Plym Links August/September 2020 issue by Links Magazines

PLYM LINKS August/September 2020 | Issue 5

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VJ DAY

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FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome back!

The deadline date for any inclusions in the October/ November issue of Plym Links will be 1 September 2020 For all editorial enquiries please contact me via email at: jane.honey@linksmagazines.co.uk or by phone 07971 917071. THE LINKS TEAM: Publisher: Tim Randell Editor: Jane Honey Design: Julian Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard Claire Pearson

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² @plymlinks ON THE COVER: Regatta off Plymouth Sound © Rozanne Bell - see page 36 for

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I am so pleased that we have been able to produce a printed edition of Plym Links once more, following the abrupt change to life as we have always known it in March. It’s been such a worrying time for everyone, on all fronts - physical, mental and financial. Although there will be difficult times ahead still, let’s hope that we will have better ones to look forward to and that life in the new normal eventually returns to positivity, rather than fear and concern. While we’ve been going through a challenging summer, take a moment to reﬂect on the experiences of the Far East prisoners of World War II, as the 75th anniversary of Victory in Japan (VJ Day) is marked this August. Our feature in this edition includes memories of this terrible time as servicemen and civilians endured unbelievable treatment and conditions for more than three years. Our charity feature in this edition puts the spotlight on the Hoofbeats sanctuary at Wotter, which is marking its 20th anniversary this year. Sadly, instead of celebrations, the sanctuary is desperately appealing for help - another financial victim of the coronavirus pandemic. You can read about the work carried out by Hoofbeats volunteers on page 8. Now that the drought of April and May is behind us and we enjoy a more normal, mixed bag of British

weather, you can find some inspiration for your garden with the help of our local expert, Sue Fisher, on pages 22-25. And thinking of the great outdoors, there’s some timely advice from Woolwell GP Dr Annabelle Mascott on page 29. Dr Mascott explains how bites from ticks, those nasty insects that live on the grass, whether it be moorland or fields, should never be ignored. We haven’t included any events listings in this edition for obvious reasons, but there is still lots to read in this, our first birthday issue! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our contributors for all their hard work, our advertisers for their faith in what I believe is a very valuable community magazine and you, our readers. Please do contact me if you have a story to tell, a project to publicise, or a community organisation you think people should know more about. Happy reading!

Jane Jane Honey Editor Plym Links 07971 917071 jane.honey@linksmagazines.co.uk

Contents | August & September 34 Music and Art 40 Walk 42 History 44 Food 46 Technical Help 47 Shop Local! 48 Sport 50 Trade Secrets

Aug/Sept 2020 | Issue 43

for West Devon, Dartmoor and North Plymouth COM

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August/September 2020 | Issue 5

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Delivered by the Royal Mail to the following towns and villages: Roborough, Woolwell, Widewell, Shaugh Prior, Bickleigh, Wotter, Sparkwell, Glenholt, Derriford, Derriford Hospital, The Plymouth Science Park and selected outlets.

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4 Feature - VJ Day 6 Local People 8 Charity Focus 10 Education 12 Noticeboard 22 Gardening 26 Nature 29 Health 31 What’s On

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Local People

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VJ DAY

Remembering the Far East prisoners of World War II

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GARDENING

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VJ Day - Victory over Japan The true end of World War Two

or shot. Ultimately, thousands of Allied prisoners of ugust 15, 2020 marks the day when 75 years ago, war, who had been fighting on land, sea and air in the after atomic bombs fell on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Pacific Islands, Hong Kong, Java, Palembang, Sumatra Japan surrendered to the allies. World War II had finally and Malaya, as well as Singapore, simply became a very ended - and with it came the release of some 123,000 convenient workforce, to be worked literally to death. military and civilian prisoners of war in the Far East. Thousands died in prison camps from starvation and VJ Day is a particularly poignant date for those tropical diseases, subjected to barbaric treatment on remaining survivors - and for their families. a daily basis. They were whipped with barbed wire, Unbelievably, the British government had asked beaten with sticks or rifle butts. Burials took place daily returning freed prisoners not to speak of their on open bonfires. experiences at the hands of the Japanese army and it Survivors’ memories are shocking. As one former POW was several years before the full horror of what they recalled: ‘One of my closest friends wanted a smoke had endured in captivity became public knowledge. when he should have been working and the Japanese The death rate in Japanese-run work camps and guards and the Koreans prisons was seven times that stuffed his mouth with of those in Germany. They were used to the privations cigarettes and (put them) up The war in the Far East began at the end of 1941, when of wartime Europe, including rationing his nose and his ears and Japanese bombs began falling and blackouts - not lights shining into pushed him into the fire to light the cigarettes. on Singapore on December the night and six spins on a ballroom ‘He didn’t last five minutes. 8th. Military commanders had That is the type of thing we not expected Japan to attack ﬂoor for a dollar! saw.’ from the north, through the Lisa de Lar, of Plymouth Malaysian jungle - there was FEPOW (Far East Prisoners even a commonly-held belief of War), said: ‘My own Royal that the eyesight of Japanese Marine Grandfather, Mne airmen was not good enough Whitman who served 27 to enable them to fly at night. years and 16 days, survived In the weeks prior to the the bombing of HMS Prince attack, when British troops of Wales on December first arrived, they found 10th, 1941, an hour after the ‘normal’ life startling. They bombing of HMS Repulse. He were used to the privations was taken to Singapore and of wartime Europe, including joined the Argyll & Sutherland rationing and blackouts - not The USS Arizona burning after the Japanese attack Highlanders. A new troop lights shining into the night on Pearl Harbour was formed, called “Plymouth and six spins on a ballroom Argylls”, named after the football team, as many of the floor for a dollar! But a few short weeks later, Singapore fell to the Japanese, Royal Marines had come from Plymouth. ‘He had to witness horrendous murders carried out by on February 15th, 1942. Thousands of military and civilian personnel - including women and children - were the Japanese. One survivor in the same prison camps as my grandfather is still alive today, aged 100. His memory taken prisoner. The Japanese hadn’t ratified the Geneva as clear today as it was in 1942, he is still badly affected.’ Convention concerning treatment of prisoners of war Lisa described her grandfather’s journey on the ship and to Japanese soldiers and airman, victory had to be Mata Hari as it travelled north towards the Lingga ensured. Dying for their emperor and country was to Islands: ‘They anchored at dusk between Lingga and them, a state of grace. Banka Island. At the entrance of the Banka Straits, they Initially, intelligence was extracted without mercy from prisoners, torture commonplace. Escapees were beheaded passed many bodies, including women, floating in the

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FEATURE water. Women were taken off the ship, made to walk into the sea and were shot in the back. A sight that never leaves you. ‘There were a few Australians on board - a Mr Bowden, the Trade Commissioner for Australia, could speak Japanese. When two Japs were tearing off his wristwatch, he said something to them. They became very angry, dragged him off, made him gather a small bunch of flowers and dig his own grave. Then they shot him - he died like a brave man with arms folded. ‘Once they arrived at another camp, there were no medical supplies. An RAF Pilot, Officer Armstrong, the worst wounded with both legs shattered, had to have one foot amputated – carried out with a saw made by one of the prisoners from ordinary hoop iron. It was not surprising the young man died.’ The prisoners were forced to work long hours doing heavy work with just 350 grams of rice to survive on. Disease and malnutrition were rife, with prisoners

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suffering badly from beri-beri and tropical ulcers, dysentery and malaria. They were given hardly any fish or meat - rats were considered a delicacy. Then imagine returning home after three and half years, not knowing if spouses, parents or relatives were alive or dead, having received no communications all this time. Lisa said: ‘One little girl, who kissed her Daddy’s photo at night, was my Mum. She first saw her Dad when she was nearly five. Her own Mum did not recognise her husband as he arrived back to Stonehouse Royal Marines Barracks as half the man he was. Sunken eyes, very slim body, but a Mne Whitman smile so big it lit up his little girl’s life. Mum ran up to him, amongst the many men and called out “That’s my daddy”. ‘We must never forget the sacrifices and dedication showed by those who served our country. They lost their lives - many were imprisoned. They did all this for us - to protect the freedoms we all enjoy today. ‘VJ Day, the day the Second World War ended, is a time for this generation to reflect and show its gratitude to our veterans for their bravery, dedication and sacrifice.’ n Jane Honey

LOCAL PEOPLE

Myra Bowman

- her steadfast belief in the spirit world and the philosophy of Artist and spiritual medium Spiritualism. She said: ‘I have been seeing spirits since I an you imagine living in 21 was six - when I was different places by your 20th in boarding school I birthday? Constant change was a way of life for Myra Bowman, who used to see this man riding a horse through now lives at Glenholt Park. the dormitory - I was She was born in England but petrified!’ spent her early childhood in Myra began studying Kenya, before living in Italy and the subject seriously later Texas, then California. Her in her 20s, becoming parents split up when she was very an accredited as a young and she and her brother medium through the were brought up by her father and Institute of Spiritual stepmother, though she attended boarding school from the incredibly Mediums and a spirit portrait artist. young age of just five - a period of Myra and her 16 year old poodle Lucy She was president of a time she said she hated. Spiritualist church for some years reincarnation and recalls visiting a ‘I was far too young,’ she in the London area, is a teacher convent in Rome recently opened remembered. ‘I remember being of spirit and psychic awareness to the public: ‘I knew exactly the pulled out from boarding school and still takes services in around layout of the place - I must have for good when I was eight - in the lived there once,’ she said. middle of story time!’ She has found her abilities to be It was an unorthodox childhood I’ve always loved art, of particular help when she is with - she lost touch with her mother even in primary school. people close to death, or if she is though she eventually managed When we did geography, all supporting their families. to track her down when she was ‘Giving comfort at a time when you pregnant with her first daughter, I wanted to do was draw are most vulnerable is a wonderful discovering her mum had remarried the animals thing to be able to do,’ she said. and had two more children, who churches in the South West. She still enjoys painting and at 70, knew nothing of the existence of She explained that everyone has has just published her first book, their half sister and brother. psychic abilities to some extent: ‘Spiritualism & Mediumship The Her working life began in Los Angeles where she worked for an art ‘However, to become a medium you Manual’ covering every aspect of becoming a medium including production company - on returning need to work at it and practice, just like if you have a nice singing voice, accreditation, legalities, philosophy to England when she was 20 she you need to train, you can’t just and history. worked in the art department at become an opera singer.’ Myra, who has a daughter living in Debenhams, in London. Throughout her work as a Australia and another in Plymouth, ‘I’ve always loved art, even in medium, she said she was led by her has been a dog lover all her life and primary school,’ said Myra. ‘When used to enjoy agility work with her we did geography, all I wanted to do spirit guides. They communicate four legged friends. She now has was draw the animals - I remember with her telepathically - she knows one of them, Jacob, is close when a tiny, 16-year-old poodle, Lucy we had a new art teacher arrive - not quite the apricot colour she from England who asked us to paint she feels an intense tingling at the back of her head. She believes that always wanted but who is obviously a snowy garden scene - the only on more than one occasion she devoted to her owner. snow we had ever seen was on the has been saved from dangerous ‘I was told she was apricot-coloured top of Mount Kilimanjaro!’ situations by him, for example, really - she just wears a very tight While her childhood was marked when driving. grey coat!’ said Myra. n by frequent moves, there has been She is a firm believer in a constant throughout Myra’s life Jane honey

