Oke Links magazine September/October issue 2021 by Links Magazines

OKE LINKS Sep/Oct 2021 | Issue 27

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF RAIL

The Police Cadets NEED YOU! FILM FESTIVAL FUN AT CHAGFORD

Devon’s churches Community gems in need of help

Meet the locals

COM

ITY

BUS I NESS

A fireman from North Tawton A Major from Okehampton

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HISTORY

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An autumn to remember What an exciting place the Okehampton area is going to be this September and October! We have the landmark 150th anniversary of the railway coming to the town, just as a new regular rail service returns between Okehampton and Exeter - truly causes for celebration, which you can read all about in our feature on page 6. We have not one but three festivals to look forward to - Chagford Food Festival, the town’s film festival and also the new Whiddon Autumn Festival, an exciting event which is looking to build year on year. The deadline date for any inclusions in the November/ December issue of Oke Links will be October 1st, 2021. For all editorial enquiries please contact new editor Lindsay Turpin: lindsay.turpin @linksmagazines.co.uk

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

Tim: 07450 161 929 Jane: 07772 619 808

And then there’s Okehampton Carnival and the big Everything Okehampton Gala Weekend, raising money for the town’s Christmas lights and the Farming Community Network, while also providing a showcase for rural crafts and community support groups - for a full round-up of the event head to pages 46 and 47. Our local people this issue truly know the value of service, though in quite different ways. Charlie Lane of Okehampton served in the British Army for 25 years, seeing active service throughout the world. Twiggy Lake from North Tawton devoted an incredible 37 years to the town’s retained fire brigade. He’s attended tragic and inspirational incidents during that time, while still finding time to produce pantos, play rugby and run his own business. Producing this issue of Oke Links has been an odd one for me - I’ve taken the decision to retire, so it’s been my last edition! I’ve loved editing the magazine and its sister publication, Plym Links - I’ve met wonderful people, heard inspiring stories and learned about some fantastic organisations. Links magazines are all about reflecting community spirit - something the Okehampton area has in abundance – it’s been a privilege to work on them, and with the fabulous Links team. I am also hugely grateful to the regular contributors that have been so wonderful since we started the magazine in December 2016. Thank you, all of you. I leave Oke Links and Plym Links in the more than capable hands of Lindsay Turpin, our new editor. I’ve know Lindsay since she was a teenager – an experienced journalist, she’s a true ‘people person’ I couldn’t think of anyone better to hand my babies to! I know she will love the magazines as much as I have and I believe she’s the ideal person to take them on and see them thrive and grow.

Contact Lindsay Turpin, Editor on 07738 231933 lindsay.turpin @linksmagazines.co.uk

Jane

Front cover image: Simon Blackbourn, Chagford Film Festival

Jane Honey, Editor

Contents 54 History 56 Walk 59 Business Directory 62 Trade Secrets

6 49

14 55

August/September 2021 | Issue 11

LOC

YEARS

THE

LISHI

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

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34 Gardening 38 Finance 39 Sport 41 Farming 43 What’s On 49 Music and Art 52 Food and Drink

HATCHLING An amazing creation comes to life

6 Feature 10 Local People 14 Noticeboard 24 Charity Focus 26 Education 27 Health 31 Education 32 Business

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An educator from Shaugh Prior A Sparkwell stalwart

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

FEATURE

Celebrating 150 years of rail It’s a red-letter weekend for Okehampton Station in Victorian era

This year sees the long-awaited full re-opening of Okehampton Station and the re-introduction of regular, daily all year round services to and from Exeter for the first time since 1972. Services are due to begin by the end of 2021 and there will huge celebrations when they do.

The group is being assisted by Richard Burningham, manager of the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, a partnership between local authorities, the rail industry and the University of Plymouth, where it is based, which has long worked to promote the use of the two counties’ branch lines and to link the community and the railway.

Before that though, there will be more railway celebrations in Okehampton, as 2021 is the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the railway in the town.

Richard is a veteran of such celebrations with just two being the 150th anniversary of the railway arriving in Barnstaple in 2004 and 150 years of trains to Falmouth in 2013.

The first public trains arrived on what was then the single line from Okehampton Road station (today’s Sampford Courtenay) on October 3rd, 1871.

Okehampton was late to the railway. Barnstaple’s rail link had opened 17 years earlier and the railway had reached Exeter from the east in 1844, 27 years earlier. Local people enthusiastically celebrated the arrival of the railway but, interestingly, this all happened on August 29th and 30th, some five weeks before regular services began.

October 3rd, 2021 is a Sunday and an extensive programme of celebrations is being organised for that day, and the Saturday, by a small working party of local people under the chairmanship of Cllr Dr Michael Ireland, Chair of OkeRail and long-time campaigner for the re-opening, with the plans being co-ordinated by Cllr Paul Vachon. Cllr Dr Michael Ireland said: ‘Working with the Okehampton 150 team has shown me what can be achieved when we all work together to celebrate this important anniversary of the opening of the railway to the town. 2021 will be a transformative year for Okehampton and its rural hinterland with the reinstatement of seven day a week rail service to connect with the national network.’

‘The Okehampton Line’ by John Nicholas and George Reeve describes what happened. A special train arrived at Okehampton station at 3pm on August 29th, to be met by the Mayor of Okehampton, a large crowd and three bands. There was then an official civic reception in a marquee in a field in the town. This was attended by mayors from towns as distant as Exeter, Plymouth and Launceston and by the directors of the Devon & Cornwall Railway and the South Western Railway.

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FEATURE

Celebration in Okehampton on the opening of the railway, 30th August 1871

The next day, Fore Street in Okehampton was closed for a huge public dinner for 600 people. There were celebratory banners across the street and many businesses decorated to mark the occasion. Unfortunately the Board of Trade Inspector hadn’t yet been able to visit the line and this had to happen, with any safety measures he identified undertaken, before regular public services could begin. He, a Colonel Yolland, visited on September 28th, identified some things that needed to be done but recommended the line’s opening be approved, subject to the actions being taken within a month. So it was that the public service of six trains a day each way began the following week on October 3rd. There is no record of anything done to mark this occasion. It appears the trains just started. Initially trains only ran between Okehampton and Yeoford Junction, where people would change to a train from North Devon to continue on to Exeter. All this quickly changed. The railway extended to Lydford in 1874 and, using the GWR Launceston to Plymouth line, reached Plymouth two years later. In 1879, the single line was doubled and in 1890, just 19 years after the railway reached Okehampton, the independent route from Lydford to Plymouth via Tavistock and the Tamar Valley opened.

This route still exists between Bere Alston and Plymouth and many local people hope that the Okehampton re-opening will quickly be followed by a commitment to rebuild the five and a half miles from Tavistock to Bere Alston, and for Tavistock – Plymouth trains to be reintroduced. Returning to the 150th celebrations, local schoolchildren will be involved, thanks to the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust which runs schools in the town and wider hinterland. Children will write poems and design artwork, including special bunting. Melissa Trudgill, community engagement manager for Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, said: ‘It is a real pleasure to work on town events with community groups and local councils, which create lasting links and partnerships between our schools and their community. We are really looking forward to this celebration weekend.’ There will be celebratory banners, including a ‘Triumphal Arch’ placed across Fore Street and a number of shops and businesses have agreed to display artwork in their windows. In the run up to the 150th weekend, there will be a display of historical railway photographs in the Charter Hall. On Saturday, October 2nd, the Charter Hall will host a Victorian tea party to which all are invited. Victorian dress will be encouraged. The plan is that this will look back to 1871 and indeed

T9 loco 30313 at Okehampton loco shed c.1955 Photograph by Terry Gough

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FEATURE

Okehampton station staff c.1930’s

beyond that,to the Parliamentary debate which led to approving the building of the line in 1862. The tea party will start at 10am and run until 1pm. The following day, Sunday, October 3rd, there are plans to broadly re-enact the station event of August 29th,1871, but with the vital difference that there won’t be a train. It will still be a first class celebration of an important event in

Last train from Okehampton 3rd June 1972

Okehampton’s past and look ahead to the contribution the railway will again make soon to the town and district’s future. Details of the 150th Anniversary celebrations are available at www.dartmoorline.com, the official project website for the reopening. This is packed with information, photos and videos about the work being undertaken to reopen Okehampton’s railway and is very regularly updated.

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Twiggy lane Painter, decorator and former firefighter Twiggy was born and raised in North Tawton - as a youngster he was an enthusiastic member of the scouting movement, and played side drum in the town’s band for many years, until the band folded. He left school at just 14 and was accepted as an apprentice with Whites of Crediton, where he learned all aspects of the painting and decorating trade. ‘I reckoned it would be alright because I’d be working indoors in the winter and outdoors in the summer,’ said Twiggy, who spent the next 15 years with the company, before becoming self employed in 1974. He remembered clearly the first time he considered joining the town’s retained

fire brigade, after watching the crew on drill night when he’d been playing football nearby. He signed up at just 17 and on the day of his 18th birthday spent eleven hours fighting a fire at Down St Mary Rectory. Within a few years he became a leading fireman and ultimately took charge of the station until his retirement in 2010, having served an incredible 37 years. He’s been involved in dozens of major incidents given its position geographically within the county and its proximity to the A30, North Tawton crews could be drafted to assist over a large area. He’s attended many sad call-outs where lives have been lost - and very special ones when new life has come into the world. ‘We had this call out to a lady having twins,’ said Twiggy. ‘The ambulance

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was stuck in heavy snow at Whiddon Down, the police were run off their feet and the RAF said it was unsafe for the helicopter to land. We got there and she’d had two contractions - ambulance control said we had to take her to Okehampton. ‘We stripped all the kit out of the engine and surrounded her with blankets. We set off through the town, you could hardly see the clock tower for the blizzard. Going along the road the trees were so bent over with snow it was like going through a tunnel, but I worked out if we could get to Appledore Hill we stood a chance. When we got to the top of Okehampton I radioed the hospital and said we were six minutes away she was beginning to pant! ‘Half way down the hill we had to stop, these kids had built a gigantic snowball in the middle of the road! We managed to push it away with the engine, and when we got to the hospital we only just stopped when the ladder hit the hospital entrance canopy - she had the first baby five minutes later! It was a terrific team effort and the station got a commendation for it - the twins must be teenagers now!’ Twiggy recalled the ferocity of the floods that hit North Tawton repeatedly before a prevention scheme was built,

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LOCAL PEOPLE

when he and his crews desperately tried to help families whose homes were ruined by the torrents. ‘I remember putting my hand on the bridge - it was pitch dark at the time - the whole bridge was shaking and moving because of all the debris coming down and the water was up to the top of the parapets.’ The camaraderie at the fire station and the sense of community felt by the crews is still the same, even if firefighting has changed hugely.

‘It’s still dangerous for a fire fighter when everyone else is running out of a building, you have to run in, it’s as simple as that. The equipment is much better now but fire’s hot and it will burn you.’ When not working, devoting hours to the fire service or playing for North Tawton Rugby Club, Twiggy ran his own mobile disco with his mate Paddy, taking Twiggy’s Roadshow to weddings and events, even getting an offer of a summer season at Minehead. ‘We did it right up until punk came along - when people started spitting at you from the floor, that was that!’ said Twiggy, whose other great love is producing shows for the local drama group ANTS.

