Oke Links March/April 2023

Commercial Property for sale and rent

Commercial Property for sale and rent

Commercial Property for sale and rent

•880sqft industrial units available to purchase immediately with additional units at a reduced cost.

Parking

880sqft industrial units available to purchase immediately with additional units at a reduced cost.

•880sqft industrial units available to purchase immediately with additional units at a reduced cost.

•Option to rent

• Parking

Conveniently located just off the A30

•£120,000 plus VAT to purchase

Parking

•£120,000 plus VAT to purchase

•Option to rent

• Option to rent

•Conveniently located just off the A30

• includes a toilet, kitchen and small office

•Conveniently located just off the A30

•£8800 plus VAT per annum to rent

£135,000 plus VAT to purchase

•£8800 plus VAT per annum to rent

£8800 plus VAT per annum to rent

•First floor serviced offices available to rent

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•250sqft to 1,000sqft sizes available

• 250sqft to 1,000sqft sizes available

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•Conveniently located just off the A30

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• Parking

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On the move...

highest rate since 2008. Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, said: “We expect inflation to start falling more rapidly...”

How does inflation impact the housing market?

National house prices are falling

How will this affect your West Devon home?

It’s certainly been a rocky economic road over the last year. We’ve seen three Prime Ministers, a disastrous mini-budget, and the Russia-Ukraine war severely impacting our economy. Furthermore, the cost of living crisis is plunging millions below the breadline, and now we hear warnings of the potentially longest ever UK recession.

Will the West Devon housing market ‘crash’?

Headlines predicting a housing market ‘crash’ have been dominating news of late. But are they accurate? To interpret how the market may perform, we must first understand how economic factors can affect house prices nationally.

Back in December, the Bank of England raised its base interest rate to 3.5%, the ninth consecutive increase and the

In general, rising inflation coincides with slower house price growth and therefore you’d expect a steady fall in inflation to allow house prices to continually increase. But it’s important to note that throughout 2022, the housing market did not operate at “normal,” pre-pandemic levels.

In early 2022, house prices reached 18-year record levels and there were signifi cantly fewer homes coming to market than there were prospective buyers.

But towards the end of last year, strong demand began to decline. The UK housing market saw a drop in new buyer enquiries for the ‘sixth consecutive month’ in October 2022 (RICS monthly report, November 2022). With lower demand, prices will begin to fall.

What about mortgage rates?

Many economists first predicted fixed mortgage interest rates could reach highs of 6%, but they now lean towards an average of 4 to 4.5% by the end of 2023.

What has been happening in West Devon?

According to data from HM Land Registry*, sold prices across the area in October 2022 increased by 12% year-on-year, but were 1.4% lower than the previous month. The average price for a detached property was £338,184.

In December, Rightmove reported asking prices across the Southwest had fallen by 3.4% from November, with properties taking an average of 43 days to sell. However, this was still a 6.3% year-on-year increase.

Should you sell your home in 2023?

Although an uncertain economy is causing market fluctuations, I don’t anticipate a “crash” back down to pre-pandemic levels. I believe that properties will take longer to sell than we have seen in the last couple of years - but they will still sell, as people will always need to move, and the odds remain in favour of sellers.

If you’re wondering whether to sell your home in 2023, working with a property expert who understands local market conditions is crucial if you want to sell for the best possible price.

*HM Land Registry data available up to October 2022, all information correct at time of publication.

The deadline date for any inclusions in the May/June issue of Oke Links will be Friday 24th March.

For all editorial enquiries please contact Emma Messenger: emma. messenger@linksmagazines.co.uk

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Tim Randell: tim.randell@ linksmagazines.co.uk

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Design

Sara Venner, Julian Rees

New Season!

It’s been a long, hard, cold winter, but spring has finally sprung and with it the promise of longer days, warmer weather and blooming countryside. I’ve even taken off a layer of thermals.

Spring always puts me in mind of youth and new beginnings. And I think it’s fair to say that the ‘youth’ in our area often get a bad press. Of course there is the odd ‘bad apple’, just like there is among adults. But there is a horrible tendency to tar all young people with the same brush.

As Mike St John Cooper, the amazing man who run’s Okehampton’s Youth Club, Room 13 (page 8) says, ‘Communities often don’t like the idea of young people hanging round on the street or in the park. More than a couple of them and they’re seen as intimidating’.

It’s a concern addressed by the winner of the writing competition we ran in the last issue. Bill Clatworthy Edwards’ feature (page 21) blows apart the stereotype many have about teenagers. Meanwhile, to further improve the image of ‘yoof’, meet the inspirational Hannah O’Neill and Giles Herd whom I interviewed for this issue (page 10). They may have made me feel old and weary, but they are an enviably fresh-faced, focussed and creative couple who are forging their own professional paths.

Speaking of forging, Sticklepath’s fascinating Finch Foundry is open again for visitors this month; as is the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton, which has a wonderful new exhibition exploring the history of dyeing (as in colouring fabric, not breathing your last) on Dartmoor.

In fact, it really is time to get out and about again. There is so much to see and do. Like Chagford’s Farmers Fayre; the MED Theatre’s new production; the fantastic Tavistock Festival; Craft4Crafters big craft show, which you can win tickets to (page 37) ; and no end of exhibitions, concerts and walks.

Go on…breathe in the spring air and have some fun!

COVER : Photographer: Suzy Bennett (Left to right); Moretimore’s Dartmoor Beef & Lamb, Teign Valley Venison, McG Apple Juice & Cider Vinegar, Wild Dartmoor Kitchen, The Cure Dartmoor, The Beehive Farm Shop, House Granola & Fika Exeter - Swedish Micro Bakery.

This Little Piggy Went To Market…

How Chagford’s farmers’ market has been revived

Once upon a time, long, long ago, Chagford, like almost every other town and village in the land, had a regular market, where folk would buy their food and farmers sell their produce and livestock.

Chagford’s original market dates back to the Middle Ages. Though the town had a bit of a quarrel with Moretonhampstead which tried to claim exclusive marketholding rights, keen for a monopoly on the gains from the booming tin industry. Fast forward a good few centuries with the advent of railways, cars, road links, supermarkets and retail parks, and the death knell was gradually sounded for local markets. By the end of the 19th Century, Chagford lost much of its trade to Newton Abbot and later Exeter, and eventually the market there ceased to exist altogether.

Last year, however, one woman set out to change that.

Bon idée!

On a trip to France in the summer, photographer Fern Leigh Albert was struck by how everyone outside big cities do much of their grocery shopping at local markets. ‘You can go to one almost every day in different villages. There’s a lot of passion for food there. As there is in Devon. But here, not many markets exist anymore. Like a lot of these things, these “old ways” have been lost.’

Returning home, Fern teamed up with Zsa Zsa Shea, who runs a charcuterie business, and together they set up the Chagford Farmers Fayre, which had it’s launch in October.

‘When we hosted the first two Farmers Fayres last year we were overwhelmed by the local support,’ Fern says. ‘We realised there was a huge demand for locally produced, high quality food. The producers who take part are mostly a stone’s throw from Chagford, if not actively farming in the parish. It was great to come together as a community and celebrate what the village has to offer.’

Back to the future

Just as Chagford market has a long history, so does Endecott House where the Farmers Fayre is now held every month.

In 1862, the original market building, known as The Shambles (which means ‘slaughterhouse’), had fallen into disrepair so was demolished in favour of a new octagonal market house, the focal feature of Market Square to this day. Quirky Endecott House was actually home to the market overseer. ‘You can still see the last set of public market tolls on the wall. So it feels very special to have set up there.’

But for Fern the Farmers Fayre isn’t a cosy recreation of the past, it’s about how people buy and sell now and in the future; it’s a proper ‘revival’.

‘Small scale farming is hard work and sometimes creating a platform to sell produce comes bottom of the task list. Selling directly is the best thing for a farmer, not just financially, but also by having a good relationship with the customer and the community. This market aims to be beneficial to both food producers and customers - and, of course, it’s just a lovely social event to be part of!’

Talkin’ about a revolution…

‘The market is not just about supporting local food producers, it’s also a way shoppers can lower their carbon footprint by shopping for a variety of food direct from the village. We’re starting to realise that not only does shopping locally make sense environmentally but it builds resilience within our communities.

‘We hope this Fayre will inspire other villages to create similar events to build their own local food revolution.’

GOOD FOOD GUIDE

‘We are extremely lucky in Chagford to have top quality producers on our doorstep such as: The Mortimore’s Beef & Lamb, The Beehive Farm Shop, Hill & Coombe Dairy, Teign Valley Venison, Jesse’s Chicken and The Cure Dartmoor. We try and bring a selection of stall holders to the Fayre so that it has something for everyone and then occasionally we have special guests who bring ins something a little bit more exotic…like kimchi!’

Teign Valley Venison

Established in 2017, Teign Valley Venison supply high quality, sustainable and ethically sourced wild venison. They believe that good deer management is essential conservation work which maintains a healthy deer population in balance with the environment. Wild venison has great flavour and is arguably the healthiest red meat you can eat.

The Cure Dartmoor

This business produces a range of charcuterie from their own herd of woodland roaming, heritage pigs, which feed on natural vegetation

and organic bran, and are butchered using traditional knife skills ensuring there is as little wastage as possible. ‘We’re inspired by Frenchstyle alpine saucisson, the charcuterie is hand-processed, seasoned and slowly air-dried.’

Fare of the Field

Fare of the Field produce beautiful bouquets of locally, ecologically grown fresh and reined cut flowers. Main grower Essay Friend hand picks varieties of flower that particularly attract pollinating insects. ‘In the summer months we are visited by many species of bees, including the local honey bees from up the. Hill. I try to choose flowers that still have a wild feel to them.’

The Kids Are All Right Room 13 is a much-needed sanctuary for local young people

When we think of youth clubs many of us don’t get further than conjuring up images of listless teens aimlessly hanging out in draughty village halls listening to the tinny strains of pop music while some mentor tries to inspire them while breaking up fights.

But open the door to Okehampton’s Room 13 and you’ll find things are a little more dynamic and structured than that. Although, with his compassion, dedication and easy manner, Senior Youth Support Worker Mike St John Cooper definitely fits the ‘mentor’ mould. The sessions and events for 11-19-yearolds that he and his team hold at their small premises in St James Street can be anything from pool competitions to cookery classes; forestry lessons to camping trips. And, although councilfunded and part of Devon’s Space Youth Services, the centre gets much-need support from the likes of Okehampton United Charities, Adventure Okehampton and Waitrose.

