Plym Links magazine December/January 2020

WALKS | ARTS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | HERITAGE | LOCAL FOOD & DRINK | HOMES | BUSINESS

PLYM LINKS 132

December/January 2019 | Issue 3

Meet the locals...

A Plympton ballroom champ Morris dancers from Roborough A Sparkwell theatre director

F ESTI V E

OUTINGS

GARDENING Time for a change?

Wonderful wassailing Santas on bikes Festival fun and lots more...

HRT

Benefits & Risks

Widewell Primary Excellence & Innovation

WIN!

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See BRIAN CONLEY in CINDERELLA

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FROM THE EDITOR

Passionate performers - and a cracking competition!

The deadline date for any inclusions in the February/ March issue of Plym Links will be January 10th 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 Copy: Rachel Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard Claire Pearce

✆ 01822 615627

² @plymlinks ON THE COVER: Pheasants in the snow © Pawel Bober

about how Plymouth has been recognised as England’s first ‘Compassionate City’ and the work of the North Plymouth Foodbank.

Our history feature in this issue was written by Colin Ridgers and focuses on the ancient Dartmoor warrening industry - you can take New Year look around the remains left of this traditional moorland practice if you strike out on the walk described by Paul Rendell on page 50.

With some top tips from celebrity chefs James and Chris Tanner for healthy eating in the New Year plus masses of events in our What’s On pages, I hope you enjoy this winter edition of Plym Links.

Please do keep those forthcoming events emails coming, to say nothing of your suggestions for editorial coverage - it is very much appreciated!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

December and January - the depths of winter - short days and long nights relieved by the festive period and the accompanying burst of excess for many, whether it’s present-buying, entertaining or burning the candle at both ends!

It’s also traditionally the time for pantomime - you can read about this most British of theatrical traditions in our feature on page 4 and there’s also a fantastic opportunity to win a family ticket to the Theatre Royal Plymouth’s amazing pantomime Cinderella in our competition on page 36.

Our local people this issue are all passionate performers in their own way - it will be a busy New Year for Dartmoor Border Morris members Kath and Mark Tregaskis who have the Wassailing season to look forward to, while Tim Horton has a pantomime to direct and act in and dancer Bob Gibson a thriving school to run.

While Christmas is eagerly looked forward to by most people, it can be a time of great stress if your budget is tight or if there are serious health concerns in the family. If this applies to you, turn to the Noticeboard pages, where you can read

Happy reading!

Jane Jane Honey Editor Plym Links

Contents | December/January 2019/20 4 Spotlight on Panto!

6 Noticeboard 14 Local People 19 Nature 20 Gardening 24 Eucation 27 Health 30 Charity Focus 32 What’s On Listings

36 Competition 39 What’s On Extra 46 Music and Art 48 Food and Drink 50 Walking 52 History 54 Technical Help 55 Business 58 Trade Secrets

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.

19

4

24

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PLYM LINKS TAVY LINKS MOOR LINKS OKE LINKS WALKS | ARTS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | HERITAGE | LOCAL FOOD & DRINK | HOMES | BUSINESS

WALKS | ARTS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | HERITAGE | LOCAL FOOD & DRINK | HOMES | BUSINESS

102

November/December 2019 | Issue 18

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES

A Plympton ballroom champ Morris dancers from Roborough A Sparkwell theatre director

OUTINGS

202

GARDENING Time for a change?

Wonderful wassailing Santas on bikes Festival fun and lots more...

HRT

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Excellence & Innovation

DOWN TO A FINE ART

MOOR

TAVY OKE PLYM

180

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

EVENTS & FESTIVITIES

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CHARITY

The Tavistock Physically Challenged Group

FOOD

One of Tavistock’s oldest shops

INSIDE:

THE ORIGINS OF WASSAILING TAMAR VALLEY VINEYARD’S FIRST HARVEST NEW APPROACH TO TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER’S

TAMAR VALLEY VINEYARD NATUROPATHIC NUTRITIONAL THERAPY

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WILLOW WEAVING, PRINT MAKING, CERAMICS, ANIMATION AND POTTERY

IN THIS ISSUE:

IN THIS ISSUE: CHARLIE BEARS

The South West’s Best Kept Secret

LESLEY GARRETT

THE POWER OF CREATIVITY

We meet Jac Ilett & Holly Griffin from Jacolly Puppet Theatre & dog behaviouralist, Penelope Locke

THE ORIGINS OF WASSAILING PANTO TICKETS

See BRIAN CONLEY in CINDERELLA

WIN!

TICKETS TO SEE INTERNATIONAL SINGING STAR

FESTIVE EVENTS & ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY

A WAY WITH WORDS

the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths

Andy Cairns, artist and

inspirational teacher

WIN!

201

Benefits & Risks

Widewell Primary

WALKS | ARTS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | HERITAGE | LOCAL FOOD & DRINK | HOMES | BUSINESS

December/January 2020 | Issue 43

December/January 2019 | Issue 3

Meet the locals...

F ESTI V E

John Spencer, Freeman of

Linksmagazines

WALKS | ARTS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | HERITAGE | LOCAL FOOD & DRINK | HOMES | BUSINESS

December/January 2020 | Issue 40

£3.50 | where sold

EDUCATION

Lee Spencer’s motivational talks

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HEALTH

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NOTICEBOARD

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HISTORY

Creation of the commons

3

It’s panto time!

Brian Conley stars as buttons in Cinderella at the Theatre Royal Plymouth

That festive family outing that just has to be made...

T

he darkest days of winter are always lightened with used to in the shows of modern times. During the 20th the season of presents, pudding - and panto! century, first radio then TV stars took to the stage in the Oh yes they are! big Christmas shows - these days you are every bit as This most British of theatrical traditions is said to date likely to see a sports personality in the leading role as a from the Middle Ages, when ‘mummers plays’ were top TV actor in a major pantomime production. staged, often based on the story of St George and the The party-like atmosphere of pantomime is certainly Dragon. The idea of good versus evil, with the good boosted by the amount of audience participation that guys winning through at the finale of the tale, gender is a prerequisite of any great show. Encouraging the reversal with the heroine being played by a man and the audience to boo as loudly as possible whenever the villain somewhat coarse or slapstick humour of the traditional strides onto the stage, or warning the Principal Boy (who old folk plays can certainly be seen in any of the modern is always played by a girl) when the baddie is sneaking pantomimes you will see in theatres and village halls on, with shouts of ‘He’s behind you!’ is part of the fun of around the land today. a great few hours of entertainment.

And the timing of staging a pantomime around the Then there’s the joy of slapstick - the flinging of custard Christmas period may have evolved from the ‘Feast of pies brings out the child in all of us . . .

Fools’ during Tudor times, when the Lord of Misrule While the storyline of the traditional pantomime is presided over a noisy these days nearly event involving much Panto season is always the busiest time of the always based on a revelry, drinking and such as year for theatres - and it’s always great to see so fairytale, role reversal.

Cinderella or Snow many families coming along for a show and having White and the Seven Then there is the influence of the Dwarfs, the script will a great time ‘harlequinade’ often have current performances using characters drawn from the Italian topical references - one wonders whether this year’s crop commedia dell’arte, a tradition of masked, slapstick of pantos will include any Brexit jokes? comedy - wordless, as the theatres they were staged in Then there are all sorts of customs or conventions had no license for spoken drama - hence the ‘mime’ in within the show - there’s nearly always a ‘dame’, usually pantomime. They featured various stories of an old man, played by a man in drag, an animal, such as a cow Pantalone, the clown Pierrot and Columbine, the girl or horse and the fact that the fairy godmother-type who fell in love with servant Arlecchino. character enters the stage from the right, with the villain During the late 1600s, theatre impresario John Rich coming on from the left. This tradition apparently dates introduced these characters to his English comic plays, from medieval days, when the right side of the stage was Arlecchino becoming Harlequin, the plays evolving into said to symbolise Heaven, while the left hand side stood Harlequinades, featuring lovers, acrobatics, magic and for Hell. chases.

Dan Baker, creative producer at the Barbican Theatre in By the Victorian age, the tradition of a Christmas Plymouth, said: ‘Panto season is always the busiest time of pantomime had become well established and the stories the year for theatres - and it’s always great to see so many had evolved, taking on the fairy tales that are we are families coming along for a show and having a great time.

“

”

4

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FEATURE ‘For us at Barbican Theatre, giving local audiences from Plymouth and the wider area a memorable experience which doesn’t break the bank is hugely important, as it can get expensive when you’re bringing the whole family!’

This year’s Christmas show is Treasure Island with Le Navet Bete company - their ninth festive show for Barbican Theatre, which will actually be staged at Plymouth Athenaeum.

Dan said: ‘Over the years of making Christmas shows with Le Navet Bete, we’ve worked hard to make sure our shows are fun and just a little different from traditional pantomimes - we want audiences to be prepared for a unique experience, which has them crying with laughter and leaving the theatre already excited about coming back next year.

‘To work with a local company like Le Navet Bete underlines how much we’re invested in making shows with and for Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall - and we do this for life, not just for Christmas!’

This year’s big production at the Theatre Royal Plymouth is Cinderella, starring Brian Conley as Buttons.

Brian said he couldn’t wait to begin work on the show.

‘Cinderella just completely epitomises pantomime,

doesn’t it?’ he said. ‘I genuinely am excited, it will be just a breath of fresh air for me to step away and have some fun.

‘The thing to remember is that a pantomime is a vehicle to hang as much comedy on as possible, it has to be comedy-driven. You can’t have any long, drawn-out songs - and if there is singing, something funny has got to be happening at the same time.

‘The other thing about panto is that a lot of it is visual - both in terms of the comedy and the set. It has to be spectacular, so that people are completely blown away. We’ve got the London Palladium set, we have the coach that flies out and does a 180-degree turn, and animatronic horses that everyone thinks are real.’

So why does Brian think panto is as popular as ever?

‘The secret is that from a three-year-old to a 90-yearold, everyone can all have a family experience, it’s something that the whole family can sit and enjoy and have a good laugh.

‘When people ask ‘what makes a successful panto’, that’s the answer - you’ve got to make them laugh - and lots.’

You can be sure Brian will be doing that in Plymouth this Christmas - Oh yes he will! n Jane Honey

The stars of Treasure Island at the Plymouth Athenaeum.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

5

First compassionate city in England Plymouth has been awarded this accolade from Public Health Palliative Care International, in recognition of the commitment the city has made towards meeting the objectives of the End of Life Compassionate City Charter.

A compassionate city or community is one that recognises that care for one another at times of crisis and loss is not simply a task solely for health and social services, but is everyone’s responsibility.

In May 2018, St Luke’s Hospice hosted the Plymouth, a Compassionate City: What can you do? Conference.

While acknowledging the great progress the city has made in creating compassionate communities for homeless and prison populations, key speaker Professor Allan Kellehear challenged Plymouth to do more, stating: ‘End of life care is everyone’s responsibility - we all have a practical role to play.’

He asked the city to adopt a public health approach to dealing with the lasting impacts of dying and loss on individuals and to implement the End of Life Compassionate City Charter.

Having an end of life network, working in partnership with the city council as well as other public bodies and local charities, will ensure Plymouth does not shy away from the ‘taboo’ subjects of dying and bereavement; people will be more informed and compassionate towards those facing end of life or experiencing loss.

Cllr Kate Taylor, cabinet member St Luke’s CEO Steve Statham for health

Notre Dame School was awarded first Compassionate School. Above: teacher Angie, student Anabel and St Luke’s Deputy CEO George Lillie 6

Councillor Kate Taylor, Steve Statham, Director of Public Health Ruth Harrell, and Gail Wilson

Sarah Brown Manager at Devonport Live Community Cafe

and adult social care, said: ‘The Charter gives us all a framework to work towards. The challenges are particularly pertinent to Plymouth, as a growing city with a rising number of over-65s. There are increasing demands on health and social care services as end of life needs grow, compounded by a national funding crisis in social care.’

Steve Statham, CEO of St Luke’s Hospice, added: ‘We have a key role to play in supporting our community

Across the city and the wider “ communities there are many examples of individuals and groups going the extra mile to support people, from providing a listening ear to helping with

”

and networks. This charter is about how we can work together, extending the support we give to people at a most difficult time in their life.’

The initiative, co-ordinated and led by Gail Wilson, deputy director of clinical services at St Luke’s, said: ‘Across the city and the wider communities there are many examples of individuals and groups going the extra mile to support people, from providing a listening ear to helping with practical things such as walking the dog and collecting shopping.

‘I have been amazed by what various organisations and individuals have achieved in the past 18 months, with the support of the compassionate community team at St Luke’s.This is really a great start but there is much more to do - I would encourage anybody who wants to be involved to sign up, so together we can create compassionate networks where we live and work, so no-one experiencing bereavement and loss feels isolated or alone.’

For more information about the EOL Compassionate City Charter visit www.plymouthcompassionatecity.co.uk

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Dusty and Diego and Messy fun! other small furries...

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust at Elfordleigh provides much more than a sanctuary for just dogs and cats.

Offering a home for up to 19 different species, the charity’s rodent section is ever-growing, as small animals are bought to the sanctuary for a number of reasons.

Taking in rodents such as hamsters, chinchillas, rats, mice and many more, Woodside’s corridors can often be seen lined with adorable furries who are in need of a new home. For example, a friendly pair of Degus called Dusty and Diego came to Woodside three months ago due to a relationship break-up. Originally from Chile, Degus make fantastic pets as they are very sociable and are active during the day. They are thought to be related chinchillas and guinea pigs and so are also rather adorable to look at.

Despite all their positive qualities, Woodside staff have been stumped as to why it has taken so long to find the little Degus a deserved new home.