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He now has some 30 pantos under his belt - the last one was Goodbye Mr Tom and Cinderella is ‘ready to roll’ as soon as Covid allows. Family man Twiggy has two children and grandchildren and at 66 he’s still working - he reckons he’s probably painted most of the houses in North Tawton’s high street now! So where did the name come about? ‘My foreman at White’s used to say I looked like a stick I was so thin. He started off calling me branch, then a mate at Crediton fire station started calling me Twiggy - and it stuck!’ Jane Honey

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Charlie Lane Military man and baritone singer If Charlie Lane was a stick of rock, you’d probably find the word ‘Army’ running from his head to his toes! Charlie was born to a military family in Aldershot - his dad was the Army’s senior director of music in London - and he attended the Duke of York’s Royal Military School in Dover. Although not all its students ended up in the forces, Charlie loved military life from a young age and there was never any real question over the direction his working life would take. ‘When I was 15 or 16 I used to love the Combined Cadet Force. If joining the army led to me deepening my education through an engineering degree, plus experiencing the adventure training and the travel, and wearing the uniform, it was bound to happen. I was probably more of a conformist in those days than I would have cared to admit, probably a round peg in a round hole!’ said Charlie, who passed out from Sandhurst in 1973 as a Second Lieutenant and was posted to Germany at the height of the Cold War, when some 125,000 military personnel were stationed in the country. ‘We were really doing a job back then,’ Charlie said, remembering the days of constant high alerts on the eastern border in one of only three nuclear capable artillery regiments. In a long and successful career, Charlie has taken up postings all over the world including Canada, Hong Kong, Northern Ireland during the troubles and the South Atlantic during the Falklands Campaign. He’s been involved in jungle warfare in Belize, served in the Middle East and finally retired from the army in 1998 ranked as Major. He described a ‘standout moment’ from his military career, working covertly in a border operation in Londonderry. ‘It was highly dangerous - if we had been compromised, that would have been the end, but when you know the procedures, the training is so good, you don’t worry,’ said Charlie, who later worked extensively in defence procurement and in systems engineering based consultancy projects after leaving the army. 12

‘Then something magical happened in 2007,’ he said. ‘I decided to get off the treadmill, travel the world for a year and returned to form my own company, providing management consultancy, linked closely to Exeter University and the Met Office.’ Charlie and his partner, Sarah, came to live in Okehampton in 2013, when he quickly offered his services as a volunteer business mentor through the Business Information Point. Sport has always played a major part of his life through the Army, when he enjoyed rugby, hockey and diving. Though he’s retired now, he’s still very involved with hockey through the Okehampton-based Gatfers club, which comprises over-60s players from throughout Devon and Cornwall still keen to pick up their sticks in competitive games - and enjoying the all important pint afterwards! Then there’s regular swimming at Parklands, golf at Okehampton Golf Club and walking, as he and Sarah are both members of the Long Distance Walkers Association. Walking is particularly important when it comes to the couple’s charity work with the Guide Dogs for the Blind. Although they don’t have a dog of their own, since 2010 they have exercised guide dogs for blind owners who are unable to give them the off-lead runs they need. They also provide foster care for these wonderful working dogs. While Charlie’s Dad was an accomplished musician, the musical genes haven’t passed his son by. Thanks to persuasion from Belstone vicar and a strict order from his Mum, he has helped re-establish Belstone Choir and regularly performs with the group.

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LOCAL PEOPLE

‘It was a lovely thing to be able to do and they can now sing Bach chorales, whereas before they were limited to singing in unison,’ said Charlie, who has also been a baritone member of the Exeter Festival Chorus for some six years.

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and the committee to develop concerts and collaborations - it’s a brilliant thing to be part of,’ he said. And since the Covid pandemic hit the country last year, Charlie has had time to pursue another ambition - to complete a third degree, this time in music, through the Open University. ‘You’re never too old to learn something new - I’m hoping to develop the other side of my brain! It’s fantastic doing this Open University stuff. I’ve always been keen on learning and the course is so well constructed. It will probably take me about five years but it’s a great motivation.’ Jane Honey

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NOTICEBOARD

A warm welcome from the cadets Okehampton Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) are welcoming young persons to join the unit. The Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) scheme is run by a team of volunteer leaders and provides an opportunity to volunteer within the community while having fun and being able to develop skills and qualities that can be carried through life. Cadet sessions take place between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on a Thursday evening at Okehampton Police Station during term times, with the occasional weekend activities where possible. We are also in need of support from adult volunteers with an interest in supporting young persons in our community! A Unit Leader helps support our cadet unit with sessions and activities, both at the station and out and in the community, and it is a great chance to share your experience and qualities with the younger local community and give you an insight into the police environment.

All leaders undergo police vetting and a DBS check along with safeguarding training to effectively help support the unit. For any enquiries, please find us on social media or send an email to Oke.VPC@dc.police.uk. Okehampton Volunteer Police Cadets

Tenth anniversary for town’s Fairtrade status Okehampton first achieved Fairtrade Town Status in December 2010. Status usually has to be renewed every two years, but our last renewal was delayed until June this year because of Covid. Having renewed the status once again and with restrictions lifting, we now feel we can really celebrate ten years of Fairtrade Town Status. With a Town Council grant, the Fairtrade Group has been able to produce a leaflet to distribute, which sets out the benefits Fairtrade can bring to farmers in the developing world who provide us with crops we cannot grow in the UK. The leaflets also list shops and cafes that serve and sell Fairtrade produce. The leaflets were handed out at our stall at the Okehampton Show. The Group is also planning a celebratory cream tea early in September.

September 18th sees the start of The Big Green Week, which aims to highlight Green Issues ahead of the COP 26 Climate talks in November. The Fairtrade Group, which is already supporting farmers in strategies responding to changing climatic conditions, will be joining with other groups in Okehampton to showcase ways we can all become more eco friendly. The Fairtrade Steering Group, which organises events and liaises with other groups, would welcome new members with new ideas of ways to put our ethical message across. Anyone interested please leave your details at Okehampton Library. Okehampton Fairtrade Group

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Defibrillator training Okehampton now has eleven public access defibrillators available 24 hours a day. Although anyone can use a defibrillator safely, it is only with knowledge and confidence that we can really effectively deal with a life threatening emergency. Oke PADS offers two hour, hands-on training sessions which include how to deal with an unresponsive casualty, the importance of good quality CPR and of course, how to use defibrillators as

quickly as possible. You never know when you might be faced with a medical emergency and this free training will give you the confidence to help. The sessions are open to anyone over the age of 12. There will be a session on Friday, September 24th between 6pm and

8pm at Okehampton Rugby Club; the following session will also be at the club, on Tuesday, November 23rd between 6pm and 8pm. Booking essential via okepads@gmail.com

Can you spare a few hours? Many of you will have seen our local guide dog partnerships, Winnie, Ford and Winston in and around the shops of Okehampton and Simmons Park. Perhaps you have wondered what it takes to breed, train and maintain a Guide Dog? Maybe you’ve even asked if you might be able to help in some volunteering capacity? Well, now you can! Would you like to join an amazing charity helping people with visual impairment to live the lives they choose? Your local fundraising group needs you! Guide Dogs are looking for fundraisers to join us at events and activities to raise much needed funds for Guide Dogs.

If you can spare a few hours per month to join our local group and work with inspiring volunteers and guide dog owners and their beautiful dogs we would love to meet you. We will be ‘setting out our stall’ at the Okehampton Market over the next couple of months, where you can meet the guide dog partnerships, purchase merchandise, donate and have an informal chat with Sarah White, the new group co-ordinator. She will explain the nature of volunteering activities and its rewards. The local group will be launching on October 6th, the 90th anniversary of the Guide Dogs, as a part of a nationwide

appeal where you can become part of the ‘Donating an Hour Scheme’. If you are interested in becoming a fundraiser, please contact Pam Gratton, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager, at pam.gratton@guidedogs. org.uk or call 0800 781 1444. Okehampton and District Guide Dogs Fundraising Group

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NOTICEBOARD

Promoting diversity Sustainability and climate change are global issues high on the agenda of every government body at international and local level, but how can we make a difference in a small Dartmoor village?

gardens tour of four very different gardens in Belstone.

This conundrum resulted in Greener Belstone – a village initiative focussing on how we, as a small rural community, can come up with ideas that can help protect and increase local biodiversity. Our first village event took place on a scorching Sunday afternoon, July 18th, when 20 people joined an environmental

The walk focused on themes of home composting, encouraging wildlife in the garden, hedge laying, grass management, water harvesting and permaculture. Some excellent tips on these topics can be found at Greener Belstone | Belstone (belstonevillage.net). The overall message from this inspiring afternoon was the importance of encouraging diversity in our gardens

– ponds, hedgerows, trees, and a definite relaxation on garden tidiness all help create places of joy for wildlife and garden owners. Greener Belstone is planning other events and offering more opportunities for people to share knowledge on green issues. However small our community may be, we believe we can make a difference. For more information about Greener Belstone, or if you are running a similar community group, please contact us at greenerbelstone@gmail.com.

Roof-us lends a hand Roof-us, the Sampford Courtenay Village Hall mascot, was on hand recently, to help builders from Mark Hedges Construction with the first phase of work to save the village hall. Over £36,000 has now been raised for the roof appeal enabling work to start on replacing the Victorian windows which were in a very dangerous state. This impressive sum has been raised through the hard work of a dedicated group of volunteers, who have organised a wide range of fundraising events during Covid restrictions, as well as

the generous support of individual local sponsors and parishioners. The hall, formerly the village school, has been the centre of the community in Sampford Courtenay for many generations and there was real concern that without urgent attention it could be lost for the future. The appeal needs to raise a total of £150,000 for the complete works, which includes replacement of the roof and insulation. There is still a long way to go, but as well as completing applications to major charities and grant

organisations, the fundraising group has been organising a wide variety of activities and events during spring and summer. In September the hall will host ‘Roof-Aid’ to ‘Raise the roof for Roof-us’ - a live music and entertainment event which is a first for Sampford Courtenay. Further information about ‘Roof Aid’ is available at www.sampfordcourtenay-pc. gov.uk where you will also find details on other ways to support the appeal.

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Dartmoor mine reopens for business An exciting discovery has been made at a preserved mine site which puts human activity there back potentially by more than 1,000 years. Initial analysis of waste deposits at Kelly Mine, a Devon iron ore mine near Lustleigh, shows iron smelting was taking place there much earlier than the modern mining activity for which the site is known. Kelly Mine produced a rare variety of iron oxide, used for many industrial purposes, and was active from the 18th century through to 1951. While volunteers were renovating one of the old mine workings, a concentration of slag was unearthed; residue from bloomery smelting, an ancient process by which wrought iron was produced from iron ore. Dartmoor National Park’s archaeologist Dr Lee Bray said: ‘The finds are very exciting. The material looks unlike the typical waste from Medieval or Roman iron production, and it is possible we are looking at evidence for prehistoric smelting on the site. ‘It’s a valuable insight into a lesserknown part of Dartmoor’s history.’

