisdom is as part of our vision for the school. On alternate Thursdays, we welcome ‘Open the Book’ to lead our collective worship. The group teach us a bible story through their performance which is always enjoyed by both pupils and staff alike.

Our pre-school children (two to four years old) have been enjoying their own room which has had a makeover during the holidays and our Monday toddler sessions have been as popular as ever - we have been fortunate to welcome some new additions to these sessions.

We have recently staged a fantastic whole school trip to Cotehele this term

and as always, the pupils were a real credit to the school.

Pupils also enjoy a variety of well attended after school clubs; art club, Tae Kwando, Plymouth Argyle football and book club as well as the chance to access music lessons in the school day; piano and more recently, guitar.

Liz Davy Head of School Lew Trenchard Primary School

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CHARITY FOCUS

Devon Guild of Craftsmen Spreading the artistic message Devon Guild of Craftsmen is an educational charity which shares the pleasure of making and connects people through craft. We aim to give everyone a taste of making: whether enjoying our exhibitions; meeting members of the Guild who work in a wide range of craft disciplines; or learning new skills at one of our creative workshops.

The Guild has an extensive outreach programme, Freehand, which provides craft residencies in schools and community groups. Freehand residencies provide young people with practical skills as well as enhancing their self-esteem, encouraging their creative development, and providing the empowerment that comes from creating something by hand, that connects them with natural materials and with their heritage. This crucial experience of hands-on, purposeful activity can also inspire a life-long appreciation of the hand-made and hand-crafted that may, for some, lead them to consider craft and design-based careers.

Freehand’s work with community groups helps people in a multitude of ways:

reducing social isolation, supporting the rehabilitation of offenders, helping refugees build confidence and integrate into society, increasing well-being and giving those who need it a space to relax and express their emotions. In the past year our community projects have worked with bereaved families, refugee women and Headway, the charity for people with acquired brain injury.

Alongside our outreach work, our exhibitions always feature a programme of workshops which explore the themes of the exhibition, and give visitors a chance to have a go at making. We seek to encourage young visitors in particular to respond and make their own work in our maker’s corner. We also offer free family workshops in the school holidays and drop-in demos and workshops with our members throughout the year.

We are one of the few professional gallery spaces in the country devoted

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to craft, making us an important touring destination and prestigious place for makers to exhibit their work. But as well as providing a platform for our elected expert members and for some of the best craftspeople nationally and internationally, we seek to extend our outreach and education work into our three exhibitions galleries.

Two examples this year include ‘Methods Making Madness’ and ‘A Good Age’. ‘Methods Making Madness’ exhibited the winning entries to a photography competition for 14-24 year-olds and was devised, selected and curated by a team of young people, mentored by our in-house exhibitions officer in this, their first experience of curating a show.

For ‘A Good Age’, Devon Guild commissioned five professional artists, all born before 1948, to make contemporary craft on the theme of personal or global change in their lifetime. At the same time, five Devon libraries hosted artist-led workshops for people aged 65 and over, also producing craft inspired by change in their lifetimes.

The oldest person taking part was 94, and the results were amazing. One participant said: ‘. . . without this, I wouldn’t go out. It has persuaded me to go out and interact with other people.’

As well as our education and outreach work, another crucial part of the Guild’s

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remit is to support local craft-makers – both the established who are elected to membership and new makers seeking to make the difficult leap between study and working as a craftsperson.

Our biennial ‘Get Fresh’ exhibition showcases the work of the best new and emerging makers in the South West, and every year we select a craft graduate from Plymouth College of Art

and from Plymouth University to win the opportunity to showcase – and sell – their work in our extensive craft shop.

Check our website (www.crafts.org.uk) for details of exhibitions, workshops and Freehand opportunities.

Andrew North Devon Guild of Craftsmen

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NOTICEBOARD

Pompeii or bust The Pompeii or Bust Banger Rally Challenge 2019 is all about raising money for charity whilst having a great time and a great adventure through Europe. This year the challenge was to drive from St Austell to Pompeii in a £500 car as well as completing quizzes and challenges on the way. Local team, Foxcombe 5-0 from Lewdown decorated their Volvo in Hawaiian theme complete with a surf-boarded mannequin bolted to the roof of the car and set out to raise money for the Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulances and the Marie Curie Trust.

Around 150 cars set off from St Austell on September 28th on the journey

through France, Switzerland and Italy - and they created quite a spectacle!

Along the way the team visited Paris, Le Mans, Geneva (complete with a swim in Lake Geneva), Florence, Rome, Pisa, Vesuvius and finished the challenge in Pompeii.

So far Foxcombe 5-0 have raised over £1,300 and would love to raise more to support their chosen charities, the Devon

and Cornwall Air Ambulances and the Marie Curie Trust and also to help the Banger Rally Challenge organisation to reach over £1 million in sponsorship. If you would like to help, please donate via https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ Team/Foxcombe50 or contact the team at foxcombe50@gmail.com

Fancy growing your own?

RHS Garden Rosemoor at Great Torrington is once again looking for ten keen gardeners to take part in their informative and practical allotment course in 2020.

Starting in February, the successful candidates will receive expert RHS tuition, have their own plot to tend, and take away home-grown harvests. They will receive regular allotment master

classes and weekly access to their plots, all in the picturesque setting of RHS Garden Rosemoor.

The course, which attracts a small fee (to cover safety boots and a contribution towards materials) is open to everyone.

The 2019 intake came from a great variety of backgrounds and across all age groups but they all have one thing in common – the passion for and a

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willingness to learn the basic principles of growing your own vegetables. The course is really popular and some past and current participants have actually gone on to become staff or volunteers at Rosemoor.

The course will start in February 2020 and run through to the end of the year. Applications close November 29th. To apply, please write to Curator Jon Webster with a brief personal background (approx. 50 words), stating why you would like a beginner’s vegetable plot at Rosemoor (approx.

50 words), and indicating what you will do with your new knowledge (approx. 100 words). By post: Jon Webster, RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington Devon EX38 8PH. By email: jonathanwebster@rhs.org.uk.

For further information please visit www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor

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NOTICEBOARD

Breakfast and banter There’s an opportunity for former armed servicemen and women to get together with serving personnel on a regular basis in the Okehampton area, thanks to the instigation of a new breakfast club.

The Okehampton Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club was launched in October at an event attended by the mayor of West Devon - one of many similar clubs run across the country and further afield. The regular meetings provide the chance to chat and have a meal together in a safe, social environment, allowing veterans to ‘return to the tribe’ and indulge in some good old military banter.

Cllr Kevin Ball, Cllr Tony Leech, Mayor of West Devon and Tim Wharton pictured at the breakfast club launch

There are no subscriptions or fees for the meetings, which in Okehampton will take place on the first Saturday of the month at 9.30am at Tina’s Kitchen, in the old skittle alley behind the King’s Arms in St James Street. Just turn up, buy your breakfast, have a chat, meet old friends and make new ones.

all over the UK, and abroad, which gives veterans a renewed feeling of belonging, which even older veterans feel when they attend,’ said the spokesman.

‘We have seen first-hand that the Breakfast Clubs are having a huge positive impact on the lives of many veterans and their families. The mutual support they afford, and the connections they are making, even outside of the clubs, is incredible.’

A spokesman for the Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs organisation said many veterans felt isolated after leaving the services, finding it hard to fit in to life outside the military.

You can find out more about the AFVBC at www.afbc.net

‘We recognise this in the Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs, and veterans themselves have been starting these clubs

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19

NOTICEBOARD

Hospiscare Open Gardens 2019/2020 The Hospiscare Open Gardens programme started 15 years ago with four gardens, raising around £1,500. Today over 30 gardens are involved each year, raising a record-breaking £28,000 in 2019. Some gardeners have been involved from the start, volunteers too, especially our fabulous fundraising volunteer groups. We would like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of our gardeners.

The gardens range from small, terraced gardens to sprawling acres in the countryside. All have unique characteristics that make them interesting, as well as calming, tranquil places to visit, relax, enjoy a cup of tea and cake and get some ideas to take home to your own gardens. Hospiscare is your local hospice charity and it is has a special place in the hearts of our community. So special that amazing local people will make sure their garden is just how they want it to be seen, so that they can help to raise vital money for Hospiscare’s services.

We are very lucky to have new gardens joining the programme every year - anyone wishing to join in 2020 can call 01392 688020 for a no obligation chat or email fundraising@ hospiscare.co.uk.

cared for at home by our community nurses, who look after over 700 patients at any one time. We also have day hospices in Exeter, Tiverton and Honiton and there’s also the 24hr Inpatient Unit at the hospice, Searle House, in Exeter.

It is Hospiscare’s aim to help local people with a terminal illness make the most of the time they have. Recently we had a young patient who desperately wanted to visit relatives abroad for a last family Christmas. She resigned herself to it not being possible, but our nurses and doctors worked together, reviewing her medication and pain control, to make sure it could happen, because we know when you have been given a terminal diagnosis, every day matters. That is what Hospiscare is about – supporting you and your family to make memories together, to take away the fear and the pain so you can make the most of your last few months and weeks of life.

Without the support of our wonderful gardeners, volunteers and our lovely garden visitors, it would not be possible for our nurses to be there when they are needed, so a huge thank you to all of you.

Susie Healey Hospiscare

Hospiscare needs to raise 80% of its funding from our community. This funding enables most of our patients to be

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NOTICEBOARD

Starlight success!

Okehampton Starlight Ladies started eight years ago in 2011, when eight friends got together to organise a summer ball for cancer research. The focus was on having fun and raising a little for a great charity, with the ball taking place in a marquee on Okehampton show ground thanks to support from Devon Marquee Company.

Lisa and Nick Blowey came up with the fantastic theme which they have done ever since, making the marquee look stunning. This was the start of something amazing and shows the power of what people can do when they put their heads together.

29 tables. Each time we have gone from strength to strength, increasing what we raise. Everyone is generous, local businesses donate, Dave Wills’ catering feeds us and wine flows. Our committee is now 15-strong and we are as dedicated as ever.

As a committee we decided not to do a ball every year, we didn’t want to take advantage of everyone’s generosity, so we settled on a bi-annual ball. The first year 25 tables were sold - now having completed our fifth ball, we sell at least

The year when we are not having a ball, we support other events helping them raise money for cancer research. Over eight years we have raised the sum of £56,980.55 through five summer balls, coffee mornings, two moonwalks and

two shine walks. The hard work of the committee is second to none and with through the money raised, Cancer Research will continue to help support doctors, nurses and scientists to help beat cancer and accelerate the progress, so that by 2034, three in four people will survive the disease.

I personally would like thank each and every one of our committee - you should all be very proud of what we have achieved in eight years.

Wendy Raymond, Chairman Okehampton Starlight Ladies

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NOTICEBOARD

Mini bus appeal Okehampton District Community Transport Group has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to purchase a new 15-seater minibus, enabling it to continue running its vital local Ring and Ride service.

The threat to the service is as a result of Devon County Council withdrawing its lease agreement for the group’s current vehicle. Although the council has agreed the transport group can borrow the bus until it has funds for a new one, the vehicle is old and very costly for a small charity to run.

Sue Wonnacott, ODCTG co-ordinator, said: ‘The passengers who use the Ring and Ride service require the door-to-door service we offer, which is not available to them in any other form in our rural area. They can’t walk to the nearest bus stop, even if there is one within walking distance, or there is a bus that travels into Okehampton that allows them a

reasonable time to do their shopping and return.

‘Many of our clients are in very rural locations, down long lanes and only manage to get out of their homes once a week when our driver picks them up, so these journeys are not only essential to allow them to get provisions but also for their social inclusion, by enabling them to meet others on the bus or for coffee for a chat which helps with their mental wellbeing.

‘The cost of a new vehicle will be approximately £75,000 and we have been extremely lucky to have obtained £40,000 as a result of the Charities of Holditch and Others in Okehampton winding up and gifting their remaining funds to five local groups including

ourselves.’

But Sue said despite this good start, there is a still a considerable shortfall to find. If you would like to donate anything, however small, to help this incredibly important local service continue to run, please go to crowdfunder.co.uk/ odctg-purchaseofminibus The transport group is hoping to run another ‘pop-up’ shop in Okehampton which donated goods can be sold to boost the appeal. For the latest information, go to www.odctg.co.uk

Otters are back on Dartmoor!

Moor Otters are set to return to Dartmoor National Park next summer – and this time, they’ve got company.

Dartmoor National Park is delighted to announce that the hugely successful Moor Otters arts trail, which raised £60,000 for conservation and education projects in 2017, is returning in 2020.

cycling, running or using public transport. Otter spotters can share their experiences on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #MoorOtters The sculptures have been specially commissioned and created by Jolly Roger Ltd in Bovey Tracey.