To support Woodside’s work and to find out more animals like Dusty and Diego, please visit the Woodside website woodsidesanctuary.org.uk) or call ✆ 01752 347503.

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NOTICEBOARD

You may have heard the term ‘Messy Church’ and thought, oh ok, what is that? A church that is messy? Well yes and no. There is mess involved - but it is a fun mess! At Roborough we welcome all children between the ages of three and 12 to come make mess with us through creative, fun activities.

And Messy Church is not unique to Roborough, or indeed Plymouth - in fact there are 4,000 Messy Churches throughout the world. The ethos is to provide activities based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. Themes are based on the time of year and include Biblical topics.

At Roborough we offer various art and craft activities for different age groups - painting, colouring and even apple bobbing appeared at our last Messy Church! For older children we include more challenging activities - so all ages are catered for.

Then when we are thoroughly ‘messy’ we move from the activities room into the main church for a talk and a sing-song - with helpers, children and parents (if they wish) singing worship songs together. After all this hard work it’s then time for a light lunch - well earned indeed!

Always an exhausting time for the volunteer helpers but a thoroughly enjoyable time for the children and parents.

Why not come and join us? No need to belong to our church - everyone is welcome! Our next Messy Church at Roborough Methodist Church is on Saturday, January 18th between 10am and 12pm. For more information please telephone Janet ✆ 01752 695265.

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Good news for play park Children at Bickleigh will receive a playtime boost this Christmas, following a revamp of the Cann Wood View Play Park. The park was the first of of eight play areas in the South Hams to benefit from much needed investment this autumn.

South Hams District Council used money from capital funding, along with developer’s Section 106 (s106) financial contributions and a contribution of £25,000 from Bickleigh Parish Council for the refit of the Cann Wood View site.

The improvements started at Bickleigh during October and were scheduled to last six weeks, with the aim of being completed by the beginning of December.

Cllr Nicky Hopwood, South Hams District Council’s ward member for Woolwell, said: ‘It’s fantastic that Cann Wood View play park is the first of the play parks to be done. This project shows just how much we can achieve for the future of our children when the district council

and the parish councils work together.

‘I have been working on this for many years and am delighted that the parish council agreed to match fund the project alongside South Hams Council. When speaking to local residents about what they wanted in the park, it became clear at an early stage that equipment for

those who may be mentally or physically impaired was incorporated in the new facility - and within the design this was catered for.’

Cllr Carole Spencer, chairman of Bickleigh Parish Council, said: ‘Bickleigh Parish Council were pleased to match fund the much need renovations to the Cann Wood View play park to the sum of £25,000. Local residents were surveyed to gauge support for the investment - a resounding 97% of respondents agreed with the suggestion so the project went ahead.’

The district council is hoping a further five sites in the South Hams will be developed in phase two of its play park capital improvement scheme and discussions are taking place with communities to bring those forward before mid 2020.

Parking review South Hams District Council has decided to conduct a thorough review of how its parking permits work, to see if changing the scheme could release more parking spaces for visitors.

Concerns have been raised in recent months about the amount of parking taken up by permit holders, which limits the turnover of short-term parking for shoppers and visitors. Not only does this cause frustration for motorists wishing to park, but also limits the number of people able to visit towns and villages in the South Hams.

Cllr Keith Baldry, executive portfolio holder for the environment, said: ‘We have decided to conduct a thorough review of our permits across the whole district.

This is to ensure that we hear everyone’s views. We want to understand how people are currently using the car parks, what they think of this and any issues or frustrations they have.’

While the review takes place, South Hams District Council has temporarily suspected the sale of new parking permits.

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Village pub needs YOUR help!

A community group campaigning to save an historic pub on the southern edge of Dartmoor is appealing to local people to back their fundraising efforts.

The Cornwood Inn was put up for sale last November after a number of troubled years. As an ‘Asset of Community Value’, the community had six months to buy it, but sadly the six months expired just as community group CIAG (Cornwood Inn Action Group) launched its fundraising effort. The worst then happened; the owners closed the pub and set a date for auction, the sale details describing the pub as having ‘residential redevelopment potential’.

At the last minute, local benefactors stepped in with a loan, so CIAG could make a pre-auction offer. The offer was accepted, however, the auctioneers were obliged to inform all interested parties and ask for final bids. The lawyer from CIAG and one of the benefactors raced to the auctioneer’s office, only to find a higher offer had come in literally one minute before the deadline. Funds were very tight, but a deal was reached and a debit card secured the purchase. CIAG took over ownership of Cornwood Inn on September 27th and have until March 2020 to pay back the loans.

The pub remains closed at the moment, however much is happening as the locals are getting stuck-in where they can. Forty people turned out for the first clearup day when trailer loads of rubbish were sorted and properly disposed of. The kitchens and toilets were scrubbed from top to bottom and volunteers are giving the inside of the building a much needed lick of paint.

Local people are willingly giving their time to mend the leaking roof; repair the boiler; fix plumbing and plant up hanging baskets.

CIAG aims to raise £350,000 (or more) through a community share offer plus grants to re-pay their loan and re-open the Cornwood Inn as a community pub.

The share offer should be open by the time you read this article - you can find out how to buy shares and help save this much loved Dartmoor pub by contacting cornwoodinnactiongroup@gmail.com or follow us on ²

NOTICEBOARD

We will remember...

Plymouth FEPOW (Far East Prisoners of War) Families group has been around since the 1950s, originally for the FEPOW survivors, of whom there were many from Plymouth, from all the Armed Forces. The group now includes children and relatives of FEPOW’s who meet monthly.

Following the unconditional surrender by Japan, World War II was finally over. VJ Day (Victory in Japan) was celebrated on August 15th by official bonfires on the Plymouth Hoe attended by almost 60,000 people and street parties.

Plymouth FEPOW has its own survivor, Dutchman Arie den Hollander, who was taken into a prisoner of war camp at a very young age. Tjihapit Camp, in the town of Bandung, Java was his first internment in 1942, when he was taken alongside his mother Frederika Rudolphina den Hollander-Kat. Then they were taken to Tjideng Camp in Batavia (now called Jakarta), run by a particularly sadistic camp commander called Konichi Sonei. He was later taken prisoner by the British and charged for crimes against humanity.

Thousands died in captivity - of starvation, brutality, slavery, dreadful tropical diseases, malaria, diphtheria, dysentery, cholera, beri-beri and terrible leg ulcers.

Many believe that May 8th was the end of WW11, but this is not true. May was only the end of fighting in Europe. The Far East Prisoners and Armed Forces were fighting for survival, but were forgotten about, told to not speak of this ever.

Next year is your chance to remember the British and Allied Forces who served in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF, along with captured civilian men, women and children, when a memorial service to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day takes place in St Andrew’s Minster Church on Saturday, August 15th, with a celebration in Plymouth City Guildhall.

Plymouth FEPOW

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

9

Struggling to pay energy bills?

Citizens Advice will be extending its work and offering Energy Advice Checks in community centres and job centres across South Hams in the coming weeks.

The local charity will help people find the cheapest deals, apply for discounts and grants, help reduce energy and water debts as well as making sure clients are living in homes that are energy efficient.

Nick White, from Citizens Advice South Hams, said: ‘If you are struggling to pay your heating costs and/or keep your home warm, comfortable and healthy, please contact us. On average householders who haven’t previously switched supplier can save up to £300 a year.

‘There are lots of things we can do to help, not only in finding the cheapest tariff but help in accessing the £140 Warm Home Discount, applying for grants to improve the energy efficiency of your home and help tackle billing issues.

‘We have a home visiting service to advise on homes with expensive heating systems, draught, damp and mould.

‘Recently we helped a householder whose storage radiator was not wired properly. The landlord has fixed the problem and reimbursed the tenant by £700. In another case we helped a client who could not understand why he was paying over £2,000 a year in energy bills.

‘We liaised with the energy company, identified an error and facilitated reimbursement totalling £985.’

For more information on how to save money on energy costs, contact energy.advice@southhamscab.org.uk or ring the Energy Line on ✆ 01803 659 733 and leave a message, a Citizens Advice South Hams Energy Adviser will ring you back.

North Plymouth Foodbank Our Foodbank is at North Plymouth Community Church, Plymbridge Road, Estover, PL6 7LF. We are a project of the Church, in partnership with Trussell Trust which works with a network of Foodbanks to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. We help people who find themselves in crisis and struggling to put food on the table. Many agencies and support groups across the city hold our vouchers including Children’s and Family Services, CAB, Plymouth City Council, Social Services, Shelter, Parent Support Advisors in many schools, Plymouth Information, Advice and Support (SEND), Housing Agencies, Health Visitors, and Tamar View Community Centre.

Anyone finding themselves in crisis should contact an agency to obtain a voucher which can be presented at the Foodbank. And we don’t just feed people - we want to see that people get the right support and help to address some of the issues and reasons behind the crisis so, if people wish, we can talk through the help they may need and guide them towards agencies who may be able to help.

We are very grateful to the churches, organisations, individuals and groups that support us with regular donations of food and household products. If anyone wishes to donate in-date, non-perishable tinned or dried food goods, toiletries, nappies (particularly larger sizes), household cleaning products etc, they can do so at North Plymouth Foodbank during our opening hours. There are also permanent collection points in both Asda and Tesco (Roborough) supermarkets.

We are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and noon.

Contact ✆ 07759 258889 during opening hours only, or email at any time info@northplymouth.foodbank.org.uk For more information visit: www.northplymouth.foodbank.org.uk

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NOTICEBOARD

Woolwell Roborough Townswomen’s Guild Recreation Hall Woolwell Townswomen’s Guild meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm, apart from the months of August, when afternoon tea is held at a local venue, and in December, the group enjoys a Christmas lunch. The guild has been meeting at the Woolwell Centre since it opened, originally with eight ladies membership has now gown to 43. Of the eight original members, four are still attending.

The guild held a 22nd birthday celebration in November, complete with a birthday cake. During the evening there was a presentation of a cheque for £400 to Graham Parkinson, representing the group’s charity of the year, Macmillan Cancer Care, the money being raised through a charity coffee morning at the Woolwell Centre earlier this year.

Annual subscription is £20. New ladies are able to attend two meetings before being asked if they would like to join.

There is a payment of £1 taken for each meeting, which covers coffee/tea and a biscuit and a ticket for the raffle.

There are various groups within the Woolwell guild - Arts and Crafts, Drama, Quiz, Book Club, Lunch Bunch (who meet monthly at the Lopes in Roborough village) and Special Events such as outings and trips to places of interest.

There are speakers on various subjects for the months of February, April, May, July, September and October.

Woolwell Townswomen’s Guild is part of the National Organisation of Townswomen’s Guilds, which evolved from the Suffragist movement. Its aims are to advance the education of women to enable them to make the best contribution towards the common good.

New members very welcome - the guild welcomes all women of any age, religion or ethnic background. For more information contact Audrey Avery (TG Secretary), email: audge.aa@googlemail.com ✆ 01752 839509.

A traditional village hall to the north of Plymouth that lies between the villages of Roborough and Bickleigh and has a history dating back to the 1920s.

Through the generosity of Sir Henry Y B Lopes back in April 1926, the parishioners of Roborough and Bickleigh possessed what was affectionately known as the ‘hut’.

Over 90 years later, Roborough Recreation Hall is still open to the community and used by a variety of clubs and groups. Proving popular for children’s parties with room for bouncy castles, the hall is also an ideal venue for private functions such as wedding receptions.

Regular users include K9 Allsports, Erme Dog Training, Bickleigh Women’s Institute, Bickleigh Roborough and District Garden Society, Purple Dragon Don Jitsu Ryu and HartBeeps.

The main hall is named the Dorothy Wotton Room, and has disabled access with separate toilet facilities for men and women, as well as for the disabled. There is also a smaller room available for hire.

Equipment included in the cost of the hire includes trestle tables and chairs, with full use of a fully equipped kitchen with a serving hatch into the main hall, and presentation/sound system with screen.

The car park can facilitate approximately 20 cars with unrestricted on-street parking in the nearby village of Roborough.

Run entirely by hard working volunteers, the hall still serves the community, and hosts an annual fundraising event, a Christmas Craft Fair featuring hand-made gifts and produce, which this year was held on November 30.

To hire the hall call ✆ 07398 903181, email roboroughrecreationhall@gmail.com or visit www. roboroughrecreationhall.co.uk

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11

What a night!

A fabulous evening showcasing local businesses and community spirit was held in the Woolwell Centre recently.

The sixth annual Woolwell Business Awards was bigger and better than ever, with more than 300 nominations being received, giving the judging panel quite a headache in choosing the eventual winners.

Woolwell Centre manager Carole Spencer said: ‘The highlight of the evening had to be the standing ovation for the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Ray Barber, who dedicated his award to his late wife, Eleanor. His speech of acceptance touched everyone in the room and there was not a dry eye in the house.’

Cllr Nicky Hopwood, who won the Community Above and Beyond Award, said: ‘I was both humbled and chuffed to receive an award at the recent Woolwell Awards event. I have been to all but one awards ceremony and have watched it grow every year - it really is an evening not to be missed.’

Award winner Dartmoor Skincare Co.

The next Business Awards will be in October 2020.

Carole added: ‘We look forward to receiving even more nominations.

‘We are always looking for sponsors and if you would

12

like to be involved next year, we would be delighted to discuss the details with you.’

