Oke Links May/June issue 2022 by Links Magazines

OKE LINKS May/June 2022 | Issue 31

The Queen’s Jubilee Weekend Festivities Lighting of the Beacon May Fair Tree planting Live music and much more Plus What’s On in your area

SAV I N G LI V ES I N O K E H A M PTO N

Chagford’s twentieth century memories Hatherleigh Pink Ladies are back

Meet the locals New school Principal passionate about inclusive education Winkleigh cake designer follows her passion

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HISTORY

Memories of Chagford

EDUCATION New partnerships

GARDENING

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Exciting things are happening... The deadline date for any inclusions in the July/August issue of Oke Links will be May 27 2022. For all editorial enquiries please contact editor Lindsay Turpin: lindsay.turpin @linksmagazines.co.uk

THE LINKS TEAM: Publisher: Tim Randell Editor: Lindsay Turpin Design: Sara Venner, Julian Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard, Tim: 07450 161 929 Jane: 07772 619 808 Contact Lindsay Turpin, Editor on 07738 231933 lindsay. turpin@linksmagazines.co.uk

contents

Front cover: Clare Bolt from Clare Bolt’s Bespoke Cakes in Winkleigh has created a very special cake topper for the Queen’s Jubilee. Picture by Lindsay Turpin.

6 Feature 8 Local People 12 Noticeboard 27 Review 29 Health 33 Farming News 34 Business 36 Gardening 40 Education

The Okehampton area is going to be buzzing this May and June with events returning to normal and the highly anticipated Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June. We can gain a sense of real community spirit once again with local communities organising events for the June Bank Holiday to celebrate this monumental milestone for Her Majesty The Queen. Please see our What’s On section (pages 45 to 55) for some advance details of what will be on offer. In addition to the Jubilee celebrations, see the What’s On section for many other events taking place throughout May and June, including a folk and frolicking event to celebrate Okehampton Community Garden’s tenth anniversary, a Valley Voices concert and the first of many Lydford Railway Station tours thanks to its new owners who have transformed the location for the public’s enjoyment. Our local people in this issue are two creative women: First up we have Tracy Ashton, the newly appointed principal of the state-of-theart, brand-new Promise School in Okehampton. She tells us all about her passion for inclusive education and her plans for the new school which is for primary and secondary pupils with

Lindsay

Lindsay Turpin, Editor

@okelinks 42 Sport 43 Charity Focus 45 What’s On 56 Food and Drink 58 History 60 Walk 62 Trade Secrets 66 Directory

social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties and on the autism spectrum. Next up we have Clare Bolt who completely changed her career after lockdown to pursue her passion for creating beautiful and creative cakes - and has built up a huge following of people who are amazed at her designs and attention to detail. Our charity focus is on Hatherleigh Pink Ladies who are back with their hotly anticipated charity Bash - an event where they raise money for many local and national charities. Read more on page 43. In our health section read about the Breathe Green Project, the first submission from Heather at the Okehampton Medical Centre who is the newest contributor to Oke Links. Heather is filling in as our health contributor while Jazzmine (our regular contributor) is on maternity leave sending our best wishes to Jazzmine. I hope you enjoy reading this latest issue of Oke Links — I hope you agree that there are lots to read and enjoy. As always, please do let me know of anything you feel is worth shouting about in and around Okehampton, especially any events you feel local residents would like to read about.

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 Also available at Waitrose, Okehampton 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

A charity provides lifesaving skills to Okehampton residents In just five years, an Okehampton charity has given the town eight defibrillators and provided lifesaving training to more than 400 people. Oke PADs was the creation of three local residents who wanted to make sure that the town, and its inhabitants, had access to the lifesaving devices - but not only that, the knowledge on how to use them and the understanding of what to do in an emergency. In 2017, Joe Rice, James Stevens and Darren Goodwin proposed the formulation of Oke PADs (Public Access Defibrillators) to support the funding and placement of this equipment and free training for all. With an estimated population of more than 8,000 (a number which continues to expand) the trio knew the charity would be beneficial to save the lives of local residents and anyone visiting the town. Since its formation, Oke PADS has managed to install eight defibrillators, taking the total in the town to 11*.

As a first aid trainer and Okehampton firefighter, Joe is no stranger to emergency situations. After running a first aid training course in Okehampton in 2017, Joe mentioned that he believed Okehampton needed more defibrillators. In attendance at the course was James Stevens, an Okehampton estate agent, who himself had been in an emergency situation where a defibrillator was not available. He agreed with Joe that more were needed in the town, and soon they had recruited Darren Goodwin who is the Operations Manager at Devon Air Ambulance, also from the town, and Oke PADs was formed. Joe said: ‘Defibrillators are all very similar, like a pair of shoes but they all look slightly different. Anyone can use a defibrillator - if you turn it on, it will tell you what to do, but in a highly stressful situation it’s not always so straightforward. ‘When someone stops breathing, you need the defibrillator to be there within five minutes but it could then take another five minutes to get it to work. It could be as quick as 30 seconds if you had the training.’

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FEATURE

Pictured left to right: Joe Rice, James Stevens, Darren Goodwin.

The interactive training provided by Oke PADs takes two hours and are held all around Okehampton in order to provide free training to people over the age of 12. Current statistics say that less than 10% of people survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest; a defibrillator can increase that to as high as 70% if it is attached within five minutes AND if good quality CPR is given. Good quality CPR is required in the minutes before the defibrillator arrives, and the better the CPR is, the more likely it is the defibrillator will deliver a life saving shock.

Joe added: ‘Our charity is more important than ever - it’s on the news that the Ambulance Service is delayed as they are overstretched, overrun and they are busy all year round. ‘We want people to have hands-on experience and we want to show them the importance of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and the quality of CPR needed. ‘Most of us didn’t learn CPR in school, or we haven’t learnt for several years, which does mean our CPR may not be as effective as it could be. The better our CPR is, the more likely it is that the defibrillator will work. We want to make sure that in Okehampton we are surrounded by people who know what they are doing in an emergency situation. ‘We want to improve people’s knowledge and confidence.’ Fundraising for the charity has been tough during the

pandemic. Joe said: ‘Throughout the last two years it has been incredibly difficult to raise funds to run our charity and train anyone who wanted to learn. But now training in community settings is possible again, we are looking forward to welcoming people back to our sessions. For those that need to learn or those that would like a reminder. ‘There are more than 60 defibrillators within 15miles of Okehampton, we are not just teaching people how to use the towns defibrillators, we are training people how to use one anywhere, and what to do while waiting for it to arrive.’ * The defibrillators are based at: New Road - New Life Church; Fore Street - Brothers Kitchen; George Street - Public Toilets; North Road - Fire Station; Crediton Road - Gillian’s Curtis Cuts; Exeter Road - Costcutter; The Pavilion in the Park; Okehampton Primary School, Glendale Road. The other privately owned defibrillators are at Waitrose, Okehampton Bowling Club and at Elemental Microanalysis Ltd on Exeter Road. This year, Oke PADS are adding two more, one at Station Road and the other at St James Primary School. ‘Despite the difficulties of the last two years we are pleased that we will also be able to add two more defibrillators to the town over the coming months. Bringing our total to 13. This will mean that hundreds more people will have access to life saving equipment within minutes of their homes and we encourage everyone to come and learn how to use them.’ For more information on Oke PADs visit https://okepads. wixsite.com/okepads Lindsay Turpin

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Okehampton’s new principal is passionate about inclusive education

will cater for up to 100 primary and secondary pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties and on the autism spectrum. The school will be run by the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (DMAT), which also runs Okehampton, Tavistock and Holsworthy Colleges and a number of primary schools in the area, and forms part of a £22-million programme by Devon County Council to provide 300 extra places for vulnerable children with special needs across the county.

Tracy and her two children Sebastian Langmead and Ciaran Oakes.

Tracy Ashton is appointed principal of the state-of-the-art, brand-new Promise School in Okehampton. Work is currently underway to deliver the new £10.7-million school for children with special needs in West Devon, on behalf of Devon County Council. Located on the Okehampton East Business Park, The Promise School

The new building is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023 but the school will open to its first pupils in September 2022 using interim accommodation. And at the helm is Tracy. Tracy is no stranger to a leadership role but this will be her first time as principal - and it’s the job she was born to do! Tracy grew up in Saltash and has been a qualified teacher for 25 years, working at senior leadership for the past 19 years. Her career began as a teacher of music, English and drama and still passionately pursues these areas within

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her spare time - playing a number of musical instruments including clarinet, saxophone, flute, piano and trumpet. After completing her degree from the Colchester Institute School of Music, Tracy decided to continue her passion for music by becoming a teacher. When fully qualified she joined the team at St Boniface Boy’s School in Plymouth, followed by 21 years at Lipson Cooperative Academy where she became head of music and then the specialism coordinator for performing arts. ‘I moved into all leadership roles during my time at Lipson and then went to senior deputy head in music,’ said Tracy: ‘And that’s where my passion for inclusive education with special needs and disabilities began. I wanted to help people that might have barriers to their learning. It made my day light up helping them.’ ‘When I saw the Promise School advertised in the Autumn term of 2021, and saw it was part of the DMAT, I knew it was perfect for me. ‘Lipson focusses on equality and inclusivity and DMAT (is part of that

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Tracy Ashton and her wife Amanda

belief) follows the same cooperative principles.’ The Promise School has four key focus points: Nurture and care, preparing for adulthood, personal pathways and developing partnerships. ‘In the school we provide a caring approach and we engage them with their learning in an individual way. There will be a big focus on literacy and those underpinning skills but the big focus will be on wellbeing and positive mental health for everyone, including the staff. ‘My aim as a leader is to always make a positive difference to the life chances of the children and young people with whom I am working. Through an unreserved positive approach, I aim to ensure that provision engages students through creative individualised learning which enables them to gain the academic, social, emotional and independence skills to achieve in learning and in life.

‘I believe that building relationships are key and base all approaches, policies and interactions on a relational approach.’

free school will have a positive impact, not just on the learners and young people who access it, but the schools and communities from which they are drawn.

In her spare time, Tracy, as a talented and passionate musician from a young age, loves all aspects of musical theatre and all aspects of creating, from writing to textiles: ‘I am very creative and spend time knitting and crocheting to relax after a busy day. I am Mum to two boys, one who now lives in London teaching maths (age 24) and one in Year 11 (age 15) preparing to sit his examinations. I am also, with my wife Amanda, Foster Mum to two beautiful girls, age 10 and 4.’ Tracy and the team are now busy setting up the school’s interim accommodation and appointing staff to provide the best education for its future pupils.

‘We’re excited to get this process underway and continue to expand our family of schools.’ To help with the children’s learning, Tracy is appealing for help from local businesses who are willing to engage with the children at the school as part of school trips or as visiting speakers: ‘We want to focus on outdoor learning and we would love to hear from local groups that would be willing to engage with the children at the school as part of school trips. We would also be grateful from any company or group that would help our goal of sourcing a minibus so we can take outings to better the children’s broader education.’ Lindsay Turpin

Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust chief executive, Dan Morrow, said: ‘The new

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Astounding cake creations Winkleigh woman completely changes her career to pursue her passion for art and design and cakes! Like most people in lockdown, Clare Bolt had time to think about her future. What would drag her out of bed in the morning? Other than her children, husband or dog? She had been a dental nurse for 24 years and would miss her colleagues but she knew it was time for a change. Clare has always loved making cakes and creating their visually impressive models for her friends and family - and wondered if this could be her new career? Could she create the eyecatching cakes full-time for a wider audience?

so much. My parents have always said I should do something with my art so they are very proud of my new career.’ Clare grew up in and around North Tawton and is a former Okehampton College student. She met her future husband Simon at Hatherleigh Carnival and moved to

Winkleigh in 2001 before they married in 2003, and they have remained in the village ever since. It is where they have raised their two children Samuel, 16 and Rosie, 14. Clare completed a BTEC in art and design when she was 17 at Exeter Art College but never pursued a career in the profession - until now.

Thanks to her close family network, with her parents Arthur and Biddy, and brother Darren in Okehampton, and sister Tracey is Exmouth, Clare was supported by everyone around her and she made the leap to go into business by herself as ‘Clare Bolt’s Bespoke Cakes’.

Set up with all gizmos and gadgets a baker could ever dream of, Clare designs the cakes in the beauty of her own wonderful, light and airy kitchen. With windows on all sides (and above) and an abundance of space, it is a delightful haven for the artist to create.

Clare even uses some of her mum’s cake recipes. . .

‘I have been in business for over a year and I have to say my main priority is creating something beautiful. I am not the most “business minded” person but I don’t want it to be about money, I

‘My mum, being a farmer’s wife, was always baking, and she has taught me 10

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LOCAL PEOPLE

want it to be about beauty. I want to be able to offer something unique and personal. I like to hear about the people / person the cake or topper is for and put their personality into the cake,’ said Clare.

