Plym Links October/November 2021 by Links Magazines

PLYM LINKS October/November 2021 | Issue 12

DEVON’S

WONDERFUL CHURCHES

THE DARTMOOR HEADWATERS PROJECT

Natural solutions to 21st century issues

MEET

the locals

The chairman of Woolwell in Bloom An environmental artist from Plympton

GARDENING Making the most of autumn leaves

HEALTH

LISHI

ES IN

YEARS

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FROM THE EDITOR

Aren’t we lucky?

The deadline date for any inclusions in the December/ January issue of Plym Links will be October 29th, 2021 For all editorial enquiries please contact Lindsay Turpin via email at: lindsay.turpin@linksmagazines.co.uk THE LINKS TEAM: Publisher: Tim Randell Editor: Jane Honey Design: Julian Rees Advertising: Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard

To promote your business to 16,100 readers call: ✆ 07450 161929 ON THE COVER: PASSAGERS - a trailblazing circus act from Canada has it’s UK premiere at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth

We are fortunate to live in an amazing part of the world - and much of the content in this issue of Plym Links reflects that fact. Stunning Dartmoor is wonderful from many aspects - and some important work is taking place there to combat flooding in a manner more sensitive and less intrusive to the environment. The subject of our feature, the Headwaters Project, has just secured funding for a further six years and in the light of climate change issues, its findings are likely to be even more important. The national park is also celebrating its anniversary this year - see page 37 for more information. Our local people are also closely involved in the environment though in very different ways. Soraya Lewis-Coleman is the chairman of the Woolwell in Bloom group, which is responsible for brightening up the area with wonderful floral displays. By the time you read this magazine, we should be finding out if the volunteers’ work has been successful in the Britain in Bloom competition! And Laura Edmunds is a passionate beach cleaner - not only is she clearing our sands of junk, she manages to make beautiful artwork with what she finds. The subject of our charity focus is the Devon Historic Churches Trust - historic buildings rich in craftmanship, our county is lucky to be blessed with many of these architectural gems. Read about

Contents | October & November 5 Feature 8 Local People 13 Noticeboard 20 Education 24 Nature 26 Gardening 30 Charity 33 Health

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34 Food and Drink 36 What’s On 41 Music and Art 46 Walk 48 History 50 Business 51 Directory 54 Trade Secrets

the trust’s work on page 30. Producing this issue of Plym Links has been an odd one for me - I’ve taken the decision to retire, so it’s been my last edition! I’ve loved editing the magazine and its sister publication, Oke Links - I’ve met wonderful people, heard inspiring stories and learned about fantastic organisations. Links magazines are all about reflecting community spirit - something this area has in abundance - it’s been a privilege to work on both publications, and with the fabulous Links team. I am also hugely grateful to the regular contributors that have been so wonderful since we started the magazine in August 2019. Thank you, all of you. I leave Plym and Oke Links in the very capable hands of Lindsay Turpin, our new editor. I’ve known Lindsay since she was a teenager - an experienced journalist and true ‘people person’, I couldn’t think of anyone better to hand my babies to! I know she will love the magazines as much as I have and I believe she’s the ideal person to take them on and see them thrive and grow.

Jane Jane Honey Editor, Plym Links Contact new Editor, Lindsay Turpin ✆ 07738 231933 or email lindsay.turpin@linksmagazines.co.uk

² @plymlinks

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FEATURE

Natural solutions to 21st century problems Innovative ideas have spin-off ecological benefits

pilot scheme aimed at using natural processes and • Lane drainage improvements at Scorriton less intrusive engineering techniques to reduce flood • Installing natural dams at places like Dean Moor risk has been so successful it has secured funding to run and Holne Moor to prevent water run-off until 2027. • Reconnecting flood plains to ‘hold’ water The Dartmoor Headwaters project, a partnership • Improving public rights of way damaged by between Dartmoor National Park and the water erosion Environment Agency, has been looking into ways • Supported peatland restoration, 35ha of which was flooding can be reduced in key areas. completed on Holne Moor during Spring 2021. It focused on five river catchment areas: the Mardle, Dartmoor Headwaters brings together a range of the Dean Burn, the Collybrook, the Black Brook and organisations and individuals including experts in the Hanger Down area of the River Erme. soil management, ecology, forestry, archaeology, These are upstream of communities such as engineering, landowners, commoners and residents. Buckfastleigh, Peter Detailed survey work on Tavy, Walkhampton and archaeology, soil, hydrology The measures we’ve carried out Ivybridge, all of which have and habitats have been are less intrusive than more traditional conducted to ensure the flooded in recent years, flood defences and can bring added solutions are appropriate for posing risks to homes and businesses. each particular environment. environmental benefits. The project was funded by These include naturally the Environment Agency through the Flood Defence leaky barriers made from wood, stone, willow, Grant in Aid from 2018 until 2021. wool and fallen timber; re-wiggling rivers, wetland Outcomes so far include: improvements, tree planting and dealing with flood • Planting 6,000 trees on enclosed land across the water on eroded public rights of way. National Park Headwaters Project Officer Kerry Smith said: ‘We’re • Rewetting meadows and improving biodiversity really pleased to have secured funding to build on the

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work already achieved. The measures we’ve carried out are less intrusive than more traditional flood defences and can bring added environmental benefits. ‘This work has never been more timely, with many reminders this year of our responsibility to look after the environment and of the climate and biodiversity emergencies we are facing. Natural disasters such as fire, drought, floods and loss of species are becoming increasingly frequent and are set to increase if positive change is not made.’ Natural Flood Management is all about trying to slow down and store water high up in the catchment near to the source of the river, to reduce the risk of flooding to communities downstream. The techniques used are more suited to the Dartmoor landscape than the more traditional flood barriers and storage reservoirs we are used to seeing. They are relatively small interventions but it is the sum of many across a catchment that can make the difference to peak flows. They can be used where more engineered solutions exist downstream to provide a higher level of flood resilience for longer and to take account of climate change increasing river flows over time. This approach enhances biodiversity, increases carbon dioxide capture and storage and improves water quality. The Natural Flood Management project has contributed funding towards 70ha of peatland restoration, vital work in the current climate crisis, 35ha

of which was completed on Holne Moor during Spring 2021; a further 35ha will take place on Buckfastleigh Moor this autumn. Restoring degraded peatland restores the natural hydrology and re-establishes a Sphagnum moss layer. This provides the long-term stability peat needs to re-start peat formation and carbon sequestering processes, necessary to store water and carbon. During the pilot phase of the project, work to slow down moorland run-off was carried out on an area of Walkhampton Common. Run-off was causing erosion damage and flowing at speed as it headed down through farmland towards Walkhampton, which has flooded in recent years. A series of stone dams were installed on flow pathways on the common to slow down water and water was impeded in gullies around archaeological features at risk of water damage. Further intervention was needed where the water left the common entering a yard area, by diverting water away from cattle feeding and loafing areas and creating bunded areas to intercept the water. Trees were planted to help with water infiltration, screening and biodiversity. Work around Walkhampton was hampered by Covid 19 and will continue into the current phase of the NFM project. Rob Newton of the Environment Agency said: ‘We are

Flood Management is all “aboutNatural trying to slow down and store

water high up in the catchment near to the source of the river

”

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FEATURE proud to be working with Dartmoor National Park Authority, the community, landowners, stakeholders and partners to investigate natural flood management techniques on Dartmoor. ‘We have made good progress during the pilot over the last four years particularly with regards to exploring, learning, and trialling how best to work within river catchments to reduce flood risk downstream and improve the environment. We are looking forward to building on the partnership’s successes and implementing the techniques in phase two of the project.’ The work has also provided ecological benefits; runoff water diverted into meadows, for example, reduces the volume of run-off and helped by a series of ponds and scrapes, can attract dragonflies, damselflies and other insects. The learning so far has helped secure further funding to extend this important work into the next phase and demonstrates how working together can result in good

outcomes for the environment. Kerry added: ‘The Dartmoor Headwaters Project is keen to work with farmers, landowners and commoners within the National Park who have NFM project proposals, especially those working in collaboration with neighbours or on commons, where we can influence flood risk and benefit the environment on a greater scale.’ The project is supported with contributions from partners including Highways England, Plymouth University, Devon County Council, Devon Wildlife Trust, Moor Trees, West Country Rivers Trust, Forestry England and Natural England. n

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Soraya Lewis-Coleman

and Bloom volunteers who were all ‘amazing’ during this time. Following Soraya’s recuperation and despite last summer’s coronavirus lockdown, the spirit of Woolwell in Bloom was kept alive and well, even though the competition didn’t take place, as the volunteers still maintained the floral s you read this edition of Plym Links, Soraya and displays while allowed out for their daily exercise. her team of volunteers should know if Woolwell Soraya worked hard to get Woolwell in Bloom registered has been successful in the national competition that as a charity during Covid restrictions and as soon as recognises the efforts of amateur community gardeners they were eased in April this year, she and her gardening throughout the UK. volunteers started work on the 17 floral displays in The idea of a Woolwell in Bloom project came about the neighbourhood, which include the garden at the after Soraya had been watching the Britain in Bloom Woolwell Centre, the doctors’ surgery and Bambino’s series on TV in 2018. nursery. Judging day was held in July 14th, which gave ‘I was watching the penultimate programme which them just three months to get everything ready. featured an estate and I sat there thinking “We could do ‘It was a phenomenal day, it exceeded everybody’s this”,’ she said. expectations,’ said Soraya, who said the response from To start with, Soraya needed to get a series of consents residents to their efforts was ‘amazing’. from the parish council, South Hams District Council, One of the main problems faced by her gardening Plymouth City Council and Devon County’s highways team has been working out which plants would be deerdepartment to site the various floral displays - a task she proof. Deer are a common sight in Woolwell, often seen described as ‘a massive grazing on the verges and learning curve’. She acts as chairman and Deer are a common sight in Woolwell, chomping away in front gardens. secretary on the group’s often seen grazing on the verges and ‘Over the years I have small committee, while chomping away in front gardens worked out what they husband Pete is treasurer. don’t like much - things They were lucky enough to like geraniums, lavender receive some grant funding and begonias - but they to get the movement under absolutely love roses!’ she way - then Soraya was said. struck down by potentially Around 17 volunteers fatal diverticulitis in April maintain the plants, 2019. flower beds and displays, Soraya said: ‘At one point most from Woolwell itself, they gave me just two though a few are from hours to live - I’d gone further afield. from gardening on the ‘We are a very relaxed Wednesday to hospital by group - I send out a the weekend, then eight message every week and and a half hours of major surgery. I lost so much weight people couldn’t believe the I never know on the morning who I will see. They are an amazing bunch of ladies and gents, nothing would change in me!’ have happened without them. I’ve done lots of voluntary Apparently the culprit in this frightening experience work in the past and they are the most brilliant group I was sweetcorn: ‘Needless to say I don’t eat it any more,’ have ever worked with. Some like the physical side of the Soraya laughed, paying tribute to her family, friends

Chairman of Woolwell in Bloom

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LOCAL PEOPLE gardening, for some it’s the wellbeing side and some are just nuts about gardening.’ The results of the judges deliberations are due to be released in October - meanwhile, Soraya is keeping her fingers crossed for good news. Her determination is quite something for someone who had never planted anything until about five years ago. ‘Until then Pete had always been the gardener, although I have always been creative. Knitting is the love of my life,’ Soraya said, showing me pictures of prize-winning knitted creations like baskets of harvest produce and even a cream tea! Having been born and raised in Plymouth, she happily describes herself as a ‘Janner’ and her husband, two sons and now grandchildren mean everything to her. Two of her most special days were seeing son Nicholas receive the Military Cross at just 20 years of age following service in Iraq, and seeing older son Alexander pass out from Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. She met Pete when she was 17 - he was best man at her best friend’s wedding, while she was chief bridesmaid they’ve now been married over 40 years.