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A local charity with 23 mouths to feed . . . Hoofbeats Equine Rehabilitation Sanctuary

aving officially been set up in 2000, Hoofbeats Sanctuary has gone from strength to strength; rehabilitating a range of horses and ponies from their yard on Dartmoor. But restrictions brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic has had a dramatic effect on the finances of this small charity, which is now appealing to the public for help. After rescuing her first horse at the age of 18, founder Sharon Vieira’s passion for the rehabilitation of horses hasn’t been without its learning curves. Former racehorse ‘Second Chance’ was the unplanned beginning of an ever-growing sanctuary for unwanted equines. Sharon told Plym Links about her first rescue: ‘At the time I thought I was so lucky to be given an exracehorse; I remember thinking to myself “How could anyone abandon a horse that has worked so hard for humans?” Little did I know how tough it can be to own an ex-racer, yet how rewarding working with a rescue

horse can be.’ From these humble beginnings, Sharon has remained devoted to giving horses and ponies of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds a ‘second chance’ at life, in memory of her first rescue. Now, more than 30 years on, together with a team of like-minded, dedicated volunteers, Hoofbeats has rescued more than 150 equines, finding them lasting and loving loan homes which are regularly monitored. With every penny donated and fundraised going towards the horses and ponies in their care, it has been no mean feat for Hoofbeats to reach this impressive total. Working all year round, and with an average of around 20 horses awaiting homes or being rehabilitated on site at any one time, the costs can really mount up – the charity’s running costs alone adding up to £1,600 a month. It’s a task made even harder by the unavoidable effects of the coronavirus pandemic. As Sharon said: ‘When

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CHARITY FOCUS Hoofbeats takes on horses and ponies, they forever remain our responsibility. Sadly, some of our adopted horses and ponies have been returned to our care due to the unavoidable effects of coronavirus.’ Having made the heart-breaking decision to cancel all of their planned fundraising events for the usually busy spring and summer periods, the charity has also lost a vital source of their income. With 2020 being the charity’s 20th anniversary year, the team at Hoofbeats had already began planning celebratory events to mark the occasion, supported by the charity’s new patron Michael Mathieson, front man of the popular folk band Mad Dog Mcrea. He has two ponies on loan from Hoofbeats at his pub - The White Thorn at Shaugh Prior. Sadly, these events have now had to be put on hold. ‘We had such high hopes for 2020,’said Sharon. ‘Last year, our team worked tirelessly to re-home our horses and ponies, reaching an all-time record number of successful re-homings across the South West and beyond. Determined to surpass these figures this year, coronavirus has definitely meant that finding these equines the loving homes they so deserve has become a lot harder this year.’ With the decrease in donations and fundraising income, Hoofbeats is in desperate need of support as funds run low.

With so many horses and ponies currently in their care, the bill for winter hay provisions alone can cost the charity thousands of pounds a year. A bale of hay costs the sanctuary £35 and will last one pony one month, meaning hay alone costs the small charity over £1 a day. Launching the charity’s emergency coronavirus appeal back in the spring, Sharon said: ‘We know that given the current situation around coronavirus, individuals’ funds are at an all time low - but that includes us as a small charity. We know times are hard for everyone, but as a charity surviving on donations alone, our funds are at risk of running low, and these horses and ponies really need our help.’ To help ensure the future of these horses and ponies and enable them to find their deserved loving homes in the future, you can donate to Hoofbeats today. The Dartmoor-based charity’s emergency coronavirus appeal can be found here: www.justgiving.com/hoofbeats or alternatively you can donate via Paypal using fundraising@hoofbeats.org.uk n More Information: To find out more about the work of Hoofbeats, please visit www.hoofbeats.org.uk , or follow their facebook page for updates at ½ teamhoof

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A summer like no other The Moorsway Federation’s experience...

‘H

ow do you solve the problem of teaching primary Our first ‘bubble’ was set up and staff from all three school children in the wake of a pandemic with schools took it in turns to be with the children. Initially the country in lockdown and schools being asked to close?’ the numbers attending were low, but those who did I am sure this was a question being asked in schools attend loved every minute and any anxiety disappeared across the UK as the coronavirus pandemic hit the as they played with their friends. The fantastic weather country. The problem was as real for us in rural Devon helped, as the children could be outside most of the time. as anywhere else and a creative approach was needed to But what about the other children who couldn’t come keep in contact with our children, make sure everyone into school? For those children we did what all the was safe and try to maintain some learning. other schools were doing - providing home learning on At Moorsway Federation, (The Erme Primary, our website. This was for all age groups, based around Cornwood C of E Primary a different theme each week. and Shaugh Prior Primary), we tasks in maths and The first phase of our plan was to Daily knew working closely together English were also available. create a hub school for the key worker This was an unprecedented across our three schools was the answer. Putting that into time with children possibly and vulnerable children practice was another matter. away from school for an The first phase of our plan was to create a hub school extended period. We felt we had to keep in contact with for the key worker and vulnerable children. As all of our the children, to reassure them and give them a sense schools are small, the number of children who needed the of ‘it will be OK’. We encouraged them to send emails new ‘Educare’ was low, so there was no need for all three to their class teacher and put photos of what they had schools to be open. Cornwood C of E became our hub. been doing on our newly created Moorsway Facebook It was geographically the middle school, had the biggest site. Weekly competitions were set up such as ‘Bake Off’ outdoor space with forest school areas, a field, trim trail, a and art competitions. We also knew how much all the large hard playing area and most importantly, a classroom children were missing each other, so as a federation we that was separate from the rest of the school. held class zoom meetings where the children were able

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EDUCATION to talk and share what they had been up to. Staff also put together videos to entertain the children, one based on ‘High School Musical’ and another a ‘Lockdown Rap’. The majority of the Easter holidays were cancelled and staff worked tirelessly to provide what the children needed. Then came the June 4th announcement. The government decided the Foundation children, Year 1 and Year 6 children, as well as those already in Educare, could return to school, as long as the class sizes were not over 15. How were we going to manage that? Our solution was quite obvious. Open another school. But not immediately. Our very supportive governors decided we should open the following week, so staff had time to set up the classrooms and school building adhering to government advice. On June 8th our numbers of children returning tripled and learning in their new bubbles started. The children were so pleased to be back at school and see their friends. Thankfully the government realised primary age children could not socially distance so they could work and play together. Cornwood now had two bubbles and The Erme four. Each bubble had its own teacher, teaching assistant,

lunchtime supervisor and set times for playtime and lunchtime. Each bubble was then able to socially distance. Where are we now? The government has just released its guidance on full opening for schools in September and the expectation is for all children to return to school. This is good news as returning to school is vital for children’s education and wellbeing. But we will be scrutinising the guidance and working out how to implement the recommendations detailed within it, so our children are happy, safe and able to learn on their return. Coronavirus has not gone away and schools, like society in general, will have to keep adapting. I am extremely proud of how the Moorsway Federation staff, and education staff across the country, have put the welfare of their children first and found creative solutions to problems they would never have dreamt of six months ago. We are looking forward to our children returning in September and already we have noticed our family feel is stronger than ever throughout the federation. If you are interested in looking at anything mentioned, take a look at our Facebook pages or our website https://www. moorswayfederation.org.uk/. n Simon Hall, Executive Headteacher

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Here come the hoglets!

With the first batch of baby hedgehogs being born from April to June, it’s no surprise the summer months have all been about the hoglets. They’ve been abandoned, lost, forgotten or Mamma hog has got into difficulties and not managed to return to her nest. With only 40% making it through their first year, the things we do makes all the difference to their survival. Our introduction to hedgehog families started in late March when I had to move a new mum and her litter of three from a garden with a dog the owners were worried about. Not all nest moves are successful as the mum can reject or kill the babies, but fortunately Sophie and her hoglets all made it. Finding a nest in your garden is wonderful but if disturbed, mum will often move it. This is risky endeavour - Mum will carry them individually to the new nest but they can be dropped, lost or abandoned if she’s disturbed. While hand rearing baby hedgehogs is lovely, their best chance of survival is to remain with mum. She will encourage them to explore at three weeks old, but by six weeks, weighing less than 200g, they are on their own. Hedgehogs can also have a late litter in October and these hoglets have a tough time fending for themselves at the worst time of year. Our new arrivals have kept us busy; midnight feeds,

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treating ailments, emergency runs to vets and late night checks. Our new hogs have been either dehydrated, suffered from various ailments or attacked by dogs. Dart Vale Vets in Totnes give pioneering treatment to these tiny creatures. They operated on Britney, a 99g hoglet who had to have her little toe removed after a dog attack. She made a full recovery and once her spines grow back over her other wounds, she’ll be ready to face the world - and hopefully steer clear of dogs. To help these amazing creatures; link your garden with your neighbours to stop them having to cross the road in search of food or a mate; leave out a shallow dish of water and some cat biscuits (not bird food). Check before you use garden machinery - we have found hogs under plants rather than in nests during the hot weather - don’t use slug pellets, make sure your pond is wildlife friendly and keep your dog on a lead if you think it might attack a hog in your garden. Hedgehogs don’t sunbathe - if you see one out during the day it needs your help (unless it is a pregnant female or nursing mum gathering food or nesting materials), so seek help immediately. Tina Hutton-Fellowes, Sparkwell

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NOTICEBOARD

COVID Research

Plymouth researchers have thanked local patients that took part in a clinical trial of the antiviral drug remdesivir in the treatment of coronavirus. Remdesivir was recently approved by the NHS to treat COVID-19: the first drug to be licensed for this use in the UK . The trial took place at Derriford Hospital, part of a global study across North America and Europe. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) is an acute specialist hospital with a large and active Research and Development team. It recruits thousands of patients to participate in research each year, with approximately 600 trials running at any one time. It is the altruism of participants that has impacted on

clinicians most. John Corcoran, consultant chest physician and principal investigator for the study, said: ‘For patients, taking part has allowed them to receive treatment that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to, whilst we learn how best to manage the epidemic in the future. ‘Being involved in a research effort like this is hugely positive. For our patients it has been a really beneficial experience, as they feel like they’re part of something bigger. They are contributing to the successful treatment of people in future who are suffering with Covid-19.’ Carrying out the research was not without its challenges, not least because staff were holding important conversations whilst dressed in full personal protective equipment, with patients who were unwell and afraid. John said: ‘The bravery of these patients should be noted; stepping forward to say, “You know what? I want to be part of something bigger and help people”.’ Gary Stroud, 55, from Plymouth, took part. He said: ‘The day I was told about the study I was feeling unwell and depressed and had nothing to lose. Research and testing is essential to medication progression in the NHS and this was an opportunity for me to help. The trial drug could well have helped me and I actually think it did. ‘Staff explained everything in a highly professional way. They were courteous, informative and very reassuring. I was extremely impressed with the way the whole research team went about their duties. I greatly looked forward to their visits to administer the trial drugs, not just for the medication that may or may not aid my recovery but also for the company and conversation during a very difficult time for me.’ Gary Minto, director of research and development at University Hospitals Plymouth, said: ‘This has been a huge multi-professional team effort, by the clinicians, junior doctors, nursing teams looking after patients on the ward, our dedicated research nurses, pharmacists dispensing medication and administrative staff who provide a lot of support to manage the study. The commitment from everyone involved has been inspiring.’

