Plym Links June/July 2022 by Links Magazines

PLYM LINKS Plymouth radio DJ celebrates 45 years on air Derriford nurse inspires a new award

Challenge yourself!

Talk a walk through Meavy Valley’s industrial past

YEARS

the locals

MEET

LOC

ARMED FORCES DAYis back!

June/July 2022 | Issue 15 LISHI UB

Plymouth

MAGAZ

SAIL GP

will ‘wow’ crowds

Discover...

Archaeological finds of Plymouth from the mid-17th century

GARDENING

Become a ‘water-wise’ gardener this summer

CHARITY

Take a midnight walk!

In support of Ukraine Delivered FREE by your postman to PL6 - 7 and PL7 - 5. Guaranteed Circulation of 7,000 homes

£3.50 | WHERE SOLD

tavistock showroom 10 inspirational kitchen scenarios to view

design service We use the latest software to create your bespoke 3D design proposal

full project management Which leaves you with more time to relax

visit us and be

inspired Our quality kitchen partners:

info@charlesgraykitchens.co.uk

charlesgraykitchens.co.uk spread the cost 12 months interest free credit available we supply

paints and wallpapers

this range of ﬁnest quality paints and beautiful hand-crafted wallpapers come together to create exquisite interiors.

showroom Unit 2 Pixon Court Crelake Ind Est Tavistock PL19 9AZ 01822 617240

opening times 9-5 Mon - Fri

NEED TO BOOK AN ANNUAL BOILER SERVICE? Our experienced and helpful staff will always be happy to assist you

All gas appliances should be serviced on a regular 12 months basis to ensure they are operating efficiently and safely.

Call today to book your annual service Your local, established & reputable heating & plumbing experts

01822 611300

Out of All Gas, Oil Hours Engineers & LPG Emergency Fully Trained Commercial Service* & Insured & Domestic

www.dbheating.com Committed to Working Safely

READ OUR REVIEWS



FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the June /July edition of Plym Links!

The deadline date for any inclusions in the August/ September issue of Plym Links is July 1, 2022 For all editorial enquiries please contact Lindsay Turpin via email at: lindsay.turpin@linksmagazines.co.uk THE LINKS TEAM: Publisher: Tim Randell Editor: Lindsay Turpin Design: Julian Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard

To promote your business to 16,100 readers call: ✆ 07450 161929 ON THE COVER: Armed Forces Day returns to Plymouth (see page 37)

Plymouth is going to be buzzing over the next two months with so much to look forward to - the hugely popular Plymouth Armed Forces Day returns in June following a two year absence due to the pandemic, and will have a wide selection of things for the whole family to enjoy; St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s iconic Midnight Walk returns in July; and there will be one or two (or maybe more) performances you can enjoy at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Then there is the popular SailGP event which will see adrenaline pumping throughout Plymouth Sound as the world’s most exciting racing on-water returns to the city on July 30 and 31. For a full round-up of events in and around Plymouth in June and July, head to pages 37 to 45. The two local people featured in this issue are both passionate about their careers: First up we have Steve Glanville who has just marked his 45th year at Hospital Radio Plymouth. A man keen to make people smile, Steve believes Hospital Radio has the ability to lift the spirits of those in hospital and the wider community. Read Steve’s story on pages 8 and 9. Next up is Joy O’Gorman, a newly qualiﬁed nurse who has already made a name for herself. Joy has used her passion for nursing to

Contents | June & July 6 Feature 8 Local People 12 Noticeboard 20 Education 22 Nature 24 Gardening 28 Big Blue Splash 30 Charity 33 Health & Beauty

✆ 07450 161929

37 What’s On 45 Music and Art 46 Walk 48 History 50 Farming 51 Food & Drink 52 Directory 53 Local Services 54 Trade Secrets

help set up a new award for research. Read more on pages 10 and 11. Our feature in this edition focuses on a self-help, mental health hub called Marbles which is grounded in love and humour: Plymouth woman Nicky Nurrish founded Marbles in order to help with her mental health but this soon grew and it has now become a lifesaving signposting system to help others in need. Our Charity Focus section highlights the plight faced by many at the moment - the increase of household bills. Money Advice Plymouth is a not-for-proﬁt Independent Advice Agency that is offering free advice to help anyone through ﬁnancial hardship. A service that is needed more than ever. Read more on page 30. I hope you enjoy reading this latest issue of Plym Links. As always please do send me your forthcoming events, notices or even suggestions of any local people you feel would make a perfect addition to Plym Links.

Lindsay Lindsay Turpin Editor, Plym Links 07738231933 lindsay.turpin@linksmagazines.co.uk

40 10

² @plymlinks

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

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 5

It's OK not to be OK

A self-help hub grounded in love and humour A personal project to help one woman cope with her mental health has blossomed into a lifesaving signposting system where anyone can ﬁnd help relevant to their needs.

hen Nicky Nurrish was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 around 12 years ago she felt lost and was only armed with a prescription for medication to help with her mental illness. She was given no clear direction on how she could cope with having bipolar. ‘I was lost and struggling and didn’t know what to do about my bipolar. I went searching on the internet and I soon realised that there was help out there but it was all over the place.’ The system for self-help on the internet was chaotic and unhelpful and in 2019 Nicky decided to channel her energy into creating something that has since not only helped her, but thousands of others - the creation of Marbles, an information hub for mental health. Throughout the website, people can find links and contact information for mental health and warrior services; self help services including nutrition or aromatherapy; and even blogs from those with lived experience 6

is different. I “wantMytogroup make sure that when they leave they leave with coping tools and that they are around people that understand - there is no judgement in this environment.

”

with mental health. ‘Here at Marbles I want people to realise they are still "able with a label" and “it's ok not to be ok”. I have pieced together all I personally know about mental health from my own journey as well as help and support on here from others.’ Nicky said that the whole experience has been a ‘learning curve’ but would love to see the link for the website given out to people when they visit their GP. ‘There is no way that a GP will know everything about that person in 15 minutes but I feel that Marbles is a lifeline and it gives awareness in a crisis whether that is money or life or mental health. It also gives you information on how you can find information anywhere around the world.’ The website proved so helpful that in January this year Nicky established her first support group ‘with a difference’ which is held on the second Tuesday of the month at Moments Café

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

FEATURE in Plymouth, and attracts between 15 to 20 people. ‘My group is different. I want to make sure that when they leave they leave with coping tools and that they are around people that understand - there is no judgement in this environment. They can mix and mingle, enjoy cake made by my Nan, and there is always a guest speaker. Then after a break we have coping referrals to other organisations. People are loving it, it’s a different kind of group.’ It’s been a very busy and exciting time for Nicky and Marbles - just recently, as part of its worldwide status, Marbles was recognised by students at Michigan University who said that the website was universal, helpful and informative. Nicky was asked to give a talk to students at the American university as part of their ‘Mind Matters’ series. Nicky has also been working with Plymouth Mental Health REG (Recovery and Empowerment Group), where people with lived experience of mental health work alongside mental health professionals to open up better communication and answer questions to those in need. Nicky has also been working on a loneliness project at Moments Café in order to offer a location to discuss life in general and organise social days to those who are on their own. ‘Marbles has definitely saved my life,’ said Nicky. ‘Before Marbles I was a definite bipolar 2 person. I would ride with my emotions and I was highly medicated. I wasn’t coping well and it was hard for my family to watch. ‘I got to a point where I thought “I can’t be like this, there has to be more to me than my mental health - I have to be more than my mental health”. ‘Marbles helped me a lot and taught me about what is going to help. Marbles helped me grow and taught me that medication only takes the edge off! ‘My family are amazed by Marbles - they do worry about the amount of work that goes into managing Marbles but I am more stable thanks to Marbles.’ Nicky credits the name Marbles to her Grandad: ‘My great Granny had personality disorder and he would always say “she’s lost her marbles”. It makes me smile and laughing is good - I want people to not take it too seriously. Yes, it is serious but we should look at the positive side so that’s what I have done with Marbles.’ Two years ago Nicky set Marbles up as a Community Interest Company (CIC) to help with funding in order to spread the Marbles’ net further. Nicky has funded and continues to fund Marbles herself, but is currently recruiting for directors who can help take Marbles CIC to the next level. n

Nicky Nurrish

If you would like to donate to Marbles visit: www.marbleslostandfound.co.uk

Lindsay Turpin Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 7

A passion to make people smile... One Hospital Radio Plymouth volunteer has just marked 45 years on air where he presents a show intended to turn silence in the wards into laughter.

teve Glanville, from St Budeaux, has led an interesting life that has taken many twists and turns, but the constant is his passion to volunteer and to help put a smile on people’s faces. As a young man, Steve left secondary school and worked for three years at the Sunday Independent in Plymouth - it was while he worked in administration at the newspaper that he met reporter Bob Smith who was also a presenter at HRP. Bob encouraged Steve to see what HRP had to offer and the rest, as they say, is history! Steve oﬃcially joined in 1977 and his first job was to visit the wards in all Plymouth hospitals to get patients’ requests for songs for Bob’s show. Now, 45 years later Steve is very much a part of the HRP furniture and his time with the station has included an eventful live broadcast, or two, making long-lasting friendships, and it is also where he met his wife Mandy. He has also encountered many up and coming star reporters and radio presenters who have come through the HRP doors but once-upon-a-time Steve used to help a 16-year-old present a Saturday night show called ‘Phillip’s Bran Tub’. This young man would one day become one of Britain’s best loved TV presenters, the one and only Phillip Schofield. Thinking on your feet and making quick decisions is part of the fun of live broadcasting, but Steve has admitted that sometimes, radio presenting can go ‘slightly’ wrong: One example involved two volunteers from HRP. These men ‘loathed each other with a passion’ said Steve and would always argue. One day Bob Smith had had enough of this and threw them into a self operating radio booth and closed to door, telling them to ‘sort it out!’ 8

Steve laughs: ‘We then get a call from Derriford that said “I do think the play is very well acted but the language is a little strong!” The previous presenter had left the microphone on live!’ Steve met his wife Mandy at HRP but it was thanks to a little ‘nudge’ from Bob that their relationship grew. ‘Mandy was in the production studio at the same time I was in the self op studio. We did like each other but one day I was told I couldn’t do something in the self op studio as there was a fault, so they told me to go to the studio with Mandy. That little “fault” was the start of our 35 year relationship, or so I thought. Four months ago I was telling our Station Manager Keith Jolley this story and he looked at me and smiled and said “there was no fault”. Bob had noticed we liked each other and gave us a nudge - so Bob Smith, thank you very much!’ Steve began presenting Steve Glanville’s Programme in 1978 and worked solo until 2009 when he joined forces with Jill Bright. The pair now present Request Line each Wednesday. ‘I love presenting but I love visiting the wards. When I visit the wards they are silent - the patients aren’t talking. I get the requests, have a chat with the patients and then I leave, but when I leave I can hear that they are all talking to each other about the music they have chosen and that’s the biggest thing for me. To get people talking and make them smile.’ Science and surgery Steve was born and raised in St Budeaux and attended Kings Tamerton Secondary School where he fell in love with science. He pursued a career in the science profession in 1973 and became a science technician at Bishop Vaughan Catholic School, which then became St Boniface’s Catholic College in 1981, where he stayed for the next 42 years, during which time he trained and became a science teacher. Steve said: ‘I used to conduct shows to get the kids interested in science and I did this for the school and called them the ‘Whizzbang Show’ with explosions and everything, which I probably wouldn’t be allowed to do now!’ The shows were so popular that Steve was approached by The Royal Society to take his shows on tour to other schools in the South West, something he did for five years before he decided to retire in 2015. Steve was a keen sportsman but following a tennis match, just before he was due to retire, Steve suffered a

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

LOCAL PEOPLE heart attack that resulted in him having requests and broadcasting to five stents. Derriford Hospital and its offshoots. ‘Funny thing about that, I was put on a Run exclusively by volunteers, ward that I had been visiting for requests the charity has overcome a series for ten years,’ said Steve, smiling. of challenges over the decades, ‘I was in Bickleigh ward for five days including changes in technology, and when I was in there I listened to several moves and constant Hospital Radio Plymouth and on came fundraising to keep the station on air. Celine Dion’s song “My Heart Will Go Volunteers at HRP have been On”...’ nominated for six awards in this The impact of coronavirus has year’s Hospital Broadcasting He recovered and managed to go back to work before retiring, shown just how important Hospital Awards, including the prestigious on his own terms, that same year. Station of the Year Award. Radio is in lifting the spirits of Two years later though Steve HRP have been nominated for those in hospital and the wider had to have another stent Station of the Year every year added but unfortunately since 2008, winning bronze, community following the operation on the silver or gold eight times. same day Steve suffered a second heart attack right Keith Jolley said: ‘The impact of coronavirus has outside the cardiac lab. shown just how important Hospital Radio is in lifting ‘I mean, if you’re going to have a heart attack that was the the spirits of those in hospital and the wider community. best place to be. They rushed me straight in and I had nine Our volunteers continue to do an incredible job, stents added. They said if I had the heart attack anywhere keeping communities connected even when they may be else in the building then I wouldn’t have made it.’ physically distanced. The fact we’ve been nominated for Hospital Radio and awards so many awards is testament to the amazing work our Hospital Radio Plymouth has been serving the volunteers do.’ n community for over 50 years, visiting patients, collecting Lindsay Turpin

“

”

Bringing a warm front to your home… • • • • • • • •

PVCu Windows and Doors Fascia and Soffits Conservatories Folding / Sliding Doors Aluminium Windows and Doors Timber Windows and Doors Secondary Double Glazing Replacement Sealed Units

Plympton: 01752 339 373 Email: sales@sunrisewindows.co.uk www.sunrisewindows.co.uk Glass & Glazing Federation

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 9

Plymouth nurse inspires new award category for research Joy O’Gorman is a newly qualiﬁed nurse who has used her passion for research to help set up a new awards category in the Student Nursing Times Awards.