‘He’s my soulmate and my best friend,’ said Soraya. n Jane Honey One of Soraya’s prize-winning knitted creations

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Laura Edmunds Creating art from beach junk

rom shells and sea glass to plastic and pottery - any debris that artist Laura Edmunds collects on the beach can find its way into the unique works of art she creates in her converted garage studio. Laura has always been artistic but until fairly recently her endeavours tended to be centred around her work as a primary school teacher. Then her regular walks on the beach saw her start collecting more and more rubbish. The odds and ends she brought home she cleaned and sorted, forming a treasure trove just waiting for a creative moment. ‘I started making a few pictures with them for a hobby, but then it started gathering momentum,’ said Laura, who took the decision to become a supply teacher when her daughter started school, giving her the flexibility to do more artwork. ‘Rockpool Trading was the first shop to take on some of my pictures and they went down really well and I found I was doing it more and more as a job, but also as therapy,’ said Laura, who suffered with post natal depression after having her daughter. ‘I’d had hypnotherapy which was really amazing, but the therapist said I needed to be creative and get more fresh air, so walking on the beach, finding things and making things was really good for me. ‘I started doing a few craft fairs and they went really well and before I knew it I actually didn’t have time to do supply work! It was quite a big decision, quite a gear change,’ said Laura, whose artwork can now be founds in shops throughout Devon and Cornwall. Then Plymouth artist Brian Pollard contacted her having been impressed with her pictures he invited her to join his new art group, Plymouth Colour Collective. 10

She and the other local members were all set to stage their first exhibition when the Covid 19 pandemic turned the world upside down - it finally took place at the end of this summer. ‘Brian has been very supporting and very encouraging,’ said Laura, whose blossoming artistic career has also been featured on the BBC’s Countryfile programme, being interviewed by presenter Anita Rani. ‘Anita was brilliant. It was actually only a small section of the programme, but we chatted for ages,’ said Laura, who these days finds herself in a win-win situation. She is helping to keep beaches clean, creating works of art which make her and her family happy, to say nothing of the people who buy her pictures. ‘If I am bringing a bit of happiness to other people and can make a business of it, then that’s really the icing on the cake!’ laughed Laura. She said any beach was ‘fair game’ when it came to cleaning and collecting. She also loves to think about the history of the items she has found - a glass bottle stopper could have been rolling around in the sea for many years and she finds it fascinating to imagine its origin, and the people it may have been in contact with. Her husband and daughter both help with the beach cleaning forays, which can see a huge variety of objects making their way home for sorting, storing or recycling - they even found a complete set of false teeth on one occasion! As a youngster she said she had always wanted to either be an architect, an interior designer or a teacher: ‘I did love teaching, but it’s a complete vocation, even when you are doing your shopping you are thinking of things you need to get for the next project with the children. ‘What I am doing now is completely different - the fact

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LOCAL PEOPLE I get to make art every single day is wonderful though there is the flip side - becoming self employed has definitely been a learning curve.’ One aspect of Laura’s life she definitely didn’t see coming was being able to say she’d had a number one hit record - she was a member of the Military Wives Choir which caught the imagination of the pubic in a huge way in 2011 and which she hoped heightened understanding of the situation military families can face when partners are on

deployment. ‘That Christmas number one was never on the radar,’ said Laura. ‘My husband came back from Afghanistan, the choir was on the TV one night weird!’ n and he was on it the next, it was really weird! Jane Honey

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A wonderful make over!

Bus shelters have always been a means to an end; often a dreary place to count down the minutes whilst browsing your phone and waiting for your turn to hop on the next available bus. The bus shelter at Sparkwell was no different, until it was in need of repairs. During a discussion with the Sparkwell Parish Council, Cllr Gill McEwing suggested the bus shelter have a floral make over. A nod to the importance of rewilding and protecting our green spaces, while also providing parishioners with the calmness nature brings. The outside of the shelter has been painted in bursts of yellow sunflowers and a scattering of small poppies, daisies and cornflowers; with a few surprise bugs and beasties to entertain the children. Cllr McEwing, a retired lecturer in nursing, has dabbled in painting for a few years but found the project challenging at times. The size of the bus shelter and its irregular surface wasn’t the easiest of tasks! Nevertheless,

Village hall open for business

August saw a fabulous start to the opening of Shaugh Prior Village Hall with a well attended complimentary coffee morning. The hard work of David and Kay and the hours spent baking beautiful cakes were very much appreciated. It was an absolute pleasure to see so many villagers get together - the laughter and smiles around the hall were heartwarming after the year or so we’ve had. The 100 club draw took place at the event by our lovely Hanna which produced 3 lucky winners. On September 16th the much loved Shaugh Prior Food Lovers Club returned. It is held the third Thursday of each month and new members are very welcome. Margaret Morris Movement, an old favourite run by our lovely Denise is back up and running on Mondays at 7.30pm. Bookings are coming in so please contact booking secretary Cathie Boulting on 07478 519491 if you wish to hire the hall for your event, hire for a regular booking, or just wish to discuss what the hall offers. We have had a fabulous new sign made which has been erected by Andy Boulting. This comes come with notice boards for events so please check it out.

NOTICEBOARD the support from the local community and passers-by spurred her on and gave her the confidence to continue. Cllr McEwing also invited local children to get involved, encouraging them all to paint their own sunflower. Twenty-two children came along, and they each have their name signed on their work of art. Adults within the community were also invited to contribute with a few adding their designs. If you find yourself sat at the Sparkwell Parish Bus shelter, then maybe you will take a moment to pause and reflect whilst admiring the flowers and hidden beasties.

Social life on the park

Everyone is enjoying the return to some sort of normality despite still being wary of Covid numbers, and residents at Glenholt Park are no exception. Tom Bunker, of the Up Your Alley Skittles Club, organises many social events for residents. He said: ‘We have managed four all day coach trips which have included lunch at some good venues. We also went back to one for an evening meal for 50 of us. ‘Our bingo nights are well attended and we have managed to get back to our roots for a skittles evening. ‘Our Party on the Park has resulted in more new people starting to join in and our coach trips now have waiting lists.’ Tom said he and his wife are already preparing for their Xmas lighting up on December 1st and also for their Xmas party on December 17th.

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Can you help?

Gables Dogs and Cats Home staff were recently called to help with yet another suspected puppy farm, located in a seemingly typical family home in the centre of Plymouth. After accessing the house, two female adult dogs were found crammed into tiny cages in a dark, filthy room. Both dogs had no food or water and were left sitting in months’ worth of their own waste. Their claws were overgrown, the pads on their paws were burnt from standing on the urine-soaked floor. They were both severely underweight and nursing litters of very young puppies. Another eight severely underweight dogs were found running loose in another filthy, rubbish strewn room. They also had no food or water and had no access to the outside world. This room had been used as their toilet - all eight dogs’ long hair being heavily matted with their own waste. All 19 dogs and puppies were signed over to Gables so they could receive the urgent attention they desperately needed to save their lives. All ten adult dogs began to gain weight in a matter of days. The adults had their severely matted coats shaved off and they were bathed, clipped and groomed by Dee from Designer Pets and her daughter, who removed an incredible 5kg of urine-soaked, muckcovered hair from all the dogs. All the dogs and puppies will need to be neutered or spayed before looking for their forever homes. Some will need dental work, ear treatments and hernia repairs; they will all require medical baths. Ruth Rickard, deputy manager, said: ‘I have attended

several rescues throughout my career and no matter how many times you do it, that smell is indescribable. ‘It really brought home how these poor dogs had needlessly suffered every day. As well as the obvious physical neglect, they had never been socialised so were extremely nervous and scared. Our priority is to give them all the love, attention and support they need to go on to have much happier futures. It is estimated it will cost Gables an additional £5,000 for the essential treatment and ongoing care these 19 dogs and puppies need. If Gables is lucky enough to raise more money than needed it will go towards helping the other animals in their care. If you can make a contribution to ‘Shih Tzu Shambles Vet Appeal’, please call 01752 331602 or visit www. virginmoneygiving.com/fund/shihtzushambles to donate online. You can also donate via text: To donate £1, text GABLESSH to 70201; to donate £3, text GABLESSH to 70331; to donate £5, text GABLESSH to 70970; to donate £10, text GABLESSH to 70191 * Fundraising, payments and donations will be processed and administered by the National Funding Scheme (Charity No: 1149800), operating as DONATE. Texts will be charged at your standard network rate.

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Gems to support sanctuary work If Lucky looks surprised at all his mini-me’s, he may just be wondering if he slipped through Woodside’s strict neuter programme! No real pups here though, just sweet ‘Gems’ plushies, designed in the image of two of the 49 animals Elfordleigh-based Woodside Sanctuary is caring for permanently. The other is of a black and white cat called April, who has toileting problems after arriving with a litter of kittens. Although others like them have issues preventing adoption into normal domestic homes, they can still enjoy a rewarding and affection filled life at the countryside sanctuary.