Kelly Mine is one of Dartmoor’s best kept secrets and has great significance as an industrial heritage site. The first reference to workings date to around 1797 but the first official record of the mine is in 1877. The equipment and site remained untouched for years until 1984 when the landowner leased the site to a group of mining enthusiasts. Kelly Mine Preservation Society (KMPS) has been restoring this site for future generations; conserving it as a working memorial to a now-lost Dartmoor industry. They have refurbished the mine and restored the processing machinery to working order, among much more. It is now a perfect time capsule with a unique collection of mining equipment

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

including ore washing, stamping equipment, waterwheels and the mine tramway with its wagons and haulage winch. There is also a small museum and display of artefacts from other mines in the area. KMPS Secretary Nick Walter said: ‘The whole project would not have been possible without the support and blessing of the landowners at Kelly Farm, and countless hours of dedicated effort from society members. We are delighted the site can now be made available to visitors again and are also actively seeking volunteers to join us.’ Visit www.kellymine.co.uk for more details about volunteering, site accessibility and further booking details.

NOTICEBOARD

Don’t delay - grant funding available! West Devon Borough Council is inviting applications for the Okehampton s106 Community Facilities Grant. A total of £10,000 grant funding is available for local not-for-profit community groups to provide new or improved facilities to meet an increased need as a result of housing development. The deadline for applications is September 17th. To qualify, the community facility seeking funding must be based in Okehampton Parish. Community groups will also need to provide evidence that existing facilities cannot meet additional demands.

Examples of projects that could benefit include: •N ew or improved play and sports facilities • Creation of open spaces or allotments • New or improved community centres • C reation of workspace for community enterprises • Provision of public art West Devon Borough Council’s lead member for communities, Cllr Terry Pearce, said: ‘This funding is a fantastic opportunity for local groups to make a big difference in their community.

‘Whether you run a local sports club, have a big vision for public art, or have any other projects you need help to deliver, I encourage community groups and the town council to make an application.’ There is no maximum limit for applications but organisations seeking funding need to be aware that there will be competing projects also applying for financial support. Match funding will be looked upon very favourably as it will enable the s106 grant scheme to stretch further. For more information go to www. westdevon.gov.uk/community-grants

September 4

Community Networking

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While the internet and technology are becoming ubiquitous in our society, still an estimated 9 million people in the UK are unable to use the internet without help (Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index 2020). Wellmoor is currently training volunteers to become Digital Befrienders, extending their befriending service in the local community to offer one-to-one help with digital skills. If you know of anyone who needs help with things such as ordering shopping, emailing or video calling relatives,

or any internet or technology related issues, please get in touch by emailing Katie on katie@wellmoor.org.uk or calling 01647 440775.

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Want to find out about what local services are on offer in your local community? On September 4th in the Chagford Jubilee Hall (TQ13 8DP) from 10am-1pm, Wellmoor and the Wis£rmoney Partnership are hosting a Community Wellbeing Networking Event. This event will give local organisations the opportunity to showcase their services, and residents the chance to find out what help is available nearby. This event is free, but please register your interest by emailing Billie on volunteering@westdevoncvs. org.uk.

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Okehampton United Charities Okehampton is incredibly lucky to be supported by its very own charity Okehampton United Charities (OUC), which provides financial boosts to organisations and individuals within the boundaries of the town and its Hamlets. This summer, grants have been made that have enabled new equipment to be bought for the play area at Okehampton Community Garden; the Wednesday Work Club based in the Ockment Centre has received a grant to continue its valuable work; Okehampton Allotment Holders Association received a grant towards the provision of a new shed at

the Castle Road Allotments and funding was given to the Yes Tor Project, which is reducing anti-social behaviour and boosting inter-generational projects. Now, OUC is inviting applications for scholarships and bursaries to support Okehampton and Hamlets youngsters moving on to post-16 education, apprenticeships and further education the closing date is December 31st, 2021. For more information, please call Karen Percival on 01837 55179 or go to www. okehamptoncharities.org.uk

Water Wildlife Ponds & Lakes Streams & Riverside Aquatic Planting Bio Engineering Bank Revetment Habitat Improvement

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Football for girls The Weetabix WildCats Football programme offers organised training sessions in a fun, engaging environment that aims to inspire girls to play football, meet friends, develop new skills and create a lifelong love of football. This is football for girls who want to give it ago for the first time or for more experienced players who just want to play with other girls and continue to develop their skills. Our sessions are aimed at girls aged

between five and 12 years and of all abilities. Training sessions are held at Simmons Park, Okehampton on Tuesdays between 6pm and 7pm during school term time. For more information please contact Naomi on 07954128824 or find us on Facebook -Okehampton WildCats Football.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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NOTICEBOARD

Winter sun’s a-go-go! With the great summer holiday having been up in the air with restricted international travel, we now have a chance of enjoying some great winter locations, whether it is on the piste with friends skiing, taking the children to see Santa in Lapland or maybe planning a romantic break under the Aurora Borealis. How about glamping in a ‘Geodesic Dome’ or are you craving the hot winter sun south of the equator? One of the most popular places to travel for an all-important winter sun break are the Spanish Canary Islands, which are just 100 miles from the West African coast. With an average winter temperature of 21°C and an average rainfall of only 10mm, what’s not to love? And with 9 million visitors a year, I am not the only one who thinks so. Not too far away, there are the Portuguese Islands of Madeira, Cape Verde and the Azores, all of which have similar traits to the Spanish Canaries, but each with its own personality.

city and its culture (I love Marrakesh in February) - and then there’s Egypt too. I am sure I don’t need to mention their history, but both of these locations have stunning all-inclusive resorts and suit both couples and families. Should you wish to travel further afield, then the Maldives, Seychelles, Bahamas and Mexico spring to mind, and you don’t need to break the bank or the

budget for what I would call bucket-list locations. The majority of CPC holidays come with low deposits and are protected by ABTA & ATOL through our third-party partners for that extra peace of mind. Visit www.cpc-travel.co.uk or facebook. com/cpctraveluk for our latest offers Chris Powney CPC Travel

Looking towards the African continent, the top tourist location has to be Morocco and Marrakesh with its bazaars. It is well worth exploring the

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NOTICEBOARD

Changing Lives, Nurturing Nature Dartmoor National Park has been awarded £409,300 to kickstart green jobs and connect people to nature. The grant funding from the Government’s £40million second round of the Green Recovery Challenge Fund will be invested in a new project called Changing Lives, Nurturing Nature. Changing Lives, Nurturing Nature brings together Dartmoor National Park Authority, the National Trust, South West Lakes Trust and Woodland Trust in a partnership aimed at creating new green job opportunities focusing on nature enhancement, conservation and connecting people to what makes Dartmoor so special. The funding will create new paid-for trainee posts for young graduates to start their career in the environmental sector. They will benefit from working with a range of experts across all partners to gain valuable hands-on experience, knowledge and skills while working in one of the country’s most prized landscapes. Work will include conservation across many habitats including woodlands and moorland and habitats which are home to rare species such as fritillary butterflies, birds and bats.

South West Lakes Trust’s environment and engagement director Lisa Tame said: ‘More than ever people need space where they can relax, exercise and spend time away from the pressures of everyday life. At the same time our natural world must be safeguarded for the future. To do this we must connect, engage and inspire more people to care for and play their role in protecting the great outdoors. This is our aspiration for the Changing Lives, Nurturing Nature project.’

Three new partnership Engagement Ranger posts will be created to help people enjoy the National Park, promoting the ‘leave no trace, give nature space’ ethos and reaching out to those who do not normally visit.

Ross Kennerley, South West regional director for the Woodland Trust, said: ‘Changing Lives, Nurturing Nature is about giving young people the much needed opportunity to gain experience and develop skills at the start of their career. It’s also about engaging with local communities and visitors to facilitate their understanding of Dartmoor’s wildlife and enable them to support and protect this valuable environment.’

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s chief executive Kevin Bishop said: ‘Securing this grant is a significant achievement, a major boost to the partnership work already in place on Dartmoor and will provide much needed extra resource to support nature recovery in ways that help ‘human recovery’ from the pandemic.’

Ninety nature projects across England have been awarded grants from £68,100 to £1,950,000. Work will be carried out on over 600 sites and combined with the first round, almost a million trees will be planted, contributing towards the Government’s commitment to treble tree planting rates across England by the end of this Parliament. o Shby app

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We’re here for you - can you help us? We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating, never more so than in the last 15 months. We believe no-one should have to face these problems alone, without good quality, independent advice. We continue to help everyone who needs it and we have now reintroduced a face-to-face service for the most vulnerable of our clients, although we are not currently able to offer a drop-in service. If you or someone you know needs help and is unable to make contact

through our telephone, email or Facebook Messenger services, we have a post box service in the Ockment Centre in Okehampton. The post box is accessible in the main entrance of the Ockment Centre when it is open.You complete a contact slip and post it and someone will be in touch within 3 working days. So how can you help? People volunteer with CAB for all sorts of reasons, such as employability, to meet new people, keeping your mind

active or just wanting to give something back. We are looking for new volunteers to join us, working either in the local office or remotely from home to grow our Okehampton team. If you would like to find out more, please contact us at trainingofficer@ ruraldevoncab.org.uk or call 01237 879152.

Funding available for farmers Dartmoor farmers and land managers are being urged to submit applications quickly for grants from the new Defra-funded ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes’ programme. The programme, delivered by Dartmoor National Park Authority, provides funding for one-off projects which: • support nature recovery • mitigate impacts of climate change • p rovide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and its cultural heritage

It’s hoped the new funding will help with the transition towards the new environmental land management scheme in 2024 and will be compatible with existing schemes. Applications will be considered by a local assessment panel, consisting of a range of experts and nature/ conservation organisations, public sector bodies, farmers and landowners. It is due to hold its first meeting in September and will meet regularly after that.

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• support nature-friendly and sustainable farm businesses. Eligible projects include creating wetlands or wildflower meadows to support wildlife, providing new or easier public access, reducing flood risk, providing interpretation of farming, nature and heritage; restoring drystone walls or hedges, conserving historic features, or action to reduce carbon emissions or use of plastics.