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Ultrafast broadband in sight Key public services will be better connected with residents across Plymouth, the South Hams and West Devon, thanks to a new ultrafast fibre broadband network that will be rolled out later this year. Plymouth City Council together with NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, West Devon Borough Council and South Hams District Council and Delt Shared Services Ltd have secured a £2.2 million grant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for a subsidised gigabit-capable connection for 131 buildings in Plymouth and South West Devon. Following a tendering process, BT Group has been awarded the contract to install the fibre broadband network. It means hospitals, clinics, doctors’ surgeries, schools, youth centres and libraries and council buildings across the area will all be better connected. This investment will significantly extend access to full fibre networks, making it easier and cheaper for businesses and homes to connect. Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans said: ‘The lockdown illustrates exactly why we need to make sure our technology and our networks are up to the job - not just now but in the future. ‘We’ve all had a wake up call for how important our broadband network is - just on a personal basis let alone on a business continuity side - so I am chuffed to bits that this is going ahead.’ Full fibre networks have connections with download speeds of up to a gigabit per second (Gbps). The benefits are not just about keeping us connected in a lockdown

situation. It could allow patients to access healthcare services digitally, including video consultation to GP surgeries. It will allow greater use of online and digital teaching skills for schools. For organisations such as councils and health providers, it would allow residents and patients to access more services remotely. For businesses it would make the area more attractive to creative and digital industries that rely on a fast and stable digital environment to work effectively which in turn provides a boost to the local economy. The fibre installation programme is expected to start in the Autumn and to continue into the follow year. The management and oversight of the installation will be carried out by Delt Shared Services on behalf of the partnership. The team is working on a programme to ensure as little disruption on the roads in and around Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon as possible.

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Honour for South Hams CAB Volunteers from Citizens Advice South Hams are to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. The local charity provides advice to those in need, helping around 6,000 people each year resolve issues with debt, housing, benefits, employment and more. The purpose of the charity is to help people live happier and more productive lives and it is often the most vulnerable who benefit from the service. Last year alone the charity helped improve the finances of local people by some £2 million. Citizens Advice South Hams is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Representatives of Citizens Advice South Hams were due to receive the award from David Fursdon, HM Lord Lieutenant of Devon later this summer. And two volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May next year, along with other recipients of this year’s Award. Janie Moor, chief officer, Citizens Advice South Hams said: ‘I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and commitment of our trained advisers and support team who work tirelessly to help local people find a way forward with their problems. The sheer scope and volume of issues that we deal with on a daily basis shows how much need there is for our service, particularly during these testing times.

NOTICEBOARD

‘As a result of the Covid crisis we moved to home working overnight and we now have 60 trained advisers across the South Hams working from their homes, answering calls and emails from the public. This is just one example of how Citizens Advice South Hams has responded to many challenges over the years. We have been operating in South Hams since 1979 and this award is a fantastic way to recognise the contribution of all our volunteers past and present. Thank you.’ David Fursdon, HM Lord Lieutenant of Devon, said: ‘It is the hard work of the volunteers that have earned this recognition. The Queen set up the QAVS framework in 2002 and our pleasure in the Lieutenancy, and very real it is too, is taken from seeing such excellence publicly acknowledged.’

To contact Citizens Advice for help with a problem call ✆ 03 444 111 444, WhatsApp them on ✆ 07497 758779 or email via https://southhamscab.org.uk/contact/

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Business support in challenging times With the COVID19 pandemic affecting many small businesses, the UK government has put several new assistance schemes in place to offer support. With so many different grants available, as well as new business funding programmes, it can be confusing to know where to start, or discover which support programmes are suitable for which business. These are unprecedented times, but as a company supporting rural and coastal businesses for the past 15 years to not only secure grant funding but also help with all aspects of business and project planning, The Diverse Regeneration Company’s advisors are well placed to help with expert support. A DR spokesperson said: ‘The DR Company’s website is updated daily with all current government schemes as well as other funding programmes available - with full information on who is eligible, deadline dates and how to

apply. If you need help with filling out applications, The DR Company’s advisors are the experts! We’ve helped secure over £15million of funding for businesses and community projects across the West Country since 2005. ‘As a not-for-profit community company, The DR Company is here to help and often just the simple things can make a big difference!’ Try a couple of these quick five minute Business Boosters: 1. Google Yourself: Check out what the world sees when it Google’s you or your company. What messages are they seeing and are they correct? 2. Check out your competition: Search out your competitors, by name and by product. How does their online presence compare to yours? Do you have something unique you can shout about? See all the current government schemes, funding programmes and all our Business Boosters at www. drcompany.co.uk or email admin@drcompany.co.uk. Social: @theDRCompany.

Business toolkit A toolkit to help Devon businesses to reopen safely following the Covid 19 lockdown has been launched by Devon County Council. Better Business For All is a partnership of the region’s local authorities, business groups, regulators and trading standards services, and they have created a resource providing guidance and advice to businesses. The toolkit provides information and links to help businesses understand what their regulatory and legal responsibilities are and what they have to do to restart their business safely. It provides useful documents including a risk assessment template, action plan, business checklists and safety guides. It will answer questions ranging from ‘Can I open?’ right through to how to reopen safely, travel advice for employees and visitors, guidance on personal protective equipment and hygiene. Cllr Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for the economy and trading standards said: ‘Councils, businesses groups, government and regulators are working together to help businesses get back on their feet and help kick-start the economy. ‘This excellent resource provides businesses with information on what they need to do before they can reopen, where they can get help and how to protect their 16

employees and customers. It is a crucial step towards reopening Devon’s economy.’ Access the toolkit at www.devonsomersettradingstandards. gov.uk/toolkit-to-help-businesses-reopen-launches/ For the latest Covid-19 support and guidance for businesses, and information on Government schemes, please visit the Growth Hub at www.heartofswgrowthhub. co.uk/covid-19-support-for-business/

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‘And did those feet in ancient times, walk upon England’s mountains green’ - it’s the Women’s Institute’s ‘anthem’ and yes, the ladies of Plym Valley WI do walk, but mostly hold meetings with various local speakers, lunches out, visit places of interest in our local area, and provide a friendly welcoming group for ladies of all ages. One visit was to the beautiful home, on The Hoe, of Lady

Stepping out for charity The Farming Community Network Charity is this year celebrating 25 years of helping farmers and people working in the agricultural community in times of need. During the Covid crisis, volunteers have continued to support people through email and telephone support. Many 25th celebrations have had to be postponed until next year, including a group of ten young and older farmers undertaking a 25-mile hike across Dartmoor. Assistant co-ordinator Joanne Jones decided to do her own 25-mile walk which she completed around Mid Devon. She was joined for ten of the miles by fellow coordinator Colin Smallacombe. They have raised around £500 so far; donations can still be made via their just giving website: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jo-Jones42

Maureen Maskell Plym Valley WI

For further information about the Farming Community Network, visit: www.fcn.org.uk You can also go to www.farmwell.org.uk - a one stop resource to help you and your farm business stay strong and resilient. The FCN helpline is open from 7am – 11pm every day of the week on ✆ 03000 111 999 or you can email: help@fcn.org.uk

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Nancy Astor, which she gave to the people of Plymouth to be used as a Lord Mayor’s Parlour. Inside the wonderful rooms are many memories of the war years and Lady Astor’s life. One of our outings in 2019 was to the War Horse Valley Museum and working farm, inspiration for Michael Morpurgo’s famous book. A ‘not to be missed’ moving experience for adults and children alike. Our ladies choose a local charity to benefit from fundraising every year and, of course, contribute to the local food bank. Usually, Plym Valley WI meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7.15pm in St Anne’s Church, Glenholt Road. All ladies who come along will be assured of a warm welcome and a voice in future bookings and events in our group. For more information about current meeting arrangements and any other details, call Mary for more details on ✆ 01752 569871.

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Celebrating post-war architecture Plans to protect and celebrate Plymouth’s amazing postwar architecture have been given a huge boost thanks to a grant of almost £2 million from Historic England. Plymouth City Council has secured £1,994,638 for its High Street Heritage Action Zone improvements to the city centre. The funding will go towards a rejuvenation of the listed Civic Square - between the Guildhall and the Civic Centre - as well as on exciting engagement projects designed to get Plymouth people to fall in love with the city’s unique war time history and its post-war buildings and spaces. Leader of Plymouth City Council, Cllr Tudor Evans, said: ‘This news couldn’t come at a better time. We’re getting really excited about our plans with Urban Splash and the University to create something that will bring more people to the city centre. That project which is being submitted for Future High Street funding looks at rejuvenating buildings. ‘This projects looks at the space between them and how we can encourage people to think again about what they may have perhaps taken for granted. ‘Plymouth’s post-war buildings tell an extraordinary story of a city that rebuilt itself. We want people to look up, look at these incredible buildings with a fresh pair of eyes. ‘The city centre was crucial to the city’s recovery then and it is now.’ Last year a large part of the city centre was designated a conservation area with Royal Parade and Civic Square at its heart. It includes New George Street, Raleigh Street, Derry’s Cross, Athenaeum Lane, Notte Street and Old Town Street, St Andrews Cross and abuts the western boundary of the Barbican Conservation Area.

NOTICEBOARD The area was rebuilt, following its destruction during World War Two. Within the conservation area are a number of Grade II listed buildings including Royal Bank of Scotland at St Andrew’s Cross, the Theatre Royal, Derry’s Clock Tower, the Bank Pub, the Council House and Civic Centre, Catharine Street Baptist Church, the former Barclay’s Bank and Unitarian Church. The High Street Heritage Action Zone will include a community engagement programme led by The Box and POP+ who will offer a mixture of talks, tours and workshops looking at the hidden heritage of the city and the stories from its streets with a number of local community groups.