Above and beyond

‘Primarily we offer three open access sessions every week, divided by age

group,’ Mike explains. ‘We’re a safe space for young people to come and socialise. Communities often don’t like the idea of young people hanging round on the street or in the park. More than a couple of them and they’re seen as intimidating. We’re somewhere they can go and be themselves.

‘It goes beyond just sitting round talking. We challenge them. And they get accreditation for what they do. Food is quite high on the agenda because we some potentially very hungry youngsters - these days more than ever. So we get them involved in cooking - feeding the crowd - and they can get a certificate for that. And we’re quite big on the creative arts - painting, drawing, making things.’

But this is not just about teaching a few life skills or encouraging new hobbies.

‘The point is for them to learn something; to begin to give something back where they get other young people involved and become a little bit of a project leader. Ultimately we want them to develop their own ideas for activities and work towards organising them. The dream as a youth worker is just to have a hands-off supervisory role!’

A problem shared

For many youngsters negotiating life’s difficulties, however, there can be a long way to go to achieve this. The staff at Room 13 are there to lend an ear; to give proper advice and guidance.

‘Young people need a non-judgmental adult in their lives,’ Mike continues. ‘We’re not their school or their parents. We’re someone they can confide in outside those environments. We listen to them; help them tackle what they’re struggling with. We can give them individual attention. They can trust us.’

Mike is - rightly - so protective of his charges and their privacy that he felt he couldn’t give Oke Links any photographs of them in action at Room 13.

‘We give young people the respect they deserve and help them build the futures they want. It’s about patience and tolerance. We call it “warm positive regard”. Every one of them is a success story waiting to happen.’

The Fairground Museum, Milford Lifton Devon

Frankie Says…

Room 13 was a lifesaver for Frankie Hart

‘I first attended Room 13 when I was about 14 years old. I had just moved from up north and was finding the change difficult to adapt too. School was the biggest trouble for me as I wasn’t very good at making friends, but the first time I entered the youth centre I was welcomed by everyone in the building. I remember it clearly because

this night was one of the most positive changes in my young life, I made new friends almost instantly and was supported by youth workers from that point on. They supported me through some of the most difficult challenges I faced during my teen years, fuelled my creativity and guided me on my journey to becoming the best version of myself.

I’m an adult now and still look back on how lucky I was to have so many caring, compassionate role models around me to learn from, I am truly grateful for the time I spent at Room 13 and all of the opportunities I was provided with. 10/10 I would recommend it!’

To contact Room 13 email: room13yc@ spacepsm.org; tel: 01837 657 601

Love’s Young Dream

When it comes to talent and hard work, Hannah O’Neill and Giles Herd are an inspiration

It’s hard not to be envious of Tess’s life. The five-year-old Collie dog spends her days pottering between her owners’ workshops in the garden, and, if it gets too chilly or noisy, she pads back to lie by the wood-burning stove in the outhouse they’ve converted into a small, but perfectly formed home.

Those owners are Hannah O’Neill and Giles Herd. Hannah is a skilled and creative leather-worker; Giles has his own sawmill business and is also a joiner, making wonderful furniture. Hannah is only 23 years old; Giles 27. The couple both grew up in the Okehampton area. Giles hails from Meldon Farm and Hannah from Lewdown. They met in early 2020 at a Young Farmers’ Association party; then the pandemic hit.

Fast love…

‘It was kind of make or break,’ says Giles. ‘I was like, do you want to move in, or shall we not see each other for six months.’

‘And here I still am!,’ Hannah declares. That ‘here’ is the aforementioned little plot just outside Okehampton. Neither has any desire to leave their home turf.

‘Lots of my friends went away to university,’ Giles continues. ‘They wanted to leave Okehampton and go off to big cities. But I like it round here.’

After leaving school Giles had little idea what he wanted to do and worked at the family farm for a while, but decided it wasn’t for him. He ended up getting a job at Winkleigh Timber and discovered his passion for all things wood.

‘I was there for two years and learned so much. I could’ve stayed there forever, but there were guys there in their 60s telling me I should start out on my own. I ended up working for someone else up near Cheriton who had a mobile sawmill, then I got the chance to buy my own one and that was how I started Okehampton Timber and Joinery. I go round milling for other people, but I’ve also started buying logs and making timber.

‘I really wanted to concentrate on the furniture-making but the cost of buying in the timber was such that I had to charge prices that people round here weren’t willing to pay so I had to find a way of getting timber cheaper. And that’s the joy of having my own sawmill!’

Going hell for leather

Hannah, meanwhile, did fly the nest a little further afield: Cirencester, via Launceston.

‘I did a fashion and textiles course after school and that’s when I came across leather-working. There just so happened to be a chap - an amazing man in his 80s - in Launceston who was doing it and offered to let me come in for a couple of days to see how I liked it. That couple of days turned into two years.

‘I wanted to do a proper apprenticeship, but it’s hard to find anyone who’ll take apprentices on. I ended up getting one in Cirencester, which I finished last May.’

Since then Hannah has set up Tully Hi Leatherwork, in a shepherd’s hut built, of course, by Giles. Not only does she

do handmade leather repairs, but also bespoke designs of everything from purses to bags. Does she prefer the repair or the design side of things?

‘Both. It’s nice seeing the end result of a good repair; but I also like using my creative side, sitting down and making something from scratch.’

Giles also likes both sides of his business, being outside for the milling and inside for the joinery. ‘Ideally outside when it’s sunny and inside when it’s raining, but it never works that way!’

He also loves meeting all the different people he mills for - ‘There are some real characters - especially the farmers!’. And Hannah too gets to meet a variety of folk thanks to her other job.

‘I’m a relief milker. Which means I’m often up at 4.30am, but I do get to hang with other people.’

Three’s company

But for much of the time it’s just the pair of them - and Tess. A situation the three of them clearly love.

‘We work separately,’ Hannah says. ‘But always wander across to each other for breaks or if we’ve got a problem. And we like to go “home” for lunch!’

Although until Giles built a shed for all his timber, he used to store it in that home. ‘It was the only place I could keep it dry! Then Hannah would keep her stuff here until we sorted her out with the shepherd’s hut. But that’s what you do when you start out, just use whatever space you can.’

Plus, they do sometimes collaborate making wonderful pieces like the hide-covered blanket box which has pride of place in front of the log burner.

There’s no doubt that Hannah and Giles are an impressively skilled, self-starting and hard-working pair, but they say they are not alone among their contemporaries in being selfemployed and running their own ships.

‘A lot of our friends have started their own businesses in the last three or four years,’ Giles says. ‘For people our age, especially those who haven’t been to uni, it’s either that or be happy earning the minimum wage. It’s so hard to get paid enough to actually live on. Especially these days. When I

was working at Winkleigh, I felt like I was only doing it so I could afford to fill up my truck with fuel so that I could drive to Winkleigh.’

Now, of course, he only has to take a couple of steps out of his own front door. With Tess at his heels and Hannah just a few feet away.

‘We do help each other out. I often get Hannah in to do the finishing touches to a piece of furniture, like the waxing and painting…’

‘…and the heavy lifting!’, she laughs. More information about Tully Hi Leatherwork and Okehampton Timber and Joinery can be found on their Facebook pages.

Welcome to the latest edition of Puzzles in Association with Chilcotts Law in loving memory of Mollie

Mollie was Chilcotts much loved Yorkie, who had her own fan club but sadly passed away in November. Many of our clients requested to see her when they called in. We hope that you enjoy the puzzles page, whilst they are challenging, they are not too difficult to solve. You will find the answers in the next edition.

At Chilcotts Law- It’s all about You

It’s all about You. We offer tailored legal solutions to meet your needs. Our solicitors have outstanding legal knowledge, practical experience and advice that is delivered in plain English along with first class client care, why look anywhere else.

New Services

Welcome to the latest edition of “Puzzles in Association with Chilcotts Law in loving memory of Mollie”. Mollie was Chilcotts much loved Yorkie, who had her own fan club but sadly passed away in November. Many of our clients requested to see her when they called in. We hope that you enjoy the puzzles page, whilst they are challenging, they are not too difficult to solve. You will find the answers in the next edition. At Chilcotts Law- It’s all about You. We offer tailored legal solutions to meet your needs. Our solicitors have outstanding legal knowledge, practical experience and advice that is delivered in plain English along with first class client care, why look anywhere else.

We are delighted to be able to now offer advice on Family law matters.

Welcome to the first edition of “Puzzles in Association with Chilcotts Law in loving memory of Mollie”. Mollie was Chilcotts much loved Yorkie, who had her own fan club but sadly passed away in November. Many of our clients requested to see her when they called in. We hope that you enjoy the puzzles page, whilst they are challenging, they are not too difficult to solve. You will find the answers in the next edition. At Chilcotts Law- It’s all about You. We offer tailored legal solutions to meet your needs. Our solicitors have outstanding legal knowledge, practical experience and advice that is delivered in plain English along with first class client care, why look anywhere else.

Sudoku - #023

Sudoku #1

By Height

Rank these famous buildings in height order, smallest first.

1. Empire State Building

2. Eiffel Tower

3. The Shard

4. Christ the Redeemer

5. Merdeka 118

6. Shanghai Tower

7. Statue of Liberty

8. Burj Khalifa

9. Leaning Tower of Pisa

10. Statue of Unity

• First select a number/operator and than apply it to a sudoku cell.

Last Issue Crossword Solution

Bug, 5. Malibu, 7. Indult, 9. Utile, 10. Blimp, 11. Mangle, 12. Nether, 14. Thrive, 18. Sarong, 21. Bliss, 22. Pilot, 23. Pommel, 24. Recant, 25. Ebb

1. Lacuna, 2. Bugeye, 3. Gibbon, 4. Elapse, 6. Icing, 8. Daint, 11. Mot, 13. Rag, 15. Hobnob, 16. Idiom, 17. Ensile, 18. Superb, 19. Relic, 20. Nutant.

Taking A Stand

Interested in your town and want to make a difference in your community?

Why not stand for election and become an Okehampton Town Councillor? The perfect opportunity is coming up at the local council elections on 4th May 2023.

What do local councils do?

Okehampton Town Council’s work falls into three main categories:

Delivery of services local to the town for example; the provision of Simmons Park, the Cemetery, the CCTV System and public toilets

Improve quality of life for residents for example by ensuring that there are green spaces open to everyone to use Give communities a democratic voice

Local councils run numerous services, depending on the size of the council.