Check eligibility and apply at www.dartmoor.gov.uk/ living-and-working/farming/ farming-in-protected-landscapes

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CHARITY FOCUS

Devon churches The jewels in our communities! Gems come in all shapes and sizes and for most of us, something we can only aspire to. However, we all have one in our midst which is often taken for granted – the parish church! These glorious buildings, created by our forebears with enormous skill, are not only one of the most outstanding features in our communities - if you step inside you will discover our rich heritage of craftsmanship, with examples of skills rarely seen elsewhere and of immense beauty and creativity. The range of architectural design and location is substantial many with glorious interiors like the Rood Screen in Manaton Church and the wonderful wild moorland setting of the church at Buckland in the Moor. Devon is one of the most fortunate areas of the country in so many ways, with the beauty of its coastline and countryside, its moors and valleys, enhanced in every community by the church at its heart. The importance of these buildings is undeniable; representing history, architecture and continuity through the generations; a place of quiet contemplation in times of personal crisis or thanksgiving at the end of a life; a place for celebration at a time of birth or marriage and even for those who do not attend regular services, they provide a spiritually uplifting occasion to come together with one’s neighbours at Easter, festivals and Christmastide. However, the fine fabric and creative craftsmanship are not the only gems to be found in our local churches. Praises should undoubtedly be sung for the volunteers who work so hard to maintain, refurbish and enhance them day by day, year after year in myriad ways. The challenges they face are never-ending and constantly changing; illustrating considerable strength, ingenuity and determination in their fight 24

against their exposure to the elements, the endless need to raise funds to cover running costs and the weighty load of increasing and complex regulations. And then – the tower shows a fault line, the tiles slip away, dry rot is found in the fabric – a multitude of horrors appear, all requiring extra grit and resources from these human treasures at the heart of our communities. At times like these our churches need all the friends they can garner – and amongst them is the Devon Historic Churches Trust, which is dedicated to funding repairs for the preservation of our Christian architectural heritage. Like our parish communities, it is a volunteer organisation working hard to raise funds so that a vital life-line of financial aid can be provided to Devon churches in their time of need. The ethos of the trust is ‘never to say no’ to any application within its remit. It is very aware of the complex nature of funding applications required by other sources, so the DHCT has a simple, easily accessible format for each church. This enables funds to be awarded with the maximum speed and the minimum of red tape. This brings its own challenges to the trust and its search for funding from supporters via donations, fundraising activities and legacies is unceasing, but unwavering, knowing that their mission is too important to allow it to fail. But the vital, vital funds required to provide these fabric saving grants, together with support for re-furbishing our church buildings so that they are warm, comfortable and have the facilities required for regular use, need to be raised by the DHCT and it is with grateful thanks that we celebrate so many generous communities that ‘go the extra mile to fundraise for us on our Devon Historic Churches Day – the second Saturday of September every year. This year, on September 11th, we urge all our churches to be open and welcoming visitors, organising a community event

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CHARITY FOCUS

DHCT fundraiser Jackie Edwards

OR taking part in Ride+Stride, when we can all be out enjoying our glorious countryside and gaining sponsorship for our adventures or any activity of our choice. For example, the ever energetic Jackie Edwards continues to amaze! In 2020 Jackie challenged herself to cycle with a friend 47 kilometres from Kingsteignton to Moretonhampstead, to celebrate 47 years of donations to DHCT.

to continue and extend this important work to preserve our heritage. So when you hear your church bells ringing out in your neighbourhood, it is good to remember the network of hardworking local volunteers working day by day to ensure the church survives; the skilled professionals who deliver the work required in enabling these unique and historic buildings to be there for future generations and the Devon Historic Churches Trust, dedicated to providing the vital financial support when it isFuneral needed. Directors

ALBERY & REDSTONE

ONE

The DHCT has recently received a generous legacy which they have dedicated to delivering Emergency Funding to help our churches who need immediate assistance when the unexpected occurs, while they search for long term solutions – we pray for more thoughtful donors who will enable us

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See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Local man William Flint brings Bluebird Care’s ‘Outstanding’ care services to Tavistock

ulti-award-winning care company Bluebird Care is opening an office in Tavistock town centre. Bluebird Care NEW Devon currently have three offices in Exeter, Exmouth and East Devon (Honiton) that have all been rated the highest rating of ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Director William Flint, raised on a local farm in Tavistock, is looking forward to bringing the business home to West Devon. “After the year we have all had, we are delighted to be in the position where we can expand our business and open an office in the heart of my hometown, Tavistock. We are very much looking forward to linking into the local community and helping where we can.” The office is managed by registered manager Chloe Pearce who has worked within the care sector since leaving school, and overseen by the new Head of Operations for North and West Devon, Natalie Bonney. Chloe says: “We are looking forward to welcoming people to our new office, especially after such a long time with limited contact. We are planning coffee mornings and inclusive community events so that we can get to know our neighbours.

We are also looking for charities and communities groups that we can support.” Bluebird Care provides the highest quality of specialist Live-in care in West Devon, leading the ﬁeld in customer service. Bluebird Care’s local management team - Chloe and Natalie Live-in Care allows a person or couple to stay at home in familiar and relaxed surroundings, enabled by a Live-in Care Assistant who provides one-to-one support.The team will also be oﬀering night carers and plan to open up to domiciliary care and enabling in 2022. Bluebird Care are currently recruiting locally for carers.

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14/07/2021 14:16

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Let’s talk about death ... Let’s be real for a second, who really wants to be bringing up the subject of death and dying? It can be a difficult and awkward thing to bring up, right? But the truth is no matter what stage of your life you are at, it really should be something we should be talking about or at least thinking about. We understand it’s not always easy to know how to talk to someone about dying - there can be feelings of awkwardness, embarrassment and fear and these tend to be the reason as to why we shy away from it all. But every adult has the right to plan their own wishes and there may come a time when you are too unwell to tell those caring for you what you do and don’t want when it comes to your end of life care.

So where do you start?

It may help if you start writing down your ideas and wishes first before you share them. Don’t feel pressured into doing it all at once, you can pause and revisit if you need to - it’s a good thing that you are starting to think about it.

Once you have it written down, it’s then a good time to share these with your family and friends. So how do you find the right moment? Try and find a time when you are relaxed, have plenty of time to talk and you feel at ease - this could be a dog walk or car journey. Be prepared for people to ask your questions but remember this is about you and what you want. It’s also important to tell your doctor your wishes. We advise that you have your wishes written down so that you can share copies with your GP (and your family and friends). By providing your GP with a copy of your wishes they can make sure that this is added to your patient record. You may also wish for this to be shared with other healthcare professionals who may be involved in your end of life care. There is a really useful website compassionindying.org.uk/ that gives you lots of information on planning and provides online and downloadable forms which you can take to your GP

informing them of the wishes you have. www.dyingmatters.org/ is also a useful website which give you lots of tip on how to start the conversation. By discussing your wishes with the important people in your life, it helps give you a peace of mind knowing that your wishes have been understood and met, meaning your end of life care if going to be how you want it to be. Jazzmine Squire Okehampton Medical Centre

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

So what’s lamination? The latest brow treatment to hit the brow world by storm is ‘lamination’ and HD Brows has taken this treatment to another level. Having started my business five years ago training in the classic HighDefinition brows, I waited patiently as HD developed, tried, and tested the newest treatment and made it their own.

HD Browsculpt delivers not only the benefits of the original HD Brow treatment, but it adds more with the advantage of being able to change the hair structure, texture, and direction. This combination in a treatment formulates eyebrows to: Look fuller and thicker Feel smoother Be more manageable Have greys easily covered

This is a perfect example of a treatment that is suitable for so many clients and I am a big believer in making sure my salon and I are approachable to all. I offer a full consultation for any treatment, which is a chance to meet me and a great way to relieve any anxieties. If my client leaves the salon feeling happy, confident, and relaxed then my job is done!

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Offering specialised eyebrow treatments, lash lift and tint, dermaplaning, gel manicures and more... Contact Holly on 07834275529 Find out more and book at: www.baybrowsandbeauty.co.uk Follow our latest looks on: M @baybrows P baybrowsandbeauty

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Lamination means processing the brow hairs to change their shape and texture to help enhance the brows; this could be brushing them up to help appear thicker, flattening more to the face for those ‘sticky out’ hairs or straightening out those curly unruly hairs. HD brows have had an unwarranted misconception that you will walk out of a HD brow treatment with big, thick, ‘marker pen’ eyebrows and that certainly isn’t the case. An HD brow tint can be mixed bespoke for each client to match their

skin tone and hair colouring, using warm or ashy tones - there is no one size fits all. The brows are mapped for each client to create the most flattering shape for their face and once this has been established, the shape is created and refined using creamy wax, threading, trimming and tweezing.

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EDUCATION

New Free School for Devon Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust is delighted to announce it will be welcoming a new Free School to its wider network of schools. Following a successful bid to Devon County Council, the Trust will manage the new Free School presumptive for Devon, which will open in September 2022. The Free School will be for learners with SEMH (social, emotional and mental health special needs) from the Mid Devon region, who will be allocated places by Devon County Council in conjunction with the Trust.

The new school will be located at the Okehampton East Business Park, Stockley Mead, Okehampton and have 40 places, initially for Early Years to KS4. The school will grow year on year to accommodate up to 100 learners. Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust is excited about welcoming the new free school into its community of family-oriented schools. As a MAT with a strong local identity, it is looking forward to using its strong local knowledge and strong local connections to support all young people – both within the Trust, in the wider area and in Devon as a whole – to reach the best possible outcomes. The Trust is passionate not only about recognising and meeting needs in the region, but truly impacting the life chances of children and young people across Devon.

Dan Morrow, trust leader for Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, said ‘DMAT is delighted to have been successful with this bid and we are thrilled that such an important entitlement for our children and communities will be within the DMAT family. This will help us on our journey to be the transformational offer that we know our families so richly deserve. ‘As part of our Trust, the new free school will impact positively, not just on the learners and young people who access it, but the schools and communities from which they are drawn. ‘We’re excited to get this process underway and continue to positively expand our family of schools.’

One to one learning Imagine being in a classroom where everyone else seems to have the confidence to ask a question or express an opinion ... except you. Imagine being ill, missing lessons and then, back in the classroom, you have no idea what is being talked about with the agony of feeling behind; catching-up seems impossible. Imagine having a life goal and desire to move to the next step, feeling frustrated because you have the capacity to learn more, but not the opportunity.

Your own personal tutor is able to guide, support and encourage you at ANY stage of your educational journey. From KS2 to Higher Education, with organisational skills, study tips, focus and application, tutors have the experience and intuition to deliver a package just right for each individual. Tutors support, motivate and encourage students to achieve their full potential. Through 1-to-1 tuition, students gain confidence and a love-of-learning, which is pivotal to achieving their goals.

In each situation the individual aspiration would benefit from a bespoke 1 to 1 package of learning – that is tuition!