Moors Edge U3A Moor’s Edge U3A held their first face-to-face members’ meeting since March 12th, 2020 on September 14th, when the speaker was Pamela Magill on the subject of ‘Curiosities of the West Country. During the last 18 months, contact with members has been through emailed newsletters and the committee has met on zoom, as have some of the groups. History was one of the groups which maintained a full programme of monthly zoom meetings with presentations and discussion of a wide variety of topics from the Corn Laws to Breton attacks on Plymouth with a sprinkling of information on previous pandemics! Photography for Fun have also managed to share and discuss a selection of their photos on Skype. The Science and Technology members have used Zoom to

NOTICEBOARD Lucky is just one of 187 animals on-site needing your support today as Woodside struggles to recover from a Covid decimated income. Gems are available in Woodside charity shops now costing £25 each. Included is a photo and biography of the real resident, plus a newsletter and adoption certificate. For adoptable pets (there are up to 18 different varieties on occasion) and other methods of supporting Woodside, please contact the sanctuary on 01752 347503, visit www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk or find them on Facebook.

present and discuss topics including ‘Volcanic Eruptions on Iceland’, and ‘The Mayflower Autonomous Ship’. Since the easing of lockdown restrictions, other groups have started activities. The Garden Visits members met, in groups of six, visiting quite a few gardens. Future visits include South Hill near Callington and Tamar Nurseries, Saltash. The walkers met in May for rambles across Roborough Down, through Longtimber Wood along the west bank of the River Erme and to Bovey Tracey. The Weekenders Group have also enjoyed some delicious meals out. Other groups are preparing to get together again including Singing for Fun, which will meet at Roborough Methodist Church. In future, meetings will be on the second Tuesday of the month in the Woolwell Centre, with the annual meeting taking place on October 12th, when Steve Bailey will be talking about the charity ‘Provide Devon’.

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The day of judgement! July 14th arrived bright, sunny and thankfully DRY! The day had finally come for the Woolwell Bloom group to be assessed as part of the South West region of Britain in Bloom. A sea of Bloomers in blue T-shirts gathered in the Woolwell Centre car park, in a large social distanced circle for our final briefing before Ian, the judge arrived. Carol from the Woolwell Centre and her team had laid on a marvellous room for us, with Jane’s two fabulous displays of flowers from our gardens. Everything looked amazing for Ian’s arrival. In the category of ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’, it meant we would be assessed not judged. Ian spoke to every Bloomer on the route around Woolwell. He took loads of photos of our displays, including the deer poo on the pavements and in the gardens! Part way around we stopped and returned to the centre for a delicious cream tea, a short speech by Ian and myself, then a small presentation to Carol and her team. Then it was back out to finish the route. Ian and myself returned to the Centre for a formal chat, I showed him the photographs we had put together since

Urban rangers making nature accessible The Plymouth area’s local nature reserves are to get dedicated urban rangers as part of a new project. The Plymouth Natural Grid will support the ongoing Green Minds project in helping to make nature more accessible to residents. It will create 22 new jobs, including five urban rangers, who will work across and care for council and National Trust sites. The rangers will also deliver skills, training and learning opportunities for young people, with Kickstart placements (for people not in employment, education or training) and short-term accredited learning programmes. Nature conservation will be at the forefront, with improvements across 13 protected sites that focus on 16

day one. He seemed very happy with everything, but of course he couldn’t say how we’d done. We have to wait until after October 5th for that. It was an amazing experience, we all had a great time it was definitely worth the hard work. Roll on October, hopefully we can have a big celebration then! Soraya Lewis-Coleman Woolwell in Bloom

rewilding and nature restoration. There will also be a programme of community engagement to ensure more deprived urban areas are connected to their local nature reserve. The scheme is part of an 18-month partnership project between the Plymouth City Council, the National Trust and Real Ideas Organisation. It’s funded by a £1.2m grant from the Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The money will not only support the new jobs but restore and connect wildlife sites, opening up opportunities for local communities to get engaged and become nature advocates. Jez McDermott, general manager for the National Trust at Saltram, said: ‘Our joint urban ranger team will engage communities and young people whilst delivering a range of exciting and innovative nature based solutions, including at Saltram and Plymbridge woods.’ Plymouth Natural Grid is one of 90 nature projects across England to be backed by the Government’s £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund. More information: www.plymouth.gov.uk/parksnatureandgreenspaces/ plymouth’snaturalgrid

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Bedroom to Business

The Business & IP Centre Devon (BIPC) is excited to announce the Bedroom to Business programme. Do you want to make your business idea a reality? Not sure where to start? The Bedroom to Business programme includes a growth accelerator course with sales trainer James White. In addition, their team of 30 experts will provide supplementary workshops covering topics including: mindset, visioning, profit/loss forecasting and writing a business plan. All the webinars are delivered online and all are FREE to access! The 13-week programme includes all the steps and tools you need to make your dream a reality. For more details including the full programme see the BIPC Devon website: Business & IP Centre Devon (librariesunlimited.org.uk) BIPC has also partnered with NatWest to provide start-up grants and support for female founders. BIPC Devon is to deliver flexible small-scale consultancy and business support packages to over 200 new start businesses across Devon, using a grant donated by NatWest. More information: For more details on how to apply for a ‘She Started It’ grant check out the Startup Grant for Female Founders - Business & IP Centre Devon (librariesunlimited.org.uk)

Could you be a foster carer? Foster for Plymouth – Plymouth City Council’s foster carer recruitment service – has launched a new campaign to

NOTICEBOARD encourage local people to be foster carers, in particular to foster older children and teenagers. Foster for Plymouth want to highlight the positive benefits of caring for older children and aims to encourage those interested in fostering, to specifically consider this age group. Pam and Glynn have been fostering for 14 years and particularly enjoy caring for teenagers. They have looked after many teenagers and helped them overcome difficulties in their young lives. Pam said: ‘Fostering teenagers is challenging but extremely rewarding. Building a relationship is the key to managing difficult situations. They need to know that you have got their backs and will fight their corner.’ Jacob (not his real name) is 16 years old and has been with Pam and Glynn for three years. He said: ‘I don’t know where I would be without Pam and Glynn. They have stuck by me through everything. They involve me just the same as if I was one of their birth children. I love living with them and I am confident I can manage independence with all I have learned from them.’ Foster carers can be single or couples; with or without children, retired, unemployed or working. What matters most is that potential carers have time, space, commitment, patience, a caring nature and skills to work with children and their families. Fostering can be for as little as a few weeks or a few months until a child is able to return home to their family or longer term until a child grows up and is able to move on to independence. Full training and support is given to foster carers, who are matched to one or more of the different foster care schemes, depending on their lifestyles and commitments. Carers are paid an allowance reflecting the real cost of looking after a child. More information: Call 01752 304067, email fostering@plymouth.gov.uk or visit www.fosterforplymouth.co.uk

Enjoy a venue with a difference! With the completion of our new Barn and The Ark, we are open and available for events that fit into the calm, beautiful, wildness of Dartmoor. Day or residential events to suit your every need, whether they are educational, charitable, family celebrations or business. Delicious home grown and cooked food with an opportunity to help share in the daily tasks of the farm, with the animals as the highlight of your event on the Moors.

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Centre shortlisted for award The National Park Visitor Centre at Postbridge has been nominated for a prestigious building award. The centre was transformed following an extensive modernisation project and has now been shortlisted in leisure and tourism project of the year category at Michelmores Property Awards 2021. Michelmores Property Awards celebrate the best construction and real estate projects in the South West, from the most prestigious and exciting, to the innovative and daring. Winners are due to be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, November 4th at Sandy Park Conference Centre, Exeter. The visitor centre benefited from a major refit which helped it to share and celebrate Dartmoor’s Bronze Age history, plus more besides. The incredible stories are told through interactive displays, exhibitions and artefacts showing how people lived on the moor thousands of years ago. The design reflects the local vernacular agricultural buildings and accommodates events, activities and school

Volunteering Your help really matters • Are you looking after a young family or relative? • Between jobs or thinking about returning to work? • Can you spare one day per week? • Have dealt with challenges yourself and want to help others? Citizens Advice South Hams is currently wanting to train people to carry out assessment interviews to identify a particular course of action for clients by gently exploring and discovering how urgent the problem is and helping the client to manage it. Volunteering with Citizens Advice is a great way of not only helping to change people’s lives but possibly 18

visits; encouraging people to stay longer and visit local shops, cafes and pubs, supporting the local economy. Sam Hill, Dartmoor National Park Authority’s head of communications and fundraising said: ‘We’re thrilled to be nominated. The standard of competition is really high; we face stiff competition from other nominees all of which deserve recognition for their innovation too. ‘We’re so proud of our visitor centre. It is now fully accessible, energy efficient and features the latest technology to bring history to life in amazing detail, giving people a unique and special experience.’ NPS South West project managed the scheme. CAD Architects designed the centre and Exeter-based Fifield Construction carried out the work. Dartmoor National Park Authority secured £500,000 from the Rural Development Programme for England to fund the building works. Earlier this year the centre was awarded a Building Excellence Certificate of Recognition by Devon Building Control Partnership for its high standards of design and workmanship.

changing your own life as well. You can learn lots of new skills for free that might lead to a new job, higher education, and all sorts of other opportunities. IT skills are an advantage, but full training is provided. • Do you want to gain new skills or improve your own? • Gain more confidence? • Be part of an enthusiastic team? • Help people living in your community and nationally? For more information, please email training@southhamscab.org.uk or visit www.southhamscab.org.uk

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Could you join the care army? Devon County Council and the NHS has issued 23,000 ‘thank you’s - one to every care worker working in the county council area – for going above and beyond to keep vulnerable people safe and well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But with the entire health and care system at full stretch the county says the situation is becoming unsustainable, and is calling for over 1,000 more people to join the care workforce, and for families and communities to do all they can help ease the pressure. Cllr James McInnes, the county’s cabinet member responsible for adult health and social care, said: ‘Everyone – care and support workers, doctors, nurses, our hospitals and voluntary and community groups – have all done a fabulous job to keep us safe and well throughout the coronavirus pandemic. ‘Devon has an army of unsung and often forgotten care workers in care homes, the homes of vulnerable people, and other settings up and down the county every day, helping and supporting those that cannot look after themselves. ‘I want to thank every care worker in the county, working all hours and putting their own safety second to the needs of the people they support, keeping our most vulnerable residents safe, well and cared for. And I want to thank the thousands of unpaid carers providing huge amounts of support to their families and friends. ‘But the sustained pressure on them, and all staff in the health and care system, is beginning to tell, and they are also now struggling to cope. We quite simply do not have enough care workers in Devon right now.’ Thousands of care job vacancies are being advertised in Devon and with care staff off work - self-isolating because of coronavirus, or because they’re otherwise unwell - care companies are struggling. It means vulnerable people are at risk of not

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receiving the care they need when they need it. Cllr McInnes said: ‘We are asking, if you have worked in care before but left, can you return? If you’re a personal assistant and have capacity to help, can you come forward? ‘If you’ve not worked in care, but want to help, a warm welcome awaits you, regardless of age and experience. We need people who are compassionate, can communicate well and are ready to commit themselves to the rewarding range of roles on offer.’ Contact Devon County Council now and register your interest by visiting www.devon.cc/findyourcalling leaving your name, contact details and a postcode, and the council’s recruitment team will get back to you. Or visit www.devon.cc/socialcarecareers

