Oke Links January/February issue 2021 by Links Magazines

OKE LINKS

January/February 2021 | Issue 23 COM UN ITY

BUS I NESS

BUY LOCAL & SAVE JOBS

Action on plastic

Dartmoor towns lead the way

Meet the locals

Champion fundraisers from Belstone and Moretonhampstead

Superb snowdrops Dazzling displays to visit near you

Gilead Foundations

Bus boost!

New wheels for transport group

Releasing potential changing lives

Delivered free by your postman to EX20 1,2 & 4 and TQ13 8, postcodes. Guaranteed circulation of 10,233 homes and businesses

HISTORY

A visit to Wistman’s Wood

GARDENING

Plants for winter interest

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HEALTH

Focus on bowel cancer

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Happy New Year everyone! Writing this at the very end of November I am very aware of the shorter, darker days - at least by the time you read this issue of Oke Links, the nights won’t be quite as long, even though we will really be in the grip of winter by then. I just hope it won’t be as wet as last winter, when the moors and farmland resembled paddy fields!

The deadline date for any inclusions in the March/ April issue of Oke Links will be February 1st, 2021. For all editorial enquiries please contact Jane via email: jane.honey@linksmagazines.co.uk

THE LINKS TEAM: Publisher: Tim Randell Editor: Jane Honey Design: Sara Venner, Julian Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard,

Tim: 07450 161 929 Jane: 07772 619 808 Contact Jane Honey, Editor on 07971 917071 jane.honey@ linksmagazines.co.uk

Looking ahead from this winter, 2021 could be a landmark year for Moretonhampstead and Chagford, as a determined drive to reduce the use of plastics has taken off in both towns. You can read about this pioneering campaign in the feature on page 6. I wasn’t able to meet any ‘local people’ in person for this edition as we were in the middle of ‘Lockdown 2’, so I was forced to get to grips with Zoom to do the interviews. I am ashamed to say that Robin and Edwina Hill and Miranda Allhusen were much more proficient technically than I was! All three are tireless fundraisers, using their gardens to raise money for charity and talking to them made me determined to get out and see some of the National Garden Scheme gardens this year. Unlocking potential and changing lives is the ethos of the Gilead Foundations, which supports women suffering from addictions, homelessness and domestic abuse from its farm base near Okehampton. The work carried out by the charity is inspiring - turn to page 22 to read some heartfelt testimonials from women who have been helped by Gilead over the years. This year sees a change at the top for Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust. Following the retirement of Daryl Chapman, the new chief executive officer Dan Morrow takes up the reins at the beginning of January. You can read a little bit about Dan in the education section on page 26. Even if we are currently in the depths of winter, there’s one sight that always cheers me up with a reminder that spring isn’t too far away - the snowdrop. See the What’s On pages to find out where you can see some dazzling displays of this delicate flower - your visit will also raise money for charities which have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic. So, leave the winter chills outside, grab a cup of tea and enjoy reading this issue of Oke Links I wish you all a much happier 2021!

Jane

Sculpture by Alan Biggs at Andrew’s Corner, Belstone. Picture by Robin Hill - see page 8

6 Feature 8 Local People 13 Noticeboard 21 Sport 22 Charity 26 Education 29 Health 32 Gardening 35 Farming

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36 Finance 37 What’s On 41 Music & Art 44 Food & Drink 46 History 48 Winnie’s Walk 51 Business Directory 54 Trade Secrets

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The Dewerstone Learn more about our festive feathered friend

December 2020/January 2021 | Issue 7

COM

BUY LOCAL & SAVE

ITY

Robin Redbreast

Climbing, Nature & the Devil

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

PLYM LINKS BUS I NESS

Contents

Jane Honey, Editor

JOBS

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING & MARKETS

The lost village of

Hallsands

Poetry, Pandemic and the Professor

GARDENING Winter jobs and Christmas gift ideas

FOOD & DRINK Rhubarb & Custard Cake

MEET the locals

• A passionate sportsman from Derriford • A priest from Lee Moor

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Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to Olijam Communications Ltd the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by such material. The opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. All content is fully covered by copyright laws and reproduction in part or whole is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

FEATURE

Going ‘plastic free’ Dartmoor towns are leading the way . . . Chagford and Moretonhampstead have joined a network of communities across the UK who are leading the way in tackling throw-away plastic at source. Both towns have been awarded ‘Plastic Free Community’ status by marine conservation charity, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), in recognition of the work they have done to start reducing the impact of single-use plastics on the environment. Single-use plastics are those that are used once and then thrown away. Many items end up as litter, discarded along the roadside, in hedges and even in our Dartmoor rivers and streams. Less than ten percent are recycled. Plastic microparticles in cosmetics and toiletries find their way from our homes via the sewers directly to the sea. It is estimated that eight million tonnes of plastic finds its way into the sea each year. This is why SAS is now campaigning to reduce single-use plastics through involvement with local communities, tackling avoidable plastic from the beach all the way back to the brands and businesses who create it.

Chagford Plastic Free Community Local residents Andy and Sue Parrott started the campaign in 2018 after realising there was a lot of individual action happening in and around Chagford. They thought it would be a good idea to bring this together into a single campaign that would gain widespread recognition for the town and kick-start further initiatives to reduce single-use plastic. As keen sailors, they were also becoming increasingly concerned about the amount of plastic finding its way into the ocean. 6

Sue and Andy pulled together key organisations in the town to put in place a five-point plan to meet the SAS objectives. This included setting up a community-led steering group, getting parish council commitment and working with local businesses and community groups to spread the word and minimise the amount of disposable plastics they use. Alison Sallis and Nicky Scott from Proper Job and Adam Ellison and Pam Steventon from Casa Magnolia were the other steering group members. Chagford Primary School also signed up to the SAS ‘Plastic Free Schools’ education programme. Chagford received its ‘Plastic Free Community’ status in early 2020. Chagford businesses who have already embraced the campaign include Amy’s Flowers, Blacks Delicatessen, Casa Magnolia, the Three Crowns, Astors Bookshop, Jaded Palates, The Globe Inn and the Courtyard. Andy said: ‘Everybody we’ve asked has been really keen to get involved, both on an individual basis and as a business or community group.’ In addition to accepting many plastic items for recycling, Proper Job Community Recycling Centre has organised several plastic awareness workshops to highlight the dangers of plastic in the oceans and demonstrate alternative plastic-free products. Proper Job is now looking for craftspeople who are handy with a sewing machine to form a group of volunteers to make recycled shopping bags, which will be distributed freely to shops in Chagford. All textiles will be provided by Proper

Plastic Free Chagford campaigners celebrating their SAS award. Left to right: Nicky Scott, Proper Job; Andy Parrott, Parish councillor, Catherine Mount, Blacks Delicatessen; Sue Parrott, Community Lead; Adam Ellison, Casa Magnolia; Gay Hill, Chair of the Parish Council; and Alice Herrington, Amy’s Flowers.

Job from their recycling scheme and there is no particular time commitment required. Please get in touch with Rebecca at Proper Job if you can help. Sue Parrott said: ‘The SAS recognition gives us a great start. While Chagford is of course not completely plastic-free, we now have a stronger platform on which to build further action. Our next steps will be to raise awareness further and expand the campaign to additional businesses and organisations.’

Moreton Action on Plastics (MAPs) Liz Prince is one of the original members of MAPs: ‘We were lucky from the start that many in our community were very aware of the need to find alternatives to plastic. The number of businesses and other organisations that support the scheme here in Moreton is truly awesome!’ she said. At the beginning of November, MAPs presented these businesses with a certificate and wooden plaque, in recognition of their efforts. Some on the high street others a little further out of the town they were: Green Shoes, The Zero Waste Shop, The Union Pub, The White Hart Hotel, The Horse, Bovey Castle Hotel, The Gateway Restaurant, Central Cafe, Cross Street Café, Papillon Gin,The Miniature Pony Centre,

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FEATURE

Trust is another key organisation that has been behind us all the way, and we have many other ‘allies’ in the town, including Moretonhampstead Primary school, the Library, the Scout Group and the Carnival committee. Whites Grocers, Baskervilles Ice Cream Parlour and last but not least Larry’s Newsagents. The Co-op could not qualify for inclusion because SAS work with them nationally, but Moreton residents feel them to be very much part of the local initiative. Hilary Mathieu, who has been liaising with SAS to achieve the ‘Plastic Free Communities’ accreditation, explained: ‘The visits were necessarily low key and socially distanced. Each business achieved plastic-free status by exchanging or eliminating at least three single-use plastic items for an equivalent non-plastic alternative.’ Hilary also expressed thanks to the parish council: ‘Their support has been crucial in this process. Moretonhampstead Development

‘Now we are working with local charity Trees in Time and Moretonhampstead Community Orchard to remove disintegrating tree guards from the hedgebank along part of the Wray Valley Trail. Many people cheerfully turn up for work parties to remove plastic from our wonderful Dartmoor landscape. Moretonhampstead is known as the ‘Gateway to Dartmoor’ and we want to ensure that it remains beautifully plastic free!’ There are now more than 700 communities across the UK working to reduce single-use plastic and the impact it has on our environment. Every step they take is a step towards tackling the problem at source and challenging our throwaway culture. Caya Edwards

Kris Gowers, The Miniature Pony Centre Picture by Alistair Maclaurin

Green Shoes - Alison Hastie and Kim Broadbent Picture by Alistair Maclaurin

You can find out more information about these campaigns from the sources below: Sue Parrott, Community Lead, Plastic Free Chagford: sue@roundash.com Plastic Free Chagford Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/ groups/552156255129514/ Hilary Mathieu, Community Lead Moretonhampstead: hilary.london@ gmail.com

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Robin and Edwina Hill Busy volunteers - and fantastic fundraisers! Living ‘the good life’ with their children in Robin’s Dartmoor family home was the driving force behind a move from teaching careers on the outskirts of Birmingham for he and Edwina. They’ve lived in Belstone 41 years. The goats, chickens and geese have now gone and they retired from education when Robin was deputy head at Hatherleigh Primary and Edwina headteacher at Ide’s village school - but they are busier now than they’ve ever been! Robin said: ‘We thoroughly enjoyed our teaching lives, but with new regulations coming in and Ofsted bearing down on us, the joy was beginning to go. Fourteen years ago we retired and I guess that’s when we really took off in terms of doing charitable things - we were never going to be people who put their feet up and read the papers - it’s just not in our nature!’ And when Robin says charitable things, he really means it! He and Edwina are a

veritable power house when it comes to raising money for good causes. They throw open the gates of their beautiful garden to the public regularly, raising money for the National Garden Society (NGS) and Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), plus other charities. They are both trustees of the Mary Budding Trust, Edwina is manager of the village hall in Belstone, Robin the chairman and Edwina is a member of the Belstone Friends of CHSW. The Friends group of four, with the support of their ‘long suffering husbands’, as Edwina put it, have now raised a phenomenal amount, in excess of £200,000, for the hospice, through a variety of activities. They are also guides for the charity, taking visitors on tours and giving talks on the hospice’s work. During last spring’s Covid lockdown, they delivered cream teas to houses in the village, raising £745 for the charity whose income has fallen dramatically due to the pandemic.