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Award-winning photographer becomes charity patron The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Pony Trust (DPHT) has announced that photographer Malcolm Snelgrove has become the charity’s new patron. The charity’s vision is to secure the future of the native Dartmoor pony and to inspire and connect people with Dartmoor’s wildlife, landscape and heritage. Developing its partnership with Malcolm, a respected, internationally published equine and environmental photographer based on the Moor, is a perfect fit. The DPHT works with pony keepers on Dartmoor who own and breed Dartmoor ponies. It also promotes the Dartmoor pony for conservation grazing and manages 82 hectares of moorland and heathland at Bellever, Postbridge, where it has 20 ponies and offers free guided walks. At its Dartmoor Pony Visitor and Information Centre on the Parke Estate near Bovey Tracey it provides equine assisted learning, education and information, as well as opportunities for people to meet ponies and learn more about them. The charity’s Dru Butterfield said: ‘We are thrilled and honoured that Malcolm has joined the charity as a patron. His passion for Dartmoor and its ponies, heritage and conservation certainly matches our own so this is a very exciting time. ‘Malcolm will champion our work and enable us to share our messages more widely and effectively to a broader public, as well as increasing engagement, through the hugely effective medium of powerful imagery. Malcolm’s images of Dartmoor and its ponies have

brought him international acclaim. He moved to Devon 20 years ago with his wife Juliette and his time spent exploring the wild and rugged landscapes and studying the pony herds that graze there, led him to combine working as an IT consultant with becoming a professional photographer. Malcolm said: ‘I’m so honoured to have been appointed patron. ‘I am fascinated by the ponies and how they live in their natural environment. The DPHT is carrying out wonderful habitat management activities and research at Bellever and it’s been fascinating recording the very positive impact they are having in developing the biodiversity.’

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SHDC introduces assistive technology A fantastic website accessibility tool has been bought by South Hams District Council. The cloud-based tool will make the council’s website much easier for residents and visitors who have additional needs. The assistive technology called ‘Recite Me’ will allow the user to easily adapt the website with their own preferred settings. It will even remember those settings for any other website which uses Recite Me. The council is delighted with this significant addition to its website, which will remove barriers and help web visitors who have a range of needs including those with common conditions like sight loss, dyslexia and learning difficulties. The new, easy-to-use functions will include the ability to change font sizes and colours to make reading text easier, to customise the background colour or even to access a dictionary and thesaurus. It also has the option to read text aloud, including on PDF documents, in multiple languages. Cllr Nicky Hopwood, executive member for communications at South Hams District Council,

NOTICEBOARD said: ‘I’m really passionate about good communication with our communities so I’m excited by this new technology. ‘Residents who in the past might have had to rely on others, or who had to call our contact centre for information or help, will now be able to find information easily online about our services. Cllr Nicky Hopwood “We mustn’t forget anyone who has English as a second language, whether they be residents or visitors. To be able to quickly and easily translate any webpage into any of the 100 available languages is brilliant.’ With one in ten people in the UK who don’t speak English as their first language, and of course, visitors from home and abroad coming to the South Hams, the website will also be able to translate pages into over 100 languages at a simple click of a button. To try the new assistive technology, Recite Me, go to www.southhams.gov.uk and click on “Enable Accessibility Tools” at the top right of the screen.

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hrough the unprecedented events of this year, our gardens have become more important than we could ever have imagined in those carefree preCoronavirus times. Although restrictions are easing, it is still likely to be a long while before travel and holidays become their old relaxing selves. Instead, look at how to re-organise your garden for a ‘staycation’ summer. Meeting family and friends outdoors is Covid-safe, so the ideal gathering spot is a good-sized patio with potential for socially-distanced overspill. When planning a patio area, the commonest trap to fall into is ‘undersizing’ – because paving does look expansive when empty or measured out on bare ground. But once occupied by a table and several chairs, possibly a few planted containers; allowing for space to push chairs back from the table and move around, and the space soon fills. Adjacent lawn makes for easy guest overspill, using folding chairs or outdoor beanbags. Extra

‘occasional’ seating can be made in the form of widetopped raised beds made with wooden sleepers, or stone topped with slate. Fill these with fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage, and your patio will become your own little ‘paradise garden’. My summer favourites include pale pink Nemesia ‘Confetti’, with a light floral fragrance that lives up to its name; dark red Chocolate Cosmos with a mouthwatering scent and late-flowering Gladiolus murielae, while the rich perfumes of tobacco plants (Nicotiana) and Oriental lilies intensify in the evening and night. Get the most from your space by growing up: sweet peas and star jasmine (Trachelospermum) clamber up arches, trellis and obelisks. All these plants are great for containers, borders or raised beds, so you can have perfume anywhere that gets a reasonable amount of sun. Watching wildlife in the garden was one of the great discoveries of lockdown for a huge number of people,

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GARDENING

Tips on how to ‘grow your own’

coming as it did at the start of the breeding season. Without traffic, birds were able to make themselves heard and were able to set up home in previously inaccessible places. In our garden, a constantly open shed door meant swallows were able to prospect and, with the aid of a hastily put-up artificial nest, are busy raising a brood, to my absolute delight. Hedgehogs have reappeared and can be heard after dark noisily prospecting for slugs and snails. Entice more wildlife in with food, water and shelter: go chemical-free and wildlife will munch up the organic slugs and bugs; install boxes for birds, bats and hedgehogs, as well as dense thorny shrubs; and water in any form. A new garden pond would be a wonderful legacy of this lockdown year. For anyone who is still shielding, a selection of bird feeders (go to www.rspb. org.uk) would make a wonderful gift that’s likely to give many hours of pleasure.

Keep calm and grow veg ‘Keep calm and grow veg’ pretty much summed up my approach to lockdown, which saw sales of vegetable seed and plants absolutely rocket as the nation turned to home growing. In response to fear of food shortages, yes, but also as a something to fulfil a real practical purpose to fill suddenly empty days. Hopefully you’ll now be tucking into this summer’s harvest - here are some timely tips to carry on growing all year round.

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- Feed tomatoes and other fruitproducing crops (such as cucumbers and peppers) with a weekly liquid feed, for a bigger, better harvest. - Sow quick growing veg little and often to harvest in late summer and autumn, such as beetroot, radish, rocket, lettuce, baby carrots and spinach. If the soil is dry, make the seed drill (shallow trench) using a trowel or hoe, and water well before sowing the seed. - In late summer and autumn, sow hardy crops to harvest next spring, like perpetual spinach, turnips and Swiss chard. - Sowing seed in small pots or modules means you’ll have young plants ready to put into any gaps that appear as you harvest. Rootrainers (deep grooved pots) are perfect for larger plants. - Buy young veg plants such as kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and broccoli which will crop over winter and into next year. Protect with ﬁne insect mesh to keep oﬀ pests and pigeons. - Plant strawberries for a luscious harvest next summer. They grow well in containers – even hanging baskets and window boxes.

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GARDENING If this is your first time of growing your own and you’ve had a few disasters, don’t be discouraged. Every garden has successes and failures: at the moment my brassicas have lacy-edged leaves due to an invasion of wood pigeons; some of my seeds didn’t appear (lettuce doesn’t germinate well in the heat); and the dry conditions were ideal for a plague of red ants on my soft fruit. I’ve now planted Pennyroyal mint round my fruit patch, which deters slugs. There’s lots of advice and information on the internet

specifically for ‘lockdown’ gardeners like the excellent www.digforvictory.org. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) was quick off the mark to launch ‘Grow at Home’, with advice that covers veg, fruit, herbs and flowers, as well as lots of great projects for children. www.edenproject.com/learn also has many superb ideas to inspire and occupy children through the long summer holidays. Pardon the pun, but it could sow the seed of an interest that can last a lifetime. n Sue Fisher

Clockwise from above: Fragrant lavender at RHS Rosemoor; Honeysuckle; Gladiolus murieliae, Tobacco plant blossoms; Sweet peas

GARDEN DESIGNER & HORTICULTURAL SPECIALIST Inspirational ideas to transform your garden Sue continues to be available for garden advisory visits and design work, operating according to Covid-19 social distancing guidelines. Sue’s book on growing food in small spaces, ‘Growing up the Wall’, is available from www.greenbooks.co.uk

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Meadows

and time spent in nature

ince the 1940s, the number of wildflower meadows in Britain has decreased by a huge 97%. Around the edge of Dartmoor, some farms are still managed in a way that enables wild flowers to thrive in their fields. In 2015, a number of like-minded people formed an organisation – the Moor Meadows group – dedicated to increasing the number of flower-rich meadows around Dartmoor. This group has encouraged many more landowners to turn some of their land into fields rich in flowers, insects and other wildlife, and some of these landowners open their meadows in summer for others to enjoy. You can join the Moor Meadows group (www.moormeadows.org.uk) and will be kept up to date with events and talks taking place locally. The group also has links to short courses on identification of, for instance, wild flowers, grasses, bumblebees etc. Many people have noticed a big drop in the number of insects in their garden and in the wider countryside. For instance, when was the last time you had to stop the car and clean the windscreen while driving in summer? These insects – bees, bumblebees, moths, butterflies, wasps – are vital for pollinating crops and flowers as well as controlling pests. If you have a garden, you can create a meadow, 26

albeit a small one, by leaving your lawn, or part of it, unmown in spring and early summer. This allows some wildflowers to grow – speedwell, self-heal, daisies, dandelions, buttercups, forget-menot, and red campion – and in turn allows the bees and butterflies to flourish. I realise that this may seem a strange idea for many keen gardeners, but why not try it and see the beneficial results. I have been fascinated to watch as a Goldfinch, or a Bullfinch, fed carefully on dandelion seeds. Spending time in nature is good for you. Several recent books have shown the beneficial effect that being out ‘in nature’ has on mental health. The ‘Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing’ lists around a dozen recently published books considered to be the best of current nature writing. Two books on this year’s list are ‘The Diary of a Young Naturalist’ by Dara McAnulty and ‘Bird Therapy’ by Joe Harkness. Both of these books show how being out ‘in nature’ helped the authors to recover. As Dara McAnulty put it, nature became for him ‘a life-support system’. Nature and our connection with it, is under threat, particularly for younger people. The Oxford Junior Dictionary has removed common words about nature – such as

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NATURALIST acorn, blackberry and conker – and replaced them with words about the digital age we live in – such as blog, broadband and chat room. How many younger people nowadays can identify common wild flowers, or butterflies, or birds? As a result of our increasing dependence on

technology, many of us spend long hours looking at screens of one sort or another. Maybe we should consider this and perhaps spend a bit more time enjoying the countryside and all the natural beauty that it has to offer? During the recent lockdown, most

of us have had more time on our hands, time to ‘stand and stare’ as the poet William Henry Davies wrote in his poem ‘Leisure’: ‘A poor life this if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare.’n Anthony John

if, full of care, we have “ Anopoortimelifetothisstand and stare. ”

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Lyme disease Lyme disease is an infection passed to humans by a bite from a tick infected with an organism called Borrelia burgdoferi.

icks are tiny, spider-like creatures that live in long grass and woodland in the Southern UK, Scotland and Europe as well as North America. Tick bites only cause Lyme disease if the tick has itself been infected and only a minority of ticks in the UK are infected. Public Health England estimates that there are 2,000–3,000 new confirmed cases of Lyme disease each year in England and Wales, with 15% of cases contracted outside the UK. Tick activity increases in spring and peaks between April and June, reducing over the summer months. However, it can increase again in early autumn, and continues at low levels throughout the winter. Typically, people infected with Lyme disease develop a rash (erythema migrans), usually within four weeks, but sometimes as long as 12 weeks after a tick bite. Not everyone develops this rash (up to 30% do not). The most typical rash resembles a bulls eye on a darts board with a red centre and then a circle of redness around the centre gradually spreading outward. Rashes may also appear on other parts of the body, away from the original bite. If Lyme disease is not treated at this early state, after a few weeks or months, a proportion of people can go on to develop a Stage 2 (‘early disseminated’) condition, with symptoms that vary but can include a chronic form of erythema migrans, carditis heart problems such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), pericarditis (inflammation of the heart sac), paralysis of facial nerves, a form of meningitis, or nerve pain. Some people can develop a late form of the disease (Stage 3 or ‘late disseminated’) with pain and swelling in a joint (an arthritis), nerve problems – such as pain or numbness or paralysis of the limbs - or trouble with memory or concentration or a form of meningitis. Some people may go on to get a persistent fatigue called a post infectious or chronic fatigue.