‘It’s intense work and I put a lot of research and thought into a design but what I love the most is the variety. I like hand painting and incorporating the modelling into the creation.’ Clare aims to limit the amount of cakes she undertakes to three a week. ‘My favourite cakes include dogs, the moors and Devon. One of my favourite

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LOCAL PEOPLE

cake creations is (pictured page 10). It was for a lady who absolutely loves her dogs and walking on the moors so if I can incorporate any local landmarks or anything else that represents the fantastic place we live I really love that the most, especially if they include animals (even cows) I just think it makes my creations that little bit unique.’ If Clare has any spare time she enjoys to walk with her dog Rufus and meet friends. She also enjoys drawing and painting, especially creating birthday cards for her close family and friends. For more information visit Clare’s Facebook page ‘Clare Bolt’s Bespoke Cakes’ or email her on clareboltsbespokecakes@ gmail.com Lindsay Turpin

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NOTICEBOARD

Meet the trustees Okehampton United Charity manages over 120 acres of land in Okehampton and the Hamlets. This land included two almshouses, three allotment sites, the site of Okehampton Community Garden and Men in Sheds, Ball Hill Woods and Tramlines meadows and several agricultural tenants. Trustees have a property subcommittee of six who meet regularly and manage the day to day decision relating to the charity’s land. Three of the trustees who sit on the property sub-committee are Phil Murray, Christine Marsh and Maria Cooper. Phil retired in 2017 after 34 years as a research scientist and has lived in Okehampton for over 30 years. He has recently joined the board of trustees and chairs the property subcommittee: ‘Okehampton is very lucky to have such a charity providing facilities and support for the town. My three children all benefitted from the educational fund whilst studying and now I feel it is a privilege to be able to give something back. I have a particular interest in the extensive land owned by the charity, which ensures a green space to be enjoyed by the town and Hamlets.’ Christine said: ‘After my time spent as a doctor’s secretary, I decided to stand as a town councillor. It was when I became Okehampton Mayor that I became aware of the then Okehampton Non-Ecclesiastical Charity. Now the Okehampton

United Charity. I am also a trustee of Simmons Homes and the Simmons Park Charity. Being retired from work gives me time to put something back into the community. It has been great helping and learning about the various people, groups, and organisations. I am privileged to be part of this charity and support the work it does.’ Maria said: ‘Having lived and worked in the Okehampton vicinity all my life, I decided to stand as a parish councillor for Okehampton Hamlets, some ten years ago. This led me to be a trustee on the board of the OUC as the representative for the Hamlets. My involvement and love of farming through all my life, as a farmer’s daughter, wife and my 40 plus years in rural and retail employment has hopefully helped in my position on the property committee. The land purchased recently by OUC offers exciting times ahead for Okehampton and its residents, and I feel privileged and proud to be part of this.’

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NOTICEBOARD

A busy time on the moor May tends to be a really busy time on the moor with two bank holiday weekends, half term and Dartmoor’s biggest organised event, Ten Tors.

• Please keep your dog on a lead (March 1 to July 31)

Youngsters from all over the South West have been training hard, in often wet and difficult conditions, since the beginning of the year in anticipation of tackling the 35, 45, 55 mile routes and the Jubilee Challenge. Organised and monitored by the military, this year’s event will be on May 6 and 8 - good luck to all involved.

• C amping: Use a campsite or check the website

With the moor getting busier now seems like a good time to remind everyone of our Love Moor Life - The Ranger Code campaign which focusses on six key points to remember whilst enjoying the moors:

• Close gates

• Bag up litter and take home • Share roads and bridleways • P lease don’t feed or approach the ponies If you do happen to come across an injured sheep, pony or cow on Dartmoor please call the Livestock Protection Officer Karla McKechnie on 07873 587561 with a good location (including Grid Reference if possible) and any markings on the animal

I hope everyone manages to get out and enjoy Dartmoor’s special qualities and of course the better weather! Simon Lee

Love Moor Life: Protect wildlife and animals Dog owners are being urged to protect new-born livestock and breeding birds by keeping their dogs on leads while out walking.  With miles of footpaths, bridleways and open access land, Dartmoor is the perfect place for people to enjoy with their canine pets. But livestock worrying is a major concern; already there has been an unusually high number of dog attacks for this time of year.  During the breeding season (from March 1 to July 31) Dartmoor is a particularly busy place. Ground nesting birds such as meadow pipits, skylarks and snipe love Dartmoor’s vegetation and blend in so well you wouldn’t know they were there. Here, they sit on their eggs and rear their chicks but can be disturbed or hurt easily by roaming dogs.  Pregnant ewes, cows and ponies are grazing the land too. New-born lambs are particularly vulnerable to harm from dogs off leads. Dogs don’t need to chase animals for them to become scared or stressed; their presence can still cause a frightened animal to abort or abandon

its young – a tragedy for the animal and a financial an an emotional loss to the farmer.  Keeping your dog on a lead is a simple thing to do, but helps farmers keep animals safe and healthy. Signs are posted around Dartmoor to serve as useful reminders.  Ranger team manager Simon Lee said: ‘Dartmoor has always been a place where dogs and their owners can enjoy walking from challenging hikes up tors to easy strolls along riverside valleys.

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‘It’s a fantastic time to visit Dartmoor; everything is bursting into life and the weather is generally milder, but it’s also a busy time for the animals and birds which call Dartmoor home too. Wherever you want to go, it’s a really good idea to keep your dog on a short lead, especially around livestock.’ The Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society, jointly with the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council, funds the work of Livestock Protection Officer, Karla McKechnie, who is on call to deal with incidents of sheep worrying, dog

attacks, casualties from road traffic accidents and livestock in distress on Dartmoor.  According to the society’s figures, there have already been 17 livestock worrying incidents this year so far. In 2021, there was a total of 108 – the highest since 2018.  ‘It’s so important that people keep dogs on leads around livestock,’ said Karla. ‘There’s no excuse for dogs not being under control and it’s not OK to leave animals suffering. If anyone sees a dog worrying animals, we’d encourage them to report it straight away.’

NOTICEBOARD

New dog control in Okehampton As part of new dog control measures, dog owners are now required to keep their dogs on leads in the formal garden area of Simmons Park. In 2021 West Devon Borough Council updated its Public Space Protection Order for Dog Control following a consultation period in 2020 when Okehampton Town Council requested the thoughts of residents. The town council has reviewed the Order and the implications for the control of dogs within its outdoor spaces. Dogs are now required to be on a lead in the formal garden area of Simmons Park. This is the area on the Chalet/ pond side of the river.

The following rules are unchanged and will continue to apply in the other areas of Simmons Park: Fenced in Play Area – No Dogs; Unfenced Play Areas – Dogs Under Control; Recreation Area – Dogs Under Control; Cricket Field – No Dogs (area open to public use outside of school hours only); Playing Field – No Dogs during school hours or whilst the area is in use. Your dog should be under control when off the lead and not be a nuisance to other people, animals (farm and wild) children and dogs (Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005/Control of Dogs Order 1992/ Dangerous Dog Act 1991).

It remains an offence not to pick up after your dog. WDBC Officers and the Police are able to issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100 to those who do not comply with the Order. Full details can be obtained from the town council office or by emailing townclerk@okehampton.gov.uk

Club aims to ‘transform lives for good’ Okehampton Make Lunch Club opened its doors for the first time at Easter. The lunch club, at your local Baptist church, has a team of newly trained volunteers and a wonderful refurbished kitchen. The free club is aimed at primary school children but all siblings are welcome too. They are opening one day a week during all school holidays, with fun, organised activities and a hot healthy meal for children and their parents/carers who find buying extra food in the holidays a struggle.

Jo Morgan, co-ordinator, said: ‘Many of us have noticed that we have to make hard choices between heating our homes and eating. The Lunch Club aims to ease your burden a little, and support local families through this fun and safe space.

requirements on booking, so that we can be prepared to cater accordingly.’

‘We would love to accommodate all who want to attend, so please book on to help us to prepare the right amount of food. You can book on to the sessions you’d like to attend by getting in touch using the contact details below. Please also inform us of any dietary

The sessions will take place Wednesdays from 11am to 1.30pm. To enquire or book email okemakelunchclub@gmail.com or call 07410 968112

Please note that on arrival, all those attending will need to be registered, and all children who attend must be accompanied by their parent/carer.

For further information on eligibility visit www.okehamptonbaptistchurch.co.uk

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The creation of Gidleigh’s information centre It was during the Winter of 2018/19 that a strong westerly storm blew the door off the telephone kiosk outside Gidleigh Village Hall (GVH). The brass hinges were torn from the oak frame, the leather restraining straps were snapped and the cast iron window frame was smashed onto the road. For two years the kiosk stood ruined. Two years before this it had been decided to install a defibrillator at GVH and, because the telephone kiosk was not suitable, it was installed on the wall of the Hall. Nevertheless, it was decided that the kiosk should be renovated and that it would become an information point. The ‘K’ series public telephone kiosks (don’t call them boxes) were introduced by the GPO (remember them?) in 1921. The K1 was cast in concrete! The K2 was the result of a competition to design a kiosk that would be acceptable to

the London Metropolitan Boroughs and was wooden. The Fine Arts Commission judged the competition and the design submitted by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott won. This was cast iron and provided the template for all subsequent models. The GVH kiosk is model K6, introduced in 1935, designed to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V. It was the first red kiosk outside London and by 1940 there were 35,000 of them around the UK, rising to 70,000 by 1970. The King’s Crown insignia on the kiosks was originally a Tudor crown but, in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II decided to replace it with the St Edward’s Crown (although, following protests, the Scottish insisted on the Crown of Scotland). From the early 1990s BT has specified that these should be picked out in gold paint. And so, since about 1992, the approved K6 livery has been: - “Currant” red paint

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on the body (what we call Post Office red) (BS381C-Red538); The new K6 glazing pattern (glass panels); Gloss black roof; Crown picked out in gold. So this is how the GVH kiosk has been renovated. Resident Dick Leitch said: ‘We have also re-installed lighting (which was disconnected when BT removed the telephone and cash box) and have installed a new lighted noticeboard beside the kiosk. A set of shelves has been built and placed inside the kiosk and carries a comprehensive range of tourist brochures for visitors to collect. The lights are programmed to come on at dusk and switch off at 10pm to avoid confusing local wildlife. ‘A large scale map of north east Dartmoor, kindly donated by Yellow Publications is attached to the wall of the kiosk.’

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Museum courtyard 1981

Where were you 40 years ago? Last year saw the 40th anniversary of the Museum of Dartmoor Life. This year it is hoped to celebrate the amazing people who helped make the museum possible and staff and volunteers would love to hear from people who were involved in any way with the museum over the last 40 years. It is hoped to collect stories and ‘rememberings’ to share with everyone. For those that do not know, the Museum is situated just off West Street at the end of a long cobbled courtyard. It was originally a medieval burgage plot which was later developed in 1811 into a mill for grinding mainly animal feed. Also in the courtyard is a cottage where Okehampton benefactor, Sidney Simmons, lived with his family for a while and opposite is the building that was their printing business. The cottage is now the Victorian Pantry Tearoom. 1976 saw the inaugural meeting of the Okehampton and District Museum Association, organised by John Young. The location was Okehampton Town Hall. Were you there? A funding committee was set up and with the help of the town council the derelict buildings were purchased, mostly untouched since damaged by a WW2 bomb. A small band of volunteers set to work preparing the building for opening. Supporters were able to buy a slate for the Museum’s future renovation and also, do you remember the 50:50 shops that were set up in various premises around the town? People could sell their unwanted items in these shops and 50% of the profits would go to them and the rest to the Museum. By 1983 £50,000 had been raised to renovate the three storey building using local skilled craftsmen. Maybe you know someone who worked on the building who may have some stories to share with us.

Much of the initial displays came from Alan Endacott who had been collecting Dartmoor artefacts since he was a boy. He was a huge help with the fundraising and became the first Museum Curator. On July 4,1981 the museum was finally opened by the Mayor of Okehampton, at the time, Brenda Savage. Were you there? Since then the Museum has gone from strength to strength due to its amazing band of volunteers who have loved it and helped it grow for the benefit of Okehampton townspeople and visitors alike. If you were one of these wonderful volunteers or know one, then please contact us by popping into the museum, or emailing us at manager@dartmoorlife.org.uk Maybe you remember visiting the museum all those years ago and could tell us about your experience. Trustees are looking forward to an exciting and challenging 2022, anticipating getting out and about more than they were able in the last two years, meeting many of the organisations and individuals they support. If you would like to know more about the charity, please visit the website www. okehamptoncharities.org.uk or call 07715 621480. • One highlight for the charity has been the successful securing of more than 33 acres of land in Okehampton. This land includes the beautiful Tramlines Bridleway and three other parcels of land. Some of the land will be used to enhance life in Okehampton by providing green space and routes from Okehampton to Dartmoor. The trustees will look to work with other local organisations to ensure the land is preserved for the benefit of residents, to develop the environmental features and enhance educational opportunities.