Okehampton Town Council provides many services including:

Management and maintenance of open spaces including Simmons Park, Clapps Wood and the skate park

Maintenance and management of the newest Cemetery area adjacent to All Saints Church

Various bins and benches

Awards grants to local not-for-profit groups and organisations for the benefit of the town residents

Working with other to create a

Neighbourhood Plan covering the town and surrounding hamlets

Hosts events for national and local celebrations such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the upcoming Coronation of King Charles III

Becoming a local councillor. As a local councillor you can become a voice for your community and make real change. Local councillors are the champions of their community who invest time in local projects and issues to the benefit of residents and the town. Local councillor responsibilities fall into three main categories:

• Decision-making

• Monitoring

• Getting involved locally

Local councillors attend to local needs of residents, make decisions on local services, collaborate with district and borough councils to adhere to local needs, and progress vital projects to invest in the future of the community.

If you are interest in becoming a councillor, why not come along to a council meeting and see what it’s all about. Agendas can be obtained from the Town Hall, found on the website and the noticeboard in the Victorian Arcade, or speak to one of current councillorscontact details also available on the website.

Can I stand for election?

To stand for election to a local council you must be:

• A UK or Commonwealth citizen; or be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland; or be a citizen of another Member State of the Europe an Union

• At least 18 years old

• An elector of the local council; or in the past 12 months occupied land or other premises in the area the local council serves (as owner or tenant); or work in the area local council serves (as your principal or only place of work); or live within three miles of the local council boundary

FIND OUT MORE:

www.nalc.gov.uk/makeachange

www.local.gov.uk/about/ what-local-government

www.okehampton.gov.uk

Contact the Town Clerk – 01837 53179 or townclerk@okehampton.gov.uk

Okehampton Food Bank

The start of 2022 was a bleak time for Foodbank. We had come through the pandemic, but by the end of February our food donations had dropped by 80% and we only had enough cash to continue operating for a few short months. On top of that food prices had increased by 22% compared with the previous year which meant what money we had would very soon be spent.

Towards the end of the year, we received a very generous donation from a charitable organisation that had been wound down, and the proceeds of the closure were shared with us and another local charity.

At the same time Josh, at Future Bodies Gym in Okehampton, began fundraising for Food Bank and The Community Kitchen, managing to raise over £3000 for the Food Bank alone as well as delivering a large quantity of Christmas food and toys. And we continue to be helped by the Okehampton Rotary Club who have been a long-time supporter of the Food Bank.

We’ve also been working closely with the Community Kitchen as we both try to make a difference for those

struggling in our community. We share our excess food donations so that nothing goes to waste. For example, we exchanged excess tinned soup for hundreds of frozen bread rolls which will be given out over the next few months.

We have been liaising with the supermarkets in the town to improve our targeted food donations. The idea was to ask for specific food items, so we get what we need when we need it but, this has only been partially successful. We are so grateful for the food donations we receive, but we have enough: baked beans, porridge and pasta to last us a long, long time!

If you are unsure what to donate you can find a printable shopping list on our website, simply go to the donations page, and print out the list.

As ever, our work would not be possible without so many people, businesses and charities donating cash, food, and their time and for that I am so grateful. On behalf of all the families we serve, thank you!

Malcolm Hamilton

For more information go to okehamptonfoodbank.co.uk or tel 07483 877 378

Good Job!

Proper Job is a community-led environmental charity on a mission to reduce waste! Based in Chagford and launched in 1995, Proper Job is one of the UK’s first community reuse centres.

The primary focus is to provide reuse services alongside vital educational workshops and events. The project prevents wasteful disposal of thousands of reusable items by sorting, repairing and putting them on sale in an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of preloved treasures. Everything from baths, books, crockery and clothes to garden furniture and building materials can be bought at a fraction of their original cost, reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources and saving you money.

Proper Job is fiercely committed to principles of sustainability and education, they aim to develop more UK initiatives around conservation, waste management and recycling of the earth’s resources.

At Proper Job community events are open to all, such as workshops in repair, composting and upcycling, environmental talks, skill sharing and educational children’s activities. This spring their educational programme includes: how to compost and make biochar at home, sewing repair, community litter

picking, tool sharpening, recycled paper craft and how to make pallet wood planters.

No visit to Proper Job is complete without popping into the Proper Job ‘Uptown’ shop, located in Chagford Square. Here you will find a treasure trove of quality secondhand items laid out in a boutique style. With many designer labels, vintage pieces and restored, repaired and upcycled items from local crafts people.

Proper Job is open Tuesday- Saturday, 9.30am-4.30pm.

Donations via appointment only, please ring 01647 432985.

General enquiries, please email info@proper-job.org .

Find out more and join our mailing list www.proper-job.org

A FOOLs Game

The Friends of Okehampton Library (FOOLS) are a small group of volunteers who raise funds to support the local library. Friends Groups work closely with Library Supervisors and Libraries Unlimited (LU), the charity that runs Devon and Torbay libraries, to ensure communities benefit from high quality library services.

We are active in many ways. We:

• actively promote our local library and the services, events and activities it offers.

• help to raise money for the library.

• hold events and activities for people of all ages.

• represent the views of its members, when necessary, on relevant issues in relation to the library.

• enhance the library by providing practical assistance.

• develop ways of encouraging wider use and membership of the library.

• Friends Groups are an integral part of LU as they work with the vision, values and purposes of the organisation and that of our local library.

We have recently funded a reading den for the children’s area kindly made by the local charity Men in Sheds. Some events we have funded include: a World Book Day Tea Party, a wildlife talk as part of Science Week, a Lego gadget workshop

for Summer Reading Challenge, science kits as a draw prize for Summer Reading Challenge, books to give away as a promotion to join the library and a variety of author events.

In September, this year, we will be organising our very first book festival: Okebookfest. It will run from 9th – 16th September. There will be author events, a family craft event and a creative writing workshop. Watch this space for more information!

If you are interested in joining our friendly group please visit Okehampton Library (4 North Street, EX20 1AR; 01837 52805) and talk to Carole Cornwall, the Library Supervisor.

Janet Coopey, FOOLs volunteer

Feeding Fun

The Easter holidays are upon us again and households all around are echoing with those age-old cries from children: ‘I’m bored’ and ‘I’m hungry’!

Thank goodness for the Okehampton Make Lunch Club which was set up to relieve some of the pressure on low-income parents by entertaining and feeding their offspring during the school holidays.

Every Wednesday children are invited to come along to the Okehampton Baptist Church Lower Hall in Fore Street from

Making Tracks

In January West Devon Council announced the fantastic tidings that it had won a bid for £13.4 million to develop a new transport hub and railway station in Okehampton.

Proposed to be called Okehampton Parkway, the station will be sited on the eastern edge of the town, with easy accessibility to the A30.

Especially thrilled are the Dartmoor Railway Association who were an

11am to 1.30pm where a friendly team of volunteers will lead them in games and crafts - and give them a hot lunch. And the best bit about it is that it’s completely free.

The sessions are aimed at primary school aged kids, but pre-school (accompanied by a parent or guardian) and college ages are welcome too.

For more information or to book, email: okehamptonmakelunchclub@gmail.com; tel: 07410 968112

integral part of the team who worked tirelessly on the triumphant project to reopen Okehampton Station and the Dartmoor Line service to Exeter back in November 2021.

‘We are delighted with this news,’ says DRA chair Sue Baxter. ‘The Parkway Station will increase the usefulness of the Dartmoor Line service to people from the wider area.

‘In particular it will be much easier for the increasing population to the east

of Okehampton to reach it on foot or by cycle, further reducing the local carbon footprint and improving air quality. DRA look forward to continuing to work with NR, GWR and other stakeholders to help deliver another successful project.’

Walk Down Memory Lane

Hospiscare - the charity which supports patients and their families living with terminal illness across Exeter, Mid and East Devon - has an annual fundraising event the Men’s Walk. And this year’s, which takes place on Saturday 18th March, will see one family taking part for a very special reason.

George Pert was an avid supporter

State Of Play

When St James C of E primary school opened the doors to its brand new building in 2018 the outdoor space around it was a blank page which has slowly been filled over the past few years. The gardening section with elevated beds, willow dome and forest school area have given the students great places to learn and play. But the school has even bigger and better plans: a trim tail style adventure playground. And the students themselves have had a say, with the school council, composed of representatives from each class, choosing the final design.

of Hospice and, along with his trusty sidekick, Ruaraidh the dog, regularly did the sponsored walk, until 2021 when illness prevented him. He was later diagnosed with prostrate cancer, but was determined to join in again the following year and was named the Men’s Walk top fundraiser for 2022, exceeding more than £3600!

Sadly, George lost his battle with cancer, but his wife Veronica, his sons and his local pub are putting together a team to do the walk in his memory.

‘George was so courageous,’ Veronica says. ‘He faced the prospect of dying in such a head-on way. When he first took

part in Men’s Walk, he was really fit and healthy and of course we never thought he would need Hospiscare’s services himself. The hospice were really brilliant when he was ill and gave us so much support. It’s important for us to do this for George.’

To join Men’s Walk 2023 to raise vital funds for patients like George go to hospiscare.co.uk/menswalk

Now the school, its council and The Friends of St James are on a mission to raise £200,000 to equip and install the playground by this summer, with the local community and businesses already pledging their support.

Claire Mortimer, a parent and member of The Friends of St James says, ‘The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of outside play and is where this project originated. It goes beyond

just the physical activity it provides. It helps children socialise, engage in imaginative play, understand their bodies as well as enjoy the freedom and fresh air away from the classroom.’

If you wish to donate directly to the project visit justgiving.com/campaign/ stjamesplay

Young At Heart

The winner of our writing competition reveals how teenagers aren’t just a stereotype

In the last issue of Oke Links we ran a competition to find a budding young journalist, inviting entrants to write a feature about what life is like for them in the area. We had lots of wonderful pieces of writing sent in, so the judges had a difficult task choosing the winner. But the article by 12-year-old Bill Clatworthy Edwards - a student at Okehampton College - stood out with its lively style and vivid descriptions. Well done Bill!

What comes to mind when someone mentions teenagers? Moody? In gangs? Always on computer games? Monosyllabic?

It is true: I like going on computer games. But I much prefer browsing the bookshelves of Dogberry and Finch. Anthony Horotwitz, JK Rowling and Conan Doyle are my favourite authors. I am currently reading The Hound of the Baskervilles, a mystery set on Dartmoor.

You can see exactly why Conan Doyle used the moody, mysterious and melancholic moors for his famous book. The body of a man is found on the spooky moorland with the paw prints of a gigantic hound surrounding it. Sherlock Holmes sends Dr John Watson down to Dartmoor to investigate the supernatural crime.

