Oke Links March/April 2020 by Links Magazines

OKE LINKS

March/April 2020 | Issue 20

160

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Dartmoor Shepherds DEVON YOUNG CARERS PIONEERING WORK FROM OKEHAMPTON THE MUSEUM OF DARTMOOR LIFE GEARING UP FOR A NEW SEASON

Meet the locals: Emily Fleur Sizmur

Photography, Surgery and Faith

Ryan Arthurs

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

EDUCATION

Science at Moretonhampstead

GARDENING

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Inspirational young people Welcome to the March/April Oke Links! 2020 is now well under way and I for one can’t believe how time is flying by.

The deadline date for any inclusions in the May/June issue of Oke Links will be April 3rd 2020. For all editorial enquiries please contact Jane via email: jane. honey@linksmagazines.co.uk

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

01822 615627 January/ February competition winners: Marion Walpole, Alan Thompson, Jane Wimberly, Sarah Hilson.

During the last few weeks I have been really privileged to meet some enthusiastic and very passionate individuals in the preparation of this issue. Our local people interviewees are all in their early twenties but were inspirational to talk to. Lewis Steer and Flora Searson aren’t from agricultural backgrounds but are forging ahead with their new enterprise through raising a growing flock of rare breed sheep. Emily Sizmur had her own flourishing photography business until a series of brain haemorrhages at the age of 20 forced her to change her life completely - and Ryan Arthurs is combining his love of coaching young people with his fascination for computer gaming and coding in his new role, backed by the Prince’s Trust. This edition’s feature is about the pioneering work being carried out in the Okehampton area by Devon Young Carers, who are supporting around 60 youngsters who could otherwise be left isolated and stressed through their caring responsibilities. And our Charity Focus puts the spotlight on Room 13 in Okehampton, providing a fantastic base for young people to enjoy a wide range of activities, increase their skills and gain confidential advice and support from a team of staff and volunteers. It’s the time of year when people traditionally have a bit of a turn out - if you’re spring cleaning your tool shed or garage and find yourself with an excess of gear, take a look at page 20, where you can find out how your rubbish could provide a lifeline for people in Africa. If you fancy a trip out for Mother’s Day, Easter or just something different to do on a weekend, turn to our special Chagford feature on page 38 - it’s definitely worth a visit! And there are stacks of other suggestions for day trips in our What’s On Extra pages. Don’t forget to email me with your suggestions for features and forthcoming events I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Easter! Jane Honey, Editor, 07971 917071 Front cover image of Lewis Steer and Flora Searson, The Dartmoor Shepherd, by Annie Renwick

6 Contents

4 Feature

27 Health

46 What’s On Extra

6 Local People

32 Gardening

55 Music and Art

13 Sport

35 Farming

60 Food and Drink

14 Charity Focus

36 Finance

62 Walks with Winnie

18 Noticeboard

38 A Day Trip to Chagford

64 History

25 Business

41 What’s On Listings

70 Trade Secrets

Delivered by the Royal Mail to the following towns and villages: Okehampton • Moretonhampstead • Chagford • Chichacott Stockley • Belstone • Bondleigh • North Tawton • Sampford Courtenay • Taw Green • Sticklepath • South Zeal • Throwleigh Wonson Lydford • Lewdown • Bridestowe • Gidleigh • North Bovey • Sourton • Meldon • Boasley Cross Bratton Clovelly • Portgate • Lewtrenchard

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

FEATURE

Leading the way with a pioneer project Young carers receive quality support backed by community and charities Okehampton is proving to be a trailblazer for the county, following a successful initiative instigated by Devon Young Carers. Okehampton is the only town in Devon to have its own dedicated project worker - Elly Jenkins - thanks to funding from Okehampton United Charities, the town and hamlets parish councils and Okehampton Rotary Club. Devon Young Carers works with youngsters between four and 18 years of age who either care for or whose life is impacted by a relative with an illness, disability, mental health condition or drug and alcohol problem. They may look after siblings, help with cooking, cleaning or shopping, care physically for someone by helping with personal care or provide emotional support. There are around 60 young people in the Okehampton area whose lives can be affected in many ways by their caring responsibilities. They may experience mental health issues - nationally, 48% of young carers say they suffer with stress. Their education can suffer - they may miss school, find difficulty having time to complete homework and can be more likely to experience their own special educational needs. They can also suffer isolation, as they miss out on social opportunities with their peers. Living in a rural area 4

like West Devon and Dartmoor with poor public transport, they are often geographically isolated. Elly feels she is able to make ‘a huge difference’ to the lives of young carers in the Okehampton area: ‘Compared to my colleagues who work across a wide area, the amount of contact time I can have with each young carer means the support can be targeted for each individual and they can access much more than those living in other parts of Devon.’ Elly is aiming to build on links she’s made locally and to increase awareness in the community, enabling Young Carers support to be sustainable in the long term.

‘Having Elly based here is fantastic, she’s in schools weekly, she’s doing one-to-one and most importantly, she is based in the community. She’s set up a home schooling group that gets together every few weeks which gives those young carers time with their peers, who understand the challenges they face. The schools are buying into what Elly is doing as well, helping to make this a sustainable, long term service.’ Tom said that situations and circumstances could often change quickly for the young people they were dealing with and having Elly on hand to provide empathetic support, schools liaison and a consistent link was invaluable.

Tom Humphreys, Young Carers lead practitioner for South and West Devon, explained how the service works.

‘A lot of the day-to-day work we do is about validating feelings. We let them know it’s natural to feel frustrated or that situations are unfair, but we try and teach them coping skills and emotional resilience. There’s no other service that’s purely based on young carers needs, it’s absolutely focussed around them.’

‘We provide respite opportunities to give the young people a break away, peer support, one-to-one support, we help with confidence building and increasing self esteem, also ease frustrations that young carers can feel,’ said Tom.

Tom said it was also important to stress that while young carers could face huge academic challenges, they also learned incredible life skills through facing up to their caring responsibilities at a young age.

And the best bit of her role? ‘The inspirational, resilient young people that I get to spend time with!’ she said.

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FEATURE

‘I learnt how to make new friends. It was amazing because I realised how many other Young Carers there are in the world’ Respite is vital and days out provided by Young Carers may involve water sports like surfing, drama workshops, survival skills and much more. Although Young Carers in Okehampton are only contracted to provide nine day trips a year, they managed 48 last year, largely due to hard work by Elly and the financial support of local charities. Thanks to the partnerships being built up in the area, Young Carers can make use of facilities at Room 13, OCRA, the college and the Eco Hub on a regular basis, plus transport made available by Okehampton and District Community Transport Group. They also

run two or three residential trips away annually - and take around 28 young people, including three or four from Okehampton, to the biggest annual gathering of young carers in the world, run by the YMCA and the Children’s Society. Tom said: ‘Seeing the elation they experienced last year, seeing children grow in confidence, was incredible and it’s something we would like to replicate in Devon this year, on a smaller scale.’ Volunteers are always welcomed by Devon Young Carers as additional help means they can support more young Your local independent supplier of Cotswold chairs, settees and tilt ‘n’ rise recliner chairs

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people on respite outings. Volunteers receive training and their DBS check is paid for. Tm said they were hugely valued and a special celebration day for volunteers was staged annually. Young Carers are now 18 months into a five year contract with Devon County Council. Tom said the next step was trying to source funding to employ more local project workers like Elly in other areas of Devon. ‘I don’t think even Elly and I realised how successful having her here would be,’ he said. ‘It’s brilliant and if we could replicate this across the county we will really be heading in the right direction. I think if we dropped the ball now it would be an oversight, so we really need to move on with this.’ For more information call 03456 434 435 or email: youngcarers@devoncarers.org.uk Jane Honey

LOCAL PEOPLE

Our front cover couple

Flora Searson and Lewis Steer The town centre shepherds Flora Searson and Lewis Steer farm from a flat in Chagford - an unusual base for sheep farmers, but when you don’t come from an agricultural background and are forced to rent the land on which to raise your animals, it’s all you can do. Lewis, 25, has wanted to be a farmer for as long as he can remember. Many people get driving lessons as a reward for doing well in their GCSEs - his greengrocer parents bought him three Greyface Dartmoor sheep. Flora, 24, was born on the Isle of Wight, moving to Chagford when she was three. The couple met in Chagford while they were both away at separate universities - once back home, Flora juggled a part time PR job with helping Lewis look after his growing flock. The Dartmoor Shepherd, as their business is called, came about when Lewis had to create a model for rural business diversification for the third year of his degree. Flora created his logos and in time, via a period working as a bookie and on a sheep shearing gang,

photo credit: Bill Bradshaw

his theory became reality, Flora joining him full time in 2018. Completely passionate about their sheep and farming ambitions, they initially spent hours travelling to check the sheep on parcels of land spread over a radius of some 30 miles. ‘It’s easier now,’ said Lewis. ‘Ninety percent of them are around Chagford, but we still have 16 landlords! Just checking them takes a good chunk of the day, but you have to take land where you can get it, then getting it under a secure tenancy is even harder - and you need that to be able to plan ahead. At the moment we have a very good group of landlords and we couldn’t do what we’re doing without them.’ Their 620-strong flock is composed of native Dartmoor breeds, grey face and

whiteface and the Devon and Cornwall Longwool. Statistically, the latter is rarer than the Bengal Tiger - there are just 800 left, of which Flora and Lewis have 45. Flora said: ‘As far as we are aware, we are the last shepherds in the world to keep these three breeds commercially. We create products that add value to them, hopefully creating a lifeline for sheep deemed economically unviable.’ Lewis explained the sheep were small, slow-growing and usually only had one lamb, making them unattractive to most farmers. They’re fiddly and expensive to shear too. ‘They thrive on traditional Dartmoor pasture which is massively sustainable, they taste fantastic because they’ve taken their time to grow at their own

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LOCAL PEOPLE

photo credit: Annie Renwick

pace, and they create these amazing sheepskins,’ said Lewis. The skins are used for a range of products, all created by South West craftspeople and sold online through their website, at shows and fairs, wholesale to the Toast chain and now retail at Dartmoor Beds’ new store near Topsham. There are plans for new products and they want to take on more land to expand the flock further. They make a conscious effort to farm with nature, in an organic manner. They’ve got beehives, they are reseeding with herbal leys to improve soil structure and attract pollinators and their land also contains many herbs which are beneficial for the sheep. Instead of cutting hedges every year they rotate, providing extra shelter and food for wild birds and they’ve laid new hedges with native chestnut from Gidleigh and Bovey Tracey.

shepherds walked their sheep from one parcel of land to another, living with them, or the way natural predators would have moved herds on. Soil is a living thing and one of the best ways you can improve it is to keep moving stock. Their muck goes into the soil, the soil gets deeper and captures more carbon and because the sheep don’t crop down to the root, the grass re-grows more quickly.’

Lewis said: ‘You can deliver hundreds of lambs but the feeling you get when it’s up and wobbling around is always the same, there’s nothing like it. You might be freezing cold at 4am but it’s still wonderful!’ Flora agreed, adding: ‘We don’t really get very much free time but we love what we do - I think because we love it so much it doesn’t really feel like work.’

It’s now spring and lambing time - the best time of the year, according the Flora and Lewis.

Lewis said: ‘We are looking at ways of implementing things like holistic grazing, which mirrors what would have been done hundreds of years ago, when

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Emily Fleur Sizmur Facing the future with optimism ‘Little Siz’ as she was known by her teachers, is the youngest of five siblings, brought up on the family farm at Thorndon Cross. Eloquent and enthusiastic, this 23-year-old has packed a lot into her young life, starting her own business at the tender age of eight, selling eggs and later Christmas poultry to save enough money to buy a camera. The budding photographer found her passion for pictures on the farm and while still attending Okehampton College - her first professional engagement came through school when a teacher asked her to take her wedding photos. She said: ‘It was a double wedding, there were something like 400 guests, it felt like everyone in Okehampton was there!’ After this baptism of fire, Emily was determined that photography could become a successful career. At 15 she had left school (being a July baby) and started making her way in the highly competitive photographic world. Disaster struck when she was about 20. She’d always had what she now realises were ‘petit mal seizures’ when she would drift off mid conversation, or not remember what she had been doing or talking about. ‘I was always being put down as a day-dreamer at school - now I realise I had been having these seizures.’ In the middle of a big August wedding in Somerset, just

after her 20th birthday, she began suffering with a really bad headache, stiff neck and sickness. Her assistant Amy had to take over and she went home with what she believed was extreme heatstroke. After three days the doctor was called, who recognised Emily was suffering what could be meningitis. She was taken to hospital in Exeter and given a brain scan. The results were devastating. She’d suffered a brain haemorrhage requiring immediate surgery, the condition lifethreatening, certainly life-changing. To receive this sort of news, at such a young age, must have been a tremendous shock. To cut a long story short, Emily wasn’t operated on but within weeks suffered a second haemorrhage. She was treated in Bristol for several months and eventually had stereotactic radiosurgery in London. From being an active, ambitious self-employed photographer working weddings every weekend, to spending months in hospital with a life-threatening condition, then much longer recuperating, must have been incredibly difficult. It was at this point that Emily discovered she had a deep faith which has helped her through the last few years.

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LOCAL PEOPLE

‘As soon as they said you should survive but you’ll be blind I just thought “God’s got it in hand”. As a family we’d go to church at Christmas and Easter, but now I go regularly to Okehampton Baptist Church - although I don’t feel church is the most important part. I’ve always loved the quote “It’s better to sit on a beach thinking about God than to sit in a church thinking about fishing”.’

‘Now I put my passion into the Farming Community Network charity, the most incredible Christian farming organisation, which helps farmers in times of need. I’m also working for Eversfield Organic, doing their marketing. My passions are now going down a different route. I’ve never worked for anyone else before now, but I am really enjoying it. ‘I still do photography but not on the same scale. I was doing 50 weddings a year at one point, now I do one a month.

She said she never felt anger at the turn in her life, but hated seeing her parents worry for their youngest daughter. Talking positively, she said her family is now closer than ever.

‘Literally everything changed after being ill. My goals are now quite different - my main one this year is to be a better auntie and godparent. Last year was to see friends more. It was all business before, I never really considered any other way of thinking!’

Nowadays, Emily’s perspectives are different. She hopes to get the all-clear from her specialists by July 2021 but in the mean time has totally changed the way she lives. ‘I am like a by-product of my incredible family members, who’ve all been successful,’ said Emily. ‘I’ve always been completely motivated by what they’ve all done, but I’ve had to change my motivations and put them into other areas, not a business.

