Oke Links July/August 2022

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OKE LINKS July/August 2022 | Issue 32

Okehampton Show back to full glory

Shows, fairs and festivals return this summer!

Meet the locals Okehampton Veterans’ Breakfast Club

John Heard, local farmer

Okehampton Show President

£5 Million fund Cost of living support

Gidleigh’s Bill Murray

Chair, Dartmoor Society

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HISTORY

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A jam-packed summer!

FROM THE EDITOR

help set a new for research. Read more Welcome to the July/August edition of Oke Links. Hopefully asup you readaward this issue Welcome to the June /July onthis pages 10 and 11. the sun will be shining like it is currently doing as I write note.

edition of Plym Links!

Our feature in this edition focuses on a self-help, The Plymouth What’s On section of Oke Links has filled up fast with many events taking is going to be buzzing over the next two mental called Marbles which is place around the area, including numerous fairs and shows - ithealth reallyhub is sounding months with so much to look forward to - the grounded in love and humour: Plymouth woman like everyone will be able to enjoy a packed-out summer. hugely popular Plymouth Armed Forces Day returns

Nicky Nurrish founded Marbles in order to help

One inperson I interviewed this editiondue is to certainly hoping that the sun will be June following a twofor year absence the with her mental health but this soon grew and it The deadline date for any shining on August 11 -have Newa Okehampton Show President John Heard took time pandemic, and will wide selection of things become ahelifesaving inclusions in the September/ out of his busy schedule to talk about his new role and has hownow ‘honoured’ was to signposting system to for the whole family to enjoy; St Luke’s Hospice October issue of Oke Links help others in need. be elected (pages 8 and 9). We also spoke with show secretary Alison Heywood.

Plymouth’s iconic Midnight Walk returns in July; will be July 29, 2022.

Our CharityShow, Focus section highlights the plight To find out what is in store for visitors to this year’s Okehampton visit pages For all editorial enquiries please and35 there will edition. be one or two (or maybe more) faced by many at the moment - the increase of 34 and in this The deadline date for any contact editor Lindsay Turpin: performances you can enjoy at the Theatre Royal household bills. Money Advice Plymouth is a inclusions in the August/ Take a look at our What’s On pages (46 to 52) plus the What’s On Listings - you will lindsay.turpin Plymouth. not-for-profit Independent Advice Agency that is September issue of Plym see there are plenty of events to enjoy for the whole family. @linksmagazines.co.uk

Then there is the popular SailGP event which will offering free advice to help anyone through Links is July 1, 2022 Our charity focus this time throughout is Read Easy UK, a registered charityhardship. that helps adultsthat is needed more see adrenaline pumping Plymouth financial A service THE LINKSForTEAM: all editorial enquiries please learn to read and is establishing a group right here in Okehampton. It’s a charity Sound as the world’s most exciting racing on-water than ever. Read more on page 30.

Publisher:contact Tim Randell Lindsay Turpin via email at:that brings families closer together, and provides confidence to individuals through returns to the city on July 30 and 31.

I hope you enjoy reading this latest issue of Plym lindsay.turpin@linksmagazines.co.uk Editor: Lindsay Turpin learning to read.

For a full round-up of events in and around Links. As always please do send me your THEVenner, LINKS TEAM: Design: Sara We also haveinaJune few and extraJuly, Health to enjoy - Denise events, Horner notices explains Plymouth headarticles to pagesfor 37you to 45. forthcoming or even suggestions of Publisher: Tim Randell Julian Rees the health benefits of walking (plus the added benefit that walking is free to The two local people featured in this issue are both Editor: Turpin any local people you feel would make a perfect Advertising: JaneLindsay Daniel, enjoy); Sam Hargreaves the history of acupuncture; and Heather Atouguia passionate about theirexplains careers: First up we have Design: JulianMallard, Rees addition to Plym Links.

Olivia Breyley, Joanne from Okehampton Medical Centre provides some Steve Glanville who has just marked his 45th yearadvice on mental health and Advertising: Jane Daniel, wellbeing.

Tim: 07450 161 929 Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard at Hospital Radio Plymouth. A man keen to make Jane: 07772 619 808 I hope you enjoy this latest issue of Oke people smile, reading Steve believes Hospital Radio has Links - there is plenty to read and To promote your business enjoy. As always, please do let me know of anything happening in and around Contact Lindsay Turpin, Editor the ability to lift the spirits of those in hospital and to 16,100 readers call: Okehampton.

Lindsay Turpin the wider community. Read Steve’s story on pages 231933 on 07738✆ 07450lindsay.

161929 turpin@linksmagazines.co.uk Editor, Plym Links 8 and 9. Next up is Joy O’Gorman, a newly ON THE COVER: 07738231933 qualifi ed nurse who has already made a name for Picture of Okehampton Show in Armed Forces Day returns to 2021. Picture by kind permission lindsay.turpin@linksmagazines.co.uk herself.

Joy has used her passion for nursing to Plymouth (see page 37) Lindsay Turpin, Editor

Lindsay

Lindsay

of Emily Fleur of Emily Fleur Photography.

@okelinks

Contents | June & July

contents

6 Feature 42 Charity Focus 6 Feature What’sFeature On 8 Local People 44 37 Wedding 8 Local People Music 13 Noticeboard 45 45 Music andand ArtArt 12 Noticeboard 46 46 WalkOn 25 Sport What’s 20 Education 29 Health History 53 48 What’s On Listings 34 Okehampton 56 50 Food and Drink 22 Nature Farming Show 58 51 History 24 Gardening Food & Drink 36 Gardening 60 Walk 28 Big Blue Splash 52 Directory 40 Education 62 53 Trade Secrets 30 Charity Local Services 41 Farming News 33 Health & Beauty66 54 Trade Secrets Directory

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10

40 10

31 1928

Delivered by the Royal Mail to the following towns ✆ 07450 161929 @plymlinks and villages: Okehampton, Moretonhampstead, Chagford, DeliveredBelstone, by the Royal Mail to theNorth following towns & villages: Chichacott Stockley, Bondleigh, Tawton, Roborough, Widewell, Shaugh Sampford Courtenay, TawWoolwell, Green, Sticklepath, SouthPrior, Zeal,Bickleigh, Wotter, Lee Moor,Lewdown, Sparkwell, Glenholt, Derriford, Derriford Throwleigh Wonson Lydford, Bridestowe, Hospital, The Plymouth Science Park and selected outlets.

Gidleigh, North Bovey, Sourton, Meldon, Boasley Cross, Bratton Clovelly, Portgate, Lewtrenchard Also available at Waitrose, Okehampton

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Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with material submitted towebsite Olijam Communications Ltd the publisher cannot accept Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts 5 www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk Visitallour community

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

Veterans, pictured left to right: Phil Friend, from Okehampton, Royal Navy; Tim Wharton, Boasley Cross, Royal Army Medical Corps; Derek Crowley, Okehampton, Royal Navy Gunnery Rating; Iain Galston, Okehampton, Royal Logistic Corps

Banter, support and food - the three simple things that make one Okehampton club a lifeline to its members Okehampton Armed Forces Veterans’ Breakfast Club is still in its infancy, having set up in September 2019 – just before the pandemic.

But the number of Veterans attending is constantly rising, proving it is a much appreciated and needed club for former servicemen and women.

With no dress code, no joining fees and meetings free to attend, the only thing veterans need to pay for is their own breakfast at the bi-monthly meetings held at Tina’s Kitchen in the town.

I met up with four Veterans at the cafe, behind The King’s Arms, to find out more about the club - and it was soon apparent that banter was an important part of their time together.

Okehampton Veterans’ Breakfast Club is one of 300 breakfast clubs all over the world, providing an end to the isolation of Veterans - the most common denominator in Armed Forces Veterans’ mental health issues and suicides.

Tim Wharton, a Veteran of the Royal Army Medical Corp, who established the Okehampton group, said that everyone is welcome to attend - the only rules of the club is ‘no politics and no religion’ talks. . .which was followed by a five minute discussion on politics!

6

The idea for the Okehampton branch began after Tim, from Boasley Cross, heard about the importance of the Armed Forces Veterans’ Breakfast Club from a friend.

‘My friend said the support and banter was great and there was no difficulty for anyone to fit in to the environment.

As Veterans we have been through the same things, we have all been through basic training and we have a shared experience which lead to stories and laughs. A lot of us though have been through hard times and we can come together and have a chat and get stuff off our chests.

serviceman, from Okehampton, and a member of Okehampton Royal British Legion.

‘There are a lot of ex-service personnel who live on their own and they come to the club for company. Clubs like this are so important as there is always someone looking out for another person.’

Phil added: ‘We are all retired or work part time and we also find time outside of the club to meet up - some of us have set up a veterans’ walking group where we get together, chat and have food.’

There’s a theme here!

‘It’s a big support mechanism and we can help with anything in a nonjudgmental environment - we are here to support.’

Since Covid restrictions have lifted, word spread about the club and it has now grown so much that two meetings are held each month, on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.

Veterans travel to the meetings from Bideford, Torrington, Hatherleigh, Chagford, Launceston, Lewdown, and, of course, Okehampton.

‘Apart from Plymouth and Exeter, we are the only breakfast club in the area,’ said Phil Friend, a Royal Navy Senior To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

FEATURE

County councillor Kevin Ball, a Veteran and member of the breakfast club, Cllr Julie Yelland (Mayor of Okehampton at the time of the picture) and Tim

Derek Crowley, a Royal Navy gunnery rating, from Okehampton, said: ‘I wasn’t involved in a lot of combat, but I come here for the comradeship and the banter. What you miss when you leave is the comradeship and relying on the people that you trust. I come here to enjoy the company.’

If you are a military Veteran, you are encouraged to go along and see what the club is about. There is always a warm welcome and a good breakfast served by Tina and Tony.

The regular meetings at Tina’s Kitchen are held between 9.30am and 11.30am.

Lindsay Turpin

For more information, join the group on Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/AFVBCOkehampton

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Local farmer is honoured with new role for Okehampton Show supported, but we did have to limit the number of stalls. This year we are expecting a greater number of entries, more exhibitions, as well as larger shows. We also have a packed entertainment ring, and a new music stage,’ said John.

John Heard

Combining agriculture with entertainment is this year’s highly-anticipated 114th Okehampton Show - and its President for 2022, John Heard, has announced that it will be packed with exhibitions.

Despite restrictions, last year’s show was well attended and made a welcome return following the previous year’s cancellation, and with no restrictions in place for this year, John has said that Okehampton Show will be back to its full glory.

‘Last year went ahead despite the pandemic and the show was still well

‘The show will be back to its full glory!

‘Last year we had a good food hall but this year we welcome back all trade from the South West in the food hall.

There are no restrictions.’

Okehampton Show, Dartmoor’s largest agricultural show on Thursday, August 11, is proud to hold one of the largest displays of livestock at a one day Show in the West Country. There are almost 400 classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, diary goats, pygmy goats and one of the highlights of the day is the Grand Parade of those prize winning animals.

John, a local farmer, took over the role of show President from John Shields of North Tawton, a local business man.

John said he was ‘honoured’ to be president - many years ago a position his father Ken, 90, was selected for but couldn’t fulfil due to work commitments on the farm. John said one of his highlights from the show is the Grand Parade when everyone can see the winners and champions, from the whole show, gathered in one place.

John has been a farmer all his working life and being President for Okehampton Show is now a highlight in his career.

As a local lad growing up, John attended Shebbear College All Boys School until he completed his A-Levels when he went to work on the farm.

‘I am one of three brothers and I have always farmed with my father, until he stopped farming at 85 years old. I now farm with my wife [Sandra] and sons James and Michael.’

John and Sandra met through Young Farmers - John was a member for Okehampton and Sandra at Bow - and this year they celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary!

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LOCAL PEOPLE

John was not only a young farmer, he was also a dedicated rugby player for Okehampton, a team he staunchly supports to this day. Not content with the one sport, John’s other passion is horse racing and is a keen horse rider himself. His son Michael was a professional jockey from 16 to 25 years old, when he chose to stop and focus on working on the farm.

The family all enjoy Okehampton Show and will exhibit their Scottish Black Face Sheep and Suffolks and Galloway Cattle.

John’s family were the first to exhibit Galloways at Okehampton Show over 30 years ago.

History of Okehampton Show Okehampton and District Agricultural Association was founded following a public meeting held in the Market

Hall, Okehampton, on Thursday, November 27, 1890. The first annual Exhibition was held on Thursday, September 24, 1891, in a field in Okehampton.

Shows were not held during the two World War years (1914-18 and 1940-45) and there was also a gap between 1966 and 1969. The only other cancellation in recent times had been in 2001 during the catastrophic Foot and Mouth outbreak, but in 2007 and 2008 the appalling weather forced last minute cancellations of the Show.

In 2009, however, the sun came out to play and a record crowd turned up at the Showground in numbers never seen before to support the return of the Show.

Past Shows were held on what is now the home of Okehampton Rugby Club in the centre of the town, but the Show outgrew that site and moved to its current location of Stoneypark Showfield. The first Show held at the new site took place on Thursday, August 12, 1982.

For more information on Okehampton Show, see pages 34 and 35.

Lindsay Turpin

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Dartmoor singer and champion of the spoken word, Bill Murray, is elected chair of the Dartmoor Society The story of how he has kept alive the tradition of unaccompanied singing is worth setting down as a piece of history in its own right. For over 50 years he has sought out the voices of people who have knowledge of old songs and traditions. He is a consummate performer and his contribution to the story of Dartmoor song immeasurable.

We often mourn lost traditions, never seeing their value until they are gone, but Bill recognises these country ways for the gems they are and is passionate about keeping them relevant today. In 2011 this work was recognised when he received the Dartmoor Society award for ‘for nurturing the craft of Dartmoor song’.

Many are surprised to learn that he is not a native of the area but came here as a boy from London.