To avoid getting Lyme disease, try to avoid tick bites by: • covering your skin while walking outdoors - tuck trousers into socks • use insect repellent on clothes and skin – products containing DEET are best • stick to paths whenever possible • wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot and brush off • Check for ticks after a walk especially in skin creases If you find a tick latched onto the skin you should remove them safely: • Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops. • Grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible, slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you have removed it. • Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water. • You do not need to do anything else unless you go on to develop a rash or flu like symptoms and in this case, you should contact your GP telling them that you have had a tick bite. The treatment for Lyme Disease, if it is diagnosed in the early stages, is a course of antibiotics and does not usually need a blood test, although if there is some doubt, your GP may take one to help with diagnosis. Two tests are taken and may need to be repeated if negative in the early stages. Those who develop the later stage symptoms will usually be referred to a consultant for blood tests and diagnosis. n References www.cks.nice.org.uk/lyme-disease www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk www.nhsinform.scot www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease

Dr Annabelle Mascott is a doctor at Woolwell Medical Centre

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Support in unfamiliar times T

he use of pure essential oils, herbs, resins and plants have been used by humans for their medicinal and therapeutic properties for over 5,000 years. We continue to use them today with mindfulness and intent to complement and support health and wellbeing. Essential oils with antiviral qualities Eucalyptus – has a powerful anti viral action and can provide extra support for our whole body against disease and viruses. It has a strengthening action upon the immune system and has been useful during epidemics. Use in low concentration as it can be a skin irritant and it is not compatible with homeopathic treatments. Always dilute before use, see notes on safety. Tea tree or Ti Tree – Active against bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is a powerful imuno-stimulant that can increase the activity of the body’s immune system to respond to threat. Helpful for glandular fever and people prone to infection or slow to recover from illness, helpful for ME. Ti tree is one of two essential oils that can be used neat on the hands, the other being Lavender. It is generally a safe oil but can irritate the skin in some cases. Lavender – A good all round oil where the whole body can benefit. Properties include anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, balancing, relaxing, helpful for colds and flu , headaches , migraines and anxiety. Lavender is soothing to the central nervous system and can promote sleep, add one to four drops on your pillow depending on your own personal preference. Ravensara – An excellent anti-viral oil that can help stimulate our immune system. It may be useful against flu like virus infections, good for all respiratory tract

infections and can help to loosen mucus. It can help to relax muscles and soothe joint and muscular pains; it can be physically and mentally stimulating . Always dilute before use, see notes on safety. Essential oils to support the immune system Bergamot - An uplifting sunny oil helpful for depression, anxiety, stress, colds and sore throats. Bergamot is also found in Earl grey tea. It is a useful anti viral oil that support the immune system. A valuable one to have for sure, but do not sun bathe with it on as it can cause your skin to burn. Always dilute before use see notes on safety. Manuka – has many qualities including anti-viral and anti-fungal. It can be used for colds, is helpful for muscular pain and can be used as an alternative to tea tree. You could try adding two to four drops to a glass of water to use as a gargle for sore throats, however, do not ingest/swallow essential oils. Always dilute before use see notes on safety. Other essential oils that can support the immune system and our immune response include Lavender, Eucalyptus, Ravensara and Tea/Ti tree. These oils also have anti viral properties and are discussed above. A note on safety Essential oils are generally safe and easy to use and enjoy at home. However, ensure that any oil you buy is labelled pure essential oil. They are for external use only and must be diluted before being applied to the skin, they are highly concentrated and can cause irritation and may not be suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant, breast feeding, epileptic or have allergies or are in any doubt seek advice from a suitably qualified person or midwife before use. Follow the advice on the bottle and keep out of reach of children. n Anna Georghiou MA, MAR, FHT Disclaimer: The information provided is for personal information and interest only. It is not intended to offer professional medical advice or treatment for any condition. Information is shared on the basis that there are no known contra-indications to treatment. I accept no liability for misuse of essential oils.

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August to November

August 15

WHAT’S ON

Days out with a difference! VJ Day 75th Anniversary As part of its commitment to expanding its conservation and education programmes on the Moor, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust is looking for new volunteers to join its wonderful conservation team helping to look after its land at Bellever, Postbridge. Opportunities range from checking the ponies to brush cutting, stone walling, fencing, putting up signs, strimming and unearthing and recording Bronze Age archaeology! Dartmoor Moorland Guide and conservationist Paul Rendell will be leading work party events as follows: Wednesday, August 5th; Monday, August 17th; Saturday, September 5th; Saturday October 3rd; Wednesday, October 14th; Saturday, November 7th; Wednesday, November 18th and Saturday, November 28th. In addition, FREE guided walks at Bellever are being offered for groups of six persons or more, to learn more about the heritage, history, archaeology, ﬂora and fauna of Dartmoor and hopefully to meet our herd of Dartmoor ponies. Walks can be tailored for people of all ages, interests and abilities, looking for a good half-day out on the Moor. Ponies graze the land as part of the Charity’s work to reveal, maintain and manage the archaeological treasures and to keep the foliage under control!

Join Plymouth FEPOW (Far East Prisoners of War) group for a memorial service to commemorate the end of World War Two at 11am in the Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth, followed by a celebration with live music in Plymouth Guildhall hall. A time to reﬂect the true end of the war, remember those taken prisoner in the Far East and those fighting in the Pacific and surrounding Islands, in Java, Hong Kong, Sumatra and Burma. Those held on the ‘hell ships’ and all Allied and Commonwealth military, civilian men, women and children affected during this awful period. Everyone is welcome to attend the day. Entry to the church is free, entry to the Guildhall is via a £3 security wristband. Fantastic live entertainment with music from the 40s, 50s and 60s will be played by Sandy Sparkle, Neil Kristopher, 2 Unique and Ocean City Sounds between 1.15pm and 9pm. If you are not able to dance, you can tap your feet or sing along to the songs. Please purchase a wrist band by visiting Plymouth FEPOW members at The Treasury Café Bar and Restaurant, PL1 2AD between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, August 1st or by visiting www.vjday75plymouth.co.uk. For more information call ✆ 07398 057074. Plymouth FEPOW would like to thank Decorations and Celebrations, Endsleigh Garden Centre, Identify Design, Morrisons of Plymstock and Plym Links for their support. Covid-19 – Should we have to postpone this event, we will re-arrange for another date as soon as possible. Any purchased wrist bands will be valid to be used on the new date. We look forward to seeing you there. Plymouth FEPOW

Get involved: Contact the DPHT on ✆ 01626 833234 or email: admin@dpht. co.uk to find out more about joining our conservation working parties, to see how else you can get involved with preserving the Dartmoor pony on Dartmoor, or to organise a date for a guided walk.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

August

Following official safety advice relating to mass participation events during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of Plymouth’s best-loved charities has announced the cancellation of two of its ﬂagship fundraising events for this year. But St Luke’s Hospice is not letting lockdown restrictions dampen the community spirit of its many ardent supporters. Having made the difficult decision to cancel the popular Men’s Day Out and Ladies’ Midnight Walk events, after previously hoping to just postpone it, is inviting local men and women to create their own fundraising challenge instead. Sponsorship money raised by those who sign up for the charity’s Make your own Midnight Walk event this August, in collaboration with Nash & Co Solicitors, will help ensure the much-loved charity can continue to provide bespoke end of life care for terminally ill patients at home, in hospital and at its specialist unit at Turnchapel, and support them and their loved ones during these turbulent times. Whether participants choose to walk, jog or run, and whether they take on the challenge solo, with members of their household – children are welcome - or friends (including the four-legged variety!), their personalised event will be an opportunity to have fun – safely - in the great outdoors. For the many who look forward to taking part in Men’s Day Out and Midnight Walk as a tribute to their lost loves ones, it is also a chance to keep the memory of that special person alive and celebrate their life.

Penny Hannah, Head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, said: ‘Over the years, Men’s Day Out and our Ladies’ Midnight Walk have become legendary in our city with thousands taking part. They’ve done us proud, highlighting the need for local hospice care and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to ensure our vital service continues. ‘Cancelling both events for this year is disappointing for our supporters and us, but it’s the right thing to do to protect our community during the pandemic. It does mean that alternative ways of fundraising are key to our charity surviving in these uncertain times. ‘That’s why we’re calling on existing supporters and new to sign up to Make your own Midnight Walk. Not only is registering easy and completely free of charge, there’s the ﬂexibility to do everything from a gentle walk or jog to a full-on marathon distance. ‘What counts is taking part because it’s the sponsorship raised by sharing your JustGiving page with family, friends and neighbours that will help keep St Luke’s doing what we do best. ‘This is a great opportunity for people of all ages to have fun while doing good in their community.’ For more information and to sign up: Visit www.stlukesmidnightwalk.co.uk

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email jane.honey@ linksmagazines.co.uk 32

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WHAT’S ON

Fresh plans to look forward to...