Traditionally this has always been sat side-by-side with a student, today, it is possible to do this online. Tutors feel rewarded when students are reap their rewards - for example:

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BUSINESS

The housing market and COVID-19 In March 2020 the world changed thanks to COVID-19. In the UK, people stayed at home, or very close to and for the next eight weeks they started to realise how important home life was to them. Also for many people, the inadequacies of their existing home prompted them to start thinking about moving to a bigger property or to a new area or just out of the City, thus kickstarting a ‘mini boom’. As a few people started to return to work, and others remained working from home, estate agents returned to what they thought would be a quiet market. But no, for the next six months the housing market became even more active than before, and house prices increased quickly, which to this day we are still experiencing. We listed properties and those properties sold, we took more on and they sold to and 18 months on, things have got busier and busier, despite low stock levels. Supply and demand is always the deciding factor with house prices and in 2020, many properties were selling within a few days of coming to the market, but stock levels were not replenishing and demand quickly outweighed supply. After the second lockdown and into 2021, the frenzy of the year before went up another gear and once again demand outweighed supply and this time, the buyers with deeper pockets were prepared to throw everything they had at getting that property, even if it wasn’t perfect. This is where the market became tricky and agents were having to deal with impatient and frustrated buyers that were having to compete against each other both positionally and financially. What this effectively means is anyone thinking of moving that did not have their house on the market were denied access to viewing and for those that were in a 32

stronger position i.e. had nothing to sell, still had the job of competing financially with buyers that were willing to pay whatever it took to be successful and put simply, those with the deepest pockets. This particular subject is without doubt the most topical area of the housing market right now, as the high levels of demand are far outweighing ‘supply’ thus causing wealthier buyers to submit bids up to 20% over the asking price leaving tired, frustrated and equally genuine buyers by the wayside. For agents dealing with this process, it can be frustrating and upsetting, as you realise day by day that selling properties to the most suitable buyers in the best positions is no longer the priority, as vendors will find it very difficult to reject the extremely attractive offers being made and from there it is down to good sales management by the agent in order to get it across the line. The stamp duty holiday is now a thing of the past, but many people asked whether this would make a difference to the housing market and Westcountry Homes Online believe this will have no impact at all. The reason for this, is many buyers are making a ‘lifestyle’ change and there is little that will stop anyone wanting to build a new future for themselves and their family, especially stamp duty. Buying in the Westcountry has always been a popular relocation destination and high on many people’s agenda and as the years roll by, popularity has increased further. With an influx of new business, a growing economy, thriving holiday sector and of course the food and drink, which has now become some amongst the best in the country and around the world, it’s little wonder why people flock to the Westcountry.

So, what does the future hold for the property market, well nobody knows as we are in a marketplace driven by those that will do whatever it takes to make their future happen NOW. People have gone through a very challenging time recently, that has made us all realise what is important and that is each other, family, friends and living somewhere that allows us to work from home and this work life balance is probably long overdue. Westcountry Homes Online recently sold their entire property register - the only agent in the region to do so and proof of just how busy this market is , so If you are thinking of selling your property, give them a call, especially with a selling fee of just 0.5% (plus vat). NO SALE, NO FEE. Simon Gibbons Westcountry Homes Online westcountryhomesonline.com

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BUSINESS

All things upholstery...

Fabric and Furniture is a complete upholstery service, based on the edge of Bodmin Moor, close to the Cornwall/Devon Border. It’s run by Linda - you may have spoken to her at her stall in Tavistock Pannier Market, where she displayed her popular bespoke footstools, fabrics and takes commissions for the upholstery of beloved furniture pieces. Oke Links caught up with Linda to have a chat about all things upholstery . . .

What advice do you offer a potential customer with a new upholstery project? I offer advice such as what type of fabric will suit the piece, the amount needed, swatches of fabric, the lead time, a no obligation price quotation and how the furniture can be collected and delivered. I stock a range of fabrics in the workshop, together with materials needed to complete the job from start to finish. Accounts are also held with fabric trade partners, providing a large range of choice of fabric and leather with prompt delivery to compliment the service.

When and how did Fabric and Furniture start as a business? Fabric and Furniture began out of necessity on various property renovations. I found it easier to upholster furniture, make window seats to measure to compliment the interior design in character properties, various projects for friends and family, which lead to a stall in Tavistock Pannier Market and then onto building a workshop.

it is more economical to upholster. A certain piece of furniture may have sentimental value and need bringing back to life, or with the choice of fabrics available, a new colour scheme enables you to keep that favourite piece. Whether it’s tackling leather seats in a vintage Daimler or giving a sofa a trendy new makeover, it would appear every job and every day is different for Linda!

What are the most popular upholstery projects at the moment? During lockdown, a lot of customers have engaged in home improvements, so dining chairs have proved to be very popular, along with favourite chairs, and sofas as everyone seems to be enjoying their home. Along with the increase in hobby crafts, various tapestries have been made into custom footstools and as we all need to put our feet up, bespoke footstools are as ever, very popular.

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‘Staycation’ holiday properties have also been given makeovers, with beach and holiday themes.

What are the benefits of upcycling a favourite piece of furniture? The main advantage of upholstering furniture is less landfill, but also, if the furniture is well made, comfortable and fits in the room as it does in many cases,

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µ ²

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 Linda 07484 093494  sales@fabricandfurniture.co.uk

GARDENING

Grasses in the border

The Cool Garden featuring Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ AGM - centre right

Autumn is the time they come into their own ... Autumn is an exciting season in the garden; the colour palette turns to russets, oranges, deep reds and a whole spectrum of gentle buffs. The leaves of deciduous trees transform from summer dull green to vibrant shades that shine in the lowering autumn light. September and October belong to the ornamental grasses, when many will be reaching their peak. To get the full benefit of their beauty, most are best planted backlit by the sun. The seedheads look stunning encapsulated with frost and provide a source of late season food for foraging birds. A firm favourite at Rosemoor is Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ AGM - subtly variegated, it will grow large, yet it is compact. Pink feather duster flowers emerge in early autumn, turning silvery beige as they set seed. M. sinensis ‘China’ AGM in the Hot Garden always impresses, with large panicles of

silky flowers in early autumn. Our native purple moor grass, Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea, has a graceful elegance, moving with every breath of wind. We use them in the Foliage Garden, either side of the path, so you brush against them as you walk onto the lawn. Stipa gigantea AGM (golden oat grass) is used in the same way and although tall, it does not dominate, as the plants beyond can be seen through the graceful oat-like panicles, giving added depth to the border. Stipa tenuissima AGM (Mexican feather grass), is evergreen and is best in full sun and a lighter soil. It gives a delicate, fountain-like effect, dancing in the breeze and you cannot help but run your fingers through the soft feathery panicles. Groups of five or more will give a ripple effect as waves on a gentle sea.

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Another tactile genus is Pennisetum (fountain grass) which have softly hairy flowerheads in early autumn, so plant within easy reach of outstretched fingers and where the early morning sun catches the dew collected by hairs on the flowerheads. Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’, up to 2m tall, is a fabulous plant, bolt upright with bright blue-green foliage lasting well into winter. We use it in the Cool Garden, repeated in groups to provide a structural contrast with the rounded shapes of clipped Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Golf Ball’. Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ AGM, P. virgatum ‘Hänse Herms’ AGM and P. virgatum ‘Squaw’ all have striking blood red tips to their mid-green leaves. These plants make a great combination with dark leaved plants such as Phormium tenax ‘All Black’ or the bright oranges and yellows of Crocosmia, Rudbeckia and Kniphofia cultivars. Grasses can be used with a multitude of autumn flowering plants. For further inspiration, visit the Plant Heritage Autumn Fair here at Rosemoor on September 11th and 12th. Specialist nurseries will tempt you with a delicious array of plants, many rare and unusual, for your autumn borders. The qualities grasses bring to the garden are incalculable; delicate autumn flowers that can endure through winter;

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GARDENING

a variety of leaf texture and of form; the way they catch and hold the light, seasonal changes and their sociability with other plants.

In the vegetable garden •

Dig up remaining potatoes before slug damage spoils them.

Top tips for early autumn

•

Plant out spring cabbages in October.

Spring bulbs

•

Divide established rhubarb crowns to create new plants.

October is a good month to buy and plant spring flowering bulbs including daffodils, Crocus, Muscari and hyacinths. Plant tulips in November or December, when colder weather reduces the risk of disease. Try large groups of species Narcissus such as N. obvallaris AGM in the lawn, border or pots to make an impact. Muscari makes a good edging to borders or in containers. We use pale blue ‘Valerie Finnis’ which also attracts pollinators. For something a bit different, you can try Scilla ‘Blue Giant’ which will produce a carpet of starry blue flowers with pale centres at a height of just 15cm.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘China’ AGM in the Hot Garden ©RHS/Jason Ingram

In the ornamental garden Divide herbaceous perennials (every 2-3 years) including ornamental grasses, to ensure healthy, vigorous plants and to multiply your plants.

Planting spring cabbage ©RHS/Fiona Secrett

Late autumn is a good time to plant herbaceous perennials, trees and spring bedding. Temperatures have cooled and soil moisture increased allowing plants the chance to get their roots down before the first frosts. Prune climbing roses in late autumn. Sheila Dearing RHS Rosemoor

Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ with Phormium tenax All Black ©RHS/Sheila Dearing

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FINANCE

Benchmarks One of my weekly jobs is to check and review the latest round of valuation statements before they are sent to clients. It is important they are an accurate reflection of the period they cover, including any new investments as well as withdrawals. The statements this week look good, showing an average increase of about 8% over the last six months, but to make that judgement, we need to know how that compares against the benchmark. The dictionary definition of a benchmark is a standard point of reference against which things can be compared. With investments, it is important to compare your performance against whatever you are trying to beat. The bank account from which the investment came is an obvious starting point but at the moment, bank rates are so low you would be comparing the investment against a rate of less than 1% a year. You would also not be comparing like for like, because the bank account is a safe environment, whereas investments can go down as well as up. A better benchmark would be one that reflects your investments, but without any charges. That’s because

investing will always involve charges, so when you assess the performance you need to know you are getting a positive return after the charges are taken into account. An investment must add value after charges or there would be no point. As we are a UK-based firm with UK-based clients, it makes sense to use a UK-based benchmark, leading us to the FTSE index. The FTSE 100 index tracks the top 100 companies, by value, listed on the London stock exchange and that is a good place to start. We are familiar with it and it reflects what we are investing in. However, it is a very narrow index, dominated by a few very large companies. A better index is the FTSE All Share, which tracks all the companies listed in the UK. That means it has exposure to smaller companies as well as the large ones and makes it more representative of a well-diversified portfolio. It’s not perfect, it doesn’t take into account foreign-listed companies, but it does give you a point of reference to compare your own investments. Over the last six months the FTSE 100 has increased by 5% and the FTSE All Share has increased by 6%. Craig Davidson Davidsons IFA

 01837 53855  enquiries@davidsonsifa.com  www.davidsonsifa.com  23 Fore Street, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1AN

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SPORT

Foxes return to action Players are glad to be back on pitch After losing an entire season to the pandemic, the players and coaches at Lydford Foxes are pleased to be playing competitive football again. The club, which prides itself on offering football to young players of all abilities, has entered three teams in the Adrenalin Devon Junior and Minor League (DJML) 2021/22: Under 10s, Under 15s and Under 16s. It’s the first time the Under 9s have played league football, having been coached by Allana Chick and Steve Hunt for two years. The youngest Foxes were keen to get going after playing a dozen friendlies and taking part in several tournaments over the summer. There’s no shortage of talent in the team, so the club is looking forward to seeing how they progress over the coming years.

all the best for the coming season. Even bigger best wishes to our young players. Go Foxes!’ Established in 2016, the club offers training and competitive football to youngsters in the local area. The club trains at Ashbury Hotel on Tuesdays over the winter and participates in the DJML on Saturdays. If you’d like to join the playing or coaching staff, get in touch via the website at www. LydfordFoxes.com

The Under 15s and Under 16s returned to league football following 18 months off. Both teams were training at Brentor since the end of March, so they were more than ready to face teams from across West Devon. The 2021/22 fixture list pits the teams against clubs from Plymouth, Tavistock, Horrabridge, Launceston, Callington and Saltash. Club secretary Hannah BraithwaiteSmith said: ‘We couldn’t wait to return to league football. After years of development, it was tough to miss a season and a half of football, but we were humbled to see such a positive response to our return to training in March. ‘We’re used to games being called off due to bad weather or muddy pitches but losing 18 months is a bit different to missing a weekend or two! We missed our Foxes family! ‘I’d like to wish our coaches, Allana, Steve, Paul, Matt L, Matt P and Gavin See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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

Call Andrew Luxton to book in.