Joy O’Gorman

oy has recently started working for the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, having graduated from the University of Plymouth last year. Working together with Ruth Endacott, Honorary Professor at the University of Plymouth and National profile of clinical research placements through positive Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Director for Nursing and Midwifery, she has helped design and create impacts. Joy said that clinical research nursing is an important a new research-related category for the national annual and rapidly growing specialty, which promotes and awards ceremony. develops the vital role of nurses in the delivery of high‘I have had a strong interest in clinical research since quality clinical research. Ensuring the onset of my degree, which a vibrant clinical research culture was very much encouraged by The new category the University during my studies,’ highlights the importance of throughout the health and social care system is essential to finding explained Joy. ‘I was also delighted undergraduate placements new and innovative solutions to to work with the brilliant Research Nursing team at University in research facilities, giving health and care needs. Joy added: ‘I’m so lucky to have Hospitals Plymouth for my final student nurses and met Ruth and that the team at optional placement in July 2021, midwives the opportunity to the Nursing Times were keen which inspired and consolidated to support the idea. It has been my passion for research even experience how research wonderful to see this new category further.’ really works launched and even more so to As an incredibly pro-active - Ruth Endacott. have been invited to sit on the student, Joy was shortlisted for a judging panel where we will get to number of categories in the Student see some of the fantastic research Nursing Times Awards in 2021, being pioneered by nursing and which is where she met Ruth. Joy midwifery students across the presented her idea to Ruth and her country. team at the NIHR, who were keen Professor Endacott, pictured to support its development and to with Joy, said: ‘The new category sponsor and help launch the new highlights the importance of category for 2022. undergraduate placements The new category, ‘Student Nurse in research facilities, giving or Midwife of the Year: Clinical Joy with Ruth Endacott student nurses and midwives the Research’, aims to recognise a opportunity to experience how research really works. student nurse who has shown themselves to be a true advocate for clinical research, for example, by promoting It also meets the objectives of the CNO Strategic Plan for Research (2021) – a call to action to every Chief it to their peers through their experience or raising the

“

”

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

LOCAL PEOPLE

Joy with the judging panel

Nurse and partner organisations to actively facilitate more nursing-led research. This is a very exciting time for Clinical Research in both Nursing and Midwifery practice.’ Steve Ford, editor of Nursing Times, said: ‘It is fantastic to be adding a new category to the Student Nursing Times Awards this year, especially one that is dedicated to such an important area as clinical research. Thank you so much to Joy and Ruth for working with us to help shape and develop the new category, which is a great addition to the awards.’

Judging took place in London on April 22. The panel, pictured, were ‘delighted with the quality of presentations and moved by each student’s passion and commitment to clinical research’ added Joy. The awards ceremony took place on May 27 as Plym Links went to press. n Lindsay Turpin

More information: To ﬁnd out more about Research and Development at University Hospitals Plymouth, please visit: www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/research

Now Offering

10%

Commission on Gold & Silver

4ct Diamond Bracelet Sold £2800

Free Valuations

Vintage Omega Speedmaster Sold £4750

Parade Business Park, Pixon Lane, Tavistock (

01822 616992

drakesauctions.co.uk

Top prices realised on Mid-Century Modern furniture

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 11

Local women’s charity and family centre celebrates Ofsted achievement Trevi, the leading women’s charity in Devon, is delighted to announce that its Daffodil Family Centre has been awarded a ‘Good’ Ofsted Rating on its very first inspection. The Daffodil Family Centre, which opened its doors in early 2020, is a national parenting assessment centre based in Plymouth. It offers a strength-based parenting assessment that aims to support the parent to identify what changes they need to make to keep their child safe. The team strives to deliver a professional, empathetic service, and one in which all their residents can have their individual needs heard and respected. This is achieved by the hard work of Daffodil’s expert team, which comprises of two social workers, a team of family support workers, and a clinical psychologist; headed up by the highly experienced service manager Margaret Bersey. The staff are incredibly proud to be recognised for their work at the centre in such a short space of time. Margaret said: ‘We are so very pleased that all the work, understanding and huge human effort that happens here at Daffodil every single day and night, to safeguard children’s futures, has been recognised by Ofsted. Achieving a good standard throughout all aspects of the inspection shows my team’s dedication. ‘Our top priority is always making sure the needs of the children are met for a happy, fulfilling childhood, and we will continue to put them at the centre of all we do.’ Ofsted recognised the approach that Daffodil have to their family assessments and commented: ‘The environment at the centre is warm and welcoming.

Parents spoke highly of the facilities and the support they received. The staff team is highly skilled, with many staff members having a breadth of experience in social care and associated roles.’ While undergoing assessment at Daffodil, mothers are encouraged to use the therapeutic services on offer at Trevi’s Sunflower Women’s Centre, less than a fiveminute walk away. Many mothers who have come through Daffodil have continued to engage with these services. Kayleigh spent time at Daffodil with her son. Since then, she has continued to access support services at Sunflower, achieving her Peer Mentoring qualification. Kayleigh said: ‘I was so anxious when I went to Daffodil, but I soon realised I didn’t need to worry. The staff were so welcoming, all they wanted to do was support you to be the best parent you can be.’ You can read the report for yourself in full on the Ofsted website, or for more information contact communications@trevi. org.uk

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

Derriford NICU baby returns 18 years later Dr James Rowe with Tom

A man who spent two months on Derriford’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), has returned to say thank you almost 18 years later. Tom Rowe, who was born prematurely in April 2004, was treated by NICU staff before being allowed home a few months later. Going full circle, his brother, Dr James Rowe, has just completed a placement within the NICU and invited Tom in to say thank you for the support and care their family had received. James said: ‘I especially want to thank all of the staff on NICU and Transitional Care Ward for welcoming me to such an amazing team, it really has been an honour to work with everyone. NICU has had such a positive impact for my family with Tom being a patient there and it’s really special to come full circle and work here too.’ Tom, who now works as an apprentice at Babcock, spent two months in the NICU at Derriford after being born at 30 weeks gestation which is 10 weeks preterm. His mum, Ann-Marie spoke about how she is grateful for the care her family received during that time. ‘It was a scary time, but all of the staff were there for each one of us. Every step of the way we felt safe and cared for; part of the NICU family. We cannot thank them enough.’ Tom’s return to the unit was made extra special as

NOTICEBOARD he was joined by staff from the department who cared for him and supported his family all those years ago. Neonatal Nurse Consultant, Roisin McKeon-Carter said: ‘It is a privilege to care for preterm babies and their families. Neonatal services is a special place to work and many of the staff who cared for Tom 18 years ago are still working here today, including his consultant neonatologist, Dr John Madar, Matron Katie Hoffman and Outreach Sensor Sister Jo Bennet. It is lovely to see the fruits of our labour in Tom, a healthy 18 year old who is starting out on his career in Babcock.’ Roisin contiued: ‘NICU is one of the best places to be a nurse and doctor in Derriford and we are delighted that Tom’s big brother was inspired at the age of seven to become a doctor and care for preterm babies and their families. I call it succession planning.’

Shaugh Prior Village Hall is open for business! The hall is home to very popular Plymouth Playgroup, Travel Club, keep fit classes, Silverthreads, Food Lovers clubs and many more. Shaugh Prior’s exciting Platinum Jubilee weekend event planning is coming along nicely, contact the committee if you want to know more or can assist in anyway. Recently, the hall hosted an amazing Spanish Evening, organised by Sergio who rented the hall and delivered this brilliant night. Look out for the hall’s coffee morning signs, pop your head in the door and enjoy delicious cake, a chat and always a very warm welcome. Please take a look at the brand new website www. shaughpriorhall.co.uk and check out availability for your function, club or event, email shaughpriorhall@gmail. com or call Cathie on 07478519491.

01752 936815

morrisarchitecturaldesign@gmail.com

www.morrisarchitecturaldesign.co.uk Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 13

Trail ﬁndings... Responses to extension of multi-use trail are being evaluated Responses are being evaluated following a public consultation on proposals to complete a missing link of a multi-use trail near to the A386 north of Plymouth. Devon County Council is developing plans for a new multi-use trail between the Clearbrook Leat Car Park and Roborough. The existing Drake’s Trail offers a high quality and well used multi-use route from Tavistock, through Yelverton to the Clearbrook Leat car park, before heading onwards towards the east of Plymouth. However, there is currently no safe, accessible route to the north of the city. The county council is in the early stages of exploring two route options to extend Drake’s Trail between Clearbrook and Roborough, and people were asked to provide their views on the options. The deadline for the public’s views has now passed but responses are being evaluated by the council. Route A is 3.3km in length and heads towards the A386, following Clearbrook Road southwest from Clearbrook Leat car park, before crossing the A386 at Clearbrook junction. It then heads south along the western verge of the A386 to reach Roborough. Route B is away from the road and runs over Dartmoor, but is slightly longer at 3.5km. It follows Clearbrook Road southwest from Clearbrook Leat car park to the existing footpath adjacent to Plymouth Leat. It then heads south along Plymouth Leat and around the South West Water Treatment before crossing fields parallel to the A386 to reach Roborough. Third party land would be required for the scheme and relevant planning consent would be needed for construction, with additional permission needed on Dartmoor National Park and Common Land. 14

Funding for the scheme is also yet to be identified. The A386, which currently provides the main travel route between Yelverton and Roborough, isn’t suitable for cyclists or pedestrians as it does not have suitable pavements and is not wide enough to allow cyclists and motor vehicles to share road space. Average daily traﬃc flows are between 16,000 and 18,000 vehicles and these are likely to increase with housing developments allocated in the Joint Local Plan for the area. Devon County Council Leader John Hart, County Councillor for Bickleigh and Wembury, said: ‘There are some regular cyclists who do currently cycle on the busy A386, but it’s far from ideal for them. This route would provide a much safer route into Plymouth so we’d like to hear from everyone who would consider using it from the serious cyclist to families who enjoy walking or cycling on days out. This trail would provide enormous benefits for commuters as well as those who would use the trail in their leisure time, and from what we’ve seen already with our network of trails across the county, the positive impact of that is good for local businesses and local communities.’

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

NOTICEBOARD

National Highways delivers! National Highways has completed a scheme to modify a bridge and provide safer and more accessible crossings over the A38 near Plymouth. The company recently marked the completion of a significant £2.89-million scheme to upgrade the Mowhay footbridge, effectively joining up with a local cycle route around the city and making it easier for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs to cross the A38. The original bridge was not wide enough to safely accommodate both cyclists and walkers, and work started in June last year to modify both the bridge and ramps to enable it to link up with a recently completed footway/cycleway.

Rangers on camera Dartmoor Rangers are now equipped with a body worn video camera (BWV) and will use these as part of their role. The introduction of BWV is to protect their health, safety and welfare and will be used in situations where they may experience physical or verbal abuse. The introduction of the technology adds to DNPA’s existing health and safety policies that support staff and ensure they feel safe and secure at work. The camera, worn attached to

As well as the wider deck, the upgrade includes a more manageable gradient, new ramps, steps, fencing and guard rails, new lighting and a new surface water drainage system. By improving the connection between Honicknowle, Weston Mill and St Budeaux further recreational opportunities will be unlocked in Plymouth and commuters will be provided with a new facility enabling them to actively choose an alternative sustainable method of transport. Councillor Jonathan Drean, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: ‘We’re delighted to see the newly improved Mowhay Road bridge open following this substantial investment by National Highways. ‘It provides a key walking and cycling link between communities either side of the A38 and will complement improvements we’re looking to deliver through our Transforming Cities Fund, between the dockyard and city centre, and our Major Roads Network programme. ‘Plymouth’s growing walking and cycling network will help more and more people to choose active travel and supports our Climate Emergency Action Plan commitments.’ Rangers’ uniform, will be clearly identifiable and will capture moving images and audio. Rangers will trial the devices for 24 months and there will be a review of their effectiveness after 18 months. The cameras will be incident-specific and won’t be used for general patrols or duties. Ranger Team Manager Simon Lee said: ‘Body worn video cameras offers us an extra layer of protection against any anti-social or aggressive behaviour by capturing specific incidents as they unfold. We hope they will act as a deterrent, but footage could be used as evidence to support legal action if it’s considered appropriate to do so.’ The introduction of BWV was unanimously agreed by Dartmoor National Park Authority in January.

LOCAL

 Visit now!

All your quilting supplies from a leading UK supplier. Quilt Direct, Union Mine Road, Pitts Cleave, Tavistock, Devon PL19 0PW

CALL US ON: 01822 810877 Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Click and Collect Sewing machine sales and demonstrations Longarm services and hire WWW.QUILTDIRECT.CO.UK Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 15

Parish Paths Partnership, Sparkwell council needs your help! Sparkwell Parish Council is joining the Parish Paths Partnerships Scheme which is an initiative to ensure that the rights of way network within the parish is properly maintained and well publicised. It is funded by Devon County Council to encourage community involvement and enjoyment of public rights of way. The main aim is to improve the condition of the local rights of way and keep them open and used properly. Devon County Council will provide an annual grant of £30 per mile, Sparkwell Parish has 7.6 miles of footpaths and 4.63 miles of bridleway. This means the parish council will receive £366.90 annually to maintain the footpaths and bridleways. What needs to be done? Three councillors for the parish have agreed to manage this task, Gill McEwing, Tina Hutton-Fellowes and Helen Webb. They have mapped all the Rights of Way (ROW) in the parish, each ROW has its own

number and then presented this information on a map. They will then need to assess each ROW in order to discover any problems. This will reveal any work that needs to be done such as vegetation clearance, repairing stiles and waymarking. They will then need to address this in consultation with farmers and landowners. Where you can help? When all the ROW’s have been assessed it is hoping that people who regularly walk/ ride a specific ROW will act as link and let the team know if they encounter any problems or have any ideas how the ROW can be improved. Get intouch: Contact Gill by email to gain access to the map with all relevant ROWs, or contact Gill if you can help gill.mcewing@outlook.com

www.willwritersservices.co.uk We are a local family run business who offer first class

~ WILL WRITING ~ PROBATE ~ LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY ~ We talk to you in plain simple language that you will be able to understand. Fully qualified, insured and experienced we visit you in your own home for your convenience.