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Edwina also plays clarinet in the Bondleigh Barn Band which gives charity performances and the couple are both heavily involved with the Belstone Players. As if they didn’t have enough to occupy them, Robin is a trustee for Sticklepath and Belstone School Charity, Edwina is a parochial church councillor and they are both editors of the Belstone village website. They work seamlessly as a team - the other vital part of the team is their garden, which this year celebrates 50 years of fundraising. To date, the garden has raised more than £50,000 for various charities. ‘I am the gardener, Edwina isn’t really,’ grinned Robin. ‘It was my mother and father who first opened the garden in 1972 and when we came, we carried on the tradition. ‘The garden has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. It’s a plantsman’s garden, we have many unusual things that probably most people would think were difficult to grow on the northern edge of Dartmoor.’ Edwina’s contribution is the catering for the garden openings. ‘It wouldn’t work if I was a keen gardener as well,’ she said. ‘Rob knows what he wants and does it so well there’s no way I could keep up with him! ‘He does have a lot of very unusual plants - if it hasn’t got a name about two feet long it probably doesn’t grow in our garden!’

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LOCAL PEOPLE

The garden is also very wildlife friendly - another of Robin’s interests. He’s a licensed dormouse handler and has established several dormouse boxes in the Skaigh Valley, monitoring the numbers of this protected species regularly. The garden brought them into contact with the Mary Budding Trust. The charity supports primary aged children in West Devon with special educational needs and had asked them to organise an open day for it. With their teaching background and knowledge of the need to support these children, they soon became trustees. The charity has been very active during the pandemic, supplying additional IT equipment to families.

‘Some poor children had been trying to do homework on mobile phones,’ said Robin sadly. With the amount of commitments Edwina and Robin have, it must be difficult to get away, yet they are passionate travellers and have visited many far-flung countries including The Galapagos, Indonesia and Africa, their trips often combining their interest in wildlife. Closer to home, they also

organise garden twinning visits with the town of Lannion in Brittany. Do they ever miss their teaching days? Sometimes - Edwina misses the special occasions like Christmas and Robin the camaraderie. ‘And I miss the children - wherever they are in the world, children are just wonderful,’ he said. Jane Honey

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Miranda Allhusen Gardener and charity chairman Green-fingered Miranda is lucky enough to have a large garden on the edge of Moretonhampstead, boasting beautiful views of Dartmoor. She also combines her love of gardening with raising money for charity - she is county organiser of the Devon National Garden Scheme, which in its last ‘normal’ year raised an incredible £190,000, thanks to its open gardens programme. Miranda was born in Hampshire but lived in London as a young woman, working in the city. ‘I was a systems analyst, which in those days was quite unusual’ said Miranda. ‘That must have been late 1970s, computers were quite new - we had one one big computer in an air conditioned room for the whole office!’ She and her husband arrived in Devon more than 40 years ago, keen to bring their children up in the countryside. Moving to a house with a large garden on the edge of Dartmoor was a world away from Islington, where their outside

space was ‘the size of a postage stamp’, but Miranda and Edward soon got stuck into a very different lifestyle, growing vegetables and fruit with enthusiasm, Edward getting up early to sell excess strawberries to local restaurants on the way into work in Newton Abbot. Both of them keen gardeners, they have created different areas to enjoy within their four acres, including three ponds, a kitchen garden and formal beds with lawns. For the last 20 years they’ve also kept bees and as the grounds back onto fields, wildlife abounds. ‘It’s like Topsy, it’s just evolved,’ said Miranda. ‘We probably create something different each year. Some plants will grow very big, some fall down in gales, you have to be constantly changing. If someone says their garden is finished, you’d be a bit suspicious I think!’ Just watching things grow gives Miranda huge pleasure: ‘I think it’s exciting, seeing things you have planted come into flower. I think you need to be

in your garden all year round to really appreciate it. For example, something like a tree peony is exquisitely beautiful, but you have to check them regularly to make sure you don’t miss the blooms. Some of the most beautiful things only flower for a very short period.’ There are plenty of seating areas in their garden, enabling them to appreciate different aspects at different times of the day. ‘It makes you use the whole garden that way,’ explained Miranda. ‘You can sit and look and think “those colours don’t go together” or “that would look better somewhere else”.’ Miranda and Edward - dog lovers who have just welcomed a new labrador

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LOCAL PEOPLE

puppy into the household - have been involved with the National Garden Scheme for some 20 years. The NGS raises funds for caring organisations such as Macmillan Nurses, Marie Curie and Hospice UK and Parkinson’s UK. It also supports Horatio’s Garden at the specialist spinal unit in Salisbury. Last year the Devon group raised over £35,000, despite being badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. ‘We were amazed we managed to make so much. A lot of people didn’t want to open, understandably, but I think next year we should be able to open all our gardens because we can, if necessary, open safely by spacing people with time slots and advance bookings.’

The 150 Devon gardens which regularly open can be small or sprawling, manicured or wild, they all have something to offer and Miranda said visits were brilliant for giving you ideas for your own garden - plus raising money for fantastic charities. She stressed the organisation was always on the lookout for new gardens - large or small, rural or in towns. Miranda is convinced that gardening is good for you, both physically and mentally - and it’s a theory that has been much in the news this last year. ‘Gardening really does help people in bad health - even if it’s having just a window box to look at. Getting out in the garden and digging actually does your mental health a power of good,’

she said, adding that gardeners tended to be an optimistic bunch too: ‘You are always looking to the future, and having something to look forward to.’ She also loves the fact that there’s always something new to discover when gardening: ‘You go on learning all the time - that’s the lovely thing about gardening, it’s a continual learning process - that and watching the weather!’ Jane Honey

• If you are interested in supporting the NGS by opening your garden to the public, email Miranda@allhusen.co.uk or telephone 01647 4402.

Photo credit: Fern Leigh Albert

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NOTICEBOARD

Community allotment blossoms... Many are familiar with the wellbeing boost of getting outside. Whether you just pop out for some fresh air, or spend a day out in the garden doing some serious weeding, nine times out of ten you come back feeling refreshed, calmer and more focused. As part of a growing movement in social prescribing, GPs at Moretonhampstead Health Centre looked to local health and wellbeing initiative Wellmoor to transform a bramble covered patch into a Community Allotment, where they could direct patients looking to improve their physical and mental health. Over the past year and half, Moretonhampstead Community Allotment has truly ‘blossomed’, thanks to a team of dedicated and enthusiastic, green-fingered volunteers who have

established no-dig vegetable beds, a wildflower area and sapling nursery for a local treeplanting project. Now, with funding from Co-op’s Local Community Fund, the community allotment will be inviting groups and individuals to take part in volunteer open days, learning workshops and events throughout 2021. The first step was to build a brand new shed, known as ‘The Hub’ by volunteers, to act as a social space and resource centre for allotment visitors. It was constructed by super-volunteer Peter Turner, who said: ‘It is lovely sunny spot and will be a great place for people young and old to come together, have

a cup of tea and a chat - when we are allowed to of course!’ Working with an awkward sloping site, Peter has created ramps to provide wheelchair accessibility. There are terraced level areas, with space for seating and tables. Next steps include creating a mud kitchen for younger visitors, and there are ideas to use the redundant phone box near the allotment as a community seed exchange. For more allotment information contact georgina@wellmoor.org.uk or 01647 440775.

Can you support a local charity? Proper Job Resource Centre is a registered charity based just outside Chagford, promoting re-use, recycling and reclamation. Its mission is the protection and preservation of the environment. It is seeking volunteers to work in a number of different areas of the charity: •

Practical volunteers who can spend time helping at the resource centre with donations and sales

•

Work-from-home volunteers who would like to support through ebay listings

•

Volunteer drivers to distribute surplus donations to homeless and refugee communities

•

Charity trustees – two vacancies. Proper Job is particularly looking for expertise in leadership/

management, chairing skills, finance, fundraising, planning & development and HR (one evening meeting and a few hours work each month) All positions can be flexible to suit your availability. For more information please contact Proper Job’s chief executive officer Rebecca at info@proper-job.org or call 01647 432985.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

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NOTICEBOARD

Okehampton Community Well-Being for All At Okehampton Community Well-being for All, we believe the widely recognised benefits of complementary therapies should be affordable and accessible to all. We are delighted to have been awarded the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund. This has enabled us to continue to support our community during lockdown, through a growing number of online events including Hatha Yoga on Thursdays at 7.30 pm, Wellbeing groups with guided meditation on Fridays at 7pm and Saturday Coffee Mornings with special guests at 11am.

This New Year we will begin our online self-care courses in aromatherapy and self massage where you can share your new found skills with friends and family. At the time of writing we are unable to offer complementary therapies from Okehampton Medical Centre due to Covid -19. However, we will continue our practice from the Ockment Community Centre where we will offer reflexology, manual lymphatic drainage, ear acupuncture, back massage, foot massage and Indian head massage. We will be following and adhering to Government Guidelines.

Booking is essential - please contact us for further information, questions and enquires by calling - 07957 213264, email okehamptonwellbeing@ pm.me. You can also like and send us a message on Facebook - search for @ OCWFA. We look forward to seeing you soon.Â

Okehampton Food Bank This time last year none of us could have foreseen the turn of events as they unfolded. Pandemics are the stuff of history lessons at school, not the everyday reality of the here and now. It is fair to say that life changed for all of us in March when the first lockdown restrictions came into force. The work at the food bank suddenly tripled. In the first two months of the year, we gave out an average of 11 food parcels a week, when lockdown began we started

giving out an average of 35 food parcels a week. By mid-November we had given out more than 1,000 food parcels to over 160 different households.

Sadly food poverty and hardship are not going to disappear any time soon, but we are in a good place to meet the need.

None of this would have been possible had it not been for the generosity of the people of Okehampton and the surrounding area. Food and money donations increased dramatically, which was more than sufficient to meet the demand.

A huge thanks to everyone who has generously given food, finance or time; we could not have done this without you. Paul Jarrett Chairman, Okehampton Food Bank

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NOTICEBOARD

Yes to reducing anti-social behaviour The Yes Tor Project has been formed by Okehampton College, local police, OCRA, Space, Okehampton Town Council and other community groups as a way of engaging different generations and reducing anti-social behaviour. It was born out of an idea by community police officer Carl Seaward and Okehampton College principal Derrick Brett as a way of providing an outlet for the young people of Okehampton. The idea of providing spaces, activities and initiatives for young people to use, develop and cultivate in a positive way has led to other community groups being approached to assist. The initial project is to offer space to cultivate and maintain small gardening spaces around Okehampton, growing flowers to brighten up the community. This outlet is aimed at providing opportunities for teamwork and patience, improving mental and physical health and different skills. At the conclusion, the project aims to allow the young people involved to deliver the

flowers to others who are experiencing loneliness or have been affected by anti-social behaviour around the town. PC Seaward said: ‘Older generations are being put off visiting Simmons Park as groups of young people, in the absence of anything else to do, are congregating there. ‘We’d like a better understanding between the various groups. The Yes Tor project is one way for this to happen, we’d like young people to say yes to positive change, yes to improving their perception in the community and yes to using their time and energy to benefit themselves and others.’ Derrick Brett added: ‘The young people of Okehampton need an outlet for their passions, interests and energy. Unfortunately a minority have provided negative headlines in recent months. This is not the story of the vast majority of students and the Yes Tor Project provides a positive way for them to impact their community across the generations.’

New wheels for the transport group! Okehampton District Community Transport Group (ODCTG) is pleased to announce the arrival of its new 15 seater wheelchair accessible minibus, which has been purchased to replace the previous Devon County Council lease vehicle which was used for

forward to being able to join our lifestyle trips when it is safe for us to arrange them, hopefully next spring.