The full list of award winners were: Community Above & Beyond Award - Nicky Hopwood; Best Small Business Award (five to eight years) - Psychic Plymouth; Fundraiser of the Year - Rotary Club of Plymouth; Best Small Business (Nought to five years) - Electrical & Security Ltd; Lifetime Achievement Award - Ray Barber; Judging Panel’s Award - Dartmoor Skincare Co; Medium Business Award - Bambino’s Childcare Woolwell; Local Group of the Year - Litterbusters; Best Small Business (eight years plus) - M&B Residential Lettings; Best Customer Service - The Lemon Tree Salon; Best Business Startup - Matt Boon Garden Maintenance.

Hairy hands and busy clubs!

Each second Thursday of the month the Moor’s Edge U3A group meet at the Woolwell Centre at 2.30pm. If you are retired or semi-retired why not come and join?

The group welcomes visitors to attend twice at these members’ meetings before deciding if they would like to join. After joining there are a variety of busy groups to participate in and new friends to be made.

The October speaker was Paul Rendell who recounted myths, legends and stories of ghostly happenings on Dartmoor. The most well-known of these is the Hairy Hands, an evolving story of a malevolent spirit grabbing the steering wheel or handlebars of vehicles travelling on the B3212 particularly near Postbridge and causing accidents.

Future members’ meetings: Thursday, December 12th 2.30pm, Christmas Party; Thursday, January 9th 2020, 2.30pm, Wendy Hill will talk about ‘Healthwatch Plymouth’.

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13

Kath and Mark Tregaskis Bagman and Squire!

N

o-one is quite sure of the origins of Morris dancing - but it has an enthusiastic following in the 21st century, as Kath and Mark ‘Treggie’ Tregaskis can definitely confirm.

The couple, who live in Roborough, are members of the Dartmoor Border Morris side. They became involved around eleven years ago, following an impromptu ‘have a go’ session at the Plume of Feathers pub at Princetown.

Kath said: ‘These Morris dancers turned up and I thought it looked fun. There was audience participation, I got involved, loved it, took their numbers and went to their next practice session.’

Treggie followed suit a short while later and plays melodium for the group, steering clear of the dancing with the claim he has two left feet!

Accordion player Kath has always been musical. For her, the attraction of Morris dancing is multi-dimensional, a combination of dancing, music and street theatre.

‘You don’t just do a dance, you are telling a story, providing entertainment, creating an atmosphere - and we have made so many friends, not only from our own side, but from other Morris sides we see throughout the year,’ she explained.

Then there is the physical side of being a Morris dancer - some of the dances are extremely energetic and as Kath said, you can’t just stop if you are out of breath, as the other dancers are relying on you to play your part.

Both Kath and Treggie love the fact they are keeping alive a very English tradition, bound up with folklore, yet full of fun and lots of laughter.

Treggie explained there are various 14

roles within a Morris side - he is the ‘bagman’, similar to a committee secretary, putting in many hours work in organising dancing events and publicising the group’s frequent appearances throughout the year.

Kath’s currently the side’s ‘Squire’, like a committee president, responsible for the overall running of the side when the group performs.

Kath was also a ‘Foreman’ in the past, teaching the dances.

When performing, Dartmoor

These Morris dancers “ turned up and I thought it

looked fun. There was audience participation, I got involved, loved it, took their numbers and went to their next practice session

”

Border wear ‘tatters’ - basically a shirt with multiple layers of green, brown , purple and blue strips of material sewn on - which get very

hot during energetic dances! The dancers also wear hats decorated with flowers and feathers. Kath’s hat has a particularly unusual origin.

She said: ‘My uncle was a doorman at the Playboy Club in London when the likes of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jnr used to go there and one day, Sammy Davis Jnr gave him his hat! When I started dancing, I said to my Mum “I need a bowler hat” and she gave me this one. I’m sure he’d love to know his hat is now covered in flowers - it’s old and battered but I am loath to get a new one - I love it!’

During the summer Dartmoor Border Morris perform every week at pubs throughout the area. There are also special events such as the phenomenally successful Pudsey Day of Morris in Tavistock, which raises thousands of pounds for the BBC’s Children in Need appeal and which is organised by Treggie. He’s rightly proud the annual event has become so popular, attracting many sides to the day of dance. Then there are apple days held on the Bere Peninsula and in Shaugh Prior and wassailing events, traditionally organised to promote a good apple harvest the following year.

During the winter, the side practises on Wednesday nights at Meavy Parish Hall, learning new dances to perform during the summer season.

Both Kath and Treggie work full time, Treggie as an HGV driver for Royal Mail while Kath, a biomedical scientist, works at nearby Derriford Hospital. They have an eight year old daughter and a ten year old son, one of whom is already involved in Dartmoor Border Morris, appearing in the annual ‘mummers play’ at Buckland Abbey. And with Dennis the dog to walk, the Morris side’s website to maintain, new songs and routines to learn, there’s certainly never a dull moment in the Tregaskis household! n Jane Honey

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Bob Gibson Living for the dance...

I

t’s rare to find someone with a complete and abiding passion for their job - but Bob Gibson is one of those lucky people.

The owner of the Puttin’ on the Ritz dance studio, situated somewhat incongruously in an industrial unit in Plympton, has been in love with ballroom dancing since he was four years old. His mum and dad, both keen dancers, took him to watch them on Saturday mornings and he’d sit there, chewing on blackjack and fruit salad sweets, transported to a different world. He’d get threepence provided he behaved.

After seeing former world champion dancers Bill and Bobbie Irvine perform the foxtrot, covering the entire dance floor in a way he’d never seen before, he was hooked: ‘They filled every inch of the room - I’d seen quite a lot of dancing by then but I’d never seen anything like that - it was beautiful and I thought “I want to dance like that”,’ he remembered.

But dancing lessons don’t come cheap. As a young teenager growing up near Manchester, Bob worked part-time in a butcher’s shop, then started supplementing his income playing snooker. Driven by the desire to learn and dance, he had bought the butcher’s shop by the age of 18.

‘I’d get up at 3am to go to the markets, work all morning at the butchers, dinner hour I’d play snooker at the club, back to the shop, dance all evening and then play snooker again!’ said Bob. ‘I needed the money to dance, for the lessons and the clothes weren’t cheap!

‘I can remember climbing out of the toilet window at home with a snooker cue - a few hours later I’d be in tails on the dance floor!’

LOCAL LOCAL PEOPLE PEOPLE His commitment and love of dance paid off as a young man he was winning competitions throughout the country at national level, he appeared regularly on TV in the hugely popular Come Dancing series and had passed his dancing exams. He was ready to move on, and being in the right place at the right time, sold his butcher’s shop and bought his teacher’s dance studio in Manchester.

He recalled ‘hanging on every word’ of ballroom and Latin champions Michael Styllianos and his partner Lorna Lee, whom he described as ‘fantastic teachers’ - and his own reputation for bringing on young dancers grew to the point that he was able to open a second school on the other side of the city.

His love of inspiring others is plain to see - and he reckons he can tell within six steps if a complete novice will be any good as a dancer. ’The best classes I do are the absolute beginners,’ he said. ‘You never know who’s going to walk in, but when you see them later on a competition floor and remember them to start with, it’s a wonderful feeling.

‘We do baby ballroom classes, after school clubs and it’s amazing to see kids’ confidence grow, and how the structure of the class helps them.’

Bob came to Devon 20 years ago, ostensibly to retire - but a knee operation gave him a new lease of life and this, coupled with his undimmed desire to teach and choreograph, means his dance school has grown to some 200 students, ranging in age from three to 93!

He said he was known in the industry for his firm

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belief in getting the basics right, before graduating to the ‘twiddly stuff’ as he put it, and has often been a ‘troubleshooter’ for dance couples struggling to improve their skills Bob comes from a large family. He had four brothers and sisters - his dad was a draughtsman and his mum, in addition to looking after the children, worked part-time at a pub.

‘We were never latch-key kids though,’ said Bob. ‘We had an amazing family. I loved my parents to bits and my brothers and sisters and there’s the same feeling here at the dance school - it’s like we are one big family.’ n Jane Honey

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Tim Horton

Teacher & theatre director

W

ith a ready smile, boundless enthusiasm and a disarmingly youthful appearance, Tim Horton seems far too young to be teaching, let alone being the guiding light of a thriving amateur theatre company.

Tim lives in Lutton and works at Stokeinteignhead Primary School. He left Bath Spa University with a degree in the performing arts and while admitting theatre is his great love, he decided pursuing a notoriously competitive stage profession in London or Birmingham would not be for him. Having been involved in Sparkwell Amateur Theatre Company (SATCo) since childhood, the experience directed him towards teaching - a job he adores.

‘It’s not 9 to 3 like lots of people think, there’s a lot more to teaching than that, but I love it,’ said Tim, who has just entered his second year in the Key Stage II role.

As director of SATCo, he spends many hours bringing the group’s annual pantomime production together and is involved to a greater or lesser extent in all aspects of the show. The company has about 60 members in total, some 35 of whom will be acting on stage.

‘It’s not your typical village panto,’ said Tim. ‘We aim to do everything bigger and better each year - “Do it right and give it class” is our motto.’

Tim explained the company buys its script for the show in April/May; auditions are held around May, rehearsals start in August and are held

twice a week until the performances in December. Costumes are sourced from a specialist in Sheffield, the company hires the services of a professional to help with sound and lighting and members and volunteers get involved with props and scenery.

Hours and hours of hard work go into every annual show, which runs for seven full performances - this year between December 2nd and 7th.

I just love seeing people “ come and see what we are

doing, escaping from their day-to-day lives, sitting back and really enjoying it

”

‘Last year, on a week’s run, we had just under 1,200 people come to see the show, which was brilliant,’ said Tim. ‘I just love seeing people come and see what we are doing, escaping from their day-to-day lives, sitting back and really enjoying it, getting involved with it.

‘When they go out with big smiles on their faces and say: “That was the best yet”, it’s so nice. A lot of people have said they don’t think Christmas has started until they’ve seen Sparkwell’s pantomime!’

He said the community involvement

with a group like SATCO was very special and he loved the way children grew in confidence as a result of being part of the pantomime, shyness forgotten by being part of the bigger picture.

‘We try to give the kids as many opportunities as we can to let them shine and it’s lovely to see them on stage, loving what they are doing.’

Sparkwell is definitely punching above its weight when it comes to staging a panto. The company has been recognised several times at the NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) South West awards, including a nomination for last year’s best panto trophy. As Tim said: ‘To be considered for a NODA award is huge, as the region runs from Cornwall right up to Bristol and Cheltenham. That type of recognition makes all the hard work worthwhile.’

Aside from SATCo, Tim has been involved with the Music of the Night in Plymouth twice and has run theatre classes with other community groups. He also takes every opportunity to go to the theatre in Plymouth or Torquay whenever his busy schedule allows.

And because the theatre group is based at the parish hall in Sparkwell, Tim now sits on that committee, involved in the many activities staged there including the farmers’ market and the many fundraising events organised by SATCO to enable them to stage the annual pantomime.

Sparkwell may not compete with the bright lights of London - but it’s definitely Tim’s favourite stage. n Jane Honey Find SATCo on

16

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Celebrating trees in winter Beautiful - and ecologically vital

S

horn of their crowning glory, our larger deciduous trees stand out starkly in the landscape, but there is still plenty to fascinate us in terms of their massive bulk, their architectural structure and their contribution to the local ecology.

Each tree has its own character whether fully clothed in foliage or naked in winter and each species can be recognised in silhouette. Ash trees stand tall and upright with straight rigid twigs, oaks seem to spread out to cover as much ground as possible, their older branches showing a characteristic gnarled appearance, while beeches bear a mass of finer more feathery twigs. Many of the finest individuals were planted in the parkland settings of 18th and 19th century estates and the urban public parks of the Victorian era, although some of these are now reaching the end of their natural lives. We can only hope the trees being planted now will survive to be appreciated for similar

18

lengths of time.

The life of trees below the surface of the soil is less well known and its importance less appreciated. We get a glimpse into this underworld when one of these giants finally submits to the wind and keels over in its entirety. The pit this creates is often

Each tree has its own “character whether fully

clothed in foliage or naked in winter and each species can be recognised in silhouette

”

less than a metre in depth and it is surprising how small the roots are.

The root system spreads out, rather than downwards, in order to support the mass above and in a woodland, the root systems of adjacent trees will inevitably intertwine. The interrelationship between them may indeed be even more subtle thanks

to the mycorrhizal fungal network that surrounds and penetrates the roots. These fungi, now available for gardeners to encourage the growth of newly planted perennials and shrubs, live in a relationship of mutual benefit or symbiosis with trees, passing on minerals and water from the soil in exchange for organic materials from the tree.

The ecological benefits of a tree continue even after it is technically ‘dead’. Insect larvae bore through the bark to reach the highly nutritious sapwood, their tunnels easily seen under the bark and into the timber of fallen branches. Two species which are a menace in the wood within our buildings, woodworm and death watch beetle, in the wild provide a feast for birds such as woodpeckers, which are particularly adept at prising them out.

Surprisingly trees and these insects can co-exist for quite a long time, until eventually fungi and other

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NATURALIST

microrganisms enter via holes or broken branches, beginning the slow process of decay. Even the lignified heartwood eventually succumbs, leaving the trunk hollow, but providing an ideal home for birds and mammals. Ideally these decaying giants should be left to fall naturally and add their bulk to the decaying leaf litter on the woodland floor.

In public spaces dead trees may have to be removed for reasons of safety, but it is not surprising that

measures are taken to support and even repair favourite old characters in key locations, despite them being well beyond their biological ‘sell-by date’.

One often suspects less significant individuals are being cleared away in the name of progress, unless named in a tree preservation order.