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EDUCATION

Young Rangers In Action Volunteers learning new skills on Dartmoor

his summer, a group of enthusiastic young people carried out conservation work to keep Dartmoor’s popular Granite Tramway looking good. Fifteen volunteers endured foggy and wet conditions to roll up their sleeves, remove turf, repair eroded sections and keep the area looking spick and span so people can enjoy it. The event was led by Dartmoor National Park Ranger Pete Rich and youth engagement ranger Emily Cannon. Both said it was great to have them back involved with practical conservation work. Four of the group have previously been involved with the Junior and Youth Ranger scheme and eleven were new volunteers from different parts of Devon and Cornwall. Following the conservation task, they enjoyed a walk and talk in the surrounding area. The Haytor Granite Tramway is a reminder of the times when the area was quarried with stone being transported along the granitebuilt tramway to Ventiford Basin and onto Teignmouth by boat. Over the years Dartmoor National Park Authority, supported by passionate and skilled volunteers, have worked hard to conserve the area come rain or shine. For some, the event was the first time they’d been on Dartmoor as a ‘ranger’ since the pandemic outbreak in early 2020. Pete said: ‘It was fantastic to get the Junior and Youth Rangers together, see some new faces and carry out some practical conservation work that’ll make a valuable contribution to keeping Dartmoor special for everyone.’ Emily added: ‘Feedback was really positive, from how much they enjoyed using tools and carrying out practical tasks, to learning more about the tramway, and being in a team of people again. We’re always keen to hear from anyone who wants to join our Junior and Youth rangers’ programmes and I’d love to hear from anyone who wishes to join.’ Dartmoor National Park established the Junior Rangers Programme in 2015. It’s for young people aged 12 – 14 and gives them a chance to meet like-minded people and have loads of outdoor fun, learning practical and personal 20

skills in one of Britain’s most iconic landscapes. The Youth Rangers programme is for graduating Junior Rangers aged 15 – 19. They get involved with more challenging tasks and can achieve a John Muir Award. Over the summer the young rangers have tackled Himalayan balsam, managed bracken on important archaeological sites, repaired boardwalks and bridleways, collected seeds and assisted in a tree nursery, and learnt the traditional skill of dry stone walling. This was made possible by working in partnership with several Dartmoor conservation charities, and thanks to Generation Green funding. Generation Green aims to connect young people to nature, create and save jobs, and build a green recovery workforce. YHA (England & Wales) is hosting the project on behalf of the partners: The Outward Bound Trust, Scouts, Girlguiding, Field Studies Council and the 10 English National Parks. Funded by the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund, Generation Green is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency, and the Forestry Commission. The Junior Ranger and Youth Ranger autumn and winter programmes are now available. In October, activities include gorse management at Haytor on October 9th; coppicing and woodland management near Bovey Tracey on October 17th; scrub clearance at Roborough on October 26th and gorse management at Gidleigh on October 29th. There’s also a free residential weekend at Okehampton Youth Hostel for Junior Rangers on October 29th - October 31st. In November, there are boardwalk repairs at Ivybridge on November 7th; Gorse removal at Newbridge on November 13th and tree planting near Darlington on November 21st, plus a free residential weekend at Okehampton Youth Hostel for Youth Rangers from November 26th until November 28th. Please e-mail Emily for more information: ecannon@ dartmoor.gov.uk or 07912 470778. n

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Moorsway Federation Where learning is an adventure!

Shaugh Prior Primary School

The Erme Primary School

Cornwood C of E Primary School

01752 839373 shaughprior @moorsway.devon.sch.uk

01752 892247 theerme @moorsway.devon.sch.uk

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l Schools where each child is valued and known to all the staff l Experienced teams of dedicated staff l An inclusive, family ethos where everyone cares for each other

Moorsway Federation can offer: l Small class sizes l A broad and balanced curriculum combining excellence and enjoyment of learning

l An exciting weekly Forest School programme in each school l Residential opportunities in years 4, 5 and 6 l Outdoor adventurous activity opportunities

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

www.moorswayfederation.org.uk

The highly popular ‘JUST ONE Tree Day takes place on Friday, October 15th in schools all over the UK.

chools throughout the country and around the globe have committed to participating in this international non-uniform day that encourages children to bring in £1 to plant a tree and help reforest the planet - a tree is planted for every £1 raised. Over 150,000 children from eight countries have joined together since JUST ONE Tree Day first launched in 2019. So what’s it all about? The day highlights to children and young people how their individual actions can make a difference in the fight against climate change and the biodiversity crises. It is the flagship event of JUST ONE Tree, a British not-forprofit dedicated to removing CO2 from the atmosphere through global reforestation. The event is open to both primary and secondary schools - those taking part can access lesson resources that fit in with the national curriculum. Although it’s taking place on October 15th, schools can choose any other day to participate if this doesn’t fit in their calendar - and they could choose any type of fundraiser, it doesn’t have to be a ‘mufti’ day. As part of their fundraising activities, children learn about photosynthesis, the benefits of trees for both people and wildlife and the vital role they play in

reducing the impacts of climate change. JUST ONE Tree founder, Amanda Bronkhorst, said: ‘JUST ONE Tree Day was born out of my passion to make a difference – not only for my young daughter, but for the future of all children. JUST ONE Tree Day has resulted in over 150,000 trees planted and I know that this year the “children’s forest” can grow even bigger. ‘School participation is doubly important, because not only do they raise funds, the forest planted on their behalf helps compensate for a school’s environmental impact. ‘Many children today struggle with climate anxiety, caused by the reality of our climate crisis. But JUST ONE Tree Day tells them that we can all make a difference with a simple action. By taking direct action it spreads hope and positivity. It’s important to involve our young, helping them tackle their worries of today while setting them up for a sustainable lifestyle that aids their future.’ The money raised is used to plant the ‘right trees in the right place’ – supporting reforestation projects in Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal and Zambia, including mangrove forests and kelp regeneration. For more information about JUST ONE Tree go to www.justonetree.life n

EDUCATION

Fostering a curiosity for learning Play, music, art and science all have a part to play

t Bambinos, we don’t just teach our children how to learn; we teach them how to love learning! We do this by creating a safe space full of wonder and imagination where every child feels welcome, supported, challenged but most importantly, loved. We have been welcoming our new children, establishing relationships with each other, and learning about our environment. As we get to know and trust one another, we are discovering interests to help us project future learning experiences for each child. Children are born with an insatiable curiosity for learning. But as they get older, it becomes harder to keep up that curiosity. That curiosity can be kept ignited in each child through an environment where children can explore their minds and bodies through play, music, art, and science. Our curriculum emerges from children, engaging them in hands-on activities that strengthen their cognitive skills while also building confidence and self-esteem. Fine motor skills are an essential part of development and include all those activities that involve precision, a high level of hand-eye coordination, controlled movement, and concentration. Mastery of fine motor skills are essential for the acquisition of certain skills, such as writing, and subsequent learning. To help prepare our children for their future writing endeavours, we engage them in meaningful ageappropriate activities to help them develop their upper body, shoulder, arm, finger, and wrist muscles through

activities such as painting on vertical services, scooping and pouring sand and water, interacting with playdough and using tweezers to pick up small objects. All these motor activities help to lay the foundation for a good pencil grasp in the future. A lot of dialogue and thinking goes behind the choices in materials that we make available to children - we see materials as tools for learning and discovery. They are treasures for the children to explore as they choose presented with an air of wonder. The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences and opportunities to actively use their senses as they explore their world through sensory play experiences, which is crucial to brain development. Materials and instruments found during this time of year, such as ornaments, pinecones, leaves and pumpkins are great tools to explore different textures, sizes, weights, colours, shapes, scents, sounds, taste - the most unexpected findings are always the ones that cause the most excitement. Sensory proposals allow our children to awaken curiosity, enabling them to make discoveries using previous knowledge to make connections. n Sara Richards, Bambinos

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Outstanding Childcare and Natural Environments Outstanding and Caring Staff for Your Child Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 23

The real value of our woods T

here is something especially peaceful about walking in woods surrounded by trees and I like to think that humans have always enjoyed spending time in woodlands and have had a real affinity with trees beyond their economic value. But it is only relatively recently that we have learnt the real value of trees in helping to mitigate climate change by their ability to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees, especially those which are native to Britain, also provide shelter and food for numerous insects, birds and mammals and even other plants such as mosses and lichens and so are a valuable factor in conserving the biodiversity of our countryside. Some may find it surprising to learn that compared with the rest of Europe, the UK has a relatively low tree cover of 13%, the average for Europe being 35%. Countryfile viewers will know of Plant Britain, the initiative to plant 750,000 trees across the country in just two years; you can even record just one new tree in your garden on an interactive map on the Countryfile website which is tracking the progress of the project. There are also many organisations such as the Woodland Trust and the Wildlife Trusts which have supported and

promoted tree planting for many years. Most of these young trees will take quite a few years to come to maturity and it will take even more years to establish a thriving wood with its attendant biodiversity. Recent research has revealed that individual trees are connected by an underground fungal network providing vital nutrients and amazingly it is even thought that trees can communicate and ‘warn’ each other about impending danger from pests and diseases. Travelling around West Devon it is difficult to ignore the prevalence and devastating effect of ash dieback which is just one of the diseases that can affect our native trees. And so, although it is very important to promote the planting of new trees, we must not forget to value and wherever possible conserve our existing trees and woods. Wistman’s Wood, just north of Two Bridges on Dartmoor, is a

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NATURALIST This and other woods in steep-sided moorland valleys are prime example of an established ancient wood which is inaccessible to grazing animals, especially sheep, which also a temperate rain forest, constantly wet underfoot and roam the open moor, thus allowing plants such as ferns the air always humid. The trees are gnarled, twisted and and whortleberries (bilberries) to flourish in the ground stunted and famed for the mosses, liverworts, lichens and flora. Redstart, wood warbler polypody ferns that festoon their trunks and branches. It is even thought that trees can and pied flycatchers favour this of habitat as well as many Many of these epiphyte species, communicate and ‘warn’ each other type butterfly species. (plants which grow on other In a recent newspaper article plants but not usually as parasites), about impending danger from pests George Monbiot, the writer such as fleshy lobed liverworts and diseases and environmentalist, describes and ‘shrubby’ lichens hanging old trees as ‘keystone structures’ for in unkempt tresses from overhead which there is no substitute and on branches, are unique to wet woodland. which many other species depend. He This wood is indeed a natural ‘time thinks that ‘our tidy-minded forestry capsule’ of a previous era, a relic of and treating trees as interchangeable a mighty forest that once covered is devastating to wildlife’ and he Dartmoor and probably most of the illustrates his article with our own South West. Wistman’s Wood. But there is a fear Its survival is largely thanks to the that its fragile ecosystem is currently steep sides of the gorge through which being threatened by an influx of the River Dart flows and the large boulders that cover the ground which made it inaccessible visitors. Let’s hope we can leave a legacy of new woods while conserving our old ones for future generations, so for human exploitation when the rest of the forest was that they can also experience the joy of walking in woods. n felled for fuel, mining and agriculture and in more recent Pete Mayston years the planting of conifers.