My favourite walk on the moors is less spooky; going up the Skaigh Valley towards Belstone. Walking on the leafy lane, picking my way carefully over exposed roots and loose stones, the damp smell; earthy and a bit like a wet dog sometimes! My constant companions are my two normal sized dogs! Adventuring off and searching for birds, squirrels and rabbis to chase, they are not usually in their hunts.

If you are lucky, you could see deer running out onto the lane or a barn owl glide silently down at dusk, or otters swimming in the local river. Seeing snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells, and breathing in the strong scent of wild garlic reminds me of how fortunate we are to live in such a rural area.

Okehampton also offers more strenuous activities for young people such as abseiling, gorge scrambling and cycling with Adventure Okehampton. I like the excitement and fun of climbing up trees and on tors, and I go cycling along the granite way. You can also go mountain biking in the forests and on the moors.

Some may say there is nothing to do for ‘the youth of today’, but if Okehampton isn’t enough, It’s just a quick train ride from Okehampton Station up to Exeter. I enjoy activities like the Clip and Climb Centre, the cinema, the theatre, the shops, and I can meet up with friends there.

So next time you hear the word ‘teenager’ remember we are more than a stereotype!

Bill Clatworthy Edwards

Annual Health Checks

Why up-to-date jabs and regular check-ups are so vital

VACCINATIONS

Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health. They prevent up to 3 million deaths worldwide every year.

Since vaccines were introduced in the UK, diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus that used to kill or disable millions of people are either gone or seen very rarely. Other diseases like measles and diphtheria have been reduced by up to 99.9% since their vaccines were introduced. However, if people stop having vaccines, it’s possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.

They work by teaching your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. It’s much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them. Once your immune system knows how to fight a disease, it can often protect you for many years.

People who have a learning disability and those who care for them are being reminded that it’s not too late for them to have a free flu vaccination and additional Covid-19 booster. Preventing Covid-19 and flu is particularly important

for people with learning disabilities, who are much more vulnerable to both viruses.

If you would like to read further information about vaccinations, please follow this link: https://www. nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/whyvaccination-is-safe-and-important/ or search for ‘vaccinations’ on the NHS website.

SEVERE MENTAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL HEALTH CHECKS.

You might be diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other psychosis or be having lithium therapy. If so, NHS England say you should receive a full physical health check each year from a medical professional, like your GP or a practice nurse.

Also, you should be on your GP surgery’s severe mental illness register. If you’re on the register, you should receive an invite for a full physical health check at least once a year.

The health checks are important. Living with a severe mental illness means that you can be more likely to develop physical health issues than the general population. Everyone’s situation is different, but we know that good mental and physical health go hand in hand.

DEVON FREEWHEELERS

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A physical health check is an important first step towards taking charge of your physical health and being as well as you can be.

If you would like to read further information about severe mental illness and physical health checks, please search online for ‘Rethink Mental Illness’ and select the ‘physical health checks’ page.

LONG TERM HEALTH CONDITIONS

A Long Term Physical Health Condition (also known as a Chronic Condition) is a health problem that requires ongoing management over a period of years or decades and is one that cannot currently be cured but can be controlled with the use of medication and/or other therapies.

Examples of these conditions include Diabetes, Cardiovascular (e.g. Hypertension, Angina), and Chronic Respiratory (e.g. Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)).

If you have a Long Term Health Condition and your periodic health check is due, you can make an appointment via Klinik under ‘long-term condition appointment’.

Okehampton Medical Centre

The charity transports vital medical supplies for the NHS; moves samples and medication between hospitals, surgeries, patients’ homes; breast milk to neonatal units, restocks blood to air ambulances in three counties; all carried out 24/7 by volunteers, 365 days a year.

To find out more about our work, to meet us or make a donation visit: www.devonfreewheelers.org.uk

Change Of Scene

Stuck at home? These day trips might be just the ticket…

As you get older, life can become more narrow. It can be harder to get out and about and explore the world around you. Yet we know that doing just that is so important to keep us in good shape both physically and mentally.

Wellmoor, a community health and wellbeing organisation based in Moretonhamptead, are running weekly excursions to places of interest around Devon. The trips are aimed at people over 55 who live in the local area, and may have limited opportunities to socialise.

Previous outings have included Exeter for a spot of shopping, The Box Museum in Plymouth, and Totnes. The outings are free, with coffee and cake on arrival, and are supported by a team of friendly volunteers.

A recent participant said that ‘the trip was wonderful, especially the social part. I’ve been having a pretty lonely time for the past few months….chatting and singing on the bus is great!’

Upcoming destinations include Sidmouth, Dartmouth and Dart’s Farm in Topsham, leaving in a minibus from Moretonhampstead. Any donations or profits from the trips go directly to Wellmoor’s Community Support Fund, helping people in the local area who are struggling with the cost of living.

To secure your place call Wellmoor on 01647 478378 or email admin@wellmoor.org.uk.

All

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Ornamental Vegetable Growing

Growing vegetables doesn’t have to be all about straight rows and functionality. At Rosemoor we plant the Potager with vegetables not only for productivity but also to be an ornamental feature in the Formal Garden.

The term ‘Potager’ originates from France: in medieval times it simply referred to a vegetable garden, but over time it evolved to include more stylised productive gardens which had aesthetics at their heart. One of the most famous Potager gardens is found at Château de Villandry, where vegetables are grown in highly elaborate patterns on terraces. Traditionally, beds in a Potager garden are edged with low hedges, woven willow or hazel hurdles, or herbs (such as chives). This serves to mark out areas and provide an attractive border. Structures are a popular choice too: these can be used to add height whilst supporting flowering plants such as

runner beans and tall-growing pea varieties.

At Rosemoor, the Potager is kept planted from March through to January. The first planting includes hardy crops such as peas, lettuce, shallots and cabbages. Crops are chosen for their ornamental features (such as flower or leaf colours) and are generally sown under glass and planted out when they reach a reasonable size. Planting shallots from sets ensures an earlier harvest: they are started off in pots of compost, then planted out in a diamond shape at the corners of the beds. Peas are supported with twiggy hazel peasticks, whilst taller crops, such as the heritage Broad Bean ‘Crimson Flowered’ provide height and a splash of colour in the centre of the beds.

In summer, as the earlier crops are harvested, other vegetables take their place. Once the risk of frost has passed,

runner beans are planted to climb up over hazel tunnels. The vertical lines of leeks are mirrored by the tall stems of the popping sweetcorn ‘Fiesta’ forming a central block to be viewed from all angles. Swiss chard is a good ornamental choice as there are several varieties with brightly coloured stems (‘Bright Lights’ is a popular choice), plus it also provides an ongoing crop well into winter. Kales are another mainstay of the Potager: they will go right though to January, especially if they are staked to protect them from high winds. Twotone varieties such as ‘Emerald Ice’ and ‘Midnight Sun’ are especially striking. There are also some perennial vegetables and herbs that can be incorporated into a Potager-style garden. Artichokes are a good choice as they have attractive silvery foliage and make a handsome spectacle: the variety ‘Violet de Provence’ has dusky

The brightly-coloured stems of Swiss chard ©RHS/Oliver Dixon

purple flower heads. Elephant garlic, asparagus and rhubarb could also be used, along with many different herbs: fennel and dill are particularly dramatic with their tall feathery foliage and zingy yellow flowers.

Finally, flowers provide more colour and interest, adding to the overall aesthetic of the area. Providing they are single or open-flowered, they will attract beneficial insects to pollinate crops, and some flowers (such as nasturtiums) may also act as sacrificial plants, reducing the effect of the cabbage white butterfly on your brassicas.

Growing vegetables in a more ornamental way can be extremely satisfying and the layout possibilities are endless. The key is to keep sowing plants to fill in gaps as you harvest, and you should have a beautiful productive

area to look out upon for most of the year.

Jobs March/April

• Plant early potatoes. Easter is the traditional time to plant early potatoes: if they have been chitted this will speed up their growth once they are in the ground.

• Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials. If plants seem to have died out in the centre, it is time to divide and rejuvenate them. Simply lift them from the ground and slice into chunks with a garden spade, or divide using two forks back-to-back. Replant and keep watered until they have settled back into growth.

• Protect fruit blossom from late frosts. Cover with horticultural fleece (or an

alternative) to ensure the cold does not cause blossom to fall off and deprive you of a harvest later this year.

• Top-dress containers with fresh compost. Scoop out the top layer of old compost and replace with new: this will neaten up your display and provide more nutrition for the plants.

• Sow hardy annuals, herbs and wildflowers outside. These plants are able to cope with colder weather and so will germinate quickly with rising temperatures.

• Plant summer-flowering bulbs, such as oriental lilies and gladioli. These can be planted in pots or in well-drained soil in the ground.

Catherine Mawdsley, Horticulturist

The Potager at RHS Rosemoor ©RHS/ Sheila Dearing

Using chives as an edging plant ©RHS/Mark Waugh

Sowing seeds directly into the ground ©RHS/Neil Hepworth

Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre

Where are you based and how long have you been in business?

We are based half way between Okehampton and Crediton, just outside the village of Bow. Our family, the Tuckers, have been farming and growing crops in Devon since 1411. Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre was established in 1983 and we took it over 10 years ago. We have always had a passion for plants, fish keeping, and supporting our local community - our business is a great way to combine all three.

What plants do you sell?

Plants are in our DNA, and we offer a wide range of quality plants that are largely sourced from Devon growers. We have beautiful bedding plants, a fantastic range of trees, shrubs, alpines, soft fruit, vegetable plants and herbs, and buying local means supporting local businesses.

When did you start catering for pond owners?

Bow has been synonymous with ponds and fish since our foundation. A pond is ideal for attracting wildlife to your garden, and we have lots of pond plants to help with this. For fish ponds we have Japanese and classic Koi, and many varieties of pond fish. We offer friendly, expert advice on setting up a wildlife or fish pond – ask us, it’s easier than you might think.

Do you supply fish for indoor aquariums as well as outdoor ponds?

We have over 200 tanks full of tropical, coldwater fish, and a range of Marine fish and corals. Fish-keeping reduces stress and lowers blood pressure; it’s also a great hobby for kids.

What can customers expect from you?

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and can always expect to feel welcomed and that nothing is too much trouble. We will happily load your car for you. We believe in the personal touch and our team love to hear of our customers’ garden, or pond plans, and we offer expert, friendly advice should our customers need anything.

What sets you apart from other garden centres?