Plymouth is bouncing back in 2021 with new plans for a year of events and activities starting from the exact date the Mayflower ship set sail 400 years ago. A brilliant line-up including a signature Mayflower 400 commemoration and city events will re-energise Plymouth next year. Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of major events planned for this summer, including the British Firework Championships, Ocean City Blues ’n’ Jazz Festival and Mayflower Week. But a new programme incorporating already confirmed activity is now taking shape. The Mayflower 400 commemorations will run into next year, with a digital event on September 16th, 2020 marking the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower ship sailing. The major public commemoration will now take place next summer as part of a Mayflower International Festival including: • Mayflower Four Nations Ceremony • Mayflower Military Muster • Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Marines The British Firework Championships will return to Plymouth next August. Cllr Pete Smith, deputy leader of Plymouth City Council, said: ‘We are incredibly disappointed so many major events planned for summer 2020 are not possible, but the changes we have made mean Plymouth will still be able to maximise the opportunities offered by Mayflower 400 as part of Resurgam, the city’s economic recovery plan. ‘We’re now looking forward to 2021 which is going to be a fantastic year for our city, with loads for everyone to enjoy and a great line-up of cultural happenings.’ Mayflower Community Sparks, a programme funding grass-roots community, arts and cultural activity in Plymouth will continue. Adrian Vinken, chair of the national Mayflower 400 partnership, said: ‘We’re amazed at the level of public interest in the real story of the Mayflower and the impact it had on the world today. ‘Because of that attention, all 13 other UK Mayflower destinations

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plus our partners in Holland and the US remain equally enthusiastic and committed to delivering their planned events through well into 2021. There’s a lot of great stuff to look forward to, it’s really encouraging.’ Latest Plymouth information: Vist: www.visitplymouth.co.uk - for more information about Mayﬂower 400, see www.mayﬂower400uk.org/plymouth.

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Top honour for art student Plymouth College of Art and Design student Michael Hanrahan, 24, has been selected as one of eight painters to be featured in the Freelands Painting Prize 2020 exhibition this autumn. The Freelands Painting Prize celebrates outstanding painting practice at undergraduate level, culminating in an exhibition at the Freelands Foundation gallery in London. Inviting every higher education institution in the UK that offers a BA Fine Art or Painting course, a final year student is nominated to submit a piece of work for the prize.

Untitled by Michael Hanrahan

All submissions are reviewed anonymously by a judging panel of established art historians and painters, as well as the chair and founder of the Freelands Foundation Elizabeth Murdoch, who selected the eight winners. Inspired by the likes of Hieronymus Bosch, Francisco Goya and Salvador Dali, Michael said: ‘I was actually lost for ideas and the piece I submitted was the only thing I had. I didn’t think much of it at the time. It just goes to show never give up on what you think is a bad idea, someone may like it.’ Robert Manners, joint subject leader for the BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking course, said: ‘For one of our students to win the painting prize in its first year is a great achievement, especially with so many students and institutions involved in the competition. Michael is a focussed student with a great love of painting - I’m thrilled his work made such an impression.’ The Freelands Foundation was established in 2015 to support artists and cultural institutions, broaden audiences for the visual arts and to enable all young people to engage actively with the creation and enjoyment of art. It also plays a vital role in research. 34

September 12-27

Devon Open Studios

Devon Artist Network (DAN) is delighted that Devon Open Studios will take place this year - despite the Covid 19 pandemic and its associated restrictions. For 16 years (DAN) has championed the individual, self-employed artists and galleries in Devon, including supporting artists through economic hard times. This year will be no exception. After consultations between the board and the 200 artists who signed up to open their private studios to the public, the agreed plan is that Devon Open Studios will run from September 12th to 27th, connecting artists with local art lovers and the many visitors to the region. Devon is brimming with talented artists working in studios who are keen to open to the general public, giving their work exposure, feedback, and sales. Many Devon artists have suffered extreme financial hardship during the lockdown period and Devon Open Studios enables them to sell their work without commission straight to the public, allowing a crucial economic boost in these unprecedented times. After consultations the participants felt that they could manage and control the social distancing procedures and allow the public access to their studios many of which are separate buildings or annexes. A spokesperson for DAN said: ‘Our organization understands the crucial role Devon Open Studios plays in fostering connections between local artists and the public annually. Over the years, Devon Open Studios has seen nearly half a million visitors enjoy the event and we hope both regulars and those new to us will seek us out again.’ For the most up to date information follow DAN on social media including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or go to www. devonartistnetwork.co.uk to see your free digital guide to the event. Billy Rowney (Propeller repair in dry dock, Newlyn harbour) by Julia Odell

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Dartmoor Border Morris Dartmoor Border Morris had a wonderful winter season, collecting £1,760 for Children in Need and staging five Wassails over Christmas, including one at Buckland Abbey where 750 people attended. The summer diary was filling up nicely and winter practice was going well, when lockdown arrived. Mark ‘Treggie’ Tregaskis said: ‘With social media, we have managed to keep contact with each other and help each other out with ideas and helpful hints, like where to get bread ﬂour, though for some, getting to grips with Zoom and other functions was a battle in itself! ‘The musicians have played at home and kept themselves in tune. It’s a bit harder for the dancers, but fortunately, our governing body, The Morris Federation, has come up with clever ideas to keep people dancing, despite being alone. ‘There has been a “Lone Morris Festival”, where members can get fully kitted up and film themselves dancing in their gardens, alone to the tune. There are several variations of a dance, commonly known as a one man jig, where a lone musician stands six feet away from a single person, who dances a jig. The Morris Fed have been promoting this through social media and some Dartmoor Border Morris members have been keen to learn at home.’ Mark said all the members have missed meeting up in costume with fellow Morris buddies and having a laugh, a dance, talk

AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS BFG

Roald Dahl’s most outlandishly vulgar stories about a ‘whizpopping’ Big Friendly Giant Duration : Tickets: Time: Dates:

1 hour £5 7pm 6/7/12/21/29

Guys & Dolls

Frank Loesser’s classic tale of gangsters, nightclub singers and Salvationists Duration : Tickets: Time: Dates:

1 hour £5 8pm 14/25

MUSIC & ART about latest tunes, where to find pheasant feathers and to have a break from the norm. ‘Even Chatterley, our Morris beast, is getting restless in his stable and sadly, he doesn’t do social media!’ said Treggie. All this summer’s cancelled dates have been carried over to next year, but Dartmoor Border Morris hope to be on Meavy village green during August, armed with a Dartmoor Rescue group collecting pot. Complying with restrictions, the musicians plan a ‘Morris Musical Mayhem’ session when a single jig along with bells and tatters might even get performed. Seen their Facebook page for dates. From September and social distancing allowing, you will find Dartmoor Border Morris in Meavy Parish Hall on a Wednesday night, planning and practicing for another season ahead!

Latest updates

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Upton Cross • Liskeard • Cornwall PL14 5AZ Twelfth Night

Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy centred on the twins Viola and Sebsatian Duration : Tickets: Time: Dates:

1 hour £5 7.30pm 13/22

Little Mermaid & Friends

Sterts Junior Youth perform in this preview show Duration : 1 hour Tickets: £5 Dates: 22 - 7pm/23 - 2pm

BOX OFFICE: Phone bookings ONLY 01579 362382 - Open weekdays between 10am-1pm BOOK ONLINE: www.sterts.co.uk SOCIAL DISTANCING: Please visit www.sterts.co.uk for COVID19 procedures and policies

Sterts Theatre • Upton Cross • Liskeard • Cornwall PL14 5AZ See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

MUSIC & ART

Framing precious memories...

Tavistock Picture Framing Gallery is delighted to welcome customers back to our Covid-safe environment. Using our framing skills we have installed a large booth so our customers can chat with us, and select framing in safety and comfort. Whether you’ve had a clear-out during lockdown and want to frame some treasures, have created your own masterpiece, or have redecorated and want to breathe new life into a room with a stunning piece of art, we’ve got what you need. Simply bring your framing items into the gallery and let our skilled framers work their magic, helping you to choose from a huge array of frames and mounts to display your items in the best possible way. Whether it’s a treasured album cover, a sentimental piece of jewellery, a sports shirt, or your child’s first shoes – we’re the people you need to speak to. Don’t hide these items in the attic – hang them on your walls and let the memories come ﬂooding back. You may have a piece of art which needs reframing to fit in with

your new room. This is a great way to fall back in love art you’ve had for a while – bring it in and let us show you what we can do. We have a treasure trove of original artwork for you to explore in our spacious gallery – making social distancing easy. Come along and see what we’ve got.

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Welcome back! We can’t wait to see you in Plymouth Plymouth oﬀers a fantastic shopping experience, with an amazing mix of top brand names and creative independents. As businesses continue to reopen, we’re looking forward to welcoming you back to Britain’s Ocean City. You’ll ﬁnd there are lots of additional measures in place in the city centre and across the waterfront to help keep you safe. There are also steps you can take to protect yourself and others from the spread of coronavirus.

Your safety We’re committed to keeping you safe when you shop, here’s what we’ve done: • New signs in place about social distancing • Enhanced cleaning for the public toilets • The street cleansing team will be paying particular attention to contact points like bins and seats • We’ve made our car parks cash free, so you can pay by card or by phone What you can do: • If you or anyone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus, please stay at home and self-isolate • Remember to follow the latest Gov.uk website guidance on social distancing • Wash your hands regularly, or use hand sanitiser when out and about • Wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth in situations when it’s hard to stay two metres away from people, such as in shops or on public transport • Follow social distancing and queueing instructions set out by businesses, and be mindful that you may have to wait to be allowed in to some stores to allow for a safe shopping experience.

Plan your visit Check what’s open Not all businesses will be reopening at the same time, and some may have reduced opening hours, so check before you visit. You’ll probably need to book in advance for lots of places, including attractions and restaurants. You can ﬁnd out what businesses are open by visiting Shop4Plymouth.co.uk, keeping an eye on our social media channels or by checking the individual businesses’ website and social media before you visit.

shop4plymouth.co.uk #shop4plymouth

BUSINESS

Open for

business!

pedestrians • Enhanced cleaning regime of the public toilets • Businesses complying with government guidelines Over the summer, the BID has two safe

Tavistock is open once again for business and we are thrilled to welcome you back to town. COVID-19 has presented huge challenges to all of us and affected the way that we live our lives. Things feel very different - but what the town has to offer is not. We are all hopeful about what the future holds. Businesses, some of which did not close at all through this crisis, are doing everything they can to adapt, so we would ask you please to have patience with the changes that you may find in your favourite places. What you can expect in the town centre: • New signs reminding people to keep their distance • Extra space to keep you safe • Street graphics to make queuing easier trails planned that will appeal to all: • Visual reminders to drivers to consider ‘Windows in Time’ offers the chance to

explore 40 businesses in the town through a series of photo boards giving a glimpse into their history, showing what these premises were like in times past. Maps are available from the Visitor Information Centre and can be downloaded from www.visit-tavistock. co.uk/trails. We are also proud to be a host for the national ‘MonsterHero Safari’. This is a family, fun story-trail to help spread joy, support the NHS and give families a safe reason to return into town. Search the streets for 10 cute and colourful MonsterHeroes to unlock a free e-book. Go to www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/trails for more details or connect with us on Facebook @visit-tavistock. COVID-19 has shown us how important it is to be able to shop locally. Tavistock has a unique high street, wonderful cafes and restaurants and lots of wideopen space for you to enjoy. We are thrilled to welcome you back and thank you for supporting this beautiful, worldheritage town. n

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The heart of

TAVISTOCK TOWN COUNCIL

WORKING FOR OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

Market to our historic town, Officers liaised with market traders and made the necessary operational arrangements and safely reopened the Pannier Market on Thursday 2nd July, this will hopefully be followed by themed markets in Butchers’ Hall and on Bedford Square from August onwards. Also help in the form of deferred rent and other assistance has been offered to commercial tenants to support the local economy and the wider community together with a grant scheme assisting community organisations to help the most vulnerable and disadvantaged affected by coronavirus.

uring lockdown Tavistock Town Council has been working hard to continue to deliver essential services to Tavistock during the challenging Coronavirus pandemic. Staff in our Works Department have been busy keeping our cemetery open, as well as tending to parks and open spaces, including The Meadows, Whitchurch Down and the smaller local parks, keeping them neat and tidy to provide pleasant havens for the community to enjoy during such challenging times , and to ensure they are ready for the normal use we all used to appreciate prior to lockdown. Although the Town Council organised part of the 2020 Goose Fair will not be able to proceed on safety grounds work is already in hand for 2021 to welcome residents and visitors back in better times.