Wills £175 Inclusive Everyone needs a will (to avoid your family having huge problems when you pass away) and most need Power of Attorneys. Allow us to explain what they both mean to you. We are members of The Society of Will Writers and adhere to their strict code compliant practices.

t: 01579 383892 m: 07979 850128 16

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

A rewarding but demanding job Woodside Animal Welfare Trust describes the highs and lows of being a volunteer For many people, working with animals is a dream job, but in reality, it’s extremely demanding work. Often smelly and dirty - with a dose of heartbreak thrown in for good measure. For anyone thinking that petting puppies and kittens is a wonderful occupation, spare a thought for those bending down to pick up and clean out up to 200 litter trays a day, sluicing out the runs during early morning walkies and the mountain of food and water dishes created by seventeen different species. Even walking the dogs can be a challenge, with quite a few arriving without having been properly lead trained. Big dogs can pull you over while little ones can trip and tangle. Registered dog walkers, like experienced volunteer Robert Brimacombe, are an enormous help. They not only provide exercise and time out from the kennels, but also important feedback on temperament and social skills. Not just on the lead, but also during ‘zoomies’ time with other dogs around the sanctuary’s huge, enclosed field. One to one contact with troubled pets is gratefully welcomed by hard pressed staff members too. Cattery cleaning is a particularly arduous task, and a ripe one first thing in the morning. ‘Banging out’ litter trays ready for cleaning and refilling seems endless, especially in Sunnyside, The Mews and Cosy Cats retirement units. These are home to elderly, chronically ill and incontinent seniors that can enjoy free sanctuary range and companionship if so desired. Their aim is not generally

Flowers for Ukraine A woman from Woolwell used her knitting prowess to make a staggering £1,307 to help the people in Ukraine. Soraya Lewis-Coleman said: ‘Seeing the Russian tank drive over a car in Ukraine was so shocking and unbelievable, it made me really want to help the lovely people of Ukraine who were fleeing for their lives.’ A woman from Woolwell asked if anyone could knit sunflowers to fundraise and Soraya volunteered her expertise. ‘I made a few in traditional colours, then thought, why not do them in the Ukrainian flag colours?’ Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

NOTICEBOARD good and some even forget what trays are meant for. Enhancing both retirement and adoption units are vibrant knitted or crochet blankets. Unlike the offered duvets Woodside is forced to decline, these are very easy to wash and dry. They are made by a team of devoted ladies like Trish Andrew, who also creates beautiful toys and decorations for sale at events. A bonus is that each adopted cat can go out with a personal blanket to help them settle in a new home and staff love the way they brighten up the pens. The heartbreak mostly arrives when elderly or seriously ill pets reach a point beyond veterinary help. Whenever possible, these are put to sleep at the sanctuary in the arms of someone they are familiar with. It never gets easier.

Registered “ dog walkers, like

experienced volunteer Robert Brimacombe are an enormous help.

”

Orders for the flowers soon came flooding in and within six weeks Soraya had raised over £1,000. Her first donation of £350 went to a refugee centre in Poland for 200 Ukrainians. Soraya added: ‘A very big thank you to everyone who has helped me raise such an amazing amount for people they don’t know but do care about.’ 17

Chief Constable announces his retirement Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer has announced his intention to leave Devon and Cornwall Police later this summer and has thanked colleagues past and present for their professionalism, sense of public service and courage. He had originally intended to retire shortly after the G7 Summit but has remained as Chief Constable, with the support and leadership of PCC Alison Hernandez, to see through the initial stages and response to the tragedy in Keyham and the first anniversary on August 12. Having first come to the force in 2010 as deputy chief constable from the Metropolitan Police Service where he began his service in 1986, he was appointed temporary chief constable in 2012 and chief constable, from 2013. Chief Constable Sawyer said: ‘It has been an honour

to be a member of the Devon and Cornwall Police family and a privilege to be Chief Constable. The police family works within the context of a constantly developing and fast-moving society and it is vital that as a service we are able to learn, evolve and improve to keep pace with the communities we serve. In Devon and Cornwall I have seen my oﬃcers, staff and volunteers rising to that challenge every single day. ‘The purpose of policing, in its most simple form, is to be a member of the public sworn or appointed as an oﬃcer, member of staff or volunteer, to serve and safeguard other members; even laying down their lives for others. In return they ask for support rather than judgement, acknowledging that as human beings sometimes they strive and fall short. The public allow the police many powers on their behalf and the use of them must be proportionate and fair; their misuse and abuse damages the trust of the public in policing and the force must always be on its guard to protect and raise standards. ‘As Chief Constable I still have a great deal to do between now and my departure, not least supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner in the delivery of her plan whilst she searches for a new Chief Constable to take the force forward.’

• Your peace of mind knowing we are one of the ONLY Woolsafe Fibre Care Specialists AND Advanced NCCA members locally. Recommended by the a , Trading Standards and sourced via Age UK • • You have no need to worry as we are Fully Insured and Professionally Trained • We'll work around your schedule and turn up when we say we will • You don't have to move your furniture, we can.....tea and biscuits welcome

Fastest Drying Times!! Sponsoring a St Luke's Nurse

FREE COVID-19 treatme nt for every carpet cleaned

Visit website for FREE EMERGENCY TIPS www.majesticcleaningsw.co.uk

MAJESTIC CLEANING

(01752) 242899

enquiries@majesticcleaningsw.co.uk

GET YOUR 3 PIECE SUITE CLEANED & WE’LL CLEAN YOUR CARPETS FOR 1/2 PRICE* *TERMS APPLY

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

Celebrations for Plymouth Philharmonic Choir Plymouth Philharmonic Choir got the party started when they raised a glass of fizz to thank two very special people: Jenny Shepley, their recently retired accompanist of 23 years, and Christopher Fletcher celebrating his 25th anniversary as the choir’s Director of Music. Jenny is an extraordinarily talented accompanist, who took up the role, just for a term, to ‘give it a try’. Thanking Jenny for her years of dedication to the choir and for her hard work and excellence, Christopher Fletcher described their time together as a perfect partnership saying that ‘if I could have designed my own bespoke, choir accompanist the result would have been Jenny’. Christopher Fletcher was appointed in 1996 at a time when first class postage was 26p, the average house price was £53 394, the Spice Girls had their first Number 1 hit ‘Wannabe’, Independence Day was a box oﬃce hit, and in the FA Cup final Manchester United beat Liverpool 1:0. Looking back on what seems like a different era, where popularity comes and goes and there

AIRSOURCE

NOTICEBOARD has been such a rapid rate of change in the intervening years, one thing that the group is extremely grateful for is Christopher’s unwavering commitment to making the choir the best it can possibly be. His energy and enthusiasm know no bounds and are infectious, making rehearsals a dynamic experience. He has a special ability to instil the emotion and sentiment in the music being learned which have led to so many memorable, moving experiences for audiences at well over 70 major concerts with the choir. Choir president, Brian Gerry, said: ‘The recent performance of Verdi’s Requiem was, in my opinion, one of the highlights of your 25 years, if not the number one! I look forward to many more concerts with Christopher, at the helm.’ See our What’s On Listings for details on the choir’s performance in July.

SOLAR THERMAL

OIL

WE SELL AND SERVICE AIRSOURCE HEAT PUMPS, SOLAR THERMAL AND OIL BOILERS All aspects of heating and plumbing from a dripping tap to full installations of heating systems, bathrooms, solar and underﬂoor heating • 1 Year Guarantee on all workmanship

APPROVED

Tavistock 01822 610222

2a Westbridge Industrial Estate • Tavistock PL19 8DE info@chamings.plumbing

www.chamings.plumbing Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 19

Students revisit the history of fashion Alumni and students from Plymouth College of Art have collaborated with The Box in an exhibition exploring Plymouth’s fashion past and future.

he exhibition entitled Dress Code: Fashion Stories from The Box is the city’s first exhibition dedicated to fashion, with highlights from The Box’s costume and textile collection being displayed alongside paintings, drawings, film and archival material to tell important local and international stories about fashion and clothing. Displayed on the first floor of The Box the exhibition is open now until September 4. Spanning from the 1700s to today, the exhibition speaks to contemporary conversations about identity, sustainability, shopping, design, making and craft. Working closely with Terah Walkup, art curator at The Box, Plymouth College of Art students have been responding to the exhibition with zines, costumes and garments. Since the beginning of the academic year, second-year students from BA (Hons) Costume Production researched and constructed a variety of underpinnings from original garments from The Box’s archives, as well as replicating two garments from their vast collection; an 18th century gown and a 19th century day dress. These replicas bring the originals one step closer to the audience, adding to the immersive experience of the exhibition and showcasing that historical garment making is still pioneered within the city. From studying the details of original historical dress first hand to employing bespoke techniques, the students

Costume Production students explore garments from history

engaged with the fine craft of costume mounting to meticulously bring dress items back to life. Marie Dunaway, subject leader on BA (Hons) Costume Production, said: ‘We are thrilled to have had the chance to continue our relationship with The Box, having worked with them on exciting costume projects in the past. The Dress Code exhibition introduced a new way of approaching the study of historical dress, allowing the costume students to take an active role in the inner workings of a museum collection. The work produced closely follows museum exhibition standards with all the historical items they created. ‘What you will witness in the exhibition is the culmination of several months of research informed garments and underpinnings that demonstrate a true dedication and genuine excitement for historical dress that Terah Walkup [curator] and her team have facilitated with amazing support.’ After a visit to The Box’s archive at the beginning of the academic year, students from the BA (Hons) Fashion Communication degree and students from across the A-Level-equivalent Extended Diploma courses studied garments in the exhibition that spoke to their emerging professional practice and created responsive zines offering new voices and interpretations. Given a list of artefacts to respond to, students took inspiration from items such as a 1960s disposable paper dress, linking it to modern day ideas of fast fashion and sustainability. n

Outstanding Childcare in Woolwell 15 Hours or 30 Hours FREE Childcare for eligible 2, 3 & 4 Year Olds Available Now! School Drive, Woolwell, Plymouth PL6 7TH

01752 696616 woolwell@bambinosdaynursery.co.uk www.bambinosdaynursery.co.uk 20

Outstanding Childcare and Natural Environments Outstanding and Caring Staff for Your Child

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

EDUCATION

First ‘wacky forest’ planted in heart of Plymouth A

micro-forest has been created at a Plymouth primary school in a pioneering new project that wants to give every school their own forest. Pupils, and families at Mount Wise Community Primary School helped plant over 220 trees, including oak, willow, hawthorn, rowan and other varieties. An idea devised and led by local business, YGS Landscapes, this flagship forest marks the start of a project that it plans to replicate and roll out citywide. Small but mighty, the school’s new micro-forest is planted in such a way that is has the potential to grow ten times faster, be 20 times more biodiverse, and can be up to 30 times better at absorbing carbon compared to more traditional ways of creating woodland, delivering huge benefits for the environment and air quality. The micro-forest project started almost a year ago at Mount Wise, with the school eager to breathe new life into an overgrown and unused playground area - putting out a plea for help. It came at the right time, as YGS Landscapes sought out somewhere to create Plymouth’s first micro-forest. Paths crossed and the project grew from there. Giving time and abundant energy to

the initiative for free, it has been project managed throughout by pillar of the local business community, Nigel Pay. Support has come from across the city, from volunteers providing time, labour and equipment, including members of Plymouth Albion RFC, as well as generous donations to help fund the work. Millfields Inspired, a Stonehouse based charity, backed the project as part of its Widening Horizons schools programme, which supports school aged children and is soon to be delivered in Devonport. The school now has a newly planted forest, complete with a forest school seating and learning area, to help children study and engage with the environment. To help bring learning to life, YGS Landscapes’ MD, Steve WarrenBrown has penned a children’s book series, illustrated by local artist Steve Evans. The book series is named ‘My Wacky Forest’ and plays on the name of Dr Miyawaki, whose natural planting methodology has inspired this Plymouth project. A successful start for a project with huge potential for local schools, communities, businesses and indeed the entire environment, there are plans afoot to scale up and branch out across the city. YGS Landscapes plans to create a programme that unites schools, volunteers and businesses seeking to offset carbon and support community projects. The goal is to give every school their own forest, either on their own land, or created in their name within public spaces. n

Moorsway Moorsway Federation Federation WhereWhere learning learning is is an adventure! an adventure!