Emily said her experiences have changed her as a person, but for the better - and she is full of optimism for the future. ‘I’m getting my fitness back, I’ve started playing golf, we can’t believe I am able to work full time as well as having an actual life - I’m really excited for 2020,’ she said. Jane Honey

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Ryan Arthurs Football crazy - computer mad! Mention computer coding to many people and they will glaze over - me included! But that’s most definitely not the case for young Okehampton entrepreneur Ryan Arthurs, whose passion for the subject and his love of gaming has led him to create his own businesses, teaching young people the skills to make their own games and robots using computer technology. Ryan, who is just 23, lives in Okehampton and attended both the town’s primary school and college. He left school at 16 and completed a course through the Prince’s Trust - nothing to do with computers, he was actually coaching rugby, a sport he wasn’t familiar with, but it taught him about dealing with young people, which proved invaluable when he secured a job with local sports charity OCRA. ‘It was absolutely fantastic,’ said Ryan. ‘I learned so many

skills there which have proved transferrable into what I am doing now.’ But after seven years Ryan started to get itchy feet and having always been a big fan of computer games and with an interest in computer coding, the idea of starting up his own business seemed more and more attractive. Ryan said: ’I taught sports for seven years with OCRA - my girlfriend is a teacher and we realised there was a gap in the market, kids were being sent to play sports that they didn’t necessarily want to do, and that schools weren’t teaching the coding skills that I use.’

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LOCAL PEOPLE

At the clubs Ryan teaches children how to make 2D and 3D computer games on computers and using ‘Lego Boost’ to help children create ‘robots’ with motors and sensors which are brought to life using coding commands, so they can compete in their own ‘robot wars’. He’s even teaching them how to create their own apps.

Ryan completed a four-day business launch course, again through the Prince’s Trust, which taught him the basics, learning from people who had successfully started their own businesses. ‘The Trust has been brilliant for me. Many people have no idea what they want to do after school but they can point you in the right direction. They really helped me get my business off the ground and take the first couple of steps. I met all sorts of people on the course, there was a guy who was making eco surfboards, another one who was filming music videos with drones - the courses are fantastic. ‘Thanks to the Trust, I have a mentor who I meet once a month. He also helped me secure a loan to buy the computer equipment I needed,’ said Ryan, who was also awarded a grant from Okehampton United Charities (OUC). Ryan said the involvement of the Prince’s Trust and backing from OUC had definitely given him more credibility when he got to the point of trying to sell his concept of computer clubs to schools in the area - and he now has clubs running at four local primaries and is just about to start a new group for homeeducated children in Launceston.

‘We get really good reactions from the kids. Gaming can be seen as an anti-social activity and some parents hate it, but my computer clubs give the opportunity to do this type of thing in a social environment - they’re not sat home alone in a dark room on a computer for hours and also they are learning skills for life. ‘It’s difficult to describe what my computer clubs are like, a lot of people don’t really understand it when you describe it, but when they see how engaged the kids are with it, it makes all the difference.’ Ryan said increasingly, employers or universities were looking for applicants with a knowledge of coding language and it was likely that coding, programming and stem skills would become more important in the future. When not building his fledgling business, Ryan is football mad - he plays for Okehampton Argyle’s second team and obviously the beautiful game features highly when it comes to the virtual world on his laptop! In addition he coaches the U15 side for Lydford Foxes FC. It’s clear he gets a lot out of seeing youngsters learn and develop. ‘For me, the business isn’t about getting really rich, it’s about giving kids opportunities and doing something you enjoy. I am really passionate about what I do and there are so many more ideas buzzing around in my head - but I need to get the money behind me first!’ Jane Honey

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SPORT

Exciting times at Rew Meadow The home of Belstone Cricket Club is set on the high slopes of North Dartmoor in glorious surroundings with views of Cosdon Beacon and Exmoor. The club was established in 1993 and recently celebrated 25 years by obtaining planning for a new pavilion. Since then, it has embraced the ECB All Stars five to eight year old sessions as well as increasing the number of colts participating. Friday nights have become a hive of activity. Much of this success is down to Richard Drake for undertaking the All Star sessions and the club’s young coaches, well assisted by senior members. There is recognition that better use of the outfield could be made by introducing alternative sports on the days when there is no cricket. Interest has been shown in archery, croquet and a running track to encourage fitness. The new pavilion could

also be the home for fencing and billiards. It is anticipated that respective clubs will be set up in the near future. At present the club plays in the First Division of the North Devon Sunday league. This leaves plenty of scope for increasing usage - a second team to play for fun and/or a ladies’ team? The New 100 ball a-side shortened game proposed by ECB should encourage those who would like to play for fun. New members would be most welcome in all aspects of the club’s expansion proposals - why not come and join us? Contact the secretary Christopher Walpole chris.walpole@ mypostoffice.co.uk or phone 01837 840498. Peter Hammond , President, Belstone Cricket Club

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EDUCATION

Spotlight on science Experiments enthrall children at Moreton Raising the profile of science has been a key priority at Moretonhampstead Primary School this year, with the main aim being to encourage scientists of the future as part of our inspiring and enriching curriculum. This year has seen the introduction of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) challenges for each unit of science work. These allow the children to use and apply their knowledge and understanding of the science they have learnt to solve a ‘real life’ challenge. For example, Year 6 children were asked to design and build something that could be used to read enemy messages from their trench at the end of their unit of work on light, while Year 4 children were recently challenged to find a way to answer the question ‘Does water only evaporate in Summer?’ These projects give the children an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts they have been exploring, use the new scientific language that they have acquired in a meaningful way and work together in small groups to provide solutions to the problems they have been set. With the support of the school’s highly

active and very supportive parents’ group, the children got their annual opportunity to immerse themselves in science in January with a visit from Wonderstruck. The day started with a spectacular show aimed at all pupils from Reception to Year 6, exploring rockets, combustion and fire. It made the children think and question, as well as extending their knowledge, with one Year 2 child commenting: ‘I learned that gunpowder only makes a bang if it is wrapped up and Rice Krispies showed how far the explosion went!’ Then, while Key Stage 1 children investigated bubbles and their structure, Key Stage 2 children investigated force and power in two workshops, which saw them building and testing rockets and fan powered cars.

Association to help fund their Water Fair on March 13th during British Science Week, they plan to raise enough funds to dig a Moreton Well in an area of the world that does not have access to clean water. Everyone in the community is invited to come along to see the stalls the children will be running to showcase what they have learnt about water and take part in some of their experiments. There will also be the grand final of the 2 STEM challenges they are running, which are open to everyone in the community. There are still a few spaces available at the school for Reception children starting September 2020, so please get in contact if you are interested in a place for your child.

Their next project is to take science into the community. Having been awarded a grant from the British Science

Anne Barns Assistant Headteacher Moretonhampstead Primary School

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EDUCATION

Building on a successful first year! Littlemoor Pre-school is now into it’s second year and what a success our first year has been! We are a rural setting within Boasley Cross Primary School, part of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust. Our mission ‘Explore, Create, Discover’ is centred around outdoor learning and the Reggio Emilia approach to early learning. The core values of this unique approach to early learning are that the child is an active participant in learning. The teacher, parent and child are collaborators in the process of learning. Learning is made visible and the environment is seen as an educator. Our environment is filled with materials such as clay, paint, household items, natural materials and writing implements. Children use these materials to represent concepts that they are learning in a hands-on way. Through

careful observation, the adults track children’s thoughts and ideas as they play together or work with materials. Littlemoor Pre-school has its own free flow outside area, decking and garden. There is a separate playground for outdoor activities such as balance bikes and den building. Our aim is to work in partnership with parents to build on children’s personal strengths, interests and experiences by providing a stimulating and inspiring early learning experience in a happy, safe and caring environment. Our pre-school is nestled within our Early Years and KS1 (Year 1 and 2) classroom. As Head of School and Pre-School Manager, I can honestly say that opening our facility for three year olds has been a huge asset to our setting. The benefits are far-reaching

for all, including local parents, pupils of all ages in the school and of course the three and four year olds themselves who get a wonderful start to their school life. We now have parents driving from local towns and villages as we are able to offer bespoke provision that is unlike any other in the area. Visits are welcomed - contact the administrator, on 01837 871362 or email admin@boasleycross.devon.sch.uk Deirdre Petersen Head of School

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CHARITY FOCUS

Room 13 Jane Honey finds out what’s going on at Okehampton’s youth centre From pool to PS4s, cooking to crafts, there’s always something going on for young people at Okehampton’s Room 13. Situated on St James Street, the centre provides a dedicated space for young people aged eleven to 19 to meet up and socialise in a warm and safe environment. Run by senior youth support worker Mike St John Cooper, along with four youth workers who are either qualified or in training and a team of dedicated and highly valued volunteers, the centre provides three open access sessions a week. Children in years 7 and 8 attend on a Tuesday evening, there’s a Wednesday session for those in years 9 to 11 and a seniors’ session on Fridays for year 10 and up to the age of 19. Currently around 75 young people regularly attend each week. During these sessions there are activities ranging from tie-dying and candle making to music making, playing giant games like Jenga, Twister and Connect 4 and what Mike described as ‘the beating heart of any youth club’ the newly-covered pool table. There’s also a garden outside where young people can let off steam and help improve the facilities, including growing plants, use the graffiti boards and barbecue. Here there are plans for more raised beds and a wormery. Cooking in the well-equipped kitchen is also significant part of Room 13, as creating a meal and then sitting down

to eat it together is an important part of the social activities. Upstairs, there’s a music room, currently in the process of being sound-proofed, and the admin space. Room 13 staff are now delivering Duke of Edinburgh Award training to young people who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to participate in the scheme through school - currently there are 12 on the road to completing bronze and silver awards. Mike said: ‘We are able to give these young people closer attention to enable them to achieve their awards, which look good on a CV and increase their chances of employability.’ In addition to the social sessions, youth workers at Room 13 play a vital role in support work on a one to one or small group basis. Participants can be referred to them or young people can self refer and don’t have to be from the immediate area. Mike explained: ‘We do a lot of issuebased work around sexual health and relationships, drugs and alcohol. We respond to whatever the young people

need, we work a lot of the relationship side which includes friendships and peer relationships plus parental relationships.’ There’s also an outreach team, paid for by the Safer Devon Partnership, which sees two youth workers engaging with young people in other areas of town. Mike said: ‘They have our hoodies and badges so you can see who they are so say “Hi” to them if you are out and about!’

CHARITY FOCUS

In addition to Room 13 itself, a variety of activities and trips further afield are organised. Mike paid tribute to Adventure Okehampton in this respect, which has been very supportive to their Duke of Edinburgh programme, plus hosting other outdoor sessions. ‘Everything we do is either low cost or no cost,’ explained Mike. ‘Okehampton United Charities have supported us brilliantly, they have given us the funding to keep it free for young people to come here and for us to provide equipment for the D of E scheme and to have the music too. We’ve also been supported by our local councillors and through the county’s locality budget.’ Room 13 is part of Space - a not for profit enterprise that is contracted by Devon County Council to provide dedicated, targeted support for young people in the county. Mike said the authority had been ‘brilliant’ in terms

of backing this provision: ‘In a lot of places in the country there’s nothing - no support for youth services at all.’ Mike said he was quite certain the work done by the Room 13 team was making a difference to the lives of the young people it was involved with, however substantial the difficulties they were facing. ‘Even something like screen time is a big issue for young people. Here there are alternatives, we get the card games out, the board games - there are a lot of life skills that come out of these - it’s also why we have group meals.’

achievement you get at school - we will give out certificates that say “We have noticed” and that might be because they’ve made huge efforts to change some aspect of their behaviour or went the extra mile with something or were really paying attention.’ To find out more about Room 13, give the team a call on 01837 657601 or go to spacepsm.org/youth-centres/ okehampton-room13/

Much of the activities and social interaction that take place at Room 13 will build self esteem and self confidence. Mike said: ‘One of the reasons young people come here is we recognise their achievements. They aren’t the same as that narrow field of

RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

RHS members go free

Flower Festival & Wordsworth Daffodil Weekend supported by AFWM 14 & 15 March The Secret Garden family fun 21 March – 20 April Alpine Garden Society Show 21 March Community Free Day 24 March Wool & Yarn Fest 28 & 29 March RHS National Rhododendron Show supported by AFWM 25 & 26 April Your visit supports our work as a charity

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

NOTICEBOARD

Could you lend the scouts a hand? 1st Okehampton Scout Group is flourishing, with 70 young people who enjoy weekly activities and various adventures. We are lucky enough to have a purpose built-hut that, with help from Okehampton United Charities for its upkeep, enables us to have yearround camps and sleepovers. There are three sections in the group; Beavers aged between six and eight years, Cubs for children aged eight to years to 10½ years then Scouts to 14 years old. To facilitate our members to earn their badges we have a carefully planned programme encompassing a wide range of skills and opportunities. Last year this included: Beavers – ‘Sleeping with Sharks’ at the Plymouth aquarium, themed Viking activities, ‘Survivor’ camp and becoming Dementia Friends with the Alzheimer Society. Cubs – Pantomime visit to Plymouth

Royal Theatre, ‘Super Hero’ themed District camp, camp fire cooking in the woods, a day with Adventure Okehampton and a visit to the local Fire Station. Scouts – 12 mile expedition hike with cooking, snow boarding and tubing at the Plymouth Ski Centre, wild camp in woodland, helping the Royal British Legion with their poppy boxes and collecting food donations for the Okehampton Food bank. All the Leaders are volunteers, our aim is to provide learning by doing (#skillsforlife) so we focus on as many practical sessions as possible; cooking, gardening, crafts, looking after kit while camping, learning about other faiths and

cultures, team games and challenges and even DIY skills. This is where we need some more adult help – we always have waiting lists to join our various Sections but only have a core of five adults who all help two evenings per week. We appreciate any amount of time commitment people can offer. We need a groundsman or maintenance person for our hut, help with craft or cooking evenings, a secretary for admin tasks or general assistance for any weekly sessions or camps. If you would be interested in joining our merry band please contact Linda at gsl@1stokehamptonscouts. org.uk Linda Atouguia, Group Scout Leader 1st Okehampton Scout Group

All ready to blossom! Funding from Okehampton Charities has meant an amazing transformation to the raised beds at Fatherford Allotments in Okehampton. Previously rotten timber beds have been replaced by new, long lasting concrete

raised bed structures. A spokesperson for Made-Well, which uses the allotments, said: ‘They are simply amazing and we are lost for words! The first row is at ground level for the avid digging brigade; the second

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row is at kneeling/sitting level for easy wheelchair enjoyment gardening and the third row is perfect to stand at to comfortably potter at planting and sowing seeds. ‘A huge thank you to Okehampton Charities for repairing Fatherford Allotments for the ongoing future use and much enjoyment for our clients at Made-Well.’