Indeed in many parts of the country, entire ancient woodlands are under threat, despite their ecological significance and the affection of the local population. The trees and the

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soil below, enriched on an annual basis as the fallen leaves decompose, tied together in a network of roots and micro-organisms, form a unique ecosystem which cannot simply be immediately re-created by a compensatory new planting scheme.

It takes many years for these complex ecosystems to become established, so it is crucial to protect and conserve our existing woodlands as well as planting new ones. n Pete Mayston

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Winter gardening - is it time for a change?

Making the most of the dormant period

Make a seating area to enjoy next year

W

inter may be a quiet time in the garden in some respects, but with the bare bones of the garden now fully revealed, it is the perfect time to take action on unsatisfactory plants and to plan new landscaping projects or planting.

While executing said plans may involve a bit of ducking and diving around the weather, it will mean all the action is done in time to really reap the benefits next year. Start by taking a long, hard look at your garden. As a nation we’re very bad at getting rid of plants that don’t make the grade and the longer you’ve lived with something, the harder it is to get rid of it. But if you’ve never liked, for example, that huge space-gobbling Forsythia that only looks good for two or three weeks a year, harden your heart and replace it with something delightful, like a Daphne or Mexican orange blossom (Choisya) with handsome evergreen foliage and long-lasting, deliciously fragrant blooms; camellias with blooms that last for months; or a tree such as a crab apple that gives months of interest with pretty spring blossom and long-lasting fruits.

Sometimes plants can be given a new lease of life with selective or hard pruning – camellias,

for example, can be pruned almost to the ground after flowering and will regrow. Do assess all plants individually though - there’s no hard and fast rule that applies to all.

Then, move on to thinking about what you’d really like from your garden - maybe new features, such as an attractive seating area for sitting out, relaxing or entertaining; a pond or water feature; or a handsome front garden to welcome you home every day.

This could be the time to treat yourself to something long desired, like a greenhouse or polytunnel for growing flowers and produce – far better (in my view) than superfluous ‘stuff’ for Christmas. Other possibilities to consider are lower-maintenance ways of growing, such as raised beds to ease the pain of ageing backs or altering your garden layout to cut down on work. On another note, consider day-to-day needs such as storage, paths, where to hang the laundry and so on: our requirements tend to change over time and what worked well a few years ago may not apply now.

Finding the best way forward is often a challenge and a bit of expert advice can pay dividends. If you’re stuck for gift ideas, I offer gift vouchers for garden advisory visits, which could solve your garden and Christmas problems in one go! www.suefishergardens.co.uk n

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Growing your own fruit is immensely satisfying, especially this year when apples in particular have produced a magnificent crop. Columnar-growing apple trees can be grown in the smallest of spaces – even in large containers or as a hedge – and the ‘Malini’ varieties from Lubera are resistant to apple scab disease too. Ten varieties to choose from dark red ‘Black Beauty’ to yellow-green sharp-tasting ‘Greenlight’. www.lubera.co.uk

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GARDENING Winter is the ideal time to create features such as a pergola

Seasonal jobs...

- Clean garden furniture before storing under cover.

- Give wildflower meadows a final cut to stay tidy over winter, then send the mower for servicing in plenty of time.

- Put up bird boxes: they’ll be used as roosts, and birds like plenty of time to inspect next year’s nest sites.

- Roses, fruit and hedging can be bought bare rooted when dormant: cheaper and often better plants too.

- Wash, dry and store pots and seed trays to remove disease spores and lurking pests that are likely to spell death for next year’s seedlings.

Garden to Visit Stone Lane Gardens to the east of Dartmoor, near Chagford, is a magical 5-acre woodland garden created by modern-day plant hunter, the late Kenneth Ashburner, and now worldfamous for National Collections of birch and alder trees.

Through winter the beautiful bark in many colours is revealed in its full glory and looks absolutely magical, lit by the low angle of the sun at this time of year. Every summer the garden also hosts the annual Mythic Garden sculpture exhibition.

Open daily, 10am-6pm. www.stonelanegardens.com

Garden Problems Cold, wet weather and winter gales can wreak havoc in the garden. Often frosts don’t arrive until December which can lull us into a false sense of security, so if you haven’t moved tender plants under cover, do so without delay. Container-grown plants remaining outside are best moved to a sheltered spot – against house walls is ideal – and grouped together which helps prevents roots freezing in severe weather. Good drainage is vital for pots as waterlogged roots can literally ‘drown’, so either stand on a surface such as gravel or raise just off the ground. Stake newly planted trees and shrubs and check regularly to make sure ties aren’t rubbing and damaging stems.

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October/November 2019 | Issue 39

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A Plympton ballroom champ Morris dancers from Roborough A Sparkwell theatre director

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MAKE THE MOST

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Time for a change?

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Widewell Primary Academy ‘Rather active - rather lucky!’

‘E

and the Council Chambers – where they met and xcellence and innovation’ were the words that questioned local MPs. stood out to me as I looked at Widewell Primary As a link to the city’s naval history, a few years ago Academy’s website, prior to filling out my application for the post of Headteacher five years ago - and it is a motto we decided to become part of the Junior Field Gun Association and our field gun team is responsible for I have followed since.

We are a medium sized school within Widewell, set back many of the large silver trophies that can be seen on from major routes around the city, serving families within display in the school reception area. This very successful enterprise has a big following from children and parents Widewell, Belliver and Southway. We take 30 children and it has been fantastic to see how many Y3 children in each year group and have a teacher-led Nursery class wanted to join the crews this year. It is, in fact, so within the main school building, working very closely successful we now have two field guns, with plenty of with our Reception class, currently making 227 children willing volunteers to pull them! across the school.

We are very fortunate to have an Our values of friendship, kindness, extensive outdoor site including respect, responsibility and two playgrounds, a sports field perseverance are reflected and our well-loved conservation in everything we do, from area. Libby (Y6) says: ‘In our assemblies to our weekly conservation area we have awards. We value the night vision cameras to see the children’s input into their animals that visit without scaring school experience and them! We have seen a range of encourage them to keep us on wildlife including pheasants, our toes with new ideas and frogs, foxes, squirrels and robins. challenges! Children represent Our conservation area is full of their classes via the School Weekly cup trees, ponds and even our own Parliament, Eco-Warriors and Our values of friendship, campfire. We are rather lucky at the Food Council and vote for a winners kindness, respect, responsibility Widewell and are very thankful new ‘Head and Deputy for the Day’ each summer term, when and perseverance are reflected in for what we have as a school.’

The outdoors is used to the school is taken over by two everything we do, from assemblies promote an active lifestyle, of the children! As Bethany (Y6) to our weekly awards as Tobias (Y6) describes: ‘At says: ‘There are two children Widewell we have lots of from each class and they discuss opportunities to learn new sports and games in our ways to make our school an even better place from the fun PE lessons, including tag rugby, football, lacrosse, perspective of us, the children.’ rounders, cricket, athletics, gymnastics, dance, netball, As about a third of our children are from service basketball and handball. We have a wide variety of after families, we have introduced Service Ambassadors who school clubs which involve sporting activity for children are responsible for helping new service children settle from Foundation to Y6. We are a rather active school!’ into school, as we know how tricky this can be. The As well as learning outdoors our children enjoy many school is a member of Military Kids Club Heroes and different children are taken out over the year to a variety musical opportunities, especially in the juniors, as we have a music specialist on our teaching staff. Cameron of activities specifically for members eg visiting the (Y6) says: ‘We learn to play the cornet, the baritone and Council House, the Apple Store, Stonehouse Barracks

“

”

24

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Where learning is EDUCATION We use our Facebook page to show lots of the the ukulele when we are in the juniors. Ouran brass adventure! players play ‘Happy Birthday’ each week in assembly.

‘We do lots of singing and the choir go to the Lord Mayor’s carol concert every year. They sing in Plymouth when the Christmas lights are turned on and go to local care homes to sing for the residents at Christmas. They also performed with the African Children’s Choir when they visited Plymouth last year and the year before. We can learn to play the guitar if we want to and there are after school brass lessons for children who like playing so much they want to take music exams.’

activities our children take part in and there is also information on the class pages of the school website.

We are currently showing many families around as they make their choices for their children in 2020, but also show parents around the nursery at any point in the year, as children can start in there when they turn 3 years old.

Please contact us if you would like any more information. n

Claire Prynne, Headteacher Widewell Primary Academy (part of Horizon Multi-Academy Trust)

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Hormone Replacement Therapy Explaining the options, benefits and risks

O

ver the years there has been considerable controversy about the risks and benefits of HRT, with the pendulum swinging back and forth. Recently, the MRHA (Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency) has issued clear guidance on the risks which allow doctors and patients to weigh up individual priorities and make informed decisions. I hope this article will help to clarify the current information, the current problems with supply of different formulations and the options available.

Women approaching the menopause may develop symptoms associated with changing hormone levels.

These typically include hot flushes, night sweats and disturbed sleep, but memory problems, mood issues and aching limbs and a number of other symptoms can also occur. For some, these can be managed without medication or with dietary, lifestyle or complementary therapies. For others, HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) can be helpful. HRT comprises the use of the female hormones oestrogen with or without added progesterone. Progesterone is required for women who have not had a hysterectomy as oestrogen alone can cause the development of abnormal cells in the lining of the womb.

HRT can be very effective in resolving menopausal symptoms and also helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis as bones begin to lose their strength after the menopause. There is a small increased risk of breast cancer in users of HRT. Over five years of use, this equates to one extra case in 50 women on combined continuous oestrogen and progesterone HRT, one extra case in 70 women taking sequential forms of HRT and one extra case in 200 women taking oestrogen only HRT. The number of extra cases doubles for women taking HRT for 10 years. This compares to four extra cases in 1,000 women using HRT for five years for women who are overweight and four extra cases in 1,000 for women drinking more than two units of alcohol a day. Generally

HEALTH & BEAUTY the risk of breast cancer with HRT is therefore similar to other common lifestyle choices. There is no increase in risk for the use of vaginal oestrogen gel for local treatment only.

HRT can be given as oral tablets or transdermal (through the skin) patches or gel. There is an increased risk of thrombosis (a blood clot in the leg or rarely in the lung) with oral oestrogen tablets although not with transdermal forms (patches or gel), so for women with an increased risk of thrombosis, patches or gel are safer. Unfortunately, there is a current shortage of the combined patches (oestrogen and progesterone together in the patch) and some tablets, so your GP may need to provide an alternative if the formulation you choose is not available. Currently utrogestan, a form of progesterone which mimics naturally produced progesterone, is the only oral progesterone available to take with oestrogen-only patches. Women can use a mirena coil to protect the lining of the womb instead of taking oral progesterone. Current guidance is that there is no upper age limit for taking HRT or any age by which it should be stopped although it is also clear now that the risks of breast cancer with HRT persist for some years after taking it.

Having the facts hopefully helps us clarify the issues and weigh up the benefits and risks of HRT. Your GP may want to discuss this new information with you at your next medication review and you can find more information about this discussion at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ media/5d68d0e340f0b607c6dcb697/HRT-patientsheet-3008.pdf n

Oestrogen Hormone Levels

Dr Annabelle Mascott is a doctor at Woolwell Medical Centre

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

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Get fit!

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Dentally fit in 2020

W

hy does anyone join a gym or health club? The answer is that we all recognise the benefits of being healthy. We feel John Moore better, have fewer illnesses and are more confident in our appearance. Those things have a genuine positive effect on our lives. The biggest mistake we make is to try and achieve fitness too quickly and in a way that is unsustainable, or unaffordable.

What do I mean by a Dental Gym? If you can achieve good dental health the benefits are also very real!

• Fewer treatments such as fillings and crowns can save a lot of time and money • Better general health: gum disease and dental infection are now strongly linked to general illnesses such as heart disease • Personal confidence: being happy with your smile, with your mouth feeling clean and fresh is a factor in your general well being and confidence in your relationships with others So joining a ‘dental gym’ is much like joining a ‘fitness gym’ and if you do it correctly you can be a winner all round here are my top tips: • Ask your friends and find a practice where they just feel comfortable with the staff and the dentist. Communication is key and you must feel able to trust recommendations and consider different treatment options.

• Don’t rush! Just like getting fit in a gym, getting dentally fit can take time. Do any urgent treatments first, but then work out a long term plan with your dentist and be realistic in how you might progress with it.

• Do it at a pace that fits your finances; trying to do things too quickly and not being able to afford it is a major cause of failure. Do it once and do it well!

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

A long term plan will often work as follows: Step one: Work with the hygienist to improve your gum health by arranging typically two, three or four appointments a year. Most dentists have a payment plan to spread the cost of these routine visits.

Step two: Plan for your dentist to do any basic repairs if any teeth are breaking or decaying.

Step three: A long term ‘improvement programme’ can be really effective and affordable. Change that black filling in the corner of your smile for a nice tooth coloured crown this year. Straighten that crooked front tooth next year - you get my drift I think!

So join your new fitness gym and get fit, and join a dental gym as well!!

Dr John Moore BDS,LDS,RCS is a private dentist in Plymouth offering general and cosmetic dental care. www.johnmooredental.co.uk n 29

The Barbican Theatre

Inspiring the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs

B

arbican Theatre in Plymouth is a dynamic charity • Lana Van Anna: In her words ‘a drag queen, a started in 1980 with emerging artists, young people one-of-a-kind comedian, a political activist, a model, and the development of talent at the heart of all it does. and number one queen of modesty’ who has innovative It challenges what traditional notions of theatre and plans on developing the queer art scene and drag scene dance are and liberates the imagination of people, in Plymouth. Lana is also a live singer and combines especially young people, to create fresh and exciting comedy and musicality, rewriting lyrics to songs and work that comes from new and unusual voices – voices making her own parodies. often unheard.