From May to October visitors can expect to see over 80 sculptures, each individually designed and decorated by artists and local talent, dotted across Dartmoor and surrounding areas - and this time, the otters will each be accompanied by their cub.

Dartmoor National Park Authority Chair Pamela Woods said: ‘It has been fantastic to see the money raised by the first Moor Otters go back into projects that directly benefit Dartmoor, so we are very excited that Moor Otters will be coming back in 2020.

The otter has made a comeback on Dartmoor over the last 18 years and the Moor Otters arts trail celebrates this shy and secretive creature who loves to play in Dartmoor’s rivers.

‘To celebrate all that Dartmoor offers, to encourage visitors to explore, learn and be mindful and to raise funds to look-after and conserve Dartmoor, we are inviting artists and businesses to join us in creating Moor Otters public arts trail 2020.

In 2020 people will be encouraged to explore the trails either by walking, 22

‘We are very keen to hear from artists or businesses who want to get involved.

We had incredible support in 2017 and hope we can go further again in 2020.’

Businesses and community groups are invited to sponsor an Otter or host one throughout the summer. Find out more at www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/ moor-otters/businesses Artists interested in transforming an otter and cub ‘canvas’ can download a pack by visiting www.dartmoor.gov.uk/ enjoy-dartmoor/moor-otters/artists

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NOTICEBOARD

Okehampton and District Inner Wheel The Inner Wheel Club of Okehampton and District was founded in 1965 and is still very active 54 years later.

You may have seen us at our coffee mornings, the Rotary May Fair, on the gates at the Okehampton Show and providing help locally as and when needed. We fundraise for local charities, some national charities and local and national overseas charities and projects.

We are just one of 586 clubs in Great Britain and Ireland divided into 29 districts with approximately 14,000 members. Inner Wheel is active in 104 countries or geographical regions - with over 100,000 members it is one of the largest women’s voluntary organisations

in the world and has representation at the United Nations.

We usually meet on the third Tuesday of each month at The Ockment Centre, North Street, Okehampton between 7pm and 9pm. Our meetings take the form of business first and then maybe a speaker or some form of entertainment. We also enjoy lunches out and other social occasions but the underlying basis in everything we do is fun and friendship.

Anyone over the age of 18 can join and

you do not have to have any connection with Rotary. We are actively looking for new members, so if you think this is for you, either make contact with president Yvonne Potter 01837 55060 email: iwoked17pres@icloud.com or come to one of our meetings, without obligation, where you are assured of a warm welcome. We are a friendly bunch and would love to see you.

Sandra Moppett Okehampton and District Inner Wheel

Blue badge help My mum has a non-visible disability, which causes her walking difficulties. I heard something on the news about how she may now be eligible for a blue badge. How can I find out about this and help her apply?

On August 30th, the Blue Badge scheme You’ll need a recent digital passportwas extended to people who live in style photo, proof of her identity, England and have non-visible disabilities address, details of any benefits she or conditions which affect their ability to receives, her National Insurance walk. As a result, your mother may now number, and evidence of how her nonqualify for a badge. visible disability or condition affects her mobility.

Your mother will be automatically eligible if she gets certain types of benefits. These include some categories of Personal Independence Payment and the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.

If she’s not automatically eligible she can still apply for a badge. Her local authority will use evidence from doctors and other healthcare professionals to determine whether she qualifies or not.

Your mother can check her eligibility and apply for a local authority-issued Blue Badge at gov.uk/apply-blue-badge. If she can’t do this herself, you can apply on her behalf.

For help with your budget, negotiating a rent payment plan, or eviction advice, contact your nearest Citizens Advice.

For up-to-date advice, visit www. citizensadvice.org.uk or call Adviceline on 03444 111 444. Alternatively visit Okehampton Citizens Advice (Ockment Centre) Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10am4pm and Friday 10am-1pm.

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23

NOTICEBOARD

Partnership working Working with partner organisations is fundamental to being a Dartmoor National Park Ranger and we have recently joined forces with key organisations such as the Duchy of Cornwall, Forestry England and South West Water and of course the Police to form the Dartmoor Rural Crime Initiative, which was formally launched back in October. This initiative aims to bring all relevant organisations together to tackle some key issues on Dartmoor. The issues highlighted are animal deaths and speeding on the moor, livestock worrying and thefts, large scale illegal parties (raves) and other crimes such as theft from vehicles and heritage crime.

raves from happening in Fernworthy forest and some high visibility patrols at weekends to engage with the public and deter thefts from vehicles. So far this initiative has been a real success and clearly demonstrates the merits of partnership working.

We have had a successful start to the initiative, conducting some joint late night patrols preventing at least two illegal

Have a great festive period.

We have more proactive targeted patrols planned throughout the winter months into next year, so come and say hello if you see us out and about. Also please remember to drive with care on the Dartmoor road network this winter, as the animals do like to lie on the roads in wintertime as the black tarmac holds the heat of the sun and they like to lick the salt from the road.

Simon Lee Ranger Team Manager, Dartmoor National Park

Support for children The Mary Budding Trust was set up in 2002 in memory of the late Dr Mary Budding, who had been the Medical Officer for Tavistock and District and had devoted much of her life to the support of young children.

Inspired by the work of Dr Budding, the Trust’s objective is to support children with additional needs, aged eleven or under, living within the area of Okehampton, Tavistock and surrounding villages, by providing grants and equipment.

Financial help can be provided for individual children – at home or school – or for groups of children within an educational setting. Individual families can apply (with a confirmation statement from a professional) or the request can come directly from a professional.

24

All Trustees give their time freely, so all money received goes directly to help the families – except for a small amount to pay for stationery and the annual website upkeep. The Trustees are therefore grateful to anyone who can help them to raise funds however small or large - for example the Bondleigh Barn Band is performing in Okehampton on November 16th (see Music and Art for information) All funds raised by the Mary Budding Trust go towards providing equipment and support to young children with specific needs.

Anyone who would like more information about the Trust should contact Edwina Hill on 01837 840332 or go to marybuddingtrust.org.uk

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Returning to optimum health How energy, vibration and frequency can help . . .

At Bawcombe Wellbeing, I focus on the individual and their symptoms to provide the most effect therapy for the client. My mission is to administer cost effective relief with leading-edge science and non-invasive methods, often with immediate results.

Eighteen months ago I introduced tuning forks into my therapies - and I haven’t looked back since, amazed at the results they were bringing to my clients. During 2019 I introduced two new treatments to Bawcombe Wellbeing: VFRT (Vibrational Fascia Release Technique) and Sound Therapy.

VFRT This highly effective technique originated in Michigan USA by the New Earth Healing Centre. I have been following their success stories and am amazed at the results they are able to achieve in a short space of time. I felt this method could no longer be ignored so I travelled to Michigan and trained with them. I am one of the first practitioners in the UK to offer VFRT. This leading-edge treatment uses a combination of pressure and weighted tuning forks to release fascial restrictions, inflammation and blockages.

Interstitial fluids are then able to flow freely and instantly bring pain relief and flexibility.

VFRT is particularly successful in treating: •

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If your condition isn’t listed, please contact me to discuss.

As we are heading into autumn and winter you may wish to have a head and neck treatment which will focus on clearing fluids in your sinuses, leaving you breathing more freely. With this modality an improvement with hearing is often reported.

VFRT is also effective for targeted inch loss (fat burning), anti-ageing and hair restoration.

Sound Therapy

envelop you. Sounds from tuning forks, gongs and other instruments helps calm anxiety and assist with stress related pains and illnesses.

This practice is also very successful in removing past pain and wounds, allowing the client to be ‘free’ of burdens they carry around with them.

Sounds and vibrations create ‘waves’ which go through the body’s energy field and cells to harmonise and re-balance.

For further information or to book an appointment please contact me on 07870 570 029 or email: info@ bawcombewellbeing.co.uk More details can be found on Bawcombe Wellbeing website: www.bawcombewellbeing.co.uk and on Facebook and instagram

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Have you booked your flu jab yet?

Okehampton Medical Centre is now booking patients in for this year’s flu vaccination.

Flu (influenza) is a common infectious viral illness which is spread by coughing, sneezing or by touching contaminated surfaces. It can be very unpleasant and extremely serious for those at risk of developing complications.

Some of the main symptoms of flu include a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above; tiredness and weakness; headache and general aches and pains. Cold-like symptoms, such as a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat, can also be caused by flu, but they tend to be less severe than the other symptoms you have.

Flu can make you feel so exhausted and unwell that you have to stay in bed and rest until you feel better. Think about the huge effect this could have on work, family, and social commitments!

The flu vaccination will protect you from the four strains of flu that we are vulnerable to this year, including swine flu.

Okehampton Medical Centre is able to offer flu vaccinations for free to all patients aged over 65, as well those deemed to be high risk, including all those with long-term respiratory disease (such as asthma or COPD); heart disease; kidney disease; neurological disease; diabetes; problems with their spleen; all pregnant women; residents in care homes; if you receive carers allowance; if you live in a household with any one immunocompromised and children aged two and three.

(Children aged between four and eleven years of age will be offered their vaccine at school) Contact Okehampton Medical Centre to book your appointment now. You can book via our receptionists, the automated phone line and via the dispensing team at the medical centre. Phone 01837 52233.

It takes around 14-21 days after the vaccination to be fully protected against flu. For this reason we highly recommend booking into one of our early flu clinics, to ensure you are fully vaccinated before peak flu season.

Your participation in our flu vaccination clinics allow us to help protect you from the risk of winter illness, as well as giving us opportunity to re-invest in even more primary care services.

We will also be offering flu clinics in local village halls between 2pm and 4pm. No appointments are necessary they will take place at Sourton Village Hall on November 7th; Belstone Village Hall on November 14th; the Pavilion at South Zeal on November 21st and at Exbourne Village Hall on November 28th.

Okehampton Medical Centre now offers eConsult appointments for patients. This allows patients to contact their doctor online, getting help and advice by the end of the next working day. We are proud to be one of the local practices offering this service. Just click on the link at www.okehamptonmedicalcentre.co.uk Dr Emma Chapman Okehampton Medical Centre

Okehampton Christmas Shop

Now open Wednesday to Saturday, late night opening Thursdays

We have everything you need and 10% off with this voucher until 23rd November Come and see Father Christmas on his train! (Booking advised) We’re at School Way, Okehampton, 01837 55575 Find us on Facebook Opposite Waitrose and Lidl, between the Vets and the Pet Shop

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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GARDENING

Richard Wilson

‘Hedge’ your bets Think colourful garden borders and structures.

Cutting Yew hedges credit RHS

From late summer onwards here in the Formal Garden at RHS Garden Rosemoor, there is often the unmistakable buzz of hedge trimmers and cutters, as our garden framework of formal hedging is trimmed and honed into our trademark blocks. These form the frames for each garden ‘room’ and add height, separation and interest throughout the gardens all year round.

Originally, hedges were a way of containing livestock, marking boundaries and keeping the wolf out! Today however, they have a myriad of uses, often practical, but more importantly, ornamental and beneficial. A popular and easy method is to plant an informal, mixed hedge instead of using fences and walls - this allows wildlife to travel and find food such as nectar rich flowers, berries, fruits, seeds and nuts.

They provide good hunting grounds for predators seeking insects and other invertebrates and create sheltered, shaded areas for butterflies - and people

- ultimately resulting in a wider range of wildlife habitats in your garden.

Suggested plants for a mixed wildlife hedge include Sambucus nigra, Common Elder; Rosa canina, Dog Rose; Crataegus monogyna, Common Hawthorn; Corylus avellana, Hazel; Berberis vulgaris, Common Barberry; Prunus spinosa, Blackthorn; Fagus sylvatica AGM, Common Beech; Carpinus betulus AGM, Common Hornbeam; Ilex aquifolium AGM, Holly; Lonicera periclymenum, Common Honeysuckle; Hedera helix, Ivy and Viburnum lantana, Common Wayfaring Tree.

Your wildlife hedge can be planted between November and March, but never plant into waterlogged or frozen ground. Bare-rooted plants are cheaper, but take care not to expose the roots for long when planting. Until they are established, keep the base of your plants free from weeds with a thick mulch or matting.

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For a mixed hedge, try to include three plants of the same species per metre, with one each of two other species.

Hedges should not be pruned until late winter or very early spring so that nesting birds are not disturbed and wildlife can take advantage of the insects and fruits provided during the winter months. In the first spring, cut shrubs back to 45-60 cm above the ground, this encourages bushy growth.