‘I became aware of the significance and importance of the Dartmoor landscape and culture in the 1960s when I was a student at Okehampton Grammar School,’ said Bill, who lives in his family home Little Ensworthy in Gidleigh. ‘I took part in the Ten Tors Challenge in 1967 which was a great introduction to walking all areas of the high moor.’

While at school he became interested in folk singing and playing the concertina. He could be heard on most Monday

AUGUST 18TH

evenings singing at The Plume of Feathers in Princetown.

Meeting the famous Dartmoor musician and singer Bob Cann in 1968 introduced Bill to the older generation of singers, musicians, step dancers and storytellers at a time when many of the ancient traditions and the culture associated with the northern slopes of Dartmoor were fast disappearing.

Bill met his wife Carolyn Alford at a Bob Cann square dance in Throwleigh in 1971. Carolyn’s family had farmed Ensworthy in Gidleigh for many generations and her father David was the well known Dartmoor Bone Rattler. Bill’s family connections with the land and with farming traditions give him a deep understanding of the land management issues that we face today, and as such he is a great ambassador for the Dartmoor Society.

More recent work to bring Dartmoor’s singing and entertainment culture to modern audiences, stemmed form his work gathering archive film footage about traditional farming in times before electricity and modern machinery, and the ways that people entertained themselves when owning or renting a television was uncommon.

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LOCAL PEOPLE

A request from John Bartlett, of Westward Television in 1978, resulted in an evening of dialect entertainment at Fingle Bridge - the Devon dialect is another of Bill’s abiding interests.

The resulting film was so well received that the following year Westward TV engaged him to produce an hour-long programme of Dartmoor entertainment at Gidleigh Village Hall, and this was also filmed. The line-up included many wellknown characters including Bob Cann and the Pixies, Ned and Martha ‘Annaford, Dave Alford and The Kelly Quarry Blasters.

These were known as the ‘Dartmoor Entertainers’ and they continue, in one form or another, to this day, presenting a mixture of archive film and live entertainment in village halls across the moor and continuing the tradition to the joy of modern audiences.

Bill has been a member of the Dartmoor Society since its inception in 1998. As well as being a highly practical and farsighted leader, organising events is in his blood; he has been actively involved in the Dartmoor Folk Festival for 36 years.

Holding public events has always been an important way in which the Dartmoor Society tries to spread the word about the pressing issues that are relevant to Dartmoor, and Bill has a solid background of engaging in debate about the decisions that face Dartmoor farmers, environmentalists and the public bodies who must take responsibility for managing this landscape.

More information about the Dartmoor Society can be found on their website www.dartmoorsociety.com Caya Edwards

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Travel between Okehampton and Exeter for just £8.00 Anytime Day Return. Most trains go to both Exeter St David’s and Exeter Central, seven days a week.

GETTING TO THE STATION

The 118 bus between Tavistock, Mary Tavy, Brentor, Lydford and Okehampton calls at Okehampton station every other hour, timed with trains (Mon-Sat, some Sunday buses too).

Or park at the station (£2 all day).

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NOTICEBOARD

New fund to help households with rising cost of living Devon County Council has announced a new pot of funding to help residents who are struggling to afford to pay for their gas, electricity or water usage, buy food or other essential items.

The Household Support Fund is a government initiative, and in the latest funding round Devon will be allocated around £5-million.

There are conditions on how the money can be used, but the County Council is prioritising up to £200,000 to support Devon residents who have prepayment, or ‘pay-as-you-go’ meters, to pay rising energy bills.

Most of the fund, however will be targeted at families with children and people of pensionable age, who are struggling financially.

With the cost of living crises starting to bite, the latest Household Support Funding will be a timely reprieve to many households, said Cllr Roger Croad, who is responsible for communities.

He said: ‘Rising energy and petrol prices, and rising costs of goods in our

shops and on our supermarket shelves at a time when a lot of households have seen reductions in their incomes, means many people in Devon are feeling the pinch.

‘For example, prepay customers are often already paying more for their energy, are more likely to be in vulnerable circumstances, and have seen their energy prices rise considerably in recent months.’

The County Council is working with the eight District and City Councils in Devon, and Citizens Advice Devon, to develop schemes to make the funding available.

‘Working with Citizens Advice Devon, we intend to provide further support to

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prepayment meter customers, who are struggling to pay for their new higher energy costs,’ said Cllr Croad.

‘We will also continue to make our free school meal holiday vouchers available for the seven week May half-term and summer holidays, to ensure children and young people who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals don’t go hungry during the holidays.

‘And we are working with our District Council colleagues to identify people of pensionable age, that we know from local data are struggling financially, to offer some additional one-off assistance.’

Janie Moor, Chief Officer for Citizens Advice, said: ‘We are extremely worried that the cost of living crisis means that more and more people are struggling to make ends meet. We are campaigning for target support from the government for those on the lowest incomes. In the meantime, our website has self-help advice or people can contact their local Citizens Advice.’

Further details on the above funded initiatives will be made available, as their development is finalised.

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13

NOTICEBOARD

Rodney goes above and beyond the call of duty Rodney Woods is Okehampton’s dedicated street cleaner who has just been recognised for his hard work around the town.

Recently, the Mayor of West Devon paid tribute to the contribution made

by Rodney as a winner of this year’s West Devon Borough Council Mayoral Awards.

Rodney was recognised for regularly going ‘above and beyond the call of duty’.

Rodney was praised for working extremely hard to keep the town’s streets looking neat and tidy, going above and beyond by weeding pavements and keeping Okehampton Town Council informed of any arising issues.

Okehampton’s town clerk, Emma James, said: ‘He is friendly, approachable and always smiling. The town has never looked as clean and tidy as it does when Rodney is on duty.’

Among those to win awards was Hatherleigh resident Donna Lewis who worked tirelessly to gauge people’s experiences through COVID lockdowns and how it’s affected the community of Hatherleigh. Donna was the winner in the Over 18s category.

Rosemary Lock, who nominated Donna, said: ‘Donna Lewis worked endless hours during and after the COVID lockdowns gathering information from residents and organisations within Hatherleigh, to ascertain their experiences, thoughts, poems, diary

entries and photos and drawings during lockdown.’

There was also a commendation in the Under 18s category, which went to a group of five Okehampton school children, who helped locate a missing cat following the disruption caused by Storm Eunice.

West Devon Mayor Cllr Caroline Mott said: ‘We have seen some fantastic examples of people who make a huge contribution to West Devon in the nominees for this year’s awards.

‘Many of them make a big difference to their communities and the wellbeing of those around them and get little recognition for it, so it’s wonderful to be able to celebrate those contributions with these awards.’

West Devon Civic Mayor is voted in for second year Heritage Site Partnership and the Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee.

After being voted in for a second term, Cllr Mott said: ‘It truly has been an honour to represent the borough through what has proven to be an interesting year.

Cllr Caroline Mott from Bridestowe has accepted the chain of office for a second consecutive term during annual council.

First elected to the borough council in 2015, Cllr Mott lives and works on her family dairy and cattle farm, in Bridestowe.

‘I wish to thank my husband, Kevin.

While he hasn’t always been able to attend events, he has always been there to look after our daughter, cook tea, offer coffee and wine when needed, all on top of running a busy farm. His support, along with that of my family, has been unwavering and for that I give my heartfelt thanks. I’m sorry – your culinary skills will be needed for a while longer!

who has chivvied and chased to ensure everything went mostly to plan. My Chaplin for the year, Rev Adrian Brook - your gentle presence and humour has been comforting.

‘Also, Cllr Pearce, my thanks to you for your support. It has been reassuring to know you were there when needed.

‘My charity this year was the Farming Community Network. They have seen a huge increase in calls for support over the past year, especially from the younger age group. They continue to provide a safe environment in which to talk and express their worries or concerns. With the issues facing our rural community this need is only going to increase.

Outside of her immediate borough council work, her work extends to serving on the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World

‘I also wish to thank a few other people for their support this year. For the officers who work behind the scenes and ensure I get to events on the right day at the right time, in particular Kathy Hoare,

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‘I have great pleasure in announcing that we have raised £3,500 for the FCN.’

NOTICEBOARD

Healthy Organic Produce on Wheels Harvest Workers Co-op, a local social enterprise, which runs Harvest Farm Shop in Red Lion Yard, is developing a new venture to bring delicious, healthy, organic produce straight to your neighbourhood!

Harvest is a non-profit workers’ cooperative that grows and sources good organic food for their farm shop in Okehampton.

Now the co-op is in the process of organising a mobile shop route and workers would love to hear from local residents if they would be interested, and have any ideas about where and when the workers could park up in the suggested neighbourhoods.

Kevin, from the co-op, said: ‘We would not want to double up with produce a local shop already offers but would like to complement that and bring what you don’t have easy access to already.

‘We also run growing and cooking workshops for families and adults, pop up feasts, walks, talks and film nights on food related topics that we would love to invite you to and extend to your community too.

‘Our Mobile Shop project has been supported by The Devon Social Entrepreneurs Programme led by the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) in partnership with Devon Communities Together, Stir to Action and New Prosperity Devon. It is funded by the UK

Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund, which is managed by Devon County Council within the Devon area. The programme supports people in Devon to start and develop businesses that put people and planet first.’

To contact the group, email jo@ harvestworkerscoop.org.uk

Miles Without Stiles Dartmoor’s easy access routes win national award Dartmoor National Park’s Miles Without Stiles project has been awarded the prestigious Gordon Miller Award, awarded by the Countryside Management Association (CMA). The annual accolade goes to the most deserving project, initiative or practice that’s making an outstanding contribution to countryside/ urban greenspace management.

Dartmoor National Park’s stunning landscape, rare wildlife and rich heritage makes it a popular destination for many people but things like gates, stiles and steep slopes make it difficult for some people to explore, even if they want to. The National Park’s Miles Without Stiles routes have been created to tackle this: Routes are primarily designed for people with limited mobility including those who use wheelchairs, mobility scooters, families with pushchairs, and they don’t feature any obstacles to climb

over. They also have facilities such as parking, toilets and cafés quite nearby.

It means anyone, no matter what their ability, can explore Dartmoor’s varied landscape from woodland river valleys to expansive moorland; Bronze Age monuments to quarrying remains.

Happy exploring!

Simon Lee Ranger team manager

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NOTICEBOARD

Do you need a Remembrance Wreath?

The Royal British Legion Okehampton is taking orders for those who would like to order a poppy wreath to lay on Remembrance Sunday (November 13) at St Stephen’s Church.

RBL secretary Karen Stephens has taken over as poppy organiser for the branch and would like to hear from any organisations who haven’t organised a wreath yet to contact her on kaspoppysoke@outlook.com by the end of August.

In 2021, due to Covid and members leaving the branch, the poppy appeal didn’t go as well as previous years.

Karen took over as secretary in October 2021 and was tasked with selling poppies in town, with one month until Remembrance Day. The result of which saw Karen and her son put together 35 boxes of poppies which raised almost £5,000.

Karen said: ‘Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who helped in some way, also to those who donated and bought

poppies. Okehampton raised over £4,800 in a very short space of time which was fantastic.

‘However, this year is going to be different as myself and my team are more prepared (hopefully). We need to start taking orders for anyone who would like to order a poppy wreath to lay on Remembrance Sunday at St Stephen’s Church cenotaph.’

Fancy joining Okehampton and District Young Farmers’ Club?

Okehampton and District Young Farmers’ Club is one of 38 clubs across the county of Devon, led by young people for young people,.

Okehampton YFC is one of six local clubs that make up the Haldon Group of YFCs, which provides members aged 10 to 28 with an unique opportunity to develop skills, work with their local community, travel abroad, take part in competitions and enjoy a dynamic social life.

The annual meeting is held in the first week of September and in 2021 it got off

to a flying start with it’s Carnival Tableau theme Clarkson’s Diddy Squat Farm which won the cup for the best entry in Okehampton Carnival, and went on to compete in Hatherleigh and Holsworthy carnivals. At Christmas members enjoyed a lovely Christmas meal at the Fox and Hounds, Bridestowe, and its annual Celebration of Spring disco was a great success and enjoyed by all. Sport is also a big part of YFC and Okehampton members have done well in the group round of darts and pool. The annual The YFC section at the Devon

County Show and the Haldon Group Rally held at Okehampton Show give members plenty of opportunity to show their skills in a variety of classes with something for everyone.

Club chairman is Liam Osman 07801 492 821 - get in touch if you are interested in fun, learning and achievement.

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NOTICEBOARD

Beating the Bounds Members of the community joined Moretonhampstead Parish Council for the first leg of Beating the Bounds recently.

Beating the bounds is a centuries-old tradition, aimed at reminding everyone of boundaries that were important in their lives.

Parishioners started from Didworthy Cottages to begin their eight-mile walk of the boundary led by Mike Jeffery.

Landowners kindly gave permission for them to cross their land and all made their descent towards Doccombe

through private fields full of beautiful wildflowers and curious cattle!

They joined the road at Ducksmoor Cottage for a short walk along the road to Thomas Cleeve Wood. The walk continued through Black Marsh and Dunsford Wood where they stopped for

a much needed picnic. After lunch the walkers continued to Clifford Bridge and then through Fingle Woods to their final destination, Fingle Bridge.

Throughout the walk they were lucky to hear interesting historic tales from Mike Jeffery and Bill Hardiman.

Meet the next round of trustees Okehampton United Charity has three ex officio trustees, these trustees are appointed because of the role they hold within Okehampton and the Hamlets.

The current Mayor of Okehampton, the Immediate Past Mayor and the Team Rector are all ex officio trustees within the charity.

Bob Tolley is Mayor of Okehampton. He said: ‘Having taken time to understand the role and the complexities and workings of the charity, I can think of no other town, similar in size, that has such a historic and benevolent charity, assets of which, realise over quarter of a million pounds in interest a year, and, that has to be used exclusively for the benefit of a mere 7,000 residents.