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NOTICEBOARD

Could you help Age Concern? Age Concern Okehampton ACOT has been working to support older people in the area since the early 90s. The centre in North Street, Okehampton (next door to the library) is usually staffed on a Monday and Wednesday between 10.30am and 3pm by the manager for enquiries and on a Tuesday morning from 10am to 1pm by Trustee volunteers who run a popular coffee/craft morning each week. Age Concern manager Lindsay Svensson said: ‘Due to the nature of the service the times can change so it is always preferable to ring and leave a message for appointment. ‘It’s a reactive service in that we deal with whatever questions people have as they arise - they’ve been as diverse as asking for a phone number to wanting to know how to leave their body to science! If we can’t help we always try to direct people to someone that can. ‘Our particular skill is helping with complex forms such as those for Attendance Allowance , DLA changes, Blue Badge applications and liaising with other agencies on clients’ behalf.’

Every second Friday at Okehampton Hospital Age Concern runs a very well regarded foot care clinic providing nail cutting for suitable clients referred by NHS doctors and podiatrists. The nail cutters are all trained volunteers and Age Concern desperately needs new cutters, so this valuable service can be continued. Lindsay said: ‘We’ve recently been asked to engage in a pilot project on behalf of Devon Carers, to provide short periods of support for those caring for an older person. The project is called Time for You and is designed to give carers a break to attend an appointment, go shopping or just a bit of time to themselves, knowing that a caring, well matched and competent volunteer is providing good company to their loved one. This could be a regular arrangement or on an ad hoc basis and will cost £5 per hour or could be free following an assessment by Devon Carers. Age Concern is looking for both service users and volunteers. If you think you can help or need any information please call or email Lindsey Svensson, Charity Manager on 01837 55838 or acot@btconnect.com.

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NOTICEBOARD

Tools for a good cause There is a new venture in hand for Okehampton Men in Sheds (OmiS). Following generous donations of unwanted tools from members of the public, OmiS has found they have duplicates and even triplicates of several items. After all who needs 27 club hammers? Searching for ways to dispose of the excess, they came across AMIGOS – Tools for Africa - a charity which collects and ships tools to Africa, where they are much needed by those who cannot easily acquire or afford tools. RGB the builders’ merchants has agreed to provide a drop-off point for any unwanted tools during February and March. OmiS will collect from them, clean, repair and deliver them to the nearest AMIGOS depot. Okehampton Men in Sheds will also be happy to collect tools from anyone’s garage or shed clear-out in the Okehampton area and sort tools for their own possible use or for passing on to AMIGOS - Tools for Africa. Okehampton Men in Sheds now has some 50/60 members and

is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. They have already helped several local organisations such as St James School, the new primary school in Okehampton, where the men have made garden seats for the playground, welly racks, and a carved cross for the Assembly Hall. They are currently making 50 dormouse boxes for The Woodland Trust. So if you are turning out a shed or doing a bit of decluttering, please think of donating to Men in Sheds or Tools for Africa. Call 01837 658779 for details.

Oke PADS going from strength to strength Okehampton PADs was formed in October 2017 and over the past two years has been raising funds to install six additional defibrillators within the town. There are now ten 24-hour Public Access Defibrillators available around Okehampton and Oke PADs will continue to maintain this provision of life saving equipment. We are delighted that this year we have been selected as the mayor’s charity for the year and Okehampton mayor Julie Yelland has helped to continue to raise funds and awareness of our charity. Our next challenge is to ensure that everyone in the community has the opportunity to learn life-saving skills. Medical emergencies are not situations that we face on a regular basis, this makes it all the more important to ensure we have the skills and confidence to act quickly. We offer two hour free training sessions throughout the year teaching people practical skills to save a life. We have now trained more than 250 people and we will continue to help members of the community gain confidence in these situations. There are more than 60 defibrillators within a 15 mile radius of Okehampton and it is only by members of the public having

the skills and confidence to help, that will make the difference to someone’s survival. We are encouraging people of any age from Okehampton and the surrounding community to attend our workshops. Whether you are attending the session to refresh your knowledge or if you are learning for the very first time, everyone is welcome. The next session is on March 4th at the Ockment Centre between 7pm and 9pm. Future sessions are on May 13th at Okehampton Primary School; July 10th at Okehampton Rugby Club, September 25th at Okehampton Rugby Club and November 7th at the Ockment Centre. Contact okepads@gmail.com for questions or to book a space. Visit www.okepads.wixsite.com/okepads to find out more. Joe Rice, Okehampton Pads

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Trust plans for community woodland North Tawton Environmental Trust is a locally-based registered charity involved in conserving, protecting and improving the natural and physical environment of North Tawton and its surroundings. We formed in the 1990s as a group of local people with a common interest in environmental issues and have been involved in many projects including enhancement schemes and practical tasks, supply of compost bins, water butts and kitchen waste caddies, also research and studies of parish wildlife and renewable energy feasibility. We ran a community composting scheme using an electric vehicle for a number of years and assisted with North

Tawton’s plastic waste collection until West Devon Borough Council took both up. We had a chemical free vegetable growing project in our two large polytunnels but we have sadly just lost our site within the town. The Trust owns a two acre field on the outskirts of North Tawton, purchased thanks to a generous legacy from a former trustee, John Wright. We aim to establish this as a nature reserve and community woodland according to his wishes. We successfully applied for a grant of 420 trees from the Woodland Trust which will be arriving in March. These are a mixture of hawthorn, dogwood, wild cherry, silver birch,

rowan, hazel, blackthorn, oak, crab apple, downy birch, holly and goat willow. We are planning a planting weekend on March 28th and 29th, weather permitting. We would welcome any volunteers to assist at any time during the weekend and we hope to provide light refreshments. Please contact Carolyn on 07840 765285 or Chris on 01837 82785 or email ntenvirotrust@gmail.com for directions to site and please bring a spade or fork! North Tawton Environmental Trust www.drcompany.co.uk; email: admin@ drcompany.co.uk

Online deliveries I bought my mum a present from an online store. I paid extra for next day delivery but it hasn’t arrived. I tried to contact the delivery company but wasn’t able to speak with anyone. The online store has said my parcel is with the delivery company and should arrive soon. If it doesn’t arrive soon, I won’t be able to send it to Spain in time for her birthday. What can I do? You paid for next day delivery so your goods should be delivered on the agreed date. Because you bought something from a business to be delivered to you, it’s the seller’s responsibility to make sure the item is delivered. As the seller used a courier, they should chase the courier to find out what’s happened to your order - it’s not your responsibility. Under the Consumer Rights Act, you can

ask the seller to deliver the item again if the item wasn’t delivered by the agreed date. Other steps to take if you want the item could be: Cancel your original order and reorder it again from the same or a new online store Check if a local store stocks the item(s) Keep trying to contact the delivery company via tracking tools/phone/email You can cancel and ask for your money back because you haven’t received

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

your goods on the agreed date. Tell the seller that what has happened to your order is ‘a breach of contract under the Consumer Rights Act 2015’ - as the delivery date was essential and they didn’t meet it. You can find useful template letters and your rights on the Citizens Advice website. The Citizens Advice helpline is 03454 04 05 06, you can visit www.citizensadvice. org.uk call the advice line on 03444 111 444 or visit the CAB in the Ockment Centre, Okehampton on Tuesday/ Wednesday/Friday between 10am and 3pm.

NOTICEBOARD

Supporting business growth Thousands of pounds worth of grants are currently available to help support the growth of rural businesses, and a West Devon-based company is on the lookout for more organisations that can take advantage of this funding. The Diverse Regeneration Company - a not-for profit Community Interest Company based in Okehampton - has successfully supported rural businesses, farms, tourism and community projects across the Westcountry with more than £15 million of grant funding since 2005. The grants have supported a variety of projects, from new businesses start-ups and equipment investment, to diversification help for farmers. For individuals, small businesses or farms, knowing where to find the funds and support to start or expand

a business can be a tricky business in itself - then starts all the form filling! This is where the Diverse Regeneration Company and their team of expert advisors can help. A spokesperson for DRC said: ‘There are various funds available to rural businesses - from The Rural Start-Up Fund offering entrepreneurs up to £5,000 for a new start-up, the RDPE Growth Fund offering grants from £20K to £175K for business development, food processing and rural tourism, to the local Greater Dartmoor LEAF funding programme - helping to invest in economic, environmental and community-based projects. ‘New opportunities arise regularly and we keep up to date on what is available and relevant for local businesses.’

• Flapjackery, based in Tavistock, have gone from strength-to-strength with the help of funding from the Greater Dartmoor LEAF programme. To find out what is available now, a heads-up on future funding programmes, and more about how the Diverse Regeneration Company can help support business growth in 2020, contact an advisor through www.drcompany.co.uk or email: admin@drcompany.co.uk

Spring is here! Once again this winter has been exceptionally wet! This not only makes life harder for livestock and wildlife on the moor, but also contributes to erosion of paths and Public Rights of Way. Over spring and summer the Ranger team and volunteers will be surveying erosion sites and rights of way to ascertain their condition and works required to repair. We don’t have the money or time to

fix everything, but we do prioritise and allocate resources accordingly. Also at this time of the year ourselves and our many volunteers will be putting up notices reminding dog owners to be responsible and keep their dogs on leads and under close control while visiting the moors, as March is the official start of the lambing and bird nesting season

on Dartmoor. We also ask members of the public to follow the Ranger Code. Surveys have shown that Dartmoor is a stronghold for species in decline elsewhere in the UK, such as Snipe and Skylark. In order for these and other birds to continue to thrive, it’s really important their nests are not disturbed and their young given the best chance to mature. As well as asking the public to moderate their activities, we will also be changing our work practices in line with the birdnesting season. This will be reflected in what we do with our volunteer work parties – i.e. not so much vegetation clearance, but more litter picking etc. Simon Lee, Dartmoor National Park

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NOTICEBOARD

Throw it away? No Way! With the aim of helping people to fix broken items and reduce waste going to landfill, North Tawton has set up its own Repair Café! Our catchphrase is ‘Throw it away? No way!’ We run regular events where we try and fix as many broken items as possible – ranging from bikes to broken zips, kettles to chairs. The café is run by volunteers who are passionate about mending. We work together with the item’s owner to get it fixed, sharing skills along the way. Even if people have nothing to repair, they can come and have a chat and a coffee in the café. Over our first three events we have saved 40 items, weighing approximately 115kg, from going to landfill. These

include umbrellas, vacuum cleaners, radios and coats. We estimate that this has saved the owners over £2,355 in replacement costs. We will try to repair most things, although until we have volunteers with certain skills, we are unable to look at phones, iPads and some computer issues. If you think you might have the ability to help repair items like these then please look us up and come along – new volunteers are always welcome. In February we took part in ‘The Big Fix 2020’, a co-ordinated event where over 70 repair cafés across the UK held sessions to see how many items could be fixed in a single day. Contact us to find out how much was fixed.

Our next event will be on March 14th and we will open the café on the second Saturday of every other month from then on. We are lucky to have the support of North Tawton Community Centre where we hold our events and we look forward to welcoming you and your broken items. North Tawton Repair Café

Could you be a volunteer driver? Okehampton District Community Transport Group (ODCTG) covers a large area – from Chagford in the south to Merton in the north; from Halwill in the west to North Tawton in the east. There are some 30 volunteer drivers helping operate its Car Scheme, providing pre-booked, dedicated transport in volunteers’ own cars. Its main purpose is to take people to

hospital or other medical appointments. It’s also available for any transport requirement but priority is given to medical journeys.

helping to provide local people with a service which has become an essential lifeline for many. It’s hugely appreciated by its users.’

William James said: ‘I’m a volunteer driver. I’ve done other volunteer work but I can honestly say that nothing else has been as interesting, enjoyable and – above all – satisfying. The satisfaction comes from the knowledge that I am

If you could spare a few hours to help ODCTG’s car scheme, please contact Sue or Liz on 01837 55000 or visit the ODCTG website: www.odctg.co.uk

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NOTICEBOARD

Community Solar – could you help spread the benefits? Tamar Energy Community is celebrating its fourth year of generating community-owned solar across the Tamar Valley and we’d like more people to get involved.

the installations help support understanding of energy within the curriculum. All our sites will also be making an important contribution to the reduction of fuel poverty across the area.

Working with local organisations, we’ve installed 327kW of rooftop solar PV across six sites. We couldn’t have done this without the wonderful support of Community Seed Loan Investors, the Low Carbon Society, installers (Sungift Energy and ZLC Energy), our volunteers and of course our host sites.

You can find our Community Solar at Abbey Garden Machinery, Tesco Callington, Mount Kelly Senior and Prep, Plymstock School and Carbeile Junior School at Torpoint.

We’d now like to repay our loan investors, providing an opportunity for wider local ownership of our Community Solar through our Community Share Offer, launching in this spring. Community Solar is an important way to increase locally owned energy generation with benefits including: • •

putting money back into the local economy using any surplus locally to tackle fuel poverty and energy efficiency • ‘co-ownership’ by the community through purchasing community shares and getting a fair return • Generating more energy locally from renewable sources Host sites also benefit. They enjoy a saving in their energy costs as community renewable generators and for schools,

Kate Royston, project developer from Tamar Energy Community, said: We’re immensely proud of our first community generation project and we’ve enjoyed working with everyone involved. We’re looking forward to wider community ownership and opportunities to develop more power and heat projects in the future.’ For more information go to www.tamarenergycommunity. com, email us at hello@tamarenergycommunity.com or call on 07969 569 444. We’d also welcome hearing from anyone who’d like to get more involved in community energy, helping with social media, IT, monitoring our installations, joining discussions about our local energy system and how we could deliver greater local benefit. Tamar Energy Community

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BUSINESS

Your new Rayburn Approved Centre for Devon & Cornwall Chamings (Plumbing & Heating) Ltd, based in Tavistock, have just been named as the prestigious ‘Approved Rayburn Heat Centre’ for the area, covering Plymouth up to Okehampton and on to Bideford and Bude. This achievement recognises the hard work and success of Alison and Gary Lynch, who have been involved with heating and plumbing in this area for more than 15 years.

the Rayburn, install and service it. We would also cover any warranty issues on behalf of Rayburn and carry stock items so that repairs can happen quickly. This also means that existing Rayburn owners in the area can call on us to service their existing stoves.’