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Watch your step and help protect ground nesting birds People have been noticing nature much more during lockdowns, as garden birds and other wildlife have helped lift spirits and connect everyone to the world outside. A recent survey commissioned by the RSPB showed that 41% of participants reported seeing wildlife near their homes that they had never noticed before between 2020 and 2021. Almost half of the UK population have said they have tried to attract nature to their gardens but the RSPB is keen to highlight that many of our threatened species don’t use gardens and nest boxes when raising young. Over half of England’s most threatened breeding species nest on or near to the ground, including Skylarks and lapwings. ‘If you ask a child where bird’s nest, they are likely say a tree, hedge or nest box. It’s an image we’ve all grown up with but for some of our most threatened species it’s simply not true. Almost every natural habitat in the English countryside can be home to ground nesting birds and these threatened species are under increasing pressure due habitat loss, predators and climate change. Yet we can all help protect them from disturbance by simply following the Countryside Code and keeping to footpaths,’ said Sara Humphrey, communications manager. In Devon, farmlands can be home to threatened ground nesting species including skylark and lapwing. As the vulnerable chicks

are easy prey for lots of predators, dogs running through nesting sites can be very stressful for them, so sticking to paths and keeping dogs on leads in these areas can help give them the best chance of survival. As birds nesting on the ground are at higher risk from predators; the nests and eggs they contain are often extremely well camouflaged, making them very hard to see and avoid. ‘A skylark egg can be as small as 17mm, that’s around the width of a 5p piece. And when those eggs hatch, chicks can be just as well camouflaged and vulnerable. When scared, a chick’s instinct is often to stay quiet and avoid detection, so if you see an adult bird calling out in distress or trying to catch your attention, back away carefully to help protect nests from harm,’ said Mike Shurmer, head of species for RSPB England. The RSPB’s conservation scientists have developed methods to help protect nesting birds from environmental threats including climate change, wildfire and sea level rise, which can be delivered through managing landscapes for wildlife. They have seen fantastic results for species including roseate tern and stone curlew, but to protect ground nesting birds across the countryside, everyone can play a part by watching where they step. To find out more, search #WatchYourStep on twitter or Facebook.

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Did you see ‘Iron Man’? A training afternoon for North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team and four paramedics from the NHS Incident Support Unit at Watchet, Belstone, saw them conduct a twilight exercise to rescue a volunteer ‘casualty’ with a broken leg. The ‘regular’ training session turned into a dramatic occasion with the presence of ‘Iron Man’ and jet suit pioneer Richard Browning. Designed to demonstrate how much faster a bird-man with four rockets on his back can reach an injured person in the middle of the moor, compared to searching on foot. Richard is the chief test-pilot of Gravity Industries, the company he formed in 2017 to develop and promote internationally the uses of jet suit travel – by the way, if you fancy a suit yourself keep an eye on the Selfridges website where they have been on sale for £340,000 each, although at the moment it says ‘currently out of stock’! After an hour and a half of briefings and reconnaissance in

Thank you from Tor Support Tor Support would like to say a huge thank you to Okehampton United Charities, the Primary Care Network Board, Okehampton Town Council and South West Water for their very generous donations towards the running costs of our free counselling service.

Richard Browning in his jet suit flying over Watchet Hill, Belstone Tor and Cosdon behind, still image from drone filming, 21.2.2022

the cold gusty 40mph wind Richard made the short one minute flight to the casualty in the twilight, landed, role-played administering first aid and radio-directed the paramedics and NDSR to the scene. The paramedics duly arrived and took over treatment of the casualty. A 3-minute film of the event has just been released – go to YouTube and search ‘Richard Browning Belstone’ or click on this link, https://youtu.be/NIh8aqE5Hs4 Without the support we receive from such grants we would be unable to offer such a valuable service to 5-25 year olds in Okehampton and the surrounding areas. If anyone would like to help us raise funds please visit our Just Giving page and help support a local child in distress. www.justgiving.com/ torsupportservices

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Can you volunteer your time to help a local charity? Gilead Foundations offers support to women on a residential basis on a farm near Okehampton. Women who have suffered from life controlling issues, such as, substance abuse, emotional difficulties such as depression will be housed and supported. As it is situated on a working farm, the charity has many areas which need maintaining and would love volunteers to join the team, especially those skilled in gardening, building, maintenance or carpentry. A regular one day a week could make a huge difference. Gilead uses practical work projects to enable residents to enjoy and learn new life skills and to gain training and work

experience in horticulture, catering, and farming. This helps the women get ready for future employment and independent living and ultimately change their lives for the better, Dee, a former resident, now volunteer, tells her story: ‘Seven months on now and my journey at Gilead Foundations has come to a successful and happy end. What can I say? Well, let me begin by saying I now have a new life and I am excited about my future. I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity and love and support to get me to where I am today. I am pleased to announce that I am now volunteering at Gilead and I am happy to be putting my experience into

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a positive and rewarding role, and to be here to help women like I once was.

‘I am proud to say I am living proof that this is a truly amazing place and the place to be for any women out there that need a new start in life. Thank you Gilead Foundations once again and thank you for the commitment and love shown to all in Grace Lodge.’ Another lady who arrived a few weeks ago said: ‘I immediately felt very welcomed and soon felt a sense of belonging. I have never been to a place like Gilead before and many things are very new to me like working with the animals. I am learning about plants, watching seeds grow and learning new skills. I really enjoy being here.’ Joanna Morgan, fundraising and marketing manager, said: ‘We must rely on donations to continue providing the work experience and to give support to our ladies. Gifts towards running costs and essential repairs for our kitchen, would be very welcomed.’

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The Dartmoor Society Award 2022 goes to local conservation group Each year, the Dartmoor Society recognises the work of people who make a significant contribution to Dartmoor. This year the Dartmoor Society Award goes to the Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation group (StOC). Alan Endacott, vice chair of the Dartmoor Society, explains why StOC is unique: ‘StOC volunteers work in all weathers, every week of the year, to tackle vital conservation tasks and their affiliation with Ian Brooker and the Dartmoor National Park ranger service allows urgent work to be carried out. Many of these tasks would not otherwise be possible’.

College, Kelly College and the Leaze Centre all helped to complete the task. Little did they realise that 30 years later the group would still be going strong.

Taw, preventing erosion and maintaining and improving wetland sites for threatened species such as the marsh fritillary and the southern damselfly.’

StOC has worked with the Dartmoor Commoners, Butterfly Conservation Trust, the National Trust, Woodland Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, parish councils and schools. The relationships it has forged with so many different groups is remarkable and it has been able to use the skills and experience built up within the group over many years to respond to calls for help from any one of these organisations.

Winners of the Dartmoor Society award are presented with a plate made by Dartmoor potter Penny Simpson (pictured above) and inscribed by Michael Edwards, an artist and print maker based in Moretonhampstead.

The group was formed following a community project at Finch Foundry Sticklepath in 1991, initiated by Norman Dunn from the Leaze Centre for adults with learning difficulties in Okehampton. ‘A lot of our work involves gorse and Its first project was the rebuilding of a bracken control and the maintenance double drystone wall taking a footpath and improvement of rights of way in the through the back of the Finch Foundry to north DartmoorDirectors area’, team organiser Funeral Billy Green in Sticklepath. Tuition was Mike Watson explains: ‘But we have Established 1850 arranged and volunteers from amongst also been involved in construction work local residents, from Okehampton such as building bridges over the River

Caya Edwards, secretary of the Dartmoor Society, said: ‘We feel lucky that two talented local artists collaborate to make the Dartmoor Society Award plates and we look forward to presenting the award to StOC at our annual meeting in South Brent on May 7.’

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Okehampton FoodBank for anyone suffering hardship Spring: a time of hope, a time of new life and the prospect of better times to come. Unfortunately for many families in Okehampton this is not the case. Price increases in the shops. Fuel prices rocketing skyward. Who has not felt the effect of these uncontrollable events? Now we are told, it’s only going to get worse. Sadly, those who suffer the most are on the lowest incomes and face the greatest hardships. Okehampton is a special place, populated by many communityminded families, and as a town it has worked together to help those in difficulty during the pandemic and in times of financial uncertainty. It is amazing to think that Okehampton FoodBank was created during a period of hardship in 2011 and it is still working hard 11 years later to help those in urgent need today. As Covid scurries about our town, it still has a sting in its tail, which has affected many of our FoodBank volunteers as well as the families we serve. Since August last year, the number of families the FoodBank has helped has increased by 75%. As we all find this Spring financially challenging, donations in both cash and food, normally received by the FoodBank, have dropped by nearly as much. Spring…..it seems is not quite so uplifting as we first imagined. Now we must look to the future and find new ways to continue to help those most in need, as the numbers increase. One project we are working towards is to ask Okehampton families to regularly donate £1 a week to Okehampton FoodBank by direct debit. This can be paid weekly, monthly or annually and details can be found on our website. Lots of small amounts really add up and a regularly donated income would enable

us to carry on helping the families and children who need our help. This spring as we make this new appeal, I have been drawn to a verse in the book of Isaiah. ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Okehampton FoodBank gives help to anyone suffering hardship, those who are young or older, families, couples or people living alone. It is a privilege to help people to get back on their feet. We hope our new appeal will allow the Food Bank to keep on helping, keep on supporting and keep on making a way out of a crisis for those who find themselves lost in a wilderness. May everyone in need continue to benefit from Okehampton’s community kindness this spring.

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Operation Scorpion works across regional boundaries Devon and Cornwall Police join forces with partners in counter drugs operation Devon and Cornwall Police has joined forces with colleagues across the region to disrupt networks that supply illegal drugs into the area. Devon and Cornwall is working with the other four police services in the South West (Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire), and their Police and Crime Commissioners, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) and British Transport Police, with the support of the Crimestoppers charity, to carry out planned and coordinated operations to tackle cross-border County Lines and drug dealing activities.

profit from drug supply. It also includes safeguarding those who are vulnerable, including drug users. Officers across the region also worked together to monitor and police the road networks, disrupting criminals who use them to access towns, cities and villages in order to sell drugs and exploit vulnerable people.

The title of the joint working initiative is Operation Scorpion and its aim is to work across regional boundaries, just as criminals engaging in drug activity do, and harness the collective power to disrupt the South West drugs market, dismantling drugs supply networks and arresting those who profit from them.

Assistant Chief Constable Julie Fielding said: ‘It demonstrates the strength that working together brings in our determination to tackle the harm caused by drugs. ‘Those involved in County Lines often target and take advantage of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, exploiting them for gain.

In Devon and Cornwall, the first planned and co-ordinated activity under Operation Scorpion took place during week commencing March 7, resulting in 20 arrests, the seizure of £35,600 worth of heroin £205,040 of cannabis, £16,000 of cocaine and thousands of pounds in cash. Officers also seized three vehicles, high value items of clothing and handbags and disrupted 21 drugs supply lines. Safeguarding visits were also carried out with 21 people, which included adults and children. This collaborative ‘borderless’ approach will continue in the months ahead, disrupting the South West drugs market, dismantling drugs supply networks and arresting those who

‘Working with Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, has enabled us to target some of the areas where those we believe to be involved in drugs activity and organised crime have set up in local communities, causing misery, harm and nuisance, as well as identifying and safeguarding those who are being exploited. ‘If you have information that you wish to pass to us about drugs or any other community matters, you can do this in a number of ways, including via the Crimestoppers website, speaking to the local policing team or via any of the means on the force website, 101, email or chat.’

WE ARE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR VARIED ROLES OUR MISSION: To protect and preserve the natural environment - we are seeking volunteers to help achieve our mission. CHARITY TRUSTEES INC A CHAIRPERSON - we are particularly looking for expertise in leadership/management, chairing skills, finance, fundraising, planning & development and HR PRACTICAL VOLUNTEERS - who can spend time processing donations and help to host workshops and educational events. VOLUNTEER DRIVERS - to support our work distributing surplus donations to homeless and refugee communities

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Historic Moretonhampstead Library building gets a vital roof refit Moretonhampstead Library has been closed for two months in order for vital repair work to take place. The historic library building in Fore Street, which is run by Devon-based charity Libraries Unlimited, closed in March. Extensive repairs to the roof are being carried out including new tiles and lead, as well as work on the dormer windows, brickwork and pointing. Libraries Unlimited commissioned specialist contractors to carry out the work as the building is Grade II Listed. The charity sought agreement for the improvements from Dartmoor National Park. Libraries Unlimited Chief Executive Alex Kittow said: ‘Libraries Unlimited runs a network of 54 library buildings across Devon and Torbay. Some are almost brand new, while others like the Moretonhampstead Library are in much-loved historic buildings. These of course do need a little extra care to maintain them as modern libraries. Refitting the roof of this landmark building in the town centre after more than a century of use should keep it fit for purpose for many years to come.’ The original Bowring Library was built in 1902 by shipping magnate Sir Thomas Bowring (1847 – 1915). It contained a reading room and an upstairs billiard room and men’s club. Sir Thomas was a benefactor to many local causes in Moretonhampstead including the Bowring Prize which was a scholarship for a local child’s education, and the Unitarian Chapel where he is buried.

Moretonhampstead First Assistant Denise Gately said: ‘We are very proud that our library continues to serve the local community after 120 years. Sir Thomas Bowring I am sure never envisaged computers and eBooks and all the many other services we now offer! But the spirit of his original vision remains - a welcoming space for the whole community to discover a love of reading and books.’ Library customers are due to be welcomed back in the middle of May. As this closure was planned, there were no book loans due to be returned to Moretonhampstead Library during this closure. If you are unable to attend the library, customers are encouraged to use online services to reserve, renew and browse atwww.devonlibraries.org.uk, visit the pop-up library at the Community Club or visit the nearest libraries at Chagford, Bovey Tracey, Okehampton and Exeter.