‘I am currently part of the Grants Committee and have been amazed by the sorts of applications coming through the charity. It is a documentary testament to the diverse, caring and compassionate nature of the community we have in Okehampton and Okehampton Hamlets.’

Julie Yelland is the immediate past Mayor. She said: ‘It is a real honour and a privilege to be a Trustee of Okehampton United Charities. OUC has the wonderful job of awarding grants to organisations that directly benefit the residents of Okehampton town and the hamlets and this, in turn, enables many superb services to be offered by the amazing voluntary groups within the area.

I shall look forward to reading the applications that will come forward over the next few months and am delighted to be able to play a small part in seeing these projects come to life in a way that will have a positive impact on everyone who is part of our lovely community.’

Stephen Cook is the Team Rector - and the second longest-serving trustee, having been Vicar of Okehampton since 2002. Stephen is a ‘team rector’, which means he has overall charge of 13 parishes, with special responsibility for three: ‘Okehampton has grown a huge amount in the 20 years I have been here.

It’s good to know that some of those new houses a few years ago enriched the charity, so that now it is able to put money back into the community year after year.’ Stephen was one of the founder members of Men in Sheds, which has its home on charity land in Fatherford Lane, and he also helped start the Good Grief Cafe, which benefitted from United Charity funds. He is married with two grown up sons and can often be seen walking his two dogs through Ball Hill and back via Tramlines Wood.

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17

NOTICEBOARD

Local lad takes on ambitious cycle An Okehampton cyclist - and his 24 colleagues - are embarking on an ambitious cycle to raise money for Royal British Legion, and many charities they hold dear to their heart.

Dennis Marsh is a keen cyclist, a sport he nurtured during lockdowns to improve his physical health and help his mental wellbeing. But now he is to embark on his biggest challenge to date - the Pedal to Paris, which will see him cover 460km in four days.

Dennis, who works at Kier Infrastructure, said: ‘I’ve found that cycling has been a real life-saver, it clears my head and helps me explore the local countryside.

‘At the start of 2020, I was riding about six miles at a time on a battered old mountain bike, and have since bought

a road bike and gradually increased my distance.

‘Last year, I took on the Dartmoor Classic, which is my longest ride to date at 109miles with over 10,000ft of climbing, and I have since taken part in a 100 mile Devon coast to coast ride, with upcoming plans to cycle from Gunnislake to Bristol (124 miles) and the Dunwich Dynamo. ’In early September, I will be embarking on my biggest challenge to date - the Pedal to Paris, in support of the Royal British Legion and the Kier Foundation, as part of a team of 25 colleagues from Kier Infrastructure. We have set ourselves an ambitious target to raise £38,000 for the Royal British Legion and would like to raise a similar amount for the Kier Foundation.’

The Kier Foundation is a charity which helps Kier raises money for the causes that staff hold dear, including its charity partner End Youth Homelessness.

Dennis added: ‘In terms of the charities, and why I want to support them, I think they speak for themselves in terms of the fantastic work that they do! I never had the fortune of meeting my grandfather who was in the forces but

I am aware of the struggles that our servicemen and women face - far braver people than I am.’

Pedal to Paris covers over 460km in four days, starting in London and travelling to Dover on the first day, covering 136km. Participants then catch the ferry and on day two, cycle from Calais to Abbeville, covering 135km. Day three sees everyone ride from Abbeville to Beauvais which is 104km, and finally, on day four they cycle 100.8km to Paris, ending the ride by travelling down the Champs-Elysée.

To donate, visit www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ PedaltoParis2022-DennisMarsh

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NOTICEBOARD

Head girl skydives for Devon Mind Shebbear College’s Head Girl, Bella in Upper Sixth decided to mark her 18th birthday in style this year.

Bella completed a tandem skydive from 15,000ft in memory of her uncle and to raise money and awareness for Devon Mind, a charity close to her heart.

‘My 18th birthday was my first birthday without my Uncle Evan so I wanted to do something that would honour him and raise money for a charity in his memory,’ said Bella. ‘I decided on Devon Mind because I wanted to raise awareness of mental wellbeing, and much needed funds for this charity.

‘The funds raised through the generosity of friends and family will help people living in this area to access support to fight poor mental health and I am very proud to have supported this amazing charity.’

Bella’s skydive raised more than £1,500 for Devon Mind. In addition, Shebbear College’s annual Spring Fete, which took place on May Bank Holiday, also raised £750 for Devon Mind to support Bella in her fundraising efforts, taking the total to £2,250. The event, which has been postponed for two years due to Covid, saw stalls and activities run by the pupils as well as a very popular dog show!

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Devon Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health issue, they campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health.

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19

NOTICEBOARD

New railway booklet is launched in Okehampton A new booklet about Okehampton’s railway called ‘When The Train Came To Town’ has been launched at the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton written by Kristy Turner, the Museum’s Manager and Curator and funded by Richard Burningham, Manager of the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership.

The Museum launched a new exhibition about the town’s railway for the celebrations to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first trains last October. This gave an overview of the history of the station from the first train to the present day reopening of the line to Exeter.

Photographs from the Museum archives and objects from the past educated and entertained the visitors. The booklet reproduces that exhibition

with new additions recording the 150th anniversary celebrations and the reopening of the line last November.

Kristy said: ‘It has been wonderful to work with so many community partners to produce this exhibition and the Museum is thrilled to have it recorded in this beautiful booklet. We hope our visitors, many of whom will now arrive by train, will purchase and enjoy learning about this fascinating part of Okehampton’s history.’

The Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership helped with the production of the booklet and organised the funding.

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as I saw it, I was keen to make sure that it could be recorded for posterity in booklet form. It is a nice souvenir of what was a momentous year in Okehampton’s railway history.’

Visitors to the Museum can still see the exhibition which will be on display until the end of May. The 24 page booklet is available from the Museum’s shop, price £2.00 The museum is open between 10 AM and 4PM Monday to Friday, 10 AM and 1PM on Saturday. Admission costs £5 adult, £3 children and students with family packages available too. For more information about the Museum, visit www.dartmoorlife.org.uk/ Based at the University of Plymouth, the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership is a non-profit partnership between local authorities, the rail industry and the University which works particularly to promote travel on the two counties’ branch lines and seek improvements to services and facilities. Devon County Council and GWR are core members.

The Partnership has long been involved in OkeRail and helping the campaign to reopen the line and is heavily involved in publicising the reopening and the new train services, work that includes creating and running the project website www.dartmoorline.com on behalf of all the project partners. It also assisted and organised funding for the 150th anniversary celebrations.

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NOTICEBOARD

Chagford Community Trust champions affordability Living and working in the Dartmoor National Park has great appeal, but the opportunities for doing so affordably are becoming increasingly difficult.

The national housing crisis is much in evidence here. A widespread and very justified complaint is that it is virtually impossible for younger people with a local connection to find decent housing they can afford. Another is the lack of premises where emerging businesses can find secure accommodation at a

The new business units at Ballacouch Meadow

the development now nearly completed the CCT succeeded in providing 27 homes rented to local people on secure tenancies at less than the market rate.

New business units available As well as providing affordable homes the Trust also has four well kitted-out business units, ranging from 22 sq.m. to 30 sq. m. of floor space, two of which are ready for occupation now and the other two coming on stream later this year. In keeping with the Trust’s ethos these will be available to Inside one of the units small and emerging businesses with price that gives the venture the chance strong local connections, along with the to find its feet and grow. Enter the opportunity for securing very favourable Chagford Community Trust (CCT) which concessionary rental agreements. The was established in 2014 to ensure Trust is very keen to hear from people Funeral Directors our community received the maximum who fall into these categories and who possible benefit from the proposed Established 1850 are able to make a convincing case housing development at Bellacouch for the success of their business. For Meadow on the edge of the town. With

more information on the business units contact Fowlers Estate Agents on info@ fowlersproperties.co.uk With its established track record in providing affordable housing Chagford Community Trust is planning to further enhance its role in the community by contributing to the development of a sustainable future for the town, including the provision of more affordable homes. With these aims in mind the Trust is looking to recruit new directors onto its Board. We welcome people who have wide range of interests and experience whether business or community focused.

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NOTICEBOARD

‘Flourish’ - open to all!

Are you interested in finding out about environmental organisations in your local area?

The Moretonhampstead Community Allotment is joining forces with local health and wellbeing charity Wellmoor to create an event that brings together local organisations working on green initiatives.

The free event, called ‘Flourish’, will be held on Saturday, July 16 at the Community Club in Moretonhampstead, and will be open to the public from 10am. This will be a great opportunity to find out about all the local green initiatives in Moretonhampstead and surrounding areas, and be part of the discussion about a community solution to climate change. Tea/coffee and cake will be provided for free.

Join in at the Moretonhampstead Community Allotment Studies have shown the beneficial effects of allotment gardening on mental wellbeing, including increasing connectedness to nature and feelings of life satisfaction.

The Moretonhampstead Community Allotment is a place for local greenfingered individuals to get together and grow vegetables, share gardening tips and learn about biodiversity. But you don’t have to know lots about gardening to get involved – the friendly volunteers are happy if you pay a visit to the allotment for a cup of tea and a chat, whilst enjoying some fresh air.

The community allotment is going from strength to strength this year thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, with a

thriving wildlife garden and a pond.

There is a programme of free talks and workshops over the Summer at the allotment, including by Nicky Scott about chemical-free growing and Bundy Riley on seed collection.

To find out more, email katie@wellmoor. org.uk or call 01647 440775.

To find out more about the allotment and the event in July, email katie@wellmoor. org.uk or call 01647 440775.

Stone plaque unveiled

Drivers wanted

A stone plaque was unveiled to the residents of Lewdown recently to mark the 77th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe in 1945).

Due to increase in requests for transport, Okehampton District Community Transport Group is searching for drivers.

The group is particularly in need of drivers from the Chagford, Lewdown and Okehampton areas.

The plaque has been placed in front of an oak tree which was planted for the 50th anniversary of VE Day in 1995 on the Lewdown village common, locally known as the ‘Rampsonwillis’. The ceremony was due to take place on the 75th anniversary but was postponed two years due to Covid precautions.

The Mayor of West Devon, Caroline Mott, unveiled the plaque. She was helped by Emma and Ben Yeo whose Aunt with Peter Durston helped plant the oak tree 27 years ago.

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NOTICEBOARD

Chief Constable announces his retirement Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer has announced his intention to leave Devon and Cornwall Police later this summer and has thanked colleagues past and present for their professionalism, sense of public service and courage.

He had originally intended to retire shortly after the G7 Summit but has remained as Chief Constable, with the support and leadership of PCC Alison Hernandez, to see through the initial stages and response to the tragedy in Keyham, Plymouth and the first anniversary on August 12.

Having first come to the force in 2010 as deputy chief constable from the Metropolitan Police Service where he began his service in 1986, he was appointed temporary chief constable in 2012 and chief constable, from 2013.

Chief Constable Sawyer said: ‘It has been an honour to be a member of the Devon and Cornwall Police family and a

privilege to be Chief Constable. ‘The purpose of policing, in its most simple form, is to be a member of the public sworn or appointed as an officer, member of staff or volunteer, to serve and safeguard other members; even laying down their lives for others. In return they ask for support rather than judgement, acknowledging that as human beings sometimes they strive and fall short. The public allow the police many powers on their behalf and the use of them must be proportionate and fair; their misuse and abuse damages the trust of the public in policing and the force must always be on its guard to protect and raise standards.

‘As Chief Constable I still have a great deal to do between now and my departure, not least supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner in the delivery of her plan whilst she searches for a new Chief Constable to take the force forward.’dismantling drugs supply networks and arresting those who profit from drug supply. It also includes safeguarding those who are vulnerable, including drug users.

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SPORT

Students celebrate success Students from Ronin Taijutsu in Okehampton are celebrating following their recent grading.

The instructors, who run the selfdefence club, said that students worked extremely hard to achieve their new belts and certificates.

‘We were delighted to welcome some of our London 2nd Dan Instructors down to grade the students who were very impressed with the level of expertise shown by all the students in their basic techniques of punching and kicking, through to the more complex of throwing and ground fighting techniques.

‘Within the Ronin Taijutsu classes, we bring a balance between the art form and the practicalities of Self Defence

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together, in a fun and friendly environment.

The style helps to promote confidence, mental focus and control over self.’

Students learn to defend themselves in the Junior Classes from adults as well as child bullies which improves their well-being and confidence, the Martial art promotes being active, which in turn assists the student to expend otherwise pent-up energy in a controlled and focused manor. In the older classes students learn how to defend themselves against real life attacks like, muggings, assault and knife crime.

During the classes there are two instructors on the Mat who are Enhanced DBS Checked and First Aid Trained, with 30+ years of teaching Martial Arts.

For more information, call 07857 871870 or pop in to Toast Coffee Shop in Okehampton on Friday evenings between 5pm to 7.30pm.

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SPORT

Okehampton Hockey Club has finished this season on a high The ladies’ first team won the Devon cup following a nail-biting final which was decided on flicks, while also finishing the league in their highest ever position.

The men’s first team finished top of their league; 9 points clear of second place, building on previous years’ successes.

The Ladies’ Devon Cup final which was played in May at Exeter University against Plym Valley finished 0-0 at full time. With no extra time being played the result was decided by a total of 20 nerve wrenching penalty flicks. Even after the first round of 5 flicks the score was still tied resulting in the same five players going again. This time Oke managed to get the edge and won 4-3 to lift the cup.

It really showed what a supportive and friendly club Okehampton is with many players from other Oke teams showing up to cheer on the team, along with the family and friends of the players on the pitch.

The success of both the men’s and ladies’ first teams very much rely on the lower teams, junior section and also ‘pay and play’ sessions which introduce new and returning players to the sport.

Many of the players in the cup final came to play for the first team through one of these routes.