Follow this with a light trim every other year, maintaining an ‘A’ shape, broad at the base. Don’t tidy up too much, leave leaf litter and seed heads to attract hedgehogs, birds, small mammals and insects.

Small hedges up to knee height are often seen in fruit and vegetable, or potager gardens - a mix of edible and decorative plants with a structured design - but can be an interesting addition to any garden. They can be formal shapes or meandering, organic lines, following paths or the natural curves some gardens create and again can be formally pruned or left to grow naturally.

Plants with a smaller growth habit that lend themselves well to this application include Berberis buxifolia ‘Pygmaea’; Berberis × stenophylla ‘Corallina Compacta’ AGM; Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’, Box; Euonymus fortunei cultivars, Spindle; Ilex crenata; Lavandula angustifolia, Lavender and Santolina chamaecyparissus ‘Nana’ AGM, Green Lavender Cotton.

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30

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GARDENING

Prunus spinosa credit RHS Graham Titchmarsh

Berberis x stenophylla‘ Corallina compacta’ credit RHS Philippa Gibson

Garden jobs that can be accomplished in November and December include:

• Insulate outdoor taps and prevent ponds from freezing.

• Clear up fallen leaves - especially from lawns, ponds and beds.

• Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding.

• Raise containers onto pot feet to prevent waterlogging.

• Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops.

• Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year.

• Plant out winter bedding.

• Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted and transplanted.

• Cover brassicas with netting if pigeons are a problem.

• Keep mice away from stored produce.

• Insulate outdoor containers from frost, (bubble wrap works well).

• There’s still time to get spring bulbs in the ground in November to guarantee winter colour from January onwards.

• Put out bird food to encourage winter birds into the garden.

• Use a seasonal bonfire (where this is allowed) to dispose of excess debris unfit for composting.

• Check your winter protection structures are still securely in place.

Lavandula angustifolia credit RHS Cecile Moisan

• Reduce watering of houseplants.

• Spike lawns with a garden fork to improve drainage and aeration.

• Turn your compost heaps to mix the ingredients and help the contents to decompose.

• Check that greenhouse heaters are working.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Richard Wilson Horticulturist, RHS Rosemoor

31

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FARMING NEWS

Watch out for that headgear!

Farmer Stuart Luxton’s special birthday present Hello again everyone. The seasons have definitely changed.

The autumn has been very mild with plenty of rain leading to another season of plenty. There is lots of grass for the animals to eat, but the water content is higher at this time of year. This means we will need to start using our winter feed to top some of the animals up with dry food, particularly cows.

I can tell the lovely warm summer days and nights are definitely over when I get on the quad bike at night or early in morning to check the cows calving. It’s always a shock to the system when the temperature drops. It’s also a bit of a pain to have to wait for daylight to go off around the stock at this time of year. I am used to getting up early and there is nothing like going round the farm at 5am in the middle of summer when everything is quiet. It almost feels like you are the only person in the world. Autumn has its good points, but when there is less daylight every day I always find it a bit depressing.

I don’t know if anyone has seen me recently, but I had a big birthday this year. My family gave me a pink crash helmet, my son has since decorated it with flowers and a rainbow. I am very proud of it, luckily I can’t see what it looks like when I’m wearing it...

I have news from the farm this time. One of our young bulls has become a dad. Sportsman has produced his first crop of calves, the mothers are all first timers too. Some of the calves you can see in the photo. We are so pleased with them, they just exude quality and style. You need not worry though, they aren’t destined to end up in the shop. They are so good that we hope they will be used for breeding on our farm or someone else’s.

The rams have gone to work again. It’s always a watershed moment of the year. Once they have gone to work we are on a

countdown to the busiest time of year on the farm.

You probably don’t know it, but sheep do not gain any natural immunity from the bacteria that live on the pasture and cause lameness. A sheep can be lame, get treated, get better then get lame again. Lameness has been so bad this year we have recently vaccinated the ewes. It doesn’t cover all causes of lameness, so isn’t perfect, but it should help.

The busiest time of year at the shop is now just around the corner - the dreaded Christmas! Much our our seasonal stock is now on display and we have started taking orders.

Last year was fantastic, we prepared over 500 orders for our customers, the positive feedback we received was beyond belief. The range of orders was quite amazing. Some huge, some small, but all were prepared with the same care and attention by our fantastic staff.

Christmas dinner is probably the most important family meal of the year. It’s such a pleasure to be able to supply our lovely home-produced beef and lamb also other local meats and poultry including the traditional free range turkeys.

I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas. All the best for 2020.

Stuart Luxton

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FINANCE

Independent financial advice Some aspects to think about...

Surveys. We all love them. Those emails that ask for a few minutes of your time. I’ll be honest – I rarely engage with them. I’d like to say that’s because I’m far too busy but I suspect its more to do with the fact I don’t trust them.

And I’ve never quite understood the point of them. Do any companies really listen to the negative feedback?

So I was surprised recently to find myself signing off our own client survey! Yes, that’s right, a survey full of questions about how we are doing and what clients like about us. At first I was against the idea, but I have since come around to it. The idea is we supply a service which we think is what people want and focus on the things we think are important. But what if clients aren’t that bothered about some of those things and actually put more value on things we don’t currently offer?

Wouldn’t it be useful to know that?

Financial advisers come in all shapes and sizes and within the profession, there are arguments about what a good adviser looks like. Some extol the virtues of cashflow planning, some specialise in investment management and some, sadly, still prefer to just sell products. A growing number of firms now focus on a small number of wealthy clients and charge ever

higher fees. That makes perfect business sense but I still feel our service should be accessible to all and fees should be fair.

But that’s not the point of this article. There is no right or wrong way to run an IFA business and no right or wrong service to offer clients – apart from the product seller, obviously! The question is what does the client want? Or, more importantly, what should you expect from your IFA? There may be some things that are important to you and not to someone else, but are there certain minimums that you should expect from all IFAs? I would suggest there is. They should be accessible and approachable. They should be transparent about their advice and clear about their fees. Above all, they should be honest.

Sometimes delivering bad news isn’t easy, but a good adviser will deliver it anyway. When I think of advisers I know who I consider to be ‘good’ advisers, it’s not because of the service they offer, it’s because they have an honesty that pervades through their advice. The client is central to everything they do.

So the next time you are looking for an adviser, consider how approachable, clear and honest they are. Beyond that it is simply a matter of matching their service to your needs.

Craig Davidson Davidsons IFA

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BUSINESS

Dartmoor Bed Company opens new flagship store West Devon-based Dartmoor Bed Company continues its business expansion with the opening of a new flagship store in Topsham this December.

Stuart Page, manager, said: ‘This is the culmination of a great deal of hard work and unprecedented demand for our handmade mattresses.’

In 2017 celebrity chef Michael Caine installed The Dartmoor Bed Company beds into all the bedrooms at Lympstone Manor, his luxury five star country house hotel. Bovey Castle, a leading Five Star Dartmoor hotel, is similarly undertaking to install the company’s beds in all of their bedrooms.

will complement the existing showroom at Yelverton and the larger space will enable the company to display the full range of hand-made beds, alongside bespoke locally-made bedroom furniture. The store will also feature beautiful interior items by Lewis Shepherd at The Dartmoor Shepherd.

The Presidential Suit at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at Hyde Park now has a bespoke hand-made bed created by the Dartmoor Bed Company.

Stuart commented: ‘All our beds are hand-crafted, pocket sprung and filled with the finest certified Dartmoor wool.

They are all made to order and we offer a unique 30 day tension trial.

The new flagship store will be situated opposite Darts Farm and next to Sapphire Spaces in Topsham. The new showroom

‘Last minute touches are being made to the new store and we will have a final opening date soon.’

With less than 2 months to go until Christmas, The Toy Shop is bulging with fabulous toys and gifts for your children and loved ones. We’ve introduced several new toy suppliers and have a wonderful range of family board games in store!

SMART GAMES: Smart Games are multi-level logic games, which appeal to both boys and girls as well as adults. They come in travel, compact and table top editions and we are really excited about introducing these toys as one of our new lines in the run up to Christmas. Smart Games have won over 10 awards this year and are scooping up more each month!

CLOCKWORK SOLDIER: A fabulous range of flat packed creative gifts for children with big imaginations. These make for excellent Christmas presents, particularly if you have to post something here in the UK or further afield!

TENDER LEAF TOYS: Tender Leaf Toys believe that it’s important to bring children back to a natural playing environment. TLT have been created by craftsmen and designers using experience, knowledge and creativity to deliver a beautiful wooden toy range that brings energy, emotion and excitement to playing with wooden toys. Tender Leaf Toys are an environmentally friendly company and replenish 100 % of the rubberwood forests they use to make their beautiful wooden toys.

STEM TOYS: Do you want to try and get your child off their IPad or phone?

Then we have the answer! We’ve introduced a great range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) toys, that we are excited about and that are proving popular! Come in and meet the sound detecting Robotic Hedgehog, which roles into a ball does a backwards roll and extends its spines, with just a clap of your hands! Or be introduced to Tobbie – the

adorable AI smart friend and lastly, have a look at our 5 in 1 coding robot – which introduces a new concept of coding without a computer.

GAMES: Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without that all-important family board game. We have a great selection for ages 2 to 102! New games include Five Little Fish which is a memory-based game for ages 3+, Senor Pepper – the speedy pepper picker game for ages 4+ and Kersplatt – which is a hilarious game of modelling mayhem with lots of splats involved, for all ages! We also have the classic - Scrabble, Monopoly, Chess and Pass the Bomb, just to name a few.

SCALEXTRIC, HORNBY AND AIRFIX: A first for The Toy Shop - introducing Scalextric and Hornby! We are really excited to be stocking Scalextrics and Hornby train kits in the shop and what better way to introduce them than by bringing in the Coca Cola Christmas train and the Paddington train set and the Justice League and Whacky Races Scalextrics sets to name a couple. We also have a great range of AirFix models in stock, including the new Mary Rose and the Army Jeep. Come in and relive your youth with these great kits!

We’d like to thank all our customers for supporting with us this year and for shopping local and finally we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2020.

18 Red Lion Yard, Okehampton EX20 1AW | 01837 52368 | ! thetoyshopokey See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

37

WHAT’S ON

Regulars TUESDAYS (DURING TERM TIME) Tai Chi for good health, relaxation and vitality, 10 - 11.15am improvers. 11.40am - 12.40pm beginners, at the Church House, South Tawton, term time only. 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.

KNIT AND NATTER At Okehampton Library between 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Bring along your knitting, stitching, crochet or other portable project, for a chat with like-minded crafters. Tea and coffee available at 50p a cup.

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 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 FIRST WEDNESDAY COPING WITH ANXIETY New support group teaching cancer patients how to manage anxiety through relaxation. Run by a qualified oncology support specialist, there will be a continuous rotation of four structured sessions for patients, families and carers affected by cancer. 1pm-2pm, Okehampton Hospital. For information call Emma Ellis at the FORCE Centre in Exeter on 01392 403051.

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

BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES The ‘Strictly Social’ dance club is holding ballroom dance classes for beginners at the Nicholls Hall in Lydford, every Wednesday starting at 7.25pm. £5 per person for one hours lesson. Contact Terry Flannery on 07891 614491, or email strictlysocialdanceclub@gmail.com for further details.

THURSDAYS SNAP (SPECIAL NEEDS

ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK) 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.

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.

TAI CHI At Okehampton Community Garden, Fartherford Lane. 10 - 11am with teabreak after. An extra class for beginners: 11.30am - 12.30pm. All classes run in term times only. Contact Kate for dates: kate@ forestchi.co.uk or telephone 01837 840959 SATURDAYS LEGO BUILDERS At Okehampton Library between 10.30am and 11.30am, for children aged 5+. Free, no booking necessary.

OKEHAMPTON SATURDAY MARKET In Red Lion Yard. A wide range of stalls everything from fresh eggs and home-made soap to bike spares and leathergoods. For more information call market manager Ron Clarkson on 07514 631891 or email ronclarkson@hotmail.co.uk THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

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WHAT’S ON

WHIDDON WIDE COMMUNITY CHOIR 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 FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH RUN IN THE PARK 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.

LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH OKEY FOLKY FOLK SESSIONS 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.

November 8 NOVEMBER QUIZ AND PUDDING EVENING At Sampford Courtenay Village Hall at 7.30pm. £5 to enter a team of up to five people for the quiz and £5 per person to sample the puddings. To book a table please ring 01837 851269 or 01837 82743.

Donations of puddings most welcome!!

Please bring your own drink.