Moorsway Federation

Shaugh ShaughPrior Prior Primary PrimarySchool School

Where learning Moorsway is an adventure! Federation • Small class sizes Where learning is • A broad and balanced curriculum • Experienced teams of dedicated staﬀ • Weekly Forest School programme an adventure! • Each child is valued and known to all the staﬀ The TheErme Erme Primary PrimarySchool School

Cornwood CornwoodCCofofE E Primary PrimarySchool School

01752 837375 01752 837375 01752 01752 839373 839373 01752 01752 892247 892247 The Erme Cornwood C The Erme Cornwood CofofEE cornwood cornwood shaughprior shaughprior theerme theerme Primary Primary PrimarySchool School PrimarySchool School @moorsway.devon.sch.uk @moorsway.devon.sch.uk @moorsway.devon.sch.uk @moorsway.devon.sch.uk @moorsway.devon.sch.uk @moorsway.devon.sch.uk

Shaugh ShaughPrior Prior Primary PrimarySchool School

• Residential opportunities in years 4, 5 & 6 • Outdoor adventurous activity opportunities

Please contact us to arrange a visit with our Head Teacher, Mr Hall, or Assistant Head, Mrs Baker, where we can share in your child’s journey ll

www.moorswayfederation.org.uk www.moorswayfederation.org.uk www.moorswayfederation.org.uk Outdoor Outdoor adventurous adventurous activity activity opportunities opportunities

01752 01752839373 839373 shaughprior shaughprior @moorsway.devon.sch.uk @moorsway.devon.sch.uk

Please Pleasecontact contactusustotoarrange arrangea apersonalised personalisedvisit visitwith withour ourHead HeadTeacher, Teacher,Mr Mr 01752 01752 01752837375 837375 01752892247 892247 Hall, Hall,oror Assistant Assistant Head, Head,Mrs MrsBaker, Baker, where where we wecan canshare shareininyour yourchild’s child’sjourney journey theerme theerme @moorsway.devon.sch.uk @moorsway.devon.sch.uk

cornwood cornwood @moorsway.devon.sch.uk @moorsway.devon.sch.uk

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts ll

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 21

Up,up

and away... This summer, millions of ants will emerge from holes in the ground and take to the air. But why?

the best chance of meeting males from other nests, but it also overwhelms predators, giving individual ants a greater chance of survival. After their nuptial flight, males usually survive no longer than a day or two. For the queens, however, their flight is the beginning of a much longer life, sometimes up to 15 years or more. On landing, females jettison their wings and begin the search for a suitable nest site. They do this by excavating an underground chamber in which to lay eggs. This is the start of a new ant colony which may grow to between 10,000 workers with their queen. Her eggs hatch into larva, which then pupate to become adults. Most of these will be female worker ants and it is these which you see in your garden, searching for food to sustain their colony. In time the queen will also produce male ants and a few queens, and they will take to the air to begin the process of reproduction once more.

Image © Jon Hawkins, Surrey Hills Photography

n warm, still, humid days this summer, look out for clouds of flying ants as they rise from the ground to take to the skies. The ants in question are usually black ants, and as they emerge from holes in lawns and cracks in pavements, they have one thing in mind: to mate. The clouds of ants are made up of males whose only purpose is to meet and mate with a queen ant. The female ants that take to the air are newly born queens. If you look carefully at an ‘ant cloud’ this summer using binoculars, you may spot among the millions a few ants which are much bigger than their airborne compatriots. These are the queens. Ant eruptions are often accompanied by feverish excitement from birds including swifts, house martins and gulls, all hoping to grab a meal. Separate ant colonies synchronise their emergences, triggered by the optimum weather conditions. This not only gives queens

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

NATURALIST

Where to see ﬂying ants

The spectacle of flying ants can be seen almost anywhere during summer. Black ants are very adaptable and can be found in a huge range of urban and rural locations – if you have a garden you are likely to have black ants. Often the first thing to spot will be the activity of gulls or swifts circling when they begin to pick off the ants as they rise into the air. The whole spectacle can last an hour or more. Hot summer days with little wind and no rain seem to act as a trigger for ants taking to the wing. n

Image © Roy Churchill

Stephen Hussey Devon Wildlife Trust www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Image © Richard Burkmar

Inspiration Consultation Design Installation

Luxury Bathrooms | Wet Rooms | Bedrooms | Saunas & Steam Rooms | Wall & Floor Coverings An award-winning showroom that provides the most comprehensive range of bathrooms, bedrooms and tiles in the South West. 55 stunning displays spread over 4000sq feet. Located on the outskirts of Plymouth.

56-60 Christian Mill Business Park, Tamerton Foliot Rd, Plymouth, PL6 5DS

- FREE Parking

enquiries@westcountrytileandbathroom.co.uk | 01752 770077 w w w.westcountrytileandbathroom.co.uk Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 23

Gardening for late Spring Tips from Sue Fisher on how to be a ‘water-wise’ gardener

ong, dry springs appear to be becoming a regular with fleshy leaves are great as they store water in their feature in recent years and although we don’t know leaves and need far less water than many patio plants. what the summer will bring, it makes huge sense both However, do bear in mind that drought tolerant plants financially and environmentally to become a water-wise hate sitting in ground that’s wet for any length of time, gardener. And less need for watering means less time so if your soil is poor-draining, create raised beds or spent attached to the business end of a plant on mounds so they don’t succumb Collecting and hose pipe. in periods of heavy rain. For general Choose plants that naturally tolerate saving rainwater container planting, improve drought drought and your garden will look fantastic rather than using tap tolerance by planting in large pots (small even when there’s no rain for weeks. ones dry out incredibly fast) and group These plants have features like thick, waxy water can be done in containers close together so they shade foliage; leaves that are narrow and needle- lots of ways. Water each other. like or covered in fine hairs; or silvery and butts are simple and Collecting and saving rainwater rather light-reflecting. Some create their own than using tap water can be done in low-cost ‘heat shield’ by evaporating essential oils to lots of ways. Water butts are simple and create wonderful scents, including popular low-cost (South West Water offer these herbs like rosemary and lavender. Plan through www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk) your plantings with a blend of foliage and and there are lots of more ornamental flowers: create the ‘bones’ of a garden with designs too, including a clever design strong structural foliage such as elaeagnus, that combines planters around the butt. bay, olearia, and Box, which look good Or, hide your storage out of sight with a all year and make a beautiful contrast low, wide tank beneath a deck or patio. to colourful flowers. For some planting An alternative to lugging cans around inspiration, I recommend a trip to Southis a little solar-powered or electric pond West Water’s visitor centre at Roadford pump. Lake, near Broadwoodwidger, where the Timing your planting is an excellent garden I was commissioned to design has way to save water and end up with much recently been completed. better plants in the long run. Planting For pots and borders, succulent plants now means watering for months whilst

“

”

To promote your business to 16,100 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

GARDENING Rosemary evaporates essential oils

Seasonal gardening jobs and tips Stake tall-growing perennials early rather than waiting until stems start to topple. Either buy grow-through supports, use twiggy prunings, or canes and string.

plants are in full growth, but anything hardy is best planted in autumn, when growth is slowing right down and the soil is warm and moist, ideal for root growth so the plant establishes itself during autumn and winter. Then come spring when the plant explodes into growth, there’s little or no need to water. The Water Wise garden at Roadford Lake

Tender vegetables like courgettes, marrows, sweetcorn, runner and French beans can be sown outside now. Buy ready-grown plants of tomatoes, peppers, chillis, and cucumbers. Feed hardy plants growing in containers, using controlled release fertiliser that will last the whole season. Inspect lilies for bright red lily beetle and the orangey slimecovered larvae. Hand picking and squashing is the best control, or use preventative chemical-free sprays, although these need reapplication after rain. Prune spring-ﬂowering shrubs like forsythia and ﬂowering quince, as next year’s blooms will be borne on growth made this year.

ALL ASPECTS OF LANDSCAPING AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • Decking & Fencing • Dry Stone Walling • Patios & Pathways • Timber Structures • Groundworks

• Sheds • Turf Laying • House Painting • Hedge Trimming • Garden Clearance

FULLY INSURED - LOCAL REFERENCES AVAILABLE

Hartland, Milton Combe, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6HP

T: 01822 852792 M: 07765 674627 Email: steptoe841@gmail.com Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 25

Design and Installation Waterfalls and Streams Ponds and Lakes Water Features Renovation Leak Repair

Dartmoor

CIT Y AND GUILDS QUALIFIED

FREE QUOTES

Pond Services

Ellis Taylor

07836 576722

www.dartmoorpondservices.co.uk

M.T. ALLEN Groundworks & Plant Services

01822 458073

www.johnafrancisstonework.co.uk

Fencing • Paving • Decking Brickwork • Stone Walling Turf Laying • Tree Felling Weed Spraying • Hedge Reshaping Garden Clearance • Rough Cutting Soft Landscaping and more...

www.mtallengroundworks.co.uk 01822 854959 - 07951 020243 VISIT

ENDSLEIGH GARDENS NURSERY

for our great range of

Roses, Shrubs, Climbers, Perennials & Trees

Milton Abbot Tavistock PL19 0PG

Pop in for a chat! We’re happy to advise how you can improve your garden.

Tel: 01822 870235

www.endsleighgardens.co.uk

OPEN EVERY DAY!

Open 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday Follow brown signs to Endsleigh House and Gardens from Milton Abbot

Well worth a visit !

Quality Assured

Established for over15 years.

www.menforallseasons.co.uk Please note our new phone number:

01822 860675 07977 272170

Banish all your garden maintenance issues... From a mud patch...

to a perfect lawn

From derelict...

to perfect

SUMMER OFFERS NOW ON! Full advice and installation service - Call 01822 855427 for your free quote info@greenschemeltd.co.uk • www.greenschemegrass.com

Green Scheme Solutions Ltd Yelverton PL20 7UY 26

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

Wild about gardens... Wild about Gardens is a collaboration between the Royal Horticultural Society and the Wildlife Trusts, to encourage gardeners to take action in support of nature. This year’s theme is “Wild about High Fliers” to help those soaring superstars of the skies: swifts, swallows, and martins. These amazing birds fly from Africa to breed here from spring to autumn. Sadly, numbers have declined, and swifts and martins have been added to the Red List of globally threatened species. But there’s lots that gardeners can do to help, by providing nesting sites, materials, and food. These birds are all insect-eaters and feeding on the wing, whilst in flight, so you’ll never see them at your bird table, but boosting insect populations get them swooping

GARDENING over your garden and nearby. Do this by having a pond, bog garden, or moist ground that is a magnet for insects; turning a part or all of your lawn into meadow; and growing plants that attract pollinating insects. Swallows, swifts, and house martins nest under the eaves of buildings, both out and in, where you can place ready-made nests and ‘swift bricks’, and allow access to outbuildings by making a small hole in a door top or taking out a couple of bricks. Create a path of moist, muddy soil outside for use in nest building. And yes, they do make a bit of a mess below the nest but a bit of tarp can easily be rigged up as protection. Encouraging these wonderful birds is well worth the slight inconvenience. For more information see www. wildaboutgardens.org.uk n

GARDEN DESIGNER & HORTICULTURAL SPECIALIST Inspirational ideas to transform your garden

Sue continues to be available for garden advisory visits and design work, operating according to Covid-19 social distancing guidelines. Gift vouchers available for garden advisory visits. Contact Sue for more details.

Sue Fisher

01822 841895 • sueﬁsher@talktalk.net • www.sueﬁshergardens.co.uk

FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS • OVER 60 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Find your dream park home in the picturesque countryside of Devon. From completely bespoke builds to fully-sited, ready to move into homes, our team are here to help make your dream home a reality in Devon.

Glenholt Park

Honicombe Park

New Park

Established and sought after location north of Plymouth city centre.

Set in the Tamar Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Woodland surroundings with views of the rolling hills of Dartmoor.

• • •

Flanked by woodlands. Pleasant walks. Close by Park & Ride offers easy travel links.

• • •

Nearby shopping facilities. Pets considered. St. Ann’s Chapel has a post office and store.

• • •

Good shopping facilities. Plenty to explore. Dartmoor is only a 10 minute drive away.

Book a contactless park viewing or a design appointment today. Call us on 01935 862079 or visit berkeleyparks.co.uk

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 27

Jump into fun this summer!