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HOW TO GROW A GREENER LAWN Advice from expert Sue Fisher

bare soil. www.plantlife.org.uk has lots more useful ow green was your lawn this year? As in terms of information. diversity and wildlife, that is, rather than colour Autumn is bulb planting season and Narcissi (daffodils) –the unseasonably wet summer resulted in the lushest, are perfectly at home growing in grass. Do choose with greenest growth I’ve ever seen in August. Yet while many care to create the right effects: while big mixed sacks lawnmowers have been busier of daffodils are temptingly than usual, others have been priced, the large blowsy taking a break. blooms never look at home Earlier this year, thousands of Now’s the time to take the next in a meadow lawn, plus their gardeners embraced ‘No-mow steps and develop flower-spangled big leaves take months to May’, an inspired initiative me ado w for die back. Instead, select two nex t year. from the charity Plantlife, and or three varieties of smaller were enchanted by the results, narcissi and stagger the with the buzz of lawnmowers flowering times to enjoy colour being replaced by the hum for months: early varieties of countless insects. If you include ‘February Gold’, discovered the delights of a ‘Jetfi re’, and our native wild ‘lazy lawn’, now’s the time daff odil or Lent lily Narcissus to take the next steps and pseudonarcissus – all shortdevelop flower-spangled growing and able to withstand meadow for next year. the gales, then for late spring, First, ensure the grass plant the single white poet’s doesn’t get the upper hand or pheasant’s eye narcissus, N. and crowd out the flowers. poeticus var recurvus which has Your ally is an attractive tall stems to bear fl owers above flowering annual plant, Yellow Rattle the growing grass. When planting, aim for a natural look (Rhinanthus major), which reduces the vigour of grass with bulbs scattered in clumps of varying numbers. I use a by up to 60%. Seed must be sown in autumn and freshspade for planting, first cutting squares or rectangles of turf collected this year, so do buy from a reputable source. on three sides to roll back, exposing the soil, then digging a At the same time, sow other wildflower seed too, like ox eye daisy, campion, vetch, and knapweed. Before sowing, large wide hole for each group of bulbs. Finally, batter the turf a bit before rolling back in place to break up the grass cut the grass as short as possible, remove the clippings, roots so the bulbs don’t lift the turves as their shoots grow. and rake the surface vigorously to expose patches of

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GARDENING

Making the most of autumn’s leaves Fallen leaves may be hard work to gather up, but they are a wonderful resource that can be turned into leaf mould, a superb soil conditioner that can be dug in when preparing ground for planting; spread on the surface as a weedsuppressing mulch; and sieved to add to potting compost. If you have lots of trees, give leaf-clearing an order of priority: lawns and plants first, because wet leaves form a thick suffocating blanket that keeps off light, along with ponds where leaves rot down and can upset the natural balance. Leaves can be left to rot down in situ on bare soil between trees and shrubs, or piled up in corners and under hedgerows as snug hibernation spots for hedgehogs and amphibians. Making leaf mould is very straightforward but takes time – at least a year, often more. Because leaves take longer to break down than other garden waste, keep them separate rather than in a compost bin. This could be an open-topped container made of mesh (which needn’t be fancy – wire mesh wrapped round four posts, for example). Other options are sturdy black plastic sacks or old compost bags, with a few holes pierced in the bottom; hessian sacks; or woven plastic ‘dumpy’ bags that building supplies come in. If dry when gathered up, water your leaves as you fill your container as moisture is essential for them to break down and become wonderful, crumbly, mega-useful leaf mould. 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

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Devon’s wonderful churches The jewels in our communities

ems come in all shapes and sizes and for most of us, However, the fine fabric and creative craftsmanship are not the only gems to be found in our local churches. something we can only aspire to. However, we all Praises should undoubtedly be sung for the volunteers have one in our midst which is often taken for granted – who work so hard to maintain, refurbish and enhance the parish church! them day by day, year after year in myriad ways. The These glorious buildings, created by our forebears with enormous skill, are not only one of the most outstanding challenges they face are never-ending and constantly changing; illustrating considerable strength, ingenuity features in our communities. If you step inside you and determination in their fight against their exposure will discover our rich heritage of craftsmanship, with to the elements, the endless need to raise funds to cover examples of skills rarely seen elsewhere and of immense running costs and the weighty load of increasing and beauty and creativity. complex regulations. And then – the tower shows a The range of architectural design and location is fault line, the tiles slip substantial - many with Praises should undoubtedly be sung for away, dry rot is found in glorious interiors like the the fabric – a multitude amazing screen to be found the volunteers who work so hard to of horrors appear, all in Sheepstor Church and the maintain, refurbish and enhance them day requiring extra grit and wonderful country setting of by day, year after year in myriad ways resources from these Ermington with its famous human treasures at the twisted spire. Devon is one heart of our communities. of the most fortunate areas of the country in so many At times like these our churches need all the friends they ways, with the beauty of its coastline and countryside, its can garner – and amongst them is the Devon Historic moors and valleys, enhanced in every community by the Churches Trust, dedicated to funding repairs for the church at its heart. preservation of our Christian architectural heritage. The importance of these buildings is undeniable; Like our parish communities, it is a volunteer representing history, architecture and continuity through the generations; a place of quiet contemplation in times of organisation working hard to raise funds so that a vital life-line of financial aid can be provided to Devon personal crisis or thanksgiving at the end of a life; a place for celebration at a time of birth or marriage and even for churches in their time of need. The ethos of the trust is ‘never to say no’ to any application within its remit. those who do not attend regular services, they provide a It is very aware of the complex nature of funding spiritually uplifting occasion to come together with ones applications required by other sources, so the DHCT neighbours at Easter, Festivals and Christmastide.

“

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CHARITY sponsorship for our adventures has a simple, easily accessible or any activity of our choice. format for each church. This The DHCT recently received enables funds to be awarded a generous legacy which they with the maximum speed and have dedicated to delivering the minimum of red tape. This emergency funding to help brings its own challenges to the churches who need immediate trust and its search for funding assistance when the unexpected from supporters via donations, occurs, while they search for fundraising activities and legacies long term solutions – we pray is unceasing, but unwavering, for more thoughtful donors knowing that their mission is too who will enable us to continue important to allow it to fail. and extend this important work But the vital funds required to to preserve our heritage. provide these fabric saving grants, So when you hear your together with support for rechurch bells ringing out in furbishing our church buildings so DHCT Trustee Judith Kauntze presenting a grant your neighbourhood, it is that they are warm, comfortable towards repairs. good to remember the network and have the facilities required for of hardworking local volunteers working day by day regular use, need to be raised by the DHCT and we to ensure the church survives; the skilled professionals celebrate so many generous communities that ‘go the who deliver the work required in enabling these unique extra mile to fundraise for us on our Devon Historic and historic buildings to be there for future generations Churches Day – the second Saturday of September and the Devon Historic Churches Trust, dedicated to every year. On this day we urge all our churches to be providing the vital financial support when it is needed. n open and welcoming visitors, organising a community Judith Kauntze, Trustee, Devon Historic Churches Trust event or taking part in Ride+Stride when we can all www.devonhistoricchurchestrust.co.uk be out enjoying our glorious countryside and gaining

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Breast Cancer How you can spot the early signs

ctober marks the start of Breast Cancer awareness month, so this issue we will be looking at a condition that will affect one in nine women at some point in their life (men can also get breast cancer but it is much rarer). The recent Covid 19 pandemic has had a huge impact on breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, fundraising and research. Many patients have put off seeking help during this difficult time, so it is more important than ever to remind us all how to spot the early signs of breast cancer. The NHS Breast screening Programme has a five point breast awareness plan: 1. Know what’s normal for you 2. Look at your breasts and feel them 3. Know what changes to look for 4. Report any changes to a GP without delay 5. Attend routine mammogram screening if you are aged 50-70 It is common to have breasts that are different sizes, nipples that invert (point inwards), breast pain or lumpiness especially at different times of the month. What is important is spotting a change in your breasts. If these things are new then it is time to get things checked out. A good way to do this is to look at your breasts regularly, standing in front of the mirror with your arms at your sides and raised up over your head. Look for dimples, puckering, skin changes, a rash or redness. Also look out for discharge or bleeding from the nipple, or crusting or scaling like eczema in the nipple area. Then feel each breast from the collarbone and round into the armpits. Some people find doing this in the bath or shower easiest. Feel for lumps, swellings,

HEALTH & BEAUTY thickenings or hard areas – looking out for anything that wasn’t there before. If you find any of these changes – don’t panic, there are explanations other than cancer, but it is important to see your GP to check. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome, so prompt action is key. Breast cancer is not caused by one thing, rather a combination of factors contribute to anyone’s individual risk. Some of them we have control over and some we do not. Getting older is the biggest risk factor, with most diagnoses happening after the age of 50. However, it is not uncommon in women younger than this, so it is important that younger women with concerning symptoms see their GP. Being overweight or obese can significantly increase your risk of breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight, especially after the menopause, is important in reducing your risk of developing breast cancer. There is also evidence that regular exercise can reduce your risk of breast cancer by almost a third. Alcohol and smoking have both been linked to higher rates of breast cancer. Compared with women who don’t drink at all, women who have three alcoholic drinks a week have a 15% higher risk of breast cancer. Hormone Replacement Therapy – Combined HRT is associated with a small increase in the risk of breast cancer, however there is little or no risk if you take oestrogen only HRT. The increased risk is related to how long you take it and generally the benefits outweigh the risks. If you have concerns you can talk to your GP about this. Then there are genetic risk factors. Some patients delay seeking help as they do not have breast cancer in their family, however only five to ten percent of breast cancers are hereditary. So most breast cancers are diagnosed in patients without a strong family history. Early screening or investigation may be needed if you have: a relative diagnosed before the age of 40, more than one close relative affected, a male in your family with breast cancer, relatives who have had breast cancer in both breasts or who have also had ovarian cancer. n Further information: www.breastcancernow.org

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

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Seafood & pasta A match made in heaven! This delicious recipe, combining sweet crab meat with a touch of warming chilli, has been created by Ben Mack, head chef at The Box Bar & Kitchen in Plymouth - thanks Ben!