The bus has been converted by GM Coachworks to ODCTG’s specification to ensure it has all the extras needed to make the journey as comfortable as possible for its clients including a tail lift for those in wheelchairs or with poor mobility who cannot manage the steps.

‘We would also like to thank everyone who has supported our fundraising which has been tricky over the last nine months with no coffee mornings or other events being allowed.

its Ring and Ride service.

Sue Wonnacott of ODCTG said: ‘We have continued with our services through lockdown and our clients are really looking

‘The majority of our clients live alone and the trip out once a week to meet others is a huge benefit to their health and wellbeing. We are extremely grateful to the following for their support in helping us fund the purchase - Charities of Holditch and others, Peoples Postcode Lottery and the Co-op Community Fund.

‘We have however been lucky enough to set up a pop up shop in the Terrys Zimmers shop in East Street which will be open again by the time you read this article so please pop in and say hello our our wonderful volunteers.’

O omnly sit ro nt o Vi ow intme o Shby app WE SELL, SERVICE AND INSTALL RAYBURN Showroom: Unit 2A Westbridge Ind Est, Tavistock PL19 8DE 01822 610222

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

NOTICEBOARD

Focus on young people A new group for young people aged 16 - 21 who live in or near Dartmoor has been launched with funding from Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Coronavirus Community Support Grant Fund. Dartmoor Young People for the Future (DYPF) provides a safe meeting space on social media for young adults to talk about issues affecting their lives. It was founded by Gwen Hendy, 17, (pictured) who said: ‘This group invites and encourages local young people to think about our future, to get organised about some of the issues that affect us and to help make some positive changes. DYPF can show that we do care, and we are interested how these things affect our lives, as well as getting involved on a local level. ‘Even if there are events and projects around topics that interest us taking place locally, there’s a lack of engagement with my age group. I’d like

Picture by Chris Saville

to see us at these events as equals, making our voices heard. There’s so much more stuff we could set up, without relying on adults to do it for us or prompting us.’ DYPF originally planned to have some group meetings around east and south Dartmoor but thanks to Covid restrictions, the group is currently operating online, primarily through Instagram. Members hope to hold events later this year. Gwen added: ‘I want young people living here to be happier and to struggle less with their lives, to create projects and do stuff together that feel great and see real outcomes. Doing this would be really satisfying and also benefit the place where we live, so it’s win-win all round.’ Dartmoor National Park Authority launched the Coronavirus Community Support Grant in April. So far, the Authority has provided more than

£18,000 to support community initiatives such as veg boxes for vulnerable people, phone support, delivery of prescriptions and online arts spaces.

Could you help? Community Links provides befriending and social inclusion for Okehampton and the north of West Devon. A team of wonderful volunteers spend time with people on the telephone or face to face, and may help with one of the following: A Time for You - Community Links works with Devon Carers to deliver A Time for You, a service which gives carers a couple of hours of free time each week. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) - an evidence-based therapy proven to slow the progression of dementia and increase quality of life. It is recommended in the NICE Guidelines. Parent and Baby Group - Loneliness can affect all ages and Community Links has been approached to investigate the possibility of setting up a group in Okehampton. 16

How you Can Help? None of this work could be done without a team of dedicated volunteers and more are needed. If you would like to become a volunteer, Community Links would love to hear from you. Training, support and an opportunity to socialise is provided.

We are also seeking funding to provide befriending and social inclusion in 2021 and beyond. If you are able to donate or would like to be a volunteer, please contact Vicky 07933 663796.

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Community Links working alongside people in Okehampton & West Devon for over 10 years

Befriending • Family and Individual Support • Mens Group • Counselling Okehampton Mental Health Support Group • ASC/ADHD Parent Support Group ...and the Okehampton Music Centre

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NOTICEBOARD

Fancy being a bee farmer? Peter Hunt of Blackaller Apiary in North Bovey has too much work for one, albeit professional, bee keeper. He’s looking for an energetic person who will train on the job and, if keen enough, go on to be a commercial bee farmer. Peter said: ‘I’m sure there are people who want - or have - to make a change of career. Sales of my honey are picking up after lockdown and demand for local honey is growing. This really is an opportunity to get involved now.’ Starting in late winter, the assistant will be working with Peter to get the hives

ready for spring and the bees’ busy season. Then come the outdoor months, checking the hives, taking the honey from the combs, bottling and selling. Bee farming, especially on Peter’s comparatively small scale, needs a broad range of skills. And, above all, it needs enthusiasm for the work and for local, high quality honey.

Peter would like to hear from anybody seriously considering a job in bee farming in Devon.To find out more, email Peter Hunt at peter@beesindevon.co.uk

Whyddon Woodcarvers Club Have you thought about a new hobby for the New Year? What about woodcarving? Whyddon Woodcarvers are looking for new members, either beginners or those who already carve are welcome to join. We are a small, friendly group who meet at Whiddon Down Village Hall

Annexe two evenings a week. We have been a club for more than 16 years, but many members have been carving for many more years than this and would be happy to pass on help and expertise to beginners. You don’t even need to have any specialist tools, as the club has their own which you are welcome to use. The club has the benefit of a fully equipped workshop and of course plenty of timber for your projects.

As a group we benefit from having a workshop day near Holsworthy twice a year with expert tuition from a renowned woodcarver – a fun and informative day! If you would like more information, or would like to come along for a few ‘taster’ sessions to see if you would like to join, please contact Jenny DenisonSmith on 01837 53498. Whyddon Woodcarvers

Care services for your loved ones

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Email: samantha@daccservices.com/pauline@daccservices.com Caring for People in the Community 5 Canal Road, Tavistock PL19 8AR • www.daccservices.com

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NOTICEBOARD

Happy New Year! I hope you all had an enjoyable and safe Christmas and are ready to get out on Dartmoor to burn off that Christmas excess or just help maintain your mental health. Dartmoor can be the perfect antidote to the January blues, with open moorland, bridleways and footpaths to explore and enjoy – for free – what better place to start with a good walk? The benefits of fresh air and outdoor activities have been proven to combat not only weight related issues, but mental health issues including depression and loneliness. If you are not too confident about exploring Dartmoor, why not join a local Rambler group or join one of the many privately run guided walks? Our website and visitor centres at Haytor, Postbridge and Princetown are a good place to find more information.

If you are visiting Dartmoor over the winter please remember that the road conditions over the higher moor are often unpredictable and may have animals walking or laying on them. The moorland livestock like to lick the salt from the road and often lay in the middle of the road as the tarmac absorbs the limited winter sun we get!

Wishing you all a safe and happy start to the New Year from the Ranger Team (photo taken pre Covid!). Simon Lee Dartmoor Ranger

Help from Citizens Advice I bought a pair of trainers from a private seller on an online marketplace as a gift ahead of the festive season. The advert said they were Nike but when they arrived the branding said Basics. They are clearly not what was advertised, are terrible quality and not fit for purpose. Do I have any rights? What can I do?

If you’re buying online from an individual seller, the principle of ‘buyer beware’ applies - which means you are purchasing subject to all defects, and the seller does not have to declare problems. However, the seller must not misrepresent the goods, for example, by claiming they’re a certain popular brand when they are not. Because your

ARE YOU MOVING HOME? Planning to buy or sell property is exciting, but there’s a lot to it! Be as prepared as you can be by getting conveyancing advice early. We offer face-to-face appointments every Wednesday afternoon in Okehampton. QualitySolicitors Charlesworth Nicholl

Call Andrew Luxton to book in.

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trainers are not as described in the advert, you may have grounds to ask for your money back. First, try to fix the issue by contacting the seller to explain the problem, let them know your rights and that you would like your money back. Should this get you nowhere, check to see if the online marketplace has its own protection and disputes resolution system. Finally, if neither of these work for you, consider making a claim to the court, known as a small claim. There is guidance on how to do this on the Citizens Advice website at www. citizensadvice.org.uk You can get further help from the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

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NOTICEBOARD

Trail campaign takes off A campaign to extend the Wray Valley Trail to Chagford is gathering pace and has gained the support of local MPs. The trail links Bovey Tracey to Moretonhampstead via Lustleigh, but extending it would enable people to cycle, walk or horse-ride between Moretonhampstead and Chagford, according to the town’s West Devon Borough councillor Nicky Heyworth. Not only would this be good for the environment, it could also bring more revenue to Chagford and Moretonhampstead as the trail is already popular with visitors to Dartmoor. Cllr Heyworth met with enthusiastic local supporters of the proposal last autumn, with cyclists from both communities maintaining social distancing throughout. She said the Government had announced an extra £2 billion for cycle and walking routes last summer and ‘with a lot of hard work’, there was no reason why the trail extension project should not take off. Available by  Mon-Fri The oﬃce is open Mon, Wed & Fri, please call to arrange an appointment. Check our Facebook page for current updates.

‘We have nearly 100 local supporters already, which include doctors from both Mortonhampstead and Chagford, who clearly see the mental and physical health benefits from exercise and connection to nature,’ said Cllr Heyworth. A crowdfunding campaign was held in December to pay for a feasibility study by Sustrans and a survey was being undertaken to gauge support for the proposals. Central Devon MP Mel Stride said: ‘We should always be looking at ways we can make our communities more environmentally-friendly and this also has the potential to be very good news Here for you when you are ready to explore the world once more!

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for local businesses. I am very happy to do whatever I can to help.’ Geoffrey Cox QC, MP for Torridge and West Devon added: ‘Cycling and walking have a significant role to play in tackling some of the biggest health and environmental challenges that we face in Britain. I welcome and support the work to expand our network of safe off-road trails in Devon, particularly in relation to the Wray Valley Trail.’ Cllr Heyworth said once the strength of support for the project had been established, talks would take place with parish councils, the National Trust, Dartmoor National Park and the Woodland Trust. ‘We need all this information for the feasibility study, which we hope to commission in the New Year. Sustrans will recommend the best route, and help us establish a budget and time scale. We will then have to apply for planning permission, and look for funding.’ Anyone wishing to support the campaign to extend the Wray Valley Trail should contact Cllr Heyworth on cllr.nicky. heyworth@west.devon.gov.uk or call 07976 294939.