8 NOVEMBER HERITAGE TALK Throwleigh Village Hall - see What’s on Extra for more information.

8 NOVEMBER GAMES NIGHT To celebrate International Games Week, bring along your board games to Okehampton Library, or just come along and learn a new game. This is a chance for you to teach others how to play your game and have a chat. Join in, meet new people,

relax and have some fun! £3 per person or £10 for a group of 4. 6.30pm until 9.30pm.

No booking required. Refreshments will be available to purchase.

9 NOVEMBER CRAFT FAIR In Belstone Village Hall between 10.30am and 4.30pm, where you can enjoy a high standard of local exhibitors selling pottery, textiles, soaps, paintings, woodwork, photography, ceramics and much more.

Delicious homemade cakes and light lunches are available. Ample free parking and free entry.

9 NOVEMBER COFFEE MORNING Organised by Okehampton Primary School PTFA. Come along and enjoy a coffee between 9.30am and noon and browse a range of stalls. Anyone interested in having a stall should please contact Chrissie Read 07900 604122 to book a space.

9 NOVEMBER NATURAL PRESENT MAKING

Frank Lynam Pomodoro Robell Sea Salt Marble Just White and more…

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See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

39

WHAT’S ON

A session run by Harvest Workers Co-op.

Make beeswax wraps, grocery bags, chutney, willow decorations and lanterns. £20. 12.30pm until 4.30pm at The Eco Hub, Okehampton. Email to book events@ harvestworkerscoop.org.uk 10 NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY See What’s On Extra for more information.

13 NOVEMBER OKEHAMPTON & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Lecturer Bernard Mills will give a talked entitled ‘From Okehampton to the Atlantic Coast’ at 7.30pm in the Ockment Centre, Okehampton.

15 NOVEMBER DARTMOOR SOCIETY RESEARCH LECTURE See What’s On Extra for more information.

Decorate a piece for the library to use (no charge) and you also have the chance to make a piece to take home, just 50p per metre. Suitable for all children, all materials provided. 10am until 5pm.

MAPs meeting in the Stag room at The White Hart, Moretonhampstead at 7.30pm.

The group’s aim is to try to reduce the amount of single use plastics in our area.

All are very welcome.

16 NOVEMBER BONDLEIGH BARN BAND See Music and Art for more information.

20 NOVEMBER MORETONHAMPSTEAD HISTORY SOCIETY Professor Kate Fisher will give an illustrated talk on ‘Men, Women and Birth Control in the 1930s’ at The Union Inn, 7.30pm.

16 NOVEMBER ARTISAN FOOD AND GIFT FESTIVAL A festive event held at the Butcher’s Hall in Tavistock.

17 NOVEMBER DROGO 10 See page 59 for more information.

17 NOVEMBER ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES FAIR In the Butcher’s Hall, Tavistock. Free entry.

15 NOVEMBER 18 NOVEMBER ALL WRAPPED UP MORETONHAMPSTEAD ACTION Create your own design of wrapping paper Now taking orders for ONChristmas PLASTCS for Christmas using paint and sponges.

Naturally Reared • Native Breeds • Quality Meat CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN Our award winning, welfare friendly and sustainably produced beef, pork and lamb is available direct from the farm (near South Tawton).

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for your Christmas Party celebration

22 NOVEMBER BAND NIGHT Two great bands, One Food in the Groove and Haytor will be on stage at Belstone Village Hall, 8pm. Licensed bar. Tickets £5 online from https:// belstonevillage.net or £7 on the door.

22 NOVEMBER CEILIDH NIGHT MED Theatre invite you to an evening of ceilidh dancing to mark their 30th anniversary, at Moretonhampstead Parish Hall. The doors open at 7pm. Licensed bar and nibbles, music will be provided by a fabulous local band led by David Faulkner, along with young talented musicians. All ages and families welcome. Adults £7, children (16 and under) £4.50. Tickets on sale in advance from MED Theatre: 01647 441356, info@medtheatre.co.uk. Contact MED to find out more about Kid’s Ceilidh on the same evening 6-7pm.

22-24 NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND DESIGN FAIR At RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington.

With some of the best crafters in the Due to popular demand we are now taking bookings for Christmas Party Celebrations Available from Friday 31 Nov to Friday 20 Dec Choice of 3 or 4 Course Menus

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

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

SAMPFORD COURTENAY . OKEHAMPTON . EX20 2TB

40

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WHAT’S ON

South West, there will be something for everyone, from luxurious bath and body lotions to intricate handmade jewellery, and some sweet delights. Friday and Saturday, 11am until 7pm, Sunday 10am until 4pm.

23 NOVEMBER BRONTE See Music and Art for more information.

23 NOVEMBER ART AND CRAFT FAIR All your Christmas present worries solved!

The fair takes place between 11am and 4pm at Bere Ferrers Social Club. Lunches, afternoon teas, bar and free parking.

23 NOVEMBER ASHRIDGE CHRISTMAS FAYRE See What’s on Extra for more information.

23 NOVEMBER ST CLEMENT’S DAY Celebrating the patron saint of blacksmiths at Finch Foundry. See page 57 for more information.

23 NOVEMBER AUTUMN PRESERVES FAMILY WORKSHOP Run by Harvest Workers Co-op. Mincemeat making, fireside cooking, stories, creative activities, outside play and gardening. FREE, funded through Learn Devon. 2pm until 4pm at The Eco Hub, Okehampton. Email to book events@ harvestworkerscoop.org.uk 23 NOVEMBER ENERGY FEST See What’s On Extra for more information.

29 NOVEMBER

HONEYCHURCH FUNDRAISING QUIZ At Sampford Courtenay Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Teams of up to five people, £5 per person to include cheese and biscuits. Drinks will be available. To book a table please ring 01837 851269.

All funds raised will go towards St Mary’s Church, Honeychurch.

30 NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS BINGO Win your Christmas goodies – food hampers, drinks, luxuries – at this allaction Bingo evening in Belstone Village Hall. Event organised by Belstone Cricket Club. Doors open 6.30pm, eyes down 7.15pm.

30 NOVEMBER COFFEE MORNING Organised by the Rotary Club of Okehampton, the event will take place between 9.30am and noon in the Charter Hall, Okehampton. All welcome.

30 NOVEMBER ART MARKET At Lifton Community Centre. See What’s On Extra for more information.

December 1 DECEMBER ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES FAIR Held in the Butcher’s Hall, Tavistock. Free entry.

2-23 DECEMBER SURPRISE READS

red house mysteries Exciting, immersive Escape Room games From disarming bombs to dodging laser beams, we have mysteries to solve and plots to foil, all whilst the clock ticks down!

Visit us in Exeter or Torquay for an adventure you’re unlikely to forget!

Find a team and book online to find out what the buzz is all about... www.redhousemysteries.co.uk

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Fancy trying a different author or genre?

Take your chances on one of Okehampton Library’s surprise reads! Pick up a handwrapped book and ask a member of staff to issue it on to your library ticket. Will you wait until Christmas morning to unwrap it?

3 DECEMBER LIGHT UP A LIFE SERVICE All are welcome to join the Hospiscare annual service of remembrance and thanksgiving at 7pm in Fairplace Church, Okehampton. If you wish to include a loved one in the Book of Memory please ask for details in the Hospiscare shop.

5 DECEMBER EDWARDIAN EVENING See What’s On Extra for more information.

6 DECEMBER LEARN AND DINE An inspiring talk by Ellen McCallum, the Naturopathic Nutritionist, looking at the foundations of a nourishing and nurturing diet for the winter months alongside some natural treatments for winter ailments.

Enjoy a linked seasonal meal cooked

by Sara from Harvest Workers Co-op.

7pm until 9pm at All Saints Church Hall, Okehampton £15. Email to book events@ harvestworkerscoop.org.uk 6 DECEMBER HISTORIES OF THE UNEXPECTED At All Saints Church. See What’s On Extra for more information.

6 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS MARKET In the Butcher’s Hall, Tavistock. Free entry.

Visit us for quality menswear gifts, this Christmas, for the man in your life.

( 01837 52596 5 Fore Street Okehampton EX20 1AN

41

Garden Waste Service The garden waste service does not operate from 30 December – 3 January.

From 2 December you can recycle these festive items FRUIT

FISH

plastic packaging

metal packaging

plastic bottles lids on

drinks cans

plastic pots, tubs and trays

food tins empty aerosols foil

Wash and squash plastic bottles.

No cling lm, plastic bags or black plastic of any kind

If you subscribe to this service, you can place your real Christmas tree out for collection alongside your green sacks on your collection day between 6 – 24 January.

Reusable white sack

No crisp packets and sweet wrappers

Please rinse your recycling. Clean recycling only.

Please use your recycle boxes for other recyclable material.

West Devon www.westdevon.gov.uk

West Devon

 Plastic food trays  Mince pie metal cases  Plastic sweet tubs

Borough Council

Box 1    

Real Christmas trees can also be taken to the your local recycling centre.

Catalogues Juice cartons Glass bottles Greetings cards*

Box 2  Cardboard delivery boxes  Cardboard gift boxes  Clothes * We can’t recycle cards containing glitter or plastic nor any wrapping paper

Recycle all your food waste this Christmas!

It’s now even easier as you can line your caddy with any bag or liner, such as salad bags, bread bags, cereal bags or carrier bags.

Collection Day Changes Collection day

New collection day

Collection day

New collection day

Wed 25 December

Fri 27 December

Tue 31 December

Thur 2 January

Thur 26 December

Sat 28 December

Wed 1 January

Fri 3 January

Fri 27 December

Mon 30 December

Thur 2 January

Sat 4 January

Mon 30 December

Tue 31 December

Fri 3 January

Mon 6 January

All collections will run one day late on the week beginning 6 January

Please put your waste out before 7.30am on your collection day

www.westdevon.gov.uk WD adverts 2019_Christmas_Links_final.indd 1

14/10/2019 09:57:56

WHAT’S ON

6 DECEMBER LATE NIGHT SHOPPING The shops will be open until 8pm in Chagford today, to enable you to do your Christmas shopping in a uniquely festive atmosphere. There will be food, drink and entertainment and traditional carols to join in with.

7 DECEMBER LIGHTS ON! The Christmas lights go on in Moretonhampstead today! Starting from 5.30pm, from 5.30pm, there will be food, drink and craft stalls, Santa’s grotto, face painting and carols and music from the Primary School children and local choirs.

There will also be a performance by MED Theatre - the lights will be switched on at 6.30pm!

7 DECEMBER ARTS MARKET Held in the Butcher’s Hall, Tavistock.

Free entry.

7 DECEMBER MISTLETOE FAIR To be held at Brentor Village Hall. A delightful mix of stalls selling handmade and handcrafted gifts and produce with a seasonal theme. The Brentor Calendar will be available featuring photographs taken by local residents and sponsored by very local businesses. Homemade refreshments available throughout the day including hot lunches. The fair runs 10am to 3pm. for more information see www.brentor village. org 8 DECEMBER SANTA RUN At RHS Rosemoor. See What’s On Extra for

more information.

9, 10 & 11 DECEMBER ROTARY CHRISTMAS LUNCHES The Rotary Club of Okehampton’s Christmas lunches for senior citizens take place at the Ashbury Hotel. Application forms to attend the lunches are available in Okehampton Post Office. Tickets cost £10 per person and transport is available if required - details are available on the application forms.

11 DECEMBER OKEHAMPTON & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Lecturer Ken Badman will give a talk entitled ‘Gold. An English Revolution’ at 7.30pm in the Ockment Centre, Okehampton.

11 DECEMBER BOO TO A GOOSE CHRISTMAS SHOW At Okehampton Library, 6.30pm. More details available at the library.

12 DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING At Okehampton Library. Come and join the staff for coffee and mince pies. Free, donations welcome. 10am until 11.30am.

14 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CONCERT

By Okehampton Choral Society at Fairplace Church, Okehampton, Midnight Mass by Marc-Antoine Charpentier and The Sage Bush Carol by the society’s music director Andrew Wilson. There will be a selection of carols for audience participation.

7.30pm. Tickets are £10 (£5 students) available from choir or on the door.

14 DECEMBER COFFEE MORNING Morecare, a community service providing in particular transport to hospitals, clinics and all other medical facilities, invites you to join them for coffee and biscuits at Endecott House, Chagford between 10am and noon. There will be a raffle, homemade cakes and savouries. Proceeds to Morecare, which is a registered charity supported entirely by unpaid volunteers.

o g D W a a l s a i h D We come to your home in our customised heated mobile dog grooming parlour

Warm water Hydro-Bath • Shampooing • Flea Treatment • Conditioning Turbo Drying • Deoderizing • Clipping & Grooming • ID Microchipping Recommended By Vets • Hair De-Shedding

YOUR DOG DESERVES IT!