Serves 4 Ingredients 300g Linguine (or any long pasta) 15ml Pomace oil 80g finely diced shallots 50g finely diced red chillies (optional but best with them) 100ml white wine 200g brown crab butter 100g picked white crab meat A pinch of chopped parsley Squeeze of lime (or lemon) juice Season to taste For the Brown Crab Butter: 300g brown crab meat 150g butter Squeeze of lime juice Pinch of salt Method In a saucepan, melt the butter and heat gently until it starts to turn brown and nutty. Once it has turned nut brown add the brown crab and use a whisk to break apart the crab meat Once the crab meat is hot put in a food processor and blitz to emulsify. Season with lime and sea salt and place in the fridge until set. To make the pasta Precook your pasta and cool down under cold water, then

Photo © Nick Hook Photography

Crab Linguine

strain and toss in a little olive oil. Put to one side for later use Sweat down the shallots and chillies in the pomace oil until just soft on a medium heat, then add the white wine, turn the heat up high and then reduce by half. Add in the brown crab butter whilst off the stove and use the back of a spoon to break down so it melts down faster. Once melted (but not split) add in the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add in the white crab meat and continue to toss until the pasta is hot. If the sauce starts to split, add a splash of cream and toss to re- emulsify Add parsley and lime juice, season to taste and garnish with coriander or basil leaves. Serve straight away and ENJOY!

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FOOD & DRINK

To chill or not to chill? Dave Anning has the answers... There’s very little that’s more enticing than a delicious glass of chilled wine. But cooling wine can seriously mute aromas and flavours. We could have a science lesson here with formulas and everything, but I think you want to know WHICH wines chill well, not why, so here goes! Serving wine at the right temperature can be important, but when the weather is actually hot, the temperature of your wine changes as soon as you pour, so keep it simple. Part-fill a container of water and ice, put it on the table and use it as required. To chill a bottle quickly, add plenty of cooking salt - this will chill a bottle from room temperature in about 15 minutes. You can buy a simple wrap-around temperature band or other similar devices for a few pounds if you wish. Lighter wines chill best, and low alcohol wines like Riesling do especially well. But don’t write off reds! Wines made from Gamay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc are delicious lightly chilled - a great solution if you’re planning a meaty barbeque on a hot day. Sicillian Frappato is even light enough to drink with fish! Aromas are usually first to suffer when wine is chilled. Luckily there are ‘aromatic’ white wines worth looking out for. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Muscat and Viognier you may well have heard of, but there are others such as Torrontes and Gewurztraminer. Good quality examples of these will normally remain enticing on the nose when chilled, and open up as you hold them.

Treat rosé as you would white. Examples range from dry (eg Provence) through off-dry (a touch of sweetness) to sweet (eg American ‘white’ Zinfandel). The only way to find out which you like most is to knuckle down and try a selection! The ultimate treat is sparkling wine. High temperatures provide a great opportunity to try some lesser-known sparklers, as Champagne is always expensive! Cava from Spain is usually significantly cheaper than Champagne; Prosecco is widely available (but buying the cheapest bottle can be disappointing); the French make ‘Cremant’ outside the Champagne region (Loire, Alsace, Bourgogne, Bordeaux), and Australia, South Africa and Argentina aren’t obvious choices but make some truly brilliant fizz! In hot weather, lighter, fruitier sparklers come into their own. Asti, with its distinctive aromas of grapes (oddly not a common aroma in wine!), is also low in alcohol and distinctly sweet. It is perhaps the most ‘lemonadey’ of wines and very refreshing good job the alcohol is low! In summary the ‘rules’ are different when it’s hot - keep ice and water to hand and if the wine isn’t cool enough pop it back in! n Dave Anning

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WHAT’S ON

October 10

Tour de Moor

After putting on the brakes last year because of the pandemic, the region’s boldest charity cycling challenge is back for 2021, raising vital funds to support hospice care across Plymouth and surrounding areas. The Tour de Moor biking challenge in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth returns to Dartmoor on Sunday, October 10th. Sponsored by Print Copy Scan, the popular event offers cyclists an adrenalin-packed adventure: the hill-filled, 52km mixed terrain route of mud, sweat and gears. Cycling at its fiercest for those aged 12 and above!Alternatively, participants of nine years and above can take it down a gear and saddle up for 30km of tough riding over hills and through woods - there’s also the ‘mini moor’, a gentle 11km ride along Drake’s Trail suitable for all the family. The money raised by this event means the highly skilled St Luke’s team can be there for families affected by terminal illness, providing not just expert medical care, but emotional, practical and spiritual support that makes an important difference to them at such vulnerable times. The Tour de Moor challenge departs from 8.30am at Harrowbeer Airfield, near Yelverton, and finishes there. Sign up at www. stlukes-hospice.org.uk/tourdemoor or by calling 01752 492626. Registration costs £30 for the 52km or 30km route, and £15 for the 11km route.

Autumn colour in all its glory... Visitors are always keen to know ‘will this year be a good one?’ - they are of course talking of the eagerly awaited annual highlight at The Garden House in Buckland Monachorum - the strikingly spectacular Acer Glade in all its autumn hues. As Head Gardener Nick Haworth can attest, no two years are ever quite the same, but it also never fails to delight. The intensity and

richness of colour, from brilliant yellows to deep crimson reds, is always breath-taking. The view from the top of the garden looking down on the glade of Japanese Maples towards the ornamental bridge, brings visitors and photographers from far afield, who all experience the same admiration for the staggering beauty that nature delivers each October and on into November. The Garden House is open daily (except Mondays) until October 31st and then every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November to March 1st. Check the website for seasonal opening times: www.thegardenhouse.org.uk.

Adoption Information Days

Are you considering adoption but not sure where to start? Families for Children is holding an information session to give you the opportunity to find out more. Whether you are in a relationship, single, mixed race, LGBT+ they would love to speak to you! So come along and talk to their friendly team at this information session to find out more. All information sessions are currently held via Zoom. To book, please contact Families for Children on 01364 645480 or email devon@familiesforchildren.org.uk or alternatively you can book online at www.familiesforchildren.org.uk The next meetings are scheduled for Saturday, October 9th, 10am-12noon; Monday, November 1st, 6pm-8pm; Tuesday, November 23rd November, 3pm-5pm and Wednesday, December 8th, 6pm-8pm.

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WHAT’S ON

October 15 – February 15, 2021

Celebrating

A free exhibition celebrating the 70th anniversary of Dartmoor’s designation as a National Park can be seen at the National Park Visitor Centre in Princetown from October. It is being held in partnership with The Dartmoor Trust, a charity run by volunteers, which holds a rich online archive of more than 27,000 images. Rebecca Martin, Dartmoor National Park Authority’s visitor services manager, said: ‘Dartmoor’s rugged scenery, iconic tors, wooded valleys and welcoming towns and villages remain as beautiful today as they were 70 years ago. ‘We are very grateful to The Dartmoor Trust for their involvement and are really excited for our joint exhibition which will be a fantastic way for people to explore this history and learn more about major moments in Dartmoor’s timeline.’ The Authority is also celebrating the 70th with its ‘Time for Nature’ challenge, with family friendly activities in its three National Park Visitor Centres during October half term. Designated on October 30, 1951, Dartmoor National Park is the largest and highest upland in southern Britain. It is internationally important for its Bronze Age archaeology, blanket bogs, upland heaths and oak woods, and of national importance for its valley mires, Rhôs pasture and grass moor. It is home to a variety of wildlife and habitats, some of which are so rare they can only be found on Dartmoor. The exhibition will be free, but donations will go back into conservation projects.

October 23

Oktoberfest

70th Anniversary

The official Oktoberfest arrives in Plymouth this October, at The Grand Bier Tent, Central Park. There will be two sessions, between noon and 5pm and between 6pm and 11pm, with entertainment at both sessions. Traditional German cuisine will be available including Bratwursts and beer served in Steins plus a range of other beverages such as Prosecco, wine and spirits. Oktoberfest will include music from live oompah bands and DJs to entertain the guests. Tom Cullen, marketing director, Oktoberfest Plymouth, said: ‘We are very excited to bring this incredible event to Plymouth this year! The atmosphere will be unimaginable with huge bench seating, Oompah Bands, Steins of beer and much more! After working closely with the events team at Plymouth Council, we can bring this unique event to the local area. We hope to help bring great economic benefit to the city, encourage more visitors, ultimately, support local business.’ Tickets will be available starting from £10 per person, per session. This will include a wide range of unreserved standing and seated tickets. There will also be VIP tables that can fit up to 10 people, with waiter service and a gift for each member of the table. More information Go to www.oktoberfestplymouth.co.uk/tickets

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20TH NOVEMBER

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Goose Fair Artisan Market

Christmas Lights Switch-On

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Halloween Trail

Dickensian Evening

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WHAT’S ON

Family learning and volunteering

November 12

Dartmoor Society Conference

Water is a precious resource, which we must conserve to safeguard our habitats and wildlife for the future. The ‘I Love Water Project’ is a 2-year pilot project, inspired by the government’s 25-year environment plan, the goal of clean and plentiful water by using resources from nature more sustainably. Come and learn more about it with exciting opportunities for family learning, volunteering and school visits at Burrator Reservoir. To find out more about any of the activities contact learning@ swlakestrust.org.uk or visit www.swlakestrust.org.uk or Facebook: Burrator Reservoir.

Hallowed Turf: Perspectives on the Conservation of Dartmoor’s Blanket Peat

The Dartmoor Society is well known for hosting events on subjects that are central to the management of Dartmoor and its communities and this year the focus is on Dartmoor blanket peat. Dartmoor’s wet uplands are increasingly valued for their role in hydrology and carbon sequestration but they are also delicate ecosystems and world-renowned archaeological landscapes, where there is evidence of human activity stretching back over 6,000 years. The conference will be chaired by Keith Bungay, former chief executive of Exmoor National Park Authority, who, prior to this, worked as deputy to Ian Mercer at Dartmoor National Park Authority. The speakers are Adrian Colston, Richard Brazier, Morag Angus, Kevin Cox, Martin Gillard and Geoff Eyre. This conference will show the multifaceted nature of the South West Peatland Partnership on Dartmoor. Each speaker has a different specialism and can talk from long standing experience about their area of expertise. There will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions during the discussion sessions. The conference will take place between 9.30am and 5pm at the Charter Hall, Okehampton. A buffet lunch will be served as well as morning and afternoon refreshments. Open to the public – nonmembers welcome. Members £19 each, non-members £21 each. Cost includes buffet lunch and refreshments. Please book by Friday November 5th at www.dartmoorsociety.com

Volunteering Fancy doing something different and love fresh air? Come and join the volunteering group, be it one day a week or one day a month - you will be very welcome. Please contact Nigel on NTomkinson@swlakestrust.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON

November 13

Tamar Energy Fest 2021 Tamar Energy Fest returns to Butchers’ Hall in Tavistock from 10am until 3pm. This is a free, family-friendly event, suitable for all ages, with a mixture of fun activities, advice stands and displays. Exhibitors will provide information about how to make your home, business or organisation more energy efficient, warm and comfortable; how to reduce your energy bills; generate your own energy; and what you can do to reduce your carbon impact. A number of talks will be held through the day including the importance of whole house retrofit, how to deal with traditional and listed properties, understanding heat pumps and sustainable travel

in rural communities. Activities include an interactive smart meter display, an art activity, a family energy quiz and we hope, an activity with our community gardeners. There will also be an opportunity to buy competitively priced LED bulbs; and enjoy a drink and homemade cake from the refreshment stand. Tamar Energy Community (TEC) looks forward to welcoming you.