We like to be different to chains, by offering friendly, expert advice on all things gardening or aquatic. We like to support our Devon community by sourcing local plants, and food from local suppliers wherever possible. Plus, we provide a local post office to help serve our community. Our Waterside Cafe is also in a tranquil location, next to a giant koi pond, with a stream running alongside it, so it’s a very peaceful, and with delicious home-made food too.

Farmer Luxton

Hello again everyone. I hope things are well with you. Christmas and New Year are long gone. I hope you don’t want cheering up, because as I’m writing this, I’ve definitely had a case of New Year blues. I’ve had a very bad few days.

Firstly, I was on the road at the end of the farm lane, a van was going too fast for the icy conditions couldn’t stop and it looks as if my car has been written off.

Three days later, and far worse, we had the results of our bovine TB test. 32 of our lovely animals have failed and will have to be destroyed. Included in these is our senior bull, Duncenziemere Sportsman, and four of our best cows which have been heavily in calf to one of the best bulls available, Kilmalug Eriskay. It’s absolutely heartbreaking.

We work so hard to move the herd forward and then something out of our control takes it all away. The photo is of me with some of the failed animals in the background, the only plus point is that they have no idea of their fate.

We needed one new bull and with Sportsman having to be destroyed we now needed two. Yesterday morning I left home at 5am and arrived at a farm on the outskirts of Guilford by just after 8am. By 10 am I was on the way back to Devon having purchased Black Panther and Bright Man. All I need to hope now is that the ministry of agriculture will grant me a license to let me move the animals on to our farm.

That was Friday then on Monday we scanned our ewes. My new three posh Texel ewes were all empty. It appears as if the

tried and tested ram I purchased to replace the infertile one wasn’t as reliable as I thought. Who would be a farmer???

The shop has been a bit up and down this month too. Customer numbers up, staffing numbers down! We have been working very hard on improving service times and customer experience in the café. The success of this can be seen directly in the enlarged footfall.

As with all businesses currently, retaining and recruiting staff is a challenge. Things are hard at the moment for our loyal staff but behind the scenes there has been much work finding new teammates that fit in with our fantastic group.

There is some exciting news, very recently we have secured the services of a fantastic head chef and a number of additional excellent new staff who we hope will take up to a whole new level. By the time you read this they should all be in place. Why not come pay us a visit and see what you think. We are already planning a small number of evening events in the spring, when hopefully the temperature will have warmed up - and it might be cycling weather again!

Stuart Luxton

We are an independent practice. We strive to give excellent care for your animals and yourselves. Our practice covers all species, which gives the strength of multi-discipline knowledge and invidual expertise within the team.

Top Marks!

Exceptional Exeter College once again awarded “Outstanding” by Ofsted

Exeter College is celebrating after a full Ofsted Inspection, which has resulted in the College retaining the impressive accolade of Outstanding.

Eight years since its last inspection Ofsted again confirmed that Exeter College is an Outstanding College. The College also scored the top assessment of ‘strong’ for its approach to meeting the skills needs of the area. This makes Exeter College the first college in the country to achieve the highest judgement in both elements of Ofsted’s new enhanced inspections.

The 21-strong Ofsted inspection team visited every College site and reviewed every facet of the College offer at the end of last year.

Exeter College Principal and CEO, John Laramy CBE said: “At a time when the national press is talking about Ofsted raising the bar for their top grade the team at Exeter College has demonstrated that we have sustained Outstanding, even in the new rigorous enhanced framework.

“I would like to wholeheartedly thank everyone who contributed to this exceptional sector - leading

outcome, especially our amazing learners, apprentices, staff and governors. Ofsted has recognised what I see from our students, apprentices and staff every single day.”

The College achieved the top Ofsted rating of Outstanding in all four cross -college judgements: Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, and Leadership and Management. The College’s Sixth Form provision, adult learning and apprenticeships were also rated as Outstanding. The Outstanding grade for apprenticeships is extremely hard to achieve, with very few colleges nationally having attained this.

The report praises the standard of teaching and learning across the College as well as the standards of behaviour and culture, citing that teachers and other staff are excellent role models who work tirelessly to meet the needs of learners.

Zakia Volschenk, from Exmouth, is studying A Levels at Exeter College and is part of the Learner Leadership Team. Speaking about the Outstanding grade, she said: “I believe it’s welldeserved and feel extremely proud to be a part of a constantly developing institution that really takes into consideration the student’s opinions. I know that the opportunities at Exeter College will give me an advantage when it comes to applying to university or finding future jobs.”

What can businesses expect in 2023?

Doom and gloom is easy to find in the news right now. We had all hoped 2022 would be the year of growth and businesses re-opening fully after the pandemic. But it became a year of war, rising costs and a global energy crisis which has led to increased interest rates and taxes.

However, the data actually shows that the economy has held up better than the forecasts.

Looking ahead

We can expect a bumpy ride for 2023, the economists’ expectations are:

For the country to be formally in a recession over the first half of 2023, many feel we are already there

A slow recovery with lack of consumer confidence

Inflation to continue to fall but not hitting the 2% government target until 2024

Interest rates due to still rise to around 4-4.5% and then stabilise, but the days of low interest rates have gone for the medium-term

Higher repayments on mortgages and other variable rate borrowing

However economic forecast is not set in stone, they can’t forecast unforeseen events – of which we have seen many recently!

Perspective is everything

When there is heightened negative news flow, perspective is

everything. We need to see the economy as a cycle. Looking at the big picture, for where we will be in the long-term is what matters ultimately. However, to do this the short-term foundations need to be in place.

There will be pressures on finances and cashflow but keeping on top of your business pricing and costs will allow you to hold tight. There will be opportunities that arise for nimble businesses and being ready to take advantage is key.

Lending market predictions

Small and medium sized businesses will still have a demand for borrowing money, they rely on this to grow their businesses through investment and correct working capital options

Different finance companies, other than the traditional banks, will be key to financing these businesses as they have many different options available

Businesses may still find it hard to borrow, as some have high debts already. As at the end of September 2022 outstanding loans to SME’s was 22% higher than in January 2020.

Businesses will need to look at restructuring these debts and reducing monthly payments by consolidating the debt and maybe even extending the term.

Finance companies will continue to be driven by affordability and serviceability when accessing finance requests

The role of a good commercial broker will add value to any business as they will be able to speak to all the various finance companies and provide the best solution.

Colin Chastey

The Asset Finance Man

Asset Finance allows a business to buy new or used equipment, machinery, vehicles etc and spread the cost over a period of time It also offers the ability to raise cash against assets already within a business

All Sewn Up

Calling all stitchers, quilters and embroiderers it’s time to get your creative juices flowing! Don’t miss this year’s Craft4Crafters Show which runs from Thursday 30 March to Saturday 1st April at the Westpoint Arena in Exeter. This fabulous event will host a huge selection of exhibitors, retailers and galleries, from felt-makers to textile artists, with over 100 daily workshops and demonstrations.

Plus, for the first time, the show will welcome it’s sister show, Stitching 4 All,

Centre Stage

This month the MED Theatre are proud to present their annual community play: ‘Granite - At Breaking Point.

The theatre company’s work is always inspired by the history, ecology and folklore of Dartmoor, and this play was written collaboratively by a group of 10 writers as part of its ‘Stark Reality of Rural Living’ project, funded by Historic England.

Its a gritty, ensemble drama looking at the themes of life and work, stresses and strains, on Dartmoor in the 19th century and today. But though it

which celebrates the worlds of dressmaking, fashion and sewing. With restaurants, cafes and free carparking, you can make a whole day - or three! - of it.

For more information and to buy tickets visit craft4crafters.co.uk. Tickets can be bought on the door. Adult ticket is £10 (or £8 if purchased in advance); concession ticket is £7; children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult.

WIN!

Here at Oke Links magazine, we have two pairs of tickets to this craft spectacular to give away. Just answer this simple question: Where is the Westpoint Arena?

a) Plymouth;

b) Okehampton;

c) Exeter. Email your answer to emma. bymessenger@linksmagazines.co.uk

Friday 17th March. The winners will be drawn and notified by Friday 24th March.

deals with some sensitive topics like addiction, domestic violence and mental health, it does so in a way that makes it suitable for all the family.

And its far from all doom and gloom, but also a celebration of life on the moor!

For details of performance dates, venues and tickets turn to What’s On Listings page 47.

For more information email: info@ medtheatre.co.uk; tel: 01647 441356; visit: medtheatre.co.uk

Getting Vocal

The Okehampton Voices choirs are putting on a fundraising concert in aid of SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity).

It’s a cause close to the heart of choir member Kerri England whose friend Chloe lost her baby, Rose, at 39 weeks. The date of the concerthas been specially chosen because it would have been the weekend of Rose’s fourth birthday.

But the concert promises to be an uplifting occasion - a musical

Picture Perfect

If you haven’t caught the new exhibition at Moretonhampstead’s The Green Hill Arts Gallery yet, then you are missing a treat.

Painters and good friends Graham Clucas and Michael Carver have both been practising artists for over 50 years, and are both influenced by early modernism and the later minimalism in their extraordinary pictures. Their work is currently on display at the gallery in a joint exhibition entitled ‘The Fullness of Time’, which

celebration of songs from musicals and movies, performed by Okehampton Community Voices, and Mini and Junior Voices groups in their first ever performance. Plus, the Footsteps school of dance are joining the singers for the collaborative event.

The concert is on Sunday 26th March, 3.30pm at Okehampton Charter Hall.

Tickets are £6 and can be reserved by emailing khardysinging@gmail. com. A fundraising page for donations can be found on social media - @ okehamnptonvoices.

runs until 16th April, their contrasting styles and starting points beautifully complementary with their sometimes bold and sometimes subtle use of colour.

A feast for the eyes and the soul!

Entry is free. The Green Hill Arts Gallery is open 10am-4pm daily, from Wednesday to Saturday. The Gallery is situated at the top of Fore Street, Moretonhampstead, close to the Parish Church. Parking is in the Court Street and Station Road car parks.

For more info, contact Georgie@ greenhillarts.co.uk 01647 440775.

Forging History

Finch Foundry reopens on Wednesday 22nd March for a new season of guided tours which take you on a trip through its long and fascinating history, from disused woollen mill to producer of one of the most well-known tool brands in the South West of England providing tools for local farms and mines.

The tour will reveal the story of the site, discussing innovations which have taken place over the years; how the family managed the business and adapted to change; and, a look at the physical features of the forge, along with demonstrations of the water wheels and Victorian machinery (which is fragile so may not be operational every day).

This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the industrial past of Dartmoor as it evolved from rugged farmland to a bustling centre of industry and trade, through to the picturesque landscape we see today.