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A review of ‘PEAT’ performed by MED at Moretonhampstead After reviewing numerous plays by this incredibly inspiring theatre group this reviewer was delighted to be asked to again go along to another Dartmoor-related performance by the MED company. Dartmoor based arts organisation, MED Theatre, has addressed environmental issues in many of their plays over the years, including topics such as Climate change, Global warming, Environmental emergency – the list goes on, yet still the predictions for our planet’s long-term future are disheartening and worrying. This time the story was a thought-provoking, but nonjudgemental take on the challenging issue of tackling a topic that some of us may be aware of but which seems to get very little media attention – peat. Dartmoor is a peat upland where the climate-saviour cousin of trees, peat, is now subject to significant attention by various authorities, bodies and organisations. Peat boglands, particularly when wet, isolate and hide away carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in vast amounts. A South West partnership project which is in the process of restoring the drying peatlands on both Dartmoor and Exmoor to their ideal wet state, has brought the issue of peat to the surface in recent years and a confliction of ideas and thoughts has arisen. Peat is clearly important, but why write a play about it? MED Theatre’s work centres around the ecology, folklore and history of Dartmoor National Park and neighbouring rural areas and peat is a prominent feature of the landscape of Dartmoor. Always keen to use theatre to disseminate knowledge and encourage healthy debates, MED Theatre wanted to bring the true nature and wonder of peatlands to the public eye and make better known the important role that they could play in their fight against climate change. The play featured characters from various key professions and offered each field of expertise an opportunity to put forward their case. To have the ability to remain independent but still managing to engage a wide and diverse audience is one of

MED Theatre’s great skills. Interweaving the lives and heritage of generations of Dartmoor dwellers with the ‘interlopers’ from the city with their science and ‘new ideas’ gave a magical performance. The song of the thrush and the humour of the fox were real highlights which lifted the serious tones of the story. The audience was left with the overall ability to make up their own minds based on the multitude of opinions from the various agencies represented by the players. There was of course poignancy to the evening following the recent death of the Artistic Director of MED – Mark Beeson, an acquaintance of this reviewer for 20 years. The players put on a performance of which Mark would have been truly delighted. Through his guidance, support and love the company has evolved from a tradition of original community plays using local performers, composers, musicians, set designers, costume makers, choreographers back stage technicians and writers. The MED theatre productions are inspired by Dartmoor’s industrial history, striking topography and distinctive ecology combined with the contemporary social challenges faced by residents of the national park. The whole cast and team, and especially Mark, are to be congratulated for another excellent evening’s entertainment, education and enlightenment, and this reviewer, for one, is looking forward to their next production as always! After the final showing of the play and when the rapturous applause quietened a simple easel with a beautiful image of Mark by renowned Dartmoor photographer Chris Chapman was brought out in a fitting and heart-warming tribute to a man whose life blood was and still is Dartmoor. The outpouring of emotion, joy and applause was a very fitting conclusion and an assurance that Marks soul and spirit will continue to live through MED Theatre.

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HEALTH

The Breathe Green Project My name is Heather and I am covering Jazzmine Squire as communications officer here at Okehampton Medical Centre. Many of my interests revolve around environmentalism and reducing human impact on the Earth so it is a good opportunity to introduce the Breathe Green Project. They are a group of volunteer healthcare professionals committed to actions that drive change towards a green, carbon neutral NHS, focusing on switching high carbon footprint pressurised metered dose inhalers (MDIs) to low carbon emission dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Pressurised metered dose inhalers make up 70% of inhalers prescribed in the UK. These typically have a metal canister which you push down into a plastic case to release a puff of medicine into your lungs while you breathe in. Their main ingredient is a hydrofluorocarbon gas, which helps deliver the medicine into your lungs. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are powerful greenhouse gases – although they don’t damage the ozone layer, they are far more powerful than carbon dioxide. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used to be used in metered dose inhalers. These were banned after we realised the significant impact they were having on the ozone layer. CFCs are also potent greenhouse gases, and climate change would be far worse today if we hadn’t

acted promptly and banned their use. A MDI that is used very commonly in the UK, the Ventolin Evohaler™ has a carbon footprint of 28kg per inhaler. That’s the same carbon footprint as the tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of driving 175miles in a small car! Dry powder inhalers on the other hand typically have a carbon footprint of less than 1kg. Aside from having a lower carbon footprint, DPIs usually have dosecounters, so you know how many doses are left and don’t mistakenly use an empty inhaler or throw away a full one. A minority of patients and some young children are unable to use dry powder inhalers, but most patients actually prefer powder inhalers as they are easier to use as they require less coordination than a metered-dose (spray) inhaler.

contact your GP practice (and speak to a long-term condition nurse or a pharmacist) about the possible options, and ensure you have your inhaler technique checked to confirm you can use the new inhaler properly. If you’d like to find out more, please visit https://greeninhaler.org/ or https:// www.breathegreenproject.com/

However, if you do need an inhaler containing greenhouse gases please don’t feel guilty – everyone has a carbon footprint. There are still things you can do to reduce the carbon footprint of your inhalers (like working out the number of doses in a canister, reducing the chance they will be thrown away or recycled too early) and the pharmaceutical industry is working hard to develop new propellants with a much smaller carbon footprint. If this has interested you and you’d like to switch to a dry-powder inhaler,

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HEALTH

A brand-new unique and nonjudgmental exercise environment for all Two empty industrial units in Okehampton have been completely transformed to offer a non-judgmental exercise environment for all. The brains behind the creation is Okehampton resident Chris Knott. A man passionate about anything and everything sport, Chris has turned his passion into a career and opened his brand-new business called Pure Recovery and Strength. Based in the brand new A30 business centre in Okehampton, Chris is the first business in the complex to be open to the public, completely transforming what was two empty industrial units into an incredible space! Chris, 29, said: ‘I have always been heavily involved with local sport ranging from playing rugby for Devon as a U18, a competitive cyclist, and Thai boxing. In more recent years I’ve been focused on my first love - strength training and I am now a Strongman competitor.

‘My love for all thing sport and fitness found me taking a career path into exercise class instructing over 12 years ago and, in that time, my personal development grew adding personal training and sports therapy to the armoury dealing with all aspects of injuries, personal goals and achievements.’ Chris’ new studio facilitates four treatment rooms for treating a wide range of issues - chronic pain, injuries, mobility issues, massage, sports therapy. The other half of the business is an all singing and dancing fitness studio. One of his smaller private spaces is non-judgemental - it has no mirrors, no large windows and has been created to make a space where everyone will feel comfortable and be able to enjoy exercise together with like-minded people. ‘I have introduced strength training classes for woman and have been the first person in the town to run Okehampton’s first ever Strongman / Strongwoman’s class. I have just started taking bookings from local teams who want to take part in classes using my unique equipment. ‘I opened this business to be able to help and support locals, help with confidence, help with health physically and mentally, and support local sports teams as they gave me so much enjoyment over the years. ‘I am a local who has built a business for locals.’ For more information contact purerecoveryandstrength@ outlook.com

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FARMING

Alba joins the family Another two months have flown by - I can’t believe it has come round again so soon. Firstly, I think I need to tell you how the bull sale ended up, discussed in the previous Oke Links. . . I had a pretty restless night on the eve of the sale trying to decide what I should do and more importantly how much I would be prepared to spend. I got to the market early in the morning for another look. I knew by now my first choice was Dean Martin and my second was Jacobite. The best priced bull on my previous visits was about £17,000, The market record for an Aberdeen Angus bull was £29,500, I bravely decided that I would go to £25,000 for my first choice and failing that £15,000 for my second. I took my seat and waited whilst the earlier bulls were knocked down, prices were not too high, the Champion made £10,000, I was still hopeful but had a hunch that they were going to be out of my price range. The moment of truth arrived, things escalated pretty quickly, I didn’t get a bid in and we were already past my limit, Dean Martin made just under £40,000, my second choice was soon gone too £31,500. I did have a plan B though or rather a few plan Bs I purchased a cheaper bull as an insurance against going home empty handed and waited till the later lots

entered the ring. I got Alba the reserve champion at the show, a younger bull for the price of £12,000. I was very pleased at the time and since he has been on the farm I am even more pleased. We just have to wait now and see how he performs! When you stop and think though, I purchased the bull in February 2022, he will first meet the cows in June 2022, his first offspring will be born in April 2023, his first offspring will be ready for sale late 2024/ early 2025. That is a long production cycle. On the farm now we are in the middle of lambing. We have less help than usual. With Easter holidays being so late there are less vet students around now, my sister, who is a fantastic help, has damaged her wrist. I would need to cover both the late shift and the early shift, the only solution was to work through the night for the three weeks. This is actually where I am writing this from, the girls have gone quiet for a bit. It is odd having your evening meal for breakfast and porridge for tea I must admit.

I’m not feeling great, at least I can continue to work by myself without putting others at risk. As ever we have had plenty of lambs, we used a new pregnancy scanner this year and the results were not as accurate as we would hope, it has not made things easy. Things have not been easy at the shop either. We have had a COVID outbreak amongst the staff which has made things very tricky. I have been lambing, our right hand lady Pippa has also been off with the virus. Most of the butchers have also been missing at some points too, at least it’s not Christmas or Easter. This has meant that my wife has had to hold the fort, multi task, juggle too many balls and brush the floor as she goes. I’m just worried she will ask for a pay rise!! The good news is that it’s nearly spring with summer not far behind.

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BUSINESS

Providing a venue for group activities and family and public get togethers The new Bridestowe Village Hall is a fantastic facility that can be used for a wide range of events, from small meetings to large scale wedding receptions and parties. The venue is divided into a number of units, including meeting rooms, kitchen and a large hall which can be hired out separately or the venue can be hired in its entirety. The hall has recently seen some refurbishment including external painting and all new double glazed doors. It has now been providing the local and broader community with a modern venue where people can gather to enjoy group activities and get togethers for over fifteen years. Regular weekly activities include dance classes, fitness classes, a toddler group, canine ringcraft and obedience classes, scouts, yoga classes, short mat bowls and a cheerleading dance group. On the last Saturday

morning of each month the doors are thrown open for the local community to get together for tea, coffee and bacon baps. Increasingly the village hall is being hired out for private parties and weddings. In times of spiralling costs it is proving to be an inexpensive venue with an impressive list of facilities which

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include a main hall with adjoining but separate room with a proper bar, a well-equipped kitchen, separate gents, ladies and disabled toilets and full disabled access. The village hall also benefits from a good sized car park but possibly its finest asset is a rear, south-facing lawn accessed by three sets of large French doors which open onto arguably the finest view of any village hall in the county spanning a broad vista of the western edge of Dartmoor from Sourton Tors to the north to Brat Tor and Widgery Cross to the south. Upcoming events include the return of Bridestowe’s Under A Bushel which takes place from 25th to the 27th September and gives all sorts of artists from the local area the opportunity to showcase their creations. More details and contact details to discuss your hire requirements can be found at www.bridestowe.org.uk

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GARDENING

Pots of Tulips including ‘Negrita’ by the Cottage credit Jason Ingram.

An exuberant display of Hesperis and Foxgloves credit Mark Bolton

Cottage Garden Delights The Rosemoor Cottage Garden in May is pure delight with bright spring flowers in a kaleidoscope of colour in the borders, cushions of dainty alpines in the walls and pots of stunning tulips by the cottage. For an impressive display, we plant up large terracotta pots with just the one variety of tulip in each. This year, we have chosen ‘Curly Sue’ (fringed, purple), ‘Elegant Lady’ (ivory, washed with pink), ‘Fancy Frills’ AGM (ivory and pink) and ‘Negrita’ (deep purple). Foxgloves are a cottage garden staple and there are now many cultivars in various colours available. This year we have planted groups of Digitalis purpurea ‘Sutton’s Apricot’ (creamy, yellowish-pink), D. purpurea ‘Pam’s Choice’ AGM and D. purpurea Excelsior Group (white, pink, cream or purple flowers). These will combine with pale to mid-purple scented flowers of Hesperis matronalis (dame’s violet) to give a glorious mass of harmonious colours. The stone walls that divide the Cottage Garden from the Potager, will be covered in a mix of alpines including a miniature snap dragon Chaenorhinum origanifolium ‘Blue

LOTS OF GARDEN INSPIRATION

Most Cottage Garden style plants are by their nature good for bees, butterflies, moths and hoverflies. Many have simple flowers, making the pollen and nectar easily accessible including Doronicum, Veronica, Geranium, Rudbeckia and Campanula. Plant them in groups so that the insects can easily detect the colour and scent. Don’t forget moths; evening primrose, tobacco plant, honeysuckle and sweet rocket are all good night-time nectar providers. If you can attract night flying moths, then you might attract bats, especially if you can put up some bat boxes. Look for the RHS Plants for Pollinators logo when choosing what to grow. These insects are vital to gardeners but they are in serious decline and need all the help we can give. June is a good time to sow Cottage Garden biennials including Digitalis, Dianthus, Erysimum and Lunaria. If you have the space, you can sow in the ground, or if you prefer, sow into seed trays. To sow into the ground, prepare the soil by raking to a fine crumb-like texture (tilth). Scratch out a straight

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GARDENING

Dividing and replanting Narcissus credit Tim Sandall

Poppies have self-seeded in the borders credit Neil Hepworth

shallow trench (drill); water this before and after sowing your seeds. As the seeds germinate, water regularly to keep the soil moist. When large enough, thin the seedlings out to the spacing recommended on the packet. If you prefer to sow in trays or modules (for less root disturbance), use peat free seed and potting compost. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots. Be sure to hold them by the leaves to avoid crushing the stems. You can keep them in a pot until the early autumn and plant out where they are to flower. Alternatively, overwinter them in a cool greenhouse or cold frame and plant out in spring. Growing your own plants from seed (especially if you collect your own) has the advantage that you can have a large selection of plants at a relatively low cost to achieve the burgeoning cottage garden look. Many people dream of a garden full of flowers and scent but success tends to just ‘happen’, without much planning, through filling in gaps with whatever suitable plants are to hand and allowing them to self-seed where they are naturally happiest.