Get ready to get involved and jump into fun this summer as the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (NMP) hosts the National Marine Park Big Blue Splash from 23-24 July on Plymouth’s waterfront Part of the National Marine Park Horizon project’s 12-month engagement programme the National Marine Park Big Blue Splash event will provide a jam-packed programme of free, fun activities to get people in, on, under and next to the water. From walking trails along the coastline to rock pooling, paddle boarding and hands on workshops in the water there’ll be a wide range of activities to get involved in across the weekend, alongside a variety of shore-based activity and entertainment. What is Plymouth Sound National Marine Park? Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City is home to the UK’s first National Marine Park made possible thanks to a £9.5million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Plymouth Sound National Marine Park aims to deliver a positive response to climate change, improving access and engagement to our natural and maritime heritage to ensure all citizens can enjoy the significant benefits that being on, in, under or next to the sea provides. By increasing community connection with the natural environment, the National Marine Park aims to improve engagement with sustainability and ocean protection, improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of our community and boosting the blue economy. The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Heritage Horizon Project has been made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. Through the National Marine Park Horizons Project a 12 month engagement programme has been put in place to not only enable people to have fun and explore, but also for residents to be able to have their 28

Sessions will be free, but will require booking, find out more and plan ahead at:

www.plymouthsoundnationalmarinepark.com Taking place just one week before the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix returns to Plymouth on 30-31 July, the National Marine Park Big Blue Splash kicks off an amazing couple of weeks to celebrate all that is special about Plymouth Sound. say and shape the National Marine Park. Stuart McLeod, Director, England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s great to see these community events come to life as part of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. The project will have a hugely positive impact on Plymouth and help to support nature’s recovery from climate change. These activities offer people a chance to engage with their shoreline, discovering more about nature and their marine environment. This is one of the many reasons we’re proud to support the UK’s first Marine Park as part of our Heritage Horizon Awards.” As well as the National Marine Park Big Blue Splash there will be a programme of activity taking place across the summer including Sea in the Park events, taking place in green spaces throughout the city; a pilot programme of National Marine Park Rangers, volunteers and environmental ambassadors; and the development of a ‘digital park in the sea’. Find out more and get involved at: www.plymouthsoundnationalmarinepark.com

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

PLYMOUTH WATERFRONT 23-24 JULY Find out more at plymouthsoundnationalmarinepark.com @PlymSoundNMP

Supported with funding from the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund

Good advice is priceless... As cost of living almost triples, people are seeking urgent help from a local charity

who are piling on the interest, the best thing to do is get some independent debt and financial advice. There are plenty of free national services available - Citizens ith household bills continuing to rise, charity Advice, Stepchange, National Debtline - as well as local Money Advice Plymouth is offering free advice services like Money Advice Plymouth - who can offer and making sure that people are supported through any you an appointment in your home if you feel that this financial hardship would be the best way to help you. Money Advice Plymouth is a not-for-profit Independent ‘A good debt adviser will talk to you about your wider Advice Agency which has been funded since 2005 to personal and financial situation, to really try and provide a free, expert, independent and confidential understand what’s going on. We’re not here to judge - we debt advice service. In 2011 MAP became part of know there are lots of reasons why people go through Homemaker Southwest, and the charity is now funded seasons where they’re not coping well. We’ll look at what by the Money and Pensions Service to work across most you’ve got coming in and what you’ve got going out as of South Devon. well as any debts you’ve got - we can even help people The charity aims for its support to enable people to better who know they’ve got debts, but don’t really know who manage their financial affairs, and have the confidence with! We’ll spot whether you’re missing out on benefits and skills to help themselves, and engage with their or premiums and advise you on grants.’ communities and those around them. Andrea continued: ‘We speak to hundreds of people Andrea Carlisle, Director for Money Advice Plymouth, so we have a great feel for whether you might be said: ‘I hardly need to tell you that we are experiencing overpaying for a service. We’ll talk through your debt a cost-of-living crisis. Massive increases in utility costs, options - everything from making token payments to combined with the high price of fuel at the petrol your creditors of £1 a month to going insolvent. We pumps, a bump in council tax and a 5 per cent rise in the get that when you’re stressed about your debt or other cost of food - just at a time when we are all trying to get personal circumstances, you might not be able to do back on our feet financially and emotionally following a everything yourself, so we’ll also help you negotiate with rocky couple of years. your creditors and set things in motion for you. And this ‘If you find yourself behind with bills, especially priority service is free, confidential, and independent.’ payments like rent, council tax, utilities, TV licence, or All staff share the same ethos and are motivated to if you’re being contacted by credit cards and catalogues get the best conclusion for all their clients, taking time to work through the issues that they are experiencing, breaking things into manageable steps so that clients can be encouraged to engage, grow in confidence, and be FREE • CONFIDENTIAL involved their solution. They are EXPERT • IMPARTIAL qualified and licenced to advise on NEED HELP the full range of debt strategies TO OVERCOME including budgeting, negotiating ISSUES WITH DEBT? with creditors, setting up payment arrangements, producing financial CONTACT ONE OF OUR EXPERT ADVISORS: statements, Debt Relief Orders, and 01752 208126 or 01392 686752 bankruptcy. n www.moneyadviceplymouth.org.uk

MONEYADVICE

P LY M O U T H

Lindsay Turpin

To promote your business to 16,100 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

Popeye the injured cat needs your help G

ables Dogs & Cats Home was recently contacted by Filham Park Veterinary Clinic to help a cat with a severely damaged eye who desperately needed medical care. Popeye, as he has affectionately been named, had an accident on a farm and his eye was beyond repair and needed to be removed. Despite the pain he must have been in Popeye has been a star patient through all his treatment and eye removal surgery at the vets. He’s enjoyed lots of fuss from all the vet nurses and they all describe him as an affectionate boy. Once Popeye is well enough he will be taken to Gables to finish his recovery and receive any further treatment he may need. After he is fully recovered and fighting fit once more, Gables will find him a new loving forever home. It is estimated to cost an additional £800 on top of Gables normal operating costs to give Popeye the help

CHARITY and treatment he needs. Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the Coronavirus pandemic, but staff are determined to help Popeye. If you can help to ease Gables’ financial burden by making a contribution to the ‘Popeye in a pickle Vet Appeal’, call 01752 331602 or visit www.justgiving. com/campaign/popeye or paypal.me/gablesdogsandcats to donate online. If Gables are lucky enough to raise more funds than needed for Popeye’s appeal, the excess will go towards helping the other animals in their care. n

The First Brave Step

REQUEST A PROSPECTUS:

www.mountkelly.com Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

#ItsTheClimb Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 31

Lisa’s Mobile

award-winning local skincare

Hairdressing

soaps & shampoo bars

save 10% with the code linksmag

made in Devon visit our online shop at

dartmoorskincare.co.uk

07522 866614

Covering all your hairdressing needs in the comfort of your own home.

07769 207644

Southwest Funeral Care is an independent family owned business located in Southway, serving Plymouth and the surrounding areas. Direct Cremation

£1,500

We understand planning a funeral for a loved one is one of the hardest and emotionally challenging experiences anyone will ever go though.

£1,995

We offer a range of services, priding ourselves on giving personal attention to every funeral, which is tailored to your request.

Full in-house Funeral

No Hidden fees. Price valid at time of publication but may be subject to change

01752 651020

southwestfuneralcare@gmail.com

NOT HEARING PROPERLY? You are only a phone call away from changing your life

Private Hearing Aids

Private hearing aids care allows people to get the help they need immediately locally based with no waiting lists or restrictions on the type of hearing aid you are able to receive.

NHS Hearing Aids

Accredited by the NHS. Locally based, no need to go to hospital, ask your GP to be referred.

Ear Wax Removal

Instant effect, your hearing will be clearer and brighter. No mess procedure and no need to pre-oil your ears.

ALISTAIR KINSEY Hearing • Mobility The help you need straight away – no waiting! Find us on Facebook for the latest news and products

1a Pym Street Tavistock PL19 0AW info@hearingmobility.co.uk www.hearingmobility.co.uk

Book Your Appointment Now

01822 617883

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

Stay safe in the sun... I

love this time of year. The longer days, lighter mornings and warmer weather makes me want to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. You only have to visit one of our nearby beaches on the first hot day of the year to know I’m not alone! As well as making outdoor activities more pleasant, the sun is also a vital source of Vitamin D. The current recommendation is that we should spend 20 minutes in the sun 2-3 times a week in the summer months to keep our Vitamin D levels topped up. However, the appearance of the warmer weather is not all good news. Prickly heat, sunstroke and premature ageing are a few of the downsides of sun exposure, but the most concerning is the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK with over 100,000 new cases in the UK every year and causes over 2500 deaths. The more sun you are exposed to, the higher your risk of skin cancer. The commonest type is a basal cell carcinoma or BCC. This often starts as a pearly raised nodule that grows very slowly and may start to look like a crater or bleed. We see these on sun exposed skin such as the face, chest, backs of the hands and on scalps of balding men in particular. Although this type of cancer does not spread to other parts of the body, unless it is removed it will continue to grow and can start to damage surrounding structures. The next commonest of skin cancer that we see is a squamous cell carcinoma. Most commonly seen in those 75 or over and again in the areas of the body that get most sun. A classic place to discover one of these is the top of the ear . These cancers often look like warts, growing rapidly and crusting over or bleeding. It is vital that these

HEALTH & BEAUTY are removed quickly as they can grow very quickly and then spread elsewhere. Finally melanoma and perhaps the one that most people think about when they think of skin cancer. Whilst it is the least common it can be the most deadly, often affecting younger patients than the two commoner varieties. It usually presents as a dark patch on the skin, occasionally arising from an existing mole. They often have an irregular border, may have different shades of black or brown within them and can become itchy, inflamed or bleed. Occasionally we see melanomas in unusual places such as under a finger or toenail. Anyone can get skin cancer, but those with fairer skin, red hair or freckles, who burn rather than tan are at a higher risk. There is no such thing as a safe tan and frequent skin burning has been directly linked to future skin cancer. All skin cancers are curable if they are detected at an early stage so it is vital to see your GP if you think you might have found something new. They will usually be removed surgically, often under local anaesthetic. However the longer a skin cancer has been there, the larger it may become and more extensive surgery required. If a cancer has spread beyond the skin treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy can also be used. n

Enjoy your summer but reduce your risk

• NEVER get sunburnt • Try and avoid the hottest time of the day from 11am – 3pm • Apply sun cream that is factor 30 or greater every 2 hours • Take extra care with babies and children – sun exposure now will increase their cancer risk later on in life • Wear clothes that cover your skin and a wide brimmed hat to protect your scalp, neck and face • Don’t be fooled by cloudy days, the harmful UV rays can still penetrate and cause damage • Avoid sunbeds

Dr Rachel Tyler is a doctor at Stirling Road Surgery, St Budeaux

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 33

Are you worried about how much alcohol you drink?

ince the pandemic, more people than ever are struggling with their relationship with alcohol. At the start of this year, a record number of people googled ‘am I an alcoholic?’ Being worried that you may be an alcoholic is scary and lonely – you are probably feeling embarrassed and ashamed, and asking yourself how it came to this. Is it going to be possible for you to learn to moderate, or is your future going to be a life of daily AA meetings and a permanent feeling of deprivation? Tabbin Almond, certified coach, said: ‘You may well have tried to cut back but found that you couldn’t keep going. People often report waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning, heart racing, panicked by what they might have said or done the previous evening, and they will resolve not to drink the next day. But come the evening, the familiar battle will be going on in their head, and they will potentially cave in and tell themselves they will just have one drink… but it rarely is just one drink! ‘Then there’s the “rule-making”, like only drinking at weekends, or not drinking alone, or limiting the number of drinks. And sometimes those self-imposed rules stick - for a while at least. And we may even manage the odd full month. We know that when we

aren’t drinking, we feel so much better – health, energy, relationships, appearance – everything improves. ‘But we don’t seem able to stick to it. Does any of this sound familiar to you? If so, you are certainly not alone, and the good news is that help is at hand.’ You can escape the pain, blame and shame of having a problem with alcohol. You don’t need to have a spectacular ‘rock bottom’ before regaining control and you don’t need to rely on willpower. Tabbin has undergone rigorous, specialised coach training with Annie Grace, who has helped over a quarter of a million people redefine their relationship with alcohol. Her certification allows her to use the ground-breaking This Naked Mind methodology and a science-based approach to making alcohol truly small and irrelevant in your life. Annie Grace (her books start with ‘This Naked Mind’) and her unique approach is an absolute ‘game-changer’ said Tabbin. It is based on freedom (not deprivation), grace (not judgement or shame) and transforming whole lives (not just physical habits). For more information contact Tabbin through her website (www.winetowatercoaching.com) to book a free and confidential ‘discovery call’. n

Help us reach your community!

Worried about how much you are drinking? Finding it hard to stick to just one or two? As a certified This Naked Mind coach, I can help you gain control, and change your relationship with alcohol. QUALIFIED, NON-JUDGEMENTAL AND EFFECTIVE HELP IS AT HAND!

PLYM LINKS CERTIFIED COACH

Visit www.winetowatercoaching.com

where you can book a call to find out more 34

Do you have a story, know someone who is extraordinary, or have a local event to promote?

email lindsay.turpin@ linksmagazines.co.uk

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

When Claire Boyle moved to the area, she knew Yelverton on the edge of Dartmoor was the perfect setting for her salon. Realising its potential, Claire bought the salon (formerly Mirrors) at the start of 2018 and put her three-year plan in motion to gradually transform it - even Covid-19 didn’t set that back. She started at the core of the salon redesigning it with an ultra-modern décor, and then creating a professional yet lively, upbeat vibe with master cutters, colour and styling experts, and handpicked apprentices, before adding cutting-edge, upmarket products. As a natural pigment and mineral, ‘ochre’ represents the salon’s introduction of a more environmentally-friendly

approach to hairdressing. Claire has joined Green Salon Collective, which aims to recycle or compost the industry’s waste products, such as foils, empty colour tubes, chemicals and PPE, as well as sharing information on sustainability. Claire is the main colour educator within the salon, having completed numerous colour master courses, and ensures the salon uses eco-friendly products, such as premium colour brand Wella Professionals, as well as making use of a refilling service and stocking a range of shampoo bars. Claire said: ‘We have precision cutters and brilliant styling experts, an extentionist who specialises in hair thickness, and even a very experienced barber every Friday and Saturday. ‘We strive to give our clients a relaxing salon experience, and their well-being is paramount to us - as well as of course making sure they leave with a gorgeous hair cut or colour! ‘We’ve created a place that gives high end hair within an easy going atmosphere - I felt this type of salon was missing and our clients really like what we have to offer.’ And on top of all of that, Ochre serves a tasty coffee and a delicious slice of cake during your visit - what more could you want! n

We’ll help you ﬁnd your style using the latest sustainable products that work in harmony with the environment, so you’ll look and feel

OPENING HOURS

Mon: 9.00 - 5.00 • Tue: 9.00 - 7.00 Wed: 9.00 - 5.00 • Thu: 9.00 - 5.00 Fri: 9.00 - 5.00 • Sat: 9.00 - 5.00 • Sun: Closed

your best self …naturally!

c f

THE ROCK COMPLEX YELVERTON PL20 6DS 01822 853020

We manage our waste responsibly with the

WWW.OCHREHAIRLOUNGE.CO.UK Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 35

WEDDING DIRECTORY

Your Big Da y Your way...