Around the site there’s a cottage garden to wander in and access to walks along the beautiful river Taw, the source of the forge’s power as well as being a home to many wild mammals and a must for bird-watchers.

There are picnic benches available in the garden and you are welcome to bring a picnic or takeaway teas, coffees and food from the local café, Sticklepath Stores, with larger meals available from two nearby village pubs.

Finch Foundry is situated in Sticklepath, just East of Okehampton. It is signposted from the A30 and Whiddon Down.

The guided tours take place from 11am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday, to book your place and avoid disappointment visit the website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/finch-foundry

Eye opening tours

made at Finch Foundry

nationaltrust.org.uk/Finch-Foundry

Stain On Our Conscience

We all know that as throwaway consumers and fast fashion enthusiasts we are contributing to environmental disaster for the planet. Our appetite for colourful clothes and furnishings is a perfect example.

There are about 72 toxic chemicals used in the synthetic dyeing industry which colours our clothes and our furnishings, in countries like Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia and China, waste is being emptied into nearby rivers making them biologically dead. Sadly, locals still irrigate their crops with these waters and people bath in them, resulting in skin diseases, cancers and even death.

It is time to return to natural dyes. Let’s promote ‘Slow Style’ and buy local and

hand made when possible or use charity shops instead of buying new. Revive ‘make do and mend’ and learn to sew and knit for yourself.

If you are looking for inspiration, from the 27th March the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton will reopen its doors after the winter break. We are very excited to launch our new exhibition ‘Dyeing on Dartmoor’, looking at the huge influence the wool trade has had on Moorland life and how our ancestors used local plants and minerals to fix and dye their yarn and fabrics. Perhaps a tradition we should once more employ. Come and see for yourself! Follow us on social media for more information on all the many events

Celebrating Camellias

Here at The Garden House there are warmer days and a definite move to the vibrancy of Spring. To take advantage of this, from 1st March we move to our summer hours, opening six days a week (Tuesday to Sunday), for visitors to enjoy the displays in our 12 acre garden.

For us March and April are the months in which, among all the wonderful flowers, we celebrate our large collection of camellias. Camellias

throughout the garden include rarities such as the scented Camellia transnokoensis from Taiwan and the fishtail Camellia ‘Kingyo-tsubaki’ which greets you in the car park.

March 21st marks the start of Spring and also the start of our ‘Camellia Month’ and on Saturday 25th March we will be hosting visiting specialist nursery, Strete Gate Camellias, who are renowned for selling the widest range of camellias in the UK.

coming up, or check out our website at www.dartmoorlife.org.uk

Kristy Turner, Manager

Unlike the summer and autumn months, it’s impossible to predict exactly when a particular plant will be in flower but we’ll be providing continual updates on our social media feeds: Facebook, @TGardenHouse , Instagram @ the.garden.house and Twitter @ TGardenHouse.

John Richmond

The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, PL20 7LQ. To plan your visit go to the gardenhouse.co.uk

Get In The Spirit!

Tai Chi may have originated as an ancient Chinese martial art, but it enjoys global popularity as a wonderfully gentle form of exercise.

‘It’s all about encouraging people to get active and improve their wellbeing, strength and balance,’ says Kate Dixon who runs a weekly class which takes place in the Okehampton Community Garden.

‘Tai Chi is also great for helping you to let go of stress, both physical and

A Good Innings

Last November’s annual dinner at the Tom Cobley Tavern in Spreyton gave Belstone Cricket Club a chance to celebrate the 2022 season, in particular the achievement of winning Division One of the North Devon Sunday League (NDL), the highest accolade of the Club’s 29 year existence.

The NDL instigated a new award in 2022, that of Player of the Season; this was given to Belstone’s opening bat Ryan Dennis – he played in all 12 League games, scoring 632 runs (including two centuries) at an average of 57.45 with a strike rate of 157.22. And just to prove that sometimes winners can also be nice guys, Belstone won the Division One ‘Club Sportsmanship Award’ as judged by the

emotional. It is a moving meditation. The classes start with some easy to learn exercises and continue with the Tai Chi form. We practice outdoors in the garden when the weather is good enough. And we have the garden shed as indoor backup.

‘After the class we put the kettle on for hot drinks and biscuits. It’s a place where you can meet people and make new friends.’

The class is every Thursday at 10.30am and costs £5 per session.

For more information contact Kate Dixon: kate@forestchi.co.uk

various NDL umpires who officiated at our games.

They say that it is harder to defend a title than to win it in the first place – it will soon be time to find out. The first League game of the new season is away at Instow against North Devon CC on Sunday 30 April, followed by the first home game versus newly promoted Bideford CC on Sunday 7 May. If you’d like to be part of Belstone’s tabletopping outfit, whether as batsman, bowler, ace fielder or all three, please get in touch with skipper Matty Dennis (07813 898863 and mattdennis543@ gmail.com) or Club Secretary Chris Walpole (01837 840498 and chris. walpole1@outlook.com). Check our Facebook site www.facebook.com/

BelstoneCricket for all the latest Club news.

By the time you read this, booking will have opened for this year’s All Stars (5-8 years) and Dynamos (8-11 years) sessions at our Rew Meadow ground; eight evenings of all-action fun, various activities and skills development all in a safe environment with the Club’s experienced ‘Activator’ Richard Drake in charge. Visit www.allstarscricket. co.uk or www.dynamoscricket.co.uk to sign up.

Mothering Sunday

Sunday 19th March Show

A Greater Understanding of Dartmoor…

The Dartmoor Society, now in its 25th year, is an independent member charity that is devoted to celebrating the wonders of Dartmoor and to help create a thriving environment for people and nature. One of the key activities of the Dartmoor Society is its monthly events for members and larger public gatherings that look in depth at the multifaceted approach necessary to manage this diverse landscape.

‘Dartmoor is rich in cultural and environmental resources and our programme of events reflect this’, says Bill Murray chair of the Dartmoor Society. When Oke Links Magazine goes to print we will be well into our programme for 2023. In April at our AGM we welcome Helen Booker as our speaker, senior conservationist with the RSPB, Helen will talk about the efforts that go into conserving bird populations on Dartmoor.

Our farm visit in May will be to the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association at Corndonford Farm. Here we will hear about the rare genetic qualities of the Dartmoor Hill pony that allow them

to thrive in the harsh conditions of a Dartmoor winter and the genetic testing programme that aims to lead the way for greater protection of these unique herds that are so much part of the pastoral landscape of Dartmoor.

In June we will walk part of the Archangel’s Way, a new pilgrimage route that connects many historic churches on Dartmoor. The afternoon will include a visit to one of the churches on the 38 miles route and will be led by Nick Fennemore, former NHS chaplain and minor canon of Winchester Cathedral now settled in Chagford and vice chair of the Society.

Our members gathering in July looks at yet another wonder of Dartmoor, its Temperate Rainforests. When we think of rainforests we think of Amazonia, but on our doorstep we have one of the most fragile and beautiful of Dartmoor’s natural environment, the broadleaf woodlands found in the river valleys and one or two upland ancient forests. We will walk through Ausewell Woods near Ashburton, described as ‘a lost world, a place of raw beauty and a

haven for rare and endangered wildlife’. Rugged heath with dramatic rocky outcrops, boulders and screes, give way to dense woodland and damp lichen and moss covered trees along the famous River Dart. This will provide a great introduction to our main event of 2023 which is our conference Dartmoor’s Temperate Rainforests: Past, Present and Future to be held at the Fingle Bridge Inn in November.

In October we return to Ashburton, this time to the Arts Centre where Tom Greeves, our former chair, will talk about Francis Bedford, one of the finest photographers of the Victorian era, whose work includes many of our early photographs of Dartmoor.

Through our events programme we try to reflect the joys and complexities of living and working in the Dartmoor landscape. The ecological issues that result from human pressure and climate change, and the solutions that are proposed. For more information or to join the Dartmoor Society visit www.dartmoorsociety.com

Okehampton Rambling Club

‘The NHS states that ‘Walking in a group is a great way to start walking, make new friends and stay motivated’ and this has certainly been my experience with The Okehampton Rambling Club. ‘

We arrange a full walking programme. Members who lead walks recce them beforehand and are always pleased to have other enthusiastic walkers to keep them company and to help lead their walk. We walk on the moor, in the countryside and at the coast, usually between 6 – 9 miles. Some walks are easier and some more challenging. Details can be found in

our programme which is posted on www.walkinginengland.co.uk/devon/ okehampton_ramblers.php and our Facebook page.

Along with our Sunday walks we hold fortnightly coffee mornings and monthly social evenings. There is also the opportunity to join our Dartmoor Way team who undertake a bi-annual survey of ‘our’ stretch of the route reporting path problems, cutting back minor overgrown vegetation and replacing missing way marks.

We usually arrange a walking holiday once or twice a year.

‘Joining the Okehampton Rambling club has been a joy for me and I have certainly made many friends as well as keeping me fit for my age!’

‘I walk regularly with the ORC as it gets me out and about, meeting new people and visiting great parts of the county.’

For more information contact Chris on 01409 221 362.

Step into spring with a

22nd April - 5th May 2023

15 days of music and arts events in our beautiful market town

Welcome to this year’s Tavistock Festival. You will see that we have planned a wide-ranging programme and we hope we have provided events to capture the interest of all. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and our hosts for making the festival possible and we are indebted to those who have given freely of their time in the preparation that has been necessary over the past year. A warm welcome awaits.