Chamings’ new showroom will be displaying two Rayburn models, the 400 series - which will be plumbed in and working - and the 600 series which will be on display.

How much do you know about Rayburns?

Alison explained: ‘As we will have a working Rayburn in the showroom, we plan to have cookery demonstrations in the showroom a few times a year performed by a professional chef.’ This demonstration will help owners of Rayburns develop new cooking techniques and refine existing recipes. Gary added: ‘We are professional plumbing and heating engineers, which means that Rayburn customers can deal with one business for all their needs. We can both provide

Chamings will be offering oil, mains gas and LPG Rayburns.

For 65 years Rayburns have been made by skilled craftsmen in Shropshire. They are controllable and programmable and fitted with thermostats. The cast iron ovens gently cook food and lock in flavour, moisture and goodness. They can also be used to provide piping hot water throughout your house. A large proportion of Rayburns are made from recycled materials. There many colour options and powers to suit your home. The Chamings showroom is open from 9 – 4pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday by appointment. It is located at 2A, Westbridge Industrial Estate, Tavistock PL19 8DE.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Plantar Fasciitis: What is it? Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and accounts for eleven to fifteen percent of foot problems. Pain is caused by damage to the underside of the heel at the point where the plantar fascia connects to the heel bone. The fascia runs across the arch from heel to toes and if you sit in a chair and pull the big toe upwards, you will feel a tensioning in the plantar fascia under the arch. Generally a stabbing or burning pain is felt after rest and after continued loading on the foot. What does the plantar fascia do? In walking we create a pattern of heel strike, shock absorption through the arch and then push off via the top toes of the foot. We call this the gait cycle. As we move onto the top two toes, we create tension within the connective tissues of the arch. This tension gives us the push and momentum into our next stride. If the plantar fascia is not able to adapt as well to the tension being created, or the foot is not functioning very well, then trauma can occur at the insertional point on the heel or in the area around this and plantar fasciitis is the outcome. What can I do to help? Getting a correct diagnosis of your problem will help any rehabilitation of the condition. Sadly Podiatrists aren’t always the first point of call for plantar fasciitis and many sufferers will seek help from other therapists with no real understanding of the function of the foot and the conditions that surround it.

and each will be dealt with differently. In our clinic, you will have a biomechanics assessment to not only assess the condition but look at what may have caused the issue in the first place. Once a correct diagnosis has been achieved, we look at a treatment plan best suited to you. This may involve rehabilitation, taping, movement and strengthening exercises. We will look at foot function and improve this with foot mobilisation to remove stiffness and improve your gait. We are lucky enough to offer the advanced NICE Guidelines recommended Shockwave Therapy to reduce pain and heal damaged tissue, and utilise orthotics to promote a better foot posture and relieve loading on the base of the heel. We will work with you to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Whatever your foot pain is, we can help. SEE THE SPECIALIST, SEE A PODIATRIST. Heath Weymouth BSc (Hons) POD Med PgDip MCPod Cannon Barn Podiatry & Foot Pain Clinic

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Summary Care Records Help staff make better decisions about care and treatment All patients have a Summary Care Record (SCR). This contains important information about your health, such as medicines you take, allergies you have or medicines that make you ill. You might need to see a doctor or nurse who does not know you. If they do not know about your care, your SCR could stop them making a mistake, because they can see your medicines, allergies or what medicines make you ill plus it can help them see your information straight away on a computer. Doctors and nurses treating you will ask if they can look at your SCR to help them treat you quickly and safely. You can choose to have other useful information added to your SCR, including: •

Your illnesses and any health problems

•

Operations and vaccinations you have had in the past

•

How you would like to be treated – such as where you would prefer to receive care

•

What support you might need

Who should be contacted for more information about you If you think you want to add other useful information to your SCR, talk to your GP practice. It will be added to your SCR and kept up-to-date for you. If there is information you don’t want adding, let your GP practice know. FAQs - Help the NHS better care for you: include additional information in your summary care record (SCR) What is a Summary Care Record ? A Summary Care Record (SCR) is an electronic record of your medical information. If you are registered with a GP practice in England your SCR is created automatically from your GP record, unless you have opted out. It can be seen and used by clinicians in other areas of the health and care system (eg hospital, ambulance, out of hours doctor) involved in your direct care. The SCR is split into two sections: basic information and additional information. What is SCR basic information ? Basic information (eg medications, allergies, contact details) does not require explicit consent for it to be shared with clinicians involved in your direct care.

What is SCR additional information ? Additional information (eg significant medical history, communication preferences, end of life care information) does require explicit patient consent for it to be shared with clinicians involved in your direct care. It is not widely known that this consent is required, and as of September 2019, less than five percent of patients in England have provided explicit consent for their additional information to be shared. What are the benefits of additional Information ? You may need to be treated by health and care professionals that do not know your full medical history. Essential details about your healthcare can be difficult to remember, particularly when you are unwell or have complex care needs. Having an SCR with additional information can help the staff involved in your care make better and safer decisions about how best to treat you. Having the right information at the right time, in the hands of health and care professionals, saves lives. What do you need to do ? Please contact your GP practice who will advise on the easiest way for you to record explicit consent for the SCR additional information. The GP practice will then update your GP record which will update your SCR. Kiran Bakhshi Okehampton Medical Centre Practice Manager

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

WHY biomass boiler servicing is a bio must...

With an increasing focus on sustainable energy, more people than ever are turning to alternative fuel sources for their heating systems. Amongst these are biomass boilers, that burn wood chips, pellets or logs.

Biomass boilers are more eco-friendly and potentially less costly, they do however, require more attention than their gas and oil counterparts. Read on for the answers to those burning questions... What is a biomass boiler? Biomass boilers are similar to conventional boilers in that they provide you with space heating and hot water for the entire home, but instead of using gas or oil to produce the heat, they combust sustainably sourced wood pellets, wood chips or logs. Why is servicing so important? The burning of biological material produces waste product of ash which, if left, can clog air vents and machinery, cause inefficiency and sometimes leave you with a boiler breakdown. How often should your biomass boiler be serviced? Well maintained, a biomass boiler can last you 20 years or more. General guidance from manufacturers often states an annual service, which is a minimum requirement if you receive the Renewable Heat Incentive. It’s worthwhile checking with insurers as well, as there may be stipulations regarding minimum servicing. With systems that are in constant or heavy use, especially throughout the winter months, two services per year may be needed to keep your system running at optimum. How do I tell when my biomass boiler needs to be serviced? • There may be visibly high levels of soot within the combustion chamber • There may be unburnt fuel within the ash deposit chamber • It may produce excessive black smoke during combustion If you are unsure of any of these key signs, err on the side of caution and call a specialist engineer to take a look for you. What will your specialist engineer cover during a biomass boiler service? • A general inspection of the whole system • Cleaning of airway ports to remove debris • Inspect and clean the heat exchanger and combustion chamber

Check all bearings and seals, replace and/or re-grease where necessary • Replace any worn components (such as grates) • Inspect and test all safety equipment • Inspect associated fuel equipment • Analyse flue gases to check combustion efficiency How long does a biomass boiler service take? Services may take a couples of hours to half a day, depending on the size and condition of the system. How can you minimise biomass boiler problems? Neil Fleet, Senior Engineer at DB Heating in Tavistock, says ‘The most common problem with biomass boilers is a lack of maintenance which reduces the lifespan of the boiler and causes issues with efficiency. The best way to try and avoid these issues is with regular servicing which can save you money and boiler downtime in the long-run.’ •

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GARDENING Wisteria sinensis on Rosemoor House ©RHS/Oliver Kite

Spring - when the garden comes to life A wonderful time for bulbs and rhododendrons Spring is a fabulous time of year here at RHS Rosemoor with all the plants starting to come to life and brighten our days with their bright flowers. Some of our most beautiful acid loving trees and shrubs such as rhododendrons, in a huge variety of colours, and our magnificent magnolias, are flowering profusely; although they might be nipped in the bud by a late frost. Each year we plant many thousands of bulbs in the garden in pots and meadows to increase the spring splendour year on year. This spring celebrates the 250th anniversary of William Wordsworth’s birth and we will take on a distinctly golden hue, as a host

of delightful daffodils put on a show across the garden (March 2nd to April 27th). Throughout the garden, daffodils will be ‘fluttering and dancing in the breeze’- visitors can enjoy the spectacle of thousands of daffodils as they pop up in beds, borders and containers during March and April. Wordsworth became England’s poet laureate in 1843, a role he held until his death in 1850, and is best known for his poem, ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ - commonly known as ‘Daffodils’ which celebrates his affinity with nature and the beauty of the Lake District. More than 100 varieties of daffodil will provide several months of colour within the garden. They include early varieties – ‘February Gold’ and ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’ which can flower as early as

December –and late bloomers including ‘Thalia’ and ‘Rosemoor Gold’. One of my favourite bulbs I look forward to seeing each year is the Snake’s Head Fritillary; Fritillaria meleagris AGM - it is one of the most exquisite jewels in the treasure house of British wild flowers. Its linear grey-green leaves are followed in spring by nodding heads, sometimes of pure white, or more frequently marked with a delicate chequerboard pattern in shades of purple. Sadly, this is a sight that has become too infrequent in the wild and to help preserve this beauty, plants raised from seed in the nursery at Rosemoor have been successfully naturalised in grass around the old gnarled oak tree in the Lake Field You will find Magnolia ‘Star Wars’ AGM in the Winter Garden along with many

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GARDENING

Fritillaria meleagris AGM ©RHS/Mike Sleigh Stone Garden ©RHS/Oliver Kite

other types throughout the garden, here it takes over as the camellias fade. It is truly a most wonderful plant with an open habit showing off flower goblets of dark pink petals at the base fading to almost white at the tip. Here at Rosemoor, we grow it in a sheltered position amongst other trees and shrubs where it is largely protected from late frosts, which can so often turn Magnolia flowers to a dirty brown. These hardy trees and shrubs hale mainly from the Himalayas, China and Japan. A special feature of Rosemoor House is the beautiful and fragrant Wisteria sinensis AGM growing on the house walls. Every year it is guaranteed to ‘wow’ our visitors while walking through Lady Anne’s original garden. These take many years to establish but are well

worth the wait. Although totally hardy, it still appreciates the warmth and shelter of the wall. Rhododendrons are a key plant to any spring garden. Rhododendron (obtusum Group) ‘Hinomayo’ AGM is a dwarf evergreen azalea but there is nothing ‘small’ about the colour of the flowers; bright clear blooms cannot be missed in the wooded areas of the garden where it thrives. It is certainly worth the trip out to the far reaches of Lady Anne’s Garden to Lock’s Trail where it demands attention amongst other special plants. It can also be spotted in the nearby Woodland Walk, where it forms part of a tapestry of colour with other rhododendrons.

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March Top Tips • •

• • •

Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials Cut back Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) grown for colourful winter stems Prune bush and climbing roses Plant shallots, onions and early potatoes Protect new spring shoots from slugs

April Top Tips • • • • •

Keep weeds under control Protect fruit blossom from late frosts Sow hardy annuals, herbs and wildflower seeds outdoors Feed hungry shrubs and roses Sow new lawns or repair bare patches Jon Webster Curator, RHS Rosemoor

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FARMING NEWS

Waiting for lambing time It’s the quiet before the storm on Stuart Luxton’s farm

spring grass.

All the ewes have been scanned to see how many lambs they are expecting. Fortunately we are having a few less lambs than normal with the average at about 1.9 lambs for each ewe.

We have had a lucky escape on the farm, one of my collie dogs Jilly, who is usually riding side saddle with me on the quad, cut her leg badly. She severed her tendons which may have meant that she would unable to work or worse. We are fortunate to use North Park vets, who were unsure of her outcome following surgery. Thankfully the operation was a success and with rest and evenings by the Aga, she has made a very good recovery. The only problem now is that having spent a lot of time convalescing in the farmhouse, she now feels the kennel is beneath her!

I think I must be getting old as I was relieved that it wasn’t 2.2 like it has been some years! By the time you read this the lambs will be just starting to arrive, let’s hope the weather has improved and we have some lovely

I have been looking for two ewe lambs for my youngest child Sam. My older two children both had two so it seemed only fair that he did. Just before Christmas we had an offer of two pedigree Blue Texels. In the photo are

Hello again - I hope that 2020 is treating you all well. Things are not very exciting at this time of year on the farm. We are just treading water - literally - until we start getting ready for one of our busiest times of the year when the farm become a maternity unit.

Disco and Diva the latest addition to the farm. I hope that these two have a long and healthy life. Unfortunately with farming that is not always how things work out - usually when you get something special or personal, they have a nasty habit of finding an accident. Years ago I brought my eldest child two Jacob ewe lambs. They were treated with kid gloves, even to the extent that I didn’t want them stressed by being shorn with all the other ewes. Instead I got them in the shed quietly one day to do it myself. True to form, one had a heart attack and died! After the madness of Christmas, the shop has been much quieter of late. It’s a sign of the times but one of our best sellers this time of year is the diet sausages and burgers! Stuart Luxton

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FINANCE

Understanding what inflation means to you RPI versus CPI You never know if anyone reads the articles you write - or has any interest in their content. So it was nice to receive an email from a reader after the last article. For those of you who didn’t read it, the article was about occupational pension schemes and the inherent benefits they offer.

Importantly, the result is CPI is almost always lower than RPI, potentially by as much as 1% per year. Little wonder then that the Government links the payments it makes, such as the state pension, to CPI, while the income it receives, such as taxes, are linked to RPI.

To illustrate the point, I used the example of an occupational scheme that offered an income linked to RPI. The informed reader pointed out that I hadn’t made it clear that not all occupational schemes were linked to RPI. Many are linked to CPI and those two measurements can be very different and can make a significant difference to the income received over the long term. It was a valid point so I thought it would be helpful to explain the difference between the two and why it is important.

Going back to your pension income, anything that is linked to inflation is important. But it is also crucial to know if it is linked to CPI or RPI. A difference of 1% per year may not sound like much, but over a payment period of 20 years or more, the effect of compound interest can make a significant difference to your real income in retirement.