NOTICEBOARD

Communities invited to ‘take control’ In England the average house price in 2019 was £240,000 and average earnings were £30,667. However, in Devon the picture is very different. The average house price was £253,000 (5% higher) and average earnings were £26,234 (15% lower) making it much harder for the average person to afford their own home here in Devon.* The Diverse Regeneration Company (a not-for-profit CIC) has successfully worked with communities over the past 15 years to help meet the local need for new sports facilities, village halls, playgrounds and more. They are now working with Resonance, a social impact investment company, to continue this work with the launch of a new community asset fund which will put local people at the heart of the decision making process about what their communities need most. The new fund is called Resonance Community Developers (RCD) and

its purpose is to help communities design and deliver the assets that they need; bringing local stakeholders together to address local infrastructure needs such as affordable housing, sports and leisure facilities or renewable energy generation. Although this is a new fund with a slightly different set of parameters, Resonance has previously worked with community groups in Devon to successfully deliver affordable homes – in Holsworthy and Broadhempston– through their Affordable Homes Rental Fund (AHRF). RCD is a new, follow-on initiative to AHRF, which invests capital into community groups that will be structured as ‘Community Benefit Societies’ that can issue community shares. It aims to invest multiple times in the same community groups, with small incremental investment in the early stages leading to larger investments as groups secure land and planning consent and commence the actual construction of homes, sports facilities, or renewable energy. The Diverse Regeneration Company (The DR Company) are experts at working

Images courtesy of Broadhempston CLT

with communities across Devon, from the first initial project ideas through to turning those ideas into reality. The DR Company are now encouraging communities to get in touch even if they’re unsure where to start. Liz Abell at The DR Company said: ‘This is a very exciting opportunity for our local Devon communities to be a part of, allowing them a real say in the type of project they would like for their area. This is also a valuable means of independent funding, during a time when council budgets are greatly stretched. As such we are really keen to hear from anyone (or groups) with ideas they have for their community, either great or small, so we can assess the ideas and help them move forward to a successful outcome.’ Contact The DR Company at community@drcompany.co.uk or go to www.drcompany.co.uk * www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandc ommunity/housing/datasets/ratioofhousepricetoworkplacebasedearningslowerquartileandmedian

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SPORT

‘Let’s Move’ boost for Okehampton groups The Okehampton community was the winning West Devon team in the recent Active Devon’s Let’s Move campaign. The place-based and digitally-enabled movement challenge and social media campaign was designed to empower communities to engage with physical activity and active travel as a happier, healthier and greener way to live and connect. Launched last summer, the challenge and campaign was all about celebrating Devon’s wonderful communities and

and support the community while being active daily. The core message was that ‘a little change makes a big difference’, and that amidst the challenges of lockdown, recession and climate change, there is one thing that can help us all: to move more. As a reward for logging the most ‘Moving minutes’, Active Devon has awarded prize money to communitybased organisations in the Let’s Move’s winning locations, to use for active lifestyle interventions.

all that it means to be active in our beautiful county. Let’s Move provided an opportunity for residents to join

The Okehampton beneficiaries are Room 13 (Space) who will use the prize money to buy some forest school equipment including kelly kettles and tarpaulin to help them work outside as they adapt to COVID restrictions and allow further uptake. It is also part of a wider

funding plan to help young people in Okehampton who are struggling to thrive by introducing them to green spaces and different types of physical activity to boost both mental and physical health. Ronin Taijutsu will be using the money for new equipment following their move to new premises and allow further expansion of the group. Ronin Sentou Taijutsu is a Japanese fighting system which uses a wide range of striking methods and jujitsu techniques. Okehampton Community and Recreation Association (OCRA) will look to implement some after school sessions for school age children, so will use the funding for small equipment to facilitate this and reinstate their Sporting Memories sessions for those experiencing dementia, loneliness or depression.

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email jane.honey@ linksmagazines.co.uk See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

CHARITY FOCUS

Gilead Foundations Unlocking people - releasing potential - changing lives Gilead Foundations Charity offers a supported living service for women suffering from addictions, homelessness and domestic abuse on a farm near Okehampton. Established in 1991, Gilead traditionally helped both men and women, but changed to concentrate on supporting women in March 2020. The charity’s main aim is to help residents develop and maintain long term stability and independence. Support is offered to residents to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. A supportive, nurturing space has been created, to enable individuals to develop, thrive and transition into a new and independent lifestyle. Each applicant will be given the opportunity to visit and have an interview with the support staff team to assess their needs of eligibility for the course. Residents are given opportunities to learn basic work ethics in the various practical areas, such as kitchens and domestics, and to have access to a variety of agricultural work experience – for example, animal husbandry and general farm work including milking, horticulture and maintenance. Learning these skills can help to equip individuals for future independence and career development.

Residents are encouraged to stay for a minimum of 12 months. Gilead provide opportunities for days out, arts and crafts, exercise and fitness, volunteering and helps in finding paid work. Accommodation costs are covered by Housing Benefit and support and needs costs can be covered by individual benefits. Accommodation for up to eight women residents, plus support workers, is provided in a family environment in a modern, purpose-designed bungalow called Grace Lodge, which is situated on the farm. The aim is to build a further two bungalows (lodges) to accommodate and support more women in the future.

Laura’s Story ‘I have been battling with addiction to alcohol and prescription medication for over 10 years and have found it very challenging to come to terms with some deep-rooted issues over those years. The love and faithfulness of God never ceases to amaze me and he directed me here in May to a place where all you receive is love and kindness.

‘I am truly grateful to be with these women, it is a very special place. I am working through the Genesis Process with my counsellor which is really digging up those roots and helping me realise some key things, which I believe will lead to the unlocking of the chains that have kept me bound for years. I now have a real passion for gardening and how therapeutic it can be and what a great source of wellbeing it is. I am currently volunteering twice a week at Made-well near Okehampton. I now have a hope for a good future.’

Sharon’s Story ‘I have survived a 27 year addiction. I grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, in a one parent family. I left home at 16 to live on the streets after things became unbearable at home. ‘I started selling drugs, committing crime and got involved with some really wrong people. It wasn’t long before I was taking the drugs I was selling. I woke up one morning addicted. I medicated my hurting rejected heart with heroin.

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CHARITY FOCUS

stability so that I can start building the foundations for a better life. Just recently I have found part time work. I now have so much hope for the future.’

A new life for Ingrid Gilead’s gardener

‘This continued for the next twenty five years. I had never worked, never stayed in the same place for more than a couple of years. I’m learning at Gilead how to walk out into a substance free life while finding out more about myself. Having absolutely no skills and never worked before, I now find myself milking cows, gardening and studying plant biology, collecting chicken eggs, and have discovered I enjoy and have a talent for cooking.

‘In 2013 I decided to change career. I had always loved gardening and the outdoors, so I retrained in horticulture, moving to Devon with my husband and Marley (our black cat) to complete my training at RHS Rosemoor. ‘In July 2020 Gilead took their horticulture and gardening skills training up a level thanks to a grant received from Europe! The Community Grant’s purpose is to fund local projects to

support the unemployed and inactive helping them into employment, education or training and Gilead believed that through a new gardening programme, they would be able to offer this support. This project which I am project managing is funded by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency. ‘Gardening is a green medicine, connecting our minds, body and spirit with nature. I love spending time with the residents, using gardening for health and wellbeing, teaching them new horticulture skills from seed sowing and plant care to harvesting, watching them grow in confidence. I have taken them to RHS Rosemoor, Culverhayes gardens and Made-well for educational outings!’

‘I also have the perfect opportunity to identify and deal with some key issues and root causes of my addiction through the Genesis Process, which is a relapse prevention course.’ ‘Before coming to Gilead I was in and out of hostels, occasionally sleeping rough, addicted to drugs and alcohol. The support I’ve received since I’ve lived at Gilead has helped me regain mental

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EDUCATION

A new chief executive for the Multi Academy Trust Dan Morrow looks forward to taking up the reins From January 2021, Dan Morrow will be arriving as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Dartmoor Multi Academy trust, a family of 17 primary and secondary schools within Devon. Already a highly regarded education leader with a national reputation, Dan is currently the Trust Leader and CEO for Woodland Academy Trust, an educational charity serving several thousand children in the South East of London and employing 350 staff. He is passionate about removing as many challenges as possible for children to believe and achieve, following his own experience of being a free school meal pupil who went on to be the first in his family to go to university, reading History at the University of Oxford. Dan explained why the post at Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust attracted him: ‘I have spent a lot of time in Devon previously and have always been stunned not just by the beauty of the landscape, but also by the strength and bonds of community. I wanted to find a role that I can really invest in and one where we can make a change together - having such a strong community as a basis really is a privilege.’ Dan already has big plans for the schools within the Trust to reach out even further to the communities that they serve. His favoured metaphor for talking about the children in his care involves ‘invisible backpacks’.

Inside those backpacks are all the negative experiences and difficulties children have faced which need to be unpacked - no child leaves their bag at the door when they come into school under Dan’s leadership. Children are at the heart of all that Dan does. He said: ‘I was a bit lost as a child myself; nervous, anxious and often not confident to speak out. I may have grown past that, but we must always remember that every child is gifted and talented - it’s our job as the adults in charge to find what that is for each and every unique learner.’ Dan recognises the most valuable and valued resource under his leadership is his staff. Listening to what staff teams needed has ensured Dan created a framework that would allow children to believe and achieve, while also ensuring staff can grow and develop. This supports a climate and culture based on excellence for all. Additionally, he believes that it can often be that one adult or teacher that can make a difference for a child: ‘Without the belief and support that teachers gave to me throughout my own journey, I wouldn’t be having this conversation with you now.’ Building on the superb support that Dartmoor MAT has given to the community throughout the pandemic, January looks like a truly exciting time for the direction of the schools within the trust and for the future of its children. Under Dan’s leadership, the Trust is confident 2021 will be a much better year for everyone.

The Three Hares is a trio of rural primary schools, consisting of North Tawton, South Tawton and Chagford Church of England Primary School. We work closely together within the larger Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, consisting of a mixture of 17 primary and secondary schools. We are thrilled to be developing ambitious plans for the Three Hares schools, and our new fundraising strategy, launching now at Chagford, and early in 2021 for North and South Tawton will enable parents, local businesses and friends in the community, to join us on our journey and support the enrichment opportunities for local children.

These are exciting times within the Three Hares. If you would like to know more, please visit our new websites or contact the school to speak with Executive Headteacher, Elizabeth Underwood or the Head of School.

Miss Tara Penny www.chagford-primaryschool.org

Miss Sunita Chauhan www.ntcps.co.uk

Mrs Sarah Marvin www.southtawton.co.uk

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EDUCATION

Primary schools activity unlocked by OCRA Covid 19 has put a stop to many activities and the primary schools sports programme is no exception. The potential of these children being inactive for six months was something Okehampton Community and Recreation Association (OCRA) wanted to rectify quickly, so it invited 26 schools to take part in the West Devon Quad Kids Athletics Championships, to make up for lost time and to get the children active again. As children operating in bubbles curtailed a large festival of activity in a central location, OCRA took the initiative and worked with the schools directly within their own COVID restrictions and on their own grounds. This allowed 1,257 children from years 3-6 to take part in their school heats, running 50/75m sprint, throwing the vortex, jumping from a standing start and running 400/600m. The top eight athletes across the disciplines were then entered into the virtual West Devon Quad Kids Championships at both years 3/4 and 5/6 age groups. The competition was divided into large schools and small schools finals, with medals awarded to the top three teams in each category and the top three individual boys and girls too.

Foundation Year 1 and Year 2 children have also been unlocking their potential with multi-skills coaching delivered by OCRA across West Devon. Over 800 children have been dancing, playing, moving and pushing themselves during the sessions with a focus on development and fun! Keeping the momentum going, OCRA also facilitated a November Cross Country competition, for year 3/4 and 5/6 age groups. With up to 1,000 participants completing the mile and 1.5 mile distances, timed by OCRA coaches in their own schools, again, the top eight athletes were entered into a virtual championship. Ian Blythe, OCRA manager, said: ‘The performances of the children were phenomenal - the infectious enthusiasm we encountered was immense and really did show the impact physical activity can have.’ With further events planned for the New Year and assistance with the School Games Virtual initiatives, West Devon’s primary schools continue to be very active and competitive despite their restrictions - OCRA is working hard to keep them that way!