More generally all Council services are being kept under review to ensure that they comply with government guidance and the Council is delighted to have been able to reopen children’s play areas from 4th July. Parents and guardians are asked to respect the safety guidance applying to these facilities, and ensure their charges do, to keep them open and safe to use.

The Council has been working in partnership with the Tavistock Business Improvement District (BID) and West Devon Borough Council to manage the safe reopening of shops in the Town Centre, as circumstances and Government policy permit and will continue to do so as lockdown eases. Recognising the importance of a vibrant Pannier

Your Council wishes all in Tavistock, your friends and family safe and well in these difficult times, please continue to follow the applicable guidance, stay alert and protect yourself and others.

PANNIER MARKET

NOW OPEN! Please visit the website for the latest opening times tavistockpanniermarket

OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY

www.tavistock.gov.uk

OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9am - 4:30pm 9am - 4:30pm

01822 611003

TavistockMarket

‘Shopping heaven in the heart of Tavistock’

What’s On

What’s On OCTOBER

OCTOBER Goose Fair, 10th Open 9am - 6pm

Goose Fair, 10th DECEMBER Open 9am - 6pm

TavistockPannierMarket

A walk from Coypool to Plymbridge and back - avoiding cyclists! By Ron Smith, Plymouth Ramblers

START: Coypool Park and Ride PL7 4TB. Grid reference SX 52056 56940 DISTANCE: Approximately 2.5 miles TIME: Approximately 2 hours How can this be possible? The track by the railway is so narrow, and few cyclists have bells these days. Well, it is easy if you can walk off tarmac; you simply need to cross the river and go along the other side. For much of your walk you even have a choice of two parallel routes. Park at the Coypool Park and Ride, or take the bus there. Then

instead of going up the narrow path past Princess Yachts and parallel to the railway, turn the other way and cut through behind Macdonalds. Then take the first right along the other side of the Plym. Do please note the old cast iron bridge, sadly now shut this is really historic. Built in the 1830s, it carried a 4’ 6” gauge tramway. Initially this was just to bring slates from Cann Quarry; horse drawn of course, as the locomotive steam engine had not yet been invented. When the china clay pits opened later, up on Lee Moor, it also carried china clay, but always horsedrawn, never steam. Believe it or not, the last such passed as late as a mere 60 years ago! Now you can get off the road and follow the banks of the Plym as

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WALK

far as the entrance to the caravan park. Cross the road and enter Leigham Woods. Take always the lower track options. All the way along, you may get glimpses through steep woodland of Estover residences poised above your head. When you are blocked by Manor Park estate, simply cross their access road and go towards the river. Cross on the footbridge into a lovely broad meadow. If you stay close to the river bank, it is lovely. You may, if you wish, cross again for a short section of tarmac leading to Plymbridge itself. Just the other side you can get back into the meadow. You may choose first to go under the railway bridge to look in the car park and see if the ice cream van is there. I always do! At the original end of the meadow, as soon as you re-cross that first footbridge, you can stay on the river bank and follow this behind the caravan park all the way back to your starting point. Altogether about 2½ miles, 1½ hours. If you enjoyed this and would like longer walks expertly led, check out the Dartmoor Rambling Club by phoning Ron Smith on 07780 913546; or Google Plymouth Ramblers for a wider range of walks.n

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M.T. ALLEN Groundworks & Plant Services

Enjoy your walk!

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See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

Lopwell the lost hamlet

By local historian Paul Rendell

he River Tavy flows for some 20 miles from the heights of Dartmoor to join the River Tamar at Warleigh Point near Tamerton Foliot. In the 18th and 19th century, this river was used by barges which travelled as far upstream as Lopwell, a small hamlet with its own public house. Over the years, the river became silted up with the constant washing down of the waste from the tin and copper mines further upriver and soil running off the fields. In the 1950s and 1960s, passenger boats from Plymouth came upriver for evening trips. Now, only very small boats can reach the hamlet of Lopwell. The oldest building at Lopwell is St Martin’s, a Norman chapel. In the 16th century there was the chapel, a ‘rest house’ and a house called ‘Martinstowe’ (now known as Maristow), owned by Plympton Priory. Following the dissolution of the monasteries during the reign of Henry Vlll, it became the property of the Slanning Family. During the 1770s Sir Manasseh Lopes bought the house and his family owned it until the early 20th century. By then, it had become a 49 bedroom mansion, but it was sold in 1930s and the long reign of the Lopes family living there ended. Since then it has had a number different purposes including a residential school. In the early 1970s a serious fire took hold and it remained a ruin for nearly 20 years, until it was restored and converted into apartments as it is today. The hamlet was to be found on both sides of the River Tavy, some buildings in the parish of Bere Ferrers and some within Tamerton Foliot. On the tithe map of 1844 it was

known as Lophill and included three fords and a ferry across the river plus a limekiln, a number of houses on both sides and three mines. The public house was run by a Richard Laundry. The ferry was run by the Vivian brothers - this was merely a rowing boat, used just at high tide, as fords could be used at other times, with wooden posts marking the route. The Vivians lived in a cottage beside the river. A ferry was used at this point until the early 1940s; the last ferryman was a retired Commissioned Shipwright of the Royal Navy called McLeod. There were a number of quays used to bring up limestone to be used on the fields and possibly on local buildings as lime mortar. Maristow Quay was used for the big house only and had its own boat house. The public house was on the Bere Ferrers side. It was owned by The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and the woods and mines in the valley were owned by Sir Ralph Lopes. Lopwell Mine was worked in the 1880s for silver and lead. The ore would have been transported along the river by a flat-bottomed barge and would have been taken to Plymouth before transportation further afield. Possibly the miners would have a drink in the inn near the Ferryman’s cottage. The mine workings were down at the bottom of the hill, but at the

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HISTORY top of Whitecliff Wood, there used to stand a chimney stack with a flue running down the hillside for about 400 yards. This was constructed as a result of an agreement between the mine owners and the mineral owner, Sir Massey Lopes, as he he did not want to see the ugly chimney from Maristow House, across the Tavy! Market gardening would have also taken place within the area and in the 1950s, flowers and fruit from the fields at Bere Ferrers would have been loaded on to horse drawn carts, taken along the estuary and then across the

fords and on to Tamerton railway station, before heading for London’s Covent Garden Market. There used to be a nursery not far from Maristow House and you can still see the terraced landscape near the weir today. The original dam at Lopwell was constructed in 1953 by Plymouth City Council to create an additional water supply for Plymouth. The dam was rebuilt in the 1970s. Since then, the hamlet has got smaller - there are just a few houses left near the old South West Water pump house, today used as a café. n

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“KEEPING YOU PLUGGED IN” If it’s got a plug on it then we’ll make sure you’re safe

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Dartmoor Local Food Map www.dartmoor.gov.uk/living-and-working/ local-food-and-drink-map

new food and drink directory for Dartmoor has been launched, linking communities with producers and encouraging people to support local businesses. The food and drink map includes around 60 outlets and where you can find them. As well as meat and vegetables, the directory also includes suppliers of honey, ale and chillies. Beef and mutton producer Judy Dodd, from near Moretonhampstead, said: ‘I think the directory is a great opportunity to promote local food produced within the National Park. It’s wonderful to develop a relationship with a local customer and to be able to share our farming calendar with someone that knows and appreciates the landscape.’ Under the restrictions of the COVID-19 outbreak, the directory is focused on businesses who have dedicated retail premises or are able to offer home delivery. As the national recovery effort continues and lockdown restrictions are eased, it is hoped the range will be updated and expanded. Many of the suppliers are involved in schemes to enhance Dartmoor’s biodiversity and landscape and this link will be highlighted too, demonstrating the journey from farm to fork. The project is co-ordinated by the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, which supports farmers in their work. Russell Ashford, Hill Farm Project chairman, said: ‘We have seen a definite increase in demand for local food due to the Covid-19 lockdown, which is an unexpected but positive development.

‘As someone who retails directly, I know that buying local strengthens the relationship between the producer and consumer, and benefits the environment. ‘As we move out of the pandemic, many farms will be under pressure. Supporting them will help keep money circulating in the local economy which ultimately benefits us all.’ If you have a food or drink business on Dartmoor and would like to be listed contact the Hill Farm Project at hfp@ dartmoor.gov.uk n

Lime Drizzle Tray Bake

FOOD & DRINK

A sweet sensation for summer! At the Dartmoor Ice Cream Co, we’re huge lovers of cake, which we often serve up with big dollops of lovely vanilla ice cream. If you’re a fan of lemon drizzle cake, then you’ll love this twist on an old favourite. This cake has a delicious, summery zing, which combined with its moreish topping makes it an ideal treat for a summer afternoon in the garden.

Ingredients For the Tray Bake 200g butter (softened) 320g caster sugar Zest of 4 limes 4 medium eggs 290g self-raising ﬂour 80g ground almonds 200ml milk For the Top & Bottom Layer 150g chopped nuts (pecans, pistachio, macadamia) 150g caster sugar Juice of 2 limes For the Syrup Juice of 4 limes 150g caster sugar

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180 C. 2. Grease and line a rectangular baking tray (22cm x 30cm, at least 2cm deep) with baking paper. 3. To make the zingy bottom crust, mix one third of the chopped nuts (about 50g) with an equal amount of sugar and sprinkle this in a layer on the bottom of the tray. Sprinkle the juice of two limes over this layer to moisten it. 4. To make the sponge, whisk the butter, sugar and lime zest until pale and ﬂuffy and then add the eggs one at a time until they are well mixed. 5. Add the ﬂour, ground almonds and milk to the mix and fold in carefully until everything is well incorporated. Spoon the mix into the prepared baking tray

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

and sprinkle the remaining sugar and nut mixture to create a crust across the top. 6. Bake for 50mins; if it looks like the nuts are going to burn, cover loosely for the final 10 mins with foil or greaseproof paper. 7. While the sponge is baking, make the syrup. Heat the juice of 4 limes together with 150g sugar until the sugar has dissolved. 8. Once cooked and golden in colour, remove the sponge from the oven and pierce all over with a thin sharp knife. While still warm carefully pour the syrup over the top of the sponge. 9. Allow the sponge to absorb the syrup, then cut into squares and leave in the tray to cool. When cool, serve with a dollop of cream or a scoop of beautiful vanilla ice cream.