December 4

Sunrise Mass

Join Phoenix Chorale for a new programme of choir music this winter, featuring Ola Gjeilo’s evocative Sunrise Mass. Sunrise: Symphonic Mass for Choir and String Orchestra had its world première in Oslo in 2008. Talented, contemporary Norwegian composer Gjeilo skilfully creates aural pictures within the music and weaves them into a beautiful, spiritual and contemplative journey. In addition, the choir will perform works by Gerald Finzi, Eric Whitacre, John Rutter, Charles Villiers Stanford and a

selection of Christmas music by John Gardner and Mack Wilberg. 7:30pm at the church of St Peter and The Holy Apostles, Wyndham Square, Plymouth, PL1 5EG. Tickets: Adults: £12 (£10 if purchased in advance); Concessions: £10; Children: Free entry. More information For more information and to buy tickets please visit plymouthphoenixchorale.org

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MUSIC & ART

October 11 & 12

Passagers

Canadian contemporary circus trailblazers The 7 Fingers visits the Theatre Royal Plymouth this October for the UK premiere of its show Passagers - one of the first international companies to visit our shores this year. After performing with some of the world’s best contemporary circus companies including Cirque de Soleil, The 7 Fingers’ seven founders set up the collective in 2002. Their mission was nothing short of redefining circus, stripping the spectacle down to its thrilling essence and fusing it with dance, theatre, multimedia, music and storytelling. In Passagers, show director and company co-founder Shana Carroll plays with our fascination with travel, both nostalgic and symbolic. A colourful and diverse group of strangers meet onboard a train. Through the course of their journey, in a temporarily-suspended reality, they get to know each other, sharing their stories and revealing their emotional states through virtuoso acrobatics vaulting somersaults, breathtaking trapeze, daredevil

October 17

The Riviera Ramblers The Riviera Ramblers is a hot rhythm band formed and led by John Shillito on trumpet, with a line-up to facilitate a swinging ‘Hot Club’ feel. The band is returning to Plymouth Jazz Club following a highly successful debut in 2019. Much of the band’s repertoire originates from the Swing era of the 1930s and 40s - the front line brass and reeds move harmoniously and energetically on a pulsating rhythm section that recalls Parisian ‘manouche/gypsy’ sounds of that era.The players craft

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balances on the highwire - along with contemporary dance, narrative, song and original music by Colin Gagné. Shana Carroll, The 7 Fingers’ co-founder and Passagers director, said: ‘Passagers was originally designed as an ode to travel - departure versus arrival, chance versus choice, familiar versus foreign, confinement versus border-crossing. Those themes have taken on a new meaning for us all these days, with the very idea of departing or arriving feeling like a distant pipe dream. The show has now taken on a whole other dimension I’m not sure I could ever have imagined. I hope it will make us treasure the days of simple, liberating travel and celebrate a return to greater freedoms.’ their free and easy, melodic and rhythmic music with care and warmth, all the time relating to, and sharing fun with, their audiences. John and Zoe also add vocals, while the whole ensemble makes engaging listening and an enticement to dance. The Riviera Ramblers will be performing at The Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill PL6 5DH at 7.30pm on Sunday, October 17th. Tickets can be purchased at the door, Visitors £10, Members £8 and Students £5. For more information visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

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October 30 & 31

Walkhampton Craft Exhibition & Sale Come and see the work of local craftspeople at this year’s craft sale at Walkhampton Memorial Hall, with a wide variety of local crafts available to buy, such as ceramics, textiles, jewellery and greeting cards, providing plenty of inspiration for Christmas gifts.

For this year only there will not be the usual art displays, although artists can still book a table to display artwork. Make the most of your visit and enjoy tea, coffee, and delicious homemade cakes. Commission from sales, the raffle, and voluntary contributions will be donated to two local causes: St Mary’s Church in Walkhampton, and ‘Project George’ to fund the ongoing improvements to Walkhampton Memorial Hall. Opening hours: 10.30am until 5pm; free entry and parking available. Exhibitors can book a table for £10 by contacting Bunty Baxter at bunty.baxter@tiscali. co.uk or 01822 853197. For further details visit www. walkhampton-arts.org

Mondays & Wednesdays

Learn to ‘Strictly’ ballroom dance

Have you got the Strictly buzz? Are you looking for a fabulous new hobby that’s great fun and helps keep you fit and active - then why not learn how to Ballroom dance? Donahey’s brand new Beginner Ballroom Dance Lessons are especially for those with at least two-left feet - they’ll get you moving around the dancefloor in no-time within a friendly, safe, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. During the lessons you’ll learn a selection of the most popular ballroom and Latin dances - Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Cha Cha, Jive, Argentine Tango and more. Plus, Donahey’s beginners’ classes are just perfect to prepare you for upcoming social occasions such as cruises, dinner dances, holiday’s and more. New classes start on Mondays, 7pm at Plymstock School and Wednesdays at 8pm at The Woolwell Centre. For more information and to book places visit www.donaheys.co.uk Would you like to spend the weekend with your favourite stars of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing? Join Strictly judge Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag for a fabulous 5* short break at Celtic Manor Resort Hotel, Newport. See Anton and Erin’s spectacular dance showcase up close and personal for a truly intimate experience unlike any other – learn to dance with the stars, plus hear all about their Strictly journeys. For more info visit www.donaheys.co.uk

Learn to dance the popular Ballroom & Latin dances Brand New Absolute Beginner Classes Monday 7pm Plymstock School Wednesday 8pm Woolwell Centre For more info & to book your places visit: www.donaheys.co.uk Tel 0800 160 1770

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October 23

Willie and the Bandits Essentially Wille and the Bandits is a classic blues rock three piece much in the vein of Cream or The Jimi Hendrix experience. But in a similar way to how these bands pushed the genre in their time, Wille and the Bandits try to take their sound beyond what is expected of such a traditional line up. Having toured with artists such as Deep Purple through to the John Butler trio and played major festivals across Europe, the band seem to leave an equally astounding

MUSIC & ART impression on audiences of all ages and musical backgrounds with their energetic and soulful performances. They have received great critical acclaim, being voted in the top ten must see bands at Glastonbury 2014 by BBC Radio 1 and reaching number 2 in the UK blues chart with their first single on downloads alone. The band are praised in the press for their albums; bursting at the seams with textures, originality and soul. Rock legends such as Ian Paice, Joe Bonamassa and Francis Rossi have also praised the band’s musicianship and their unique edge to Rock and Blues. See Willie and the Bandits at Plymouth Pavilions, supported by Moriarty and Chay Snowdon. Further information: www.plymouthpavilions.com

November 28

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir Over the last 18 months new singers from all voice The first of Plymouth Philharmonic Choir’s 2021parts have joined the choir even though rehearsals 22 concert programme of events, featuring music and concerts had been cancelled. This is an by Mozart and Haydn, will be held in Plymouth’s invitation to you to come and join in too! Further Guildhall on Sunday, November 28th. details can be found on the choir’s website (www. The work by Haydn was originally entitled ‘Missa in Angustiis’ (‘Mass for Troubled Times’). At the time of plymouthphilchoir.org) where there is a section at the the first performance, news that Admiral Lord Nelson bottom of the homepage specifically for prospective and new members. Please also make contact with had defeated Napoleon in the Battle of the Nile reached Austria. It is thought that listeners associated choir membership secretary, Pat Brodie (pat.brodie@ outlook.com/ 01752 330337). the trumpets and timpani in the opening section and the jubilant, dramatic music that followed, with the political turmoil THE FINEST ART FROM THE SOUTH WEST and then the military victory. Contemporary and traditional ﬁne art, ceramics, The work became known as the glass and jewellery from the South West of England Nelson Mass. With much to look forward to and celebrate in the year Mckenzie Mouse ahead, the choir hopes that you by Jo Lilley will join them to experience some sensational music. Dartmoor’s Plymouth Philharmonic Choir is Pheasant Art Gallery now holding weekly indoor rehearsals Pew Tor by Rebecca De Mendona by Jennie Hale at 7.15 pm at The Meade King Hall info@wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk • www.wildwoodartsdartmoor.co.uk at Plymouth College, Mutley. Chapel Lane, Horrabridge, Yelverton PL20 7SP • 01822 258529 Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts

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October 21 - February 27, 2022

Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters

Featuring more than 300 paintings and objects by over 100 artists, this is the first time this exhibition has been seen outside Australia, as its European debut takes place at The Box in Plymouth. Originally staged at the National Museum of Australia (NMA) in Canberra and touring to Perth’s Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, the exhibition has attracted over 400,000 visitors to date. Entirely conceived and curated by a team of First Australians, led by Margo Neale, Senior Indigenous Curator at the NMA and custodial elders from across the Central and Western Deserts of Australia, it expertly combines state-of-the art exhibition and display technologies with art, song and dance in order to share ancient stories from the world’s oldest continuing culture. Songlines takes visitors on an epic journey that traverses three states, three deserts and some 500,000 square kilometres. The highly immersive exhibition travels from west to east: from the Western Australian coast to the

APY Lands in the east, using the power of contemporary art, performance and song to re-animate traditional stories, photography, multimedia and the world’s highestresolution seven-metre-wide travelling dome. The ‘DomeLab‘ transports viewers to places deep in the desert relating to the Seven Sisters Songlines, including the remote Cave Hill site in South Australia – home to the only known Seven Sisters rock art in the world – as well as showing animated artworks and their relationship to the stars and constellations. As an important city in Britain’s naval history, Plymouth’s close ties with Australia go back centuries as a point of departure and mass migration from the UK. Songlines’ timely arrival at The Box comes as societies in the UK, Australia and across the world grasp the urgent need to reflect and embrace cultural diversity and re-evaluate our relationship with each other, our immediate environment, and the planet as a whole.