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Bowel cancer awareness Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK. Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60. Symptoms Symptoms of bowel cancer can be subtle and don’t necessarily make you feel ill. They can include: •

bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your poo

•

a change in your bowel habit, such as looser poo, pooing more often or constipation

•

a lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or tummy (abdomen)

•

a feeling of needing to strain in your back passage (as if you need to poo), even after opening your bowels

•

losing weight

•

pain in your abdomen or back passage

•

tiredness and breathlessness caused by a lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia)

You should see your GP if you have one or more of the symptoms, and they last more than four weeks. Your GP will ask about your symptoms and if you have a family history of bowel cancer. They’ll usually carry out a simple examination

of your bottom, known as a digital rectal examination (DRE), and examine your tummy (abdomen) to check for any lumps. It can be slightly embarrassing and uncomfortable but these tests normally take less than a minute. Your GP may also check for iron deficiency anaemia.

with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or biological treatments. If it’s detected early enough, treatment can cure bowel cancer and stop it coming back. Unfortunately, this is not always possible and there’s sometimes a risk that the cancer could come back at a later stage.

If your symptoms suggest you may have bowel cancer or the diagnosis is uncertain, you’ll be referred for an examination called a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an examination of your back passage and some of your large bowel using a device called a sigmoidoscope which is a long thin flexible tube that has a very small camera attached. The camera relays images to a monitor and can also take biopsies, where a small tissue sample is removed for further analysis. It can feel uncomfortable, but it only takes a few minutes and most people can go home straight after the examination.

A cure is highly unlikely in more advanced cases that cannot be removed completely by surgery. But symptoms can be controlled and the spread of the cancer can be slowed with treatment.

A colonoscopy is an examination of your large bowel using a colonoscope, similar to a sigmoidoscope but a bit longer. This is not usually painful, but can feel uncomfortable. A colonoscopy usually takes about an hour to complete. Treatment Surgery is usually the main treatment for bowel cancer, and may be combined

Screening kits All men and women aged 60 to 74 registered with a GP in England are automatically sent a bowel cancer screening kit every two years. Make sure your GP has your correct address so your kit is posted to the right place. If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free helpline on 0800 707 60 60. NHS screening kits are not available for people under 60. If you are concerned regarding any of the symptoms above, please speak to your GP. Dr Emma Chapman Okehampton Medical Centre

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Loneliness and social isolation After the festive family gatherings, January is traditionally the time when loneliness escalates, especially among the elderly. Claire Northmore, founder of the Friendly Faces home companionship agency, gives some practical preventive advice.

newsagents increases your chance of connecting with other people, even if it’s just exchanging a brief ‘Good morning’ with a distant neighbour.

It’s estimated there are nine million lonely people in the UK and research has shown the severe impact loneliness has on mental and physical health – as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day according to one study! I always tell my staff never to underestimate the value of a chat over a cuppa. We all share a deep human need to connect with others – both to talk and be listened to. Here are my tips on how to stay sociable – in or out of lockdown.

If coffee mornings and lunch clubs are still off limits, why not arrange a Zoom or Skype coffee with a friend, or even just a chat on the phone. Draw up a list of friends you don’t want to lose touch with and commit to calling one or two a week. It can be daunting to ‘reconnect’ if you haven’t spoken for a while, but the chances are your call will be welcomed.

1) Stick to a routine If you’re lonely just the thought of getting out of bed can be hard. You start getting up later; you start going to bed later; before you know it you’ve got into a nocturnal pattern that is in itself isolating. So try to stick to a fixed morning routine. Get up and have breakfast at a set time. Do your usual domestic chores. Then reward yourself by, say, sitting down with a magazine.

2) Get outdoors If you still have your mobility, do use it to get out and about. Walking round the block to post a letter or nipping to the

3) Do something new It’s hard to motivate yourself when you’re feeling lonely and the risk of cognitive decline increases. Pre-empt this by challenging your brain with a new activity. It could be a long-term project such as researching your family tree or something more immediate like cooking a new healthy meal from scratch each week.

4) Harness technology

5) Official sources of help Today social isolation is officially recognised as a serious issue. If you’re worried about someone you can contact your local authority’s Care Direct service.

Our unique home enabling service is flexible and dementia-friendly. Home-cooked meals, country walks, household admin – and much more… We provide a personalised package of support, helping you or a loved one continue to live safely, independently and happily at home.

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The NHS Responders Service (nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk) enables those in self-isolation to enjoy a chat on the phone with a friendly volunteer - it’s running until March 2021 at least. The Campaign to End Loneliness charity has a fact-packed website at www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/ feeling-lonely.

GARDENING

Never a dull moment in the garden! Using plants for winter interest Many of us dread the onset of winter as these days, we never quite know what is going to get thrown at us! However winter remains one of my favourite gardening seasons, a time to gather your thoughts and look back at the busy seasons past and have a good tidy up in preparation for the spring to burst the garden back into life. Many people think there is not much to see in a garden over winter; here at Rosemoor we like to feel the garden has something to offer at any time of year. When the leaves have fallen from the trees and shrubs in autumn and all the herbaceous borders have been cut back, the ‘structure’ of the garden is revealed, visible for all too appreciate. This is quite often overlooked and can be considered to be the backbone, holding the garden together, enhancing the drama and display plants and manmade features are used at Rosemoor to portray this. Within the Formal Garden, various different plants are used as hedges and are used to great effect to create the ‘formal’ ambiance to the garden. Trimmed to perfection, these also help to create ‘garden rooms’ giving definition to areas, providing a sense of discovery as people turn the many different corners and allowing us to highlight different plant groups with a soft transition between themes. Using a mix of plants helps to create contrast especially during the winter months. Evergreen Taxus baccata, the English yew, has for centuries been used as a manicured finely clipped hedge within the English landscape, its rich dark green foliage brings colour to the winter landscape. Along our herbaceous borders, which are all

cut back and put to bed over winter, we have planted yew sentinels - these follow the long path, mirroring each other and giving stature to the plantings. Another useful hedging plant is Fagus sylvatica, the European beech. This can be used well in a formal setting - although not evergreen, the crispy brown leaves remain on the clipped hedge until the onset of spring, they provide another texture in the landscape and make a fantastic rustling noise in a light wind. Conifers help to create atmosphere, adding texture, colour and structure to the plantings. Many people can easily shy away from planting these, as they are something you need to choose carefully for your garden as many become quite large, but as with most plants, you will be able to find something suitable for your available space. People always want to know what to grow for winter interest; with this in mind we have an area in the Formal Garden displaying lots of plants that are also suitable in our Winter Garden. Although this area looks great throughout the whole year, the plants’ main attributes come alive during the winter months. Again, it’s keeping a balance between evergreens for structure, shrubs with early flowers, trees for bark, coloured stems and a ground cover of flowering heathers. We have planted a group of Acer griseum AGM, the peeling bark, aptly named paper bark maple, my absolute favourite tree for bark effect. It’s a

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GARDENING

deciduous tree that produces stunning crimson autumn colour growing to a relatively small tree of around ten metres in height at maturity. Flowering shrubs can not only produce colour but scent on a dull winter’s day. None does it better than Sarcococca or sweet box as it’s commonly known, is an evergreen shrub. Its surprising feature are the hidden white flowers it produces, insignificant, but the scent is very sweet and powerful, good to plant near a path or window. Colourful stems are a must for a garden, creating stunning vibrant colours in the low winter sun, Cornus, the dogwoods, are well known for this feature and although new varieties are being bred, the two best in my mind have been around for some time.

Cornus abla ‘Sibirica’ AGM has stunning cerise stems and Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’ AGM vibrant green stems. A tip to keep the colours bright is to prune each year towards the end of March to ground level.

Seasonal tasks

Even though we are in the mist of winter, you can enjoy your garden through the window. Do look and see if you can add some extra interest - now is the right time to buy in and plant exciting things to brighten up and revitalise that dull corner!

•

Prune apple and pear trees

•

Dig over your vegetable plots

•

Prune wisteria

•

Cutback deciduous grasses and rake through evergreen ones, removing dead foliage Jonathan Webster RHS Rosemoor

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WHAT’S ON

Re-wilding the moor? Farmer Stuart Luxton ponders the move . . . Happy New Year to you all. It’s odd writing this at the end of November when you won’t get to read it until January! I would like to thank all our staff, both farm and shop, for all the hard work they have put in through 2020. Covid has made this difficult for everyone but they have all been amazing. While walking the dogs this afternoon it was very noticeable there was still plenty of grass in the fields. The cattle were housed in early November and usually after this point there’s very little left for the sheep. What’s left needs careful management, but this year the sheep have had a fantastic autumn, I can’t remember them ever looking so good, let’s just hope this lovely weather continues.

We have also had a fantastic spell of bull sales. One week in November my phone was red hot, the result was four more sales in eight days, taking the years total to nearly 30. I wonder nationwide how many farmers manage to sell this number of bulls annually. I’d guess not many. The picture shows some of the growing bulls which will be ready for sale in the spring. The youngest group were only born in March and won’t be ready for sale until autumn 2021 at the earliest. I think they are the best crop we have ever produced. Our two young bulls Sportsman and Black Bill have done a fantastic job and the AI bulls have really added a touch of class. There are two that I intend to keep and use as herd sires in the future. I am 51 now - my dad purchased our first moorland sheep the week I was born; we have grazed the moor since then. For approximately 30 years, as a result of the European Agricultural Policy, farmers were encouraged to

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graze Dartmoor. Nearly 20 years ago the powers that be decided the national park was overgrazed and that stock numbers should be reduced. Since then there’s been a kind of synergy between farmers and the environment, policed by Natural England. Now there appears to be a policy of ‘re-wilding’ the moor. Some areas have had to have sheep compulsorily removed for winter - we wonder how much longer farm animals will be able to graze the open commons? The biggest problem is once the animals that are used to the environment and the farmers with the skills of managing them are gone, they will never come back. Dartmoor without animals will be a very different place. Once again our lives are affected by decisions made by politicians.

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FINANCE

Turbo charge your investments with Reinvested Dividends As a general rule we don’t use sales aids. Giving financial advice is about talking through personal situations and coming up with solutions. Sales aids are about selling things. But there is one visual aid we have been using for about 20 years. It’s produced by Scottish Widows and it’s a graph showing the financial history of the UK. It compares the returns achieved from UK Savings, Government Bonds and Shares, all tracked against the Retail Price Index (RPI). It has obviously been updated over the years taking into account various market events, like the Tech Bubble and the credit crunch, but even with those updates, the story is compelling – over the long term shares have outperformed all other asset classes.Sadly, Scottish Widows have stopped producing this graph, so we commissioned our own version, which arrived last week. It looks

great and we are already using it to help explain not only the sort of returns that can be expected from shares over the long term, but the volatility that goes with it. The problem is, when we started using our graph, we spotted something was missing – the returns from shares including reinvested dividends. That is important, because reinvesting your dividends is a great way to turbo charge your returns. If you had simply put money in a UK Savings account in 1992, you would have enjoyed a total return of about 37.5% by now. That compares with the UK RPI which has risen by about 107%. In other words, in real terms you would have lost money. On the other hand, the FTSE World Index, which is a broad spread of shares worldwide, returned about 380%. That

is an impressive return from shares but it’s not the full picture - it assumes dividends are withdrawn each year rather than left to grow. If we include reinvested dividends, that return would jump to about 790%. We should always remember shares can fall in value as well, but if you are investing in shares, by reinvesting your dividends you can achieve growth on growth – or compound growth – which is a bit like the exponential COVID growth rate we keep hearing about, but a lot more positive! So if you are investing for the long term, and you don’t need the dividend income, reinvest it. It will turbo charge your investment and help achieve long term goals. And I will contact our printers to revise our new graphs. Craig Davidson Davidsons IFA

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WHAT’S ON

January 29-31

Big Garden Birdwatch Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK will celebrate their love of nature and unite to watch and count the nation’s garden birds over the last weekend in January for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, and the RSPB are counting on Devon residents to join in too.