Jobs for May and June During May, watch out for late frosts and protect susceptible plants. Tender new growth and early blossom are particularly

Prune spring flowering shrubs credit Tim Sandall.

vulnerable. Cover plants with a double layer of horticultural fleece or other suitable protection. Pots can be moved into a frost free greenhouse, shed or garage for the night. Lift and divide overcrowded clumps of daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs. Earth up potatoes which will protect early shoots from frost damage and ensure the developing potatoes are not exposed to light which turns them green. Plant out summer bedding when all danger of frost has passed in your area. Plants can be grown from seed (early spring), bought as plug plants or as pot-grown specimens. Prune shrubs when they have finished flowering to encourage strong, healthy shoots and improve flowering. Be water-wise, especially in drought-affected areas. Put as many water butts as you can in the garden. Sheila Dearing Garden Technical Service Officer

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GARDENING

Prepare for Summer with Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre With warmer and longer days ahead of us it’s time to get our gardens Summer ready. If you have a pond, feed your fish a good quality fish food, add new fish and pond plants, and check your UV bulbs, and pond equipment are all running effectively.

It’s a perfect time for growing salad vegetables and Bow have many different varieties of young vegetable plants to choose from. With a full complement of fertilisers, pest control and compost including peat-free and organic options, you will find everything you need to grow successfully.

A greenhouse is the ideal place to start any young vegetables off and Bow offers a full range of Elite Greenhouses which are built to last. Automatic opening vents and built in staging are useful additions this time of year, Bow also has a great range of sheds and summerhouses. Bow’s helpful staff can advise you on the most suitable model for you and provide you with a quote including, a price match promise. Of course you need somewhere to sit down and admire your work this Summer, as well as entertain for your friends and family. Bow have a great range of quality garden furniture, BBQ’s, firepits, and solar lighting so you can create a dream garden to be proud of. For pond tips or for more helpful advice, visit www.bowgardencentre.co.uk or call 01363 82438.

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EDUCATION

Shebbear College appoints new head Shebbear College’s new head said he is ‘extremely honoured’ to be leading the school into its next chapter. Charlie Jenkins, the current senior deputy head at the school, will start his new role at the college in September. Mr Jenkins, who was selected from a strong field by a panel of Shebbear Governors, Methodist Independent School Trustees and leaders, will take over from the current Head, Caroline Kirby, who announced earlier this year that she would be standing down at the end of the 2021-2022 academic year to relocate to the Cotswolds, with her husband and three children. With more than a decade of senior school leadership, coupled with extensive teaching and pastoral care experience, Mr Jenkins joined Shebbear College in September 2020 from Licensed Victuallers’ School in Ascot where he was the deputy head (academic and co-curricular). Before that he worked at Pangbourne College, Berkshire, where he was head of geography and assistant boarding housemaster. Since being at Shebbear he has worked alongside Mrs Kirby and the rest of the senior leadership team in

implementing the school’s five-year strategic development plan as well as being a key player in achieving the recent outstanding Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report, which concluded that the quality of pupils’ academic achievements and pupils’ personal development are ‘Excellent’. ‘I feel extremely honoured to be leading Shebbear College into its next chapter,’ he said. ‘The foundations laid by Caroline are extremely strong and I know the school is in an excellent place to continue to move forward with characteristic Shebbear courage and

compassion! We have a fantastic team of staff and pupils here and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue working with them as the next Head, developing the further success of our wonderful school, whilst also preserving all that we know is so special about it.’ Mr Jenkins graduated from Exeter University with a BA (Hons) in geography and moved back to Devon when he accepted the senior deputy head role at Shebbear College. In his free time he can be found enjoying the outdoors, dog walking, running and learning to kite surf. ‘I am really happy that Charlie has been appointed as my successor’ said Mrs Kirby. ‘I know that he will continue to drive Shebbear forward as a 21st century school, with the added advantage of knowing it inside out already. Since Charlie joined our school, he has gained the respect of pupils, staff and parents alike, as well as being a huge support to me during my tenure as Head. I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Charlie and wish him the best of luck in the future.’

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EDUCATION

Powerful partnerships benefit the community A new cardiovascular training suite based at Okehampton College has recently opened for local students and residents. Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust’s community team was successful in its applications to access grants, focusing on opening school facilities to the community after the pandemic. The grants were Lottery funded and delivered by Active Devon.

This project will enhance the opportunities for young people and members of the local communities to be more physically active beyond the school day and remove barriers to participation.

Derrick Brett, DMAT’s executive director of civic leadership, was able to use local contacts and partnerships with Okehampton College and OCRA to purchase reconditioned gym equipment which would be used by college students for lessons and after school clubs and by local community groups during out of school hours through independent bookings made via the OCRA booking service. In due course, the Primary Care Network will aim to work with OCRA to provide supervised prescribed exercises sessions, using the new equipment.

The launch was attended by Rebecca Skinner programmes manager at Active Devon, Ian Blythe OCRA general manager, Christine Marsh, trustee of OCRA and town councillor, Mr Brett and Melissa Trudgill, DMAT’s community engagement manager. Both the trust and OCRA are looking forward to working with Active Devon in the future. Mr Brett said: ‘We are most grateful to Active Devon for their support in developing this facility which will be valuable to both college and the work of the OCRA in the community.’

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SPORT

U14 Rugby Sevens squad are National Champions! fixtures and are quite humble as a team. We tried not to think too much about the competition and what was coming next, but just stayed focused on the game. We took one game at a time, and with each game we gained confidence and got stronger.’ The Sevens squad members make up part of the school’s U14 Rugby team, who won the North Devon Cup earlier this year.

Shebbear College is celebrating the achievements of its talented U14 Rugby Sevens squad, who have won the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Rugby Sevens Open Championships and are now national champions! The team competed in the tournament at St James’ School in Surrey against 12 other schools from across the UK. They played some intense games, remaining unbeaten throughout and going on to win the cup with style at 40 points to 7! Team captain Mitch Sibley said: ‘This was our first ever Rugby Sevens

tournament so we arrived with not much experience and we were playing against schools from all over the country. We were the only South West school taking part and at the start we weren’t expecting to win at all. The adrenaline was pumping and we were all really excited but we had to stay calm and focused which paid off. At the end we were all buzzing and there was lots of singing on the bus journey home!’

Robin Giles, head of sport and outdoor education at Shebbear College, said ‘The boys played with humility and pride, developing and improving as they progressed through the tournament. Each player made a significant contribution to the team both on and off the pitch, helping their team-mates thrive. As they progressed through the tournament their understanding of the 7s game improved and the quality of their rugby reflected this. I am extremely proud of the way the team performed and I am excited to see how they progress over the next weeks and years.’

Teammate Henry Hassell from Drewsteignton, added: ‘We always have a positive attitude when we play in

Exeter Chiefs and Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust partnership continues More than 80 local children recently participated in an Exeter Chief’s ‘Train Like a Chief’ camp held at Okehampton College - the most successful camp yet. Children from schools within the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust benefited from a subsidised rate so the day was accessible for all, and part of the trust’s ongoing partnership with Exeter Chiefs.

Despite the sometimes, inclement weather, much fun, outdoor sporting activities were enjoyed, but also valuable life skills such as respect, friendship, valuing difference and diversity, leadership and team building skills. Local organisation OCRA was on hand to manage the changing rooms and DMAT expressed thanks for its assistance. To promote your business to 25,730* readers - call 01822 615627 advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

CHARITY FOCUS

The Pink Ladies are back Hatherleigh’s own fundraising champions will host their famous Bash for charities After two years off due to the pandemic, Hatherleigh Pink Ladies are back doing what they do best - organising a Bash to raise as much money as possible for many local and national charities The group, formed of four local women, has been in existence for 16 years and during that time they have raised approximately £160,000. Made up of Carol Barkwell, Michelle Downie, Bridget Chisholm and Sadie Frankham, the Pink Ladies formed to give Hatherleigh its own fundraising event. After many ideas, the women settled on the idea of an annual late summer/ autumn charity ball which they would hold at Made-Well, West Fishleigh Farm, and give a popular theme. This year’s theme ‘Abba’. Sadie said: ‘It was so we could raise money for charities but all charities from local to national. Over the years we have helped raise money for local groups including Okehampton Rugby Club for a pitch for their youngsters, Hatherleigh Silver Band, Okehampton Get Changed Theatre Company and the Farming Community Network.’ During the Bash, the Pink Ladies put on live entertainment, a bar, raffle and disco, as well as the main money raiser - their silent auction, which takes them a whole year to organise and prepare. ‘The main money raised from the event is through our silent auction which is online as well, so you don’t need to attend to bid (www.galabid.com to register). Auction lots can be anything from cakes to a holiday - we can raise as much as £15,000 at auction. All the money that is raised goes to the

charities and any excess raised from our own activities gets divided equally amongst the charities.’ When the women finish one Bash it’s straight on to planning the next one and all the decorations for the event are created at Made-Well, a not for profit community interest company, which provides a range of constructive, purposeful and positive ‘day opportunities’ for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental ill health diagnosis (www. made-well.co.uk or Facebook). The ladies normally select four to five charities and this year’s charities will be a local Children’s Hospice, Exeter Leukaemia Fund, Ukraine and Nepalease who are raising money for the Birthing Centre Appeal.

Sadie added: ‘We haven’t done the children’s hospice before and we always support cancer charities as they are close to our hearts. Local ones usually get in touch with us if they are in need of extra funds.

‘Our themes are chosen quite randomly - we have a bit of a brain storm and always manage to think of something fun. ‘We are very excited about this year we’ve missed it!’ If you would like tickets for this years Bash please contact the Pink Ladies. They would also like to hear from any charities who would like to be considered in getting involved next year. For more information on Hatherleigh Pink Ladies visit http://www. hatherleighpinkladies.co.uk

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Lindsay Turpin

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The beautifully restored Tavistock Guildhall is now open as a Gateway Centre to the Cornwall & West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. Entry is free, so do get down there to learn more about Tavistock’s role in a vibrant history.

Come and celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with us in 2nd June: Jubilee Gala Day and Pageant 5th June: Steam Fair and Picnic in the Park

for more info

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Exhibition of Dartmoor photographs goes on show at Throwleigh

A unique collection of Dartmoor photographs is set to go on show in a 180-year-old West Devon chapel this summer. The well-known Dartmoor photographer Chris Chapman, who lives locally at Throwleigh, has been taking pictures of life around the moor for fifty years. Over this time he has built up a nationally important archive of photographs. With the support of a grant of £9,647 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the members of Providence Methodist Chapel, Throwleigh, will be mounting a special exhibition of Chris Chapman’s photographs during a series of open days between June and

October. Details of opening times will be announced in May. Ian Crawford, the chapel’s project coordinator, said: ‘We are delighted Now only to be opening our doors this summer * Now only Now onlyto see to give everyone the chance * * Chris Chapman’s wonderful Dartmoor forWea look fully photographs. forward to for a welcomingfilocal families and visitors tted electric for a fully fully from further afield, including walkers fi tted electric garage door. fitted electric WAS £1,354 INCLUDING VAT. along the new Archangel Way.’ garage door.