Changing the way you see lawyers. 01363 774706 mail@charlesworthnicholl.co.uk www.qualitysolicitors.com/charlesworthnicholl 31 High Street, Crediton, Devon, EX17 3AJ 39

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FARMING NEWS

Amazing maize! Luck was with Stuart Luxton this spring Hello again. As I write it’s a pleasant summer evening. Warm weather with plenty of warm rain is a dream for farmers that rely on growing grass as we do. Crops have been heavy and there has been very little stress with the harvest. One week in June the lads on the farm did a fantastic job. A whole herd TB test, clear too, they all harvested all the silage and most of the hay for the year. The photo is of me stood in one of the maize fields at the end of July. I was a bit worried by trying to grow this crop in these particular fields, as if you read the recommendations, they would be marginal at best. Too high, soil too thin and partially facing away from the sun, maize just loves warmth. It just shows how much difference weather makes and how much luck comes into it. We were slightly late planting the seeds, germination was slow so the seedlings stayed underground during all the frost that would have killed the plants, as it is not a frost hardy crop. As it emerged from underground in the second half of May the weather significantly warmed up and the crop never looked back. It must be one of

the best crops of maize in the area. It’s almost 8 foot high all over, right out to the hedges! The grass for grazing has grown all summer, therefore so have the lambs and the calves. We’ve had a good period of artificially inseminating the cows with some new bloodlines. The bulls, Sportsman, Black Bill, Emblem and Ace have been busy too, the good news is they have now gone quiet. That should mean they’ve done a good job but we will only know when the technician visits with his ultrasound scanner and gives us the results of everyone’s labor. We were getting worried about bull sales in April as we hadn’t had an enquiry for quite a while. Then suddenly

the phone was red hot. We always get our vets to fertility test the bulls before they leave. It’s part of our ethos of trying to make sure the customer is satisfied with his purchase. As long as we know the bull is fertile we can be more confident he will leave the new owner a great crop of calves. Since I last wrote the café including the extension has re-opened. After a nice steady start, which gave all the new staff time to learn, we have built rapidly. We have started opening the café on Sundays, this Sunday we also opened the shop for a trial period. I hope you’ve all had a good summer. As long as we get some rain I’m hoping for an Indian one. Stuart Luxton

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WHAT’S ON

September 4

Gilbert’s Big Belstone Tor Challenge ‘Gilby’ (Gilbert) Taylor lives in Belstone, with his wife Jane, with an excellent view of Belstone Tor from their garden. Gilby has often wondered what the view would be like from the top of the Tor but, due to Multiple Sclerosis and having to use a wheelchair to get around, he never thought that would be possible. Even in his all-terrain mobility scooter, he is unable to get closer than the Nine Maidens Stone Circle – no possibility of making the ascent up that tantalising Belstone Tor...

to Irishman’s Wall where refreshments will be provided while they gather to watch Gilby’s ascent. NDSART would prefer that no one else accompanies him on this ascent.

Until now, that is! The amazing North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team have come up with a cunning plan to make Gilby’s dream come true. Gilby will be able to ride his motorised scooter to Nine Maidens, where he will be taken by Landrover to the back of Belstone Tor and then, with Jane walking by his side, he will be stretchered up to the top, where the two of them can share a flask of coffee, just as they used to.

For those who prefer not to join the walking party, there will be refreshments provided in the Taylors’ Garden (Sweet Briar, Skaigh Lane). A flag will be erected when the party reaches the top - so bring your binoculars. Belstone film maker Chris Walpole will be recording the occasion so there will be an opportunity to see the event, on video, at a later stage.

As a thank you, Gilby would like to raise money to support NDSART and, on the day, friends and neighbours are invited to walk with him as far as Nine Maidens and then continue

The planned date for the challenge is the morning of September 4th, dependent on weather and rescue group emergency call outs. Collecting tins will be there on the day or you can go to the Just Giving website and search for Gilbert’s Big Belstone Tor Challenge

September 19

Autumn Challenge There’s an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and the wonderful scenery we have on our doorstep this September and raise money for a good cause as well.

green leafy lanes of West Devon. The event will raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, North Dartmoor Search and Rescue group and Rotary supported charitable organisations.

Okehampton Rotary Club is running its Autumn Challenge OK on Sunday, September 19th, which invites teams to take on a ten or 20 mile sponsored walk over Dartmoor and through the

To sign up for this popular event go to www.autumnchallengeok.org.uk

Let your holiday home With the West Country holiday letting experts 01647 401615 (select option 2) - Owners help@helpfulholidays.co.uk helpfulholidays.co.uk

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

September 12

Chagford Food Festival Chagford is holding its first food festival on Sunday, September 12th from 11am until 4pm in the town square. The various food and drink stalls will have an international flavour, including Thai curries, Spanish paellas, French crepes and patisserie. These are complemented by genuine Dartmoor beef burgers and a prestigious local hotel will be on hand with speciality afternoon teas. Popular Dartmoor distilleries will be showcasing local gins and a variety of different liqueurs, while

chocoholics will not be disappointed by a selection of locally made chocolates. Chagford’s four hostelries will be joining in and many of the shops will open specially. As befits a food festival in a rural area, Chagfood, our local organic farm, will be on hand to show how you can eat well and reduce food miles. This is complemented by The Edible Garden Nursery from nearby Whiddon Down, providing a huge selection of plants and herbs.

There will be children’s entertainment from a skilled juggler and unicyclist and free upcycling workshops courtesy of Proper Job, plus musical entertainment from a variety of performers. There is free overflow parking in the market field on the edge of town, with a complimentary shuttle bus.

September 20 - 25

Chagford Film Festival The 10th Chagford Film Festival gets underway on Monday, September 20th, culminating in a fabulous parade on the evening of Saturday, September 25th followed by a screening of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. On the opening night, a black tie reception will be followed by a film of the London stage production of ‘An American in Paris’ which had 5 star reviews from Broadway and London’s West End, winning many awards for best stage musical. Festival organisers are thrilled to bring this amazing screening to Chagford. To complete the evening, there will be live music from the Gershwin Era.

Mid-week, Sacha Dench, ‘The Human Swan’ will be joining us with her film and hopefully a Q & A session. Sacha is travelling all over Britain gathering information and support to present to world leaders including Boris Johnson at the Cop 21 Summit in Glasgow this October. She has spoken to audiences from school children to presidents, promoting education and understanding about the urgency for climate control. Sacha has worked tirelessly promoting this most important message. Her work gained her the 2018 Britannia Trophy for the most meritorious performance in aviation and Environment Campaigner of the Year 2017.

Much more is planned for the week including many more films, visits from the film industry professionals, children’s events, live entertainment and even a screening you can bring your dog to. For full information go to www.chagfilm.org

THE CHAGFORD

FILM FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER

20-25

www.chagfilm.org 44

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WHAT’S ON

October 16

Okehampton Carnival Yes, we are planning Okehampton Carnival 2021! Following requests from residents who took part in the decorated residential window competition last year we have decided to hold it again this year. More details can be found on the entry forms. The business and charity shops window competition, with this year’s theme being ‘Animal World’, will go ahead as usual so it’s time for you all to get your thinking caps on!

Sunday mornings

Okehampton Rambling Club Okehampton Rambling Club meets every Sunday morning at the post office in George Street ready to leave at 9.30am. We walk locally and further afield in Devon and Cornwall including moorland, coastal and countryside. New members are always welcome. For more information please contact Chris Baines on 01409 221362.

Things will be slightly different from previous years in the afternoon. Instead of judging the children indoors we will be holding a Fancy Dress Parade. Participants will meet, in all their wonderful costumes, on the Okehampton College driveway and follow the Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band along Mill Road, down George Street, through Fore Street, back along Mill Road, the bottom of Simmons Way and finish in the College driveway. Any individual child, or group of children, who wish to don a costume are asked to fill in an entry form so we know how many are taking part. All entries will receive a certificate and bag of goodies. As the evening judging and procession are all outdoors we will be going ahead as usual. Mill Road (from the waterwheel to its junction with Station Road), St James Street, Park Row and Kempley Road will be closed from 4.30pm for the assembling of tableaux. Evening judging begins at 6pm. At 7.15pm the evening procession will start winding its way through

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Okehampton, led by the Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. Roads affected for the evening procession (from 6.30pm) for the safety of those taking part, will be Mill Road, George Street, Market Street, Fore Street, North Street ,East Street, Northfield Road, Neville Road, Victoria Street, Wonnacotts Road, Lopes Crescent, Barton Road, Link Road, Crediton Road, Leaholes Avenue, Limehayes Road and Exeter Road Marshals will be stationed at the road closures for the safety of all those taking part and to all those watching the carnival please do not give them abuse, they are all volunteers. Thanks to all at Donald’s Menswear for, once again, being the collection/drop off point for the entry forms. At the end of the day this is YOUR carnival, so have fun and keep your fingers crossed for good weather! See you all on October 16th! Okehampton Carnival Committee

WHAT’S ON

October 22-24

Everything Okehampton Gala Weekend There really will be something for everyone at this fantastic event, which will be staged in Okehampton College Sports Hall and Simmons Park, raising money for charities and the town’s Christmas lights appeal. Everything Okehampton is working with Okehampton College and the Mayor of West Devon, Cllr Caroline Mott, in providing a diverse weekend of activities to appeal to young and not so young alike. The fun starts on the Friday night with a wonderful two course buffet meal courtesy of Oak Tree Catering, and entertainment with the brilliant Johnny Cowling. Imagine a touch of Jethro, a spoonful of Tommy Cooper and a hunk of Elvis and you’ll get the idea . . . This popular comedian and singer has appeared throughout the country and beyond, delighting audiences with his quick wit and vocal talent. The evening will also see the culmination of a silent auction organised by the Pink Ladies fundraising group, which has been running since the middle of the summer. Supporters have been bidding for a huge array of wonderful donated items including jewellery, beauty treatments, soft toys, paintings and meal vouchers - find out on Friday night whether your bid was successful! The auction is raising funds for the Chestnut Appeal, Exeter Leukaemia Fund, Pancreatic Cancer UK and Okehampton Rugby Club as well as the

Christmas lights and Farming Community Network. Between 10am and 4pm on the Saturday, a rural craft fair and community day will take place in the hall and outside in Simmons Park. This will be a showcase for a wide variety of local artisans - anything from home made soaps to walking sticks - and some of the many different support groups in the area. Taking part will be Okehampton’s Men in Sheds group, Okehampton Community Garden, Madewell from Hatherleigh and OCRA, to name just a few. Okehampton College, whose staff and students will be playing an important role in the event, is keen to highlight mental health and isolation issues which have been much in the spotlight during the last 18 months. Caroline Mott, who is helping to organise the community day, chose the Farming Community Network as her mayoral charity for the year and some of the proceeds from the gala weekend will be donated to this worthy cause.