Starling held down the second spot once more, with the blue tit completing the top three.

This year’s event takes place on January 29th, 30th and 31st, 2021. Devon residents are asked to spend just one hour watching and recording the birds in their garden, balcony or local park, then send their results to the RSPB. Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s chief executive, said: ‘We know for many people, garden birds provide an important connection to the wider world and bring enormous joy. Lockdown brought few benefits, but the last year has either started or reignited a love of nature for many people. ‘By taking part in the Birdwatch, you are helping to build an annual snapshot of how our birdlife is doing across the UK. We know that nature is in crisis but together, we can take action to solve the problems facing nature.’ The house sparrow remained at the top of the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings as the most commonly seen garden bird with nearly 1.3 million sighted in 2020.

While house sparrows and starlings may be the UK’s most commonly sighted birds, a closer look at Big Garden Birdwatch data shows that numbers have in fact dropped dramatically since the Birdwatch began in 1979. House sparrows are down 53% while starlings are down 80%. It’s a pattern echoed by two more garden favourites, with blackbirds and robins down 46% and 32% respectively. To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2021, watch the birds in your garden or local park for one hour at some point over the three days. Only count the birds that land, not those flying over. Record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour. The RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch takes place between January 6th – February 21st, 2021. This year, it celebrates its 20th anniversary of connecting children with nature in their school grounds. Further information can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch For your FREE Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your birdwatch, RSPB shop voucher, plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 70030 or visit rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

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WHAT’S ON

February 5, 12 & 20

Open Garden There’s an opportunity to see the wonderful display of snowdrops at Higher Cherubeer near Dolton this February, Covid restrictions and weather permitting. Devon galanthophile Jo Hynes has more than 400 snowdrop varieties in her one and three quarter acre garden and has also bred some new snowdrops including Daisy Hynes, named after her daughter, and Spottie Lottie, named after her dog. The woodland paths are lined with named snowdrops, hellebores and winter flowering shrubs. As well as many other spring flowering plants, Jo has a National Collection of cyclamen species. In poor weather the alpine house provides refuge and is used to display plants in season. There is also a kitchen garden, orchard, large greenhouse, gravelled courtyard and paths, raised bed, lawns, and herbaceous borders. There will be refreshments and plants on sale including snowdrops. Higher Cherubeer, two miles east of Dolton at EX19 8PP, is scheduled to open on Friday, February 5th, Friday, February 12th and Saturday, February 20th from 2pm to 5pm. Admission is £5 and children are free. Pre-booking will almost certainly be necessary,

please check the website for the latest information prior to visiting: www.ngs. org.uk. Higher Cherubeer is opening for the National Garden Scheme (NGS) which raises money to support Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Hospices UK, Carers Trust and other nursing and caring charities.

that visiting the gardens will be by prebooking only. ‘The booklet will at least let potential visitors know when gardens are likely to be open but it is essential before visiting to check on the website www.ngs.org.uk for up-to-date information on openings and current restrictions.’

Miranda Allhusen, NGS Devon County Organiser, said Devon raised more than £30,000 last year, despite the Covid pandemic, which the NGS was delighted about. ‘We are very pleased that many garden owners were able to open their gardens and that so many people were able to visit and were so generous with their support of the National Garden Scheme. Although this is a long way short of our usual total, at least we will be able to give some help to the wonderful nursing and health charities we support who so desperately need all the help we can give them in the current times. ‘The yellow booklet, “Devon Gardens Open for Charity 2021” is going ahead as normal for this year with the dates the gardens are all hoping to open if restrictions are lifted. At the current time, and probably almost certainly for the Snowdrop openings, we foresee

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WHAT’S ON

February 7

Snowdrop Sunday Yes, it’s that time again! Time to don the winter woollies and join the Children’s Hospice South West Belstone and Area Friends’ Group for its popular annual Snowdrop Sunday at Andrew’s Corner in Skaigh Lane, Belstone. Have you heard of galanthomania? Galanthomaniacs are people who are addicted to collecting snowdrops, sometimes paying hundreds of pounds just to get the latest unusual snowdrop. In 2015 someone bought Galanthus plicatus ‘Golden Fleece’ on eBay for

£1,390. It is very pretty...but at that price? Andrew’s Corner owner Robin Hill said: ‘We don’t think we have such an unusual snowdrop at Andrew’s Corner but who knows? Why not come and see if you can spot one among the 100 or so other varieties in the garden – some of which will be for sale. ‘As usual, there will be CHSW promotional goods for sale, as well as hot soup and bread, cheese scones, hot drinks and cakes - subject to Covid

restrictions in place at the time. So, we look forward to welcoming you when you help us, once again, to raise funds for this very worthy cause. Andrew’s Corner from 11am until 4.pm. Entrance £5, children free. Parking in nearby field. For further information or directions please contact Edwina and Robin Hill on 01837 840332, email edwinarobinhill@ outlook.com or visit andrewscorner. garden

January 15

Adoption information With the current COVID situation ongoing, the adoption agency Families for Children is now running information sessions online via Zoom. If you are considering adoption but are not sure where to start, why not try an online information session to give you the opportunity to find out more. You will hear from adopters and can talk to Families for Children’s experienced adoption team about how you can adopt, the qualities needed to be a great adopter and of course about the children waiting. To book today visit www.familiesforchildren.org.uk/ book-online-information-event/ The sessions are being held on Friday, January 15th between 2pm and 4pm; Tuesday, February 9th between 6pm and 8pm and Saturday, March 13th between 9am and11am.

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WHAT’S ON

January 23 & February 27

January 27

Family Workshops for Changing Times

Holocaust Memorial Day

Harvest Workers Co-op have been running a monthly program of Family Workshops for over two years now. They are always a mix of seasonal creativity and cooking along with outside play and fireside stories.

The staff at Okehampton Library are planning a memorial flame handprint collage to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27th.

The last few months have been interesting to say the least, balancing family education with the need to be safely socially distanced. The workshops have been adapted with some taking place online, some in smaller groups over the day and the last one was a walkshop! This was an autumn walk along a trail up through the park with observations and activities along the way.

Make a print of your hand, cut round it and deliver it to the library. It will need to arrive by Friday, January 22nd, to form part of the flame. The finished artwork will be shared online and will represent participants’ commitment to ‘be the light in the darkness’, which is the theme for 2021.

Families finished with the discovery of a fire, a bag of roasted chestnuts to take away and a story!

More information about Holocaust Memorial Day can be found at www.hmd.org.uk

The Harvest Workers Co-op team will continue to innovate into the New Year and welcomes you to join them. For the most up to date information regarding the workshops in January and February, go to www.harvestworkerscoop.org.uk or call 01837 318050.

Winter Wonders

Enjoy surprising scents, tantalising textures and amazing colour during a wonderful winter walk. Book online at rhs.org.uk/rosemoor

Your visit supports our work as a charity RHS Reg Charity No. 222879 / SC038262

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MUSIC AND ART

Dartmoor’s Disappearing Phone Boxes An exhibition of photographs entitled Dartmoor’s Disappearing Phone Boxes can be seen at libraries in Chagford and Moretonhampstead during January and February. Dartmoor photographer Helen Northcott has spent two years researching and documenting the iconic red telephone boxes within the boundary of the national park. The resulting exhibition showcases the remaining 70 red telephone boxes. Of those remaining, just 43 telephone boxes are still operational with working telephones, some of these are under threat of removal due to lack of use and may even have already been lost since the start of the project. While

some of the redundant telephone boxes stand empty awaiting adoption or removal, many have already been adopted by local communities and repurposed, so their future is secured. In Princetown one of two telephone boxes on the main road through the village has been adopted by the parish council and re-used as a memorial to commemorate the service personnel who fought during the two world wars. Other boxes like the ones at Hexworthy and Belstone have been pressed into service to house their community defribrillators. Across the moor

redundant telephone boxes are also being used as informal libraries, village notice boards and even as a cake stall. The exhibition can be seen at Chagford Library during January and Moretonhampstead Library in February. More information about the exhibition, dates and opening times can be found at www.dartmoorphotographer.co.uk

Music for Dartmoor When Two Rivers Meet is the new album from Devon-based folk duo, Rhillig. Featuring original and traditional tunes and songs inspired by Dartmoor and beyond, the music is played and sung by Phil and Mahrey Berthoud on fiddles, vocals, guitars, mandolin and bodhran. The album features a variety of material, from a ballad based on the moving story of the Buckland clock, to a foot-tapping trip up Haytor; from the

haunting beauty of Sweet Rosalie to the disconcerting Hairy Hands of Postbridge! There’s also the lovely A Ship Came Sailing, collected by Baring-Gould in Hexworthy and a flowing evocation of the East and West River Darts meeting at Dartmeet. Other tracks include the rowdy Rough Music Tonight (a traditional form of punishment!), a hanging and the drowning of a village!

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MUSIC AND ART

January 30

March 12 & 13; 19 & 20

The Hardings

MED Theatre’s annual touring community play

Due to take place in November but postponed due to lockdown, ‘The Hardings’ will now be performed by MED Theatre’s Wild Nights Young Company on January 30th. This original young people’s play explores the changes brought to rural Devon by war through the lives of one family, including developments in views on gender roles, attitudes to outsiders coming in and how the war altered relationships, for better or for worse. The Hardings can be seen at 2.30pm and 7.30pm in Moretonhampstead Parish Hall on January 30th.

Image by Jenny Steer

In March, MED Theatre’s ‘Dartmoor, Devon and World War Two’ Heritage Lottery-funded project will draw to an end with the annual community play, as they delve into the impact that wider global issues can have on rurally isolated communities. War brings many challenges, even for the residents of Dartmoor, but how they face those challenges and behave as a community is put on trial in this original play that pulls from true stories of Devon during WW2. Dartmoor, Devon and World War Two can be seen on March 12th and 13th at Manaton Village Hall, on tour on March 17th and 18th (venues tbc) and at Moretonhampstead Parish Hall on March 19th and 20th.

Walks with Winnie Having written the ‘Walks with Winnie’ for Oke Links for four years, Denise Horner realised many people were following her’s and Winnie’s adventures - and as the groups she regularly takes out walking on the moors liked to find new routes, putting a selection of walks into a book seemed the next obvious step. Included in the new Walks with Winnie book are 12 stunning walks which vary in difficulty, terrain and views and are great for you and your dog to enjoy. If you had the time, you could actually link all 12 together!

The walks are very descriptive; there are interesting facts, beautifully illustrated maps (not to scale or to be used for navigation purposes; for guidance only) and photos taken along the route. Denise said: ‘In putting together this book, many sources of information were used from the original walks publicised in the Walks with

Winnie section of the Oke Links magazine. Thank you to Jane Honey, editor of Oke Links, for getting me to finally put pen to paper since 2016. ‘And thanks also to the readers of the Oke Links, many of whom have told me, the Walks with Winnie is the first section they turn to, those who have told me they have followed the walks, and to those walkers who we have met who have recognised Winnie!’ The book will be available from www. walkswithwinnie.co.uk and local book shops in the New Year.