• Scratchworks Theatre Company: A Devon-based all Barbican’s work with emerging artists offers opportunities female physical theatre company. Barbican is currently in many ways; as technicians, actors, dancers, supporting their new production ‘Hags’ about the Bideford choreographers, directors, writers, designers and more. It Witch Trials, which premieres in March. recently launched its Thrive Associate Artists programme, Dan Baker, Barbican Theatre’s creative producer, which offers local emerging said: ‘I’m really looking companies and artists forward to working with You’ll see things in our theatre that you these local artists to support to make the next step in their professional help them continue to won’t see elsewhere. We look for development; this could innovative and different, unusual, experimental work. create include making a bigger entertaining work. I’m We want to inspire people to create, piece of work, or touring for sure we can make a real the first time. difference to their careers innovate, and not be afraid Barbican Theatre offers and further successes.’ support in many ways including financial investment, Barbican Theatre’s chief executive officer Sheila rehearsal and performance space, marketing, technical, Snellgrove said: ‘Helping people to create and perform training and much more. their own work is really important to us.

The first Associate Artists will be: ‘We’re thrilled there are now established acting degrees at Marjon and Plymouth University, because it means • Drake’s Drummers: A new writing, comedy theatre there are more performance artists we can work with company based in Plymouth. They create shows for and encourage to stay in the city, making it a more all ages, aiming to bring laughter to the heart of the vibrant, distinctive and diverse place with an exciting, theatre. They have toured the UK and regularly appear sparky, cultural offer.’ at festivals and with Barbican Theatre’s help, want to In 2018 Barbican Theatre was awarded additional develop their next piece, focussed around fairy-tales and folklore, improving production values and taking to large funding from Arts Council England to develop a four year diverse dance project in Plymouth. FUSE capacity venues.

“

”

30

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CHARITY FOCUS Diverse Dance aims to create a new way of making dance by bringing together diverse communities, local dancers and guest choreographers as equal partners – to have fun, share dance styles and create mind blowing new performances for public audiences.

The project is now midway through its second year and the FUSE Diverse Dance programme has already engaged with a number of diverse groups and communities, offering development and performance opportunities. The theatre has worked with community groups such as Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support, Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council and Plymouth RESPECT Festival to work with their members to find their voice and experience creativity and movement.

Sheila said: ‘You’ll see things in our theatre that you won’t see elsewhere. We look for different, unusual, experimental work. We want to inspire people to create, innovate, and not be afraid. People have asked us to produce work around issues such as mental health and domestic violence and we’ve delivered these in their settings, at places of work and at conferences. We’re a socially driven, socially engaged company.

‘It’s this approach that helped to earn Arts Council funding as part of the organisation’s national portfolio.

We’re very proud of that because only a small number of theatres are on that list.

‘The Arts Council recognises that we look at things differently.’

Money can often be a huge barrier to engagement with performing arts; whether that is coming to the theatre to watch a performance, attending classes or creating your own work. Barbican Theatre believes creativity belongs to everyone and part of its charitable objective is to make its performances and classes affordable and accessible.

In September its performance training classes for ages 12 – 25 were revamped, so annual membership now costs just £50/£60 a year - less than three quarters of what it used to cost. As a result there has been a significant increase in the number of participants from areas of lower income.

Sheila said: ‘Performing arts can be used as a tool to empower individuals and communities to transform from within. I see our job as supporting people to learn the “means of production” and to have a powerful voice through their art.

‘I passionately believe that art belongs to everyone and that it should not be the preserve of a middle class elite.’n Jo Cann, Barbican Theatre

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31

Regulars

December

Lights in Cornwood takes place today in the square.

7 DECEMBER

Christmas Market EVERY MONDAY

2-7 DECEMBER

At St Anne’s Church, Glenholt, between 9.15am and 10.30am.

Sparkwell Amateur Theatre Company presents this traditional pantomime in the parish hall.

Aladdin

Pilates

Exercise to Music (Term time only) At St Anne’s Church, Glenholt, between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

EVERY SECOND TUESDAY

Townswomen’s Guild

The guild meets at 7.30pm at the Woolwell Centre, catering for all interests. Meetings are concluded with coffee and chat.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Dartmoor Border Morris

holds its open practice night at Meavy Parish hall at 8pm. Open to anyone who would like to try something different, either as a dancer or musician! www.dartmoorbordermorris.com

6 DECEMBER

Tavistock Dickensian Evening and Lantern Parade

Hundreds of Santas will be seen running, walking and jogging in the centre of Plymouth today. leaving the entrance of Drake’s Circus shopping centre in Cornwall Street at 11am, they will run either a 4k or 2.5k loop around the city.

7 DECEMBER

Bere Alston Victorian Christmas Fair Get into the Christmas spirit at this traditional village event. Dartmoor Border Morris will be entertaining the grounds between 6pm and 8pm.

At the Toby Carvery (The George), Roborough, between 2pm and 5pm.

Contact Denise on 07849 413125.

7 DECEMBER

LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Charity ride raising money for Children’s Hospice South West. See What’s On Extra for more information.

Held in the parish hall, Sparkwell. Come and support this friendly local market with a range of great producers.

7 DECEMBER

Sparkwell Farmers’ Market

Santas on a Bike

Christmas Lights The official switch on of the Christmas

32

Topiary Christmas Tree

In the Butcher’s Hall, Tavistock (free entry).

Krafty Krafters

Plymouth Red Hats

8 DECEMBER

8 DECEMBER

Christmas Market

In Plymouth Guildhall in aid of St Luke’s Hospice. See What’s On Extra for more information.

EVERY FRIDAY

The lights will be switched on at a special event at Bambino’s, Woolwell today.

6 DECEMBER

At St Anne’s Church, 1pm to 2pm, Glenholt.

Contact Denise on 07849 413125.

A craft group meeting at St Anne’s Church, Glenholt, between 2.30pm and 4pm.

Contact Denise on 07849 413125.

Christmas Tree Lights

Add a personal touch to your Christmas decorations, by attending a fun and friendly festive craft workshop at The Bedford Hotel in Tavistock. Includes all the materials you need, expert tuition and either a delicious festive lunch or afternoon tea. £42 per person. Call 01822 613221 to book your place .

La La Choir Concert

Off Key Singing

8 DECEMBER

Come along for the first Dickensian Lantern Parade at 5pm and then enjoy an evening of late-night shopping until 9pm, along with a whole host of entertainment. See What’s On Extra for more information.

6 DECEMBER EVERY THURSDAY

At St Anne’s Church, Glenholt, 12.30pm.

All welcome!

Santa Fun Run

8 DECEMBER

Long Distance Walk Moorland walk led by Dartmoor Guide Paul Rendell. Meeting at Willsworthy (SX 517 835) car park, 10am. Duration: 10 miles/5 hours. Route: Rifle Range, Wills worthy Brook, Land Head, Will, Hillbridge, Creason Tor, Horndon and Kingsett Down.

Walking across open moorland and river valley. Cost £10, please book by 6pm on 7 December - call Paul on 01837 54727 or email paul.dartmoor@virgin.net 9 DECEMBER

Michael Portillo: Life - A game of two halves The former Conservative MP gives a talk at The

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WHAT’S ON Red House Theatre, Millbay Road, Plymouth, followed by a book signing.

7.30pm. www.visitplymouth.co.uk 11 DECEMBER

St Luke’s Charity Christmas Lunch

welcome. Opening time for this special event is between 1pm and 7pm. For more information call 01752 347503 or email generalenquiries@woodsidesanctuary. org.uk

The Kingsmen A Barbershop Harmony group performing at The Watermark, Erme Court, Ivybridge.

Doors open 7pm. Adults on the door £12, £10 concessions.

13 & 14 DECEMBER

Join Devon Partnerships and Cornish Partnerships for a Christmas Lunch in aid of St. Luke’s. Enjoy a lovely lunch and great social networking opportunity at Boringdon Golf Club. Festive games will be played - come out and enjoy a great day and help a great cause as well.

Tickets £25 available from www. eventbrite.uk

Port Eliot Christmas Festival

12 DECEMBER

14 DECEMBER

A chance for supporters of Woodside Animal Sanctuary at Elfordleigh to join staff for a cuppa and a mince pie, hear about the animals in their care and look around the sanctuary. Donations for the sanctuary and for the animals will be very

Dartmoor Border Morris, The Old Town Twelves and top Cornish side Catseye Morris will be performing at the Dolphin Hotel on Plymouth’s harbour front as part of their Christmas festivities. Event starting at noon and running right through the afternoon.

Gather and Give

14 DECEMBER

At the stunning Port Eliot House and Gardens near Saltash. A unique festive event feature quality handmade gifts, carol singing, children’s and adult’s workshop, mulled wine and mince pies, cocktail making workshops and wide range of delicious foods. Tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk

Morris Dancing

14 DECEMBER

Tavistock Arts Market In the Butcher’s Hall, Tavistock. Free entry.

15 DECEMBER

Christmas At The Musicals Performed by PGS Theatre Company in Sparkwell Parish Hall. Get into the Christmas spirit with a wonderful evening of music. Also licensed bar, mulled wine and mince pies. 7pm start.

Tickets £10, available from Alison Morris on 01752 837055 or from www.pgstheatre.com

A BEAUTIFUL BOUTIQUE SHOP SELLING AN ECLECTIC MIX OF LOVELY HIGH QUALITY ACCESSORIES FOR MEN AND WOMEN AND UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS TUESDAY TO SATURDAY

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33

15 DECEMBER

Nativity Service

dessert. Book tickets at www. ticketsource.co.uk

A traditional service for all ages at Roborough Methodist Church, starting at 10.45am. All welcome.

18 DECEMBER

15 DECEMBER

Christmas Festival In Bedford Square, the Butcher’s Hall and the pannier market, Tavistock. See What’s On Extra for more information.

15 DECEMBER

Mad Dog Mcrea This hugely popular Devon-based band will be appearing at The Watermark, Erme Court, Ivybridge. 8pm, tickets £17.50 adult on the door.

20 DECEMBER

Carol Service

At St Anne’s Church in Glenholt at 6pm.

All welcome.

Get into the traditional Christmas spirit with a candlelit carol service in the church in Cornwood. The service begins at 7pm.

15 DECEMBER

21 DECEMBER

Carols by Candelight

Christmas Fair At Plymouth Guildhall. Many stalls, a magic show, licensed bar, hot food and a charity raffle to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. 16 DECEMBER

Phil Beer

One half of Westcountry folk duo Show Of Hands, Phil Beer is one of the most popular local ambassadors for acoustic roots music. A dazzling instrumentalist, Phil is perhaps best known as a top flight fiddler and plays in the all-star line-up, Feast of Fiddles. Phil will be performing live at The Brook Inn, Plympton St Maurice to a small, listening audience in an exclusive evening of food and entertainment. Tickets £20 each including a pre-performance bar meal and

Vice Presidents’ Anniversary Lunch Plymouth Argyle Vice Presidents celebrate their 50th anniversary with a special charity lunch at Home Park at 7pm, which will raise precious funds for the Children’s Hospice South West. The black tie event will include a three course meal, auction and live music. Tickets are £35 plus a £1 booking fee, which includes a donation of £5 to the hospice. To book call 01752 907 700.

21 DECEMBER

23 DECEMBER

The Elf who Lost Santa Claus Join the cast of Candlelight Theatre Company as they present an interactive afternoon of storytelling and a chance to meet Father Christmas at this special event at The Brook Inn, Plympton St Maurice. 2pm-5pm. Ticket price includes a snack tea and a present to take away. £12.50 per person. All children must be accompanied by an adult (who also requires a ticket). Tickets available from the bar.

24 DECEMBER

Christingle Service At St Mary’s Church, Bickleigh, 4.30pm and 6pm.

24 DECEMBER

Carol Service A traditional candlelight carol service for Christmas Eve, at 7pm in Roborough Methodist Church.

Ivybridge Artisan Market

26 DECEMBER

Home produced food including cakes, jams and preserves; cut flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables; plus such locally created arts and crafts at The Watermark, Erme Court, Ivybridge, PL21 0SZ, from 9.31am 1pm, free entry.

Meavy-based Dartmoor Border Morris will be performing at the Royal Oak Inn, Meavy on Boxing Day at noon and working off that Christmas pud! Come and watch and bring the family.

22 DECEMBER

Sparkwell Farmers’ Market Just in time to get your last minute goodies for Christmas. The market takes place in the parish hall, Sparkwell between 9.30 and noon. Great breakfasts also available!

23 DECEMBER

Carols in the Pub Come and enjoy a drink and singing some traditional carols at The Lopes 34

Arms, Roborough, 6pm.

Morris Dancing

27 DECEMBER

Guided Walk - Tors around Bellever Led by Dartmoor Guide Paul Rendell. Start time: 10am. Meeting at Postbridge Visitor Centre car park, duration 10 miles/five hours. Route: Arch Tor, Powder Mills, Bellever Tor, Little Bellever Tor, Laughter Tor, Bellever Dury and Lydgate. Cost £10, please book by calling Paul on 01837 54727 or email paul.dartmoor@virgin.net

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WHAT’S ON 29 DECEMBER

Litter Pick

A community litter pick on Believer Estate.

Contact El at Clean our Patch on 07948 623783.

A meeting for the residents of Glenholt at St Anne’s Church. 5.30pm.

12 JANUARY

Guided Walk - Tors around Lee Moor With Dartmoor Guide Paul Rendell. Start time: 10am, meeting at Beatland Corner (SX 549 622) car park above road.