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MUSIC & ART

October 29 & 30

Drawn to Make Exhibition Contemporary makers, from wood turners, felt makers and ceramicists, to mosaic and stained-glass window artists, exponents of some of the most ancient and traditional skills, showcase their work at the inaugural Drawn to Make Exhibition in Tavistock at the end of October. The two-day festival at Butchers’ Hall is being staged by members of the Drawn to the Valley group of artists and makers, who all live and work in the Tamar Valley area. The exhibition had been planned for last year, but the delay has proved serendipitous, as it has given the group the chance to create five mixed media banners with 30 individual square panels, all stitched together. The squares, approximately 30cm x 30cm, reflect the lockdown experiences and emotions of each of the 25 artists who have contributed panels. Many were clearly inspired by getting out into the local environment - there are depictions of woodland walks, meadow flowers and garden birds. Some panels, on the other hand, have a darker feel to them, representing a sense of fragmentation, isolation, and entrapment. The banners will be on display

throughout the exhibition alongside the work of over 40 makers. Among those exhibiting are weavers, spinners, jewellery makers, mixed media assemblage artists and printmakers. There will also be practical demonstrations of some of the skills. Tavistock artist Lyn Edwards, who is helping organise the festival, said: ‘We are really putting the focus on our talented and creative members who work in 3D. The exhibition truly reflects the diverse skills of the group, so there will be lots to see. It’s also an opportunity for visitors to the event to buy something that is unique and handmade.’ The exhibition is free and open 10am-5.30pm. You can view the Drawn to Make catalogue on the website at www. drawntothevalley.com Works by Maggie Lintell - Lamp of Plymouth and woodturner James Crozier

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Plym Bridge to Boringdon Camp A route with river, forest, tramways, leats, wheel pits and an Iron Age fort. Between five and six miles of interest and delight. On the map the route is roughly triangular, going up the Plym, along a tributary and on to the camp, and then back down the Lee Moor China Clay Tramway.

tart by going under the railway and along by the leat, walking on the tramway. The leat was established in 1828 as a canal with butty boats to carry slate from Cann Quarry. By 1832, this was replaced by a tramway; the canal became a leat to supply Marsh Mills. Note the stone sleepers with pairs of holes for the bolts holding the chairs on which the rails rested. On you left you will soon note overgrown mounds of slate rubble. As the brick-built railway viaduct looms above you, notice the stone pillars less than half its height. When the railway was built in the late 1850s, these were the bases for wooden trestles carrying the track, replaced a few decades later by the present viaduct. Similar ones may be seen by the side of the main line to London on the way to Ivybridge. You will now follow the narrow riverbank path to look at the weir, but before you do this, take a look at the ruins in front of you. You will notice two wheel pits side-by-side. On the left was an undershot wheel,

driven by water emerging from a tunnel and then proceeding by pipes to supply Cann Quarry the leat. As you look at the Canal weir weir, you will see the entrance to this tunnel at the near end. In the right-hand wheel pit are the remains of the axle of an overshot wheel. Climb up from the end of the weir and go over a stile. You now walk the line of a small leat that comes from a tributary of the Plym. It would have had a wooden launder behind you to drive the overshot wheel. Follow the line of the leat to a path up the tributary. When it would cross, jink right and immediately left, to go along an easy woodland track parallel above the stream for a good kilometre. This track hits a well maintained forest road. Follow it uphill, then take a narrow path left. This crosses the Lee Moor Tramway, built in the early 1850s. That used to carry china clay in wagons drawn by little steam engines in this near-horizontal section. One of the two so used is now in the Railway Museum at Buckfastleigh. Soon you are at the top of Cann Woods

Remains of Cann Quarry Tramway beside the canal

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WALK Ordnance Survey

Start: Plym Bridge OS grid reference SX525587

and can go along until a left turn takes you to a spot by the Iron Age camp with picnic tables. Sadly, too many dogs were being allowed to chase sheep and cattle grazing on the camp and the gate into it is firmly padlocked. You can look but may not touch! Retrace your steps, but stay on the main track. You come to a major split structure where the tramway crossed above your level. Go up to this level on your left. Here was the start of a long incline at angle of 1:11, all the way down to Plym Bridge. Follow it; but be aware that sections in cuttings are muddy. Most folk climb out and follow above the cutting. When you cross a main track, do not stay by the tramway as it goes into a deep cutting. Instead, turn left and take the first right. You soon will look down into the cutting, glad you are not in it. A final steep descent takes you back to the starting point, passing under the last section of the tramway incline.

Lee Moor Tramway Overbridge at Plym Bridge

Note that both this tramway and the earlier Cann Quarry one had the 4ft 6” in ‘Dartmoor’ gauge, so this one simply joined the other. The final section was horse drawn, and having been there when the railway was built, had priority over a steam engine right up until 1961. If you like walking and would like to do so in good company, try the Plymouth Ramblers with their extensive walking programme, using cars to access the starts. The Dartmoor Rambling Club uses public transport, midweek only. For information email ronaldfwsmith@gmail.com or call 01752 674230.n Ron Smith

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r Posting picturesllofagou towns and vi es By local historian Paul Rendell

ostcards were introduced in Britain in 1870. At this time, they were issued exclusively by the Post Office and were simple plain cards with a pre-printed stamp. It wasn’t until 1894 that the Post Office permitted postcards produced by other printers to be sent through the postal system. Photographs were black and white or of a vignette type with edges which faded away. Only the address could appear on one side of the card with the other side devoted to the picture and space for a message. In many cases the picture covered most of the card, leaving little room for anything else. In 1902 the Post Office changed its rules and permitted pictures to appear on the front of postcards and both the message and address on the reverse. These postcards were produced by a wide variety of publishers, many national companies like Frith, yet some local shops, such as Pillar & Son of Tavistock, published

their own cards and other publishers like Horns and Miller from Devonport, Plymouth would send their own photographers out to take images of Plymouth and the edge of Dartmoor including Clearbrook. In Ivybridge in 1905, F. J. Andrews was based at 15 Fore Street as a publisher and they worked with Charles Smallridge, a photographer, also of the same village. From around 1906, Charles Smallridge also developed his own range of postcards of images, mainly of Ivybridge. These postcards not only provided visitors with images of their holidays, but were used as promotion for other people to visit the area. Many cards were kept after they had been posted; lots of Charles Smallridge’s postcards can be found in private collections today, my own included. William James Chapman was born in Exeter, Devon, in 1830. An early diary shows that in 1859 he received

Dartmoor Ponies by Chapman & Son 48

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HISTORY

Above from far left: Ford Street, Ivybridge; Princetown by Chapman & Son; Clearbrook by Horns Millers, 1921; Harford Bridge, near Ivybridge by Charles Smallridge, 1905; On the Erme, Ivybridge Published by F J Andrews, Photo by Charles Smallridge, 1905.

7s 6d for ‘photography’. Soon thereafter he started a photographic business in Exeter, but in 1863 he moved with his wife to Town Tree Hill, Dawlish. Together with one of his sons, William Samuel Chapman, he ran William James Chapman & Son, producing group photographs for local people. By about 1902, summer visitors were beginning to discover Dawlish, Torquay, Ivybridge and Dartmoor. Chapman & Son could see future business potential and started producing postcards of the printed vignette type. These provided a cheap and convenient means of personal communication and, in addition, publicised the attractions of Dawlish and Dartmoor to a wide audience. This brought more visitors to Devon, who in turn bought more postcards to send to family and friends. By 1907, postcards were the company’s main business. William Samuel Chapman used to travel through South Devon and across Dartmoor in a pony and trap with his bulky and cumbersome photographic equipment and he recorded many scenes of everyday life that were fast disappearing. During the winter months he would print

James the

his most favourite photographs and stockpile them until the summer months. In the spring he would visit his retailers, which were mainly village shops, post offices and fancy goods shops. The outlets would normally take dozens rather than hundreds of cards at a time. When the Chapman family first started manufacturing postcards they were printed using sunlight. The half plate 6” x 4¾” glass negatives and the printing paper were placed on a large shelf-like rack and this was leant against the south facing wall outside the printing works. Years later the cards were produced indoors on a bench top with a light shining up through opaque glass. The room in which this took place was dark, except for the light from a dull red, electric bulb. The blank card was placed on the glass negative and the light underneath switched on for a count of three. This was a slow and time-consuming process which later was replaced by a better and quicker way. I would be interested to hear about other publishers of postcards in West Devon. If you know of any publishers, please get in touch. I am also available to give talks about the history of picture postcards to groups. Email paul. dartmoor@gmail.com. All postcards are from the Paul Rendell Collection. n

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

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BUSINESS

A treasure trove for a special day Two for Joy Bridal are excited to announce the opening of Magpie Barn, behind the bridal studio, on October 22nd.

n line with the idea that magpies like to collect treasure, Magpie Barn will be filled with occasion wear to include Mother of the Bride/Groom, bridesmaids and flower girls, wedding guests and general special occasion including cocktail and evening gowns and prom. And on top of that there will be hats and bags and shoes as well. As with the bridal gowns, all clothing will be exdisplay and clearance with a small selection of pre-loved. There is also a fabulous range of gifts and jewellery and cards too. A little treasure trove! The location of the barn and studio on Tregondale Farm near Liskeard, offers privacy in a relaxing and beautiful location. Magpie Barn has floor to ceiling windows looking onto a balcony with views over a beautiful pond and open countryside. There will be a few tables where you can sit and have a complimentary coffee or tea or if you want to spend a little longer, cream teas will be available to buy or you could even order afternoon tea (48 hrs notice needed). Why not book a bridal appointment in the studio in the morning and then move to Magpie Barn with your

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

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guests for some refreshment and spend an hour or so looking through the clothing and gifts for the rest of your bridal party? Or perhaps all of your bridesmaids or your Mum weren’t able to go to your bridal appointment? Bring them along to Magpie Barn for some retail therapy and tea and cake. Not getting married or going to a wedding? Christmas is around the corner and after the last year it’s certain that many ladies will be looking forward to dressing up. Come and see what is available for those Christmas parties and family get togethers. The Bridal studio will remain appointment only, whereas Magpie Barn will be open for drop in between 10am and 4pm every Wednesday and Saturday and appointment for the rest of the week. In the same vein as Two for Joy Bridal, fabulous value for money, a stunning location and a barn full of laughter is on offer. Opening weekend Friday, October 22nd until Sunday October 24th including drop in between 10am and 4pm. Call 07767 646337 or visit www.twoforjoybridal.co.uk to book. n

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

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Plym Links October/November 2021

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