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FOOD & DRINK

Quality wine - or not? Dave Anning has some clues about what’s in your wine rack Because you’re lovely people you’ll have given wine away over Christmas, and received some in return - so there will be newbies in your wine rack. But are they any good? When should you drink them? Where are they from? It might feel impolite to check prices, but price is a pretty good start. You see, wine is a product with a direct link between quality and price - within reason!

alone means nothing. Age-worthy wines require skill and the right ingredients they are rare and expensive! The world’s quality-classification systems are too complex for this article, so here are some clues! Ordinary wines usually come in massproduced bottles as every penny counts, so thicker/heavier glass often indicates quality. And consider the label’s quality and printing - is it bare essentials or does it ooze quality?

Wine changes as it ages and usually becomes more complex. Bordeaux may develop flavours of leather, tobacco and earth. If you’re not expecting this you could be unpleasantly surprised! Only ‘lay down’ wine you know will age, and know what to expect. Place names can confuse. It’s all to do with ‘terroir’ - the growing conditions. Generally a wine labelled by country eg ‘Wine of Australia’, will be basic. A regional name e.g. Chianti, is a step up and an individual village name is likely to be high quality. In Burgundy, producers may put their name next to the village name. The more specific, the less wine produced and the greater the price!. For Johnny English fans, a bottle of Romanee-Conti costs thousands (over £400,000 for a 1945 bottle!). Perhaps you should just check those new bottles once more . . .

If a wine is made from one grape variety, bottled and sold immediately it’ll probably be cheap. If it’s a blend of several grapes and gets aged in oak barrels for years before sale, it will cost more. But is it better? Well, if it wasn’t, people would just buy the cheap stuff! Dearer wines survive because generally they’re better! Many German wines grow on steep slopes, so have to be hand-picked. Labour is expensive and the climate is ‘marginal’, meaning grapes might not ripen. But when they do the effort is justified!

Look for initials indicating quality standards - AOC, DOCG etc. Terms like ‘Reserve’ may indicate wines that are aged to improve quality, though impressive-sounding terms aren’t always valid. ‘Grand Vin’ on a bottle of Bordeaux means … absolutely nothing! It may mean it’s a Chateau’s top wine, but it’s not a legally recognised term.

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Ageing wine is often misunderstood. Most should be drunk within a year or two, but there are both reds and whites that will age for a century. The grape

Dave Anning

FOOD & DRINK

A delicious British classic!

Game faggot, pickled mushrooms, mulled spiced pear purée Serves 4 Ingredients For the faggots 100g pork mince

50g venison mince 60g pigeon breast diced ½ clove garlic 50 ml brandy Salt, pepper 1 pinch mace Caul fat for wrapping (ask your local butcher) 500 ml chicken stock Pickled mushrooms 250 mixed wild mushrooms 75ml white wine vinegar 75ml boiling water 2 shallots finely chopped

Mulled spiced pear purée 2 pears

1 small pinch cinnamon 1-star anise 750 ml mulled wine

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Roll the mixture into 8 balls weighing around 60-70g and then wrap each ball tightly with caul fat. Set aside in the fridge until ready to steam.

3. For the spiced pear purée, peel, core and dice the pear into small chunks and then add the star anise and cinnamon. Cover with mulled wine and reduce until the liquid has all gone, remove the star anise and blitz until smooth.

20g diced pancetta

In keeping with tradition, Steve has focused on locally sourced, wild, and seasonal ingredients. We love his take on this old-fashioned British classic, the game faggot. We hope this absolutely delicious recipe will help inspire a revival of the classic dish.

1. To make the faggots, mix all the ingredients, except the chicken stock, in a bowl until thoroughly combined.

2. For the pickled mushroom make sure the mushrooms are clean, then slice in half, finely chop the shallots, cover with the vinegar and boiling water and leave for an hour. Stir occasionally.

50g pheasant diced small

After months of refurbishment ‘The Arundell’ is so excited to have its hotel and restaurant open again. The great news is that Executive Head Chef Steve Pidgeon is back and heading up the kitchen and food, offering his passion for the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients together with a mouthwatering new menu.

Method

4. Steam the faggots for 8-10 minutes until slightly firm. Once firm, place them in a frying pan cover with the chicken stock and reduce until the stock is a sticky consistency. 5. While the stock is reducing, remove the mushrooms from the pickling liqueur onto a tray, ready to plate. 6. To serve, place a spoonful of the pear purée on the base of each plate and spread out with the back of your spoon, place a faggot on the centre of each plate and coat with some of the chicken stock from the pan, then arrange the pickled mushrooms around and on the faggot.

Lifton • Devon • PL16 0AA

HISTORY

Lady Shelley Friend of Wellington and visitor to Wistman’s Wood For well over 200 years, visitors to Dartmoor have been fascinated by Wistman’s Wood, crouching by the West Dart, north of Two Bridges.

Lady Shelley’s trip to Dartmoor is recorded in her fascinating ‘Diary’, a collection of her extensive private notes and letters that was published by her

In his ‘Survey of the County of Devon’, the 17th century traveller Tristram Risdon claimed the wood was one of the three ‘remarkable’ things in the Forest of Dartmoor. In contrast, the Reverend John Swete, writing at the end of the 18th century, applied the term ‘grotesque’ to its weirdly-twisted dwarf oaks and tumbled, moss-clad boulders. In the 19th century, the sense of mystery and enchantment associated with Wistman’s Wood was heightened by the writing of the celebrated Mrs Bray and her husband, the Reverend Edward Bray, rector of Tavistock. Writing to the poet Robert Southey in 1832, Anna Bray set out a wonderfully florid case that the wood is undeniably a relic of the Druids that she and her husband so firmly believed had inhabited the moor in antiquity. In 1852, another remarkable woman paid a brief visit to the wood. She was Frances, Lady Shelley, then aged 66.

grandson, Richard Edgcumbe in 1912 - long after she had died in 1873. Born in Preston, Lancashire in 1787, she was orphaned by her teens and came under the wing of wealthy family friends, who ensured she received a thorough education. They also introduced her to the top levels of London society and at 19, she married the well-connected,

amiable and wealthy but somewhat roguish Sir John Shelley, 17 years her senior. After bearing no less than six children in rapid succession, she embarked on a scintillating life of celebrity, politics and travel. It is impossible to do justice to Lady Shelley’s vivid life story in this short article but I hope it will whet your appetite to read more. From the rich detail of her diary, it is clear that Lady Shelley was energetic, determined, curious, adventurous, and had many interests, including history, politics, science and geography. She was also attractive, vivacious, sociable and an ardent observer of people. She got to know a remarkable array of famous people, including the Duke and Duchess of York, Tsar Alexander, the Austrian statesman Metternich, the wily French political schemer and survivor Talleyrand, Lord and Lady Castlereagh, Lord Brougham, Lord Byron, Walter Scott and Lord Palmerston. She climbed Vesuvius and travelled through the Alps on a mule. However, the most significant among Lady Shelley’s illustrious friends was the Duke of Wellington, who she first met in London in 1814. She became

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HISTORY

not only a devoted admirer, but also a close confidante until his death in 1852. The balance of opinion is that their relationship was platonic, but nevertheless intimate. During the exciting period in Paris following the victory at Waterloo in 1815, she accompanied Wellington to the theatre and grand balls. A very accomplished horsewoman, Lady Shelley rode alongside the ‘Iron Duke’ at grand military parades, and even rode his famous horse ‘Copenhagen’. But how does West Devon fit into Lady Shelley’s story? Not long after Sir John Shelley died in March 1852, she paid the first of several visits to her son Frederick, who was by then the rector of Bere Ferrers parish. Her diary includes several fascinating short observations during her visit to Bere Ferrers, even though it was far removed from her earlier life in London, Paris, Vienna and Italy. On August 12th, 1852, she describes: ‘… a tremendous earthquake shock at Beer Ferrers at 7.30 this morning. All the crockery ware on the shelves rattled for some seconds. We heard a great noise, like the blowing up of a powder magazine, which we thought must have occurred at Plymouth. The house rocked to its foundations. I happened to be writing at the time, and

the pen was dashed out of my hand. At Beer Alston…the shock was greater. Tiles were thrown from the roof and people rushed into the street’. Ever the determined explorer, Lady Shelley included a trip to Dartmoor. Thus we arrive near Wistman’s Wood – at last! Lady Shelley’s visit there is best described in her own words: ‘Druidical history has always interested me. So I mounted a forest pony, which I procured at Two Bridges. I believe myself to have been the first person who ever attempted to reach the Wistman’s Wood on horseback. It was a fine day when I started, and there was no wind. But three weeks’ rain had made the ground very boggy and the mosscovered stones exceedingly slippery. My clever pony picked his way over great blocks of granite, and I found it harder to keep my seat than if I had been taking a Lancashire double post and rail. ‘At last, having with difficulty reached the wood, I dismounted, and broke off a small branch from one of those curious, stunted oaks that are not more than twelve feet high. These trees, which are grafted into each other, are covered with moss, like long hair, all over their trunks. Their foliage is luxuriant, and their leaves have a flat surface like those by

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the sea-shore. ‘We visited the Croken Tor, the headquarters of Druid superstition, which rises abruptly from the Wistman’s Wood. Having tied up my pony, I began to ascend the Tor on foot, an ascent which I found far steeper than before, and the tract more closely strewn with granite boulders. The hill was very soppy, and I regretted that I had not worn a Bloomer costume! However, I breasted it, undaunted by the thunder which growled overhead, and the large raindrops which descended upon me. When, at last, I reached the Tor, and stood on a spot sacred to justice and to human sacrifice in Druid days, I experienced a sense of exaltation mingled with awe.’ The reference to a ‘Bloomer costume’ was very topical, for such garments had recently become fashionable among younger women – although Lady Shelley was 66 at the time! Clive Charlton

WINNIE’S WALK

Walks with Winnie This walk has been kindly written (and walked) for us by Denise Horner of Dartmoor Nordic Walking with her dog, Winnie.

A circular walk from Buttern Farm, Throwleigh, taking in a 13th Century Chapel, castle ruins at Gidleigh and the ‘Bloody Meadows’. A variety of tracks, road, copse and meadows. This walk can be muddy at times. Park at the open ground near Buttern Farm, Throwleigh. Turn right onto the road, proceed over the cattlegrid, turning left at the junction heading toward Forder and Wonson. Take the first right down the narrow lane and enter the first muddy gateway on the right signed ‘Public footpath to Gidleigh’, this is now part of the Mariners way; an ancient route used by sailors to travel between the ports of Bideford and North Devon, taking in Widecombe, Lettaford, Gidleigh, Throwleigh, South Zeal and Sticklepath.

and takes you over a clapper bridge to a small gate in the stone wall. Stop here and look for the sign pointing left to the chapel ruins. Access at this point is only to the 13th Century Chapel of La Wallen, over the stream. It is worth a look for sure, but you will need to come back to this gate. Through the gate, stay close to the hedge on your right to the second gate. Head through the next field and gate, which will bring you out in to a field. There may be cattle here. The path tracks diagonally across the middle of the field - you will see a bench on your right to sit and enjoy the views.

