21 minute read
What’s On
Events and volunteering with Tamara
The National Heritage Lottery Funded Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme is now underway in the Tamar Valley. The 5-year partnership project will help to protect and enhance the Tamar Valley, whilst improving the well-being and connection of local people to this special place through new events, training and volunteering. A host of these events are currently underway, alongside volunteering opportunities, so read on to find out more and how you can get involved.
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WINTER TALKS PROGRAMME
WEDNESDAY 9 FEBRUARY, 7 TO 8:30PM
A talk by Chrissie Le Marchant, one time ranger, about the country park which is the 150 ha of Kit Hill. Dominating the skyline with its iconic stack, the hill is the highest point in the Tamar Valley AONB, and has miles of footpaths, an abundance of archaeology and wildlife and lots of stories. Discover more about the Tamar Valley AONB from the comfort of your home.
NATIONAL NEST BOX WEEK
MONDAY 21 FEBRUARY, 11AM TO 3PM
Join the Tamara team at the Tamar Valley Centre for a wildlife themed day and learn more about the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme. Make your own nest box, find out about how to help wildlife in your garden and how to take action where you live. Hot drinks available for a donation. Drop in anytime at the Tamar Valley AONB Centre, Cemetery Road, Gunnislake, PL18 9FE.
Kit Hill, © Tobi O’NeillTON Drone Services
WATER BEASTS AND WELLIES
SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY, 11AM TO 3PM
Join Sammy (Tamara Landscape Partnership) and Perry (Westcountry Rivers Trust) for a river dipping session - we hope to discover what water beasts lurk in your local river. During this family friendly event we hope you’ll take away with you an insight into local river ecology and perhaps join our ranks to help monitor the water quality. All equipment is provided but you will need to bring wellies and wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy. Meet at 11am at Buckland Monachorum Village Hall. This event will finish at approximately 2pm.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Tamara will also provide a suite of volunteering opportunities for everyone including: • Getting hands on and practical in the countryside, including wildlife surveying • Leading walks as walk leaders • Helping to run events and the wellbeing programme The events are free, but booking is essential at Samantha.fraser@cornwall. gov.uk or 07522 709428. We’d also love to hear from you if you are interested in being involved in Tamara – please contact Sammy Fraser, the team’s community and volunteering officer. To keep up-to-date with news, events, volunteering and training opportunities, sign up to the Tamar Valley AONB e-newsletter (contact Sammy), follow the Tamar Valley AONB social media channels and search for events on www.eventbrite.co.uk
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Galanthus S Arnott - credit John Richmond
Snowdrops of all varieties offer fascinating curiosities and give great pleasure to amateur gardeners, galanthophiles and photographers alike. The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, can certainly attest to this with visitors in their hundreds arriving each year to view what is now one of the favourite collections of snowdrops in the country. The Garden House has become known as one of the finest gardens in Britain and its naturalistic style of planting, makes it a particular favourite amongst celebrities of the horticultural world, including Carol Klein, Toby Buckland and Arit Anderson. Lionel and Katharine Fortescue moved from their home at Eton College in the summer of 1945, to retire to this former vicarage where Lionel then spent his retirement developing the garden. From its early days, snowdrops would certainly have featured within the eight acres of gardens, but over the past 75 years and under the guidance of various head gardeners, The Garden House collection of snowdrops has grown in interest. Matt Bishop, head gardener from 2003 to 2012, is an international snowdrop expert, and co-author of the definitive work on the genus, Snowdrops, A Monograph of Cultivated Galanthus (Griffin Press 2001) and now has his own worldwide snowdrop business. The Garden House contains Matt’s personal collection of over 200 cultivars, which he recently added to in 2019. This collection has also been extended further with the addition of the Colin Mason collection in 2020. With the two collections combined, The Garden House can now boast nearly 350 cultivars on display and as such has become a must-see on the galanthophiles’ calendar. Colin Mason (1927 – 2019) was the owner of Fieldgate Snowdrops at Kenilworth, Warwickshire, where over his lifetime he produced many
Galanthus Primrose Warburg- credit John Richmond
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Galanthus Lady Beatrix Stanley - credit John Richmond successful snowdrop hybrids such as Galanthus ‘Fieldgate Tiffany’, G.‘Fieldgate Sophie’ and G.‘Fieldgate Superb’ and many more which are much sought after for their distinctive contribution to snowdrop collections (Fieldgate was the name of his house). In his younger years, his work saw him travel extensively in Europe and particularly Turkey and Georgia, where he used horseback transport to enable him to get to areas where rare species of wild snowdrops could be found, and some of which were successfully cultivated into his collection. Colin learned how to twin-scale snowdrop bulbs and successfully bulk them up for sale, becoming well known and respected in this country and abroad. Following his death, his family donated his collection to The Garden House. Nick Haworth, The Garden House’s current head gardener, made a couple of trips to Warwickshire in early 2020 to bring the collection to its new home on Dartmoor. Each plant was meticulously labelled, catalogued and planting plans made for the best situation for each variety within the garden.