Call Ian on Tel: 01837 880275 Mobile: 07513 271756 www.dialadogwashdevoncentral.co.uk

WE’RE EXPANDING AND EVOLVING OUR VETERINARY PRACTICE TO PROVIDE SPECIALISED CARE FOR COMPANION ANIMALS, EQUINE AND FARM ANIMALS

24 HOUR EMERGENCY COVER Okehampton North Tawton Hatherleigh Equus Vets (equine vets)

01837 658777 01837 82327 01837 810455 01837 214004

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43

WHAT’S ON

14 DECEMBER TORGHLIT WALK At Lydford Gorge. See page 58 for more.

14 DECEMBER ARTS MARKET In the Butcher’s Hall, Tavistock. Free entry.

14 & 15 DECEMBER WONDERWORKS CRAFT FAIR See What’s On Extra for more information.

15 DECEMBER FESTIVE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Organised by Okehampton Primary School PTFA. Come and enjoy breakfast and bring the children to see Father Christmas in the Charter Hall, Okehampton, between 9am and noon. Various breakfast options and Santa’s grotto with a gift for each child.

Price tbc.

15 DECEMBER WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP With Sara from Harvest Workers Co-op.

Gather greenery from the land and create your own natural wreath. Organic Soup and mulled apple juice included. £20.

11am until 3pm at Hilltown Organics, Nr Okehampton. Email to book events@ harvestworkerscoop.org.uk 15 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Organised by Miss Ivy Events in the Butcher’s Hall, Tavistock.

15 DECEMBER A DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS The Plough, Torrington welcomes leading English actor Robert Powell for this Christmas show. Charles Dickens can truly be said to have invented our traditional

Christmas. In this seasonal show, Dickens the celebrity, the social reformer, the actor, the entrepreneur and, above all, Dickens the supreme entertainer is revealed.

7.30pm. Box office 01805 624624.

16 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CONCERT

By Okehampton Choral Society at Crediton Congregational Church, featuring a Midnight Mass by Marc-Antoine Charpentier and The Sage Bush Carol by the society’s music director Andrew Wilson. There will also be a selection of popular carols for audience participation.

7.30pm. Tickets are £10 (£5 students) available from choir members or on the door.

18 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS BINGO At Sampford Courtenay Village Hall. Doors open at 7pm and eyes down at 8pm. Lovely prizes (bottles of wine, chocolates, poultry) to be won and a cash flyer.

18-23 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS MARKETS In the Butcher’s Hall, Tavistock. Free entry.

get to meet the big man himself. rhs.org. uk/gardens/rosemoor/for information 21 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS ORATORIO BY SAINT-SAENS A wonderfully evocative retelling of the Christmas story by 19th century master, Saint-Saens, along with a selection popular Christmas favourites, performed

by Mount Kelly Choral Society at 7.30pm in St Eustachius’ Church, Tavistock. Tickets £10 (free to under 18s) from Bookstop in Tavistock, ticketsource.co.uk/mountkelly or on the door 21 DECEMBER WINTER WARMER FAMILY WORKSHOP Run by Harvest Workers Co-op. Mince pie making, fireside cooking, stories, creative activities, outside play and gardening. FREE, funded through Learn Devon. 2pm until 4pm at The Eco Hub, Okehampton. Email to book events@ harvestworkerscoop.org.uk

20-23 DECEMBER MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS SANTA EXPERIENCE Santa will be at RHS Garden Rosemoor to entertain your family with a festive storytelling session in his magical workshop theatre. He’ll be joined by his elves who will teach children Santa’s favourite Christmas song and help them to make a beautiful decoration for their Christmas tree. Your family will have the opportunity to meet some of Santa’s reindeer and of course, each family will

THE GREAT FAMILY PUB WITH LEISURE FACILITIES Regular Activities - just turn up & join in!

NOW OPEN New Sports Hall

Walking Netball Mondays 18.30-19.30 Walking Football Mondays 20.00-21.00 Circuits/Body Conditioning & Aqua Classes Wednesdays 09.30-12.30 ALSO AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE

01363 82348 | ² waie.inn | www.waieinn.co.uk Zeal Monachorum | Crediton EX17 6DF 44

To promote your business to 23,536* readers - call 01822 615627

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

Bracken Tor House A beautiful countryside venue on edge of Dartmoor

Bracken Tor Function Room Booking now for Xmas Meals Weddings website updated

www.brackentorweddings.co.uk

Adventure Okehampton From 1st November the website will offer on-line sales of Gift Vouchers for Adventure Activities Ideal Christmas Presents Look for special offers on Early Bookings for Activity Weekends in December 2019

www.adventureokehampton.com advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

Box Office: 01805 624624 or online at www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

AUTUMN HIGHLIGHTS AT THE PLOUGH ARTS CENTRE

THE place in North Devon for superb live entertainment, theatre, films, live satellite screenings, exhibitions, workshops... and delicious local food!

Faeland ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple

Wassail Theatre Co. ‘Over The Wall Picking Apples’

Lady Nade ThePlough@ StAnne’s, Barnstaple

Fri 1 Nov

Wed 6 Nov

Fri 8 Nov

Paul Young & Los Pacaminos Sat 16 Nov

An Audience with Lesley Garrett Thurs 21 Nov

Tannahill Weavers ThePlough@ TheGeorge Fri 15 Nov

Quirk Theatre ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ Wed 4 - Sat 7 Dec

A Dickensian Christmas with Robert Powell & Susan Jameson Sun 15 Dec

Above Bounds Theatre ‘The Elves & The Shoemaker’ Wed 11 & Thur 12 Dec

Soul Intention Plough Fundraiser Fri 13 Dec

David Mynne performs ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Tawstock Court, Barnstaple Wed 18 & Thur 19 Dec

The Exmoor Carolers Sun 22 Dec

CAFÉ AND BAR

The Darkside of Pink Floyd Sat 9 Nov

Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders

Paddleboat Theatre ‘Clare Hollingworth & The Scoop of the Century (ideal for 4-11 yrs and families) Sun 10 & Mon 11 Nov

Fri 22 Nov

Absolute Bowie Sat 30 Nov

Knight & Spiers at Lynton Town Hall Sat 14 Dec

Clare Teal Duo Sat 14 Dec

Merry Christmas to all our supporters & customers!

Wed 25 Dec

Open during the day and on some busy live event nights. 01805 625926 We serve the best quality Columbian coffee plus a wide range of fairtrade teas and hot chocolate.

For full details of each performance please check our website: theploughartscentre.org.uk

The Plough Arts Centre • 9–11 Fore Street • Great Torrington • Devon • EX38 8HQ

Other Highlights Coming in the New Year ! Paul Jones & Dave Kelly - Steve Knightley - Snake Davis Band Josie Long - Miranda Sykes - Gadarene - Genesis Legacy - Hazel O’Connor - Steve Harley Only Fools and Boyce with John Challis - Albert Lee& His Band - Phil Beer

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

November 8

Heritage Weekend Talk Following the success of the Throwleigh Heritage Weekend, Chris Chapman is once again introducing the film made by the BBC in 1985 about the sale of the Dartmoor longhouse at Shilstone Farm.

Chris, well-known as author and photographer, has lived in the parish for some 43 years. In his visual presentation, including some images not widely seen before, he will share some of his earliest memories of the village and relate how he became involved with the timely preservation of Higher Shilstone farmhouse and the subsequent BBC documentary ‘Ours to Keep’.

The talk and film will be shown at Throwleigh Village Hall on Friday, November 8th at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5, refreshments by donation. Booking essential. Telephone Dawn Hatton on 01647 231051 for tickets/more information.

Until November 20

Eat Moor, Drink Moor!

There is still time to discover the delicious delights of Dartmoor which are the focus of an exhibition currently being staged Princetown Visitor Centre.

Dartmoor National Park is delving deep into the moor’s larder to showcase a wide range of local produce in its ‘Taste of Dartmoor –Eat Moor, Drink Moor!’ exhibition.

The exhibition explores the producers’ own stories, showcases their gastronomic delights and celebrates what’s delicious about Dartmoor food and drink.

Visitors can learn about how farming for food shapes the Dartmoor landscape, meet the people behind the produce and understand how they take Dartmoor from field to fork.

From produce straight from the field and garden to carefully crafted jams, honey and artisan ales and gins, there will be something to stimulate everyone’s taste buds.

Each producer has a story to tell, supported by beautiful imagery by international photographer Carey Marks.

Carey Marks Photography

Alongside the exhibition there are opportunities for tastings, tours and guided walks. With quality products to buy, why not buy a little of what you fancy to take home with you?

The exhibition is free although visitors are encouraged to make a voluntary contribution towards Donate for Dartmoor to help support a variety of projects across the moor.

Princetown Visitor Centre is now on winter opening hours, which are 10am until 3pm Tuesday – Sunday. For more information visit www.dartmoor.gov.uk

INDOOR

VINTAOGUEND FAIRGR

F UN

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Come and ride on our historic working fairground rides, see our stunning fairground art, and view our vintage vehicles and living wagons. Over 45,000sqft of indoor displays.

Opening 10:00am to 5:00pm, our 2019 season runs from 16-24th February (Spring Half Term Week), then 7 DAYS A WEEK 23rd March through to 3rd November followed by WEEKENDS ONLY until 15th December.

LIFTON, DEVON PL16 0AT • T 01566 783425 FAIRGROUND-HERITAGE.ORG.UK @DinglesFHC

46

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

November 10

Remembrance Day Remembrance services and parades will take place in Okehampton and smaller towns and villages in the area, paying tribute to those who have given their lives for this country.

In Okehampton, contingents led by the Royal British Legion will depart at 10.30am from the town hall in Fore Street to march to All Saints Church.

A short ceremony will be held at Okehampton War Memorial when the Roll of Honour of the two world wars, other conflicts and wars of the past 100 years will be read by the town mayor.

This will be followed by the sounding of the ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ and two minutes’ silence.

Immediately after, the actual Service of Remembrance will be held in the Parish Church, ending with the march back to the town centre.

The Royal British Legion is the nation’s custodian of Remembrance. The Legion’s Okehampton branch invites all Legion members as well as serving members of HM Forces together with ex-servicemen and women to join the Legion’s contingent on this annual occasion to pay homage to the

fallen. It is also hoped that the people of Okehampton will again, as in previous years, be out in force to show their support for this national day of remembrance.

After the parade - approximately 12.30pm until 2pm - a reception will be held in the Charter Hall. Tea and biscuits will be served and all are welcome to attend. Further details can be obtained from the Okehampton Branch, telephone 01837 840757.

In Sticklepath there will be a service conducted by the Rev Stephen Cook at 3pm at the war memorial by the village hall.

The chairman of the parish council will read the Roll of Honour of men from the village who made the ultimate sacrifice during the two world wars. All those attending this short ceremony are invited to the Devonshire Inn for refreshments after the service.

South Tawton parish will stage a parade and church service.

As usual, the service in St Michael’s Church will focus on remembering and be for young people from Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts who march to the church and for ex-servicemen and others remembering those who died and served in war and to preserve the peace.

RHS members go free

Glow

14 Nov - 4 Jan (excl. 26 Dec) Thursday - Saturday until 8.00pm

Two-course simple suppers available, online booking essential For tickets and promotions visit rhs.org.uk/rosemoor Your visit supports our work as a charity RHS Reg Charity No. 222879 / SC038262

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

47

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

November 15

Dartmoor Society Research Lecture 2019 The semi-feral ponies on Dartmoor are a fundamental part of the landscape. Much loved by locals and tourists, they are owned by farmers and play a vital role in maintaining the habitat and biodiversity of the moor through their grazing activities.

Yet their future is uncertain: upland farming is challenging; younger generations question the viability of following in their families’ footsteps; income from ponies is limited compared with cattle and sheep.

Increasing awareness of the benefits of ponies as conservation grazers may help with encouraging greater emphasis on them as part of the future management of Dartmoor. Gaining

scientific measurement of their impact is the aim of the Bellever project, run by the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust and Plymouth University.

This year’s Dartmoor Society’s annual lecture is ‘Conservation Grazing with Dartmoor ponies - reducing Molinia dominance and encouraging germination of Calluna Vulgaris (heather) on an upland site on Dartmoor’ and takes place at the Dolphin Hotel, Station Road, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9AL, at 7pm. Tickets: Non members £12, members £10. Booking essential - by Monday, November 11th from www.dartmoorsociety.com Light buffet included, please advise dietary requirements.