Head through the five bar gate following the signs to ‘Village Hall and Church’. You will reach Holy Trinity Church, Gidleigh but before the church on the Fitness in the Outdoors This section of copse can be very muddy right, you will see an archway and gate. Introductory and Regular Walks Fitness Sessions Fitness inthe the Outdoors One-to-One Fitness Outdoors Fitness in in the Outdoors Introductory andfor Regular Fitness in the Outdoors Private Sessions twoWalks or more Fitness in Outdoors Introductory and Regular Walks Fitness Sessions Introductory and Regular Walks Fitness in the the Outdoors Introductory and Regular Walks Introductory and Regular Walks IntroductoryFitness and Regular Walks in the Outdoors Walking Holidays One-to-One Fitness Sessions Introductory and Regular Walks Fitness Sessions • Fitness Sessions Fitness Sessions Fitness Sessions Introductory and RegularSessions WalksOne-to-One Private for two or more Walking Fitness Sessions Denise HornerNordic One-to-One One-to-One One-to-One Sessions Walking Holidays Private Sessions for two or more One-to-One One-to-One Fitness British Nordic Walking & NWUK Instructor Private Sessions for two or more Private Sessions for two or more Nordic Horner One-to-One Private Sessions for two or more Sessions for two or more Nordic Walking Walking Denise Private Walking Holidays Private Sessions for two or more Walking HolidaysHolidays Walking British Nordic Walking & NWUK Instructor Walking Holidays Private Sessions for two or more Nordic Walking Fully Insured / ITC Outdoor First Aid Denise Horner Walking Holidays DeniseHorner Horner Denise Fully Insured / ITC Outdoor First Aid Walking Holidays Walking Holidays

Dartmoor Nordic Walking Dartmoor Dartmoor Dartmoor Dartmoor Dartmoor Dartmoor Nordic Walking Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking

If you look through here you will see the remains of Gidleigh Castle; possibly 13th Century and the smallest castle on Dartmoor! Continue along the road looking out for the public by way beside a house on your left. Head along the track where you will reach Gidleigh Mill with the track coming out on to the lane. To see an historic site, turn right here, walking until you reach the Woodland Trust’s Blackaton Copse. Head into the copse where the Blackaton Brook will be on your right - on the opposite side of the river, on private land, is said to be the ‘Bloody Meadow’.On February 8th, 1643 during the English Civil war, a battle took place here between local Parliamentarians and Royalists. Many men and horses died. It is said each February 8th, ghostly sounds of men and horses can be heard! Head back out of the copse, turning left and back towards the track by Gidleigh Mill. Continue on the road taking the first footpath on your right signed to ‘Providence Place’ through Coombe Farm. This path is now part of the Dartmoor Way (108 mile walking route around Dartmoor) and Mary Michael Pilgrim’s Way (a walking pilgrimage route from Cornwall to Norfolk).

British Nordic Walking & NWUK Instructor British Nordic Walking & NWUK Instructor Denise Horner Denise Horner Fully Insured / ITC Outdoor First Aid 630 677 07944 630 677 07944 Denise Horner Fully / ITC Outdoor First Aid& NWUK British Nordic Walking Instructor FullyInsured Insured / ITC Outdoor First British Nordic Walking &Aid NWUK Instructor 07944 630 British Nordic Walking &denise@dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk NWUK Instructor e:Outdoor Fully677 Insured / ITC First Aid 07944 630 677 07944 630 677 e: denise@dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk Fully Insured / ITC Outdoor First www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk e: denise@dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk Fully Insured / ITC First AidAid 07944 630Outdoor 677 e: denise@dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk e: denise@dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk in association with www.petranger.co.uk www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk The steep climb uphill through www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk e: denise@dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk in association with www.petranger.co.uk 07944 630 677 www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk 07944 630 677 Coombe to Providence Place is an old in association with www.petranger.co.uk in Sassociation www.petranger.co.uk www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk TAY C OVIwith D SAFE, EXER CISE IN THE O UTD O O R S ! in association with www.petranger.co.uk in association with www.petranger.co.uk denise@dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk e: e: denise@dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk 48 www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk To promote your business to 23,536* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk British Nordic Walking & NWUK Instructor

WINNIE’S WALK

thoroughfare with granite stones to pave the way. On reaching the top you will come across a tiny cemetery on your right before you reach the road. Head up the road to your left, through Providence, straight across at the junction towards Forder Chapel and Gidleigh, and take the first right to Ash. Continue down the narrow lane until you come to the cattle grid, cross and follow the footpath signs to the left, over Ash Common toward Forder Brook and the Clapper Bridge. The path (part of the Mariner’s Way) will take you along a track passing a couple of houses and bringing you out on the road at Ensworthy. Turn right and continue back towards Buttern Farm and the car.

If you would like to join us for this walk we are meeting on Saturday, February 6th for a 10am-11.30am walk. All welcome. For more details email winnie@walkswithwinnie.co.uk or denise@dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk or check www.walkswithwinnie.co.uk and www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk

Okeford

‘Dartmoor Nordic Walking’ and ‘Walks with Winnie’ are on Facebook. Distance: Approximately 6km

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www.timberlandjoinery.com

sales@timberlandwindows.com • 01566 774200

01837 659993 www.middevontyres.com Unit 6C Cranmere Road Okehampton EX20 1UE

Working from home? Need a shelter for your car? Looking for somewhere to enjoy that hobby or store all your tools? Look no further. At Shields Buildings, we’ve got 30 years’ experience in handcrafting quality bespoke timber buildings, giving you the exact space you want, and a special addition to your home.

Call us now to discuss your requirements, or visit our display site, open all day, every day. de Bathe Farm, North Tawton, Devon EX20 2BE

01837 82442 • www.shieldsbuildings.co.uk 52

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OOK IT LEAN LEAN Aqua Tech OOK IT Water Services Quality Oven Cleaning

Quality OvenCleaning Cleaning Quality Oven Quality Oven Cleaning forDevon Devon & & Cornwall for Cornwall for Devon & Cornwall for Devon & Cornwall

Wells • Boreholes Servicing • Breakdowns Control systems pumps • Filtration

available 7 days a week

Contact Ian on Tel: 01409 478648a / 07591 036096 available 7 days week Email: ian@cookitclean.co.uk Contact Ian on Tel: 01409 478648 / 07591 036096 Contact Ian on www.cookitclean.co.uk Email: ian@cookitclean.co.uk

Private Water Engineers 01409 478648 / 07591 036096 www.cookitclean.co.uk www.aquatechwaterservices.co.uk Email: ian@cookitclean.co.uk www.cookitclean.co.uk 09/11/2018 11:32 Clean B'Cards.indd 1 Senior Citizens Discount

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Tel: 01409 241312 Mob: 07825748720 Email: aquatechwaterservices@gmail.com

General Building • Extensions • Period Property Renovations Conversions • Plastering • Carpentry • Landscaping & more... Local client recommendations available at your request

07919 952207 / 01837 871542 Free Estimates • okebuilders@gmail.com

Dairy Barn • Pinnacle Farm • Thorndon Cross • Okehampton EX20 4NJ

Local Reliable Service Call Us Today

01837 55700

e! id d ts ere Ou rd d O l? ol ou ue sC y rF It’ ve ou Ha Y

House Maintenance Painting & Decorating Carpentry Household Repairs also... Furniture Repair & Polishing

simon109wright@googlemail.com

- Simon Wright -

07866 795914 / 01837 89171

THE OKEHAMPTON HANDYMAN

mopsandbucketsswltd@gmail.com

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WWW.MABSW.CO.UK

GENERAL BUILDER

ID ce ience V rvi O Se xper

07486 913599

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DOMESTIC � COMMERCIAL HOLIDAY LETS � SUPPORTED LIVING CARPETS & OVENS

Dave Baskerville

• Heating Oil • Tractor Diesel • Oil Tank Cleaning • Lubricants • Coal • Oil Tank Replacement & Installation Moorlands House, North Road, Okehampton EX20 1BQ

www.moorlandfuels.co.uk

Bramhill Traditional Specialist Builders

Bringing Listed and Heritage Buildings back to their original glory Cob & Lime - we match the original techniques for renovations, rebuilds and extensions To discuss your project call

Alister Polhill 07518 908876 alister.polhill@gmail.com • f bramhill_builders

www.bramhillspecialist.co.uk

TRADE SECRETS

Bev Halley Halley Floral Design Have you always been a florist? I have been a florist for over 25 years - before that, my career was within the travel industry, but I have always enjoyed arranging flowers and creative hobbies since I was very young. Where are you based? My workshop is based at my home just outside Bridestowe, its wonderful to welcome people here when I run my floral workshops which will hopefully be happening again soon. Do you specialise in any particular type of work? I do all aspects of floristry, from floral gifts to sympathy flowers, to large and small weddings and events. What has been your favourite commission? I won a competition to represent Great Britain in a wedding design brochure for a flower grower, it was wonderful seeing my designs along with floral designers from all around the world. Where do you source your plants from? I try and use local growers as much as possible but I also have flowers and plants from Holland and South America. What is your favourite flower?

U E DA G L & HO IV IL SU U E Y RR T O R O KE IE U H S N A D M S P TO

At Christmas time I absolutely love deep red Amaryllis, it is so amazing to see the flowers open! During the summer I love peonies and roses, they are just so romantic and they come in such beautiful colours.

What’s the most unusual arrangement you’ve ever done? I did a wedding for a vet and a shepherd and to surprise the groom we created a 3D lamb on the font, it was lying down in a meadow of foliage and the lamb was made from white Chrysanthemums and had aspidistra leaves for its ears, it was lovely to do. Do you need any particular qualifications for your trade? There are formal qualifications which you can obtain but a lot of knowledge comes within the industry and learning from working alongside the florist. What’s the most difficult aspect of your work? I would say sometimes there is only a short window of time between getting beautiful fresh flowers and creating floral designs in churches, venues and for bridal parties, things can get very busy with very long hours but when the bride sees it all for the first time her reaction is worth all the hard work. What would you say to anyone wishing to break into your industry? I would suggest either going to college to get formal qualifications or work with a florist and learn on the job! There is so much variety every day, be prepared to get stuck in!

HALLEY FLORAL DESIGN FOR WEDDINGS OF ALL SIZES ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST 25 years experience Locally and internationally sourced high quality blooms and foliage

Contact: Beverley Halley 07380 194380/01837 861725 or email halley161@aol.com Millaton Farm Bridestowe • Okehampton EX20 4QG • www.halleyfloraldesign.co.uk 54

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KINGS WAY

Cleave Close F O L LY G AT E

S O U RTO N

Only 4 properties left to reserve

a new development of

3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes

2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes

Prices from £285,000

Prices from £185,000

Detached & Semi Detached

by local developer

Ste tevvens Homes

building tomorrow tomorrow ’s homes today

All enquiries to GSS Property email nick@gssproperty.com or call 01837 54504 info@gssproperty.com See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

ur Y g o AR atin RS ebr IVE Cel NN A TH 10

Tavistock Bathrooms & Tiles

Amanda & James invite you to their showroom OVER 50 BATHROOM SETTINGS TO INSPIRE YOU We would like to thank all our customers past, present and future for their support

BATHROOMS • TILES • SHOWERS • WET ROOMS • BATHROOM FURNITURE MIRRORS & CABINETS • TOWEL RAILS & DESIGNER RADIATORS • ACCESSORIES Unit 8 Plymouth Road Industrial Estate, Tavistock PL19 9QN

01822 618 619 info@tavistockbathrooms-tiles.co.uk

www.tavistockbathrooms-tiles.co.uk

TAVISTOCK

BATHROOMS & TILES By amanda - james