Duration: 8 miles/5 hours. Route: Hawks Tor, Saddlebrough, Collard Tor, Blackaller, Crowhill Down, Torycombe Valley, Lee Moor Tramway and Wottor. Cost £10, please book by calling Paul on 01837 54727 or email paul.dartmoor@virgin.net

January Starting in the village square outside the Cornwood Inn at 3.30pm. Bring children, muddy boots, pots, pans, wooden sticks, grandparents and help Dartmoor Border Morris Wassail the Cornwood Millenium orchard!

Townswomen’s Guild An evening of keep fit and light-hearted singing with Corrine. 7.30pm, The Woolwell Centre.

18 JANUARY

Bere Ferrers Wassail In the church hall, starting at 6.30pm.

Dartmoor Border Morris will be performing along with the Tavy Tars. A small entry fee will be charged for a pasty supper. Bring wellies and children and make plenty of noise!

4 JANUARY

Community Market At St Anne’s Church, Glenholt, at 12.30pm.

5 JANUARY

Mummer’s Play and Wassail At Buckland Abbey. Meavy based Dartmoor Border Morris will be performing their traditional Mummers Play in the great Barn around 1pm, with such characters as the Winter Queen, Sir Francis Drake, a good doctor with a suspicious potion and Chatterley, the Morris beast! Great family entertainment with a spot of Morris dancing, followed by the Wassail in the old orchard. Bring wellies, kids, pots and pans and make plenty of noise!

7 JANUARY

Community Forum

Litter Pick Community litter picking at Believer Estate. Meet at 10.30am - call El at Clean our Patch on 07948 623783 for more information.

26 JANUARY

Coach Trip to Dartington Crystal The coach will leave Glenholt at 9am for Atlantic Village. £13.50 per person contact Denise on 07849 413125 for more information.

30 JANUARY-8 FEBRUARY

14 JANUARY

1 JANUARY

Cornwood Wassail

26 JANUARY

ALADDIN

A fun pantomime for all the family presented by Phyl’s Follies at Postbridge Village Hall. Evening performances at 7.30pm on January 30th & 31st and February 6th, 7th and 8th with a matinee at 2pm on Saturday, February 1st. Tickets £7 adults, £3.50 children, available from Postbridge Post Office or via email Postbridge.panto@gmail.com. Please note tickets must be paid for in advance.

February

18 JANUARY

Messy Church For children aged three to 12 years of age, at Roborough Methodist Church, 10am until noon.

18 JANUARY

Wassail & Family Ceilidh At Children’s Soapbox Theatre, Devonport Park. Dress up as tree sprites, faeries and elves (optional for parents!), meet the Jack Frost and help wake up The Spellbound Wood. Then come back to The Soapbox for an evening of dancing with The Brim ceilidh band. Bring pots, pans and musical instruments to wake up our apple trees and the trees in the Spellbound wood. Licensed bar serving hot spiced cider. 5.30pm until 9.30pm.

From £6.30. Go to www.stiltskin.org.uk for more information.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

11 FEBRUARY

Townswomen’s Guild Eileen Latimer will be giving a talk on her trip to Singapore. 7.30pm at The Woolwell Centre.

14 FEBRUARY

Pink Tribute A Valentine’s treat with Laura Tapp as the fabulous Pink, appearing at Lee Moor Hall.

35

Brian Conley stars in Cinderella The Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes!

Comedy legend, musical theatre, television and Strictly star Brian Conley is leading the cast of this year’s spectacular production at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth from Friday, December 20th until Saturday, January 18th, 2020.

In a career spanning three decades Brian has appeared in award-winning West End musicals and television sitcoms, presented his own chat shows, recorded three albums and completed numerous sell-out tours of the UK. Last year Brian embarked on his UK tour, Still the Greatest Entertainer (in his Price Range) and is currently back in the West End starring as Franklin Hart Jr in Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 at the Savoy Theatre. Brian will play Cinderella’s best friend Buttons.

Cinderella will feature all of the ingredients of the perfect pantomime; a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning

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scenery and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy. Cinderella will once again be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer.

DER N! REA PETITIO COM

WHAT’S ON

Plym Links has teamed up with the Theatre Royal to offer one lucky reader a family ticket to the evening performance of Cinderella on Wednesday, January 8th. Just answer this simple question: What role will Brian Conley play in Cinderella at the Theatre Royal this year?

Email your answer to jane.honey@ linksmagazines.co.uk - don’t forget to put Cinderella Competition in the subject box and include your name, address, telephone number, email address and let us know if you are happy to be contacted by the Theatre Royal for marketing purposes.

The winner will be drawn on Friday, December 20th.

Good luck!

Tickets: From £13 and can be booked online at www.theatreroyal.com or by calling the Theatre Royal Plymouth Box Office ✆ 01752 267222. Concessions available.

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The heart of Three great venues at the heart of our beautiful bustling market town

TAVISTOCK TOWN HALL

tavistock_town_hall TavistockTC tavistocktownhall

Whether you’re holding a gala dinner, a wedding, sales fayre, or even an exercise class, our facilities and friendly and experienced staff make our elegant Gothic building the ideal place for your event.

01822 617232

townhall@tavistock.gov.uk

VOTED AS ONE OF THE ‘BEST TOWN WEDDING VENUES’ IN THE SOUTH WEST Butchershalltavistock Butchers_Hall ButchershHallTavistock

UPCOMING EVENTS

December

1st Antiques & Collectables Fair (free entry) 6th Butchers’ Hall Christmas Market (free entry) 7th Tavistock Arts Market (free entry) 14th Tavistock Arts Market (free entry) 15th Miss Ivy Events Christmas Festival 18th – 23rd Butchers’ Hall Christmas Markets (free entry)

Butchers ’H

Christmall Marketsas

Butchers’ Hall is available to hire for private functions and events: 01822 616134

6th 18th – 2&3 Decemb rd er

Pannier Market WHAT’S ON Additional Christmas Opening Monday 16th, Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd December

‘Shopping heaven in the heartOPEN ofTUESDAY Tavistock’ - SATURDAY

tavistockpanniermarket

OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9am - 4:30pm

TavistockMarket

OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY • 9am 9am --4.30pm 4:30pm

‘Shopping heaven in the heart of Tavistock’

www.tavistock.gov.uk • 01822 611003

‘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

B

…

S L’ E T L R A W SEC N R O PT C KE TS E

VISIT THE ENCHANTED WORLD OF

CHARLIE BEARS AT THE BEARHOUSE GALLERY - LAUNCESTON -

Open Mon to Sat 10am-4pm Free Entry!

Bring this advert with you and get £5 off any collectable bear in The Bearhouse Gallery Shop in December

CHARLIE BEARS The Bearhouse | Pipers Close | Pennygillam Industrial Estate | Launceston | Cornwall PL15 7PJ www.charliebearsdirect.com

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Monday to Saturday

Have you visited Cornwall’s best-kept secret?

Charlie Bears is an international collectable teddy bear company based in Launceston, Cornwall. Founded by Charlotte and William Morris in 2005, the Charlie Bears Gallery allows you to view all of the collections from the very beginning!

The Bearhouse Gallery is a magical destination where the whole family can step in to the bear-illiant world of Charlie Bears. It is designed to be a multi-sensory space for everyone to enjoy, not just collectors of Charlie Bears.

There are two specially designed floors for everyone to immerse themselves in and even a bear hunt to see which bear cubs are hiding within the elaborate displays.

You can easily spend a few hours in the gallery and our bear cubs are always on hand if you have any questions

CAN

IN E S

More information: Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am to 4pm daily.

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or if you would like to adoption a specific bear. There are lots of surprises along the way and you will notice different details each time you visit as the Gallery, as it evolves throughout the year. You can even pop your paws up for a moment and enjoy a coffee amongst the bears in the coffee nook.

The Charlie Bears Gallery is free entry all year round with the option of leaving a charitable donation within the gallery for the Charlie Bears’ charity of choice.

Make sure that you also stop in the Gallery shop and you will be spoilt for choice as to which bears to bring home with you. Each bear is uniquely named and have their own stories to make the choosing process even more tantalising.

The Bearhouse Gallery is truly suitable for all with disability access and it is baby friendly too with changing facilities and a lift to take you to the upper floor.

Gift Voucher this Christmas

Come and find us at:

• Best of Both Worlds - choose Cann Woods or Haldon Forest • Family Fun for Ages 10+

The Forestry Commission Hut Forest View, Heathdown Elfordleigh PL7 5ED 07549 939898 www.plymouth-segway.com

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See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

«««««

39

December 6

Dickensian Evening The tradition of Tavistock Dickensian Evening is one of the town’s favourite dates in the calendar. The streets are ablaze with colour, shop windows are decorated with seasonal cheer and throughout the town there is the smell of roasted chestnuts. It is a joy to see so many people and businesses working together to produce such a spectacular evening.

As the businesses of the town, who make this event possible, embrace the spirit in traditional dress, they invite you to share with them in an evening of festivities and for you to show your support to them and our unique high street.

This year, the evening is set to be more magical than ever with Tavistock’s first ever Lantern Parade kicking the celebrations off.

This wonderful parade will begin from 5pm at the top of West Street and the end of Brook Street. It will meander through town to the main square where locals and visitors alike can take part in community carol singing. There will be fire performers, a Punch & Judy show, Christmas carols from local school choirs,

entertainment from Dan The Hat, Morris Dancers, stilt walkers, traditional Christmas rides, a touch of magic, real reindeer and, of course, Father Christmas will be on hand to spread the festive joy.

To complement the town’s shops and eateries, we can also expect a host of other wonderful stalls – selling mince pies, cider, Christmas puddings, churros and mulled wine.

And don’t forget to visit the beautiful Christmas Tree Festival in St Eustachius’ Church and the Winter Market in Butcher’s Hall.

Tavistock Dickensian Evening Friday 6th December 2019 | What’s On & Where: Dickensian Lantern Parade 5:00-5:30

Meet West Street outside Toy Cupboard or Brook Street outside The Co-operative Bedford Square Stage 5:30-5:45 Lantern Parade Finale & Community Carol Singing with the Stannary Brass Band 5:45-6:00 Official Welcome with the Mayor of Tavistock 6:00-6:15 Tavistock Community Primary School Sing 6:20-6:50 SJS Arts Performance 7:00-7:40 Tavy Tars 7:45-8:00 Local Musicians 8:00-8:20 Local Business Window Dressing & Costume Award Ceremony 8:30-9:00 Lodestone & Wreckers Morris West Street 6:00-6:20 Wreckers Morris 6:15-8:15 Reindeer animal enclosure 7:00-7:20 Lodestone Morris 8:00-8:45 Dan the Hat Lower West Street (outside Newells) Father Christmas – all night 6:30-7:00 Stannary Brass Band

B USINESS I MPROVEMENT D ISTRICT 40

Bank Square Car Park Coconut Shy & Small Animal Display – all night 6:15-6:35 Punch & Judy 7:00-7:20 Punch & Judy 7:40-8:00 Punch & Judy Former Rest Rooms, Brook Street 6:15-6:30 Mary Tavy & Brentor Primary School Sing 6:30-6:45 St. Peter’s Primary School Sing 7:00-7:45 Dan The Hat Paddon’s Row 6:00-6:30 Dan The Hat 6:45-7:15 Wrecker’s Morris 7:45-8:15 Stannary Brass Band Brook Street (outside the Cooperative) Fairground Organ – all night 6:00-6:20 Lodestone Morris 6:30-7:00 Fire Performers 7:15-7:45 Fire Performers 8:00-8:30 Fire Performers

visit-tavistock.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

Until December 24

remember to wrap up warm and don’t forget to bring your camera.

Nativity on the farm

More information: There are morning, lunchtime and sessions - please call Pennywell ✆ 01364 642023 or visit www.pennywellfarm.co.uk.

The whole family can be caught up in the Christmas magic at Pennywell Farm near Buckfastleigh this December, when a series of traditional nativities will be staged.

Adults are welcome to take part in the nativity or simply watch from the cosy straw bale seating, as the greatest story ever told comes to life.

Picture the scene - a magical manger setting with all the Pennywell animals, the barn twinkling with hundreds of tiny lights in the many Christmas trees and carols ringing out across the farm. Every child can become a star performer, thanks to enough costumes to provide a host of heavenly angels, shepherds watching their sheep, wise men travelling to worship, innkeepers and of course, Mary and Joseph.

The Christmas Journey continues as every child is greeted personally by Father Christmas in his woodland grotto to receive their very special Christmas gift.

A warm festive welcome then awaits in Henny Penny’s Café where the smell of mulled wine and delicious mince pies fill the air. Sit back and enjoy a tea or coffee while the children are treated to a homemade Christmas biscuit and a soft drink.

You need to allow two hours for your Pennywell Christmas experience, beginning with the nativity performance to get you into the Christmas spirit, followed by a visit to Father Christmas and rounded off with festive refreshments.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your performance,

December 15

Christmas Festival fun!

A jam-packed day of festive treats is in store at a special event taking place in Tavistock this December.

Miss Ivy Events will be staging their popular Christmas Festival in the centre of Tavistock, filling the pannier market, Butcher’s Hall and Bedford Square with more than 60 artisan and gift exhibitors, selling a selection of jewellery, candles, food, gifts and many other amazing items.

Also on offer will be workshops for the children (small charge applies), a gnome trail, performances from Entertainingly Different, a carousel and an appearance from Santa Claus. Musical entertainment from the Rock Choir and Callington Gospel Choir will also take place throughout the festival to get you in the Christmas spirit!

As well as mince pies and mulled wine there will also be some yummy street food on offer!

Miss Ivy is proud to support local businesses and you can too, by popping along and shopping locally this Christmas season.

The Christmas Festival starts at 10.30am and runs until 3.30pm - staged in association with Tavistock BID, entry to this great Sunday event is free - all welcome!