Currently there are four adult ladies and two men’s teams representing 26

Okehampton, offering all levels of hockey to the people of Okehampton and the surrounding area. The junior section regularly has 50+ youngsters attend on a Saturday morning, with youngsters as young as 5 becoming ‘hockey Heros’.

While the official hockey season finished at the end of April many players continue to play in a more informal way over the summer with teams playing ‘summer 7s’, mixed league and ladies summer league. All of this is in anticipation of next season and the hope to continue to bring players up through the teams and improve the level of hockey being played in Okehampton.

For any Men interested in picking up a stick there are sessions on a Tuesday evening 8.30pm to 9.30pm at the astroturf, these are suitable for over 16s of any level of hockey experience and aimed at having fun. If you are interested contact Luke on 07772107989 For more information, visit the hockey club website and facebook pages, www.okehamptonhockeyclub. clubbuzz.co.uk

Okehampton Ladies’ Hockey Club is currently hosting ‘Pay and Play’ sessions on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at the astroturf pitch at Okehampton College. These sessions are available to all adults. They provide an excellent opportunity to play hockey particularly for those who are unable to play regular league, haven’t played for a long time or have never played before but would love to give it a try.

It is a great way to meet new people while improving hockey skills, fitness and activity levels. A stick can be provided but we would encourage individuals to bring their own shin pads and a gum shield. It costs £3/session.

If interested contact Sandra Houston 07976 303956 for more information.

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SPORT

A New Rowing Club based at Roadford?

What a great idea!

In 2021 a non-profit open community amateur sports club was founded at Roadford Lake.

Despite a delayed launch due to Coronavirus, Roadford Lake Rowing Club (RLRC) was created in August and its enthusiastic rowers quickly purchased boats from other rowing clubs in the area.

South West Lakes Trust and Matt Lennox, Manager at Roadford Lake Activity Centre, have been instrumental in kick starting the idea of a rowing club and, of course, allowing the club access to the lake.

The 14 rowing members (ages 14 to 60), 4 social members and the 7 club representatives on the Management Committee, are all currently based in the Okehampton and Launceston areas and the club continues to be committed in expanding all memberships types.

Rowing members are both new to the sport and experienced rowers (including ex-Gig rowers) so age and ability are no barriers to participation.

Recently affiliated to the West of England Amateur Rowing Association

(WEARA) this will strengthen the club and puts Roadford Lake and the local communities firmly on the map. Joining the WEARA community provides support in both directions. RLRC has experienced this with, for example, Exeter RC helping with the donation of boat and expert knowledge, and RLRC has been offering club support to rowing events/regattas in the South West. Other rowing clubs involved in helping have been Carrick, Greenbank Falmouth, Exeter University, Totnes and Christchurch.

Although much of the current sliding seat rowing boats and equipment have been self-funded by members, the club has received generous financial support from Devon Community Funding and Waitrose. Additional funding applications continue to be completed as the club wishes to expand its fleet of boats, equipment and, therefore, memberships.

Roadford Lake

#ItsYourOutdoors

The club will be attending the Super Sports Sunday organised by Okehampton Community Recreational Association (OCRA) at Okehampton College fields on Sunday, July 24 in order to promote physical and mental wellbeing as well as providing more details about the club. So, if you are attending that event and are interested in rowing or just want more information, drop by and have a chat to some of the members.

For more information, email RoadfordLakeRC@hotmail.com

Come and explore �o���or� �ake for a great day out � �alking � café � new play area � wildlife � cycling � running � ��tersports � trout angling

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HEALTH

Mental health and wellbeing You may have been aware of the Mental Health Awareness Week (May 9 to 15), with this year’s focus being loneliness. Feeling lonely is something that all of us can experience at any point in our lives, which can have negative impacts on our health and wellbeing.

The Covid-19 lockdowns have intensified feelings of loneliness for many so it is more important than ever to raise awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health and the practical steps we can take to address it.

The ‘Lift someone out of Loneliness’ campaign does just that, showing how there are lots of simple actions you can do to help others who may be feeling lonely, such as: giving a friend or family member a call or text and inviting someone for a walk.

The NHS webpage on mental health has various information and support on a selection of topics related to mental health. This includes: feelings, symptoms and behaviours, mental health services and social care, mental health and your rights.

If reading this has led to you realising you would like some support with your mental wellbeing, The North Dartmoor Mental Wellbeing Drop In, delivered by North Dartmoor Primary Care Network, Community Links SW and West Devon CVS at Okehampton Medical Centre will provide access to support for people with mental health difficulties. We know

that people struggle to access the help they need at the weekend, so this will be held on Saturday mornings between 10am-12pm, and started in June.

First Response Service - 0808 196 8708 - The service is an urgent mental health service for people with mental health and learning disability needs.

Additional information about self-help with mental health difficulties can be found on the following websites:

Samaritans - Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It is free to call them on 116 123, send them a letter, or email them.

www.mind.org.uk/- They provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/ Every Mind Matters is a campaign that aims to make it easier for everyone to look after their own wellbeing and improve their mental health.

NHS 111 - 111 (free from any landline or mobile phone)

www.talkworks.dpt.nhs.uk/ - Talkworks is a free, confidential, NHS talking therapy self-referral service for those over 18.

Should you experience concerns regarding further deterioration in your mental health, you can do the following: Contact your GP Surgery - in the first instance if you feel you are struggling to manage your distress safely.

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HEALTH

The health benefits of walking When did you last go for a walk? Was it on your own or with friends, in a group? Was it local to you around the lanes or on the moors?

Just a short burst of 10 minutes brisk walking can increase our mental alertness, energy and positive mood: even more so if you were feeling low before hand. We live in an amazing part of the country, so why not get out walking more and enjoy what is on your doorstep - and all for free!

By taking a walk we can improve so much about our body and health.

Improving our cardiovascular system - our heart health. Keeps our heart healthy and strong.Strengthens bones and muscles - of benefit if you suffer with Osteoporosis as walking is a West Devon

weight bearing activity to help improve your bone density.Improves your muscular endurance - your muscles will be able to keep going for longer without getting tired. Maintain a healthy weight - by exercising we increase our metabolism: the speed at which our body burns calories, therefore helping to reduce weight. Help reduce Blood Pressure, reduce the risk of cancers by helping to reduce weight and keeping the body systems active, type 2 diabetes and heart disease to name but a few.

Mental health - will make your feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have a sharper memory, feel more relaxed and positive about yourself Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, and ADHD.When I am out with my walking group, I get

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them to try this challenge, see how you get on! If you are feeling down, make a point of walking with your head up, looking up and forward. You can even try this standing still. If I have been feeling down and go out for a walk, I naturally find my head looking down, shoulders forward, but, when I make an effort to look up, I cannot feel miserable.If you think walking is good for you, add a pair of Nordic Walking poles and feel the difference!

The poles will propel you along. Not to be confused with Trekking poles.If you would like to walk more but are not keen on walking on your own, come and join us for fitness walks on Dartmoor.

Improve your fitness, explore Dartmoor and make new friends too.

Denise Horner

www.dartmoorwalking.co.uk denise@ dartmoorwalking.co.uk Denise Horner Personal Trainer. Nordic Walking, Exercise On Referral (level 3) and Fitness Walking Instructor.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Care company provides support to those on the front line Bluebird Care West Devon is sending urgent medical supplies to the southern city of Odesa, Ukraine.

Will and Sara Flint, Directors of Bluebird Care West Devon, are working hard to purchase essential medical supplies to ship to Odesa, supporting those on the front line in Ukraine’s brutal war with Russia.

Sara said: ‘Both Will and I watched the news and wanted to try to do what we can to help. Through local contacts I was able to connect with, and some support groups in Ukraine, we identified that medicines such as antibiotics are needed as the bombing continues and stocks become depleted. We decided we would make getting medicines to Odesa our focus.’

In Ukraine, there is a short supply of penicillin-based antibiotics, thyroid medication, and essentials such as Sudocrem.

Will said: ‘Communicating via Telegram, WhatsApp and telephone, we have established a clear need for supplies of antibiotics. We have also been able to source basic items such as Sudocrem for the soldiers whose feet are being affected

by the conditions in which they are living and fighting. The suppliers in Romania have confirmed their ability to meet these needs.’

The couple has spent time building a relationship with contacts in Romania (where they are buying the medication) and Ukraine. Their connection is direct with Dennis, the pharmaceutical supplier in Romania, and Konstantin, a conduit of the Hospital in Odesa.

In Ukraine, Konstantin also manages front-line logistics sourcing the fighters on the ground with essential equipment such as bulletproof vests.

Will added: ‘We have undertaken due diligence to ensure that both sources are valid and all transactions have been via mainstream banks between business accounts. No money is going to private individuals.’

The couple’s first consignment of 17,000 euros was shipped successfully on March 18.

They are now crowdfunding to send more urgent medical supplies to the southern city of Odesa, Ukraine www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/medicinestoukraine

Acupuncture - curious about a different approach to health and wellbeing?

Acupuncture is one of the most researched and available medical systems in the world. Not only is it currently advised

by NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) for chronic pain, migraines and tension headaches, but it also happens to be one of the oldest medical modalities in the world.

The first acupuncture manuals were written around 2,000 years ago in China which described the acupuncture channels and many of the points which are used today. Different techniques and styles developed over time as the system traveled through different countries and cultures, first arriving in Europe in the 16th century. Acupuncture has continued to be a primary medical treatment in China, Japan and Korea.

More recently, over the last few decades there have been thousands of studies of acupuncture for literally hundreds of conditions. Research into acupuncture has not been easy as its not known how it scientifically works, but there is enough clarity now that NICE recommends it as a primary treatment for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia,

knee, hip and back pain.

Other important factors in the recommendation of acupuncture is its incredibly safe and has very minimal negative side effects.

Otzi, the 5,000 year old mummy found in the Austrian Alps in 1991 well preserved, had 61 tattoos which closely corresponded to commonly used acupuncture points. These points are used regularly for the medical conditions that Otzi actually had! So a medicine that is believed to originate in china 2,000 years ago has potential links to people 5,000 years ago in Europe.

Sam Hargreaves Acupuncture Okehampton sam-hargreaves.co.uk 07985923160

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33

OKEHAMPTON SHOW

Okehampton Show will be back to its full glory Okehampton Show organisers, competitors and businesses from the South West are eagerly awaiting this year’s event – which is set to be back to its ’full glory’.

The 114th traditional Okehampton and District Agricultural Show will take place on Thursday, August 11th at its usual Stoney Park site, set against the beautiful Dartmoor backdrop.

This traditional countryside event, where animals take pride of place, is a very popular day out with a chance to meet friends from far and near.

The show remains an important annual event for those who work and live in this beautiful area, as well as for tourist who enjoy visiting this rural part of England.

It is a wonderful showcase for the best of agricultural and rural life and is a fantastic day out for all the family.

With all day entertainment, there is plenty to see and do throughout the day, including a wide range of prize winning animals, delicious local food and drink, plenty of shopping, displays, children’s entertainment and much more.

34

Okehampton show secretary Alison Heywood said that this year’s event is without restrictions and will be a proper celebration.

‘We have a full range of classes: cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and everything equine that you can think of. We also have a full range of trade stands - they are back in force this year. We will have a demonstration area of traditional craft and an open competition from bakery to flowers, vegetables, and children’s classes.

‘We are back to a full programme of entertainment around the show ground and we have a music stand, which has been moved to a bigger space as it becomes increasingly more popular. We have a falconry display, working dog displays and family dog shows.

Our Grand Parade will be back in force as well.

‘This year it will be a sense of getting back to normal, and it will be a celebration that this year the show is back to its full glory.’

This year’s President is Mr John Heard, an Okehampton farmer, who has taken over the role from 2021 President Mr

J R Shields. Mr Heard said he was ‘honoured’ to have been given the title of president for the 114th Okehampton Show. [Read more on Mr Heard in this magazine on pages 8 and 9].

Alison, who took over as Okehampton Show secretary in 2020, added: ‘It’s a big day out for the whole family across the generations - there are not many other events where everyone is happy but there is plenty to do at the show for the whole family.’

Throughout the day there will be plenty of opportunities to purchase food and produce, and local drinks.

Gates open at 9am and close at 5pm.

Dogs welcome.

Tickets can be purchased from www.okehamptonshow.co.uk There is an ‘early bird’ deal which is available up until five days before the show. Advance discount tickets are £12 for adults and £4 for children (5 to 16) with family tickets at £28.

Prices on the day are £15 for adults and family tickets will be £34. Please note that there are no concessions for students or senior citizens.

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OKEHAMPTON SHOW

Pictures courtesy of Richard Morris, Richmore Photography, and Emily Fleur Photography.

How to get there and parking information: The address of the Showground is Stoney Park Showground, Holsworthy Road, Okehampton, EX20 1SW. Follow signs and stewards directions.

Travel by car: From the A30, take the Sourton Cross (Tavistock) exit (if travelling from the Exeter direction this is the turnoff after Okehampton) and follow the signposts to the show.

Travel by bus: A courtesy bus service is available from Okehampton town centre, starting at 10am and running all day.

Car parking is free and just above the main showground.

Disabled parking areas will be available within the main car park – these are filled on a first-come-first-served basis.

The areas will be sited close to the main pedestrian entrance gate but fill up very quickly, so it is advised to arrive at the show as soon as possible to ensure a space.

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35

GARDENING

Rosa ‘Félicité Parmentier’ AGM Sheila Dearing

Rosa ‘Fellowship’ AGM Sheila Dearing

Summer fragrance There are many reasons for choosing one plant over another for your garden, but for me, fragrance is one of the deciding factors.

Rosemoor is famous for its rose gardens and on a warm summer’s day, the air is heavy with the mingling scents of numerous rose varieties. Roses have a huge variety of fragrance types and the choice is overwhelming. You need to choose your roses when they are in flower so that you can smell them for yourself and not rely on the seller’s description; everyone’s sense of smell is slightly different and fragrance can change with the age of a flower and the weather.