RPI, or the Retail Price Index, and CPI, the Consumer Price Index, are measurements of inflation. Measuring inflation is important as it tells us whether prices are going up or down, and to do so analysts compile a basket of goods and services we commonly use and track the combined movement in their prices.

Craig Davidson Davidsons IFA

The problem is RPI and CPI track slightly different things. For example, within RPI we have the cost of housing – mortgage interest cost and council tax – whereas those things are not included in CPI. However, they are also measured differently. RPI is measured as a simple arithmetic mean, where the prices of everything are simply added together and divided by the number of items. CPI is measured using a geometric mean which is far more complicated, but arguably more accurate.

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FEATURE

A day out in

Picturesque, bustling, with rolling farmland to the east and the tors of Dartmoor to the west, Chagford is a joy to visit at any time of year. The town’s square and its narrow side streets are packed with a fantastic selection of busy, independent shops, eateries, galleries - far more than you would imagine for a small, moorland market town. Whether you’re after an original painting, stylish fashions, a bunch of flowers or a sink plunger you’ll find it in Chagford! And you are really spoiled for choice when it comes to eating and drinking - there are four great pubs to choose from, plus five cafés - and that’s just in the town centre! In the square is probably the town’s most distinctive building, the octagonal Market House, known locally as the Pepperpot. Nearby is the beautiful Endecott House - built in the 15th century, once used as a church house and village school and now a community centre, it’s named for John Endacott who lived in Chagford before sailing to the New World with the Pilgrim Fathers. Chagford’s ancient church, St Michael’s, dates back to the 13th century. Visitors shouldn’t miss spotting the rare medieval painted roof bosses, including two mysterious ‘three hares’ symbols.

Chagford Eleanor Ludgate, a local artist and secretary of Chagford Business Association, has created a three hares trail leaflet with which visitors can discover other places where this unusual symbol can be found. Eleanor, who owns the Three Hares Gallery, describes Chagford as a ‘gem’: ‘It’s a very special place - it’s beautiful, it’s got all these unique, individual shops like Bowdens - a real treasure - and it’s a lovely compact area to visit, it’s not spread out at all. Then you have the beautiful countryside around it as well.’ She said Chagford also had a very busy social calendar: ‘It’s always been a busy place, there’s always something going on.’ Denise Horner from Chagford Tourist information Centre said the town definitely scored a hit with visitors: ‘They think it’s a lovely little town. They always like the variety of shops, places to eat and the fact you can walk straight from the town centre. I’d say ninety percent of visitors that come to the centre are looking for walks.’ Chagford’s links with walkers go back a long way. In St Michael’s churchyard, there’s a memorial to James Perrott, the well-known Victorian walking guide who counted Charles Dickens and R D Blackmore amongst his clients.

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Walking in the Chagford area is certainly great - but what about swimming? There aren’t many towns that can boast an outdoor, heated swimming pool, fed with Dartmoor river water - but Chagford can! Chagford’s appearance, with its ancient granite buildings and thatched roofs, give it that quintessential English character and sense of history that tourists and residents alike love - yet modern Chagford is ahead of many places in putting care for the environment at the top of the agenda. Proper Job, the community re-use centre, was one of the first of its kind to be established in the UK in 1995. And just outside town,

Chagfarm is a pioneering, not-for-profit enterprise, the farm’s risks and profits shared between the farmers and local people. Maybe that strong sense of community is why Chagford sustains endeavours like the bi-annual literary festival Chagword, an annual film festival, the increasingly popular music event Chagstock and this summer, a food festival will be staged on July 12. So, next time you fancy a trip out - head for Chagford - you won’t be disappointed!

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FEATURE

Chagford through the centuries Chagford has a long history as a prosperous market town. Since 1305 it was one of the four ‘stannary’ towns of Devon, to which Dartmoor tin miners took their tin to be weighed, officially stamped and taxed. Wealth from tin gradually declined from its peak in the 16th century, but the town remained an important centre for the wool trade and cloth-making well into the 19th century.

Chagford was near enough to the railway station at Moretonhampstead to become a favoured tourist destination during the Victorian era and low-key tourism remains important to this day. During this time Chagford proved itself to be quite pioneering, with the establishment in the 1890s of one of the first hydro-electric plants in the country, as well as a gas works, both supplying the town.

Chagford has a dark romantic side too, concerning the fine house now known as the Three Crowns. Here lived Mary Whiddon, who on leaving her father’s house to be married, was shot and killed by a jealous suitor. It’s thought this story inspired RD Blackmore to write his novel Lorna Doone. Ralph Mackridge Chagford Local History Society Pictures: Chagford Archive

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WHAT’S ON

Regulars MONDAYS OKEHAMPTON & DISTRICT LADIES PROBUS CLUB A friendly club for retired and semi-retired professional and business ladies who meet on alternate Mondays, (next meeting March 9th) at 10.30am at the Conservative Club, Kempley Road, Okehampton for a wide range of presentations and a chat over tea or coffee. New members always welcome. For further information contact Marie Bolt on 01837 52331. 2ND TUESDAY ART GROUP A friendly place to meet artists with a variety of skills and abilities. Bring your own materials and have fun. Tea and coffee available or BYOB. We will ask for a contribution to room hire. 7.30-9.30pm The Community Centre, Barton Street, North Tawton. organiser@themusicandart. co.uk 07890 850877 3RD TUESDAY BLUES JAM SESSION A chance to meet like minded musicians and gain experience of playing in a group. This is not an open mic, there are no slots. 12 bar Blues will be the predominant genre and all players must be prepared to play with anyone else there. Drum kit, amps and PA provided. Tea and coffee available or BYOB. £2 contribution to room hire. 7.30pm-9.30pm The Community Centre, Barton Street, North Tawton. organiser@ themusicandart.co.uk 07890 85087 FIRST WEDNESDAY THE PLUME PROJECT

A Rock, Soul and Blues jam session on the first Wednesday of each month at The Plume Of Feathers, Okehampton. PA, drums and bass equipment provided, but best to bring your own guitar and amp. All musicians and vocalists welcome to join in as and when you wish. We start rocking around 9pm, so come and give it a go.

clear undergrowth and generally do our bit for the environment. Dogs and supervised children welcome. Bring a packed lunch. Visit www.stocgroup.org for more information.

THURSDAYS WALKING FOOTBALL At OCRA, 6.25pm start.

FRIDAYS, TERM TIME LITTLE SEEDLINGS TODDLER GROUP At North Tawton Community Primary School Hall, 9am-11am. For children from 0-4.

SPORTING MEMORIES A group for those suffering from loneliness, depression and/or mild dementia and with an interest in sport, run by OCRA. For more information call 01837 54546 .

Toys, craft, music. Come along, meet new friends, have fun! £1.50 per family including refreshments. For more information, find them on Facebook or email n.t-littleseedlings@outlook.com.

OKEHAMPTON BRIDGE CLUB Duplicate bridge played every Thursday evening at the Conservative Club, Kempley Road, Okehampton, EX20 1DS starting at 6.45pm. This friendly club welcomes new members; partners not needed. Do call secretary Jo Wymer for more information on 01647 440117.

LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH OKEY FOLKY FOLK SESSIONS At the Plume of Feathers in Okehampton. Singers, musicians, poets, step dancers and audience all welcome! The fun starts at 8pm. For more information call Doug Lander, 07770 484025.

SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAY OKEHAMPTON PARKINSON’S CAFE Are you dealing with Parkinson’s? Friend, family member or carer, please do join us at our friendly meeting for tea, cake and a chat at Country Lanes Garden Centre, Exeter Road EX20 1QH. For more information call 01837 55813. FRIDAYS CONSERVATION Sticklepath & Okehampton Conservation Group (StOC) meet at 10am every Friday in the Finch Foundry car park in Sticklepath and set out in convoy in (nearly) all weathers to cut gorse, maintain paths,

SUNDAYS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR OKEHAMPTON RAMBLING CLUB Okehampton Rambling Club meets at Okehampton Post Office every Sunday morning in time to leave for their walk at 9.30am. Walks led by volunteers are on moorland, coastal or countryside, usually between 7-8 miles, mostly moderate. New members are always welcome, just turn up. You should be suitably dressed for all weather, including appropriate footwear and carry a drink and packed lunch. Members share cars and fuel costs. For information on all walks please see the link on John Harris’ walkinginengland. co.uk or telephone Chris on 01409 221362.

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See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

March 4 MARCH POISONS FOR MEDICINES An informative and entertaining talk on Victorian pharmacists and quack doctors, featuring an account of the toxic medical remedies survived by our hardy ancestors (and sometimes not!) by Graham Harrison at The Community Centre, Barton Road, North Tawton at 7pm. £3 to include light refreshments. Tickets available from organiser@themusicandart.co.uk or call 07890 850877. 4 MARCH GROWING PLOT TO COOKING POT Run by Harvest Workers Co-op. Practical skills workshop for sustainable growing and cooking. FREE, funded through Learn Devon.Must be unemployed and on benefits. 1.30pm-4.30pm at The Eco Hub, Okehampton. Email events@ harvestworkerscoop.org.uk to book. 5 MARCH WORLD BOOK DAY Activities at your local library and in schools. See What’s On Extra for more information. 7 MARCH BIG BREAKFAST Get your day off to a great start at Sampford Courtenay Village Hall, between 8.30am and 11am. £7. Please book in advance by calling 01837 880300 or at nickyvhmc@gmail.com (dietary requirements can be catered for if mentioned when booking).

13 MARCH WATER FAIR Learn about the science of water at Moretonhampstead Primary School. You do not need to have a child at the school to come along. The fair starts at 3pm.

A performance by Bill Murray, complete with jig dolls, spoons etc. for Moretonhampstead History Society, 7.30pm at The Union Inn, Moretonhampstead. For more information call (01647) 441083.

13 MARCH STEM WATER CHALLENGE At Moreton School, as part of National Science Week. Teams from the community invited to design and build contraptions from scratch that will propel water or raise a bucket of water. £5 per team, to include at least one adult. The Challenge begins at 3pm. Entry forms from Moreton School, Larry’s Newsagents and Michael Howards. Money raised will help fund a well in an area of need.

18,19,20,21 MARCH BELSTONE PLAYERS SUPPER THEATRE. Two one act plays and a two course meal. Bar opens 7pm; curtain up 7.30pm. Tickets £10. Contact Marion 01837 840498.

14 MARCH COFFEE MORNING Organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Okehampton and held at The Charter Hall, Okehampton between 10am and noon. All the usual stalls. Come and join us for a cuppa. All proceeds to Hospiscare. 14 MARCH FUN WITH FIRE At Lydford Gorge between noon and 2pm. See page 58 for more information. 18 MARCH EASTER BINGO At Sampford Courtenay Village Hall. Doors open at 7pm with eyes down at 8pm. Lovely prizes (bottles of wine, Easter Eggs and poultry) to be won and a cash flyer. For more details phone 01837 851269 or 82743. 18 MARCH DARTMOOR SONGS

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20 MARCH MOTHER’S DAY STORY, CRAFT & CAKE At Okehampton Library. A fun Mother’s Day event for under 5’s. Only £1 per child, bookable in advance. Listen to a story, make a family flower pot to take home and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at 50p a cup, add a piece of cake for just 50p. 10.30am11.30am. 20 MARCH OKEHAMPTON LANTERN PROCESSION See What’s On Extra for more information. 21 MARCH COFFEE MORNING At Bratton Clovelly School Room between 10am and noon. Home made cakes, raffle and stalls. Come along and enjoy coffee, cake and a chat. All proceeds towards Force Cancer charity. For more information call Mary Tomes 01837 871541 or email poppetmary@gmail.com 21 MARCH WINNIE’S WALK Meeting at Batworthy Corner near Chagford at 10am. See Winnie’s Walk

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WHAT’S ON

pages for more details.

available - all welcome.

22 MARCH NO DIG POTATO PLANTING With Sara and Martin from Harvest Workers Co-op. Help plant the new Harvest. Lunch provided. FREE. 11am 4pm @Hilltown Organics, Nr Okehampton. Email events@harvestworkerscoop.org. uk to book.

28 & 29 MARCH OPEN GARDENS At Monkscroft, Zeal Monachorum. See What’s On Extra for more information.

25 MARCH GARDENING TALK Horticulturalist Alan French will be giving a talk on Spring Colour in the Garden to Moorland Flower Club at the Community Club, Moreton at 2.30 pm. Visitors £4 including tea and scones, Phone 01647 440445 for more information. 25 MARCH SPRING CELEBRATIONS FAMILY WORKSHOP Run by Harvest Workers Co-op. Spring crafts, fireside cooking, stories, outside play and gardening. FREE funded through Learn Devon. 2pm-4pm at The Eco Hub, Okehampton. Email events@ harvestworkerscoop.org.uk to book. 28 MARCH-19 APRIL EASTER EGG HUNT At Lydford Gorge. See page 58 for more information. 28 MARCH MUSIC NIGHT An evening of light choral music with Exbourne Community Choir at Sampford Courtenay Village Hall, beginning at 7.30pm. £6 per person, tickets available from choir members, the village hall committee, The Burrow, The New Inn or 01837 851248. Refreshments will be

29 MARCH ANIMAL FIRST AID COURSE See What’s On Extra for more information. 31 MARCH OPEN MEETING A climate change open meeting in Sampford Courtenay. See What’s On Extra for more information. 31 MARCH CRAFTY CASTLE CAPERS At Castle Drogo. See page 59 for more information.

April 3 APRIL Celebrate spring with Harvest Workers Co-op in Okehampton. Storytelling and Puppet Show with Kevin in Red Lion Yard. Discover the secrets of spring from the ground up. Help the plants find their way past many obstacles and changing landscapes. Audience participation. Suitable for all ages. Starts at noon - free entry. Plus get snapping this Easter Holiday and take part in Harvest Workers’ Cooperative’s Photographic Competition. Find out more at www.harvestworkerscoop. org.uk Deadline for entries is APRIL 11th. Winners will be announced at the Seed Swap on Saturday, May 9th. 4 APRIL WELLFEST

For inspiration and motivation in keeping healthy. See What’s On Extra for more information. 7 APRIL CRAFTY CASTLE CAPERS At Castle Drogo. See page 59 for more information. 1 APRIL SPRING LANTERN CRAFT At Okehampton Library between 11am and noon. Decorate a glass jar to make your very own spring lantern to take home. All materials provided. Suitable for children aged 5+. Tickets £2 each, bookable in advance. 8 APRIL BUNNY FACE SCULPTURE Make a woodland bunny face at Lydford Gorge. See page 58 for more information. 10-13 APRIL EASTER EGG HUNT Follow the trail around the gardens and grounds of Castle Drogo and claim a Cadbury chocolate egg. See page 59 for more information. 12 & 13 APRIL OPEN GARDEN At Andrew’s Corner, Belstone. See What’s On Extra for more information. 15 APRIL NORTH EAST DARTMOOR & THE BLACK DEATH A talk by Dr David Stone for Moretonhampstead History Society, 7.30pm at The Union Inn, Moretonhampstead. For more information call (01647) 441083.