Planning your big day but not sure where to start? From the venue and dress to gifts for your bridal party, these fabulous local businesses are all happy to help

Featuring a special selection of: Occasion wear for Mother of the Bride/Groom, Bridesmaids & Flower Girls plus Wedding Guests

Ex-display & pre-loved dresses all under £600

Also Cocktail, Evening Gowns & Prom Wear Join us for a complimentary tea or coffee

07767 646337

tal.co.uk tal.co.uk

Drop in between 10am & 4pm on Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays or by appointment

APPOINTMENT ONLY Ashley Meadow, Tregondale Menheniot, Liskeard PL14 3RG

Ashley Meadow, Tregondale Menheniot, Liskeard PL14 3RG

Workshops & demonstrations by an Academy of Floral Arts Tu t o r w i t h m a n y workshops to choose from

07973 226710

The Bedford Hotel ONE SPECIAL DAY

• Historic and romantic venue • Top-notch Devon cuisine • Stunning function suite • From intimate to extravagant The Bedford Hotel • Tavistock • 01822 613221 weddings@bedford-hotel.co.uk • www.bedford-hotel.co.uk

RHS Chelsea Gold medalist Master Florist UK & US

Weddings owers for ’s events creating orgously romantic & unique designs.

www.twoforjoybridal.co.uk

07767 646337

Pens & Moor

Bespoke engraved gifts & favours for your wedding

21 West Street • Tavistock

07923 436948 • pensandmoor@hotmail.co.uk

Two Bridges Hotel YOUR ROMANTIC OASIS

• Stunning Dartmoor venue • Award-winning dining • Riverside wedding pagoda • Beautiful function suite Two Bridges Hotel • Dartmoor National Park • 01822 892300 weddings@twobridges.co.uk • www.twobridges.co.uk

To promote your business to 17,280 16,100 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

25 June

Plymouth Armed Forces Day returns with an exciting programme! Plymouth’s spectacular Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, will return to Plymouth Hoe this summer after a two year absence due to the pandemic. The hugely popular, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, June 25. This year’s line-up will see audiences wowed by the all-day arena and stage programme, interactive displays, military vehicles and equipment and parades. There’s lots of live music to enjoy too, including a free evening concert headlined by ‘From The Specials’, starring Neville Staple who’s famous for his 2-Tone legacy. Armed Forces Day will start with the RAF and Allied Air Forces Memorial Service at 9.10am, followed by the main activities beginning at 10am. The Parade of Standards, which is open to all veterans, will see veterans and cadets parade across the Hoe Promenade at 11am. There’s plenty to experience throughout the day - visitors can chat to service personnel, with representatives from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and British Army all in attendance. They’ll be hosting activities, displays and military vehicles in their own speciﬁc ‘villages’. Members of the Fire Service, Devon and Cornwall

Police, Coastguard Rescue Service and Dartmoor Search and Rescue will also be there on the day. More than 70 organisations and charities will be represented within the Veterans’ Village, sponsored by the Royal British Legion, offering support and advice as well as information from training providers. To mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, there will be a dedicated Falklands veterans’ parade, with any veteran that was involved in the conflict invited to join. The arena programme promises plenty of entertainment and thrills, with the Devonport Services Rugby Team showing off their skills, Field Gun tournaments and displays from local cadets and the City of Plymouth Pipe Band. The entertainment continues into the evening with a free music concert, sponsored by C&G Catering, taking place on stage from 5pm to 10.30pm. Enjoy performances from: Military Wives Choir; Ocean City Sound Barbershop chorus; Local powerhouse duo Roulette; Absolutely Elton, an outstanding tribute to Sir Elton John; From The Specials – The Neville Staple band. This year the Rehabilitation Triathlon, hosted by the Royal Marines, will also take place in Plymouth for the first time ever on Thursday, June 23. This tough competition will see outstanding tri-service athletes take part in a swim in Tinside Lido, cycle time trials across the Hoe and a static rowing challenge before crossing the finish line. For the latest information: Visit plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk.

just the ticket for a great day out

Come and visit the South Devon Railway for a 14-mile round trip steam train ride along the beautiful valley of the River Dart.

southdevonrailway.co.uk

Buckfastleigh • Staverton • Totnes Riverside

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

We’d love to see you!

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 37

30-31 July xx

22 July

When one of Plymouth’s best-loved charity events returns this year, it is taking participants back to the past to raise vital funds that will help local families for generations to come. St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s iconic Midnight Walk is back on Friday, July 22, when it is set to be awash with women embracing this year’s theme of 1982, which is when the hospice - then based at Syrena House in Plymstock - welcomed its ﬁrst patients. As well as the retro theme to mark four decades of St Luke’s, this year - for the ﬁrst time - the charity has added a new 2.5-mile route to the popular annual event. While this shorter walk has been introduced so that young children can be part of Midnight Walk, both this distance and the 5, 10 and 15-mile routes are open to all girls and boys aged up to 17, as well as adult women, so that doing good in the community can be more of a family affair. Sponsored by local company Drakes Jewellers, Midnight Walk is an opportunity for women and children to come together and celebrate the lives of relatives and friends who have died but will never be forgotten. Leaving from - and returning to - Plymouth Argyle Football Club’s Home Park Stadium, they will be raising funds that will help the charity continue its specialist service caring for terminally ill people at home, in hospital and at Turnchapel and providing emotional support for them and their families. To sign up: Visit www.stlukesmidnightwalk.co.uk for more information.

Young British sailors sailing the WASPZ as part of the SailGP Inspire

Adrenaline is set to be pumping throughout Plymouth Sound this July, as the world’s most exciting racing on-water returns to the city. SailGP will host its Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth for the second year running, following a bumper event in 2021, which saw an estimated 27,500 spectators enjoying the spectacle that brought £6.9-million into the local economy. The thrilling racing is set to take place on July 30 and July 31. Plymouth is one of the initial eight locations conﬁrmed on the line-up for SailGP Season 3, which also includes stops in Bermuda, Chicago, Saint-Tropez and Dubai. As it once again brings sailing’s best roster of athletes together, SailGP is also set to welcome two new franchise teams for its third season. Canada and Switzerland are new additions, joining the existing teams from Australia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the United States. As part of SailGP’s better sport strategy, diversity and inclusion will also be a continued focus during Season 3. This includes giving opportunities to female athletes as part of its Women’s Pathway Programme to accelerate inclusion within the sport and inspire change. SailGP will also use its community-engagement arm – SailGP Inspire – to introduce young people from diverse backgrounds to the sport and give career opportunities within the wider marine industry. During 2021, 120 local young people enjoyed sailing experiences thanks to the 10am - 4pm Inspire programme and a legacy programme with local sailing organisations ensured the event had a long-term impact, offering a further 480 on-water experiences to young people from Plymouth.

T he Yard Ca fé OPEN: Tuesdays - Wednesdays

Open to all! 38

Weir Quay Boatyard PL20 7BS www.weir-quay.co.uk

For more information: Visit SailGP.com

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

Step back in time for the SailGP returning to future of local hospice care Britain’s Ocean City

13-16 October

Two Moors Festival Get your tickets early for popular festival! Celebrating the theme of friendship in music, Artistic Director and violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen announces the 2022 Two Moors Festival programme which includes pieces by the Schumanns, Schubert, Beethoven, Haydn, Mendelssohn and Brahms. The internationally-renowned festival takes place over nine days in October: From Wednesday, October 5 to Sunday, October 9 across Dartmoor and on Exmoor from Thursday, October 13 to Sunday, October 16. Venues on Dartmoor range from Exeter Cathedral to St Eustachuis’ Church in Tavistock. Since 2001, the Two Moors Festival has welcomed outstanding international artists and the rising stars of the next generation to perform for large and enthusiastic audiences in venues spread across Dartmoor and Exmoor. The festival presents an artistic programme to rival many highproﬁle city-based events and has an international reputation for excellence way beyond its immediate physical reach. It attracts some of the most exciting performers in the world of the calibre only seen in large city venues.

Yelverton Tennis Club An all inclusive club set in beautiful surroundings

Highlights of the 2022 Festival on Dartmoor include: Performance of Schubert’s song cycles – Schubert’s Winterreise with Benjamin Appl and James Baillieu and anniversary celebrations of 150 years for Ralph Vaughan Williams, and 400 years for Matthew Locke, in Exeter Cathedral, where he once carved his name. Tamsin Waley-Cohen, Artistic Director said: ‘This year I have chosen the theme of “Friendship”. The extended lockdowns and isolations that we have all experienced over these last two years have highlighted ever more indelibly how vital a lifeline our friendships are to us all. Shakespeare said “No man is an island”, and as usual, he knew what he was talking about. We are exploring this theme throughout the Festival, visiting the home of the Schumanns’, looking at Beethoven, Mozart, and Schumann, Dvorak, Janacek, and Haas, as well as celebrating anniversaries of Vaughan-Williams and Matthew Locke.’ For tickets: On sale to the general public in mid-June. For further information visit www.twomoorsfestival.co.uk

Adult coaching: Beginner / improver / rusty rackets – courses start week commencing Monday, June 6 for 6 weeks. Individual and shared lessons are also available upon request. contact Jane Yilmaz via email Tenniscoaching.ytc@gmail.com Like and share on Facebook – Jane Yilmaz Tennis Coaching

Yelverton Tennis Club welcomes all ages and standards regardless of whether your ambition is to play in the Plymouth & District League or just join in regular fun club sessions. For further information New members have applauded both the facilities and the or to book on a course: Contact Jane Yilmaz via email welcoming attitude. Tenniscoaching.ytc@gmail.com The club’s new coach, Jane Yilmaz, is an LTA Accredited+ Level 3 Like and share: Tennis Coach with a vast experience of both playing and coaching. c Jane Yilmaz Tennis Coaching Jane represented Devon as a junior but spent much of her coaching career in Middlesex and Hertfordshire. She is now looking forward to building a successful coaching programme for both juniors and adults of all levels during term Thriving, friendly club in Dartmoor National Park and holiday time at Yelverton Tennis Club. Dates for your diary: ■ Three hard courts, ﬂoodlights & clubhouse Junior coaching: Summer term coaching, ■ Extremely competitive rates ■ Welcoming our new coach Jane Yilmaz courses start week commencing Monday, June 6 for 6 weeks. providing dedicated junior and adult coaching ■ Weekly club nights, various social events Summer holiday coaching: Week 1 and tournaments Monday, July 25 to Friday, July 29; Week 2 - Monday, August 1 to Friday, August 5; New players of any age and standard are always welcome. Interested? Week 3 - Tuesday, August 30 to Friday, Contact Mags Berry on 01822 855583 for details September 2.

Yelverton Tennis Club

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 39

WHAT’S ON

One of the ﬁnest gardens in Britain... For those of you unfamiliar with The Garden House, this is a 10 acre gem on the western edge of Dartmoor (just 7 miles from Plymouth and 6 miles from Tavistock) which has been described as ‘one of the ﬁnest gardens in Britain’ and a favourite among those in the

horticultural world, such as Carol Klein, Toby Buckland, Alan Titchmarsh and Arit Anderson, to name but a few. Although The Garden House is very much a garden for all seasons, the months of June and July, like many gardens, are two of the most spectacular months to visit. The Summer garden and Cottage garden areas come in to their own at this time of year with both perennial planting and summer annuals all in full bloom. Nick Haworth, Head Gardener, said: ‘I love to walk through the Summer Garden at this time of year with its mass planting of summer

perennials. For me one of the highlights is the repeat ﬂowering of deep ‘Navy Blue’ agapanthus set against striking persicaria and swathes of swishing grasses. Even on a cloudy day it reminds me of holidays, blue sea and blue sky!’ The Garden House is open daily from 10.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm). Visit the café throughout June for a special Platinum Jubilee ‘Royal Menu’. Also visit an exhibition of work by renowned local artist Anita Nowinska. More information: Visit www.thegardenhouse.org.uk

'One of the finest gardens in Britain...' xx

Plymouth Luncheon Club Visit 10 acres of stunning gardens, cafe, plant sales, artist exhibition, plus events Open daily (except Mondays) from 10.30am to 5pm www.thegardenhouse.org.uk Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton PL20 7LQ. Reg Charity: 203722 40

Before the ﬁrst lockdown in 2020, Plymouth Luncheon Club celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Covid-19 pandemic changed life for everyone and, with restrictions on the number of people gathering together, those organising social events were caused many problems. Fortunately, the hard working committee maintained contact via the internet and looked to the future. The club’s regular monthly lunches, which also includes after lunch speakers, began again in September 2021 and continues with the current programme arranged until June 2023. Over the years, club members have enjoyed listening to an amazing variety of speakers with subjects ranging from the language of jewellery, journalism, writing for a soap opera, the story of Wedgewood China, the role of the Sergeant At Arms at the House of Commons and, on one memorable occasion, an opera singer who ended her talk by demonstrating her powerful and beautiful voice. Speakers at the club’s Anniversary Lunches have included Dickie Arbiter former press secretary to Her Majesty the Queen, Dr Michael Leach cameraman who has worked with Sir David Attenborough, Lady Anne Foley ,wife of a former Governor General of Jersey, who spoke of a visit from the Queen as well as her mother’s experiences as an internee during the 2nd World War and most recently Ann Widdecombe, former Member of Parliament. The Plymouth Luncheon Club formed in 1970 under the auspices of South West Gas Board (as Plymouth Ladies Luncheon Club). Enquiries about membership are welcome and programme details may be found on www.plymouthluncheonclub.co.uk or by phoning 07743 681602 after 6pm.