The Queen Mother’s Rose Garden is a good place to start your research, where massed plantings of modern roses bred since 1867 include floribunda and hybrid tea roses. Rosa ‘Fellowship’ AGM stands out as one of our best floribundas with bright orange flowers and a strong, sweet scent. As the name suggests, tea roses have a fragrance reminiscent of tea leaves and one of our favourites is R. ‘Britannia’ AGM. Heavily scented blooms open a pale pink and gold, darkening to a deeper peachy-orange.

The Shrub Rose Garden has a wonderful mix of old fashioned roses including gallicas, albas, damasks and moss roses.

R.’Félicité Parmentier’ AGM is a cross between an alba and

a damask rose. The fragrance of damask roses has been captured in rose water since ancient times. David Austin repeat flowering hybrids (‘English Roses’) with old rose characteristics, in particular scent, also feature in this garden.

R. ‘Mary Rose’ is described as having an old rose scent with a hint of honey and almond blossom and the scent of R. ‘Rosemoor’ AGM is said to have hints of apple, cucumber and violet.

This garden does not rely entirely on roses for scent, or indeed flowers; plantings of Teucrium, Calamantha, Salvia and Nepeta contribute aromatic oils from their foliage to the mix. Aromatic foliage cannot be underestimated and you will come across it throughout Rosemoor. Many of these plants are classed as herbs and come from areas of the world with a mediterranean climate. Apart from those already mentioned, look out for Santolina (e.g. in the Cool Garden), Helichrysum (Herb Garden) and Anthemis (Cottage Garden). Of course, The Mediterranean Garden has a large selection of plants with aromatic foliage and on warm summer days you can imagine that you are on holiday in Spain or France.

Scented flowers have primarily evolved for the bees and butterflies, so if you choose a range of these plants, you will also attract pollinators and help provide forage for our ever

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GARDENING

Weed clogging up a pond Tim Sandall

Harvesting courgettes Tim Sandall

dwindling population of insects. Buddleja is well known for attracting butterflies with very fragrant pink, lavender, purple or white blooms. Classic cottage garden plants such as sweet peas, Dianthus, Lobularia, Phlox and Philadelphus are loved by day flying insects and night scented plants such as Nicotiana, Hesperis and Trachelospermum jasminoides are great for night time visitors.

Potting up strawberry runners Tim Sandall

overgrown and water that is unhealthy for inhabitants.

Ideally use rainwater from a butt to top up the level. On still water, spray water over the surface on hot, humid nights to break the surface and improve oxygen levels.

Many indoor plants benefit from being placed outside for the summer. This will save conservatory plants from baking under glass and lessen some pest and disease problems such as red spider mite.

Summer is a time of taking it easy in the garden, so make sure you surround your seating areas with fragrant plants to breathe in the scents of summer as you relax with a cup of tea or glass of wine.

Jobs for July and August •

•

Deadhead bedding plants and repeat-flowering perennials to ensure continuous flowering. Pick courgettes at around 10-12.5cm long, before they become marrows. Regular harvesting will encourage more to form. The flowers can be eaten raw in salads or stuffed and fried. Use straight away as they don’t last long.

Clear algae, blanket weed and debris from ponds, and keep them topped up. Even wildlife ponds need some regular maintenance to prevent it from becoming

•

Propagate your strawberries from runners. Insert runners into pots filled with multipurpose compost and peg them down with wire. When they have rooted, sever from the parent plant.

•

If you grow restricted forms of apples and pears, you need to summer prune now to allow sunlight to ripen the fruit and ensure good cropping next year. For details on how to do this check out our advice pages: rhs.org.uk/ fruit/apples/summer-pruning.

Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Services Officer

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39

EDUCATION

New forest school provides outside learning for children

Volunteers from LiveWest joined together to help build a forest school area at St James Primary School in Okehampton as part of a drive to encourage outdoor learning and play opportunities for local pupils.

Okehampton Primary School’s Cross Country Team (Years 3-6) who retained the Alford Cup this year at the Cross Country Competition against other local primary schools.

Geraldine Carter, Associate Principal of St James Primary School, said: ‘Having this outdoor learning area will be a fantastic resource for the children where they can grow vegetables, learn about nature in the forest school, play in the mud kitchen and listen to stories in the outdoor seating area.

We are so grateful to LiveWest and their team of volunteers for creating these features and more besides.’

St James Primary School in Okehampton is part of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust and has fundraised for the new forest school area.

Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust’s AWE (Awe, Wonder and Engagement) Projects rejuvenate school facilities, with the help of willing teams of staff, governors, older students and the wider community. It was initially designed as a continuation of the strong community spirit which had been evidenced during lockdown and has seen numerous local businesses pledge their support.

12 Volunteers from local housing association LiveWest helped to install a seating area with firepit, mud kitchen, archway and wildflower bed in a dedicated outdoor learning area at the school as well as LiveWest’s supplier Jewsons donating £300 funding as a social value contribution for equipment for the new site.

The Trust’s community team of Derrick Brett, Executive Director of Civic Leadership and Melissa Trudgill, Community Engagement Manager facilitated the project bringing partners together from the community, the school and the PTFA. Vicki Norris, member of St James PTFA worked tirelessly with her PTFA team to raise funds, plan the space and negotiate materials to make the event a success.

40

A group of school and DMAT staff and school parents and grandparents Anna Devine, Anne-Marie Lethbridge, Derrick Brett, Vickie Norris, Gemma Garnsworthy, Marcia Horsley, Glen Hughes, Cam McMorrin, Dan Cooper bravely took part in a sponsored abseil off Meldon Viaduct on April 30 to raise money for the Friends of St James.

All money raised will contribute towards purchasing play equipment and surfacing to create a new play area in the school grounds at St James CofE Primary School.

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FARMING

Lambing season is over - time to catch up on a few jobs!

Hello again, I hope you all had a lovely Jubilee weekend. It’s difficult to believe that another lambing season is over. If I’m honest it has been a very hard time - the shop has expanded and with the farm there is more to do and less hours to do it. Luckily my wife and our good friend Pippa help take the strain.

There is always a lull on the farm when the birthing season is over and the harvest season has not yet begun it’s a time when we get to catch up on a few jobs, sort some fencing, TB tests etc.

The weather, one of my favourite subjects, has been a bit odd really. We haven’t had much rain but when it has been really needed we have had just enough. It was so dry that we didn’t dare spread our fertiliser, as we wouldn’t be able to buy any more if it failed to achieve the

desired results. It was later than usual when we decided to go for it and we only spread half of what we normally spread in case we didn’t have any more rain. I have never seen anything grow so fast, it must have been perfect conditions. One day the fields were bare and I was worried that we weren’t going to have enough winter food, two weeks later we are very hopeful.

We have had a cracking bull selling season. We only have one bull left of working age which is a really good result, and the phone hasn’t stopped ringing! The next bunch won’t be old enough for sale until August.

Shearing season has started already, in fact when you read this we will have shorn most of our sheep. We had a shearing course this weekend where

the wool marketing board use our sheep with their instructors to teach youngsters the correct way to shear sheep. It must be so nice for the sheep to have their winter coats removed when the weather warms up.

Last week I took a day off, the first for quite some time, and I went on a little bike ride. Okehampton to Exmoor, via Tiverton, along the North Devon coast from Porlock to Valley of the Rocks then home via South Molton and Winkleigh.

All in all it was 125 miles, seeing some fantastic scenery in fantastic weather. A great day out.

In June I have entered the Dartmoor Classic which is a 100 mile route around Dartmoor, just hoping it doesn’t clash with silage time or I might have to stay home.

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CHARITY FOCUS

Helping adults learn to read and fulfil their potential A charity that brings families closer together, and provides confidence to individuals, is setting up a group in Okehampton.

Read Easy UK is a registered charity that helps adults learn to read and Read Easy Exeter group is one of some 80 affiliated groups.

There is approximately five-million UK adults with reading and writing skills below that expected of 11 year olds (Skills for Life Survey 2011). Read Easy provides free, 1:1 and confidential coaching to help adult learners to read.

Julia Townsend from Read Easy Exeter said: ‘This is often the point that many adults recognise that they just cannot hide their struggle to read and want to do something about it. There are, of course, lots of other reasons why adults decide it’s time to transform their lives.

‘We use a phonics-based programme with additional learning activities and readers work at their own pace. There is absolutely no pressure to achieve to meet a predetermined standard.’

The charity is currently setting up a group in Okehampton and staff are keen to help adult learners in the area.

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Julia added: ‘The obvious first hurdle is getting the message out to those people as they are unable to read and that’s where everyone can help Have you noticed a friend or family member that seems to always avoid reading greetings cards, social media posts, bills, important notices, their children’s school reports/school notices, or do not

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CHARITY FOCUS

Paul Fisher, Team Lead for Exeter

seem to know the correct dosage for their medication/ingredients for recipes?

Do they use excuses like they do not have their reading glasses/they’re not very good on computers/they are in a rush? Adults who do not, or struggle, to read are very adept at hiding their lack of reading ability. They are masters of disguise!

learners to read, and spotlights Jacky as one of Read Easy Exeter’s success stories. She started the Read Easy programme in 2021 when the country was in lockdown. She wanted to read with her granddaughter and now they enjoy books together and Jacky is also increasingly confident about travelling on trains and even the prospect of flying.

‘As a friend or family member you can encourage that person to contact Read Easy.’

There are all sorts of reasons why people find themselves being unable, or struggle, to read in adulthood; being disengaged at school or frequent school absence, family problems or maybe an undiagnosed learning issue. However, the impact of learning to read on the individual can be immense and lead to an increase in self-esteem, confidence, improved job prospects and a better family life.

Read Easy Exeter will match the reader with a coach and find a mutually suitable location to meet regularly; usually two half-hour sessions a week.

Read Easy Exeter’s Team Lead, Paul Fisher, highlights that the group is friendly and keen to help adult

spread the word that Read Easy is in Okehampton.

The charity can be contacted on 07942 367367 or via email exeter@readeasy. org.uk. For more information about the charity visit www.readeasy.org.uk • The charity is on the look out for volunteers in the Okehampton area who can spare an hour or so a week to help people learn to read. You don’t need to have worked as a teacher before, but you do need to be flexible, gentle, kind, and supportive. Full training is provided and volunteers will have support if needed, including access to a literacy specialist. If you’d like to find out more about volunteering, email exeterrecruiter@ readeasy.org.uk

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MUSIC AND ART

South West Sculpture talent exhibition Sir Tim Smit is set to open the Ashburner Prize sculpture exhibition at Stone Lane Gardens to the public on July 1 at 3pm. The prestigious exhibition will showcase the South West’s emerging artists and will be open to visitors until October 31.Located, near Chagford, only minutes from the A30 and Castle Drogo, the Gardens have been described as ‘a gem’ by horticulturalist and broadcaster Jo Swift. Now in its 30th year the exhibition has received a record number of entries from artists competing for the prize which this year is sponsored by Caradon Granite. Most pieces exhibited

will be available to buy. This year’s panel of judges consists of internationally renowned ceramic sculptor Sandy Brown, author and academic Penny Florence, and charity trustee Sandy Lipo. The theme of the 2022 exhibition is Connectivity. Sir Tim Smit is a cofounder of the Eden Project and first gained notability with his re-discovery of the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall.

On August 24, Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ will be presented at the Gardens by ever popular touring theatre company The Three Inch Fools, which has successfully appeared at Stone Lane

Gardens on several other occasions to great acclaim.

Limited tickets for this outdoor performance are available via the website www. stonelanegardens. com at all prices.

Bring a seat and a picnic.

Stone Lane Gardens is open every day from 10am till 6pm and is an RHS Partner Garden and a registered charity (no.1141252).

A powerful exhibition Life Still is a new exhibition at The Green Hill Arts Gallery, Moretonhampstead, that has work completed by eight artists.

Sian Bonnell, Rob Carter, Christopher Cook, Victoria Day, Susan Derges, Gail Flockhart, James Lake and Tim Pearse have been working within the Still Life tradition in powerful, surprising ways.

Ordinary objects, hints of old masters, unspoken themes of fragility and impermanence come reassuringly alive, something to quietly wonder at and reflect upon.

Entry to the exhibition, which is open until September 3, is free. The gallery is open 10am to 4pm from Wednesday to Saturday.

End of year show a huge success people to their studio following their appearance on BBC Spotlight. The interest it generated led to one of their students selling ten of their sculptures and a lot of local interest in their sculpture taster days and courses.

Graduates from The Sculpture School’s first 12 month intensive realist figurative course are relishing the success of their end of year show.

Diane Coates-Sinclair, Director of The Sculpture School, said: ‘It’s been wonderful to showcase what our One Year Students have achieved as well as share what we teach and do here in the studio and workshop with so many lovely visitors.’

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45

WHAT’S ON

Lydford Summer Fair is to make a welcome return Lydford Summer Fair, incorporating Safety on Dartmoor Day, returns on Saturday, July 9.

Between 11am and 4pm at Lydford Sports Field, the fair will feature over 30 stalls and plenty of entertainment - including games, a dog show, and a display from Hoopers Display Team showing dogs and owners of all ages and fitness levels navigate hoops, barrels and tunnels.

The climbing wall will be returning, as well as various stalls with arts, crafts, bric a brac and local produce. There will be games, a bouncy castle, ice cream, candy floss, cream teas and barbecue.

There will be a raffle where a host of prizes are up for grabs including a ride for two people in a hot air balloon (restrictions and weather permitting) and the Margaret Green Foundation (Wingletang) will be running the ever

popular dog show with rosettes to be won, from 2pm.

Emergency Services will also be on hand to discuss and answer any questions on the valuable work that they do in and around Dartmoor.

The Western region of the British Balloon Club will be returning for its annual meet, and will be carrying out morning and evening fly outs throughout the weekend. Members will also be doing a static night glow on the

Saturday evening at approximately 9pm.