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WHAT’S ON

18 APRIL VEGAN BASICS Run by Holistic Cooking Acadamy for Harvest Workers Co-op. Make non-dairy milk, butter and cheese. Egg free sweets and crunchy crackers.1pm-4.30pm £40 or £20 for local community leaders @The Eco Hub, Okehampton. Email events@ harvestworkerscoop.org.uk to book. 18 APRIL BOWLS SEASON STARTS At Okehampton’s Simmons Park. See What’s On Extra for more information. 18 APRIL FAMILY WILD KITCHEN Forage for wild garlic then make pasta and pesto over the campfire kitchen in Lydford Gorge. See page 58 for more information. 18&19 APRIL SPRING FAIR The Cheriton Bishop Group of West Country Embroiderers will hold their spring fair between 10am and 4pm over two days at Cheriton Bishop Village Hall. There will be something for all the family, with

exhibitions, demonstrations, sales and great food. Free entry. 19 APRIL WILD TRIBE At Castle Drogo. Join the ranger team for bushcraft activities - this is a free event for children aged five to 12 years of age. Drop in event, first come first served. 19 APRIL PONY OPEN DAY At the National Trust’s Parke Estate. See What’s On Extra for more information. 25 APRIL DAWN CHORUS WALK Around Belstone parish led by Chris Walpole, followed by breakfast. Meet outside Belstone Village Hall for a 5.30am start. Sorry, no dogs. Wear your walking boots. Donations invited for hall funds. Telephone 01837 840498. 25 APRIL SPRING SHOOTS FAMILY WORKSHOP Run by Harvest Workers Co-op. Seasonal food, fireside cooking, stories, creative

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activities, outside play and gardening. FREE funded through Learn Devon. 2pm4pm at The Eco Hub, Okehampton. Email events@harvestworkerscoop.org.uk to book. 25 APRIL COMMUNITY FEAST An evening feast of shared food, conversation and laughter at The Ockment Centre hall, Okehampton. Bring your family and friends, invite your neighbours or come alone! All our feasts are potluck events - please bring a dish to share. 6pm - 9pm. Tel. Sarah 07873 533106 for more info. 25 APRIL CLASSIC CAR DAY See all sorts of beautiful old vehicles at the annual classic car event at Finch Foundry. 25 APRIL LEARN TO DRAW MANGA! Manga drawing workshop for beginners at Okehampton Library, between 10.30am and noon. Come along and learn to draw ‘chibi style’ manga characters with kawaii artist HOSHiKO. Suitable for ages 13yrs +. Bookings in advance, spaces limited, £5 each in Okehampton Library or book through Eventbrite (fees apply). 26 APRIL OPEN GARDENS At Hotel Endsleigh. See What’s On Extra for more information.

For a full list of events see our community website at dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Wildwood Arts are proud to present:

SPRING EXHIBITION Saturday 27th March-6th May

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Representing the region’s ﬁnest artists Chapel Lane, Horrabridge, Yelverton PL20 7SP 01822 258529 See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

info@wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk www.wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk 45

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

March 5

World Book Day Celebrations all day at Okehampton Library! From opening until closing time there will be tea/coffee and a piece of homemade cake for just £1. Visitors to the library will be able to listen to short stories all day. Husband and wife authors AJ MacKenzie will be starting the day by reading their short story ‘The Stable Door’, followed by author Morgen Witzel reading ‘Kitwancool’. Bring along your own

favourite short story to read or pick one from the library shelves. Are you a budding author who has written a short story you would like to read? Or you’d like to just sit and enjoy listening to others reading! Take a chance with the wrapped up ‘Pot Luck’ books – donated stock for you to purchase at only £1 for adults and 50p for children. You get to keep what you unwrap.

March 6, April 3, May 1

Mothers Who Make Dartmoor Hub Mothers who Make is a grassroots, international network, dedicated to supporting mothers that hold the dual roles of mother and maker. MED Theatre is delighted to announce a new collaboration with this network and launched Mothers Who Make Dartmoor on February 7th. The regular sessions will be held at MED Theatre studio, Moretonhampstead, between 1pm and 2.30pm. The hub meetings will take place once a month welcoming: Every kind of mother - biological, adoptive, step, surrogate, foster, LGBTQ+, grand, great grand, bereaved, future, to be...

Every kind of maker - professional and/ or passionate – in any discipline and at any stage on their creative paths - writers, painters, performers, film makers, dancers, producers, musicians, crafters... Children of any age are encouraged to attend too and are integrated into the meeting. A donation in cash of £3/5 to help cover costs, or whatever you can, is requested. Please invite anyone you think may be interested in attending. Join the Devon conversation and be part of this growing network in Devon on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ mwmdevon/

MWM Dartmoor dates: March 6th, April 3rd (tbc), May 1st, June 5th and there will be a special gathering on Dartmoor on July 3rd between 10am and 1pm. For more information contact Abby Stobart abbystobart@medtheatre. co.uk

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

March 18-21

Belstone Players Supper Theatre Belstone Players are taking to the stage once again this March with one of their popular Supper Theatres – two one-act plays and a two-course meal during the interval. Take a husband, wife, secretary and burglar, throw some intrigue and romance into the mix and the result is Bang You’re Dead by Paul Reakes – the first play of the evening. Murder, blackmail, adultery and hidden agendas – with many a twist – keep the audience guessing as the plot unfolds in this comedy thriller.

March 20

After your main course and dessert, there will be another in the series of the hapless Little Belstone Amateur Dramatic Society’s attempts to make their way in the acting world. In Strictly Sex Factor on Ice by David Tristram they are, once again, faced with yet another threat to their very existence. Reality TV shows have ravaged their Saturday night audiences, which in their hey-day used to occasionally reach double figures! However, help is at hand as Chairman Gordon has devised another cunning plan to compete, combining the best of all the other formats. All they need now is an audience, some contestants, four

judges, a mirror ball and some ice . . . The show runs from Wednesday, March 18th – Saturday, March 21st. Tickets £10 from Marion on 01837 840498 (includes supper). Bar opens 7pm; curtain up at 7.30pm. Please give any special dietary requirements when booking tickets. For all Belstone activities, visit belstonevillage.net

Okehampton Lantern Procession The Okehampton Lantern Procession this year promises to be more spectacular than ever, with the procession weaving its way through the town. The lanterns will gather at 6pm in Fore Street and as evening falls, hundreds of community pyramid lanterns will join the large images in a procession that will be accompanied by raucous street music. When they get to Simmons Park at about 6.45pm, the large images will be part of a finale, accompanied by dancers and more singers and musicians. This year, as the event takes place at the vernal equinox, the theme is very

OKEHAMPTON

definitely welcoming in the spring: saying goodbye to the long nights expect large scale images of birds, flowers and maybe the hare will make another appearance. There is still time to join in with lantern making and music workshops weekly on Thursday evenings starting on March 5th from 7pm to 9pm at Ebenezer Hall, North Street, Okehampton. These workshops are free, and you don’t need to own an instrument to join. If any organisations want to join in please contact Marilyn Tucker, creative director at Wren Music and she can

arrange for some training or for a volunteer to come to you to make lanterns: marilyn@wrenmusic.co.uk or phone 01837 53754. This project is supported by The Okehampton United Charities.

Friday 20th March 2020

Fun fo the whole family A magical evening in Okehampton

Gather in Fore Street at 6.00pm then process to a spectacular finale at Simmons Park Further details from Wren Music on 01837 53754 or www.wrenmusic.co.uk

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

29 March

Canine First Aid Course Most people understand the basics of human first aid, but how many of you would know where to start with your dog? Would you like to learn how to perform a health check, bandage your dog’s paw or even perform CPR? What would you do if your dog was stung by a bee, bitten by a snake or started choking on a toy? These are just some of the things that you could learn at a Canine First Aid Course being held at Meldon Village Hall on March 29th. This course is for dog owners, along with those who work with dogs. If required, you can obtain a certificate and six hours CPD.

The First Aid Day is hosted by Katie Wilkinson RVN MBVNA, currently a Registered Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS. She has over ten years’ experience of emergency and hospital nursing and will share that knowledge on her course. She is also a Level 3 City and Guilds Qualified Dog Groomer and PTLLS qualified to teach.

The course has been organised by The Retreat Canine Hydrotherapy near Okehampton. Staff at The Retreat must hold a valid certificate and refresh their training every two years to ensure that they are up to date and can give dogs the care they need.

The course will run from 9.30am – 4.30pm and is designed to give you the confidence and knowledge to treat your dog should you find yourself in such a situation.

The course costs £50. To book please email reception@caninehydrodevon.com or call the team on 01837 318411.

The open days, run between 1.30pm and 4pm, are suitable for family members of all ages and abilities. Light refreshments available, the shop will be open – and perhaps there will be some surprise activities for children! Enjoy a walk

exploring the National Trust’s Parke Estate where DPHT is based and have lunch or a teatime treat at the Home Farm Café. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

April 19 & May 30

Dartmoor Pony Open Days Meet the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust’s Dartmoor ponies, find out all about them, enjoy interacting with them – and even adopt Rolo, Charlie, Smartie or George! Hear about the ponies on Dartmoor, why they are so important, how you can help; and about the work done to help ensure a future for our iconic native breed and symbol of Dartmoor National Park.

Bespoke Exercise & Hydrotherapy for your dog Hydrotherapy can benefit dogs suffering from injuries and health conditions including hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, lameness and obesity. It is also a great form of exercise for fit and healthy dogs that enjoy swimming.

To find out how our fully trained hydrotherapists could help your dog call: 01837 318411, or email: reception@caninehydrodevon.com Tavistock Road Okehampton EX20 4LR

www.caninehydrodevon.com

Alternatively, book a free, fun and informative guided walk at the Trust’s site at Bellever, near Postbridge. Tailored for each group – which must be six persons or more – children especially welcome. Walks are delivered to schools and family groups all year. DPHT is also keen to attract new volunteers to help with its work, based at Parke. All enquiries welcome, all sorts of roles available! For further info, please call 01626 833234 or see www.dpht.co.uk.

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

April 4

Wellfest 2020 For inspiration and motivation in keeping healthy, head to WellFest 2020 between 10am-3pm at Moretonhampstead Sports and Community Centre. Following last year’s huge success, with around 40 different health and wellbeing organisations represented and over 350 visitors, WellFest is back bigger and better than before. There will be something to interest visitors of all ages, including a wide

range of stalls, interactive workshops and talks all focused on health and wellbeing. From smoothie bike demonstrations and free therapy treatments to outdoor sports taster sessions and pony rides, there will be activities ranging from strenuous to the sedentary! Refreshments will be provided by Dartmoor-based charity Knead to Connect accompanied by performances by local singing and music groups. Free parking on site, and a free shuttle

March 31

minibus will available. Entry also free! WellFest 2020 is organised by Wellmoor, part of the Moretonhampstead Development Trust. Contact:georgina@ wellmoor.org.uk

Plan for a Greener Future ‘Climate change’ is very much in everyone’s minds these days, as the effects of irresponsible use of our planet’s resources manifest themselves all around us. Sampford Courtenay Parish Council wants to ensure that we are doing everything we can locally to reduce our carbon footprint on the beautiful world around us; with this in mind, the council is in the early stages of formulating a ‘Climate Change Plan’ and is keen to hear from as many people as possible to help in acting effectively and in an appropriately targeted way.

We are looking at the issue from as broad a perspective as we can: from recycling to sustainable building; from cutting down on avoidable vehicle use to reducing detrimental light pollution from street lighting; from clearing invasive plants from the waterways to introducing wildflower/native species planting - and many more possibilities. It is hoped that the forthcoming SCPC Open Meeting on Tuesday, March 31st at the village hall will offer the perfect opportunity to put the parish’s collective heads together - to get as many ideas as we can - to set the council on the right track to put together a successful

‘Climate Change Plan’ that has the support of local people and will offer us all a sustainable, healthy and enjoyable future. To set us on the right foot, Cllr Mike Davies, chair of West Devon Borough Council’s Climate Change Working Group, and Cllr Tony Leech, Mayor of West Devon, both of whom have considerable experience of climate action within local government, will speak at the meeting. Please put the date in your diaries and come along; let us know what you think. Sampford Courtenay Parish Council

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UPCOMING EVENTS March 7th 15th 22nd 28th

Tavistock Arts Market Antiques & Collectables Fair Pretty & Punk Wedding Fayre Miss Ivy Events Italian Themed Market 6pm – 9pm

April 4th Tavistock Arts Market 10th & 11th Butchers’ Hall Easter Food & Craft Fair 18th Vintage & Salvage Fair 19th Antiques & Collectables Fair

BUTCHERS’ HALL IS AVAILABLE TO HIRE FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS AND EVENTS: 01822 616134

Pannier Market March Sunday 15th - NCCPG Plant Fayre Sunday 22nd - Pretty and Punk Wedding Fayre

Tuesdays - Antiques & Collectables Wednesday - Crafts and mixed market Thursday - Crafts and mixed market Friday - Traditional Charter Market Saturday - Regular themed markets tavistockpanniermarket

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What’s On

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

March 26 - June 2

Dartmoor Landscapes Princetown Visitor Centre will be hosting a special exhibition of works by Tavistock-based artist Matt Buckett starting in March. Called Dartmoor Landscapes and the Wildlife Within, Matt offers a contemporary take

on the landscape and wildlife we can see on Dartmoor, captured in vibrant and varying media and using oil, ink and watercolour. His exhibition coincides with National Parks Fortnight which runs from April 6 – 21.

April 4 - 19

National Parks Fortnight National Parks Fortnight is a two-week celebration encouraging people of all ages and interests to go outside, explore and learn more about these special places. How about celebrating all that is unique and special about Dartmoor during ‘Discover National Parks’ fortnight this Easter.