Dr Sean Sweeney Chairman

07732 586 978 admin@tavistockfestival.org

FESTIVAL EVENT DATES & TIMES

Saturday 22nd April 7.30pm

Mount Kelly Choral Society

Fauré Requiem and Vaughan Williams

Five Mystical Songs

Venue: Our Lady of the Assumption RC Church

www.ticketsource.co.uk/ mount-kelly-choral-society

Sunday 23rd April 7.30pm

Avalon – a female barbershop quartet (2018 Quartet Champions)

Venue: Tavistock Guildhall £10

Unaccompanied vocal music from around the world

SPONSORED BY MILLER TOWN AND COUNTRY

Monday 24th April

Afternoon talk

The Wharf, Tavistock

Further details at tavistockwharf.com

Tuesday 25th April 3.45pm

Tavistock Festival Children’s Concert

A short concert following an afternoon workshop led by Tracy Harding

Venue: Tavistock Methodist Church

Admission free

SPONSORED BY ALISTAIR KINSEY

Wednesday 26th April 7.30pm

Calstock’s Big Jazz Choir with Helen Porter

Our Lady of the Assumption RC Church, Tavistock £8

Thursday 27th April 1.00pm

Nina Savicevic – Piano

Venue: Tavistock Parish Church

Popular repertoire from this talented young international prize winner, returning to Tavistock by popular demand

Admission free with retiring collection

SPONSORED BY ALISTAIR KINSEY

Live broadcast of the Marriage of Figaro from the Royal Opera House

Venue: The Wharf, Tavistock

Further details at tavistockwharf.com

Shake the Shelves (Youth music event)

Venue: Tavistock Library

Further details at www.facebook.com/ tavistocklibrary

Friday 28th April 7.00pm

Mount Kelly Chamber Choir (UK school Choir of the Year 2019-2021)

Choral music from across the centuries including folk, jazz, musical theatre and contemporary classical songs

Venue: Our Lady of the Assumption RC Church, Tavistock

Admission free with retiring collection

Saturday 29th April

Coronation Crafts

A drop-in session during the day Further details at www.facebook.com/ tavistocklibrary

Venue: Tavistock Library

Sunday 30th April 3.30pm

A Lewis Carroll Verse Reading

Tea Party

Be welcomed by The Hatter to this short entertainment, during which a cream tea

will be served. Hats must be worn!

Gallery 26, The Bedford Hotel

Tickets £12 to include a cream tea

SPONSORED BY THE BEDFORD HOTEL

Tuesday 2nd May 1.00pm

Lunchtime Concert

Music for piano and oboe with Mary, Kamila and Leslie Mazur-Park

Admission free with retiring collection

Venue: Tavistock Parish Church

SPONSORED BY ALISTAIR KINSEY

Wednesday 3rd May

Amanda Craig - author

Venue: Tavistock Library

Further details at www.facebook.com/ tavistocklibrary

Thursday 4th May 1.00pm

A Coronation Concert

A celebration of music associated with coronations and royalty. Please come suitably dressed!

Venue: Tavistock Parish Church

Admission free with retiring collection

SPONSORED BY ALISTAIR KINSEY

Richard Frankland - author

Venue: Tavistock Library

Further details at www.facebook.com/ tavistocklibrary

The Wheelhouse Folk Choir

Venue: Tavistock Library 7.00pm

Admission free

Further details at www.facebook.com/ tavistocklibrary

Friday 5th May

A creative writing workshop with Vanni Cook 2.00pm

Venue: Tavistock Library

Further details at www.facebook.com/ tavistocklibrary

Saturday 20th May 7.30pm

Venue: St Andrew’s Minster, Plymouth University of Plymouth Choral Society Summer Concert

Popular opera and oratorio choruses with a workshop in the afternoon, open to all

Further details at www.uopcs.org.uk

Full details can be found at www.tavistockfestival.org and all tickets can be purchased at the door or at www. ticketsource.co.uk/tavistock-festival

Up With The Lark

It’s twenty years since the first Belstone Dawn Chorus walk and it is still going strong. This year the walk, led as usual by Chris Walpole, leaves Belstone Village Hall at 5.30am on Saturday 29th April and follows a varied route around the parish, through woods, across fields, along lanes and over the open moor. With a bit of luck we should equal or perhaps exceed last year’s tally of 32 species seen and/or heard with every chance of spotting an early cuckoo and swallow. Wear your walking boots for the rough bits and bring your binoculars and bird-identifying apps, but please

Banding Together

Okehampton’s very own brass band, the Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band, are on the look out for new recruits!

Training and practice sessions are held in the town every Monday evening and are completely free of charge. And all instruments and equipment can be supplied. The aim is to provide a fun and exciting environment for all ages to spend time learning a new skill.

leave your four-legged friends at home. We should be back at the Hall for an ‘all-you-can-eat’ breakfast of cereals, toast and bacon rolls by 8am. Suggested

donations of £5 for the walk or £10 for the walk and breakfast will be gratefully received for Hall funds.

The band play a wealth of music and familiar tunes and perform at a variety of events, in Okehampton and further afield, from fetes to carnivals, concerts to parades.

For further information or to register interest contact the band via their Facebook page (Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band) or email Julia Hoodjuliahoodoesb@gmail.com

SPECIAL EVENTS

MARCH

GRANITE

MED Theatre’s 2023 community play (see page 37)

Performances - all start at 7.30pm:

Friday 10th & Saturday 11th March - Manaton Parish Hall

Tuesday 14th March - Belstone

Village Hall

Wednesday 15th March - Southpark Community Centre, Buckfast

Friday 17th & Saturday 18th MarchMoretonhampstead Parish Hall

Tickets £10 | £7 children under 16info@medtheatre.co.uk - 01647 441356 www.medtheatre.co.uk

SATURDAY 11TH MARCH

TALES OF THE LAND AND SONGS OF THE SEA

7.30pm, Throwleigh Church

The story of Exeter’s largely forgotten maritime history, illustrated throughout by a range of historic photographs with live music from some of the original Custom House Crew band.

APRIL

SATURDAY 1ST APRIL

JOHN STAINER - THE CRUCIFIXION

3pm, Fairplace Church, Okehampton

Okehampton Choral Society will be performing this well known work. Anyone who would be interested in joining us for this performance will be most welcome – all voices will be happily accommodated. Join us at any of our rehearsals which take place on Mondays at 7:15pm at Fairplace Church. For further details please contact Jenny Gibbons on 01837 840282

SATURDAY 8TH APRIL

EASTER PIXIE TRAIL

10.30am-12pm, starting at St.Mary’s Church, Throwleigh

Find and name the pixies then return to the church for fun and refreshments, story telling, colouring, making Easter/ pixie boxes.

Suitable for children under 10 years. Older brothers and sisters welcome. Children under 8 years need to be accompanied.

SATURDAY 22ND APRIL

GUIDED WALKS ON THROWLEIGH COMMON

2pm & 2.30pm, starting at Throwleigh Church

See the remarkable Bronze Age settlement and other antiquities on Throwleigh Common, finishing back at the church for tea.

Please book your place with Dawn Hatton (01647 231051) or dawn@ dhatton.plus.com

FRIDAY 28TH APRIL

QUIZ AND PUDDINGS

7.30pm, Sampford Courtenay Village Hall

A Quiz and Puddings evening. £5.00 per team of up to 6 people, and £5.00 per person for a selection of delicious puddings. Bring your own drinks. Donations of puddings always gratefully received.

Reserve a table for your team by calling Nicky 01837 880300.

REGULARS

WELL-BEING CAFE

14 St James Street, Okehampton, EX20 1DH

Tel: 07455 156423

GAMES AFTERNOON

Friday 3rd March & Friday 7th April, 3.00-6.00pm

Chat while you play your favourite board games. All welcome.

MOOR TALK

EVERY TUESDAY, 3PM

Gentle walk’n’talk. All welcome.

GUIDED GROUP WALKS WITH PAUL RENDELL

Regular weekend hikes with Dartmoor Paul exploring the moor and surrounding areas. Price £11.50. For more information go to paulrendell.co.uk

OKEHAMPTON LIBRARY

4 North Street, Okehampton EX20 1AR

okehampton.library@librariesunlimited. org.uk Tel: 01837 52805 www.devonlibraries.org.uk/web/arena/ okehamptonlibrary

SPECIAL EVENTS

WORLD BOOK DAY – LUCKY DIP BOOKS - THURSDAY 2ND

MARCH

Pick up a surprise book from our Lucky Dip Books. Yours to keep from only 50p.

EASTER CHARACTER HUNT

- SATURDAY 1 – SATURDAY

15TH APRIL

Look for the nine chicks hiding in the library. Find them and collect a sweet treat.

‘STORM IN A TEACUP’ FROM BOO TO A GOOSE – THURSDAY

13TH APRIL, 11.00AM-12.00PM

This exciting show from Boo To A Goose Theatre has been created for children aged 4-10.

Tickets: £3 per child. One adult free with each paying ticket.

Free for children aged 2 and under.| The show will be at the Ockment Centre Hall.

Booking in advance, from the library, is essential.

REGULAR EVENTS

BUSINESS & IP CENTRE DEVON, OKEHAMPTON HUB

Monthly Drop-in Business Information Sessions - 3rd Monday of each month

10am-12pm

Find out more at bipc.librariesunlimited. org.uk

STAY & PLAY – MONDAYS

10.00-11.00AM

A fun, free play session for little ones (under 5s).

A CUPPA & A CHAT - TUESDAYS

1.30-3.30PM

Enjoy a natter with other customers. Refreshments will be available. Just drop in.

READ EASY – FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH

10.00AM-12.00PM

Come and chat with Richard from Read Easy, the charity that helps adults learn to read.

READING GROUP – FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH SPACES AVAILABLE - Please contact library for details.

BOUNCE & RHYME - TUESDAYS

10.00-10.20AM & 11.00-11.20AM

Suitable for under 5s. FREE, no booking necessary.

BABY WEIGH – TUESDAYS 9.30-11.30AM

FREE self-weigh facilities for parents.

DUPLO BUILDERS & STORYTIME - WEDNESDAYS 9.30-10.15AM

Suitable for under 5s. FREE, no booking necessary.

SOCIABLE SCRABBLETHURSDAYS 2.00-4.00PM

Enjoy Scrabble in the library!

LEGO BUILDERS - SATURDAYS 10.30-11.30AM

Suitable for ages 5+. FREE, just drop in. THE SECRET BOOK QUEST

A completely FREE year-round reading challenge for 5–12-year-olds across Devon. To take part, children sign up in the library.

Bug In The System

Many wine drinkers have experienced Covid (horror of horrors - a loss of smell/taste!), but vines went through something far worse in the 1860s when one tiny pest nearly wiped out the world’s vineyards.

Phylloxera Vastatrix is a microscopic aphid that feeds on vine roots, injecting poison that weakens and eventually kills them. Originating in America, where vines have resistance, phylloxera moves incredibly quickly. European vines have absolutely no resistance, and when it was accidentally introduced to France (probably in 1858) vines began dying at a fearsome rate.

By 1860 southern France, Douro and Austria were suffering significant losses, but it wasn’t recognised as a new problem until 1863. Researchers were preoccupied with another vine problem, powdery mildew, and digging up dead vines had provided no indication of a new pest (aphids leave when the plant dies).

Phylloxera spread like wildfire - large swathes of France including Bordeaux were quickly destroyed with massive impact - at the time one third of France’s workforce was reliant on the wine industry! How many Gilets Jaunes would we see if a third of France faced unemployment?