Come to the fair and purchase a £2 raffle ticket for the opportunity to win a flight in one of these spectacular hot air balloons. (Restrictions and weather permitting).

In the evening from 7pm, there will also be an opportunity to pay a small donation (all monies from the evening going to the Ukraine Appeal) to come and watch the spectacular night glow, with entertainment from Rufus Stoned, a local energetic five piece band performing two sets, one before the spectacular night glow, beginning around 7.30pm and one after.

Free entrance to the day and a small donation to Ukraine for the evening.

Free parking is available in the adjacent field. Lydford Sports Field, Lydford, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4BE.

MED’s ‘mesmerising’ production is back!

MED Theatre will be reproducing their sellout production of ‘Salmon’ this summer by creating a short adaptation of the environmental play.

This 30-minute version will feature the magical salmon, Salar, Grilse and Kelt, sharing the plights of Dartmoor’s rivers through tales of giants, poachers and water nymphs.

able to enjoy this educational dancedrama in various locations around Devon throughout July and August.

For more information on touring dates and venues visit www.medtheatre.co.uk or email education@medtheatre.co.uk.

Families, visitors and locals will all be

Feedback from ’Salmon’ which toured in 2021: ‘The Salmon themselves were mesmerising in every way, the choreography was superb and the

46

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costumes perfect and they delivered the beautiful prose with such feeling.’

WHAT’S ON

Belstone Village Fair Sunday, July 10 After a two-year break, Belstone Village Fair is back! Starting at the earlier time of 1pm but still finishing at 4pm, it has all the old favourite events, sideshows and stalls, plus some more. So - get your dog toned up for the dog races, practice your egg throwing skills and let the youngsters train for the children’s races. Join in the fun or sit and watch, Pimm’s and burger or hot dog in hand - or perhaps you’d rather enjoy the tea and cake on offer.

The traditional Cosdon Hill Run is, once again, taking place on the same day and starts from the site of the fair, which is also the finishing point. Start time - 1.30pm for juniors; 2.30pm for seniors. Register at the race headquarters on the village green by The Tors Inn. Registration is at the

village car park. For more information, visit the Okehampton Running Club website or go direct to the Cosdon Hill page www.entrycentral.com/CosdonHillRace Watch the brave runners as they attempt the dizzy heights of Cosdon, browse the stalls, have a turn on the sideshows and listen to live music from the Bondleigh Barn Band. Whether you are a spectator or participant, there’s plenty of fun for all!

All profits to Belstone Village Hall funds.

Higher Uppacott guided tours return for 2022 Experience the timeless atmosphere of a 14th century Dartmoor longhouse and see how people and animals lived years ago.

Nestling in Dartmoor National Park, Higher Uppacott is now open for guided tours so people can truly get a sense of what it was like to live side by side with cattle.

Higher Uppacott is a medieval farmhouse (longhouse) in which people and cattle were accommodated under a single roof.

Owned by Dartmoor National Park Authority, Higher Uppacott is a Grade I Listed building of international importance and comprise the highest survival of longhouses (along with Brittany) in northern Europe.

It’s one of the few remaining examples of this historic building type and a tour of this remarkable place will allow people to travel back in time and get a deeper understanding of life on Dartmoor through the ages.

One of the things that makes Higher Uppacott so special is that its development from its medieval beginnings through to the present day is still clearly evident within the fabric of the building. It tells its own story through key architectural

features. This development also vividly illustrates the major changes in domestic family life and the social structures of Dartmoor farming folk over the centuries.

A guided visit is the only way to see this building and the National Park is pleased to announce a series of dates throughout the summer that are available to book now.

All tours start at 10.30am unless otherwise stated and last about 90 minutes. A tour costs £6 per person and must be booked in advance. Book by calling the National Park Visitor Centre at Princetown on 01822 890414.

Tour dates: July - Saturday 9 and Saturday 30 August - Saturday 6 (an evening tour beginning at 6pm) Sunday 14, Wednesday 17, Sunday 21 and Monday 29.

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47

WHAT’S ON

Food festival to kick-start carnival week Since 1921, on the fourth Thursday in August, Moretonians have been celebrating carnival. This year is no exception and Carnival Day will be on held on August, thanks to the dedication of a small committee of people who work

extremely hard to keep the tradition alive.

This year, after a two year break, to kick-start carnival week will be Moretonhampstead Carnival’s local Food and Drink Festival. This exciting event will be held on Saturday, August 20 from 10am until 4pm. We have many of last year’s favourites returning including Papillion Dartmoor Gin and Passion for Pie with many new additions such as Sophies Bangin Bakes and Simon’s Kitchen!

There will also be a variety of exhibitors eager to showcase their goods.

Sam Parkin, from the committee, said: ‘Come along and join us as we are extremely proud of our town and carnival and we are looking forward to showing you what we have to offer.’

Entry to the festival is free of charge for everyone. The festival will be held in Cross Street. There are two public car parks in Moretonhampstead and additional parking will be signposted.

To keep up to date with all stalls go to Moretonhampstead Carnival Food Festival on Facebook. All proceeds from this event will go to Moretonhampstead Carnival which supports local charities.

A festival dedicated to music Founded in 2021, the Whiddon Autumn Festival (WAF) is a new arts festival dedicated to vocal and chamber music, taking place every September in and around the historic Whiddon Parishes of North Dartmoor.

WAF sees some of the UK’s most talented young musicians converge on this picturesque corner of rural Devon for several packed days of musical events curated by local-born Artistic Director Freddie Crowley.

WAF will run from September 15 to 18, with events taking place in various venues spread across Chagford, Drewsteignton, Throwleigh, Gidleigh and Moretonhampstead. Tickets will be released and a full programme is available to view at https:// whiddonautumnfestival.co.uk/ Young vocal ensemble the Corvus Consort is the Festival’s Ensemblein-Residence, alongside its very own Festival String Quartet. Each year the

Festival also appoints a Composer-inResidence who is commissioned to write a selection of brand new works which are premiered at the Festival.

The inaugural Festival in September 2021 featured eight events over three days, with a varied programme of choral music, solo song, chamber music, education workshops and community participation events, enthusiastically enjoyed by audiences and participants alike.

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WHAT’S ON

Tree planting to become annual festival tradition 2022 Festival Theme is ‘Summer Holidays’ A tree planting scheme designed to mitigate the carbon footprint of a music festival will become an annual tradition, the organiser has confirmed.

With the help of Dartmoor charity, Moor Trees, Chagstock festival will see native British saplings planted every year.

The number of trees planted will, according to calculations, mitigate the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the event over the trees’ lifespan.

All of the saplings will be planted every year in South Devon, as part of the ‘Tunes for Trees’ scheme, first launched by the festival last year.

The Moor Trees charity has been reforesting areas locally for over 20 years, with much of its work focused on a vision for a greener, climate resilient Dartmoor.

Chagstock organiser, Simon Ford, said: ‘This really is a no-brainer for us. To do something green that will live on

for many years is a great way to give something back to nature.

‘We’re very big on meaningful efforts to reduce our impact on the planet, and by planting trees in Devon, that’s something we can do right on our doorstep.’

He added: ‘We’ve received a lot of great feedback for the idea, so it’s a pleasure to announce that we’ll be making this an annual part of the festival, and we encourage other events to do the same.’

Adam Owen, Director of Moor Trees, said: ‘We are delighted that the local Chagstock festival is committed to supporting our tree planting initiatives indefinitely.

‘It is a wonderful festival at the heart of Dartmoor attracting many people,

and it is great that the organisers wish to mitigate their carbon use through the planting of locally grown native broadleaved trees and help us achieve our vision for a wilder Dartmoor.’

The Chagstock team also goes to great efforts to recycle plastic waste and provide reusable mugs at the bar, many of which are used by die-hard festival fans, year after year.

Headline acts taking to the stage at the festival in July, are psychedelic rock band Kula Shaker, and pop-rockers, Ash. The festival takes place July 22 to 23 at a site near Whiddon Down. For tickets, more information visit www.chagstock.info

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49

WHAT’S ON

Chagford Show is back!

Organisers are delighted to announced that The Chagford Agricultural and Horticultural show will be held on Thursday, August 18.

Now entering its 119th year, the show is situated on the beautiful banks of the Teign at Mill End (TQ13 8JN), Chagford, courtesy of The National Trust, Malseed Family, Mr P Morrish, Mr H de Ferranti and Miss B Hayter-Hames.

With competition classes for agricultural produce, horses, sheep, cattle, dogs and a vintage section, the Chagford Show embodies the best traditions of a proper country show. Not too big, not too small, and easy to get around. There are over 200 trade stands, a rural crafts area, a food hall displaying the best of local producers, a beer tent and lots of live music throughout the day.

The Main Ring carries a full day of special attractions – this year it’s the Paw’s for Thought Dog Display Team and

a Bird of Prey Flying Display. There is also terrier racing, a parade of vintage tractors and cars and a lot more.

The Chagford Show has something for everyone and is a great family day out, come and see for yourself.

There is ample free parking, and free buses run from Moretonhampstead and Chagford all day.

Full details of the 2022 show appear on the website www.chagfordshow. co.uk and tickets will be available online shortly. We look forward to welcoming you all.

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WHAT’S ON

Get your tickets for popular festival Celebrating the theme of friendship in music, Artistic Director and violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen announces the 2022 Two Moors Festival programme which includes pieces by the Schumanns, Schubert, Beethoven, Haydn, Mendelssohn and Brahms.

The internationally-renowned festival takes place over nine days in October: From Wednesday, October 5 to Sunday, October 9 across Dartmoor and on Exmoor from Thursday, October 13 to Sunday, October 16. Venues on Dartmoor range from Exeter Cathedral to St Eustachuis’ Church in Tavistock.

Since 2001, the Two Moors Festival has welcomed outstanding international artists and the rising stars of the next generation to perform for large and enthusiastic audiences in venues spread across Dartmoor and Exmoor.

The festival presents an artistic programme to rival many highprofile city-based events and has an international reputation for excellence way beyond its immediate physical reach. It attracts some of the most exciting performers in the world of the calibre only seen in large city venues.

Highlights of the 2022 Festival on Dartmoor include: Performance of Schubert’s song cycles – Schubert’s Winterreise with Benjamin Appl and James Baillieu and anniversary celebrations of 150 years for Ralph Vaughan Williams, and 400 years for Matthew Locke, in Exeter Cathedral, where he once carved his name.

Tamsin Waley-Cohen, Artistic Director said: ‘This year I have chosen the theme of “Friendship”. The extended lockdowns and isolations that we have all experienced over these last two years have highlighted ever more indelibly

how vital a lifeline our friendships are to us all. Shakespeare said “No man is an island”, and as usual, he knew what he was talking about. We are exploring this theme throughout the Festival, visiting the home of the Schumanns’, looking at Beethoven, Mozart, and Schumann, Dvorak, Janacek, and Haas, as well as celebrating anniversaries of VaughanWilliams and Matthew Locke.’

Tickets are now on sale, for further information visit www.twomoorsfestival.co.uk

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51

WHAT’S ON

Trust and singing charity team up for ‘Festival of Hope’ Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (DMAT) and Voices Foundation have formed a partnership to develop and embed a progressive music curriculum for their pupils, staff, and school communities throughout the trust’s 14 primary schools.

Voices Foundation’s Artist Practitioners continue to work in partnership with classroom teachers in all 14 DMAT schools to provide the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to deliver high-quality music education through singing.

Manvinder Rattan, CEO of Voices Foundation, said: ‘We know that singing is a great way for improving well-being and we know that children have really suffered over the last couple of years in particular. This festival will showcase the work that the Voices Foundation team has done with teachers right

52

across the trust and the heartening achievements of the children as singing has become an even greater part of their daily lives as a result of that work.’

Between July 4 and 7, Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust is holding the Festival of Hope - a set of events that will bring together teachers, students, and community members to celebrate the

great practice that occurs within the schools.

The Festival of Hope is centred on delivering a set of pillars that include creativity, innovation, literacy, artistic performances, and community. It is hoped it will foster a sense of belonging among all students and pupils by combining events with school activities.

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WHAT’S ON

Events at Okehampton Library Gadgeteers Summer Reading Challenge 2022 July 9 to September 10 The Reading Agency and libraries are excited to introduce this year’s Challenge, celebrating science and innovation, in partnership with the Science Museum Group.

Join the Gadgeteers for the free Summer Reading Challenge. Suitable for children aged 4-11.

July 23 2pm to 4pm, Moon Rover Lego workshop from Brick Ideas Join Brick Ideas to design and build your own Moon Rover using Technic Lego.

Suitable for children aged 6+ (children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult)

Lines’ family event Film screening and Family Fun. Enjoy a new musical comedy. A warm-hearted, feel-good film with a core message of the importance of libraries and what they provide for their communities.

This free event will include children’s activities and informal conversations with a few of the cast and crew.

August 3 FabLab Children’s Design Workshops 10:30-12:00 - Design your own Laser-Cut bookmark your own 3D name keyring Suitable for children aged 6-16 years (Children aged under 8yrs need an adult to stay with them to help support their design)

Tickets £5 per child (one free adult for each paying child). Booking essential.

Tickets £12.50 per child - limited places.

Booking is essential – fablabdevon. eventbrite.com

July 26 2pm to 3pm, Super Science Session

August 4 3.40pm to 4.40pm, ’Bookaneer’ junior book club launch

Join us to explore and experiment with three fun STEM activities (science, technology, engineering and maths) to get those clever brains learning and discovering!

Why don’t you join the new Bookaneer Book Club. Does your child love books?

Are they a confident reader?

Please book in advance in the library to avoid disappointment.

Free, donations welcome.

Suitable for ages 5+, Free, donations welcome. Booking in advance is essential.