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captures the essence of Dartmoor and its residents. It’s a rare gift and this project will bring his pictures to a wider audience.’ Alongside the exhibition, Providence Methodist Chapel will be hosting a series of talks and running a project to discover more about the families who have been connected with the chapel going back over eight generations to 1839. Anyone interested in helping with this project is welcome to contact Ian Crawford at Providence1839@gmail.com

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Events galore in Okehampton for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Year A joint plan between Okehampton Town Council and Okehampton Hamlets will see a variety of events take place in June to commemorate Her Majesty’s 70th year on the Throne. On Thursday, June 2, Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council will host the town’s beacon lighting event at Okehampton Show Field. The beacon will be lit at 9.45pm by one of the deputy Lord Lieutenants of Devon. Everyone is invited to the event from 7.30pm to enjoy the atmosphere and the view. Throughout the night there will be special performances from a local choir and a piper who will be performing a unique tune written for the occasion. There will also be refreshments available, including the Lions’ burger van. There is parking and easy access to the area. Friday, June 3, OCRA (Okehampton Community Recreation Association) will be showing the St Paul’s Cathedral service of thanksgiving in the Pavilion in the Park on all screens (time tbc). A special menu on the day will be offered with cream and

savoury teas available, alongside an enhanced cakes selection for the Jubilee weekend. Garden games will be available for families (giant connect 4, table tennis, Frisbee, etc) for families to use throughout the day. Saturday, June 4, Fields in Trust day sports will be held in the morning in Simmons Park. At 2pm Christians Together will hold their service of thanksgiving at the bandstand. There will be a tree dedication for the new Jubilee Oak tree on the putting green following the service. After that there will be performances by local groups in the marquee and refreshments will be served. Then on Sunday, June 5 The Rotary Club of Okehampton will be holding the May Fair in the park with their duck races, which this year will have a twist. There will be stalls from local groups around as well as refreshments. On sale should be reusable metal drink bottles and limited edition commemorative programmes.

Samford Courtenay Jubilee events Sampford Courtenay community has rallied together to organise a whole range of events throughout June for the Queen’s Jubilee. The New Inn will host a barbecue, bar and live music, including ‘Diving for Pearls’ on Saturday, June 4. At the village hall on Sunday, June 5 from noon there will be a Platinum picnic, plus a red, white and blue fancy dress competition, a Jubilee hat competition and A Queen’s Day at the Races - fun games for all the family. At St Andrew’s Church on Sunday, June 5 from 9.30am there

will be a service of celebration followed by refreshments; and on Saturday, June 18 a Choral Concert will take place. A flower show (to be on display by Saturday, May 28) will include a Scarecrow trail focussing on the Jubilee theme or historic events of the past 70 years; a doorstep floral container, with a red, white and blue theme; and best decorated house - best get your bunting out; plus other Jubilee themed classes for show day on Saturday, August 20. Check parish website https://www.sampfordcourtenay-pc.gov. uk/ or Facebook page for more information and up-dates.

Okehampton coming together to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2 June: Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council Beacon with Piper 3 June; Pavilion in the Park showing Service of Thanksgiving from St Pauls Cathedral 4 June: Okehampton Town Council Fields in Trust sports day and entertainment in Simmons Park 5 June: Rotary Fair in Simmons Park More details to follow closer to the event on Okehampton Town Council and Okehampton Hamlets PC websites

www.okehampton.gov.uk www.okehamptonhamlets-pc.gov.uk PAVILION IN THE PARK

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Inaugural Lydford (Open) Classic Car Rally 2022 Lydford is to host the first West Devon Classic Car Rally on Friday, June 3 in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. The event is not a competition nor a timed rally but an exciting opportunity to bring the local community together in what is going to be an exciting jubilee weekend in the village. Owners/ exhibitors of classic cars who wish to join in but not participate in the drive out are encouraged to exhibit their vehicles at Lydford House car Park by 9.30am. Driver’s and navigators will also gather here for refreshments prior to the planned start time of 11am. Period dress from the ‘50s and ‘60s is encouraged for fun!

Spectators are encouraged to attend from 9.30am at Lydford House. The course will take in some of West Devon’s finest scenery over 36 miles in a sort of figure of 8 course through Tavistock-Yelverton-PrincetownMary Tavy - returning to Lydford. Entry is free. Contact Anthony via email frogeyeguy@outlook.com or call on 0749 073 4448 to receive a driver’s and navigator’s briefing nearer the time.

A Tale of Two Jubilees In commemoration of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887 the loyal residents of North Tawton raised £130 by public subscription to erect our Clock Tower in The Square - the tower is now a much-loved landmark within the town. Fast forward 135 years to 2022 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has now become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, reflecting her 70 years of service, and once again the residents of North Tawton are full of enthusiasm and have planned and organised a wide range of events. Cllr Jean Trewhitt, chair of North Tawton Town Council, said: ‘The whole community has really embraced the planning of the celebrations with huge enthusiasm. The council has not been the organiser, different groups in the town have been responsible for their own events, with the council providing some supporting funding – we’re thrilled with the variety of things on offer, there will be something for everyone to enjoy over the whole Platinum Jubilee weekend.’ For this year’s Platinum Jubilee the council will be putting another commemorative plaque on the tower. Cllr Ruth Testa, chair of NTTC estates committee, said: ‘It seems very appropriate to add to it another piece of history in honour of our current Queen.’

June 2 - a parade from The Square to the Rugby Club celebrating 70 years of history (North Tawton Events Group) - a road closure will be in place in Fore Street for the duration of the parade, which will include residents in fancy dress and vintage vehicles. This will be followed by a BBQ (NT Scout Group), and the day will culminate in the Lighting of the Beacon (North Tawton Rugby Football Club). The ‘Jubilee Beacons’ is one of the official events of the weekend and will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth to come together to celebrate this historic milestone. June 3 - games organised within the different pubs and the NT Bowls Club. June 4 - Treasure Hunt and Takeaway Cream Teas (NT Guides) Tea Party for the over 70’s in the Town Hall (NT Afternoon WI) June 5 - St Peter’s Church are organising a special open air service to be held in the Memorial Park. This will be followed at 12.30pm by a ‘Picnic in the Park’ (bring your own picnic), entertainment will be a band, jugglers etc, and Platinum Jubilee Celebration Cakes (NT Events group). Also look out for the NT Businesses Window Competition and the Scarecrow Trail!

The celebrations in North Tawton are still a ‘work in progress’, below are just some of the main things that will be happening: Local magazines for local people by local people. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Land transformed at former railway station Couple now want the public to enjoy the space they have created

into the regeneration of this land, allowing us to work there one day a week.

A couple from Lydford have transformed an area of land which was where Lydford Railway Station once stood.

Some areas of the land are still overgrown and the ‘ponds’ between the platform are choked up with iron sediment and the persistent goat willow and brambles are taking over.

Danielle Haydon (left) and her husband Dave are the proud - and self-confessed ‘overwhelmed’ owners of the land which was left in a poor condition when they purchased the land in 2013. Over run with Japanese knotweed, bale wrap charmed deep into all fields and rotting, dilapidated stables and barns, the couple had their work cut out for them! During the nine years since they acquired the land Danielle and Dave have done a lot of stock fencing, cleared scrub, and even have a small flock of sheep. It feels a lot better than it was, said Danielle, but there is still more to do. ‘Now I want to focus on a different area and invite people in for Railway Reminiscing and Nature Tours. ‘We can’t afford to work here on a weekly basis, so I thought a good compromise would be to offer self guided tours, provide visitors with a cream tea on the old platform, at a picnic table under a canopy. Any funds raised would then go straight back

‘The site is a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) - a protected natural site. The wildlife here is incredible. These ponds used to support an exceptionally diverse dragonfly fauna, which include a number of uncommon species’, said Danielle. The couple will only be open for tours in term time on Mondays and Tuesdays, with just a morning and afternoon session. ‘Whether you want to come and paint, meditate, photograph, sit amongst the colourful array of birds, bees and butterflies or reminisce over the Station that once stood here, please come and visit. The entrance fee of £15 includes a cream tea to enjoy on the platform, under a canopy, so you can enjoy whatever the weather and each am/pm session is up to 3 hours. 9ammidday or 1pm-4pm. Call 07769 705490 or email dotnes@gmail.com to book. Visit Lydford Station’s Facebook page for more information. The first tour will be on May 3.

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Take on an incredible hike for Children’s Hospice South West People are being asked to lace up their walking boots and take on an incredible hike for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) this spring.

CHSW area fundraiser Kate Romo said: ‘Whether it’s a scenic stroll or an epic coast path ramble, grab your walking shoes, hike as you like and show your support for local children and families. ‘We really are blessed with some super walking routes in the South West, and with spring now here, what better time to get outside, breathe in some fresh air and explore the beauty on our doorstep? ‘Walking has so many positive physical and mental health benefits too, so we think this is the perfect feelgood fundraiser for people of all ages.’ It’s free to register to take part in The Incredible Hike and participants are asked to try and raise £30 in sponsorship to help CHSW provide vital respite care.

The charity has lined up 30 inspiring walking routes across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset for people to choose from – or they can simply pick one of their own.

The charity’s three hospices – Little Bridge House in North Devon, Charlton Farm near Bristol, and Little Harbour in Cornwall – provide a safe haven of care, support and friendship for more than 500 children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the South West.

for the whole family, and care teams have adapted their support during the pandemic to ensure a Covid-safe lifeline wherever and whenever families need it, including for the first time ever, in families’ own homes. The charity needs around £11m a year to run its three children’s hospices, and around 85 per cent is raised through voluntary donations. “Every penny you’re able to raise with your Incredible Hike will make a difference and our fundraising team will be able to support you every step of the way,” added Kate. “Just visit the CHSW website to register, pick your route and start planning your Incredible Hike adventure. You’ll find lots of easy fundraising ideas and tips on there too, as well as downloadable sponsor forms and links to set up your own Just Giving page in a couple of easy clicks.” For more information or to register, visit www.chsw.org.uk/hike

The hospices offer respite, emergency, end-of-life and bereavement care

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Celebrate ten years with ‘folk and frolicking’ June Okehampton Community Garden is celebrating its ten year anniversary this year - and the icing on the celebratory cake is that the group has been awarded funding from Arts Council England to run an event with Wren Music. ‘Folk and Frolicking’ will take place on Saturday, June 25 providing people with an afternoon and evening of music and ceremony from Wren Music. With activities from 2pm until 8pm, Okehampton Community Garden will share the day and celebrate the season.

July 22 to 23

All ages will be welcome to take part in music activities led by its professional facilitators. Everyone will draw on Midsummer traditions from across Europe including flower pictures, drumming, fire sculpture, flower crowns and dancing. The workshop activities will comprise: •D rumming - learning traditional rhythms together • S inging - learning Midsummer songs from across Europe •D ancing - learning group dances for the season

• Flower Crowns based on the Latvian tradition, everyone will create and wear headdresses made from natural materials and flowers • Fire sculpture - discuss and agree a shape to represent midsummer. People will then weave this shape from paper rope into a metal frame, and then set fire to the shape at dusk. The day will culminate in an evening bonfire and barbecue, when the results of the workshops will be reviewed and enjoyed together.

Chagstock Festival 2022 Second headliner announced for ‘best ever’ Chagstock lineup Psychedelic rock band Kula Shaker have been announced as the Saturday headliner of July’s Chagstock festival.The band rose to prominence in the nineties with their unique Indianinfused rock ballads, with hits such as Govinda, Tattva, Hush and Hey Dude. The indie rockers will play tunes from their latest album, First Congregational Church of Eternal Love and Free Hugs. The record has been described as their ‘most inspired album in years’. Kula Shaker will join Friday night headliner, Ash, on a packed lineup.

The shindig takes place at a beautiful site near Whiddon Down. Simon Ford, Chagstock festival organiser, said: ‘We’re thrilled to announce this fantastic band confirmed to play on the Saturday night. They have a new album to be released in early June, so it’s great timing for us and them to hear old hits we know and love and new ones to discover.’ Simon added: ‘Ash have a string of hits that most people will know and enjoy. They will get the Friday night crowd going, I have no doubt about that.’ Ash have just released a specially

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compiled Best Of album, showcasing the biggest tunes of their 25-year career, with hits such as Girl from Mars and Shining Light. Folk-Punk band, Ferocious Dog, will also bring their thumping tunes and infamously lively fanbase to Dartmoor in July. The band which counts the Levellers as an influence, never fail to get the crowd jumping. Other acts on the bill are Plymouth Fivepiece, The Native, solo songwriter, Mim Grey, Funk and Soul band Tom McGuire & the Brassholes, and quirky act, Pattern Pusher. Swedish act Baskery, a band made up of three sisters, will also bring their Americana style to the festival. For tickets, more info and future line-up announcements, visit www.chagstock.info Parking is limited so booking a car park slot is essential. Contact Linda on okehamptoncommunitygarden@gmail. com or phone 07928 735956 for more details and to book a space.

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Moretonhampstead’s secret gardens June Feeling low after the Jubilee celebrations? Why not visit Moretonhampstead’s Secret Garden event. There will be many interesting and varied gardens for everyone to explore, and some gardens that have never been open to the public. Plus there will be a plant sale, cream teas and light lunches available throughout the weekend. Opening hours for all the gardens will be 11am to 5pm on both days. Most gardens are within easy reach of the town car parks. Plants will be on sale and light lunches/cream teas will be available at some of the gardens.