On Sunday the focus will be on the younger age groups. A broad reaching activity day will offer taster sessions from a wide variety of youth groups including the army cadets, police cadets, martial arts and OCRA.

Caroline said: ‘I chose the charity because I come from a farming background and West Devon is predominantly a rural community. We have really seen a rise in mental health issues during and since the lockdowns even now there are a frighteningly high number of suicides within the farming community.’

One of those taking part will be Robin Catlin of West Devon Swords, demonstrating Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), the study and practice of martial arts from the early Medieval period through to the turn of the 20th century.

During the Saturday evening there will 46

be a night of music with various local groups showing off the wealth of talent that abounds in the Okehampton area. Entry to the music night will be free, so head on down and enjoy the fun!

Robin said: ‘Unlike re-enactment, stage fighting or live action fantasy role play which involve elements of dressing up

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WHAT’S ON

possible with a generous grant from the Okehampton United Charities. It is hoped that precious funds raised during the three days will not only benefit the Farming Community Network, but will see the continued display of Christmas lights in Okehampton which are enjoyed by residents and visitors to Okehampton alike. and showmanship, HEMA concentrates on the accuracy of the techniques as a legitimate martial art. West Devon Swords’ classes currently focus on Medieval longsword, sword and buckler, messur and spear, with some Renaissance rapier and side sword.’ MC for the day will be Entertainingly Different’s Rob Pudner, a freelance expressive arts practitioner and family entertainer with 25 years experience working with children and young people. Rob said: ‘I’m delighted to have been asked to compere this special event showcasing the many fabulous opportunities available for children and young people in Okehampton. ‘After such a difficult and challenging year or so, where sessions, meetings and performances had to go online, continue virtually, be postponed or sadly cancelled altogether, this certainly promises to be quite the celebration, giving the local groups/clubs the chance to do what they do best.’ The whole weekend has been made

Christine Marsh of Everything Okehampton said: ‘We just want people to come along and enjoy themselves and see what the town has to offer the community - whether it’s seeing our local talented craftspeople and the amazing goods they create, enjoying taster events or demonstrations, or finding out what support groups are around and what voluntary organisations exist in the area. ‘When it comes to the lights, the display will be a bit different this year. We won’t be having the individual Christmas trees but there will be a big tree outside St James Chapel, which should provide a big focal point in the town. ‘Okehampton’s lights have always been well loved and are a big attraction, but due to the age of the lights themselves, and the difficulty of maintaining the operation to actually keep them sparkling every night, we are having to look at how we keep them going in the future - it could be that the town council takes them on. ‘But whatever happens, they will be shining this Christmas and will be switched on during Edwardian Evening, which is on December 2nd.’ Would you like to publicise your group? Are you a craft person with items you would like to sell? For more information please email everythingokehampton@ gmail.com

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Support in challenging times The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times. Each year FCN helps roughly 6,000 people in the farming community with a wide range of issues - including financial difficulties, animal disease, mental health and family disputes. Its volunteers provide free, confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help, regardless of whether the issue is personal or business-related. In addition to local groups of volunteers, FCN runs a confidential national helpline (03000 111 999) and e-helpline (help@ fcn.org.uk) which is open every day of the year from 7am-11pm. Its FarmWell platform (farmwell.org.uk) provides a range of useful information for farmers to help support business resilience and personal wellbeing. This includes information around planning for the future, managing change, succession, retirement, diversification and much more. 47

WHAT’S ON

October 16 & 31

Plastic Free Chagford Chagford became a ‘plastic-free community’ in 2020, being recognized under the national Surfers Against Sewage campaign. A coffee morning will be held in Endecott House on Saturday, October 16th where you can learn about local recycling options, and pledge your support to continue the battle against single-use plastic. There will be an organized litter pick in and around Chagford on Sunday 31 October. Meet at Endecott House at 10am. All welcome, even if you can only spare half an hour. Wear suitable

clothing for the weather. There will be prizes! Sue Parrott, Plastic-free Chagford’s community lead, said: ‘The campaign is designed to get the whole community active and doing something positive to reduce the amount of plastic in the local environment, leading to cleaner seas, beaches, riverbanks, streets and countryside. Local support has been tremendous, and we are now looking to get more people involved.’ More Chagford businesses have been accredited as ‘plastic-free champions’ in recognition of their efforts to replace

single-use plastic with more sustainable alternatives. They are Simon Saunders’ new dairy emporium ‘The Fat Mouse’; The Dartmoor Shepherd; The Chagford Inn and Uptown. They join existing champions Amy’s Flowers, Astor’s Bookshop, Blacks Deli, Casa Magnolia, The Globe Inn, Jaded Palates Wines and The Three Crowns. For more information, contact Kate Webber on 01647 433973; info@properjob.org; Facebook: www.facebook.com/ groups/552156255129514/about/

October 22-24

Wren Music Folk Festival This popular festival returns to Okehampton town centre this October! You can attend concerts, music workshops and dances, plus events specifically for families. There’ll be homemade food using local and responsibly sourced ingredients and bars with local ales too. Hosted by Wren Music’s professional musicians, the weekend celebrates great folk music from the UK and around the world. The festival features international singer and songwriter Lucky Moyo,

Scott Gardiner, an award-winning singer of traditional Scottish folk songs and accordion players Mel and Kat Biggs. There’s also local folk favourites, morris dancers and sessions with Wren musicians. The featured artists will perform and lead workshops, plus you may find yourself sitting with them at dinner! At this festival audience and artists create one community. It’s a special thing to be a part of and lifelong friends have been made here.

Wren works with all people across Devon year-round. The festival events will have something for everyone to get you enjoying, as well as making, music! Weekend tickets available with discounts for under 18s, families and groups. Volunteers are invited for stewarding, catering and more. Find out more online. Wren Music Folk Festival, 22-24 October. For more information and tickets: wrenmusic.co.uk/whats-on

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MUSIC AND ART

September 11 - 26

Devon Open Studios Artists all over Devon will be throwing open their doors and inviting people to look behind the scenes of an artist’s studio this September. More than 300 artists are taking part in this year’s Devon Open Studios, with a range of free exhibitions, workshops and opportunities to see artists at work. The art and craft on display will include drawing, painting, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics, jewellery and glasswork. Artists range from new talent to experienced professionals, all keen to share their inspiration and creativity with visitors.

by Jim Wileman

A spokesperson for Devon Open Studios said: ‘More artists than ever are taking part in this year’s event, which offers a fantastic opportunity to meet artists working in their studios in some of Devon’s beautiful locations. During Open Studios, visitors will be able to see artists’ work, watch demonstrations and take part in activities. Of course,

there’s also the opportunity to buy, and it’s much more satisfying to purchase a piece of art when you’ve met the artist, seen them working and heard about their inspiration.’

Restoration Project to raise the profile of the River Teign among the local community and to ask why the numbers of salmon and other fish have declined in the river in recent years.

The play will be performed beside the river at Fingle Bridge on September 4th at 2.30pm and 7pm and in Hearn Field, Haccombe-with-Combe on September 5th at 7pm.

MED Theatre’s other contributions to the project include education outreach workshops which will tour schools and youth settings near the River Teign, and a poetry and creative writing competition open to the public, to be launched in September after the production.

‘Salmon’ aims to engage people with the issues facing the river, as well as encourage them to enjoy the riverside environment whilst learning about how the river affects people from all walks of life.

Devon Open Studios guides are available from community venues, libraries and tourist information offices.

September 4 & 5

Salmon MED Theatre is enjoying its relaunch into the world of live theatre having already performed its latest dance drama, ‘Earth Wind Fire’ to a full house, and is excited to introduce its latest community play commission, ‘Salmon’. Written by artistic director Mark Beeson in collaboration with three young writers and freelance consultant Florrie Taylor, ‘Salmon’ aims to encourage communities along the river to engage with its history, nature and future. The Dartmoor-based theatre company has partnered with The River Teign

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Visit www.medtheatre.co.uk for tickets and more information

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MUSIC AND ART

September 10-12

Whiddon Autumn Festival The Whiddon Autumn Festival (WAF) is a new arts festival set to take place every September across the picturesque Whiddon Parishes of North Dartmoor. Some of the UK’s most talented young musicians will converge for six musical events spread over three days, curated by local-born artistic director Freddie Crowley. The musical offering will include chamber music, solo song, education workshops, community participation events, and choral performances by Ensemble-in-Residence the Corvus Consort. Events will take place in Chagford, Gidleigh, Throwleigh and Drewsteignton churches. The Festival has four core aims: • t o present world-class live music

Artwork to say thank you A local art group have created a textile hanging as a thank you to local NHS staff. The hanging, consisting of nine panels of textile flowers, is on display in Okehampton Medical Centre. The artwork was created by a group taking part in the Art for All project, run by West Devon Art Workshops and funded by Okehampton United Charities.

in a part of the country that so infrequently sees professional classical music performances. • t o provide a platform for young musicians in the early stages of their professional careers, particularly at this very difficult time for freelance artists. • t o deliver education workshops for local children, encouraging enjoyment & participation in music from an early age, and promoting values of teamwork and collectivity through group singing.

• to engage and involve the community by holding participatory events which offer local residents the opportunity to join with our professional artists in a collective performance. Over the next few years, WAF will be expanded to include more events with a wider variety of musical genres and styles, and aims to become a cornerstone of Devon’s cultural calendar. Tickets and full concert information is available via www.whiddonautumnfestival.co.uk

Project leader Gill Cairns said: ‘I wanted to run a project where people could work together to produce something for the community which would lift the spirits and thank the NHS.

enthusiastic and enjoyed sharing ideas. They have created some beautiful work which has exceeded my expectations. I want to thank everyone for the hours of work they have put in.’

‘I came up with the idea for a textile hanging with the theme of flowers, so it would be bright and colourful.