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

21-25 June

Macbeth After two years, The Tamaritans are delighted to be returning to The Drum at Theatre Royal Plymouth with one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays When three witches prophesy that the Scottish general Macbeth will become King of Scotland, it sets in motion a series of ill-fated and tragic events. A dark tale of witchcraft and murder, and one of Shakespeare’s most popular (and shortest) plays, Macbeth will appeal to those well versed in Shakespearean drama, as well as offer an excellent introduction to his work. This contemporary and accessible production from the Plymouth-based Tamaritans Theatre Company is directed by Richard Haighton, bringing Macbeth into our world with present-day references, while also

12-23 July

Bat Out of Hell - The Musical is coming to Theatre Royal Plymouth

intriguingly interweaving the peripheral viewpoint of one of the minor characters – the aptly named Seyton. As a retired drama teacher, Richard is no stranger to productions of ‘The Scottish Play’, having directed it three times in the past, and after the many challenges of the pandemic and disruption to theatres, he decided that a play with a curse was an appropriate choice! And what’s more, the lead role of Macbeth is being played by Tim Randell of Links Magazines. Tim is an ardent supporter of local amateur dramatics and an accomplished actor who has previously taken on roles such as Fagan in Oliver!, CS Lewis in Shadowlands, Orsino in Twelfth Night, and Nathan Detroit in Guys & Dolls. His partner in crime, Lady Macbeth, will be the talented Suzanne Hooper, who played Elizabeth Proctor in The Tamaritans production of The Crucible, and directed Elephants in 2020. Aided by a strong local cast, this play about conﬂict, greed and ambition promises to hit the spot, so whether you are a theatre lover or a student, don’t miss this opportunity to see it. For more details and tickets For more information and tickets: Visit theatreroyal.com/whats-on/macbeth or thetamaritans.org.uk

In Bat Out of Hell – The Musical, the electrifying rock songs of Mr Steinman propel an epic story of rebellious youth and passion as Strat, the immortal leader of The Lost, has fallen in love with Raven, the beautiful daughter of the tyrannical ruler Falco. Tickets for Bat Out of Hell – The Musical at Theatre Royal Plymouth are available to book now on the TRP website.

Bat Out of Hell became one of the best-selling albums in history, selling over 50 million copies worldwide. Sixteen years later, Steinman scored again with Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell. Bat Out of Hell – The Musical wowed critics and public alike when it played limited seasons at Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum and London’s Dominion Theatre from 2017 to 2019. For the stage musical, the legendary and award-winning Jim Steinman incorporated iconic songs from the Bat Out of Hell albums, including You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth, Bat Out of Hell and I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).

Help us reach your community!

June featured artist

Richard Slater RI

Rosemary Bonney

Meet Rosemary Bonney

PLYM LINKS

Sat July 2nd 11am-4pm

Do you have a story, know someone who is extraordinary, or have a local event to promote?

email lindsay.turpin@ linksmagazines.co.uk

July featured artist

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

www.wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk Chapel Lane, Horrabridge, Yelverton PL20 7SP • info@wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk • 01822 258529

Traditional, investment & contemporary ﬁne art . prints . ceramics . jewellery . glass . textiles

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 41

WHAT’S ON of The Gold Award from The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters. He is also one of a handful of folksinger/songwriters listed in The Virgin Anthology of Songwriters. Through the uncertainties of lockdown Richard decided to reduce his 2022 live shows, only playing his favourite theatres, allowing him to spend more time writing books and painting. Tickets: £15.50.

DIARY DATES

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations at The Watermark

July 1

Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young

To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee The Watermark will be showing Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts. A unique and inventive feature documentary about the life of Queen Elizabeth II. Showings: June 3, 10.30am and 2.30pm; June 4, 2.30pm and June 6, 10.30am and 2pm. June 3 & June 4 - 12 noon - 2pm

Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea Book a table and join in for the Jubilee Afternoon tea with handmade sandwiches, scones and cakes, this is an event not to be missed. You can even upgrade to include a bottle of Prosecco! Book now at The Box Ofﬁce 01752 892220 or via www.ivybridgewatermark.co.uk June 9- 7pm

National Theatre Live: Straight Line Crazy Ralph Fiennes leads the cast in David Hare’s blazing account of the most powerful man in New York, a master manipulator whose legacy changed the city forever. Tickets: £13.50/£12.50/£11.50 available online or from the Box Ofﬁce. June 24 - 8pm

Richard Digance Richard Digance is a BAFTA Nominated entertainer and a recipient

Placing themselves squarely in the Americana genre that is fast gaining popularity, Los Pacaminos must be the ﬁrst Tex-Mex band to have formed in the UK. Growing from an idea put forward by solo artist Paul Young, the band was formed in 1992 to appease Paul’s desire to be once again a part of a band a la The Q-Tips, pick up a guitar again, and not be the centre of attention. Tickets: £21.50. June / July

Dartmoor Border Morris Meavy based Dartmoor Border Morris will be in full swing with plenty of stick bashing and bell jingling japers this summer whilst collecting for the Dartmoor Search and Rescue group. Sunday, June 5, 2pm Dartmoor Border Morris perform at the Stonehouse Lawn Tennis Jubilee party. Wednesday, June 8, 7.30pm at Meavy Parish Hall for a practice session. Feel free to pop along! There will be a Morris Music session in the Royal Oak Inn from 9.30pm. Saturday, June 11, at the Royal Cornwall Show. Saturday, June 18, Meavy Oak fair. Saturday, June 25, Tavistock Pride Festival in the Meadowlands park. Tuesday, June 28, 8pm. together with ‘The Old Town Twelves’ to Morris with them at the Seven Stars Inn, Tamerton Foliot. Wednesday, July 6, 7.30pm, Meavy Parish hall checking their bells and feather hats. Music session in the Royal Oak Inn from 9.30pm. Friday, July 15, 8pm, Dartmoor Border Morris travel all the way to the Church House Inn at Holne to meet Dartington Morris. Sunday, July 17, Stoke Summer Fair at the Block house near Devonport. Bring the family! Thursday, July 21, 8pm. Dartmoor Border Morris with Tinners Morris and Cog’s and Wheels Ladies’ Morris at the Peter Tavy Inn. Sunday, July 31, all day. the Sidmouth Folk Festival, Morris dancing

Expert advice on all flooring types including carpet, vinyl, Karndean, laminate and natural flooring. All supplied and expertly fitted.

West Devon Business Park Tavistock PL19 9DP • 01822 614537

tavistockcarpets.co.uk 42

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

WHAT’S ON on the sea front, and, if it’s hot enough, in the sea! More information: www.dartmoorbordermorris.com/diary or Facebook.

composed for the occasion. For further details visit: www.plymouthphilchoir.org

June / July

June 5 to July 3

Moor’s Edge U3A

Art Exhibition by Anita Nowinska.

Moor’s Edge U3A is open to anyone retired or semi-retired. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month - except August - at the Woolwell Centre at 2.30pm. Within the group there are many interest sections which cater to those who wish to sit and chat, get out and about or are creative. Visit www.u3asites.org.uk/moorsedge/events to see what is planned and its Facebook page for additional photographs of what has been happening at Moor’s Edge U3A. Diary Dates for meetings 2.30pm at the Woolwell Centre the second Tuesday of the month: -. June 14: Sara Nuttall-Worsley on Children’s Hospice South West. Sara will talk about the work of the charity to support children and families dealing with terminal illness. July 12: The Rt Hon Anne Widdecombe DSG is our speaker, we anticipate hearing about her time on Strictly Come Dancing and her career as an author. There will be books available to buy on the day.

The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum Anita’s ‘Big Flower Paintings’ explore the inﬂuence of colour and ﬂora on emotions and wellbeing. Anita has celebrated her art globally and held prestigious exhibitions including at RHS venues.

July 9 -7.30pm

The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum Join Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures in Mr Mcgregor’s garden in this charming adaptation of the much-loved Tales. Bring a picnic, a blanket or a camping chair and settle in for an afternoon in beautiful surroundings and watch the mayhem unfold! See website for more details: www.thegardenhouse.org.uk

Platinum Jubilee Musical Celebration A Musical Celebration for the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II takes place in The Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth. The renowned journalist and Classic FM presenter John Suchet will be compering the programme. Some of the jewels being performed include music from the 1953 Coronation. The text for Parry’s I Was Glad is from Psalm 122 and was the ﬁrst piece to be sung at the start of that coronation service. Handel composed Zadok the Priest as one of four anthems for the coronation of George II in 1727. This piece has been played at every coronation since. The new Queen processed out of Westminster Abbey to Te Deum by Walton,

July 9 - 7pm

A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Open Air Theatre The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum Shakespeare’s classic comedy of love and intrigue, magic and mayhem comes to the Garden House, when fairies are abroad and nothing is as it seems...Bring a picnic, a blanket or a camping chair and settle in for an evening in beautiful surroundings and watch the mayhem unfold! See website for more details: www.thegardenhouse.org.uk July 9 - 3pm

The Tale of Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny – Open Air Theatre

Quiz night at The Woolwell Centre From 7pm to 9pm on the ﬁrst Friday of the month. £1 per person, maximum team size is 6.

Plymouth Sound Choir A new and fun evening to brighten up your Mondays in Woolwell - people are invited to sing your favourite rock, pop and musical numbers in beautiful harmonies. Plymouth Sound Choir is an informal and fun group just singing for joy. Held within the Bickleigh Suite at Woolwell Community Centre from 7pm to 9pm.

For an extensive range of beds, mattresses and frames. Delivered and set up in your bedroom. We can also take away your old bed!

West Devon Business Park Tavistock PL19 9DP • 01822 612880

tavistockbedcentre.co.uk When only the best night’s sleep will do!

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 43

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

Saturday 2 July

The Holy Spirit Mass

Phoenix Chorale performs The Holy Spirit Mass by Kim André Arnesen, plus works by Wilberg, Chilcott, Rutter, Fauré and Elgar, with music director James Parkinson, and organist Mark Smith. Kim André Arnesen was born in 1980 in Norway and is one of the world’s most frequently performed contemporary, choral composers. His biography says: Although an avid follower of MTV and a huge fan of The Cure at ten years old, he also studied classical piano, was a chorister in the Nidaros Cathedral Boys’ Choir and was later educated at the Music Conservatory in Trondheim. His music has sold in 6-figure numbers and been performed in more than 30 countries. The Holy Spirit Mass was commissioned in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. The introduction explains that ‘the work also commemorates 50 years of productive Lutheran-Catholic dialogues’ - the Mass texts are interwoven with the 9th-century Veni Creator Spiritus and Martin Luther’s hymn Come Holy Ghost, God and Lord. Its themes include mercy, praise, peace and ‘the work looks forward in hope of a more united future by focusing on what we have in common’. This wonderful work has something for everyone – it is in turn exquisite, calm, glorious, and powerful. Like a film score, it leads you through the emotional ups and downs and twists of a story. Further information: 7.30pm at St Peter and The Holy Apostles, Wyndham Square, Plymouth, PL1 5EG. Tickets: Adults £14 on the door (£12 in advance at www.ticketsource. co.uk); Children: free entry. For more details visit plymouthphoenixchorale.org

Vital support given to

MUSIC & ART

Hundreds of cultural organisations have received a share of the final £35-million emergency support package from the Culture Recovery Fund, to help overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Emergency funding has kept projectors rolling in independent cinemas across the country. Thanks to a £45,000 emergency grant from the Culture Recovery Fund, Plymouth Arts Cinema, Plymouth’s only independent cinema, has been able to continue its rich programme of international and UK independent films and offer cheaper tickets to those out of employment, students, those attending Relaxed screenings, and asylum seekers and refugees. Anna Navas, Director and Film Programmer, Plymouth Arts Cinema said: ‘We are very grateful to receive this support for Plymouth Arts Cinema. It will enable us to continue rebuilding our audience as we recover from the pandemic, and to develop new audiences by deepening our community engagement. We are committed to bringing world class independent cinema and film culture to Plymouth.’ Ben Roberts, Chief Executive, BFI said: ‘Every penny of the Culture Recovery Fund including over £500k in this final round of funding to independent cinemas across the country has been vital to their survival, enabling them to recover and welcome back their audiences. As well as bringing people together to experience the magic of experiencing film on the big screen, local cinemas are hubs for educational and film activities and provide thousands of jobs contributing to regeneration and local economies.’ Further information: Visit info@plymouthartscinema.org for its What’s On Listings for June.

‘Shopping heaven in the heart of Tavistock!’