By 1868 phylloxera began

advancing

globally. The Agricultural Society in Montpellier commissioned a botanist, Jules-Emile Planchon to unravel the mystery. His breakthrough came when he dug up healthy vines and discovered the microscopic menaces munching on the roots.

Discovery was not a solution. Frenzied activity followed; new chemical treatments and less scientific methods (a toad for every vine for example!). None worked. Planchon knew that American vines grew well in Europe, but a proposal to graft European vines onto American roots appalled French purists. Also many things could go wrong - for example the vines might simply reject one another. Crucially however, wine

from native American vines tasted terrible, so something had to be done! When grafting was finally tried the results were almost miraculous. The American roots resisted the phylloxera while grapes grown on grafted-on European vines retained their original character - and the process was easy. The wine trade was back in business. There’s a sting in the tail however. There remains no ‘cure’ for phylloxera - American rootstock still provides resistance, but a mutation could put us back to 1860. Phylloxera has never taken hold in some places - Chile and South Australia in particular - though growers are planting some grafted vines as long-term insurance. Areas such as Washington State and Argentina are intriguing - phylloxera is present but somehow not a major problem. Finally, the Assyrtiko grape from Santorini in Greece has recently been found to be naturally resistant - though it’s not clear whether the grape or the volcanic soil provides protection.

So enjoy your wine, but bear in mind that phylloxera may not be finished with the vine yet!

Dave Anning

‘The phylloxera, a true gourmet, finds out the best vineyards and attaches itself to the best wines.’ (Cartoon from Punch, 1890)

4 star hotel and 3 Rosette restaurant with panoramic views over the Tamar Valley

Gulworthy, PL19 8JD

The Good Lord

In September 1892 (William)

Frederick Smith inherited an estate from his father William Henry Smith, that included the stationery and publishing business and several large properties in London and the Home Counties. In addition a codicil bequeathed a recently acquired ‘sporting estate’ in Devon snootily described by his solicitor as ‘a god-forsaken town called Moretonhampstead and a tract of rough pasture on the edge of Dartmoor.’

Love at first sight

‘Freddy’, who became Viscount Hambleden in 1913, told that story a

few years later at an annual tenants’ gathering in Moretonhampstead before hastily adding that of course he and Lady Esther instantly became ‘enamoured’ with their new estate when they came down in 1894 for their honeymoon.

The 6,500 acre estate, spread across the parishes of Moretonhampstead, North Bovey, Manaton, Lustleigh and Bovey Tracey, had been bought from the Earl of Devon who needed to pay off massive gambling debts. As well as the moorland ‘rough pasture’ at Headland Warren - soon sold to the Duchy of Cornwall - it included 46 farms, 1000 acres of woodland, and much of the villages of Manaton, Moretonhampstead and North Bovey together with the advowsons of their churches.

Man of the people

In turn the estate tenants soon became ‘enamoured’ with their new landlord. They had been suffering from low prices, the demise of the local woollen trade and a dramatic decline in their population. Inheriting a strong sense of philanthropy from his father, Lord Hambleden, as he was called locally, immediately cut their rents by 50% and embarked on a programme of rebuilding many of their cob and thatch farm houses and buildings in a distinctive ‘house-style’ of granite with red brick facings and slate rooves. Many farms also acquired semi-detached pairs of farm cottages to save their workers walking to and from the villages each day.

The W H Smith partnership were known for delegating responsibility to trusted employees and the estate was run and improved by a formidable team: Walter Mills, an Oxford architect; Lewis Bearne, a Newton Abbot builder; William Beever, the estate manager and Frank East, a no-nonsense clerk of works deferred to locally as ‘the boss’. New houses were built in the villages with generous gardens, pig sties and let for low rents to the estate workforce such as the (Queen Victoria) Jubilee Cottages by the revamped cattle market (now the lower car park) in Moretonhampstead.

How one landowner saved ‘a god-forsaken town called Moretonhampstead’

War memorial opening by Lord Hambleden

Health service

There had been much concern about the high death rate of Moretonhampstead. Inadequate water supply was a reason but the notoriously ‘factious’ Moretonians could not agree how to improve it. Frank East soon knocked heads together and found a suitable site for a reservoir on land at Hill Farm provided by Lord Hambleden. It remained the main source of clean water for the town until replaced in the 1960s by Fernworthy reservoir. It was turned off at night for 12 hours to conserve the supply!

Another concern had been the lack of local medical facilities with a bumpy ride of 15 miles to the nearest hospital not helping the sick and injured. As patrons of King’s College Hospital and other medical causes , the Smith estate did not hesitate to provide land for an 8-bed hospital. An endowment of £2000 in consols was provided for running expenses as well as some furniture, surgical instruments and a large basket of vegetables each week from his gardens. Medical treatment was provided at little or no cost and

covered all the estate villages together with Chagford and Bridford. The locals were expected to play their part; further donations came from local gentry such as the Bowrings and local carnivals while the GPs gave their services free.

Hearts and minds

At the end of the First World war Moretonians were at loggerheads over the form and location of a war memorial. Frank East, who had lost two sons, persuaded Lord Hambleden to provide a site by pulling down the butter market. Again, the locals had to do their bit by paying for the monument unveiled by his lordship in October 1921. The local churches were given highquality make overs, a new rectory in Moretonhampstead and a war memorial lychgate and parish hall in North Bovey.

Finally, a large new Manor House to entertain weekend and shooting parties with landscaped gardens, parkland and lakes was built in 200 acres on the site of Week Farm. It cost £10 million, plus another £250,000 (in today’s prices) for top of the range furnishings. Built to a very high standard in a unique ‘neo-Jacobean meets arts and crafts’ style, it has a Grade II* heritage listing – unusual for a relatively

modern building. The Hambledens only came down to it for about 6 weeks each autumn. The locals were often invited to the Hambleden children’s birthday parties; the noble children invariably ‘won’ the races!

‘He was the best friend the estate ever had’

Unfortunately, the estate was broken up and sold in 1928 to pay for death duties of £50 million (in today’s prices) on the sudden passing of Lord Hambleden. The farms, houses and woods went for low prices because of the low rents, often to the tenants but sometimes to outsiders who assumed (wrongly) that the farming must be very profitable because the buildings were so well made and cared for! Great Western Railway bought the Manor House and grounds for only £750,00 (in today’s prices); they turned it into a hotel and golf course resort that is now the 5 star Bovey Castle.

The estate and the 1000-year-old manors had gone but a physical and emotional legacy was left that is still appreciated today. ‘The whole estate mourned his passing’, wrote one tenant, ‘because Lord Hambleden was the best friend it had ever known.’

Bill Hardiman

Moretonhampstead History Society

Moreton Hospital 1910.

Hambleden-style farm house

Station Road Market Jubilee Cotts c 1905

Chagford, Weeke Down and Meldon Circuit

This walk starts in Chagford and takes you on a sweeping circuit high up above the village along grassy tracks and quiet lanes. You’ll pass by several ancient farmsteads, and there are great views in all directions.

The name Chagford means “the ford where the gorse grows”. The village is home to some 1600 people and dates back to at least Saxon times. It became a Stannary Town in 1305. The last tin mine in the area closed in 1904, and it’s hard to imagine an industrial landscape there today.

From the car park in the central of Chagford, head down the lane past the

church which takes you away from the village. Follow this lane behind the new houses for 3/4 mile, until you see a footpath sign on your right pointing up a steep track. Turn off the road onto the ancient track, and then turn immediately left into a field. Follow the obvious path behind a house and uphill through the field, until you see a small gate on your left. Leave the field here, walk downhill into a wood and cross a delightful stream. The path then rises steeply straight ahead and takes you over a stile onto an old drovers’ track. Turn right here and climb uphill, soon following the edge of Week Down. There are good views from here across the valley to Castle Drogo and beyond.

Before crossing the narrow lane at the top of the hill to join another footpath, it’s worth a short detour of 100m to your left along the lane. This takes you to a leaning stone cross, nearly 2 metres high, from where there’s spectacular views north to Exmoor. Retrace your steps back to the new footpath, which is a farm track heading in a southerly direction. After about 200m you will reach a memorial to “Linda 2010” on your left, next to a gate into a field. Pass through the gate, turn immediately right and follow the track ahead through 3 fields. There are a couple of rather fiddly stiles which might be hard work for large dogs!

A panoramic view of the moors soon opens up, and the path eventually descends to a lane. Turn right here and then right again after 100m, following the sign to Batworthy. Stay on the narrow lane past the ancient farm with its cider house and mill until you reach a T Junction. Turn right here, cross a cattle grid and then take a left turn signposted to the fascinating hamlet of Stiniel. Keep straight ahead past several historic buildings, cross the common and turn right onto another lane. Look out for the next right turn into

This walk has been kindly written and walked for Oke Links by Lisa Harris

a very rough track (that actually used to be a road!) which climbs steeply uphill through Yellands Farm.

At the top of the hill cross the lane and the track immediately opens out onto Meldon Hill, which is 390m above sea level at its highest point. Keep straight ahead, and after about 30m, take a wide grassy track to your left which goes around right around the side of the hill, before descending onto Chagford Common. An alternative route is to head up straight up and over the summit, but the direct route down from the top is very steep and can be hard to follow. The recommended route around the side of the hill is longer, but the descent

is more gradual and it offers some outstanding views. Once again there are amazing views. Once down on the common turn right and follow the path back to the road.

Turn left and you will soon be back in Chagford with its many interesting and varied refreshment options! In the summer months, you really should also take the opportunity to visit the largest river-fed open air swimming pool in the south west, just a mile to the north of the village.

Distance: Approximately 6.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate, with a few steep climbs up and down Time: 2.5/3 hours

Start point: St Michael the Archangel Church, Chagford.

OS grid reference: 701875

What Three Words: https:// what3words.com/consented. unrealistic.frail

Chagford

Meldon Hill

car park

Stiniel Road towards Postbridge Helen Haywood 07528 959287 helenehaywood@outlook.com References on request.

Hound

Garolla

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LONDON MARATHON

Sunday April 23rd 2023

I am running the London Marathon 2023 for Meningitis Research Foundation because it is a charity close to our hearts.

Sadly, my daughter Aimee passed away of meningitis at just 9 months old. e Meningitis Research Foundation is a charity I am supporting in her memory. 60 is just a number. 60 years of age seems like a long time, let’s hope 26.2 miles doesn’t feel as long! I ran my first marathon in my 40’s, my second in my 50’s, let’s hope I can survive it in my 60’s too.

Many thanks for all your support

Mandy Warnett

ank you for supporting us too, with any kind donation. www.justgiving.com/fundraising /amanda-warne