July 29 3pm to 5.30pm, ’Between the

August 8 to 13 Gadgeteers Discovery Table Drop in during library opening hours for some Gadgeteers activities

Free, donations welcome.

August 16, 2pm to 3.30pm, August 18, 10.30am to 12pm, Litcraft Discover the magic of reading with Minecraft!

Join us for two sessions of discovery and shipshape challenges within the world of the well-loved book, Treasure Island.

Suitable for children aged 8-12.

Tickets £4 each, which includes both sessions.

Please book in advance in the library to avoid disappointment.

August 25 10.30am to 11.30am, Super Science Session Calling all Gadgeteers! Book a seat at our Super Science table.

Join us to explore and experiment with three fun STEM activities (science, technology, engineering and maths) to get those clever brains learning and discovering!

Suitable for ages 5+ FREE, donations welcome.

Booking in advance is essential.

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53

WHAT’S ON

July

is plenty of room on the field but call 01837 840498 if you would like further details.

July 2

August August 13

Okehampton Choral Society ‘Leaving Lockdown’ - an hour of live music made by local musicians. Starting at 3.15pm at Fairplace Church in Okehampton, the informal programme will appeal to people of all ages. Families welcome.

Walks with Winnie, 10am to 12noon.

A guided walk to the WWII crash site at Corn Ridge. Page 61 in the ‘Walks with Winnie’ book. To book www. dartmoorwalking.co.uk

Guest performances from friends Ruth Penrose (clarinet), Robby Cassels, aged 13 (Piano) and Christine & Roger Cleverdon (Piano Duet). Admission free.

3pm to 5pm, Summertime Cream Tea with entertainment from local musicians ‘One point Five’ at Sampford Courtenay Village Hall. An alfresco afternoon tea with friends and family, enjoying far reaching views around Sampford Courtenay. Tickets £7.50 in advance from Lynn secretaryvhsc@gmail.com

August 14

July 3 11am to 5pm, Open Gardens in Sampford Courtenay. Come and enjoy a tour of 15 lovely gardens in and around Sampford Courtenay, Sampford Chapple and Trecott. You are invited by local gardeners to visit and enjoy their gardens with them – not to mention pick up ideas and inspiration! There will be pasty ploughman’s (traditional or cheese and onion pasty options) and cream teas available throughout the event at the Church Rooms in the square – which is also where you can buy your ticket.

July 9 Car Boot Sale at Belstone Cricket Ground. Sellers can arrive from 9am, £5 for cars and £6 for vans. Buyers arriving after the official opening time of 10am pay £1 per car; if arriving before 10am the entry fee is £2 per car.

Refreshments, including a fine selection of home-made cakes, will be available in the pavilion. No need to book as there

July 9 Walks with Winnie, 10am to 11am.

A guided easy circular walk around Fernworthy Reservoir. Page 13 in the ‘Walks with Winnie’ book. To book www.dartmoorwalking.oc.uk

July 16 Come, Buy and Chat 10.30am to 11.30am Sampford Courtenay Village Hall.

July 30 12pm to 2pm, barbecue with a view!

Come along and enjoy a locally made burger/sausage from our barbecue with salads and roll, followed by strawberries and cream in the grounds of Sampford Courtenay Village Hall with beautiful views across open countryside. Licensed bar. Help raise funds for Roof Us by purchasing your £10 ticket in advance from Lynn secretaryvhsc@gmail.com

Harvest Workers Co-op events Saturday, July 9 Family Cooking @ ecohub Morning 11-1 Afternoon 3-5 FREE Booking essential hello@ harvestworkerscoop.org.uk

Sunday, 10, Social Gardening Drop in @ecohub Drop in Sunday, 17, Moths, butterflies & insects @Hilltown, Northlew Road 8am-12pm adult £20/children £5 Booking essential hello@harvestworkerscoop.org.uk Saturday, 23, Family Workshop Summer Buzz @ecohub 2-4 £5/family Booking essential hello@harvestworkerscoop. org.uk

Saturday, August 6, Family Cooking @ecohub Morning 11-1 Afternoon

Featured artists July - Rosemary Bonney August - Michael Hill

MEET Rosemary Bonney/Michael Hill at WILDWOOD see website for details

Dartmoor’s Art Gallery Representing the region’s finest artists

www.wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk Chapel Lane, Horrabridge, Yelverton PL20 7SP • info@wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk • 01822 258529

Traditional, investment & contemporary fine art . prints . ceramics . jewellery . glass . textiles

54

Upholstery Service Custom Made Footstools Collection & Delivery Available

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@fabricandfurniture.co.uk ² fabricandfurniture  Linda 07484 093494

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WHAT’S ON

3-5 FREE Booking essential hello@ harvestworkerscoop.org.uk

July 13: Tony Clark will talk about Mapping Dartmoor.

Sunday, 7, Social Gardening Drop in @ecohub Drop in

August 17: An afternoon visit to Launceston Steam Railway and Engineering Museum.

Saturday, 20, Family Workshop Summer Grain @ecohub 2-4 £5/family Booking essential hello@harvestworkerscoop. org.uk

August 20 Sampford Courtenay and Honeychurch Flower, Produce and Craft Show on Saturday, August 20 from 1.30pm. The show will be held in the Square if good weather; if not, the show will be held in the village hall. For more information, email marion174@btinternet.com)

Okehampton and District Local History Society July/August The Okehampton and District Local History Society has been in abeyance for the last two years because of Covid 19, so the committee is delighted to have the society up and running again and welcoming old and new members to its regular meetings in the Ockment Centre, North Street, on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm.

The first lecture was in May and was about the Pilgrim Fathers’ landing in North America in 1621. The second in June was about the war across the Tamar during the Civil War in the 1640s.

All details about meetings and the August visit are available from chairman Keith Badman, 01837 82701 or secretary Jane Lehni 01837 840087.

Regulars

Can you help?

Can you help save a home for wildlife?

The frog pond at Ranelagh Road in Okehampton is blocked and not fit for purpose. Volunteers are being sought to pull weeds and make the pond suitable for the wildlife that once inhabited the area. If you can help (and possibly have waders) contact David Wright on 01837 52927.

Throwleigh photographic exhibition A collection of Dartmoor photographs is on show at Providence Methodist Chapel, Throwleigh. The well-known Dartmoor photographer Chris Chapman, who lives locally at Throwleigh, has been taking pictures of life around the moor for fifty years. Over this time he has built up a nationally important archive of photographs. His photos will be the focus of a special exhibition during a series of open days from now until October.

Every Sunday morning.

Okehampton Rambling Club.

Meet at Okehampton Post Office ready to leave by 9.30am. Varied walks of between 7 to 9 miles, moorland, coastal, countryside. Call Chris on 01409 221362 for more information.

Beekeeping help Part time position, one day a week.

Would suit a hard working person with an interest in the environment. Must have had at least one seasons practical beekeeping. Own transport required.

Contact Peter Hunt on 01647 440322 for more information.

The New Inn SAMPFORD COURTENAY

Log Fire ~ Beer Garden ~ Dog Friendly

01837 82247 www.newinnsampfordcourtenay.co.uk

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55

FOOD & DRINK

Where do you buy your wine?

The price of everything is rising, so where you buy your wine is worth considering.

conditions and winemaking techniques.

This is why vintages are so important in quality wine.

Most people choose supermarkets, wine merchants or online - so what are the pro’s and con’s? I work at an independent merchant, but I’ll try to remain neutral!

You generally won’t find big brand names, and if you imagine you’re in a supermarket wine aisle, prices below thigh level probably aren’t available.

Merchants often supply the licensed trade, and need quality, unique wine (nobody in a restaurant wants to be served a bottle they can buy in the supermarket). Tax alone on any bottle of wine starts at £2.88 - that’s before transport, bottling or profit, so a £5 bottle contains wine worth 30 to 50p!!

Luckily those costs apply to all wine, so with more expensive bottles the value of the actual wine increases dramatically.

50p worth in a £5 bottle becomes more like £1.50 worth in a £6 bottle - three times better!

Supermarkets keep extensive ranges, predominantly well-known brands. Their buying power has made genuinely bad wine a rarity, and they offer eyecatching discounts. Quality-wise, they’re about consistency. Big brands draw grapes from vast areas, keeping huge reserves for blending - creating identical products every year.

Small producers, however good, are of little interest - they physically can’t fill supermarket shelves. Most wine is of reasonable quality and there’s lots of lower-price choice. Supermarkets are especially interesting at Christmas, when they may buy and discount quality wines.

Independent merchants focus on unique wines from smaller producers - quality wines reflecting their origin and the year.

Rather than being consistent, wines vary annually according to weather, growing

Mail order offers the ultimate in convenience, of course, with many companies using the same business model - what my Dad called the ‘Colemans Mustard Principle’ - e.g. making money from what’s left over!

A typical online purchase is 12 bottles - usually 2 or more of each bottle. If you don’t like something - or it’s just OK - the chances are it’ll be consigned

to a cupboard! Most companies offer returns, but few people take this up.

Quality is variable but tends to be midrange; more expensive than average supermarket bottles but less expensive than a merchant.

In summary, supermarkets dominate cheap and cheerful (and Christmas fizz) with wines intended for drinking immediately. Mail order is convenient and a bit of a lucky-dip, which can be great fun. Merchants generally offer the highest quality, often age-worthy and most expensive wines, but also specialist knowledge and advice - food pairings for example - and the most personal experience. As they say on TV the choice is yours!

Dave Anning

Summer Jazz Event Sunday 28th August Join us for a fantastic lunch accompanied

by Jazz from Kimberley Oram-Penfold.

Three Course Lunch served from 12.00 noon to 2.00pm. £45 per person

A Family Run Hideaway in Devon 56

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

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FOOD & DRINK

A summer feast. . .

Harvest Workers’ Co-op has provided Readers with their recipe for ‘chargrilled courgettes, runner beans and ricotta’.

Harvest is a non-profit workers’ cooperative made up of farmers, educators and storytellers! The group grows and sources good organic food for their farm shop in Okehampton.

For more information, visit www.harvestworkerscoop.org.uk

Ingredients 50 g mixed seeds 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup ¼ tsp chilli flakes or adapt to your taste ½ lemon zested and juiced 250g ricotta for a vegan ricotta recipe follow the link below 3 courgettes thickly sliced on the diagonal 400g runner beans 3tbsp good-quality olive oil plus extra to serve edible flowers to decorate (optional) we used nasturtiums

Method 1. Toast the seeds in a dry pan until they start to pop, then stir in the honey, chilli and a good pinch of sea salt. Once all the seeds are sticky and forming clusters, tip out onto a piece of baking parchment and leave to cool. Mix the lemon zest and some salt and pepper into the ricotta and set aside.

2. Toss the courgettes and runner beans in the oil, then season. Ask a grown up to cook these on the BBQ or in a pan. Cook the veg in batches until it is

charred and softened but still a little crunchy.

3. Spread the ricotta along the bottom of a large sharing platter and top with the veg. Squeeze over the lemon juice, then scatter over the honeyed seeds.

Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a scattering of sea salt, then dot with edible flowers for colourful wow factor, if you like.

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57

HISTORY

West Devon’s popular historian, Simon Dell, talks about Okehampton’s policing history Okehampton Police Station Before the Devon Constabulary arrived in 1857 Constables George James and Joseph Millman served Okehampton Borough by informal arrangement from 1847-1860, although they were poorly paid and therefore also permitted to take other employment and when the chief constable of Devon, Gerald de Courcy Hamilton, announced his intention to send the Devon County Constabulary into Okehampton in 1857 the police watch committee rejected the notion. It was not until 1860 that the chief constable was able to appoint Devon constables to Okehampton, after having to seek significant legal advice from the Exeter Magistrates. The first police station in the town was situated in High Street with a lock-up nearby at West Bridge. This building was still visible until the rebuilding of the bridge in the 1870’s.

The current police station is now situated in what was the town’s secondary modern school and moved here from the former red-brick police station in George Street which dated back to the early decades of the twentieth century. The museum of policing in Devon and Cornwall is also situated in the current police station.

With the Devon Constabulary reorganisation of 1964, Okehampton B Division took over as Divisional Headquarters for Tavistock for a two-year period until 1966, but it was soon recognised that the influences upon Tavistock from Plymouth in the south were too great to be ignored and Tavistock again returned to Plympton, by now the headquarters for G Division.

The traffic division also worked out of Okehampton because of the close proximity of the A30 and later the A30 duel carriageway.

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The nearby village station at Bridestowe, situated on the A30 main road running down through the heart of the West Country, was some way to the west of Okehampton. It was, however, originally within the Tavistock Division in the time of Superintendent Mitchell, and it was not until the start of the 20th century that the station transferred into the control of the sergeant at Hatherleigh, within the Okehampton Division. The Old Police Station is situated in South Street, Hatherleigh, and early station records show 2nd Class Constable 327 John Howard as being the officer stationed at this beat. He died ‘in post’ on 14th March 1879 from bronchitis, and was sorely missed due to the trouble being experienced with the navvies building the peat railway onto the moors from the village. A replacement was soon found, however.

It was Bridestowe School which featured in a letter from Superintendent Mitchell in August 1885, when a pupil suffered from an ‘over-zealous’ caning by the schoolmaster.

Young John Heathman of the village succumbed to his injuries, yet there seemed to be insufficient evidence to draw a warrant for the arrest of the schoolmaster involved, and no further action was taken. Perhaps those of this

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HISTORY

century who talk of the ‘good old days’ might like to reflect on their perception of how it might actually have been.

Little else of note is recorded at the station for several years, other than the theft of a bale of wool investigated by Sergeant Vanstone of Lifton in 1892 and a change of station in September of that year when Constable Andrews was removed from Bridestowe and swapped with Constable Holwill of Tavistock.

Thereafter, the village soon went into the Okehampton. Suffice to say, the village boasted several police houses over the years, the last being vacated in the late 1960s. Also, during the war years, the constable for the village was Jimmy Green, who had been removed from Yelverton. A single man, he lived in lodgings, whilst his house was occupied by another officer not connected with the village beat.