From letterboxing to history hunting, there will be something for everyone and all ages. Why not discover your own piece of Dartmoor? You can find information on Dartmoor National Park Authority’s website as they are announced, or you can pick up the events programme at one of Dartmoor National Park’s Visitor Centres (Princetown or Haytor) from March 1st.

Time to play bowls! As spring rapidly approaches, thoughts turn to warmer weather and playing bowls on the green. On Saturday, April 18th at 2pm, Okehampton Simmons Park Bowling Club green opens for the 2020 season, with the silver jack being bowled. There are plenty of opportunities for new and existing bowlers with many friendly and league games at weekends, evenings and afternoons. In addition, there is an informal roll up on Tuesday afternoons at 1.45pm. Everyone welcome!

On Sunday, May 3rd at 10.30am there will be a fun open day for anyone who would like to have a go at bowling. Experienced bowlers will be on hand to give advice and encouragement. On Wednesday evenings, May 6th and 13th at 6pm, there will be two coaching sessions for new players, everyone welcome. Any queries please call Viv 01837 55842.

Mothering Sunday

Sunday 22nd March Treat Mum to a delicious Sunday roast, served between 12-2pm. £37.50 per person for three courses including flowers for Mum. Booking essential.

Easter Sunday

Sunday 12th April Enjoy a traditional Easter spring lunch served with all the trimmings. £37.50 per person for 3 courses.

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

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

March 28 & 29/April 12 & 13 April/April 26

Open Gardens Three very different gardens open for charity in March and April in the Okehampton area: Andrew’s Corner in Belstone, a moorland garden; Monkscroft in Zeal Monachorum, a cottage garden, and a little further afield, Hotel Endsleigh near Tavistock, a large 200 year old Repton-designed garden. Monkscroft is packed with spring colours including primroses, daffodils, tulips, magnolias and camellias and a new exotic garden. A steep walk away (approximately 20 minutes), or five minutes by car is a tranquil fishing lake with daffodils and wild flowers and home to a resident kingfisher. Dogs on leads welcome. WC at lake. Open on Saturday March 28th and Sunday, March 29th 12pm until 5pm with home-made teas. Admission £3.50. Andrew’s Corner contains a very wide range of unusual trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants including alpines, rhododendrons, bulbs, and maples. Woodland plants, including erythroniums, arisaemas, ferns and many spring bulbs, are at

May 8, 9 & 10

their best in April. Heathers, alpine beds and gentians add to the mix. Quiz sheet, fairy doors and children’s playhouse make this a garden for all ages. Open on Sunday, April 12th and Monday, April 13th from 2pm until 5pm with home-made teas. Admission £5. Hotel Endsleigh includes a formal garden around the house, a picturesque dell with pleasure dairy and rockery and an arboretum. Open on Sunday, April 26th between 11am and 4pm, admission £5.50. Free admission for children at all three gardens. For more information pick up a Devon yellow National Garden Scheme booklet available in garden centres, Tourist Information Centres etc or visit www.ngs.org.uk

VE Day commemorations Sampford Courtenay will be turning the clock back in style this May, when the village commemorates the 75th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe). The programme begins on Friday May 8th, when a ration-style supper will be held in the village hall, beginning at 7.30pm. The supper will be followed by an Ensa-type variety show with a host of local talent! The following day the village square will be filled with craft stalls during the morning and there will be a street party lunch at noon with entertainment by The Hummingbirds and the Cogs and Wheels Morris dancers. There will be games and races on the village green and an auction conducted by Robert

Pyle. Adding to the atmosphere will be a display of military vehicles, a fancy dress competition and an exhibition of war time memorabilia. In the evening there will be dancing and a NAAFI supper before a sound and light display at 9.30pm. On Sunday, May 10th a short commemorative service will take place at 3pm after a walking treasure hunt around the village at 1pm. The celebrations will finish with a cream tea. Participants should bring along their own cutlery/crockery to all meals - eco-friendly commemorative mugs will be available to buy throughout the weekend. Pre-booking is required for all meals - please call 01837 82285 for tickets/further information.

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Tavistock

FESTIVAL2020

23 APRIL - 11 MAY

19 DAYS

of music and arts events in Devon’s top award-winning market town

APRIL Thursday 23 April 12.30pm Festival Opening with To Music Borne Tavistock Parish Church 7.00pm Life Stories Bedford Hotel Friday 24 April 7.30pm Helen Porter and her Big Jazz Choir Tickets £6 Tavistock RC Church 10.30am Town Walk with Simon Dell

Thursday 30 April 1.00pm Mary Mazur-Park (Piano) and Leslie Mazur-Park (Oboe) Tickets £5 Sponsored by Alistair Kinsey Tavistock Parish Church

MAY Saturday 2 May 7.30pm Mount Kelly Choral Society – Requiem in Blue by Harvey Brough, soloists and orchestra Tickets £10 Tavistock Parish Church

Saturday 25 April 7.30pm The Ridgeway Chorale Retiring collection Tavistock Parish Church

Thursday 7 May 1.00pm Jacqueline Kershaw (French Horn) and Andrew Wilson (Piano) Tickets £5 Sponsored by Alistair Kinsey Tavistock Parish Church 7.30pm Life Stories Bedford Hotel Friday 8 May 7.30pm VE Day Anniversary Concert – Abbey Brass and Avalon Barbershop Quartet Tickets £10 Tavistock Parish Church

Sunday 26 April 7.00pm Mount Kelly Chamber Choir and instrumental soloists Retiring collection Tavistock RC Church Tuesday 28 April 1.00pm Hannah Griffiths (Cello) and Stella Searson (Piano) Tickets £5 Sponsored by Alistair Kinsey Tavistock Parish Church

Tuesday 5 May 1.00pm Children’s Concert preceded by a Workshop Retiring collection Sposored by Alistair Kinsey Tavistock Methodist Church/ Library

Sunday 3 May 7.30pm Mount Kelly Concert Society – Charlotte SalustreBridoux (Violin) Tickets £8 Tavistock Parish Church

Saturday 9 May 7.30pm North Devon Sinfonia Tickets £12 Tavistock Parish Church Sunday 10 May 7.30pm Stannary Brass Band Anniversary Concert Tickets £8 Tavistock Wharf

For more information and full programme visit: www.tavistockfestival.org For tickets visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/tavistock-festival See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

53 53

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MUSIC AND ART

March 13-21

The Murder of Nicholas Radford This new play by MED Theatre, performed by an established local community cast, explores what has been described by historians as ‘the most notorious private murder of the 15th century’.

seemingly championing the rule of law against the threat of the violence that will eventually burst out into the Wars of the Roses, stands the figure of the most famous lawyer in the south west, Nicholas Radford.

The killing of the lawyer Nicholas Radford took place at the start of the War of the Roses, just north of Dartmoor.

Performances: Friday, March 13th and Saturday, March 14th at Manaton Parish Hall; Thursday, March 19th at Chagford Jubilee Hall and Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st at Moretonhampstead Parish Hall. All performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets £8/£5 children under 16.

Devon in the 1450s - allegiances are divided between Lord William Bonville and the Earl of Devon, Thomas Courtenay senior, with his sons Thomas and Henry. Between the two sides,

Please contact info@medtheatre.co.uk call 01647 441356 or visit medtheatre. co.uk to book and for more information.

The Plume Project Since the middle of 2019, on the first Wednesday of each month, The Plume of Feathers in Okehampton has played host to musicians intent on keeping live music happening in Okehampton, encouraging players and singers from seasoned veterans to absolute beginners to get up and knock out a tune. They include drummers, bass players, saxophonists, keyboard players, harmonica players and vocalists from many different backgrounds and locations. It was the idea of bassist Ian Borrill and originally began with members of the now defunct local band King Knute as

the basic house band, reviving the 60’s soul and blues feel music they loved. Now rock, pop, rock and roll and country music are included in the mix. Also, at that time, there were no other jam sessions around Okehampton offering an opportunity for anyone to play and join in on an informal basis. The idea is to have fun and not to be judgemental. No one gets ridiculed or unappreciated. It provides an ideal platform for musicians to perform with others and broaden their experience. If you are an inexperienced or experienced musician or vocalist and would like to join with others, or just a live music lover, please come along. It is free to listen and participate.

The Fight Against Extinction An animal lover from Okehampton has been so moved by the plight of animals affected by the devastating bush fires in Australia this winter that she has written a book in an attempt to raise funds for their rehabilitation. The Fight Against Extinction by Lisa Rice - written under the name of Lisa J Mitchell - is available on Amazon Kindle Store. It’s the 21st book Lisa has published since she began writing in 2004. She said: ‘I love putting all my ideas to pen and paper. I’ve written books about a bird hospital I run and many different types of light-hearted children’s stories, usually with an environmental theme involved. ‘This one is a more serious story, with the heartbreaking disaster that is happening right now in Australia. I couldn’t sit around not doing a single thing so I put pen to paper. Every penny will be donated to a wildlife hospital over there from any purchase. ‘Let’s do all we can for the injured wildlife.’

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MUSIC AND ART

On Palestrina’s Birthday A local musician, Stephen Webb, has just released his latest album ‘On Palestrina’s Birthday’ featuring features works by Palestrina, Byrd, Tallis and De Prez. An Italian Renaissance composer of sacred music, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina was born on February 3rd, 1525. Stephen, who moved to North Tawton just over three years ago, combines writing and performing jazz compositions with ancient choral music and playing church organ. However, it is only recently he has found a way

of combining these two seemingly disparate genres into a single musical entity. Stephen said: ‘In reviewing old choral works, I begin by searching for an underlying chord sequence which would provide an inspirational framework on which to improvise. I then review the structure of the piece and work up an ensemble arrangement – in this case, piano trio and chamber orchestra – which, provides new insights into these under-rated choral works.’

Other jazz musicians have successfully attempted to combine jazz and choral music, notably Jacques Loussier (Bach) and Jan Gabarek with the Hilliard ensemble; but Stephen is less faithful in following the original structure of the pieces: ‘I often start in the middle, jump off the end and then climb back on at the beginning!’ The album was performed recently at St Peter’s Church in North Tawton. You can listen to the album for free on You Tube (Google On Palestrina’s Birthday), stream or download the album from Napster, Deezer, iTunes or Apple Music etc.

Fragment - a debut novel for local author Two horrific murders of young women in the city of Exeter and the sudden death of her father sends DCI Jessa Summers to the brink of madness. Okehampton-based author E V Lee’s debut novel, Fragment, is a gripping and clever psychological thriller with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. Haunted by disturbing and violent sensory-rich dreams, DCI Jessa Summers teeters on the brink of a mental catastrophe. Believing they are warnings of

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something terrible about to happen, she sets out on a journey to discover the truth. What she finds is even more shocking that she could have ever imagined. A web of deceit. A sadistic serial killer. Can Jessa survive long enough to uncover the truth of her nightmares? Lee Coatham, who writes under the name of E V Lee, works by day for a social housing provider, managing a team of professionals providing housing and support services to a wide range of customers, including people with complex needs across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. He spends his evenings, late nights and weekends obsessing over fiction. Lee is an avid reader of psychological thrillers, crime and horror. As well as his passion for good storytelling, he loves music and motorcycles. Lee plays guitar and keys in a six-piece band as well as writing most of the lyrics for their songs. Fragment was published on January 31 and is available to order from Amazon in paperback , price £7.99. For more information go to evlee.yolasite.com

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NATIONAL TRUST

Easter trail and classic cars! Situated in the heart of Sticklepath village near Okehampton, Finch Foundry is a site of industry and heritage. Owned for generations by the Finch family and looked after by the National Trust since 1994, the site today contains working waterwheels, historic machinery, a blacksmiths forge, displays of life in days gone by, a National Trust shop, pretty garden and tearoom. In the forge there are demonstrations throughout the day of the industrial sized hammers, and shears, with expert talks about how things work and about the lives of the Finch family themselves. Finch Foundry produced hand crafted edge tools for the agricultural, mining and china clay industries and in its hey-day produced more than 300 tools a day. The cottage garden at Finch has been undergoing a replanting and tidying plan during 2019. One flower bed has been replanted and another has now been reshaped, cleared and weeded to get rid of ground elder, which had become a problem. During spring, the bed will lay fallow for a while before replanting is completed for the summer. A variety of spring flowers can be found in the rest of the garden and

in the adjacent Quaker burying ground, including snowdrops, daffodils, crocuses, grape hyacinths, and hellebores. As usual at Easter there will be an enjoyable family trail to enjoy with a Cadbury’s chocolate prize at the end! On Saturday, April 25th, the popular Classic Car Day returns, featuring all kinds of historic cars. If you own any sort of older, unusual, or classic vehicle which you’d like us to include, please telephone us or email finchfoundry@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Spring surprises made at Finch Foundry Visit Finch Foundry for Victorian machinery brought to life in the forge and family fun at Easter. nationaltrust.org.uk/finch-foundry Social icon

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NATIONAL TRUST

Spring at the Gorge March is a great time to explore Lydford Gorge without any of the crowds. Then in April the gorge comes alive with colour – starry white wild garlic, pink purslane and beautiful bluebells. Take a hike along the most captivating section of the River Lyd. The full trail is a challenging three miles, however, there are shorter routes available for the Devil’s Cauldron and Whitelady Waterfall. Sturdy footwear essential for all. There’s also an off-road mobility vehicle available to hire (requires advance booking on 01822 820320), which can access the waterfall and bird hide.

earn a chocolate prize. £3 per trail.

SOUND MAKERS AND SHAKERS Tuesday, March 31st & Sunday, April 5th, 12-3pm Use natural and recycled materials to make your own sound makers to shake, rattle and roll. £2.50 per person, booking advisable. JOIN NATURE’S BAND Friday, April 3rd & Monday, April 6th, 11am-1pm Get hands on with a range of sound makers and musical instruments. MAKE A WOODLAND BUNNY FACE Wednesday, April

8th, 11am-1pm and 1.30-3.30pm

Easter at the gorge is themed around music and nature this year. Can you match the rhythm of a woodpecker and the melody of a robin?

Create your own bunny face sculpture for your garden or home using local wood and basic hand tools. £3 per sculpture, booking advisable.

FUN WITH FIRE Saturday, March 14th, 12-2pm Learn how to light a fire without matches, and then mix up some tasty dough to cook on a stick over the campfire. £2.50 per person, booking advisable.