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41

WHAT’S ON EXTRA

December 6, 11, 12, 17

December 7

Santas on Bikes

The amazing sight of hundreds of bikers, clad in bright red Santa suits, will be seen leaving Lee Mill on December 7th on their charity ride out for Children’s Hospice South West.

The bikers will assemble at Lee Mill Industrial Estate at 11am. Santa suits will be available to buy - it’s advisable to arrive early if you need one.

The departure time is at 12.15pm, when the bikers will follow a route via Ivybridge, Saltash and Liskeard before arriving in St Austell at 2.30pm, when they will make their way to the Little Harbour Children’s Hospice.

All bikes, trikes and quads are welcome, and the ride is fully L-plate friendly. Don’t worry if you’ve not attended a group ride before, you’ll be made very welcome.

Oli Allen, Santas on a Bike organiser, said: ‘It’s amazing, to see the support we get. I can’t believe how generous people are, not just the people riding the bikes, but the volunteers, the marshalls on the routes, people making homemade cakes and teas and coffees to keep us all hydrated, it blows me away every year.’

All donations made through the event directly benefit Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW),

More information: Please contact Gerry on ✆ 07854 712 047, email plymouth@ santasonabike.org.uk or go to www.santasonabike.org.uk where you can also make a donation to CHSW.

Light up a Life Celebrate a loved one this December at one of the St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth Light up a Life services.

These services are enjoyed by many who find themselves uplifted by being alongside others who are also celebrating the lives of their lost loved ones and reflecting on the memories they treasure.

This year’s services, kindly sponsored by Western Power Distribution, are taking place at Saltash Wesley Methodist Church on Wednesday December 11th, at 7pm, Tavistock St Eustachius’ Church on Thursday, December 12th, at 7pm, and the Minster of St Andrew’s, Plymouth, on Tuesday, December 17th, at 2pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

You do not need to register or have tickets, everyone is welcome regardless of whether or not your loved one was looked after by St Luke’s.

And that’s not all because, on the evening of Friday, December 6th at Plymouth Guildhall, the big-hearted La La Choir are giving a performance in aid of St Luke’s. This is an opportunity for the audience to celebrate the lives of those dear to them who are gone but not forgotten. Expect not just complex a capella harmonies from the choir itself but special guests including The Royal Cornwall Hospital Choir and the winners of this year’s Devon Schools Choir competition, Uffculme School Choir.

More information: Doors open at 7pm.

Tickets: Available at www.lalachoirs.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON EXTRA

January 1, 5 & 18

It’s Wassail time!

The tradition of Wassailing falls into two distinct categories - the house-visiting and the orchard-visiting wassail.

The house-visiting wassail is the practice of people going door-to-door, singing and offering a drink from the wassail bowl in exchange for gifts; this practice still exists, but has largely been displaced by caroling.

The orchard-visiting wassail refers to the ancient custom of visiting orchards in cider-producing regions of England, reciting incantations and singing to the trees to scare off evil spirits and promote a good harvest for the coming year.

A folktale from Somerset tells of the Apple Tree Man, the spirit of the oldest apple tree in an orchard and in whom the fertility of the orchard is thought to reside. In the tale a man offers his last mug of mulled cider to the trees in his orchard and is rewarded by the Apple Tree Man, who reveals to him the location of buried gold.

The word ‘Wassail’ comes from the Anglo- Saxon greeting ‘Waes pu hael’, meaning ‘be thou hale’, ie ‘be in good health’. The correct response to the greeting is ‘drinc hael’, meaning ‘drink and be healthy’.

The ceremonies of each wassail vary, but generally have the same core elements. A wassail king and queen

lead the song and/or a processional tune to be played/ sung from one orchard to the next. The wassail queen will be lifted into the boughs of the tree where she will place soaked toast as a gift to the tree spirits. Then an incantation is usually recited.

The assembled crowd sing and shout and bang drums, pots and pans, generally making a terrible racket until the ‘guns men’ give a great final volley through the branches to make sure the work is done, before heading to the next orchard.

This ancient English tradition is still very much thriving today. The West Country is the most famous and largest cider producing region of the country and among the most historic wassails held annually are Whimple in Devon and Carhampton in Somerset, both on January 17th (old Twelfth Night).

Cotehele House in Cornwall has a Wassail, along with the villages of Cornwood at 3.30pm on New Year’s Day, Buckland Abbey, along with a mummer’s play, on January 5th and Bere Ferrers on January 18th at 6.30pm, the latter three helped by Meavy-based Dartmoor Border Morris.

Each event involves the Morris dancers taking families clad in wellies and armed with pots and wooden spoons into a orchard where, after the incantation is recited, a huge racket is made to wake the trees, apple juice or cider is poured onto the roots and toast is hung in the trees. All welcome!

EXPLORE THE WORLD & SHOOT THE STARS Documentary Photographer @harryborden After studying Photography with us, Harry’s lens has captured figures ranging from the Spice Girls to Jeff Goldblum and Giorgio Armani.

OPEN DAYS 04 JAN / 08 FEB / 13 JUN plymouthart.ac.uk/apply 44

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MUSIC & ART

December 12-23

A Grimm Christmas ‘A spin on the fairy tales you thought you knew before Hollywood sprinkled sugar on them’ Once upon a time there were two brothers who collected stories. Dark and gruesome tales that were sanitised and sweetened for children by the manipulative rulers of the Kingdom. These tales became well-loved stories to share in the festive season.

This Christmas the Brothers Grimm want to reclaim their stories from the corporate giants that roam the land, and take back their place in the traditions of folklore. Join them as they tell

December 13

Police Choir concert

Formed in 1972, the Plymouth Area Police Choir consists of serving police officers, retired officers, special constables, police staff and members with no police affiliation who have proven musical ability.

Performing around 15 concerts a year, from September to June, the choir has travelled extensively, having performed concerts in Germany, the Netherlands, France and Italy. In July 2010 the choir was invited to represent the UK at the very prestigious Festival Corale Verona Garda Estate in Italy.

However, its greatest joys are gained by going into the local communities in and around Devon and Cornwall. They provide entertainment and assist in raising funds for local and national charities. Since its inauguration, the choir has been involved in raising more than half a million pounds for charity and local good causes.

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

the stories how they were originally intended; uncensored with all the menace and gore to thrill and delight us on A Grimm Christmas night!

After last year’s inaugural ‘An Evening With Krampus’ was so well received, The Wheel and Barbican Theatre return with another alternative Christmas show, definitely adults only!

The production features professional actors, supported by emerging actors and performers from the region.

Tickets: £15, box office ✆ 01752 267131 or barbicantheatre.co.uk.

More information: Shows at The Barbican Theatre, Plymouth, 8pm plus 5pm on December 14th and 21st. Age guidance: 16+.

This wonderful choir will be giving a seasonal concert, with a Christmassy theme, at 7.30pm on Friday, December 13th at Rock Methodist Church, Yelverton, surrounded by Christmas trees! It is part of the church’s Christmas Tree Festival that is open from Tuesday, December 10th to Sunday, December15th.

Tickets: £6 at the door

45

December 15

Two Counties Jazz Band Led by fine trumpeter and great personality Graham Trevarton, the Two Counties Jazz Band is a superb traditional jazz band for making a Christmas gig go with a swing!

The band includes drummer Bill Sweet from St Austell, reedsman and vocalist Dave Kennedy playing clarinet and alto sax, plus popular cornettist and trumpeter Graham Trevarton. Graham is a master of the mute and also entertains with his distinctive vocal refrains. These three are all members of the Cornish band Pennyroyal Jazz Band which has played to great acclaim at Plymouth Jazz Club’s New Year’s Eve party for several years.

From Devon comes trombonist Ron Milford, who has played in various bands in the Plymouth area, including the Panama Jazz Kings and the Dart Valley Stompers.

Also from Devon are Len Mills, the mainstay of many bands, on double bass and his famous plank and the highly popular expert banjoist and guitarist John Whitlock.

The band has been playing together for some eighteen months throughout Devon and Cornwall and was featured at the last Bude Jazz Festival.

This great pre-Christmas gig is staged by Plymouth Jazz Club at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill, starting at 7.30pm (doors open 7pm).

More Information: ✆ 01752 774343.

Tickets: Admission £10, members £8, full time students £5. Tickets on the door 46

January 11

Ultimate Elton & The Rocket Band

‘The Songs of Elton John’

Some tribute artists look like their idol, some sound like their idol. Paul Bacon as Elton John does both! Close your eyes and you won’t believe your ears, open your eyes and you won’t believe them either!

A lifelong Elton John fan, Paul first started singing and performing Elton’s songs whilst studying Performing Arts at university in the early 1980s. With an extraordinarily similar singing voice to Sir Elton’s, Paul is able to draw on an amazing back catalogue of hits to produce a truly wonderful celebration of Elton’s music. Paul’s performances often feature some of Elton’s actual clothes, bought from his ‘Out the Closet’ sales.

Elton John’s extraordinary repertoire means that Ultimate Elton can serenade an audience with some of the most beautiful ballads ever written, including Your Song, Candle in the Wind, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Sacrifice and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word. He can also change the pace and get people on their feet with classics like Crocodile Rock, I’m Still Standing, The Bitch is Back and Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting.

Ultimate Elton’s challenge is often not what to play, but what to leave out! See this great tribute band at Plymouth Athenaeum, 8pm, January 11th.

More Information: Age guidance: all ages.

Tickets: £25, box office ✆ 01752 267131 or barbicantheatre.co.uk

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Off Key Singers

MUSIC & ART

Can you sing but have no-one to sing with? Is your singing banned in your household but you just want to ‘let it out’?

Well why not join the new singing group in St Anne’s Church, Glenholt - ‘Off Key Singing’ ? You don’t have to

permanent weekly event! Membership is growing and everyone loves Colleen’s enthusiasm, energy and ways of making the group so much fun. The group sing songs from the 1950s right up to the present day, and include pop, swing, musicals and more. Importantly though everyone have fun!

Why not come along and give it a try? Just pop along to St Anne’s Church in Glenholt on a Thursday

be able to read music, or have any previous experience.No one has to sing alone and there is no audition!

Colleen Harrington brought ‘Off Key Singing’ to the residents of Glenholt in October for a trial period.

However it has been so successful that it is now a

between 1pm and 2pm and join in. It costs just £3 per session and you will be amazed at what you can achieve!

For more information please contact Denise ✆ 07849413125. See you there!

Singing for fun

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

47

FOOD & DRINK

Celebrate healthy eating this New Year!

Celebrity chefs Chris and James Tanner share simple tips to battle post-Christmas indulgence and welcome a healthier, tastier 2020

H

oused in the world-famous Plymouth Gin Distillery, renowned brasserie Barbican Kitchen is famed for its festive feast, offering an abundant menu bursting with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Celebrating 20 years of serving the South West, owners, celebrity chefs and brothers Chris and James Tanner are passionate about crafting delicious dining experiences.

Experts at taking simple ingredients and turning them into something sensational, the Tanners know how to make the most of the seasons to create healthy yet decadent dishes.

Revealing their tricks of the trade for beating the post-Christmas blues and embracing a cleaner diet this New Year, here Chris and James share their simple changes for healthier, tastier cooking.

Buy quality, get flavour We’re both big fans of local produce and are passionate about making the most of each season’s bountiful larder. By buying fresh, good quality ingredients, you’ll be surprised by how much flavour a simple vegetable can add to a dish. Not only will healthy veg become the star of the show, but you’ll also find that seasonal cooking will offer you a newfound confidence for culinary creativity.

Choose simple cooking Healthy cooking doesn’t have to be difficult, in fact it’s surprisingly easy.

Grilling and steaming is a great way 48

barbican kitchen

to create no fuss, healthy dishes.

A stir-fry is the ultimate fast route to healthy food and an easy way to create veg-packed dishes. In the restaurant we experiment with our cooking in order to enhance the flavours of our fresh ingredients – a new technique can easily turn dull into delicious.

Eat a diverse diet The key to healthy eating is variety, - it’s not all about eating lots of leafy greens. Don’t get bored by repeating the same dishes, instead

try something new by researching the health benefits of different ingredients and the best way to cook them to preserve the nutrients.

Dining out is a great opportunity to try new foods and dishes – get inspired and let the chefs do the handwork for you! n Discover Barbican Kitchen, book your table at www.barbicankitchen.com or call 01752 604448

Mixed Bean Ratatouile Far from a light salad, welcome in the New Year with Chris and James’ super simple, healthy dish that’s guaranteed to please a hungry crowd. Packed with plenty of protein and fibre, this recipe is easily adapted - try adding in seasonal produce to up the veggie goodness and experiment with new flavours.

Serves 4 Ingredients Olive oil 2 shallots, peeled and diced 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced 150g cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 150g borlotti beans, drained and rinsed 250g ready to eat Puy lentils 200g fresh green beans 1 tablespoon thyme leaves 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 litre of passata 10 fresh basil leaves

Method 1. Pre-heat the oven to 180c/gas mark 4 2. In a non-stick pan heat a very small amount of oil and sauté off the shallots, garlic and thyme for four minutes or until tender. Then add the tomato paste, cannellini beans, borlotti beans, Puy lentils and passata. Stir well then place mixture into a casserole dish, place the lid on top and bake for 30 minutes stirring halfway through.

3. In a pan of boiling water cook the green beans for 4-5 minutes, then drain and place under cold running water.

4. Once cold, cut in half. Remove the dish from the oven and stir in the green beans and basil.

Check the seasoning then serve.

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Marvellous Mulled Wine It’s a festive classic!

F

or a chilly winter’s evening, there’s nothing like a mug of mulled wine to help you stay warm and toasty.