November 23

Energy Fest Concerned about the climate emergency and biodiversity erosion? Or just concerned about the energy efficiency of your home or work place? Or finding it difficult to manage your bills? Or you’d like to be more energy independent through generating, and perhaps storing your own?

Whatever your concerns and interests you’ll find something to take away from Tamar Energy Fest on Saturday, November 23rd at the Butcher’s Hall in Tavistock Pannier Market.

There will be expert exhibitors and information stalls, and activities for children and interested adults plus demonstration on how you can make small and/or big changes to your bills and energy consumption.

A spokesperson for the event said: ‘Come along and talk to us about your heating, lighting, insulation, easy measures and opportunities for generation. If you’re concerned about keeping your home warm enough and bills manageable, we can offer advice and support.

‘We’ll have experts including ZLC Energy, Sungift Energy and New Generation Energy to talk about renewable generation (heat and power) and storage, Mike Wye Natural Building Products about sustainable building, and electric vehicles and other ideas for more sustainable travel.

‘Our local authorities will be on hand to share their progress in addressing the climate emergency and ask for your involvement including an update on the Devon Climate Declaration.’

Transition Tavistock, Tavistock Community Gardening, Tavistock Scrapstore and others will also be on hand with activities and options for more sustainable living.

The Energy Fest is open from 10am until 3pm. Free entry.

BOOK NOW for fabulous, festive Christmas Parties and Christmas Dinner at the Bearslake Inn CHRISTMAS DAY

FESTIVE PARTIES

SIX COURSES

29 NOV – 23 DEC

including mulled wine and canapés on arrival

2 Courses £21.95 per person 3 Courses £26.95 per person

£80 per person

²

BEARSLAKE INN, LAKE, SOURTON, NR OKEHAMPTON EX20 4HQ O1837 861334 • WWW.BEARSLAKEINN.COM

³

Traditional 13th century inn – full of charm, where a warm welcome awaits 48

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advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

December 5

Okehampton Edwardian Evening Make a date for this year’s Edwardian Evening in Okehampton, which this year falls on December 5th.

The late night shopping extravaganza draws thousands of people into the town for a night filled with festive fun and a party-like atmosphere. This year’s big night is being organised

by Everything Okehampton - you will notice a few changes, which it is hoped everyone will enjoy.

At 6pm the ‘Curfew Bell’ will toll and Matt Woodley of BBC Radio Devon will perform an official switch-on of the town’s Christmas Lights.

Jack Frost (aka Rob Pudner of Entertainingly Different) will be entertaining the crowds for 30 minutes from 6.15pm and again at 7.15pm and 8.15pm - make sure you catch this larger-than-life character around town.

The traditional barrel organ will be playing to add to the festive atmosphere, plus the Mayor’s Carol Service will take place outside St James’ Church, lead by the town’s Excelsior Silver Band. A variety of food and drinks vendors will be in Fore Street, where you can sample tempting Christmas delights and there will be the opportunity buy some lovely Christmas presents for friends and family from a range of stall holders.

Anita Frost, the author of the Green Bean and Friends children’s books, will

be hosting two story telling sessions outside The Toy Shop - bring your little ones along to enjoy this magical experience.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without reindeer and these lovely beasts will be returning to Red Lion Yard for people to visit and Father Christmas will be visiting the Museum of Dartmoor Life to welcome children into his grotto.

The Victorian Arcade is planning their own special events for Edwardian Evening - make sure you check out what’s going on in this unique shopping area.

Musical entertainment will also be supplied by the Okehampton College Big Band which will be performing in the Charter Hall - they will also be running a special festive hamper draw.

Jade and Christine of Everything Okehampton hope you will visit for this special evening and check out the diverse range of local traders and goods which are on offer.

There will be a programme of events on the Everything Okehampton notice board outside Donald’s Menswear and in the window of the Toy Shop in Red Lion Yard.

Parking is free in Simmons Park car park after 3pm throughout December the high street through Okehampton will be closed to traffic between 5.30pm and 9pm.

CHRISTMAS PRIVATE PARTIES AT THE RACEHORSE INN Call 01566 786916 or email ray@racehorseinn.co.uk The RACEHORSE INN is at North Hill village on the eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, half way between Launceston and Liskeard, just 10 minutes off the A30 (30 minutes from Tavistock).

Open for Lunch and Dinner, Monday to Sunday (closed Monday lunch).

Gold Award winning restaurant and bar (Taste of the West 2018).

« Award winning tattoo studio « Local produce « Light Lunches « Homemade cakes baked on-site « Specialty coffee « All the banter 6 the arcade, oke, ex20 1ex. 01837 53765

www.okehamptontattoo.co.uk

49

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

TAVISTOCK TOWN HALL

tavistock_town_hall TavistockTC tavistocktownhall

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

townhall@tavistock.gov.uk

VOTED AS ONE OF THE ‘BEST TOWN WEDDING VENUES’ IN THE SOUTH WEST Butchershalltavistock Butchers_Hall ButchershHallTavistock UPCOMING EVENTS

November 2nd 3rd 16th 17th 23rd

Tavistock Arts Market (free entry) Miss Ivy Events Doggy Christmas Festival Miss Ivy Events Artisan Festive Food & Gift Market Antiques & Collectables Fair (free entry) Tamar Community Energy Fair (free entry)

Butchers ’H

Christmall Marketsas

December

1st Antiques & Collectables Fair (free entry) 6th Butchers’ Hall Christmas Market (free entry) 7th Tavistock Arts Market (free entry) 14th Tavistock Arts Market (free entry) 15th Miss Ivy Events Christmas Festival 18th – 23rd Butchers’ Hall Christmas Markets (free entry)

Butchers’ Hall is available to hire for private functions and events: 01822 616134

6th 18th – 2&3 Decemb rd er

Pannier Market WHAT’S ON Additional Christmas Opening Monday 16th, Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd December

‘Shopping heaven in the heartOPEN ofTUESDAY Tavistock’ - SATURDAY

tavistockpanniermarket

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‘Shopping heaven in the heart of Tavistock’

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‘Shopping heaven in the heart of Tavistock’

What’s On

TavistockPannierMarket

What’s On OCTOBER

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

OCTOBER Goose Fair, 10th Open 9am - 6pm

Goose Fair, 10th DECEMBER Open 9am - 6pm

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

December 6

Histories of the Unexpected A fantastic new live show from Sam Willis, presenter of the BBC’s The Silk Road, and James Daybell is coming to Okehampton this December.

‘Histories of the Unexpected - The Tudors’ has received rave reviews while on tour throughout the UK, visiting festivals, theatres, schools and historic buildings.

This fast-paced show is suitable for all the family and demonstrates how everything has a history, even the most unexpected of subjects - you’ll never think about the Tudors in the same way ever again!

Sam Willis is one of the country’s best-known historians and has made more than ten series for TV. James Daybell is a professor of early modern history at Plymouth University and is one of the country’s finest historical thinkers.

Histories of the Unexpected can be seen at All Saints Church, Okehampton on Friday, December 6th at 7.30pm. Adult tickets are £10 each, children £5 and are available from Donald’s Menswear in Okehampton. For further information, call 07551 655424.

December 8

Raise Christmas cheer in your Santa gear!

Children’s Hospice South West’s spectacular Santas on the Run will be returning to RHS Garden Rosemoor this December.

More than 350 people took part in last year’s festive 2k fun run – the first of its kind held at the gardens near Great Torrington – and this year’s event on Sunday, December 8th is expected to be even bigger.

Entry includes a free Santa suit as well as entry to Rosemoor and Christmas event village, with face painters, music and entertainment.

Money raised through registration and sponsorship will help support nearly 200 children and families who use CHSW’s Little Bridge House children’s hospice in Fremington, near Barnstaple.

Jayne Jarrett, events fundraiser at CHSW, said: ‘Our festive, fun 2k course is suitable for all ages and abilities and you can run, jog, skip or walk your way around beautiful Rosemoor and enjoy a few festive treats along the way. Spectators can watch for just £5 admission, making it a brilliant festive family day out – the perfect way to get everyone in the mood for Christmas.

‘You’ll be raising cheer in your Santa gear and helping your local children’s hospice provide vital respite support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.’

Registration costs £16 for adults and £8 for children. For more info, or to sign up, visit www.chsw.org.uk/santasrosemoor Picture: Tim Lamerton RHS Garden Rosemoor.

Autumn Jazz Lunch Sunday 24th November Join us for a fantastic Lunch accompanied by Jazz music from Kimberly Oram-Penfold Always a popular event so book early to get a place.

Lunch served from 12.00 noon to 2.00pm. £35.00 per person

A Family Run Hideaway in Devon See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

LEWDOWN, OKEHAMPTON, DEVON EX20 4PN TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 1566 783 222

EMAIL: INFO@LEWTRENCHARD.CO.UK WEB: WWW.LEWTRENCHARD.CO.UK

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

December 14 & 15

Wonderworks Craft Fair The Wonderworks Contemporary Craft Fair is set to make a welcome return to Chagford this Christmas.

Now in its 16th year, the event will showcase the work of 34 craftspeople from the South West in the town’s Jubilee Hall over the weekend of December 14th and 15th.

Visitors will be able to meet the makers and learn intriguing details about their craft first hand. At Wonderworks you’ll not only find unique yet affordable Christmas presents, you’ll also be shopping locally and supporting artisan talent and the event’s nominated charity, Devon Wildlife Trust. The Wonderworks’ charity raffle with impressive prizes donated by each exhibitor runs throughout the weekend.

This year Wonderworks features everything from ceramics, jewellery, toys, textiles and body products to metal, leather and wooden products, with a mix of familiar makers and emerging new talent.

Fabulous food by The Courtyard Cafe will be available all weekend.

Admission to the fair is free but voluntary donations to Devon Wildlife Trust at the door are very welcome.

November.23

November 30

Ashridge Fayre

Christmas Market

Featuring a range of craft stalls from across the region, the Ashridge Christmas Fayre is an atmospheric day out in a lovely rustic venue.

A feast of festive artistic delights will be on offer at a special event organised by Lifton Art Group and friends at the end of November.

This medieval grain barn sits in the middle of the rolling Devon countryside just outside North Tawton. The fair runs from 10am until 4pm with a wide range of the crafts on offer include bath bombs and other toiletries, wood products, knitted items, herbs, candles, wreaths, chocolates and decor items. There will be a festive raffle and hot food will be available from M Welsh Catering, with the Ashridge team providing home made cakes and mince pies along with mulled cider and drinks.

The Christmas Market will take place at Lifton Community Centre and will include sales of original artwork, cards, photographs, glassware, handbags, books and a wide variety of all sorts of gifts created by local artists, authors and creators - the ideal opportunity to pick up a unique festive gift.

There will be something for everyone at this cosy local fair - come along and get into the Christmas spirit!

The market will be complemented by a pop-up café offering tea, coffee and homemade specialities, all presented at this friendly, community event.

Entry to the Christmas Market, which will run from 2pm until 4.30pm, is free of charge - all welcome.

Talk to us about Christmas wreaths and table centres or that special seasonal bouquet for a loved one...

5 West St, Okehampton EX20 1HQ 01837 53773 | aliciajanegiftideas@hotmail.co.uk

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MUSIC AND ART

November 23

Discover the Brontës Living surrounded by moorland does surely have a strong impact on how we feel and how our lives turn out.

This is true not only of Dartmoor of course, and certainly Haworth Moor in Yorkshire affected the Brontë family and influenced their lives and their writings in the mid-19th century.

The father, Patrick Brontë, was the first in the family to be published, including a collection of poems. Of the six Brontë children, two died in childhood and their mother also died young, leaving Patrick to bring up the remaining four children, three sisters and a brother. Their young lives were without much supervision or interaction with others, they walked on the moors, spent time writing, their close-knit lives providing their influences.

Ŷ ĂŵĂƚĞƵƌ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƟŽŶ ďLJ ĂƌƌĂŶŐĞŵĞŶƚ ǁŝƚŚ EŝĐŬ ,ĞƌŶ ŽŽŬƐ

While the three sisters wrote their novels and poems, the son Branwell was a poet and also a painter. Branwell wanted fame for his painting, but the three sisters, initially and to a greater or lesser extent, wanted anonymity for their writings and originally published poems and novels under the ambiguous pseudonyms Currer, Ellis and Acton

Bell. Their true identities were drawn out when the novels became hugely successful, causing quite a stir.

A number of Branwell’s paintings survive, including the one shown here, now in the National Portrait Gallery, which was thought to have been lost until it was discovered folded up on top of a cupboard in 1914. In the centre of the group a male figure, previously concealed by a painted pillar, can now be discerned; it is almost certainly a self-portrait of Branwell. Perhaps his reasons for painting himself out of the picture can be discovered on knowing more of his turbulent life.

