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.
Cathie Boulting Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts
Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 13