The mixture of wine, spices, and fruit flavours drives back the cold, and it’s a brilliant drink to enjoy all winter long.

This delicious recipe was kindly given to Plym Links by the Moorland Garden Hotel on Roborough Down - why not give it a try this festive season?

You will need 75cl bottle red wine (dry) 2 small cinnamon sticks 2 star anise 1 vanilla pod

Nutmeg (grated to taste preference) 4 cloves 1 large orange 150g caster sugar

Method 1. Cut the orange into thick wedges and stud with the cloves 2. Cut open the vanilla bean and scratch out the seeds 3. Pour the wine into a pan (with a little water if you like) and add the orange, vanilla and spices 4. Gently heat through but do not bring to a boil as the alcohol needs to stay where it is 5. Sugar can be added to sweeten to taste Tips 1. Mulled wine can be kept warm at the back of a stove for hours until ready to serve.

2. Be careful about which cups/glasses you select for presentation, make sure they are safe.

3. If you want to offer a really boozy punch, you can add brandy or sloe gin at the same time as the wine.

WINTER CELEBRATIONS Jingle Bell Break ¯ Festive Lunch & Dinner Crystal Party Nights ¯ Afternoon Tea Wreath Making Workshops ¯ New Year Party

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

49

Rabbits and the Bronze Age

By local historian Paul Rendell

Ditsworthy Warren House during Warhorse filming

A circular walk on open moorland START: Gutter Tor car park at end of road below Gutter Tor, near Sheepstor.

MAP REF: SX 578 684 DISTANCE: Approximately 4 miles TIME: Approximately 2 hours From the car park, head to Gutter Tor, the big outcrop on the skyline. Walk towards the fence keeping the fence to your right as you climb to the top. On top of Gutter Tor, enjoy the wonderful views in all directions. Look for a wide green path going down the hill to a track going left to right. Head to this green path.

After you come down the steepest part and the path levels a little more, you will see on the right a vermin trap. This is where the Dartmoor warreners would catch stoats and weasels that were attacking the rabbits.

Continue down the grass path and turn right along the track, heading to a clump of trees and a building. As you approach the building, you will see some large mounds on each side of the track, these are pillow mounds where rabbits were encouraged to live and breed.

Continue following the track to Ditsworthy Farm House, this is where the warrener would have lived. This farmhouse was 50

used in Steven Spielberg’s War Horse, which was filmed during the summer of 2010. Once you have had a look around, go back to track you were on, go down the hill to a boggy area. The river to the right is the River Plym and the take-off point for the Lee Moor Leat, which supplies water to Lee Moor china clay works.

Carry on along this track, crossing over the Drizzlecombe Brook. The track becomes a smaller green track. Ahead you can see some tall standing stones, head towards these. Just to right is a massive cairn known as the Giant’s Basin. It would have been a burial site more than 4,000 years ago but has since been robbed. This cairn is not lined with up the stone rows and possibly pre-dates them.

From the tallest standing stone, go uphill to the end of the stone row to a small cairn, turn left and pass two more small cairns. At this third cairn, in front of you, you should see a large stone. Head towards this. Once there you will see a stone chest with a lid, this was another burial site called a cist. Carry on in the same direction, cross a stream and head up the hillside until you come to a leat, a man-made watercourse. This at one time supplied water the Ditsworthy Farm House. Today this water is the drinking water for a number of people who live in the village of Sheepstor.

Turn left and follow the leat in the direction of the flow of

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WALK

Gutter Tor refuge

Start: Gutter Tor Car Partk

Enjoy your walk! water. On the left of the leat you soon see the remains of a bronze age village, a circular enclosure with lots of stone houses inside. Just past the bronze age settlement is a oblong building which was a long house where humans and animals lived under the same roof in a much later period.

Cross the leat here and walk to the left side of the building and head to Gutter Tor in front of you. If you miss the building just keep following the leat and follow it around to the right.

On the main route go over the brow of the hill and you will see some pine trees on the right, head towards the left hand corner, crossing the leat again. At the corner of the trees go through the gate and in front of the building which is the Gutter Tor Refuge, owned by the Royal Navy and also known has the Scout Hut as it was once owned by the Scouts. Go through the gate and turn left on to the track and head back to car park. n

Gutter Tor

DARTMOOR GUIDED WALKS

See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk

with

Enjoy a guided walk with local historian Paul Rendell.

Theme walks include wildowers, history and longer walks.

01837 54727 • paul.dartmoor@virgin.net www.paulrendelldartmoor.co.uk 51

Of warrens and men Colin Ridgers looks back on this Dartmoor tradition

I

Trapping of the rabbits was carried out between the end n February 1956, Devon was declared a Rabbit of August and the end of February during which time Clearance Area by the county council and it thus became legally impossible for the warreners of Dartmoor the suitably prepared rabbit carcasses were dispatched to cities as far afield as Birmingham and even London. to continue breeding wild rabbits for meat and fur.

The warreners of Dartmoor were of necessity a A vicious outbreak of a disease called myxomatosis very hardy type of person. Their warren houses were eventually killed approximately 95% of the wild rabbits often very remote and during the winter their working that had formed such an iconic part of the English conditions extreme. Ditsworthy warren house was countryside for thousands of years. heated by burning peat collected from across the River Many commercial warrens had flourished for centuries Plym and brought to the house on a horse-drawn cart; in the wilds of Dartmoor. In the parish of Sheepstor, for that same peat was used for the cooking too. A supply instance, Ditsworthy warren was probably the most well of fresh water was never a problem on the moor, but known of the several warrens in the area. The warren as neither electricity house of Ditsworthy was a main feature It is believed that one pair of rabbits could nor gas was available, lighting was by candles in the 2010 film ‘War have seven litters in a year, each containing or oil lamps.

Horse’, which was set eight young. In four years, this family could have Across the River Plym against the backdrop was once the warren of of the First World War grown to over 1,250,000 Trowlesworthy, leased and told the harrowing to Sampson de Trawlesworthy in late Norman times by tale of Joey, a thoroughbred horse, after he was bought Baldwin de Redvers, Earl of Devon. by the British army.

It was considered to be the first of the Dartmoor The name of ‘Derksworthy’ first appears in a lease of warrens to be established; although the first recorded Buckland Abbey in 1418, a mere three years after the warren was in 1618, 15 years after the death of Queen battle of Agincourt. The present warren house dates from around the 15th century, although the exact date of Elizabeth I, near Dartmeet.

The 295 hectare warren of Hen Tor, across the River its construction is not known.

Plym from Ditsworthy warren, was bounded by carved Before the decimating effects of the myxomatosis granite boundary stones in a vain 18th century attempt outbreak of over 60 years ago, wild rabbits bred in their at manorial control. thousands. It is believed that one pair of rabbits could have seven litters in a year, each containing eight young. In Beardown warren, north of Princetown, was even graced four years, this family could have grown to over 1,250,000. by royalty when during a visit to Dartmoor in 1810, the That makes for a very large number of rabbits in a warren Prince Regent found time to shoot a few rabbits.

The temptation to poach the moor’s rabbits was an like Ditsworthy, which had some 30 pillow mounds.

“

”

52

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HISTORY opportunity that some could not pass up. During the 1860s, the workers at Redlake near the River Avon began raiding the nearby Huntingdon warren to augment their meagre fare. As the warrener was not about to let the men take his rabbits, he dug a small shelter in the hillside from which he watched - and took preventative action with his shotgun.

The warreners of Ditsworthy also attracted the attention of the poachers. On Sunday, January 20th, 1901, warrener Elizabeth Ware caught poachers and their dogs trapping rabbits on the warren; the same day that she buried her husband in the little churchyard at Sheepstor.

The sun has now set on these hardy moorland folk; they Ditsworthy Warren House circa 1900

Huntingdon warren shooting shelter

have all passed on. Sunday walkers now stroll where rabbits once cropped the grass. Yet as the shadows lengthen, tarry a while by Ditsworthy warren house - you can imagine hearing the cart laden with peat returning up the track or the warrener’s children playing behind the house. The house itself is silent now, shuttered windows; door locked, in disrepair, a mere shell standing in quiet memoriam to a breed of exceptional men and women who wrote a long chapter in the continuing history of Dartmoor. n

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53

TECH HELP

Windows 7

upgrade or replace?

I have for a long time been an advocate of Norton Security and regularly install it for customers, as here at CVPC I find it is the easiest and least complicated. There have always been additional extras that are not really necessary, such as their toolbar and homepage. They have recently launched a new version of their 360 product which includes many other elements to it.

Unfortunately, they are offering a free upgrade, which is all very well, but at the end of the period it becomes a pay-for monthly product and much more expensive as a result. If you are an existing customer with Norton, please don’t be tempted!

Windows 7 and the future Everyone seems to think that if you have a Windows 7 machine it needs to be replaced in January. For those of you with machines already 8-10 years old that is certainly the

case. But if your PC is 4-5xxyears n old, there is a way that it can be just upgraded to Windows 10 AND retain everything. If you’re not ready to ditch your PC because of the retirement of 7, I can upgrade it for a tenth of the cost of replacing it!

Have you just got one of the shiny new square BT hubs and having trouble connecting your slightly older laptop or PC to it? There is a very plausible technical reason for this, but essentially, the new hub sometimes needs to be configured to allow you to connect to your older equipment. You have to login to the Router Admin Page and change the wireless mode to mode 2 or 3, because mode 1 really only connects to modern equipment and is not backward compatible. Need any help, I can do it for you!

New opening times! I am always in the office from 8am until 9.45am unless I am on a call in Plymouth. So if it is a drop off or a quick question, then pop by (still a good idea to call first) and I will be here. This will not suit everyone I know, but if you email or call I can always arrange to be here for you. n

For help with any home or business IT needs call ✆ 01822 855822 or email help@chezvouspc.com

PC, Tablet & Mac Help for home or business Got a computer problem at home or office?

We are the LOCAL help you have been looking for!

We sell new PCs, laptops, tablets, printers, etc.

We can even set your new equipment up for you.

Got a virus? We can remove it.

We also fix and maintain all Apple Macs and iPads.

Also networking, cabling, broadband issues, email, etc.

Range of experience with people of all ages/abilities for teaching.

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f Search chezvouspc Call us on 01822 855822 for an engineer visit

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54

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EH

Evans Harvey Solicitors

Stephen Hall

(Director & Solicitor)

Janet Hutchings (Family Law Solicitor)

Michael Pearce

Established over 35 years ago, Evans Harvey is a highly respected firm of solicitors based in Crownhill, Plymouth who offer a full range of legal services including conveyancing, wills, tax and probate, family and matrimonial law, personal injury, RTA and asbestosis claims, company and commercial, employment, litigation, landlord and tenant and inheritance claims.

CLINICS Conscious that legal costs are a worry for many, we offer two clinics where you can receive initial free advice with an experienced solicitor: Tuesdays 10am - 12pm Wills, Probate and Inheritance claims Wednesdays 10am - 12pm Family Matters

(Solicitor Conveyancing)

For your convenience we also open on Saturday mornings

Drop in to see how finding the answers to your legal questions could be easier than you think!

01752 785715 | www.evansharveylaw.co.uk 37/39 Morshead Road, Crownhill, Plymouth PL6 5AD

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

How safe are your appliances?

When did you last check?

Our professional and reliable Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) service ensures the safety of all employers, employees and visitors to your premises and will ensure your business complies to UK Health & Safety guidelines and insurance requirements.

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55

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Rundle & Dorey Ltd CONSERVATORY INSULATION SPECIALISTS

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57

TRADE SECRETS

Joanne Vanstone Two for Joy Bridal • How long have you been involved in wedding and formal wear?

I have been involved in selling wedding dresses for a couple of years.

• What made you choose this profession?

I previously had a gift shop so have a background in retail and customer service.

Following my own disappointing experiences searching for my wedding dress I saw a gap in the market for sensibly priced dresses and also providing a wider selection of sizes and styles.

• How do you source your stock?

My ex-display dresses are purchased from high street boutiques who clear the dresses regularly to make way for new designs. I also buy pre-loved dresses from the ladies who wish to sell them.

• Did you have to undertake any special training for your profession?

I worked for another boutique, which is where I gained my experience.

• Have wedding dresses changed very much in the last few years?

Fashion in wedding dresses is always changing but we offer so many styles and different age dresses that we find our customers like the choice and uniqueness.

• What is the most valuable advice you could give to a customer when choosing a dress?

Be open minded and try dresses on, as they look totally different on a person than in a

photo or on a rail.

• How would a typical day unfold?

We don’t have a typical day! Our customers and their guests are always so different. Our aim is to make the shopping experience relaxed and fun for all of the different personalities that walk through our door.

• What is the most challenging part of your job?

The dress is a major purchase and many brides struggle to make a decision.

Patience and understanding is a must.

• What do you like best about your job?

Seeing a bride who has come in nervous and self-conscious relax and enjoy trying on dresses - and then to see her leave with a smile on her face. n More information: www.twoforjoybridal.co.uk ✆ 07767 646337

Appointment Only Ashleigh Meadow Tregondale Menheniot Liskeard PL14 3RG

07767 646337

Ex-display & pre-loved dresses all under £600 Also: Bridesmaid • Accessories

www.twoforjoybridal.co.uk 58

To promote your business to 16,100 readers - call 01822 615627

advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

Tavistock Bathrooms & Tiles

Your local stockist

Unit 8 Plymouth Road Industrial Estate, Tavistock PL19 9QN

01822 618 619 info@tavistockbathrooms-tiles.co.uk

www.tavistockbathrooms-tiles.co.uk

TAVISTOCK

BATHROOMS & TILES By amanda - james