The play ‘Brontë’ by Polly Teale, on tour with Tavonians Theatre Company during November, tells the story of the Brontës, beginning in 1845 when Branwell returns home in some disgrace following a trip to London to show his paintings to the Royal Academy. The play moves back and forth in time, allowing us to see early influences for their passion for writing. As the play develops we see the people who influenced many of the remarkable characters in the sisters’ famous novels, including Charlotte

Brontë’s ‘Jane Eyre’, Emily Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights’, and Anne Brontë’s ‘The Tenant of Wildfell Hall’.

Tavonians Theatre Company will be Okehampton’s Charter Hall on November 23rd following appearances at Mary Tavy, Meavy, Callington, Upton Cross and Tavistockd November. Information and tickets are available from www. tavonians.org.uk or 07342 014778.

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TAVONIANS

Theatre Company

ůů ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞƐ Ăƚ ϳ͘ϯϬƉŵ dŝĐŬĞƚƐ άϭϬ ŽŶůŝŶĞ Žƌ ĨƌŽŵ ůŽĐĂů ƚŝĐŬĞƚ ĂŐĞŶƚƐ DĞĂůƐ Θ ĚƌŝŶŬƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ďĞĨŽƌĞ ĂŶĚ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ŵĂŶLJ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞƐ͕ ƐĞĞ ƚŚĞ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ĨŽƌ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ

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Brontë

November: Sat 9Ǧǚ Mary Tavy Tue 12Ǧǚ Meavy Fri 15Ǧǚ Callington Sat 16Ǧǚ Upton Cross Fri 22Ǡǖ Tavistock Sat 23Ǥǖ Okehampton

By Polly Teale

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See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Visit our shop

Christmas gifts and gift vouchers available The Old Chapel,

26A Cross Street,

Moretonhampstead,

TQ13 8NL

Tel: 01647 440735

Open Mon,Tues,Thurs and Fri; 9.15-5pm

Saturday 10-4pm

info@greenshoes.co.uk

www.greenshoes.co.uk

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www.orchard-windows.com We supply and install quality Timber, Timber Alternative, PVCu and Aluminium Windows, Doors and Conservatories as well as other products and services.

Visit us at our Tavistock showroom to view the next generation of timber alternatives.

Call us or leave your details on our website, to arrange for your free quote CALL 01822 614277 Unit 1F Westbridge Ind Estate Tavistock PL19 8DE

Beautiful windows & doors to suit your home

MUSIC AND ART

November 16

Bondleigh Barn Band entertains...

The Mary Budding Trust invite you to join them for an informal evening of music from the Bondleigh Barn Band at 7.30pm in Fairplace Church, Okehampton, with refreshments served at the interval.

The Band is an amateur group of more than 40 players of string, woodwind, brass and keyboard instruments. The band was formed in January 2013, when six local musicians gathered in a barn in Bondleigh, courtesy of a local farmer.

They met following an advertisement in a magazine by three violinists, who wanted to play with other instrumentalists in an effort to broaden their repertoire. Since its unusual beginnings, the band has raised several thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes.

Their repertoire spans over four centuries, so the audience will hear music they know, some they may not know and some in which they will be invited to join. This promises to be an entertaining evening, with music from classical to

November 8 - December 21

Christmas Art & Craft Fair Returning for Winter 2019, Moretonhampstead’s Green Hill Arts Christmas Festival of Art and Craft is the perfect place to buy truly unique gifts.

Don’t miss the gallery’s quality showcase of locally made jewellery, chocolates, textiles, ceramics, prints, paintings, cards, wood, willow and leather works.

Green Hill is using this winter season to show and sell work from many artists new to the gallery, as well as from celebrated local makers.

Green Hill Arts is in Fore Street, Moretonhampstead and is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

Admission free.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

contemporary and the band will be filmed as part of a video to show how the band began and has developed into the outfit it is today.

Please buy your tickets in advance from Edwina Hill on 01837 840332 or email edwinahill@marybuddingtrust.org.uk Adults £10, children (14 and under) £6. All proceeds will be donated to the Mary Budding Trust, a small local charity run by volunteers, providing grants and equipment for children with additional needs, aged eleven or under, living in West Devon.

December 19

Living Spit – Swan Lake Swan Lake. The most famous, magical water-based avian ballet ever performed. But expensive, high-brow and normally only at a big city theatre miles away from where you live.

Well, not anymore! Theatre Orchard and Living Spit have teamed up to make the smallest ballet ever performed (probably). With Howard and Stu joined on stage by two real-live, professional ballet dancers, this is a proper ballet in miniature. The dynamic duo have promised to leave the tutus at home but promises are made to be broken...

This promises to be the funniest, danciest, water-fowlest microballet the world has ever seen.

See Swan Lake at Sticklepath Village Hall on Thursday, December 19th at 7.30pm. For tickets go to www. villagesinaction.co.uk/events/living-spit-swan-lake-3/ or call 07854 062407 for more information.

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COMPETITION TIME

Win tickets for . . .

An audience with Lesley Garrett Making a welcome return to Torrington to celebrate more than 30 years of performance in the worlds of opera, musicals, television, radio and concerts, Lesley Garrett has enjoyed one of the most successful and idiosyncratic careers of any modern-day, classically trained soprano, winning both critical acclaim and the affection of many fans and music lovers through the breadth and diversity of her work.

Join Britain’s most popular soprano for a delightful evening of song, reminiscences and chat. Her behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes will give audiences a unique insight into her life on the stage.

As well as performing on the opera and concert stage both in the UK and internationally, Lesley has recently starred in Carousel and The Sound of Music and appeared on television shows including Strictly Come Dancing and Loose Women.

Tickets: £30 Full/£25 Supporters. Pre-show meals available at The Plough, Torrington – call 01805 625925 to reserve a table.

Bar Available at The Plough and the Church.

Oke Links has teamed up with The Plough to offer a pair of tickets to see Lesley Garrett at St Michael’s Church, Torrington

She has also performed with artists as diverse as Michael Ball, Renee Fleming, Andrea Bocelli, Bryn Terfel and Lily Savage.

Just answer this simple question:

Lesley was awarded a CBE in 2002 and currently presents a show on the British classical radio station Classic FM.

When was Lesley awarded her CBE?

Accompanied by and in conversation with Anna Tilbrook, Lesley will be performing in the grand setting of St Michael’s Church in Torrington on Thursday, November 21st at 8pm.

Email your answer to jane.honey@linksmagazines.co.uk

Warm and funny with a glorious voice, this is an evening not to be missed!

Make sure you put Lesley Garrett in the subject box and include your name, home address and telephone number so we can contact you, or send your answer to Lesley Garrett Competition, The Sanctuary, Kilworthy Hill, Tavistock PL19 0EP.

‘A natural effervescent and powerhouse voice’ - Financial Times

The winning entry will be drawn on Friday, November 15th - so don’t delay - enter today!

Picture Framing

n m ay pe 4p rid O m - to F a y 10 nda o M

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T: 01837 657460 E: sapphireart@outlook.com Find Us On Facebook ² @sapphirepictureframing See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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NATIONAL TRUST

Celebrating St Clement November 23rd is St Clement’s Day. St Clement is the patron saint of blacksmiths and as they are a big part of the history of Finch Foundry, we celebrate this each year by bringing many blacksmiths together to show off their craft. There are items for sale and fun competitions such as ‘the great snail race’, where the blacksmiths are challenged to make a snail in the fastest time.

Another tradition is the firing of the anvil, which is done to test it for weakness for the coming year. Visitors will be able to see this demonstrated - and there will be some loud bangs!

Entry on the day is free and the museum will be open, but there won’t be the usual talks, as there will be plenty of other

things to see and do. The gallery will feature a variety of stalls selling locally crafted items items.

As well as all this we will be dressing up the shop for Christmas so you’ll have the opportunity to do some gift shopping and the tearoom will be serving soup, light snacks and hot drinks to warm up with.

Apart from St Clement’s Day on Saturday, November 23rd when opening times will be 11am-4pm, the winter opening hours for Finch Foundry will be weekends from 11am-3pm (last entry 2.30pm) from November 2nd until December 22nd. Our usual talks and demonstrations will take place throughout the day and the tea-room and shop will also be open.

made at Finch Foundry

© National Trust 2019 . Registered charity, No. 205846. © National Trust Images \John Millar.

Moments to remember

Visit Finch Foundry and experience the sights and sounds of a Victorian water-powered forge.

Open weekends in November and December.

These are the places that make us. nationaltrust.org.uk/finch-foundry

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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NATIONAL TRUST

Can you spot the UK’s smallest bird?

In the run-up to Christmas, how about making time to escape into Lydford Gorge? The trails to Whitelady Waterfall and the bird hide will be open daily, 10am until 3.30pm. As you stroll along the river, look out for birds such as dippers and grey wagtail. Goldcrests like to flit around the trees in winter. Being the UK’s smallest bird, they can be hard to spot - instead, listen out for their very high-pitched calls. We advise you check online before visiting as sometimes we must shut the walks due to forecast high winds and the risk of falling trees.

If you’re after some relaxed Christmas shopping, the shop and tearoom will be open Friday to Sunday, 10am until 3.30pm.

Browse the range of Christmas essentials, or find the perfect gift for friends and family. The new range of kitchen and homeware is inspired by the intricate limewood carvings of cascading flowers and foliage found at Petworth House and Park, West Sussex. Stop by the tea-room for a tasty treat and

warming cuppa. How about the new plant-powered oat milk latte?

PICK UP A DARTMOOR CHRISTMAS TREE: Saturday, November 30th, Sunday December 1st, Saturday and Sunday, December 7th & 8th, 11am-3pm - As well as choosing the perfect tree there will be local craft and food producers in the shop and activities to entertain the kids.

TORCHLIT WALK: Saturday, December 14th, 3.30-5pm - Light your way to Whitelady waterfall with a flaming torch while enchanting music fills the gorge. Then head back to warm up with a hot chocolate and toast marshmallows over the fire. £8 (includes torch), additional ticket (without torch) £2, booking essential online or call 08442 491895.

For more information please visit our website or give us a call on 01822 820320.

made at Lydford Gorge

© National Trust 2019 . Registered charity, No. 205846. © National Trust Images \Dianne Giles.

Christmas escapes

Lace up your boots and take a hike to see Whitelady Waterfall or visit the bird hide to watch the wildlife.

In the lead up to Christmas there'll be children's activities, craft stalls and Christmas trees for sale, please check online for dates.

These are the places that make us. nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge

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NATIONAL TRUST

Christmas at the castle We have a busy winter coming up at the castle. The castle will be closed during November so the winter deep clean will begin inside while outside, the garden team will be hard at work installing new edging to the paths in the garden borders.

We are very excited that for the first time since the conservation building work started on the castle in 2012, the castle will be open for Christmas this December. Inspired by the first Drewe family Christmas at Drogo in 1926, the main showrooms of the castle will be decorated including the traditional 12ft Christmas tree taking pride of place in the entrance hall. In the shop you can take advantage of shopping for gifts away from the crowds of the high-street and the café will be full of festive food and treats.

DROGO 10: Sunday, November 17th, 10.30am - One of the most spectacular cross country races in England. This is a

challenging 10 miles up and down the beautiful Teign Gorge.

Organised with the South West Road Runners. For info and to register visit www.swrr.co.uk/the-drogo/ FATHER CHRISTMAS COMES TO DROGO: Saturday, December 14, Sunday, December 15th, Friday, December 20th, Saturday, December 21st and Sunday, December 22nd, 11am-4pm Father Christmas will be visiting the Library at Castle Drogo. £5 to see Father Christmas, plus admission prices. Booking essential on nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo WIND DOWN AND WARM UP: Friday, December 27th – Sunday, January 5th, 11am-4pm - Relax after Christmas with a walk in the fresh air of the beautiful Drogo garden and Teign Gorge, recharge your batteries in our café by trying something from our winter warm up menu and indulge in some retail therapy with sale offers in our shop. Children can follow the winter trail around the garden and grounds. © National Trust 2019. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography © National Trust Images/John Millar

Quality time together made at Castle Drogo After 6 years of building work come and see the castle decorated for Christmas this December. The café will be offering festive food and seasonal gifts can be found in the shop.

These are the places that make us. nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

Traditional butchers top products Philip Warren & Son are professional Cornish butchers who farm and work closely with local farmers to provide the very best high quality meat.