PANNIER MARKET OPEN: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4pm 01822 611003

www.tavistock.gov.uk

TavistockPannierMarket

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

tavistockpanniermarket Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 45

Leather Tor Bridge

Talk a walk through Meavy Valley’s industrial past Almost all of this walk of just under four and a half miles is along well deﬁned tracks and takes us through some of the farming and industrial past of the Meavy valley

tart at Norsworthy Bridge. Keeping the forestry plantation on your left head uphill away from the bridge, passing through the remains of Norsworthy Farm which was first recorded in 1384 and abandoned around 1891. The view ahead eventually opens up and you will see the remains of Crassywell Farm downhill to the right. First mentioned in 1565 the farm was abandoned in 1873 although it was, like a number of old farms, reoccupied for a brief period immediately prior to the outbreak of war in 1914. Return to the track, and after a short distance you will come to a gulley on the left, usually with water running out of it. Take the path to the right of the gulley and follow it uphill. Keeping the gulley on your left you will come to Crazywell Pool. This supposedly bottomless remnant of medieval mining was pumped in 1844 to 46

supply water to Plymouth. The pump apparently ran dry after only a few hours, revealing the pool to be no more than about fifteen feet deep. Crazywell Cross can be seen on the horizon nearby. Proceed uphill to join the Devonport Leat and turn left. After about two thirds of a mile, just before a sluice gate, a fine example of an enclosed bronze age settlement is visible just a few yards downhill of the leat. It would be advisable to cross the leat here or at one of the small clapper bridges nearby before continuing to follow the leat as it turns left and descends Raddick Hill. At the bottom cross over the aqueduct. Where the leat turns sharp left, turn right and follow the valley upstream, keeping the river to your right until you reach the secluded Black Tor Falls. On the opposite bank are the remains of a tin blowing house with an enigmatic number 13 on the door lintel. Follow the river back and re-join the leat. Cross the leat at a large clapper bridge and follow it, passing through a gateway, until you reach a wooden fingerpost and proceed to Leathertor farm, first mentioned in 1362 and abandoned in 1924. Cross the stile and turn downhill. You will find the entrance to the farm’s “potato cave”

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

WALK where root vegetables were stored for the winter. Continue to Leather Tor Bridge. Built in 1833 for £26.50 the bridge replaces the nearby ancient ford and the medieval stepping stones that were used to cross what was then called the Riddipit stream but is now the Meavy river. Turn downhill for a few hundred yards and cross a

Crazywell Pool

Raddick Hill Falls

stile on the right with a white-topped post behind it. Beside the river are the many remains of a mill where in medieval times locally sourced tin ore was crushed and processed. Return to the track and continue downhill back to Norsworthy Bridge.n John Bright, Moorland Guides

Start: debater.bookcases.incurs SX 56835 69460

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 47

Commercial Wharf ﬁnds Archaeological ﬁnds relate to Plymouth life in the mid-17th century

ore than 1,400 significant archaeological finds have been discovered in Plymouth thanks to a rescue and recovery project run by Plymouth Archaeology Society. The project, which began in January this year and ended in March, has taken place at Commercial Wharf, Lambhay, Plymouth. The site is located just outside the Stuart town. The area known as ‘The Barbican’, the medieval and Tudor heart of the town, extended south to the armed quay, at the entrance to Sutton Pool, which was replaced in the late 18th century by the much larger Barbican West Pier (now incorporating the Mayflower memorial). Just south of the West Pier, part of the stone quay wall of Commercial Wharf was failing - bulging, with cracks appearing in the tarmac surface - leading to emergency conservation work needing to be carried out to prevent the wall collapsing into the sea. As part of this, the ground behind the wall was being removed by a mechanical digger when it was noticed that it contained early clay pipes and ceramics, identified as coming from the Mediterranean. Since mid-January 2022, volunteers from Plymouth Archaeology Society under the direction of Martin Read, have been carrying out rescue work to recover as much archaeological information as possible from the site, given the diﬃcult circumstances and timeline necessitated by the emergency work.

Historical Background

There is no evidence of any development on the site prior to the English Civil War and Civil War maps also show no development. However, there are few maps of the area until ca.1660. The Strode family, of Newnham Park near Plymouth, had tried to develop the waterfront on their land in the Lambhay from the late 16thc, but there is no certain evidence of any actual development prior to the building of Phoenix Wharf as a Victualling Oﬃce on land leased from the Strode family in 1654. [A victualling yard is described as a public establishment for the collection and 48

Early photographs of the wharf show a 3-storey warehouse on the site, with the remains of a wooden landing stage. Almost all the buildings on the wharf, including the warehouse, were demolished in the 1930s when the road behind was widened, during the building of Madeira Road around the Citadel.

supply of provisions to the navy]. It is likely that the original wharf on the Commercial Wharf site was built c1650 by the Strode family as a commercial development. The earliest map showing building development on the site, in 1665, shows a star-shaped proposed design for the Citadel as well as the medieval Castle Quadrate and part of the town. To the east of the Castle, the wharf is shown running south from the Barbican armed quay, with six buildings at the southern end and a road heading south towards the existing Victualling Oﬃce and the lower defences at the front of Plymouth Hoe.

Lambhay Victualling Yard

Plymouth has been used as a base by the Navy for centuries, but there were no dedicated facilities in the town for supplying the fleet. This changed during the Commonwealth when part of the Lambhay, the steep valley to the south of the Barbican and east of Plymouth Hoe, was chosen as the site for the earliest Victualling Yard. In 1654 Captain Henry Hatsell was appointed as Captain Commissioner of the Navy and Victualling in Plymouth. He leased land from the Strode family to build storehouses and had an oﬃce on Lambhay Hill. Phoenix Wharf was built at this time, towards the southern end of the present Commercial Wharf. The Victualling Yard expanded to the north over time, eventually including a quay connecting the Phoenix Wharf development with the Strode wharf, probably in the late 18th century (though further research is needed on this). After the opening of the Dockyard on the Hamoaze in 1693, the Lambhay Yard was in the wrong place to easily supply the Navy and was eventually moved to the more convenient Royal William Yard in the 1830s. The old yard was then sold for commercial uses and in the 1830

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

HISTORY sale details the northern end of the Yard was leased from Plymouth Corporation, and described as ‘Barbican cellars with granaries over, storehouses with lofts over’.

Rescue and Recovery

The rescue archaeological project was carried out by volunteers from the society, with the co-operation of Plymouth City Council and their contractors, JNE Construction Ltd. The lowest walls of the warehouse still remained along the waterfront, above the quay wall, which still included holes relating to the wooden landing stage (with one retaining a sawn-off wooden beam). The mostly limestone warehouse wall included a granite threshold to a blocked door towards the northern end. The quay wall was made of large limestone blocks, roughly faced, with smaller blocks between these. Concrete mortar could be seen between the blocks, as elsewhere along the waterfront. To the south, outside the area of the site, there seemed to be several builds/repairs of the quay wall. At the start of the project the contractors had already removed about 2m of fill, including all the floor levels belonging to the warehouse. Stabilisation of the wharf involved the removal of about 1m of fill from behind the quay wall, then the casting of reinforced concrete to hold back the remaining wharf fill. The removed material seemed to consist of 2 or 3 contexts at a time, which were put into skips and gone through by the volunteers, who could usually recognise the separate contexts as they worked through them. Finds recovered from below the warehouse do not relate to the Victualling Yard, but to the life of Plymouth in the mid-17th century and seem to, at least partly, reflect the triangular fishing trade between Plymouth-Newfoundland-Iberia/Mediterranean. Every year many boats and fishermen (thousands) from all over Devon and Cornwall would journey to Newfoundland in the spring, processing & salting the cod caught on the Grand Banks (and in New England). Some vessels would then journey to Iberia and/or the

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

Mediterranean to sell the salted fish. During their return, they would buy salt for the next season, but also cargoes of fine tableware, etc to be sold in Plymouth and other ports in the SW.

Finds

So far, over 1,300 finds have been recorded from the site. The finds mostly consist of ceramics, including from Italy (Pisa and Montelupo), Iberia (Spanish amphora, Portuguese faience and coarseware) and SW France (Santonge). Northern European ceramics are represented by stonewares from the Rhineland (Rhenish, Freshen and Westerwald), ‘delft’ tin-glazed earthenware and North Holland slipwares. English ceramics include mostly North Devon and Donyatt/South Somerset earthenwares, but also examples of Borderware and, so far, one English ‘delftware’ probably from London. There are also 4 small fragments of Chinese blue-andwhite porcelain (possibly Ming). All have been kindly identified by John Allan. Other finds indicate other aspects of daily life in the town, including clay pipes, butchered animal bone and marine shells such as oysters and cockles. There are several fish vertebrae, probably from cod – though we have not been carrying out environmental sampling and fish bones are very hard to spot. Our ‘star’ find is a Star glass bead from the island of Murano in Venice lagoon. Also known as a Chevron or Rosetta bead, complete 17th century examples can be found in museums around the world, such as the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. They have also been excavated previously in Plymouth, such as St Andrews Street. Once more research has been carried out, we should know a lot more about the Lambhay Victualling Yard, the 18thc redevelopment and the buildings on this site, as well as life in Plymouth in the mid 17th century. n Martin Read Chairman of Plymouth Archaeology Society Trays full of ﬁnds from the site.

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 49

FARMING

An eventful time at Greenwell Farm

£300/ton to £1,000/ton and in addition to fuel and energy price rises, this makes our industry very vulnerable. Our prices have increased, but nowhere near in line with our costs. So we have decided not to buy artificial fertiliser this spring, and have spread as much cow and sheep muck as we can find. We risk depleting the farm of production potential, and our harvest will be lighter this summer as a result, but we think it would be a bigger risk to spend tens of thousands of pounds on fertiliser. We have some of last winter’s feed left and we also purchased extra feed at the aving now finished lambing I am a spent force! end of the winter. We will monitor our reserves and hope Spring on the farm is a long, tiring journey and to get through but we may have to either sell some cows or although it’s always amazing to see so much new life, I buy extra feed for next winter. am glad to see the back of it in equal measure! Once On a lighter note, Dave my right hand on the farm is all the young life and their mums are processed and in getting married and I wish him and Kerry all the best for their summer pastures the future. I got invited on the moor and in to his stag do - not the summer grazing fields, one involving nights the farm turns quiet and away, but the ‘local’ we literally relax for five one for lesser drinkers minutes waiting for the and old people! Gem grass to grow! The ewes collected me from the and lambs, cows and pub by 9.30pm, leaving calves are busy feeding the youngsters to their on all the fresh grass, shenanigans! I thought I while the harvesting was doing well but then fields grow the next crop Gem mentioned we of silage and hay for had to check a drain in winter. our field as she’d heard Normally we would a lamb bleating. Our apply artificial fertiliser boys were very excited and cow muck to the to be going on a major fields used for winter rescue mission! Poking feed. The artificial my head up the storm fertiliser contains drain I could see the mainly Nitrogen(N), lamb’s eyes. I fashioned The lamb was rescued safe and Phosphorus(P) and a crude poking device sound by my brother Neil, and Angus who Potassium(K) which from gaffer tape, a fleece turned up to take the glory! are essential for plant and a length of pipe, growth and exist but on the first attempt naturally in all living it pushed past the lamb. things. The cows and As I was modifying my sheep harvest the grass and so these three elements get design with my pocket knife, I stabbed my left hand depleted because we remove the animals from the land between my thumb and forefinger! There was blood and sell them, essentially removing the N, P and K from everywhere, and poor Billy as a witness. Fortunately, we the natural cycle. Humans consume the N, P and K in have very good neighbours and Chris took me to A&E food, whether that be plant or meat based, but our waste at 11pm on a Friday night. Four hours later, after some does not return the nutrients to the land, as it is flushed glue, bandages and antibiotics I was packed off home. away. Nature does help to replenish the three elements There was no real damage fortunately, and once again I but over time the farm would become less productive, so have to thank the amazing NHS. The lamb was rescued we use artificial fertiliser - sorry for science lesson! safe and sound by my brother Neil, and Angus who Due to the volatile energy market and war in Ukraine, turned up to take the glory! n our costs have rocketed. Fertiliser has risen in price from Mat Cole, Greenwell Farm

“

”

To promote your business to 17,280 readers - call 07450 161929 or email advertising@linksmagazines.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Where do you buy your wine? The price of everything is rising, so where you buy your wine is worth considering.

£7.95 EACH

(nobody in a restaurant wants to be served a bottle they can buy in the supermarket). Tax alone on any bottle of wine starts at £2.88 - that’s before transport, bottling or profit, so a £5 bottle contains wine worth 30 to 50p!! Most people choose supermarkets, wine merchants or Luckily those costs apply to all wine, so with more online - so what are the pro’s and con’s? I work at an expensive bottles the value of the actual wine increases independent merchant, but I’ll try to remain neutral! dramatically. 50p worth in a £5 bottle becomes more like Supermarkets keep extensive ranges, predominantly £1.50 worth in a £6 bottle - three times better! well-known brands. Their buying power has made Mail order offers the ultimate in convenience, of course, genuinely bad wine a rarity, and they offer eyecatching with many companies using the same business model discounts. Quality-wise, they’re about consistency. Big brands draw grapes from vast areas, keeping huge reserves what my Dad called the ‘Colemans Mustard Principle’ - e.g. making money from what’s left over! A typical online for blending - creating identical products every year. Small producers, however good, are of little interest - they purchase is 12 bottles - usually 2 or more of each bottle. If you don’t like something - or it’s just OK - the chances are physically can’t fill supermarket shelves. Most wine is of it’ll be consigned to a cupboard! Most companies offer reasonable quality and there’s lots of lower-price choice. Supermarkets are especially interesting at Christmas, when returns, but few people take this up. Quality is variable but tends to be mid-range; more expensive than average they may buy and discount quality wines. supermarket bottles but less expensive than a merchant. Independent merchants focus on unique wines from smaller producers - quality wines reflecting their origin and In summary, supermarkets dominate cheap and cheerful the year. Rather than being consistent, wines vary annually (and Christmas fizz) with wines intended for drinking according to weather, growing conditions and winemaking immediately. Mail order is convenient and a bit of a techniques. This is why vintages are so important in quality lucky-dip, which can be great fun. Merchants generally offer the highest quality, often age-worthy and most wine. expensive wines, but also specialist knowledge and advice You generally won’t find big brand names, and if you - food pairings for example - and the most personal imagine you’re in a supermarket wine aisle, prices below experience. As they say on TV - the choice is yours! n thigh level probably aren’t available. Merchants often Dave Anning supply the licensed trade, and need quality, unique wine

M JUB I LE INU T E LA

PLUS CHANCE TO

WIN A MAGNUM! WORTH OVER £70!

Delivered by the Royal Mail to more than 32,000 homes andEDITION WINES LIM ITED businesses in West Devon, Dartmoor and North Plymouth. CALL US | 01822 616272

VISIT US | SWBOTTLESHOP.CO.UK

Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

*T&C’s Apply

MEET US | PLYMOUTH RD. IND. EST

Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 51

Plym Links June/July 2022

Articles inside

Farming

History

Walk

Music and Art

What’s On

Gardening

Noticeboard

Charity

Big Blue Splash

Feature

Health & Beauty

Nature