Crocuses - credit John Richmond
Such a large collection of snowdrops ensures a long-lasting display with some of the early varieties such as Galanthus Elwesii var. monostictus and G. reginaeolgae starting to flower from as early as October – they are native to the shores of Mediterranean Turkey and Greece – while others take over the display at the end, spanning well into March. Both Matt Bishop’s and Colin Mason’s collections are now well established, with large clumps coming through and certain varieties displaying in large drifts throughout the garden. In response to large visitor numbers, an official annual ‘Snowdrop Festival’ has now become a highlight at The Garden House. Specialist snowdrop nurseries visit on certain dates, and the garden and café are open with a dedicated snowdrop art and photography exhibition. However, these winter months are not only about snowdrops at The Garden House, as other delights give visitors a true winter wonderland to explore. Sarcococca with their creamy white flowers giving off their delicious fragrance sit alongside carpets of early-flowering bulbs such as the rare Narcissus cylcamineus, iris, and Crocus tommasinianus, alongside delicate winter aconites rubbing shoulders with some of the latest hellebore lines and cornus with their red, orange or burgundy stems – all true winter delights. Nurseries will be at The Garden House on:
Avon Bulbs: Saturday 5 February Millwood Plants: Saturday 12 February Elmworthy Plants: Saturday 19 February The Snowdrop Festival at The Garden House is open until 27 February on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30am to 3.30pm. For more details visit www.thegardenhouse.org.uk
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22 February & 23 March, 10am Anchorage tours at Tamar Bridge
Join us behind the scenes to see Tamar Bridge in a brand-new way from inside the anchorage, an area normally closed to the public. Tour lasts approx. 1.5 hours; booking essential, £10. February and March Bridging the Tamar Talk
Join us for a guided talk in the amphitheatre, a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the Tamar Bridge and Royal Albert Bridge. The talk lasts 30-40 minutes, covering the stories and creation of these incredible structures. You can then visit the exhibition in the Visitor Centre. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am, booking is essential. bridgingthetamar.org.uk/events The Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre opened in 2019 following a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by the Tamar Crossings Joint Committee. It has welcomed many families, locals and holidaymakers since then for guided bridge tours, walks, talks, and the chance to find out more about Brunel’s iconic Royal Albert Bridge as well as the Tamar Bridge. Schools have also enjoyed bridge building activities, and curriculum linked workshops from Key Stage 1 to 4. The centre opens from 10am to 4pm daily and entry is free. Bridge Ambassador volunteers Bridge Ambassador volunteers play an important role in welcoming visitors, delivering tours of the centre and local area, guided talks and supporting school visits. Volunteers support our event programme, including the Plymouth History Festival, Heritage Open Days, special anchorage tours, and local regattas. Over 30 people from Cornwall and Devon help at the centre and we are now recruiting more volunteers to support the Bridging the Tamar project during 2022. The Bridge Ambassador role is varied, and provides people with the chance to increase their confidence by giving guided tours, speaking to a variety of people, or gaining an insight into the work of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) sectors, as well as having the satisfaction of giving people an enjoyable experience. We are inviting applications for bridge guides, welcome assistants, learning assistants to help with school trips and research volunteers. Full training will be given and no prior knowledge of history or engineering is necessary – you just need to enjoy meeting and helping people. You can download an application form at bridgingthetamar.org.uk/volunteering. F or any queries contact Mark Tebbs on 01752 361577 or volunteer@ tamarcrossings.org.uk