Tickets, maps and descriptions of the gardens will be available from June 1 at the Moretonhampstead Tourist Centre (01647 440043) and Larry’s Newsagents. They will also be on sale in the town square over the weekend itself. The entry charge is £5 per person, covering all the gardens and valid throughout the two days. There is no charge for accompanied children under 14 years. The weekend is organised by the Moretonhampstead Tourist Information Centre. All money raised by this popular summertime event will go towards the everyday running of the information centre which relies on fundraising to keep it operating throughout the year

and gives a valuable service to visitors and locals alike. For further information contact Sylvie Gowers on 01647 440386 or sylviegowers@btinternet.com

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Glorious gardens open to the public this spring See some glorious gardens not normally open to the public this May and June for the nursing and caring charities supported by the National Garden Scheme. Described in the order they open, the gardens are all very different and with a huge variety of plants, planting ideas and features. All the gardens offer refreshments and many have plants for sale. Free entry for children and many allow dogs on leads. Hayne, near Zeal Monachorum, even has a live Jazz band, so a great day out is guaranteed all while helping raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Hospices UK and many other nursing charities at the same time. Opening May 21 and May 22 from 1pm to 5pm are Moretonhampstead Gardens, (TQ13 8PW). Two large gardens with mature orchards and year-round vegetable gardens, substantial rhododendrons, azaleas and tree planting, croquet lawns, summer colour and woodland walks through hydrangeas and acers. Mardon has long herbaceous borders and formal granite terraces plus stunning grasses a fernery, colourful bog garden and a pond with thatched boathouse. Sutton Mead has a shrub lined drive and unusual planting plus dahlias, grasses, bog garden, rill fed round pond, a gothic concrete greenhouse and a sedum roofed summerhouse. Teas are a must and available at both gardens. Adults £6. Dogs on leads welcome. Andrew’s Corner, Belstone, (EX20 1RD) opening May 1 and 2 and May 28 and 29 from 2pm to 5pm. Join them as they enter their 51st year of opening and take a walk on the wild side in this tranquil moorland garden. In early May the maples, rhododendrons and unusual shrubs provide interest, and late May brings the flowering davidia, cornus, embothrium and the spectacular blue poppies. Home-made teas. Adults £5. 52

and roses, clematis and lilies. Adults £5. Home-made teas.

Lewis Cottage, Spreyton, (EX17 5AA), opening May 28 and 29 and June 25 and 26 from 12pm to 5pm. At the bottom of a winding unmade Devon farm track Lewis Cottage is a wonderful combination of relaxed planting schemes and formal borders, with woodland areas dedicated to attracting wildlife. There is masses to see in this four acre garden including a camassia cricket pitch, rose garden, large natural dew pond, bog garden, hornbeam rondel, hot and cool herbaceous borders, fruit and veg garden and a plant nursery selling plants mostly propagated from the garden. Home-made teas. Adults £5. Dogs on short leads welcome. Higher Cherubeer near Dolton (EX19 8PP) featured on Gardener’s World this spring for its cyclamen is opening on June 4 from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Besides holding National Collections of cyclamen and snowdrops, there is much to see in early summer when the herbaceous planting takes over with hardy geraniums, astrantia, dicentra, aquilegia

Whiddon Goyle near Whiddon Down (EX20 2QJ) opening June 4 and 5 from 11am to 4pm enjoys stunning views over Dartmoor. Built in the 1930s and cleverly designed to protect its 2 acre garden against the Dartmoor weather. It enjoys many features including a rockery, croquet lawn, rose garden herbaceous borders, ponds, small vegetable and flower plot along with a pair of majestic monkey puzzle trees. Light refreshments. Adults £5. Dogs on leads welcome. Hayne, Zeal Monachorum (EX17 6DE) opening June 12 from 2pm to 6pm. Enjoy a great afternoon exploring the garden, followed by a cream tea while listening to a live Jazz band! In the walled garden exciting new planting blends with the beautiful tree peonies, mature wisteria and rambling wild roses in combination with a more modern Piet Oudolf style perennial planting surrounding the recently renovated grade II* farm buildings. An extensive vegetable and cut flower planting adds to the scene. Disabled WC. Home-made teas. Adults £5.00 For more information visit www.ngs. org.uk or pick up a Devon Gardens Open for Charity booklet at your local garden centre.

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Fun Art for All This summer, local people have the opportunity to shake off the Covid blues by joining exciting and fun Art for All classes at the Ockment Centre. Funded by Okehampton United Charities and the National Lottery, the courses are aimed at adults who have felt socially isolated and are a great opportunity to meet new people. Andy Cairns, project coordinator, said: ‘Creative activities are a great way of rebuilding confidence and getting to know others at a natural pace. The friendly atmosphere helps everyone relax and the art is a great conversation starter. At just £8 for a 4 week course, they are accessible to all incomes and

our tutor will give you expert support whatever yotur level of experience.’ • T he Wednesday afternoon courses began on April 27 with ink drawing and painting, exploring pen and wash and loose ink painting. • F rom May 25, you can experiment with blockprinting and collage, designing and making your own blocks, then combining with collage and pen. • F rom June 29, you can try your hand at missed media Seascapes. For more info or to book contact West Devon Art Workshops: westdevonartworkshops@gmail.com or phone 07724 153381

Valley Voices concert in Okehampton All Saints Church, the parish church of Okehampton, is hosting Valley Voices on May 2 at 3pm. The concert was planned for 2020 as a fundraiser to install a new fully equipped toilet in the church, but was cancelled due to Covid. CHoir leader Elizabeth Saudck said: ‘Valley Voices is a chamber choir which started life in the Tamar Valley in 2009. ‘We are very pleased to have been invited by Jane and Tony Wood to come and sing in aid of All Saint’s Church funds. It is new territory for us but there are old connections - Tony was

headteacher at Liskeard School and Community College, where two of us taught and both Jane and Tony were actively involved in the church, music, arts and heritage in East Cornwall so there are many overlapping interests with the current members. ‘The concert will include some highlights from our varied repertoire; so you can come and expect some old and new music, sacred and secular and at least one thing very silly indeed. ‘We shall also invite you to raise your voices in the final item. It is 150 years since the birth of Vaughan Williams so

please sing his glorious arrangement of the Old Hundreth (All people that on Earth do Dwell) with us.’

MUSIC FOR A BLUEBELL WEEKEND A mixed programme of sacred and secular music for a summer’s afternoon

Saturday May 7th 2022 at 3pm All Saints Church Okehampton

Valley Voices

a chamber choir from the Tamar Valley Conductor Elizabeth Saudek

Tickets £8, u16 £4

from Donalds Menswear, Okehampton or via Tony Wood, email: adenwo77@gmail.com and on the door Refreshments provided after the concert All proceeds from this concert will go to All Saints Church

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WHAT’S ON

Events at Okehampton Library

loss or anything that stops them from using standard print, can access, enjoy and share a diverse range of reading and experiences.

Regular library events

Digital Devon Book onto one of its free digital skills sessions in May and June at Okehampton Library, to learn some basic digital skills or improve and refresh existing skills. Bring in your own device or use our public access computers. Contact Okehampton Library to have a chat about how we can help, and to book a digital session. Booking essential. Dates to be confirmed.

Local History Month in May Pop in as see what resources Okehampton library has to offer. Wednesday, June 1 10:00-11:00 – ‘Queens Storytime and craft Free activity for children and their carers. Monday, June 6 to Sunday, June 19 High Vis Fortnight A celebration of ‘all things’ related to accessible libraries and reading. The availability of alternative formats and cultural engagement through libraries is critical to ensuring that people who are blind, or who have sight

Knit & Natter - Tuesdays 13:30-14:30 Bring along your knitting, stitching, crochet or other portable craft project, for a chat with like-minded crafters. Tea and coffee available at 70p a cup. Bounce & Rhyme - Tuesdays 10:00-10:20 & 11:00-11:20 Suitable for under 5s. Free. Booking Essential. Baby Weighing – Tuesdays 09:30-11:30 Free self-weigh facilities for parents to weigh their babies are available in a screened area within the library. This is a new partnership between Libraries Unlimited and Devon Public Health Nursing. Duplo Builders & Storytime Wednesdays 09:30–10:15 Suitable for ages 0-5 years. Free. No booking necessary. Lego Builders - Saturdays 10:30–11:30 Suitable for ages 5+. Free. No booking necessary.

The Secret Book Quest A completely FREE year-round reading challenge for 5-12 year olds across Devon. To take part, children need to sign up, read 50 books, collect stickers and solve the code. Children under 8 must be accompanied to all events by a responsible adult Please see the library’s website or Facebook page for any additional events and library services www.devonlibraries. org.uk

Events around Okehampton May May 21 Come, Buy and Chat (including plant sale) at Sampford Courtenay Village Hall from 10.30am to 11.30am.

June June 5 Jubilee Platinum Picnic from midday at Sampford Courtenay Village Hall (bring your own picnic). Fancy dress and hat competitions, races, ice cream. For more details go to www.sampfordcourtenaypc.gov.uk

Introducing our newest artist: Elaine Ford

Energy & Movement Exhibition Meet the artist and ﬁrst view

Sat April 7th 11am-4pm

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

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WHAT’S ON

June 24

supportive social space .. sounds interesting?

7pm, Grand Summer Ball Black tie event, at Sampford Courtenay Village Hall. Drinks reception, dinner and live band. Licensed bar. Tickets £45. Contact Marilyn Weeks 01837 851269 rmweeks007@gmail.com

These are taking place on one Saturday a month. Spaces will be limited to four families per workshop. Do email hello@harvestworkerscoop. org.uk or pop into the shop at Okehampton for more information.

July July 3 Sampford Courtenay Open Gardens, 11am to 5pm Refreshments available Proceeds to be shared between St Andrew’s Church and the Village Hall Roof-us fund Visit sampfordcourtenay-pc.gov.uk for more information.

Regulars Every Sunday morning. Okehampton Rambling Club. Meet at Okehampton Post Office ready to leave by 9.30am. Varied walks of between 7 to 9 miles, moorland, coastal, countryside. Call Chris on 01409 221362 for more information. The Okehampton and District Local History Society plan to start its programme of Talks commencing in May on the second Wednesday of the month in the Ockment Centre, Okehampton, at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.

Free (normal admission applies). No booking required.

Guided tours of Finch Foundry Wednesdays to Sundays, 11am, noon, 1pm and 2pm Join a knowledgeable guide for a tour of Finch Foundry to experience the sights, sounds and smells of what was one of the South West’s most successful tool factories. Inspect the waterwheels that powered massive hammers, giant shears and a huge sharpening stone. Get an insight into the life of workers in the 19th century and learn about the enterprising Finch family. Tours last for approximately one hour. Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking essential via the website.

Family Cooking Workshops Thanks to All Together Okehampton,

River Teign Restoration Project exhibition

Three car boot sales are on the calendar at Belstone Cricket ground this year, on Saturday, May 28, Saturday, July 9 and Saturday, September 3. Sellers can arrive from 9am, £5 for cars and £6 for vans. Buyers arriving after the official opening time of 10am pay £1 per car; if arriving before 10am the entry fee is £2 per car. Refreshments, including a fine selection of home-made cakes, will be available in the pavilion. No need to book as there is plenty of room on the field but please phone 01837 840498 if you’d like further details.

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

Beekeeping help Part time position, one day a week.

Daily, 11am-4.30pm In the gorge below Castle Drogo flows the River Teign. The river and its inhabitants are under threat so a project is underway to try and help. The exhibition in the gun room of Castle Drogo tells the story of the river and project to try and save it.

Car boot sales at Belstone

Harvest Workers’ Coop has started a series of Family Cooking Workshops. Using seasonal food, exploring interesting recipes, preparing and sharing food in a welcoming and

Would suit a hard working person with an interest in the environment. Must have had at least one seasons practical beekeeping. Own transport required. Contact Peter Hunt on 01647 440322 for more information.

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FOOD & DRINK

How to pair your wine with chocolate! It’s shocking how easy it is to take two such delicious things and end up going ‘Yuck!’ - so here’s a guide to which wines to enjoy with your chocolate, be it pudding, brownie or left over Easter egg! Texture is important. Most chocolate is silky smooth, so soft, velvety wines are your friends! Also, there’s a ‘rule’ that wines should be sweeter than desserts, and so it is (mostly!) with chocolate. Ripe, full and fruity wine often gets described as sweet even when it’s not - we just perceive it that way. Real or perceived, sweetness offsets natural bitterness in chocolate.

sweeter. Fizz lovers will enjoy sparkling Moscato d’Asti. These work because sweet wines are balanced with acidity, which keeps your mouth fresh, cleaning away the sticky chocolate (as do bubbles).

Chocolate and wine need to be equal in terms of intensity. If you were doing a tasting with just chocolates and wines, you would start with light (white) chocolate, before milk chocolate and finally dark, bitter, high-cocoa-content stuff.

Milk chocolate is creamier, with more mellow flavours. Proportionately, chocolate and cream are roughly 50/50, so a medium bodied wine with some ripe fruit character will balance this out. Ruby port is a favourite, but some Pinot Noir and lighter Merlot can be great. The adventurous amongst you might try a Gewurztraminer from Alsace or Chile!

White chocolate is usually not ‘real’ chocolate as it doesn’t normally contain cocoa. Matches here are wines that are light in body and sweet - sweet Riesling for example. Slightly sweet Rose d’Anjou will work, as would White Zinfandel (it’s pink!) and notably

Dark chocolate merits flavoursome, fullbodied wine - big Zinfandels (Primitivo in Italian), fruity Cabernet Sauvignon and the weightier Merlots. Choose wines with plenty of fruit though - very tannic wine will emphasise the bitterness in the cocoa and feel ‘hard’ in the mouth.