TECH HELP

Technology in the ‘new normal’

During lock-down I have been using Teamviewer to work remotely with customers. I have used this previously, but only as a way of fixing something quickly that may have gone wrong, or to quickly understand what someone was describing. As remote working is fast becoming the ‘new normal’ I am happy to continue to offer this service. It means I am able to

respond much more quickly to problems. It is also cheaper for the end user as I charge £10 less per hour for this service. This is not possible if you are with Talktalk for internet. One thing that has not been happening in the same volumes is the manufacture of computers, printers and webcams! Virtual shelves have been emptying and prices going up at places like PC World and Laptops Direct. Try to hold off buying technology for a few months. At the moment, the computers on the shelves are not the ones I would suggest. Of course sometimes a failure means there is no choice; I can help you find something at least close to what you require! Some people been printing normally and now cannot as a result of an update. Unfortunately, Microsoft DID break your link between printer and computer. It is an update that needs to be removed. Unfortunately if you do remove it, the thing returns and you are nowhere forward. Furthermore, if you decide to

update your machine to try and fix it, another update breaks it again! If this affects you get in touch. If you use Windows Live Mail with a Gmail account, you may already be aware that in order for it to work, ‘less secure apps’ needs to be turned ON. This is because of the security protocols in use by accounts such as Gmail. This feature is being withdrawn by Google in February next year, so you are going to have to choose a different program to collect your mail, or use their Webmail. I am currently recommending Thunderbird. If you are ready for the jump, then do it some time this year before it’s too late! n

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JOBS

Local businesses, jobs and a thriving local community It has always been the case that a strong, vibrant local business community is vital to our local economy. This will never be truer now that ‘lockdown’ has ended. Many of our local businesses will struggle to recover from the pause in trading and this will put many local jobs at risk. Our local economy, jobs and businesses are a ‘lifecycle’ that must be supported and allowed to thrive. If not then this will mean fewer jobs and less money circulating in our local economy, less tax collection which in turn means less money for local councils and boroughs to invest in our buildings and infrastructure. Support our local businesses This is where we all come in, the readers of our magazines, the residents of West Devon, Dartmoor and North Plymouth communities. We must try and support our local businesses, be they retail shops, restaurants, cafes or accountants, estate agents, solicitors, financial advisors, our local hairdressers and florists and the countless trades people, plumbers, gardeners, painters and decorators, window cleaners and electricians. Whenever possible we must try and spend our hard-earned money within our local community and keep it here. Buy Local Campaign

ITY

BUS I NESS

BUY LOCAL & SAVE

Welcome to our ‘comeback’ issue of Plym Links. Our small community magazines are solely reliant on local businesses advertising with us as this is the only way we can afford the printing costs and Royal Mail distribution of more than 32,000 copies of our community magazines.

COM M

Links Magazines ‘Buy Local’ campaign to save jobs and our local communities

create and run fantastic initiatives such as ‘Fiver Fest’ to encourage local spending and big annual events like Dickensian. We must support them fully. Small businesses provide 16.3 million jobs in the UK Let’s just remind ourselves what small businesses mean to us in the UK. Small businesses create jobs, SME’s (Small, Medium Sized Enterprises) are responsible for 16.3 million jobs, 60% of the UK workforce (source FSB 2018). Small family firms generate up to 25% of the UK’s GDP (source PWC 2002). The combined annual turnover of small businesses was £2.0 trillion, 52% of all private sector turnover. Please think about using local businesses first and you can help save and create jobs and support our local community. Local businesses need us more than ever before. Stay safe!

Tim

Links Magazine Publisher

That’s why we are launching a new logo and campaign for our magazines which focuses on the message ‘buy local - to save local businesses, local jobs and local communities’. This new logo will remind us of the importance of using local businesses whenever and wherever it is possible to do so. Buy Local campaigns are not new and in some of our communities we already have ‘Totally Locally’ a fantastic UK initiative to encourage local spend. They estimate that £5 spent in local businesses equates to £16.8 billion, being invested back into our towns across the UK. The Business Improvement District (BID) in Tavistock exists to help small local businesses to prosper and give them a voice in the community and some control over decisions made within the town. Both these organisations

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

A Shore Thing In June 2021, A Shore Thing’s crew of four rowers - Susan Douglass, Anya Anstey, Charity Phillips and Rebecca Mingo - will set out on an epic adventure, covering 500 miles from London’s Tower Bridge to Land’s End as part of the GB Row Challenge. Susan takes up the story:

he idea of undertaking something so far out of our comfort zone came about at the end of 2019, and after coming up with a crew name and some branding, Nicola Bathe Business Support very generously supplied us with a website. By the end of the year we’d officially begun our mission. We will be crossing the busiest shipping lane in the world, rowing against prevailing westerly winds, coping with heat, rain, fog or whatever weather is thrown at us, and we’ll row in two-hour shifts day and night until we reach our destination. In total it’s the equivalent of 19 consecutive marathons. The crew are all Tamar & Tavy Gig Club rowers which means we are used to the generally flat and sheltered conditions of the river and have very little experience of the sea. We will need to complete a number of essential safety and navigation courses to prepare ourselves for the difficult and constantly changing conditions of the English Channel. In early March 2020 we put on our first fundraising event, a big breakfast. The whole gig club either helped or came along to eat and support us, and we were blown away by the generosity and support we received. We also received some generous donations, including corporate

Becky, Anya and Sue

sponsorship from Egerton Clinical Consultancy, giving us a great start to our fundraising. However, just as we were getting started, coronavirus hit. All our plans to raise awareness of our challenge and fundraise came to a screeching halt, with no more rowing or events for the foreseeable future. We chose to raise money for mental health charities Devon Mind and Cornwall Mind and we feel it’s more important than ever in the difficult circumstances we are all facing that these organisations are able to support people and help them deal with the added anxiety, fear and uncertainty. They provide training, counselling and support groups to those in need, and the more money we raise the more people they can help. Currently we are able to train as a group over Zoom, doing some strength training and cardio workouts to keep us fit and happy, and we look forward to the day we can go rowing together. As soon as we are able, we will be taking sculling lessons - a sliding seat form of rowing similar to the experience in our ocean rowing boat – as well as doing some team building exercises. This challenge will be as much mental as physical, so we need to work on our mental strength and resilience and

SPORT

prepare for the difficult sleep deprivation that will result from a two-hour shift pattern. We also need to assume the worst-case scenario of strong winds and be as strong as possible before the event. A major part of this challenge is raising enough money to fund the trip itself. Ocean rowing boats are highly technical vessels with solar panels, navigation equipment, a device to turn seawater into drinking water (which is also used to rehydrate our required high energy foods) not to mention oars, shore support and race entry fees. As you can imagine, a global pandemic makes gaining corporate sponsorship a little tricky and fundraising events next to impossible. Therefore we have recently launched a virtual ocean rowing challenge, where anyone can join a crew-based or solo mission with A Shore Thing’s crew and compete with each other in a virtual race along the south coast. We have medals for all finishers and prizes available for lots of different categories, not just the fastest, so anyone could win something. It’s a really

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

exciting initiative that will hopefully allow some of the coastal and gig rowers out there a chance to enjoy some competitiveness this summer, despite all the cancelled events. Data can be entered from rowing, running, cycling etc, and the distance is tracked on a map so you can see how far you’ve come. Whenever we feel overwhelmed by what we’re doing and how far we have to go it’s important that we remember why we are doing this, and how important the money we raise will be to people’s lives. n Become a Sponsor: We are accepting sponsorship applications with the chance to brand our amazing ocean rowing boat or our official crew vests which will be used for all promotional activities. For more information see www.ashorething.uk or facebook.com/ashorethinguk or join our virtual challenge at www.myvirtualmission.com/missions/52994/longships-challenge

TRADE SECRETS

Sophie Goodwin-Hughes The Dartmoor Soap Company How did you ﬁrst get involved with making soap? About 20 years ago as a hobby, whilst studying for my Masters in Occupational Therapy. When did launch your business? In 2013. I went on a soap making for business course in 2012 when my son was one – it was the first time I had ever left him for the day - I felt so guilty! I then spent seven months designing scents and packaging, sorting out legal requirements and generally convincing myself it was a good idea! Where are you based? Near Okehampton - we have two studios at Kigbeare. What is your soap made from? The recipes vary but generally from a selection of olive oil, sunﬂower oil, shea butter, avocado oil, castor oil, coconut oil, beeswax and sweet almond oil. We never have and never will use palm oil. How do you decide which fragrances to use? Trial and error - we generally look at a new soap not just for it’s cleansing properties but as an entire product. Then we research which essential oils will compliment the role of the product. For example the dog

shampoo bar contains lavender and eucalyptus essential oils. Eucalyptus is safer for pets than Tea Tree oil but’s also a natural tick repellant. Lavender then relaxes after what can be a stressful, yet essential wash! How much soap do you produce a week? We still make in small batches of 50 but we can produce 16 a day. Can you describe a typical day? I usually get up at 5.30 to run with the dogs and get a bit of admin done. This ‘me’ time is important at the moment, as everyone is at home so it can get chaotic! Home schooling has been priority, but now the holidays are approaching, lessons have become rather business orientated with

Sebastian, eight, helping dispatch orders and package soaps. Our new natural facial bar goes live this month which is very exciting. No day is really the same. Yesterday’s meetings ranged from speaking to owners of local holiday lets about stocking our guest soaps, to sending samples to Dubai to be presented to the Jumeirah Hotel group! What’s the best thing about your job? The ﬂexibility and environment we work in. I started the business to stay at home with my little boy as much as possible and fit in around his commitments. Fortunately this has always worked. Kigbeare is a lovely place, I have made some great friends and we have a lovely team who I couldn’t be without! Do you have any plans or projects going forward? I did, but this year seems to have its own agenda! I would like to develop our home fragrance range and we have recently been working with Lympstone Manor to create a scent to enhance their customer experience. n More information: www.thedartmoorsoapco.co.uk  hello@thedartmoorsoapco.co.uk ✆ 07772 459266

NATURAL ARTISAN SOAPS & SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Handmade on Dartmoor using only natural ingredients

• Small batch products, using sustainably sourced and locally harvested ingredients • All our products are free from chemical irritants and contain no palm oil • A range for both women and men. We supply guest soaps too!

Come and learn: Makers Workshops available at Kigbeare Studios Get in touch to find out more...

hello@thedartmoorsoapco.co.uk

² @TheDartmoorSoapCo ³ @dartmoorsoap_co µ thedartmoorsoapco www.thedartmoorsoapco.co.uk

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TAVISTOCK

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Plym Links August/September 2020 issue

Articles inside

Sport

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Food

Education

Gardening

Health

Nature

History

What’s On

Walk

Charity Focus