RHS Garden Rosemoor
1 to 13 February Celebration of Snowdrops
Join us for free guided walks through the garden discovering not only snowdrops but early spring-flowering bulbs. Families can follow our snowdrop trail to find the best displays of these beautiful flowers. It is the perfect time to visit for both expert galanthophiles and visitors who simply appreciate these shy but stunning early-spring flowers. 12 to 13 March Spring Flower Festival
Come and view the exquisite displays of competitors from the South West and beyond, with top quality blooms and a focus on daffodils, camellias, early magnolias and rhododendrons. Classes are free to enter and open to anyone who wishes to exhibit – please contact RHS Competitions Manager Georgina Barter for a schedule and entry form. There will also be trade and advice stands, plus a superb range of early spring shrubs, bulbs and flowering plants available to buy in the Plant Centre.
19 to 20 March Japanese Weekend
Join us for an amazing weekend celebrating Japanese culture, from the magnificent and intricate art of Bonsai and Ikebana to martial arts including iaido and karate. At this time of year, the garden is alive with cherry blossom – enjoy this experience whilst learning more about Japanese mindfulness techniques.
Monday 21 to Saturday 26 March ‘Lambing Live’ at Greenwell Farm
Come and see the magic of spring in our lambing shed with a guided tour of the sheep maternity unit to see the ewes and new-born lambs. Mat Cole and his team will be on hand to answer any questions. Numbers are restricted so booking is essential: adults £5, children aged 3 and over £2. Group and school tours are also available during the daytime - £100 per tour for up to 30 people. Larger groups are also welcome at a small additional cost. To book please email greenwellfarm@gmail. com or call 01822 855535. 21-25 March 5.30pm - 7:30pm; Saturday 26 March 1pm - 4pm at Greenwell Farm, nr Meavy, Yelverton, PL20 6PY. For more details find us on Facebook: Lambing Live Greenwell Farm.
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Annual Subs Due By1 March2022
Our friendly, welcoming club has a light, airy lounge, dance fl oor, good food with separate dining area, two bars, cosy cellar bar, function areas, meeting rooms, large screen TVs for viewing the sporting events etc, two snooker tables, pool and darts room, plus a wonderful beer garden. Interested in becoming a member? Please use the website contact form, or pop in and see our friendly bar staff.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS ONLY 24 Jan Talk on Devon and Dartmoor Murders by Simon Dell • 12 Feb Valentine Dinner & Dance 13 Feb Six Nations Rugby Italy v England • 22 Feb Quiz • 26 Feb Tapas Night plus Six Nations Rugby England v Wales 12 Mar Rugby England v Ireland • 19 Mar Rugby France v England 26 Mar Afternoon: Mothers Day Tea, Evening: Dellatones - American Dance Night with an American Menu 27 Mar Mother’s Day Lunch • 28 Mar AGM • 29 Mar Quiz and Bingo every Wednesday Get online and checkout the website and facebook, look at the notice boards to see the latest events at the club. 3 Abbey Place, Tavistock, PL19 0AB • 01822 613025 thewestdevonclub.com • email: westdevonclub@yahoo.com
FEBRUARY & MARCH
Tavistock Arts Market is held on the first Saturday of each month and features a diverse group of local artists and craftspeople who fill Butchers’ Hall with a range of handmade art and handcrafted items. You’ll find many different styles of art for sale, as well as a range of jewellery, wood and textile goods, artisan soaps, pottery and much more. We are open in Butchers’ Hall from 9am until 4pm, so come on down and pick up that perfect gift for somebody, or why not treat yourself?