Intensely sweet ‘PX’ (Pedro Ximinez), and Rutherglen Muscat - from Spain and Australia respectively - are some of the sweetest wines in the world, and bring nuttiness, rich fruit, caramel and coffee notes that complement the chocolate’s dark notes and offset the bitterness beautifully. These are wines for sipping! Two last thoughts. If you’re a real fan of white chocolate, try it with a good Pinot Noir. It’s such an unexpected match it’ll make you look confused for a moment - but it’s worth it! The fat in the ‘chocolate’ does what the fat in rich meats does, releasing the wine’s intense fruitiness. Finally no, I can’t really help you with After Eights - you’re on your own! Happy Easter from all of us at SW Bottleshop! Dave Anning

History Tour & Garden Tour Saturday 4th June Take a step back into the Jacobean and Victorian era and explore the fascinating history of the Manor with proprietor Sue Murray including an informative tour of the gardens and grounds with our gardener Martin Ashley . 10.30am: Arrival, 1pm: 2 Course Lunch £35.00 per person

A Family Run Hideaway in Devon 56

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

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

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FOOD & DRINK

Welcome to The New Inn in Sampford Courtenay The New Inn is situated on the edge of Dartmoor, in the picturesque village of Sampford Courtenay near Okehampton. Chef, Richard Timmins, uses only the freshest ingredients from local suppliers and farms, lovingly created into mouthwatering dishes and served alongside the finest real ales from the South West and selected wines from around the world. Since Debbie and Jason Manton arrived at The New Inn in June 2021, they have given this beautiful, thatched pub a new

Blade of Beef Recipe Makes 6 portions

Ingredients I feather blade of beef 560mls of good quality beef stock 560mls of red wine 4 onions Serve with buttered mash & tender stem broccoli

Method Place in a deep baking tray with a pint of good beef stock and a pint of red wine. Add 4 sliced onions, cover and cook on

lease of life, offering freshly prepared simple food cooked to perfection, real ales and fine wines. Being in the hospitality industry, working in hotels and pubs for over 30 years each, Debbie and Jason know how to show their visitors a good time! From quiz nights in aid of local charities to live music and themed menu evenings, the pub is always busy with new and returning customers. Being a dog friendly pub, The New Inn welcomes you and your dog(s) to visit in

the bar or in the beer garden. Cosy up next to one of the log fires and have a quiet drink or head out into the sunshine and enjoy your food alfresco!

120 degrees for 6 hours. Remove the beef blade from the oven and cool slightly. Remove all the liquid and onions and liquidise then pass this mixture through a sieve. Place the liquid in a saucepan and bring it to the boil to reduce down and enhance the flavour, add a small amount of cornflour to thicken the sauce. Take the cooled beef blade and wrap in clingfilm to create a large sausage shape and then chill this in the fridge for 24 hours. After chilling, cut the beef blade into portions removing the clingfilm.

Heat the beef blade portions in the reduced sauce and serve with tender stem broccoli or your favourite vegetables and buttery mash. Top with parsnip crisps as a garnish. This meal is currently on the menu created by Head Chef, Richard Timmins. Your local butcher can supply you with a feather blade of beef.

The New Inn SAMPFORD COURTENAY

Log Fire ~ Beer Garden ~ Dog Friendly

01837 82247 www.newinnsampfordcourtenay.co.uk

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HISTORY

Memories of Chagford in the early twentieth century Chagford is fortunate to have long boasted a thriving Local History Society working hard to preserve knowledge of its past for future generations. For almost forty years, as part of that work, the Society has collected memories from local residents, many of whom lived in the town all their lives. Most of the interviews focus on capturing the routines of daily life in the first half of the twentieth century; on the rhythms of farming, mining, school and family life before the transformations wrought by the private motorcar and television. It is impossible to do justice to the richness of this material in a short piece, but I hope these snippets will give you a flavour of what is there. For instance, two well-known locals, Dol Rice and Nesta Weeks, recall picking wortleberries on the moor as children around the First World War. Dol Rice comments that she could earn 1s 6d [7½p] a pound by selling the wortleberries to a woman at Sandy Park who would send them up to London. Farm worker Gideon Webber, offers vivid memories of pre1914 elections on Dartmoor, including tearing down Tory election posters on market day and painting a local farmer’s sheep in Liberal Party colours. Perhaps most remarkably, Margaret Cousins tells a story about how the mistress at Holy Street Manor used to let her and the other female servants back in after late-night dances in Chagford:

‘and she’d let us in (laughs). Yeah. She used to have a piece of rope tied around her toe, when she went to bed, and it’d hang out the window. You know. And she came down – and I expect she only … wanted to see if we’d got any young men hanging around. We left them at the gate (laughs).’ There can’t have been many servants who had such obliging employers in 1930s Britain even if the mistress’s main aim was to make sure no men came back to the Manor. It doesn’t happen in Downton. It is striking that many born-and-bred Chagfordians tell stories about what originally brought their ancestors to the district. Speaking in 1996, Les Rice, the champion folk dancer, explains that his great-grandfather had been a champion dancer in Wales before moving to South Zeal in the nineteenth century and helped establish the local tradition of step dancing. Similarly, Edna Rowe explains that her grandfather was from a Liverpool sea-faring family and only came to work as an engineer in Chagford because his father had died at sea and his step-mother didn’t want him returning to Merseyside after college. Finally, Maurice Courtier comments that people often claimed his unusual French surname must be because a paternal ancestor had been a prisoner of war at Princetown during the Napoleonic Wars.

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HISTORY

The interviews also include a number of stories that testify to the strong pull of Chagford for people with historic connections to the place. Eric Webber recalls that his grandfather went to London to learn saddlery as a young man, but came back in 1898 when the chance arose to buy a local business on the market square (and so Webber’s store was born). Dick Rowe’s family story was even more dramatic. Although his ancestors had farmed for generations at Easton, and were related to the Rowes of Buda (but not, he stressed, the Frenchbeare Rowes), his father George had been born at Axminster, in East Devon (where he trained as a baker), and later moved to Frimley in Surrey. Like grandfather Webber, what brought George back to Chagford in 1907 was the chance to buy a local business - the bakers on the corner of the square. Dick himself trained as a fine confectioner in Surrey, where many of his relatives still lived, and took over running the shop after the war in 1946. Readers may well have similar stories of being pulled back to North Dartmoor by historic connections. When asked about how Chagford had changed, many interviewees comment that in the past they had been able to buy anything they needed in Chagford, but no longer. Nesta Weeks recalls that Chagford had once boasted four different tailors, whereas now there was none. Similarly, Margaret Cousins declares ‘I can’t understand about the shops disappearing’, before adding: ‘they’ve all got cars these days,

and supermarkets, and I can’t blame them either. But, um, in those days you couldn’t go so you had to have what was here.’ Older residents were particularly conscious of how the car had changed things for the worse. Speaking in 1997, ninety year-old Edith Smerdon, who had grown up at Middlecott and farmed in the area all her life, recalled how Chagford square had changed:

‘Yes, it was very quiet – different. I think when I go up to Chagford now it’s terrible really, in my opinion, with all this traffic, when you could walk, only a few years ago, you could walk about fairly carefree…, you know, comfortable up there, couldn’t you? As children you could play in the streets you see, and everything.’ With the issue of traffic control now often seen as something dividing incomers from locals, it is salutary to recall that not long ago the issue played out very differently; cars (and their owners) were the unwanted incomers.

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

Jon Lawrence Chair, Chagford Local History Society

WALK

Throwleigh, Gidleigh and Providence This walk has been kindly written and walked for Oke Links by Lisa Harris

This walk follows a circuit from Throwleigh through quiet lanes and ancient trackways, with beautiful views and plenty of history. It also connects three churches which form part of the Archangel’s Way, a new pilgrimage route around the north of the moor from Brentor to Chagford. Throwleigh church is well worth a visit. Dating from the 13th Century, its many features of interest include an amazing priests’ door, and both a “green man” and “three hares” roof bosses. The churchyard is a colourful mass of daffodils in spring. Our walk leaves the churchyard by the southern exit – heading up the hill away from the village and towards Shilstone Tor. After about a quarter of a mile the road levels out and you should look for a narrow footpath on your left between fields. It then takes you over several

stiles (which may be a bit awkward for large dogs!) and through pleasant open fields. The path then passes through a small farmyard onto a very narrow lane at the hamlet of Aysh where you should turn left. After about half a mile of walking downhill close to the delightful Forder Brook, you reach the hamlet of Forder, where you turn right towards Gidleigh. Very soon the road forks and you should take the lane to the left, signposted to Chapple and Gidleigh. There is very little traffic and lovely views across to Meldon and beyond. Stay on this lane, ignoring turnings to the right and then to the left, until you reach the outskirts of Gidleigh village. Turn left here towards the church, following the signpost to “Village Hall and Church”. For an optional extra section, which is lovely but often quite muddy, take the right turn at Chapple along a lane

signposted to Moortown instead of heading directly towards Gidleigh. This detour will add about 30 minutes to your walk overall. After about half a mile you come to a footpath on your left, signed “Mariners Way, Gidleigh”. Follow it down the short farm track then go through a gate into a charming ancient wood. Just before the clapper bridge over the stream, leave the path and climb over a stone wall to your left. Follow the field edge for 80 metres to visit the ruined chapel of La Wallen, desecrated in 1332 after a murder was committed there. Retrace your steps to rejoin the footpath, which takes you in a straight – if rather muddy - line through fields and stepping stones to rejoin the main route at Gidleigh. The small village of Gidleigh boosts the unusual distinction of a ruined 13th century castle (or more accurately a small fortified manor house). It’s on private land, but can be seen through an

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WALK

Throwleigh Church

Wonson Arms

Aysh

La Wallen

Providence Chapel

Coombe

Gidleigh Chur

ion to La Walle

Optional divers

iron gate from the road at the far side of a lovely garden. The church is of similar vintage and is one of only a handful in the country that has a watercourse flowing through it. Just past the church take a track to the left which heads steeply downhill past Gidleigh Mill, reaching a lane near the hamlet of Coombe. Turn left up the lane and after 150 metres take a footpath to the right which follows another ancient trackway uphill to Providence. On reaching the road turn left and you will find the third church on our route – a small Methodist chapel built in 1839.

The final stage of the walk takes you along the lane back towards Throwleigh. Ignore a turning to the right (unless you are aiming for refreshment at the nearby Wonson Arms) and then follow a trackway to the right in between houses, just after the road bears left. This is Deave Lane, an ancient byway formally used as a “way of the dead” between churches and burial grounds. It runs for about a mile in a straight line between fields. At the end of the lane you will emerge close to your starting point in Throwleigh. Lisa Harris

Okeford VETERINARY CENTRE

Distance: Approximately 5.5 miles Difficulty: A few ups and downs, and there are also flat sections of easy walking with magnificent views Time: 2 hours Start point: By the church in the centre of Throwleigh village. OS grid reference: 667908

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Christopher Voaden 01363 877807

TRADE SECRETS

How did Jo Downs start out in the industry?

Straight from graduating with a degree in Glass and Ceramic Design from Sunderland University, Jo started her career designing large scale installations for corporate clients like hotels and cruise liners. Within a couple of years she had set up her own studio in London and then Stuttgart, Germany, and has since establishing herself as one of the world’s leading fused glass artists.

Where is she based?

In 2001 Jo moved to Tintagel in Cornwall. She set up a new studio in the market town of Launceston, and in 2005 she opened the very first Jo Downs Handmade Glass gallery in Padstow. Now she has a string of galleries across the county, having added St Ives, Fowey, Tintagel, and a studio gallery at her workshop in Launceston, where fans of Jo’s work can see her latest and

most progressive designs. She has also opened her first gallery in the South East, near Ascot, where clients can shop or take part in glass fusing workshops.

What is her inspiration?

Since moving to Cornwall, Jo’s work has been inspired by the endless beauty of the landscape. You’ll find the colours, shapes and textures of the sea, beach and rolling moorland in works from tiny jewellery dishes to full scale wall panels, and of course in large scale installations like her famous Shoaling Fish collections.

Is there a team or is it a oneperson band?

Jo has always believed in investing in creative talent, and as Lead Designer she works with a highly trained team of fused glass artists at her Launceston studio. The most skilled amongst them even have their own Artisan range of Jo Downs glass, where they can show off

their own ideas.

What type of projects does Jo undertake?

Jo designs new collections each year for her galleries, but much of her time is spent working on private commissions, which are her real passion. She has created glass chandeliers, swimming pool floors, giant glass oyster shells and stunning bespoke wall installations. Anyone who knows Jo knows that she loves a creative challenge!

How would you sum up your company?

A place to find objects of real beauty and originality! You won’t find work like Jo’s anywhere else in the world.

visit our galleries in launceston, padstow, fowey, tintagel, st ives & online at jodowns.com *Please present this advert to receive 15% Discount on any purchase over £30 in our Cornwall galleries or online with code OL30. Excludes commissions. Not in conjunction with any other offers. Valid until 30th June 2022.

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