As already mentioned, surnames often repeated themselves through generations of proud Devon officers from ‘police families’.

Simon Dell

In the true spirit of the ‘family’ of the Devon Constabulary, one constable at the village, Constable 196 Dennis Walters, was the son of Constable Arthur Walters of Whitchurch.

Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

59

WALK

Sticklepath, South Zeal and South Tawton This walk has been kindly written and walked for Oke Links by Lisa Harris

This walk connects three lovely Dartmoor villages via ancient trackways, open moorland, rivers and streams. It follows part of the Archangel’s Way, a new pilgrimage route around the north of the moor from Brentor to Chagford.

Sticklepath is a charming village which lies at the foot of the imposing Cosdon Hill. It has been located here on the main transport route to Cornwall for many centuries, but thankfully today’s A30 passes to the north and the village is much quieter today.

Pass through a gate and immediately turn left up a steep track. This soon bears sharp right, then levels out (for a while!) through the wood to arrive at another gate. It’s a delightful carpet of bluebells in Spring. Turn immediately left beyond the gate, and the path now climbs steeply again. Follow the field edge uphill to another gate which takes you onto the open moor. Still climbing, head straight ahead along a prominent path, aiming for the corner of a field bounded by a stone wall. There are amazing views in all directions from here.

Our walk begins from Finch Foundry, a 19th century water-powered forge which is now managed by the National Trust.

It is well worth a visit. From the carpark behind the forge, head towards the Taw river through a gate in the far corner next to the Quaker graveyard. Cross the footbridge over the river and turn right to follow the river up stream.

At this point, if you are still game for more climbing, as an optional extra you can continue straight up a clearly defined track to the summit of Cosdon Hill. At 550 metres above sea level, it’s one of the highest points on Dartmoor.

On a clear day you can see south to the English Channel, and north to the Bristol Channel. Climbing to the top and then

retracing your steps to re-join the main walking route, will add the best part of an hour to your walk.

Otherwise, if you’ve climbed far enough, turn left just above the field corner, initially following the stone wall in an easterly direction. The path soon becomes a trackway between stone walls and starts to descend towards South Zeal. Follow the track downhill, bearing left at a fork which will bring you out close to Ford Farm. Cross the main road, turn right along the footpath, and after 200 metres take a signed footpath to your left through a field to another gate in the far hedge line.

Follow the footpath signs through three fields alongside a small stream. This section can be quite muddy in winter or after heavy rain.

The path emerges in South Zeal next to the historic Oxenham Arms, formally a medieval Benedictine monastery. Even

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We have been working with the Links magazine team now for many years and have always received top levels of service.

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WALK

Taw River Tarka Trail

X

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St Andrew’s Church & Church House, South Tawton

el

St Mary’s Chap South Zeal

Cosdon Hill Summit 550m

more unusually, there is a neolithic Menhir (standing stone) that can be seen in the very centre of the building.

Turn left up the hill through the village, and take the right turn next to St Mary’s Chapel. This 14th Century building and garden is also well worth a visit. Follow the road past the School, then take a left turn signposted to South Tawton, followed by a right turn at Moons Cross (sadly just a central granite post these days) which leads into the village.

The Church House is another historic building that has seen service as a school, hospital and poor house at

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various times over the past 500 years.

As a further attraction, it offers excellent cream teas on summer Sundays! To complete the walk, take the bridleway outside the Church House which heads up the hill away from the village. This forms part of the famous Tarka Trail, a 180-mile figure of eight walking and cycling route centred on Barnstaple.

Follow the track between fields for half a mile, until it descends steeply into Sticklepath. Turn right, cross the bridge over the river Taw and you’ll be back at your starting point.

Distance: Approximately 4.5 miles Difficulty: A steep climb up and then down the lower slopes of Cosdon hill at the beginning of the walk.

Time: 2 hours Start point: Park in the road by St Mary’s church in Sticklepath OS grid reference: 641941

Lisa Harris

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TRADE SECRETS

Quilt Direct

Where did the business start and how has it developed over the years?

It all began in 1986 when I opened a needlework shop in Paddons Row, Tavistock, called Moor Silks and Yarns.

Over the years the business has evolved and grown, I moved from Paddons Row to bigger premises on Market Street, Tavistock, before realising my dream and creating an online store. In 2018 we moved into our current premises in Pitts Cleave, just outside Tavistock and we’ve not looked back since! We are proud to say we now have two teaching studios and stock over 14,000 items.

How did you learn about the art of sewing?

Having come from a family of sewers, I have always had a keen interest in all things sewing. I found out several

years after setting up my shop to my surprise my great grandmother was actually a professional quilt maker. My Aunt was also a skilled seamstress and created a Princess Ann ‘Sindy’ wedding dress within 2 hours of seeing the original. So, I guess it was in my genes.

What is the most ambitious quilted item you have created?

That’s a tough one but, I’d have to say creating three different sampler quilts in 3 weeks during lockdown was quite a challenge. We took part in the Moda ‘Stitch Pink’ Challenge for breast cancer in 2020 and we created four different colour ways for our customers to choose from. This was not made any easier by the lack of supply of fabrics and threads at this time.

What products does Quilt Direct offer?

We stock everything sewing related.

From hand sewing needles to top of

the range Bernina sewing overlocker & longarm machines and everything in between. We are also the only stockists in the UK of Accuquilt, a Fabric Cutting System.

What additional services can customers take advantage of?

We have 5 Bernina longarm quilting machines and offer a quilt finishing service but we are passionate and always encourage people to come along and learn how to use the longarm machines and finish their own quilts.

After spending so many hours putting a quilt together it is very rewarding to finish it yourself too. We have two spacious teaching rooms where we offer demonstrations on Bernina & Accuquilt products, host our tuition and have visiting guest tutors too. We also offer a click and collect service so you can order online and pick up in store, where you will be assured a friendly face and warm welcome when popping in to pick up your sewing supplies.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I enjoy resourcing, working, and practicing with the best quality products and then helping customers achieve the best possible results whatever project they are working on. It makes me so proud to know have helped so many customers achieve so much enjoyment with their precious sewing time in my past 36 years in the business.

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www.moorlandfuels.co.uk

Please mention Oke Links when responding to adverts.

C C

S E R E NC EA I Y PE R

Call or email Kevin Pedrick 07969 512668 • kpcarpentry21@gmail.com

K P CARPENTRY

C C

OOK IT LEAN LEAN OOK IT

EX

All Aspects of Carpentry Specialist Kitchen Fitter Interior & Exterior Domestic & Commercial

Quality Oven Oven Quality OvenCleaning Cleaning Quality Cleaning Quality Oven Cleaning forDevon Devon & & Cornwall for Cornwall for Devon & Cornwall for Devon & Cornwall available 7 days a week

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

01409 478648 / 07591 036096 www.cookitclean.co.uk Email: ian@cookitclean.co.uk www.cookitclean.co.uk 09/11/2018 CookItClean B'Cards.indd 1

Senior Citizens Discount

CookItClean B'Cards.indd 1

THE OKEHAMPTON HANDYMAN

- Simon Wright -

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

Private Water Engineers www.aquatechwaterservices.co.uk

Tel: 01409 241312 Mob: 07825748720 Email: aquatechwaterservices@gmail.com 30

Dave Baskerville

simon109wright@googlemail.com

Wells • Boreholes Servicing • Breakdowns Control systems pumps • Filtration

09/11/

07866 795914 / 01837 89171

Aqua Tech Water Services

s ar Ye e nc rie pe Ex

GENERAL BUILDER

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

11:3

Supply & installation of Wood, Gas & Electric Stoves and fires throughout Devon and Cornwall The Showroom • Unit 5 Red Post • Bude EX23 9NW

01288 381852 MN carl@cblstoves.co.uk www.cblstoves.co.uk

We clean...

Windows

- interior & exterior

Soffits & Gutters

Ask about...

Render Softwash Pressure Washing

07515 275354 01837 658505 www.bondswindowcleaning.co.uk • !

65

DIRECTORY

Oke Links Business Directory

COM

J A Francis Stone Walling & Patios Lost Habitat Men for All Seasons Health, Beauty & Nutrition Bay Brows & Beauty Therapies West Devon Sam Hargreaves Acupuncture Hearing & Mobility Alistair Kinsey Hearing & Mobility Holidays & Holiday Lets Helpful Holidays Oakdown Holiday Park Home Furnishings Fabric and Furniture Home Improvements & Interiors Jo Downs Glass Design Ltd Posh Paint Realistic Home Improvements Shields Buildings Hotels, Inns & Clubs Lewtrenchard Manor The New Inn Opticians Atlantic Home Eyecare Pets Retailers & Services Linsey Pet & House Sitting Photographic Services Okehampton Photo Centre Plumbing & Heating Services Chamings Heating & Plumbing DB Heating Podiatrists Cannon Barn Podiatry & Foot Pain Clinic Whiteley Podiatry Private Water Engineers AquaTech Water Services

38 37 38 44 31 30 28 49 50 54 7 16 24 18 56 55 28 16 48 19 4 30 29

LOCAL

MAGAZINES FOR LOCAL

Reader Survey 97% of our readers use the magazines to find businesses PEOPLE 99% of our readers find the advertisements useful 99% of our readers say that Links Magazines are helpful to them BY LOCAL 85% of our readers rate the quality of the Links Magazine as PEOPLE Good/Excellent 81% of our readers keep their copy of the magazine for more Source: Links Magazines Readership Survey Sample September/October 2020

than one month!

Delivered by the Royal Mail to more than 32,000 homes and businesses in West Devon, Dartmoor and North Plymouth.

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BU S I NESS

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Here’s what our customers and readers say...

Simon Gibbons, Westcountry Homes Online

JOBS

GWT Ltd 64 Residential Parks Berkeley Parks 24 Shoe Retailers & Makers Bracken And Sole 8 Green Shoes 48 Solicitors Charlesworth Nicholl & Co 22 Sports & Social Clubs Ronin Taijutsu Martial Arts 25 Sports Therapists Sports Therapy & Massage Clinic 30 Stationery & Printing Ink Print Ltd 44 Stoves & Fireplaces CBL Stoves 65 J K Woodburners 64 Transport Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership 12 Travel Agents Holsworthy Travel 8,44 Tree Surgeons Adam of Eden Tree Care 38 Oak Valley Tree Services Ltd 39 Venue Hire Ashridge Court - The Great Barn 44 Bridestowe Village Hall 13 Veterinary Practices North Park Vets 43 Okeford Veterinary Centre 41 Weight Loss/Slimming Slimming World 30 Window Cleaning Bonds Window Cleaning 65 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Okehampton Glass 51

Why advertise your business in OKE LINKS? “We have been working with the Links magazine team now for many years and have always received top levels of service. They are a great bunch of people and the publication is a great way to find businesses and see what’s going on your area”

ITY

Entertainment & Days Out Chagford Show 10 Okehampton Show 34 Red House Mysteries 53 SWLakes Roadford 27 Tavistock Pannier Market 11 Dental Practices Rock Dental Practice 42 Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Smudgies Pet Services 50 Electricians Coysh Electrical Services 64 Estate Agents & Lettings Godfrey Short & Squire 67 Stevens Estate Agents 3 Westcountry Homes Online 2 Fabric & Craft Retailers Quilt Direct 62 Financial Advisors 2plan wealth management Ltd 23 Fuel Suppliers Moorland Fuels 64 Funeral Directors Albery & Redstone Funeral Directors 21 Beer Cross Woodland Burials 60 Garage Doors Retial & Service Garolla Holdings Limited 61 Garden Centres Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre 36 Stone Lane Gardens 39 Endsleigh Gardens Nursery 38 Garden Machinery Retail & Services DH Services 38 Garden Services DH Grounds Maintenance 39 Dartmoor Pond Services 38 Hedge to Hedge Garden Services 38

UN

Accountants MBC Accountants 15 Animal Therapists Lisa Hall Animal Therapy 41 Arts, Galleries & Museums Moon and Moor 44 Moretonhampstead Motor Museum 45 Three Hares Gallery 53 Wildwood Arts 54 Bathroom & Tile Retailers Tavistock Bathrooms & Tiles 68 Bridal Retailers Two for Joy Bridal 44 Building, Construction & Maintenance Dave Baskerville Builders 65 Okehampton Handyman 65 Business Services Tavistock BID 52 Care Services & Care Homes Bluebird Care West Devon 32 Devon & Cornwall Care Services 30 Friendly Faces UK 29 Lakeside Residential Home 9 Sonia France 30 The Ness Centre 20 Carpentry & Joinery KP Carpentry 65 Charities Gilead Foundations Centre 15 Cleaning & Domestic Services Cook IT CLean 65 Outer Clean 63 Clothing Retailers Donalds Menswear 44 Computers & Laptops Alex Computers Ltd 64 Local Authorties Okehampton Town Council 44

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In every issue of Oke Links we promote local businesses, conversely, these businesses support and enable us to continue writing and publishing your local community magazine. If you are looking for a great local business then please choose from the list below. Next to each business is the page number on which they appear in this issue, please go and look at their advert and, if you call them, mention that you found them in Oke Links.

BUY LOCAL & SAVE

To make sure your business is featured in the next issue of Oke Links magazine, call us today on 07450 161 929 or email tim.randell@linksmagazines.co.uk

To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 07450 161 929 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

WALKING + DARTMOOR = HAPPY THINKING OF MOVING OR LOOKING FOR AN UP TO DATE VALUATION OF YOUR HOME?

CALL GSS NOW

01837 54504 Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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Over 50 ba room settings to inspire you

Amanda & James invite you to their showroom

TAVISTOCK BATHROOMS & TILES Unit 8 Plymouth Road Industrial Estate, Tavistock PL19 9QN

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

www.tavistockbathrooms-tiles.co.uk