5 & 6 March
Yelverton Art Festival
A celebration of local art in Yelverton War Memorial Hall on Saturday 12.30 - 6pm and Sunday 10 - 4pm. An exhibition by local artists, with art workshops and cafe. Proceeds from the festival support Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund. Free Entry.
12 March
Love Local Food & Gift Market
Support local businesses at our everpopular market where you’ll find an array of local gift, and food & drink exhibitors - perfect for buying that special present. It’s always tricky finding that certain something when you want to treat a loved one, or perhaps when you simply fancy spoiling yourself for a change. So, look no further than this market for a collective of local traders who specialise in offering an array of the finest wares. Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock from 10:00am to 4:00pm, entry is free and we’re all Covid-safe here.
REGULARS
Until 24 April
Dartmoor’s 70th year
A free exhibition at the National Park Visitor Centre in Princetown celebrates the 70th anniversary of Dartmoor’s designation as a national park, with its many aspects: living, working, visiting and the natural environment. The story of the national park is told through information panels and a special film. Why not join us and make your pledge for Dartmoor?
Last Wed of month
Tavistock Flower Club
Would you like to join a warm and friendly group? We meet at 2pm in the Church Hall, United Reformed Church, Russell Street, Tavistock PL19 8BD for various activities: flower arranging, workshops, watching talented demonstrators, visiting the Devon & Cornwall Area Show and gardens; plus a chance to win flower arrangements in the raffle and meet new friends. Why not come along to a meeting as a visitor and see what you think? For more information contact 01822 487202 or junecote629@btinternet. com; or visit the Devon & Cornwall Area of NAFAS website at www. devonandcornwallfloralart.org Mondays & Wednesdays
Tavistock Area Men in Sheds
(TAMIS for short) is now fully up and running and meets every Monday from 10am until 12ish, and Wednesday from 2pm until 4ish at the Shed - we share the King’s facilities and car park off Pixon Lane. For full details of our group’s purpose, objectives, activities and contacts see tavistockmeninsheds.uk or email info@tavistockmeninsheds.uk
3rd Monday of month
Tavy Turners and Carvers Club
Tavy Turners and Carvers Club has resumed regular meetings, 3rd Monday of the month, 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Scout Den, Pixon Lane, Tavistock. New members most welcome - see tavistockwoodturners.co.uk for details.
1st Saturday of month
Tidy Tavi Litter Pick-Up
Meet outside Meadowlands Leisure Centre. No need to register - just turn up! 10:00am to midday. All necessary equipment provided, but please bring your own gloves and wear stout footwear.
FRI & SAT: 3PM – 10PM
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TAVISTOCK HERITAGE TRUST
24 February: Bryan Short The History of Coinage
One of the great inventions of the Ancient Greeks, coins have been in use for over 2,500 years and adopted in every part of the world. This talk spans that entire history, highlighting important events and changes that had major effects on society. Warning: this includes some gory accounts of crime and punishment.
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Peter Freeman explores the history and literature of the Dartmoor Pixies, and for good measure takes us through a pixie hunt, with hints on technique and some astonishing photographs.