The Art for All project will be continuing from September with short courses at the Ockment Centre. For information go to www.westdevonartworkshops.co.uk

‘The course has been very successful, the participants have all been so

The project aimed to bring together a group to experiment with techniques and help with social isolation. The sessions were run over Zoom and the group was asked to donate individual squares to create a hanging, which could be displayed in the local community. See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

To chill or not to chill? Dave Anning has the answers . . . There’s very little that’s more enticing than a delicious glass of chilled wine. But cooling wine can seriously mute aromas and flavours. We could have a science lesson here with formulas and everything, but I think you want to know WHICH wines chill well, not why, so here goes! Serving wine at the right temperature can be important, but when the weather is actually hot, the temperature of your wine changes as soon as you pour, so keep it simple. Part-fill a container of water and ice, put it on the table and use it as required. To chill a bottle quickly, add plenty of cooking salt - this will chill a bottle from room temperature in about 15 minutes. You can buy a simple wrap-around temperature band or other similar devices for a few pounds if you wish. Lighter wines chill best, and low alcohol wines like Riesling do especially well. But don’t write off reds! Wines made from Gamay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc are delicious lightly chilled - a great solution if you’re planning a meaty

barbeque on a hot day. Sicillian Frappato is even light enough to drink with fish! Aromas are usually first to suffer when wine is chilled. Luckily there are ‘aromatic’ white wines worth looking out for. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Muscat and Viognier you may well have heard of, but there are others such as Torrontes and Gewurztraminer. Good quality examples of these will normally remain enticing on the nose when chilled, and open up as you hold them. Treat rosé as you would white. Examples range from dry (eg Provence) through off-dry (a touch of sweetness) to sweet (eg American ‘white’ Zinfandel). The only way to find out which you like most is to knuckle down and try a selection! The ultimate treat is sparkling wine. High temperatures provide a great opportunity to try some lesser-known sparklers, as Champagne is always expensive! Cava from Spain is usually significantly cheaper than Champagne; Prosecco is widely available (but buying the cheapest bottle can be

disappointing); the French make ‘Cremant’ outside the Champagne region (Loire, Alsace, Bourgogne, Bordeaux), and Australia, South Africa and Argentina aren’t obvious choices but make some truly brilliant fizz! In hot weather, lighter, fruitier sparklers come into their own. Asti, with its distinctive aromas of grapes (oddly not a common aroma in wine!), is also low in alcohol and distinctly sweet. It is perhaps the most ‘lemonadey’ of wines and very refreshing - good job the alcohol is low! In summary the ‘rules’ are different when it’s hot - keep ice and water to hand and if the wine isn’t cool enough pop it back in! Dave Anning

History Tour Tuesday 5th October Take a step back into the Jacobean and Victorian era and explore the fascinating history of the Manor with proprietor Sue Murray followed by a two course lunch. 10.30am: Arrival with Tea & Coffee £35.00 per person

A Family Run Hideaway in Devon 52

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 Seven Stars! Colin and Natasha bought the Seven Stars in South Tawton at the end of May 2019 - the first time the Victorian pub had been in private ownership for many years. They have two letting bedrooms, although the arrival of the pandemic and enforced closures has meant intended renovation work has been affected seriously. They were finally able to open the bar and restaurant area in May. They are still working elsewhere to provide the finances to build up the businesses, but a small and delicious range of proper home cooked food is now available and their single letting room has been fully booked since then. Natasha, who previously worked in a five star hotel in the Cotswolds, has recently added delicious home-cooked curries to their take-away menu, adapting her love of fresh spices to individual taste. Colin, as much a perfectionist in the kitchen as he is when involved in construction and renovation, is responsible for the traditional English pub fare. Natasha said: ‘We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Seven Stars - come along and help us make our pub home the heart of the village we have always dreamed of!’ This recipe for an authentic lamb curry comes from Natasha’s kitchen and has received some great reviews - why not try it yourself?

Lamb Curry 1 kilogram of diced lamb 3 onions, finely chopped 3 tbsp of oil 4 cardamom pods 4 cinnamon sticks 3 tbsp of finely chopped garlic 1 tbsp of finely grated ginger 1tsp turmeric 3 tbsp Masala paste Salt Fresh coriander

•L

Heat the oil on a medium heat and add the onions, salt, cardamom, and cinnamon sticks and fry until golden brown. Add the meat, garlic, ginger and braise for five to ten minutes. Add one cup of hot water and cook for 30-40 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Next add all the spices and braise and stir for ten minutes, adding only a tablespoon of water at a time to loosen the sauce. Garnish with fresh coriander. Serve with boiled basmati rice - add some poppadum and naan bread if desired.

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THE SEVEN STARS SOUTH TAWTON

01837 849148 • Fore Street • South Tawton • Okehampton EX20 2LW SUPPORT YOUR VILLAGE PUB • GOOD FOOD & DRINK • B&B See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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HISTORY

Stories of the stones By local historian and Dartmoor Guide Paul Rendell Across Dartmoor there are a number of stone circles and stone rows built by Bronze Age people. Probably even then, people must have loved to hear a good story. These people would have come back from hunting wild boar and recount tales of bravery or how they came across a scary monster. And now in the 21st century there are many stories told about these standing stones. There is a wonderful stone circle at Scorhill, near Gidleigh. Scorhill is in a group of eight stone circles to be found in a curve around the north-east of the moor, including Grey Wethers (two circles), Sittaford, Fernworthy, Shovel

Down, Buttern and White Moor. There are possibly yet more to be found within this area - Buttern was discovered lying on the ground and Sittaford was recently found, hidden under vegetation. Scorhill Circle consists of 23 standing stones today, but possibly had about 35 stones when it was first built - there are number on the ground. This stone circle has lots of stories about things that have happened there. Many years ago, two male walkers from Chagford were standing outside the circle talking, when one spotted

an adder slithering across the circle towards them. When it reached the edge of the circle, it stopped, as though it had reached an invisible barrier. It went back and forth trying very hard to get through this barrier. One of the walkers used his trekking pole to help the snake escape by lifting it up and over the invisible barrier and it went on it way. On another occasion a local lady was out riding her horse when she spotted something very strange. A small group of moorland ponies had arrived just before she got there - the lead pony

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HISTORY

was walking inside the circle while the other three ponies waited outside. The lead pony walked around the inside of the circle three times anti-clockwise, before coming out the same way it went in. One by one the others did the same – walking round anti-clockwise three times before trotting off. Were they ‘taking energy’ from the stones? The lady watching could not get her horse to step into the circle. I don’t like the circle myself, as I’ve had some strange things happen to me there over the years. Just a few weeks ago, while walking inside the circle, my face apparently turned pale and I felt I was about to faint. The couple of walkers who were with me saw what I looked like and got me out of the circle. The wife felt nothing but peace and calm yet the husband, who had never been there before, was shaking. What a strange place. Nearby on Shovel Down, there are a few stone rows, and here in 2019 I experienced a strange blue light coming up the stone row towards me. I was sitting on the flat stone at the top of the row looking down, when a small light came up between the standing stones towards me - just as it reached me, it seemed to go down a hole in the ground in front of me. Near Fernworthy Plantation are the Grey Wethers, a double stone circle.

Legend has it that in days gone by, if married ladies from Chagford who had had an affair wanted to be forgiven for their sins, they could kneel down in front of one of the standing stones and pray to be forgiven. If the stone was to fall on them, they would be forgiven! Earlier this year I was leading a guided walk to these stone circles and we just walked inside one of the circles. One of the group used his GPS to pinpoint where we were on his digital map. To his shock, it pointed to the middle of the Exe, at Topsham near Exeter. He reset and did it again - and yes, we were at Topsham! He could not believe it. We walked out of the circle and it still showed the same place. About 100 yards from stones, it was revealed the correct co-ordinates. It was very strange - was it ley lines or energy lines in the ground or pixies playing tricks.?

Near Belstone there is a small stone circle called Nine Maidens, or sometimes Nine Stones. This circle is in fact a Bronze Age cist, a stone-lined burial chamber. You would assume there are nine stones but you would be wrong. It depends what day you go there as to how many stones are there, normally it is 16 but some days there are 20 or more . . . There is a local story that anyone disturbing the stones will suffer misfortune in the coming weeks. In 1985, an extra stone was added for the filming of a horror film. The only copy of the film, made by a local company, got lost in the post - so beware of the stones! If only these stones could talk, to tell us what the Bronze Age people know that we have lost. These people were more in touch with nature than we are today.

DARTMOOR GUIDED WALKS with

Enjoy a guided walk with local historian Paul Rendell. Theme walks include wildﬂowers, history and longer walks.

01837 54727 • paul.dartmoor@gmail.com www.paulrendelldartmoor.co.uk 55

WINNIE’S WALK

Walking to Great Links Tor This walk has been kindly written and walked for Oke Links by Denise Horner of Dartmoor Nordic Walking.

This is an open walk, there is no shelter. The terrain is uneven in places and there are boulders as you pass the triangular heap of stones heading up past the spoil tip. It is uphill all the way to Great Links Tor, but the views are worth it! Park at the car park after driving over a bumpy, uneven track from the main road. Even when you park here, the views are pretty spectacular to Brat Tor - with Widgery Cross on top. The cross is the tallest on Dartmoor at almost 13ft/3.86m. You can see Arms Tor and the recognisable rounded hill of Great Nodden. From the car park, take the gate to the far left and head out on to High Down, taking in the view in front of you. This part of the moor is easy to walk on and a great surface for your Nordic Walking

poles. Continue down to the ford on the River Lyd. You can either take the stepping stones or the bridge if the river is high. Before you cross the river, look up towards the path you will take. With Brat Tor on the right and Arms Tor on the left, on the saddle between you will make out three scars of mining spoil tips. We will be heading for the one on the right. Crossing the river take the gravel path on your left. Stay on this heading slightly right until you reach the end of the gorse bushes on your right where the ground starts to open up. You will see a narrow path to the right of the open green area, take this following the track sweeping around to the right and uphill. You will see a few bushes and small trees, the path heads up between them bringing

you out on the track. This now heads up hill again to the left. Brat Tor will be up and to your right. Continue along this track, stepping carefully over the boggy area. As you come to the brow of this hill you will see almost straight in front of you a triangular pile of stones. Head for this and take in the mining works to your right and the views of Brat Tor, Arms Tor behind you and Brent Tor in the distance. At the pile of stones, take the track left towards the small quarry of spoil. Staying just left of this, follow a narrow path up and over the small boulders, remaining on the route to the brow of the hill where you will see Great Links Tor and the Trig point coming into view. The pathway here is clear to see, all the way to the tor and trig point.

Winnie’s NEW BOOK available to order online now Web www.walkswithwinnie.co.uk Email winnie@walkswithwinnie.co.uk

c Walks with Winnie on Dartmoor

f Walks with Winnie

d @WalksWinnie

By Denise Horner Illustrated and designed by Sara Nunan

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WINNIE’S WALK

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Tavistock A386 Okehampton

GREAT NODDEN TOR 437

LITTLE LINKS TOR 500 RIVER LYD

Great Links Tor 586m

Triangle of stones ARMS TOR 457

Mining Works DICKS WELL

BRIDGE GATE

GATE

N STEPPING STONES

DARTMOOR INN

BRAT TOR 452 WIDGERY CROSS

The views are far reaching and easily 360 degrees. Take time to appreciate landscape and identify the tors if you can. A coffee would be appreciated here too! The descent is much quicker, however, the uneven ground can sometimes be harder to negotiate on the downhill, so take care.

Not to scale For reference only

‘Dartmoor Nordic Walking’ and ‘Walks with Winnie’ are on Facebook. Distance: Approximately 6.5k Time: Allow at least 2 hours Difficulty:This is a challenging walk. It is uphill all the way to Great Links Tor, the ground is uneven in places and walking is over small boulders nearer the tor. An ascent of approximately 330m (1,000ft). Start point:This walk starts on the track before the Dartmoor Inn at Lydford, on your left when you are heading on the A386 towards Tavistock. What3words - ‘nylon.venue. faces’ SX526873

We hope you have enjoyed this walk. We would love to see photos of you and your dogs, if you have the Oke Links magazine with you, include that too! Send your photos to winnie@ walkswithwinnie.co.uk or post on our Facebook page ‘Walks with Winnie on Dartmoor’. At the end of the year we will pick the best photo and the winner will receive a copy of the Walks with Winnie book.

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Oke Links magazine September/October issue 2021

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