FAMILY WILD KITCHEN Saturday, April 18th, 11am-2pm

CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, March 28th

Normal admission applies to events, for more information please visit the website or call 01822 820320.

to Sunday, April 19th, 10am-4.30pm Rattle, bang and whistle around the orchard, then make a sound map of the gorge to

A spring in your step

Forage for wild garlic then make a pasta and pesto lunch on the camp fire. £8 per adult, £5 per child, booking essential (call 0844 249 1895). Foraging is not generally allowed in the gorge.

made at Lydford Gorge From pungent wild garlic to delicately floral bluebells – the uplifting colours and scents of wild flowers fill the gorge. These are the places that make us. nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge

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NATIONAL TRUST

Spring at the castle After a long damp winter we’re looking forward to spring returning to Castle Drogo and the Teign Gorge. The gardens burst into colour at this time of year as the spring bulbs pop up and in the gorge the ancient woodlands start to turn green. At the castle it’s been a busy few months. The builders have been hard at work on the last sections of roof to be waterproofed. There is still lots of work to do in and around the castle reinstating and decorating, so there will be many changes during 2020.

nature from insects to animals found on the estate.

CRAFTY CASTLE CAPERS Tuesday, March 31st & April

7th, 11am-4pm Get your hands dirty by joining in a variety of fun filled craft activities. £1 per person.

HYDRO TURBINE OPEN DAY Wednesday, April 8th, 11am-4pm The hydroturbine building on the River Teign will be open for you to look inside and discover more about its history, restoration and how it works.

We are always looking for new faces to come and join the team at Drogo - to find out more, join us at one of our volunteering open days from Monday, April 27th to Sunday, May 3rd, 10.30am-2.30pm - visit the website for more information and to book a place.

CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Friday. April 10th

The castle, garden, shop and café are open every day from Monday, March 16th.

WILD TRIBE Sunday, April 19th, 11am-3pm Join the ranger

NEW BEGINNINGS TRAIL Saturday, March 28thThursday, April 9th, 11am-4pm Families can follow the trail around the grounds finding out about new life emerging in

Normal admission applies for events and trails.

- Monday, April 13th, 10am-4.30pm Follow the Animal Architects trail through the garden and grounds. Can you work out which animal built each home? Once you’re finished you can claim your Cadbury chocolate prize. £2.50 per child.

team for bushcraft activities for children aged between five and 12 years old. Free, drop in event, first come first served.

A breath of fresh air made at Castle Drogo Riverside rambles and far-reaching views await at Castle Drogo. nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo Social icon

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FOOD & DRINK

Easter Biscuits These delicious biscuits are traditionally served to guests on Easter Sunday. You know spring is coming when you enjoy a delicious lemony-nutmeg flavoured biscuit with your holiday weekend cuppa!

Ingredients 250g soften, unsalted butter 140g golden caster sugar (plus a little to sprinkle on top) 1 medium egg, separated and beaten Zest of 1 lemon Generous grating of fresh nutmeg 300g plan flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 60g currants

Method Heat the oven to 180c/160cfan/gas 4. Beat the butter and sugar in a bowl until well combined, add egg yolk, lemon zest and nutmeg and beat again. Add flour, salt and currants, mixing to form a dough. Form into a ball, wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Line two baking sheets with baking parchment and dust the work surface with flour. Cut the dough in half and roll to 1/2cm thickness. Cut biscuits out using a cutter - round or Easter bunny shaped - and place on the first baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pasty to create a second sheet of biscuits, rerolling the dough to use it all up. Chill for 30 minutes. Bake for seven minutes, remove the biscuits from the oven, beat with egg

white and sprinkle with caster sugar and put them back to cook for another seven or eight minutes until light golden brown. Cool on trays for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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FOOD & DRINK

Spring delights to tempt the palate! With the arrival of spring, our palates seem to lighten somewhat and we turn to joyful, lighter wines that are fantastic on their own, but also match brilliantly with food. I’ve put together my four must-have spring wines that reflect the season and the culinary delights it has to offer. Enjoy!

Marvellous Muscadet Not to be confused with the similarsounding Italian Moscato, this is a dry white wine from the Loire Valley of France that delivers insane quality for the price. ‘Muscadet’ is thought to be a nickname of sorts for this wine, made of 100 percent Melon de Bourgogne. The Muscadet region is right along the Atlantic coast, and it seems like you can taste the salty air when you sip a bright, mineral Muscadet. But these wines have body too, thanks to the local practice of ageing the juice on its lees, comprised of the dead yeasts and grape skins. Lees-aging adds creaminess and complexity to a wine that’s already packed with peach and apricot flavours. La Mariniere (£6.49) is the nearest Loire appellation to the sea and benefits from an oceanic climate, resulting in a refreshing and elegant style, the perfect pairing for oysters and seafood.

Vivacious Vinho Verde Another unbelievable value wine is Vinho Verde, meaning green wine. It is a low-alcohol white wine from northern Portugal and was the first Portuguese wine to be exported to European markets during the Middle Ages.

Azevedo Vinho Verde (£8.99) has won numerous awards for its fresh and fruity flawless character of green apples and pears. Vinho Verde is high in acidity, which makes it ideal for pairing with all forms of seafood, particularly when complimented by a rich sauce or a coating of fried breadcrumbs. Pork and potato dishes work a treat with this wine as well.

Reliable Rosé Year-round rosé consumption is a habit worth celebrating, but there’s something extra special about cracking open your first warm-weather bottle of pink. Pinot Grigio is one of the top five most widely purchased wine varietals. The crisp minerality and bright citrus flavours make for a refreshing glass of wine to pair with any number of light dishes. La Cerisa Rosa Pinot Grigio Rose (£7.99) is a premium Italian Rosé from North West Italy, made predominantly from Pinot Grigio grapes with a handful of Pinot Noir chucked in for colour and a depth of fruit. This spring sensation offers an off-dry, ripe berry and cherry fruit with a vibrant finish. Partners well with Spanish tapas and pizza.

Peppy Pinot Noir This is the tenth most planted grape in the world and one of the hardest to

Best consumed young because it is bottled early, a tiny bit of fermentation continues in the bottle and a slight fizz develops, making this wine refreshing and versatile. Some Vinho Verde wines are artificially carbonated, but the traditional ones let the effervescence occur naturally.

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grow. At its best, it offers a wonderfully perfumed nose of fresh red fruits, sweet spices from oak ageing and earthy notes from the soil where the grapes are grown. Pinot Noir is luscious, velvety and seductive with a rounded texture and soft tannins. Terrifically versatile with a wide range of foods, it’s a must have for the wine rack! Chapel Hill Pinot Noir (£7.79) from the Dunantul Region in Hungary was featured in The Times top 100 wines, and for good reason. This sumptuous, silky smooth wine boasts a nose of aromas; succulent red berries with a hint of spice, followed by freshly squeezed raspberries and strawberries on the palate. Works incredibly well when paired with fresh salmon and tuna as well as classics like Peking duck, roast beef and of course the classic cheese pairings of Brie, Camembert, Gruyère and goats cheese. Jason Mules, Waitrose Okehampton

The destination for food lovers North Hill Village, nr Launceston PL15 7PG 01566 786916•www.racehorseinn.co.uk 61

WINNIE’S WALK

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

This is an open moor walk starting at Batworthy Corner, near Kestor. The walk heads to Kestor, crosses to Thornworthy Tor, Thornworthy Down, the gateway to Fernworthy Reservoir and returns passing Three Boys standing stone and a couple of stone rows on the edge of Shovel Down. The views are amazing all the way round. A really great dog walk.

stone wall - you will see Kestor up on your left. Follow the clear path up to the tor. The views from the top are amazing, across to Chagford, Middle Tor, Shovel Down and beyond. At the top of the tor is a natural rock basin usually full of water. It is said that it was used by the Druids to catch blood from human sacrifices!

From Chagford head out by car towards Fernworthy reservoir, taking the right hand lane signed Thornworthy. Stay on this lane, don’t turn off, keep going over the cattle grid on to the open moor and drive all the way to a small bridge with a parking area on the left before Batworthy. There is no right of way through Batworthy. Park here.

Standing with Kestor to your right and Middle Tor to your left, you will see Thornworthy Tor in front of you, looking more like a hill than a tor. There is a path in front of you heading toward the tor where you will see a style in the wall. The ground either side of the wall can be very boggy so tread carefully. Head up to the top of the tor, picking your way over the rocks, the views once you arrive are amazing.

With the lane behind you, head up on to the moors, keeping the stone wall on your right. There is a track here to follow until you reach the corner of the

Looking toward Fernworthy Reservoir, you will see a stone wall on your left

If you are heading back from the gates, turn right back towards Thornworthy Tor, but instead of walking up to the tor, take a path the runs around the edge to the left, it will bring you to a stream to cross, another gate in the wall and on to the Three Boys standing stone and ‘Langstone’ or Long Stone, which will be seen on its own in the middle of two stone rows at Shovel Down. There is so much to see here including five double stone rows, a single stone row and the Fourfold circle, a configuration of four concentric stone circles.

L ABOU

@@ Chagford Chagford

- head right towards it. This is now Thornworthy Down. Head for the corner of the wall and the gates, if you would like to make the walk longer, you can head through the gates towards the reservoir and follow the path either right or left here and walk all the way around it.

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WINNIE’S WALK

With the ‘Langstone’ to your left, take the path straight in front of you, back towards Batworthy Corner and the stone rows. You can see Kestor on the horizon to your right. From Batworthy Corner and Kestor, you can add on the walk to Scorhill Circle and the Tolmen Stone, making a great walk. If you would like to join us on this walk you can book your place for Saturday, March 21st meeting at 10am at www. dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk If you do this walk on your own, please let us know how you enjoyed it on the ‘Walk with Winnie’ face book page or by writing to winnie@moorlandpaws.co.uk

www.dartmoornordicwalkng.co.uk ‘Dartmoor Nordic Walking’ and ‘Walks with Winnie’ are on Facebook. A walk from Kestor to Fernworthy and back Distance: Approximately 6k Time: Approximately 1.5-2hrs Difficulty: A medium level of difficulty, with a few gentle hills. The ground can be uneven and boggy in places. Start point: SX 663865

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HISTORY

Museum of Dartmoor Life Looking forward to the new season The month of March always comes along quickly (and sometimes too quick) at the museum as it marks the reopening of the museum after its winter refresh. From the time it closes, just after Edwardian Evening, the museum volunteers work hard to do a number of maintenance jobs, organise the temporary exhibitions and plan forthcoming events. The time flies by and this winter has been no exception, with the addition of looking at long term refurbishment plans to ensure the building housing the museum is up to the job. The date above the door reads 1811 and the building adds as much to the museum experience as the objects themselves, but as anyone who lives in an old building will know, they require a lot of ongoing maintenance, coupled with much larger building works. That said, it’s an exciting time as the museum approaches its 40th decade and it is in a great place to build on, being ‘the place’ to learn about Dartmoor. A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes into making the museum archive more accessible. This has included transcribing oral history and digitising the photographic negatives library, with the aim of displaying it to a wider audience. The museum receives numerous requests for help researching local history and frequently assists those coming from overseas with family history enquiries. This coming season, the temporary exhibitions will begin with a focus on Ten Tors celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and will feature a range of personal stories from participants over the years. The end of the season will be capped off with an exhibition in conjunction with the Dartmoor Preservation

Association to commemorate the life of Robert Burnard, a hugely important figure in the early protection of Dartmoor and his work on its archaeology. The Museum is also very excited to be hosting a Moor Otter again. The 2017 Moor Otter Trail saw 101 Moor Otters at various locations across Dartmoor and was hugely successful in not only raising funds for Dartmoor National Park, but also bringing new visitors to explore Dartmoor. While the majority of visitors to the museum visit because they enjoy museums, it has not escaped the museum’s notice that there are a growing number of ‘cultural tourists’ coming to the area. They are looking for experiences that enable them to learn more about the lifestyle of people who live on Dartmoor including their history, traditions and way of life across the ages. The museum will be working with a number of different partners to offer packages to give visitors a real flavour of Dartmoor life, these can include a visit the museum, a walk on Dartmoor with experienced walking guides and talks at the museum on a wide range of Dartmoor themes. In addition to all of the museum’s work, it also houses the Okehampton Visitor Information Point, providing information for locals and visitors alike. New residents in the town can find plenty of local information and pick up ‘Intouch Oke’, a guide to the information and support available within the Okehampton area. Visitors to the area can be sure of some fantastic local knowledge of not only Okehampton, but also Dartmoor - and if the team on the front desk can’t help, they will know someone who can.

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HISTORY

As with a number of museums and visitor information points, the day-to-day operation is undertaken by volunteers. They work in a number of roles; some like to meet and assist the visitors, others like to search through the store documenting the artefacts. There are also volunteer roles within social media, events planning and site maintenance. It’s a good way of getting work experience and getting into work. The museum also provides short term volunteering opportunities for students looking for experience to support university applications or Duke of Edinburgh awards. The volunteers come from all walks of life and full training is given - in return they become part of a sociable team who enjoy spending a few hours each week in a very friendly environment. The best way to find out more is by emailing me at the museum on enquiries@dartmoorlife.org.uk If you want to start your Dartmoor journey or you’re part way along and want to learn more, drop into the museum, there’s always something new to see. Keri Quertier, Manager, Museum of Dartmoor Life

FRUIT

Easter and May Bank Holiday Recycling and Refuse collections

FISH

plastic packaging

metal packaging

plastic bottles lids on

drinks cans

plastic pots, tubs and trays

food tins

New day

Normal day

New day

6 - 9 April

No change

4 - 7 May

No change

Fri 10 April

Tue 14 April

Fri 8 May

Mon 11 May

Mon 13 April

Wed 15 April

11 - 15 May

One day late

Tue 14 April

Thur 16 April

25 - 29 May

One day late

Wed 15 April

Fri 17 April

Thur 16 April

Sat 18 April

Fri 17 April

Mon 20 April

20 - 24 April

One day late

empty aerosols foil

Wash and squash plastic bottles.

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

Normal day

No crisp packets and sweet wrappers

Please rinse your recycling. Clean recycling only. Please use your recycle boxes for other recyclable material.

West Devon www.westdevon.gov.uk

West Devon Borough Council

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

Please check carefully as catch up days are different to previous years

www.westdevon.gov.uk West Devon See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Collection Day

For more information go to

ﬁnd my collection day on our website 65

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