3 March: Peter Brinsden
Nelson’s Three Great Battles: The Nile, Copenhagen and Trafalgar
Admiral Lord Nelson is hailed as our greatest ever sea hero. He achieved remarkable victories over the French or combined French and Spanish fleets at the battles of the Nile (1798), Copenhagen (1801) and Trafalgar (1805). These victories, particularly at Trafalgar, ensured that Emperor Napoleon would never be able to invade England and that Britain became the predominant naval force in the world for the next century. The events leading up to these three great sea battles, the battles themselves and their aftermaths are reviewed in this presentation
10 March: Roderick Martin
Pop in Tavistock - The town’s mineral water makers
My talk about mineral water making in Tavistock during the late 19th and early 20th century is very much a story about people. Real people who lived in hard times and worked long hours. Nevertheless, many were able to combine success in business with public duty to contribute significantly to the life of the town and its organisations. Others did not fare so well, either becoming bankrupt or leaving Tavistock for better opportunities overseas Among the people I talk about are the Mackey family who went to Australia, the Armes family who went to Canada, and the Williams family who stayed back in Tavistock. 7 April: Peter Burkill
Rewilding Pine Martens
In this country all the top predators have been decimated by man. They have been considered a threat to our livelihood and sometimes even to ourselves. Yet we live at a time when ‘rewilding’ is being actively pursued. The focus of rewilding has so far been on the habitat (plants) and herbivores; yet sooner or later we need to consider predators. How far up the natural food web should we go in the rewilding process? Let me consider Pine Martens; they are incredibly photogenic and I have spent three summers photographing them in Scotland. Some of my talk will be an introduction to Pine Martens and
24 March: Peter Freeman
Dartmoor Pixies: Myth, Legend, and maybe the reality?
Yoga days on Dartmoor
www.yogadaysondartmoor.co.uk 07808 556135
Yoga retreat days and workshops in characterful Dartmoor venues. With expert guest teachers & plant-based retreat chefs, you’ll leave feeling relaxed, energised & nourished.
some will be a discussion on whether they could be a good candidate for reintroduction here on Dartmoor.
TAVISTOCK LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Future events continue to depend on pandemic restrictions at the time and also the willingness of members and others to attend the Parish Centre. Those attending may be asked to wear a mask. We are hoping to live stream and record meetings for those unable to attend; meetings may be moved online via zoom if meeting in person is not possible. Check www.tavistockhistory. co.uk nearer the time. All meetings are at 7:30pm and are free for paid-up members, £3 for others.
8 February: Dr Ann Pulsford
Brunel in Devon
8 March: AGM & Clive Charlton
Power on the Peninsula
Clive Charlton considers the lords of the manor, members of parliament (until 1832) and others who have influenced life between the Tavy and the Tamar.
12 April:Vic Harman Calstock Viaduct
The Construction of Calstock Viaduct, featuring the photographs of Frederick Paul.
DEVONSHIRE ASSOCIATION
(Tavistock & Devon Branch)
We hope to continue to hold talks in the Parish Centre, Tavistock at 7.30pm (members £2, others £3) with a parallel live stream on Zoom (members only). Members will be notified of changes; others can check nearer the time on 01822 616001.
18 February: David Oates
Devon family heraldry - the heraldic hatchments of the Devon nobility.
18 March: Benjamin Mee
I bought a zoo - Dartmoor Zoo and its role in the breeding of endangered species.
29 April: Andrew Muir
Dendrochronology and the dating of early buildings.
CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP
(Princetown Group)
Meetings take place in the restaurant of the Prince of Wales, Princetown at 12.30pm, unless otherwise stated. All retirees welcome.
3 February: Simon Dell
Tavistock’s Policing Past
17 February:
Mid-winter lunch
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Coach trip to a select hostelry for lunch. Reservations and deposit of £10 per head will be taken on 3 February. If you can’t attend then contact Mike on 01822-890799 or mikeandkate132@ gmail.com.
3 March: Tom Soby
Alphabet Dartmoor
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Rolex & Cartier watches, SOLD £17,000
ANTIQUES & ART
Mary Fedden RA SOLD £4,900
COLLECTORS’ ITEMS
Collection of 400 Victorian greetings cards
For free valuations
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Changing Lifestyles in Tavistock
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With the advantage of the latest software we can now carry out a market appraisal with minimal disruption to your day.
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