Their business and reputation is built upon an extremely loyal customer base who, throughout the year, will buy a variety of meat to suit all seasons, from a roasting joint or a great steak to the Christmas turkey. No matter what you buy, they will always aim to meet your expectations.

As well as having their own progressive and vibrant retail business, they have built strong relationships with a great network of chefs throughout the country, many with Michelin stars to their name.

The one common theme among their customers is the desire for a unique product, at a down to earth price and with a commitment to deliver quality and consistency.

To this day, they ‘dry age’ and mature their meat in the traditional way on the bone, before cutting for today’s modern consumer.

Find them at Pennygillam, Launceston or www.philipwarrenbutchers.co.uk

Lamb Cutlets with Madeira Gravy (Serves 4) Ingredients 8-12 Lamb cutlets Diced Mango 100ml Madeira 500ml Beef stock 300g Brussel sprouts 1 Pomegranate Knob of butter Brussel sprouts – remove the outer layers. Blanch for two minutes in boiling, salted water and set aside to cool.

Pomegranate – cut in half, remove seeds and set aside.

Heat beef stock with Madeira, reduce to a thick sauce consistency and set aside.

Season the lamb cutlets with salt and pepper. Pan fry in hot oil for two to three minutes on each side (for pink).

Adjust timings to your taste.

While the lamb is resting, fry Brussel sprouts in hot oil until nicely coloured.

Add a knob of butter, salt, pepper and pomegranate seeds.

Serve the lamb cutlets on the brussels, garnish with the diced mango and drizzle over the sauce.

FED ON GRASS | AGED ON THE BONE | MEAT AS NATURE INTENDED

“This is one of my favourite butcher shops. Locals come from all around to get their quality reared meats there because it is so tasty” Chris Eden (Gidleigh Park)

GRAZIERS & CRAFT BUTCHERS SINCE 1880

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Christmas orders now being taken - shop in store or online www.philipwarrenbutchers.co.uk

1 Dunheved Court | Pennygillam Way | Launceston PL15 7ED | 01566 772244 To promote your business to 23,536* readers - call 01822 615627

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FOOD & DRINK

Marvellous Mulled Wine It’s a festive classic!

For a chilly winter’s evening, there’s nothing like a mug of mulled wine to help you stay warm and toasty. The mixture of wine, spices, and fruit flavours drives back the cold, and it’s a brilliant drink to enjoy all winter long.

The beauty of mulled wine is that it’s a drink that you can enjoy on its own. Whether you’re sitting in front of the fireplace with a good book, playing games with your family, or watching TV, mulled wine is a warming drink that is brilliant on its own - no food required!

However there are a few foods that pair well with the spiced drink . . .

The combination of rich cheese in a fondue makes for a delicious partner to serve alongside mulled wine.

If you’re looking for cheese to pair with a sweet mulled wine, try serving a saltier cheese. Blue cheese pairs well with heavily spiced wines featuring cinnamon and clove flavours, and you’ll love the pairing of mulled wine with Roquefort, Wensleydale, or Comté.

And for those who love the classic British style of mulled wine or cider, pairing it with mince pies is the ultimate Christmas combination.

Most mulled wine is served in a mug. Ceramic or porcelain mugs will help to protect your hands from the heat of the spiced wine, and the mug handle will make it much easier to drink. Glass mugs or Moroccan tea glasses are also good options and add to the occasion.

However, there are special mulled wine glasses. While the shape can vary slightly, they have handles, enabling you to hold the drink even when hot. They usually have a wide brim, making it easy to drink the wine despite the garnishes.

Many recipes call for you to use ground spices when making mulled wine, but adding the powdered spices can lead to grainy or gritty wine. Instead, why not toast the spices whole

and add them into the mulled wine without grinding them?

You will be able to strain them out easily, leaving you with a smooth wine, free of grit and grain. As a bonus, toasting the spices without grinding them will bring out the essential oils, giving the wine a more subtle flavour and complexity.

How to garnish mulled wine You can always serve mulled wine without a garnish, but what fun would that be? Cinnamon sticks, slices of orange, cloves and a star anise are the most traditional seasonal garnishes, with their evocative aromas and colours. You could also include some cherries or berries such as redcurrants - the garnish is mostly decorative, but it’s all a part of the fun that is mulled wine.

How to keep mulled wine warm Mulled wine is fairly easy to prepare, though is somewhat time-consuming. It’s always easier to make a large batch and simply keep it warm. However, when serving to a large crowd, it’s easy to enjoy your evening by using one of these three options for eternally warm mulled wine.

Preparing it in the slow cooker will take longer (up to 3 hours on the ‘Low’ setting), but it’s much easier to keep the wine warm by simply leaving it on ‘Low’ or ‘Warm’.

If you have a large enough Thermos flask, you can keep the mulled wine nice and warm, and it will be easy to serve without having to go to the kitchen.

If you make mulled wine in a pot, you can always it back on the stove and re-heat. As long as you don’t bring it to a boil, the flavour of the wine won’t be affected. You may lose a little of the alcohol punch, but you still get all the rich, spicy taste.

Whatever you’re drinking this season, Waitrose and Partners wish you a wonderful and peaceful Christmas.

Jason Mules Waitrose Okehampton

Great food • Great Beer • Over 80 Fine wines - just 10 minutes from Okehampton

The Oxenham Arms Christmas and New Year Festivities !

at South Zeal

We aim to make every visit an exceptional experience! for

Culinary Excellence

Open Every Day Food served from 12-2.30pm then 6-8.30pm

01837 840244 • info@theoxenhamarms.com • www.theoxenhamarms.com

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

S EX at 20 Na 2J v T

Come and enjoy our roaring log fires • Christmas Group and Party Menu’s Festive Decorations • The perfect venue for a Christmas and New Year get together.

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WALKS WITH WINNIE

Walks with Winnie Just for once, this is a different ‘Walk with Winnie’ as Denise Horner, along with husband Richard and, of course, Winnie, explored Corsica at the end of the summer Distance - 2 kilometres Time - A one hour walk, there and back, but allow time to see the waterfall, swim or paddle!

Terrain- The path is narrow in places with boulders to climb over and loose gravel.

To the start of the walk, take a ferry to France, drive to the South, take the ferry to Corsica, drive South to the mid point on the N193 to the Col de Vizzavona - at 1,163 metres altitude, there is a car park on your right. The walk starts from here!

This is a there and back walk, starting from the car park at the Col de Vizzavona.

With the main road on your left, head for the trees where you will find the start of the walk with a sign - GR20 Cascade des Angalis. The GR20 Grande

Randonnee, or Great Hike, is a long distance walking route that starts in Calenzana in the North of Corsica and ends in the South at Conca. It is approximately 180 km in length, and can take up to two weeks. It is a very challenging walk as some sections involve great heights, ladders and narrow sections. Not for the average walker and nothing like we have on Dartmoor - even though it is granite!

This section of the walk is relatively easy and was named for the English gentry who had become bored of the Cote d’Azur and wanted more exciting holidays!

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The start of the path is uphill, with gravel and an uneven surface, but the view from the top, at the ruins, is worth it.

Head between the ruins and turn left, the path takes you through the woods on a narrow path leading slowly down hill.

The path is clear but stoney at the first section of rocks you come to, if you look up, you will see Monte d’Oro in front of you at 2,391m, you can actually climb this...

Continue on the path following the yellow signs painted on the rocks.

Coming to a large rock you will find a sign pointing down towards ‘Vizzavona Gare’ - The Station, or to the Col, the way you have come. The official GR20 is here at this point and Vizzavano is the half way point. You can reach it on the train and then either walk north to the start at Calenzana or south to Conca.

The signs now change and become red and white stripes, the sign of a ‘National Walk’ - the type of signs you see all over France for long distance walks. Follow the path straight ahead and down towards the right. You will be able to hear the sound of the waterfall and as the path widens the trees clear as you

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WALKS WITH WINNIE

The ‘Cascade des Anglais’ Waterfall of the English in Corsica, France

arrive at the ‘Cascade des Anglais’ at altitude 1,100m (3,600ft), amongst the large boulders. A great sun trap and worth the walk. You will find deep pools to take a dip in for you and the dog, but it is not warm. Even on the day we walked, it had been up to 32c but it was cooler in the mountains at 20c!

We hope you enjoy reading this walk and looking at the photos. If you would like to know more about Winnie’s travels to Corsica, the route we took or traveling with your dogs to France and beyond, we would be only too pleased to hear from you. You can email us at denise@ dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk

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HISTORY

Dartmoor commons – our link to a world we have lost When we talk about going for a walk on the ‘open moor’, we’re usually heading for common land, land that is mostly unfenced and where we can seemingly roam at will. Within the boundaries of the Dartmoor National Park, 37% is classified as common land, a huge area amounting to 85,525 acres. But what is common land? And how did it come about?

Well, the first point here is that common land is owned by someone. The big central area of the moor - still known as the ‘Forest of Dartmoor’ - has been owned by the Duchy of Cornwall since 1337 and before that directly by the Crown. Beyond, but adjacent to, this central area is a belt of common lands which threads through most of the parishes that surround the ‘Forest’. In the past, these parish commons tended to belong to the lords of various manors.

Such common land makes up much of the area of some parishes, such as Gidleigh, Belstone and Peter Tavy. In addition to this belt, there are many ‘islands’ of common land, separate from the main bulk, such as Meldon Hill in Chagford.

O

The second point is that we all have right of access over common land.

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People have been roaming freely over the open moors for hundreds of years, but, amazingly, this wasn’t set into law until 1985 with the Dartmoor Commons Act. The third point is that on common land, certain people have rights to use it in particular ways. The sheep, the ponies, the cattle you see on the moor are all there because their owners have the right to graze their stock in particular parts of the moor. But today’s farming practice is a survival of an ancient tradition that encompassed far more than grazing. It’s a tradition that takes us back to the lives of Dartmoor folk hundreds of years ago. So as well as the right of pasture or grazing there were: turbary - the right to take turf for fuel for domestic use; estovers - the right to take underwood or branches for fuel or

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repairs and bracken for animal bedding; pannage - the right to allow pigs to eat acorns and beech mast and common in soil - the right to take sand, gravel or stone for use on the commoner’s holding. So, in the past, rights to the common provided householders with many of life’s necessities. Living within easy reach of the resources available from common land must have been a huge bonus.

How this all came about is not completely known as the origins go back well before any surviving records.

It’s likely that in the pre-Norman period (ie before 1066), under pressure from increasing population, would-be farmers started to settle on the fringes of what was by then waste land, with no clear ownership. They would have been followed by estate-owning lords who would have taken the opportunity to appropriate the open grazing lands closest to their estates. Once that land was under their control, lords were in a position to introduce charges to others for grazing on ‘their’ land, but also to offer various rights. The lords could then start making tenancy agreements with colonists who settled on the common lands, which would involve a range of mutual obligations. These colonists may have previously been free, but would attach themselves to a lord for

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HISTORY

protection and the right to exploit some of the resources of the moorlands.

wonderful link to the lives of moorland folk hundreds of years ago.

Fast-forward to the mid-20th century and these rights still existed, attached to a multitude of different properties in the many parishes adjacent to the moor – not just farms, but individual fields and small plots of land supporting homes. By then it was apparent that many aspects of this basket of ancient customs wasn’t fit for purpose. Reform was needed. So entailed a long complicated process, starting in 1964, whereby everyone who claimed commoners’ rights had to apply to have them officially registered. Some 50 years later the system we have today was finally settled and we are left with about 54 owners and 850 registered commoners. It’s still a complicated picture, but it provides us with a

At the beginning of September, Chagford Local History Society mounted an exhibition in the Jubilee Hall, followed by a week in the parish church, exploring the history of our common lands. While the particular story for our town is unique, the big-picture outline told above is largely true for most of Dartmoor parishes. The exhibition is entitled ‘From turf cutting to the Two Hills Race’ and it can now be seen on our excellent website: www.chagfordlocalhistorysociety.org.uk.

The website, thanks to an enormous voluntary effort and a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, has grown into a fascinating interactive resource. The website will also tell you about all our

activities, including our winter talks programme, how you can access our archive and membership details.

Ralph Mackridge Secretary, Chagford Local History Society enquiries4clhs@gmail.com 01647 433204

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Creating a bespoke holiday experience for a customer, having worked out what they would really like, then using my experience and contacts to book them a holiday that’s completely unique and very special to them.

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During the morning I could be dealing with a hotel in Florida, by lunchtime I could be organising a trip to Lapland, after that it could tailoring a unique skiing holiday, followed by a trip to Hawaii! You never know what the next person who walks in through the door is looking for - that’s one of the things that has kept me so enthusiastic all these years.

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